ylberDylber

In Albanian, Ylber means rainbow, but it can also be a name for a boy.
In Albanian, Dylber means an extremely handsome young man, but it can also be a name for a boy. Strangely. More specifically, dylber is used today as a slur to designate someone as queer or gay, carrying a deeply negative connotation.

Historically, though, sexuality between erastai and eromenoi was as accepted in the land of Albanians as it was in Ancient Greece, even throughout the Ottoman Empire, until the onset of the communist era. It was during this period that homophobia became ingrained in the collective consciousness. The term dylber itself was borrowed from the Ottomans: at that time, it was commonplace for wealthy men to have a younger companion, and such relationships were openly acknowledged as sexual.

Today, Albanian queers are experiencing a renaissance. They are young, fearless, and eager to embrace life to the fullest, reminiscent of ancient warriors.

It is also worth noting that Albanian queers are beginning to reclaim the term "dylber," turning a slur into a declaration. Less widespread than "queer" or "pédé," the shift is nonetheless significant.

To read the Vice Belgium article on this project: French version / Dutch version.