Zyara: An Arabic social support group

Zyara is a pioneering social support program designed to cater specifically to LGBTQIA+ individuals from Arab, Middle Eastern, and North African (MENA) backgrounds who are refugees, migrants, or asylum seekers in Australia.

As the first of its kind, Zyara offers a unique space where members of this multi-marginalized community can come together, find solidarity, and share their experiences in their native Arabic language.

The program provides a safe, welcoming environment to foster connection, resilience, and personal growth, all while addressing the intersecting challenges faced by queer Arabs and MENA individuals.

All about Zyara

Why the name "Zyara"?

In Arabic, the word “Zyara” translates to “a visit” or “visitation.” Traditionally, it evokes the image of a casual gathering, where people share tea or coffee and discuss their daily lives and struggles. This concept of a simple, intimate visit perfectly reflects the purpose of the Zyara program. The gatherings offer a space where participants can openly explore their past, present, and future, sharing both the challenges and the celebrations of their intersecting Arab and queer identities.

Addressing the challenges of LGBTQIA+ Arab/MENA individuals

LGBTQIA+ individuals from Arab and MENA backgrounds face compounded marginalisation due to their intersecting identities. They experience:

These challenges often result in social alienation, discrimination, and trauma, contributing to poor mental and physical health. Many community members hesitate to seek help or access services out of fear of facing prejudice, further isolating them from support networks.

The Importance of Arabic-Language Support

A key feature of Zyara is that all group activities are conducted in Arabic. Many support services in Australia assume fluency in English, which creates significant barriers for Arabic-speaking refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers. Running Zyara in Arabic eliminates the need for interpreters and allows members to communicate comfortably in their native language, fostering a deeper sense of understanding, solidarity, and empathy among peers.

Promoting Mental Health, Well-being, and Social Inclusion

Zyara is more than just a social support group; it is a lifeline for many queer Arabs and MENA individuals who face compounded marginalisation. By providing a space where individuals can share their experiences, seek advice, and build meaningful connections, Zyara plays a crucial role in promoting mental health and well-being within the community.

The program also connects members to critical support services, including mental health professionals, legal advice, housing support, and employment resources. By offering information sessions on these topics and guiding individuals to the appropriate services, Zyara helps address the specific needs of its members, empowering them to feel more included and supported in Australian society.

The Vision of Zyara

Zyara’s vision is simple yet powerful: to create a safe, welcoming space where vulnerable and marginalised LGBTQIA+ Arabs and MENA individuals can feel empowered, included, and celebrated. The program seeks to foster strong connections based on shared values and experiences, offer practical resources and referrals, and ultimately help individuals integrate into their new lives in Australia with confidence.

Through its combination of peer-led support sessions and inclusive community gatherings, Zyara is building a resilient, connected community where members can find strength, solidarity, and joy in their shared journey.

Zyara's structure: Monthly sessions & gatherings

Monthly support group sessions

The monthly support sessions are led by peer facilitators with lived experiences, offering a safe space for in-depth discussions on topics critical to the community. These sessions are held entirely in Arabic and are informed by the needs and interests of the participants. Discussion topics include:
  • The impact of war and conflict on mental health
  • Navigating cultural and religious expectations
  • Mental health stigma and trauma
  • Inclusive language and sexual health
  • Disability support
  • Family conflict and legal/visa advice
  • Employment, housinng, and educational opportunities
The sessions frequently feature guest speakers—professionals and experts—who provide valuable insights and resources on these issues. After presentations, participants are encouraged to engage in open discussions, share their experiences, and seek advice on challenges they are facing. This approach not only provides practical guidance but also allows individuals to feel heard and supported by peers with shared experiences.

Community gatherings

Zyara’s monthly community gatherings aim to build social connections in a more relaxed, informal setting. These events take the form of BBQs, picnics, game nights, speed-friending activities, or movie screenings. Open to the wider queer and Arab/MENA community, the gatherings encourage the development of interpersonal relationships, providing a sense of belonging and reducing social isolation.

These events are especially valuable for vulnerable individuals such as refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers, who often feel disconnected from the broader society. The gatherings allow participants to:

  • Build friendships and social networks
  • Practise their English skills in a supportive environment
  • Develop resilience and a sense of community

Through these communal activities, Zyara creates an inclusive space where individuals can safely explore their identities, share their journeys, and build the confidence needed to navigate their new lives in Australia.

Disclaimer

This group is run by community members with similar identities, not by healthcare providers. If you need urgent professional mental health support please contact Lifeline Australia by phone (13 11 14) or by text message (0477 13 11 14) or Emergency Services on 000.

If you need an interpreter to call Emergency Services (000):

  1. Call the interpreting service on 13 14 50
  2. Say your language
  3. Say Emergency Services and state if you need the police, an ambulance or the fire department.


How to call Lifeline with an interpreter:

  1. Call the interpreting service on 13 14 50
  2. Say your language
  3. Say Lifeline and their number (13 11 14)
  4. Wait for a connection
  5. Speak to the Lifeline crisis supporter in your language


If you are looking for more specific or non-urgent mental health support services, get in touch via email (zyara@queerarabsaustralia.org), direct message our instagram page, or contact us below

Contact us