Hemaya Lejami Al-Mouhamashin

Helem is the first LGBTQIA rights non-government organization in the Arab world, founded in Beirut, Lebanon in 2001. Its Arabic name, Helm, means "dream" and originally stood for Lebanese protection for the LGBT community. The organization has a strong focus on repealing Article 534 of the Lebanese Penal Code, which criminalizes unnatural sexual intercourse and is frequently used to target and persecute LGBT individuals. Beyond legal reform, Helem engages in HIV and sexually transmitted infection awareness campaigns, working in partnership with the Lebanese National AIDS Control Program, other NGOs, and UN agencies to reduce stigma and expand access to trusted information and health services. The organization has contributed to significant legal victories. In times of crisis, such as the 2019 Lebanese protests, the 2020 Beirut explosion, and the ongoing economic crisis, Helem mobilized relief efforts, feeding over a thousand individuals, negotiating healthcare access, and advocating for inclusion in humanitarian aid efforts.