The MSMGF Launches Aali Soutak 2: An Arabic Language Adaptation of the Speaking Out Toolkit

The Global Forum on MSM and HIV (MSMGF), in partnership with Marsa Health Center (Beirut) is pleased to launch Aali Soutak[1], an Arabic language adaptation of the Speaking Out toolkit. Originally developed in French in 2010 by the MSMGF and the Moroccan organization ALCS, this toolkit is designed for use by all organizations in the Arabic-speaking world that advocate for the right to health of MSM. It is the first Arabic-language advocacy toolkit to address the rights and needs of key populations in the HIV epidemic response.

The “Aali Soutak” Toolkit was adapted through a participatory, training-of-trainers workshop that involved national and regional partners from across the region. Marsa Sexual Health Center hosted the training in Byblos, Lebanon in December 2014, bringing together 10 participants from Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Sudan, Oman, Yemen, and Iraq. Local experts led participatory exercises to facilitate development of advocacy skills relevant to the HIV epidemic response amongst MSM in the region, and to integrate lessons learned into the final version of the toolkit.

By adapting the “Aali Soutak” Toolkit to an Arabic-language context, MSMGF hopes to reinforce existing initiatives in the Arabic-speaking world. The “Aali Soutak” Toolkit is designed to strengthen local advocacy capacity focused on addressing stigma, discrimination and violence – drivers of the HIV epidemic amongst MSM.

Please visit http://www.msmgf.org/index.cfm/id/375 to learn more about Arabic Language Speaking Out, and to download the “Aali Soutak” Toolkit. All documents are in Arabic.

Speaking Out Initiative is a technical and funding assistance program to support HIV advocacy efforts and leadership development at the grassroots level for men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender activists. For more information about the Speaking Out Advocacy Initiative work in other regions/countries, please visit www.msmgf.org/speakingout.


[1] Aali Soutak is a translation of the term “Speaking Out” in Arabic. This title was also previously used for a French-language version of Speaking Out adapted for use in the Middle East and North Africa region.​