 Rauda
Morcos is an activist for human rights. Rauda is co-founder of
ASWAT, the first group
for Palestinian lesbians in Israel and the occupied territories.
This group has become a beacon of hope that keeps growing.Rauda has received international recognition for her work with ASWAT. In 2006 she was honored with the Felipe de Souza award by the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission. Receiving the award, Morcos said, "As the first Arab to be given this award, I am honored as a member of ASWAT and because such an award brings a sense of legitimacy to our organization within the Palestinian community and within many different communities in which we try to work. Just think how this will sound to women or men in our communities—that a person gets awarded for who they are as a lesbian and that being a lesbian is something to be celebrated. The award also sends a message that LGBTQI people are not just about sex but also about political action and human rights activities.” |