Saleem Haddad’s “Guapa” explores gay identity in the Middle East

Guest: Saleem Haddad

In his debut novel, Guapa, author SALEEM HADDAD tells the story of Rasa, a young gay translator living in an unnamed Middle East country that’s on the brink of civil war.  The novel follows Rasa for 24 hours after his grandmother discovers him in bed with his lover.  He struggles with his sexual identity, family and societal expectations, and political and religious upheaval.  Haddad, a former aid worker, comes in today to talk with Marty about his new book and the challenges and complexities of being queer in the Arab world.