The lesbian aspect of it, the gay son — that’s not been talked about before. Obviously it happens…but to say it in public doesn’t show the other rich elements of Saudi… I don’t think it’s a very balanced portrayal of Riyadh.

—Hani Khoja, producer of a youth TV program in Saudi Arabia, commenting on Rajaa al-Sanei’s new book, titled Banat al-Riyadh, or The Girls of Riyadh.  The 24-year-old dentist’s new book addresses issues of lesbianism, cross-dressing, homosexuality, and sex in the kingdom.  To the chagrin and horror of some, the book recently gained permission to be sold in the conservative kingdom, which is governed, in large part, by statues of Wahhabist Islamic codes.

Mimi Hanaoka