I am an academic researcher specialized in gender issues and sexuality studies in Middle-Eastern contexts in general and in lesbian theories and subjectivities in particular. From 2012 till 2014, I had the honor to be provided by Scholar Rescue Fund fellowship, and to be hosted as a post-doctoral researcher and research fellow in Amsterdam research center for Gender and Sexuality in the University of Amsterdam where I safely pursued my studies in the field of gender and sexuality studies. During these two active years, I gladly contributed to the academia where I was invited by several colleagues to be a guest lecturer in numerous courses and classes. I had a public lecture on "The Lesbian Subjectivity in Arab Cultures: An Absent Presence Disciplined by the Gaze". In my lecture, I focused on the power of the hegemonic heterosexual gaze and the multiple layers of oppression that face the unrecognized position of the independent lesbian subjectivity. 

I also participated in many conferences that deal with media, Middle-Eastern cultures, body politics, and lesbian ethics. Besides, I visited several Dutch institutions and European universities to present my writings in academic conferences. I presented a paper entitled, "The Lesbian Body in the Arab Cultures: Between the Medical Gaze and the Ethical Gaze" in Vienna. http://agma2012.univie.ac.at/abstracts/.  I also presented a paper, entitled "The Quest for Lesbian Ethics in Contemporary Middle-Eastern Cultures" in Gent University. http://www.insep.ugent.be/insep2013/program/abstractsmonday14/.  They were highly acclaimed by various participants. In a recent presentation entitled "The 'Lesbian' versus the Arab Cinematic Gaze, I use Butler, Foucault, Lacan, Wittig, and film theories to expose the cinematic representations/un-representations of the "lesbian" in the Contemporary Arab media from a purely lesbian perspective that challenges the oppressive Arab cinematic gaze.

Currently, I'm developing a book manuscript based on my own analysis of lesbian theories and practices. It aims to create a new lesbian theory that gives voice to the virgin lesbian soul and body and a new theoretical approach that does not merely stem from the fantasized practices, but from the inborn subjectivity that precedes practices. In my ongoing research which is entitled "Lesbian Issues in Contemporary Arab and Middle-Eastern Cultures: Between Theory and Practice", I expose the dilemma of asserting the lesbian subjectivity within both the socio-sexual practices and many of the theoretical definitions of lesbianism. The questions that I raise are: to what extent can any theory be liberating? And to what extent can any practice constitute a proper means of theorization within any hegemonic socio-political structures. On various presentations, I was asked to elaborate my theory in a vivid trans-cultural space that crosses borders. 

As a lesbian academic with a Ph.D. in identity politics and gender issues in Sylvia Plath's poetry and publications in the field of lesbian studies, I had to survive against all odds for long, painful and solitary years of marginalization in my own region. However, after joining UVA, I started to appreciate being integrated in a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere where I had the chance to lecture widely and freely in many disciplines. Judging from my experience, I can say that the academic community in the University is friendly and supportive on various levels. In such an academic setting, scholarly views are welcomed and appreciated, and everyone is relatively given a chance to express one's unique self freely. Hence, I enjoyed pursuing my studies in an open academic atmosphere. Though I come from a different country, I was not treated as 'a stranger' in UVA which mostly tolerates differences. Rather, I was fortunately considered an integral member of the staff. 

Despite the subtle hurdles and new challenges I had to confront on several domains, I enjoyed the vitality of the academic life in UVA, and the enriching activities, workshops and conferences as much as I enjoyed the library and the friendliness of most employees. Since the Dutch language appeared to be an obstacle in many bureaucratic issues, I decided to attend a semi-intensive course in Dutch language for absolute beginners. Though it's hard to become fluent in Dutch in several weeks, I managed to write two poems in Dutch. They could have emerged as a spontaneous expression of gratitude for the tranquility of the setting, and the genuine kindness of some encouraging colleagues. In addition to my being a lesbian scholar, I'm a writer and I find my life in The Netherlands to be inspiring for creative writings. Hence, I'm in the process of writing some short autobiographical stories that provide snapshots about my experiences, and feelings as a "lesbian witch" in a Contemporary Dutch "forest".