Project Description: In fall 2010, the Leitner Clinic partnered with Helem, a human rights NGO that fights for the human rights of Lebanese LGBTIQ persons, on a project that explored employment discrimination.  Students Jeffrey Ding (`12), Frederic Jennings (`12), and Susan Pan (`12) were supervised by Leitner Clinic Director Chi Mgbako and Human Rights Clinical Teaching Fellow Katherine Glenn.

Partner Organization: Helem's primary goal is the annulment of article 534 of the Lebanese Penal Code, which punishes "unnatural sexual intercourse."  This law is primarily used to target persons with non-conforming sexuality or gender identity, through the violation of privacy and denial of basic human rights.  In addition, Helem focuses on the right to education, right to health, and other basic rights affecting the lives of Lebanon’s LGBTIQ community.

Background & Outcome:  The Leitner Clinic researched and authored a needs assessment for Helem that explores the link between sexual orientation, gender conformity and the right to work in Lebanon with special focus on the Lebanese transgender and transsexual community.  The report includes research that focuses on: on-the-job discrimination and unemployment/underemployment;  international human rights rights law regarding the right to work, sexual orientation, gender identity, and discrimination; and relevant domestic laws.  Helem will use this report as a foundation to strengthen their outreach and programming on transgender issues in Lebanon.

Description of Fieldwork: In October 2010, Leitner Clinic students and faculty conducted on-the-ground fieldwork and interviews with members of the Lebanese trans community and other parties in order to document workplace discrimination and issues of unemployment and under-employment in the Lebanese trans community based on gender identity expression.