By Saniya AliIt’s Pride Month and we here at Muslim Girl are super excited to celebrate with our Muslim LGBTQ+ Community!
I know there is a misconception around the world that queer Muslims do not exist due to lack of acceptance towards homosexuality in Islam. With over a billion people identifying Muslims, are all hetrosexual? I didn’t think so; therefore, it isn’t that there are no queer Muslims…the problem is that there isn’t enough acceptance for ones that are.
Islam, as you know, is followed by a diverse group of people, belonging to different cultures and ethnicities, therefore, the acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community depends on various factors: nationality, generation, family, upbringing and cultural influences.
Muslims for Progressive Values talks a little bit more about sexual diversity in Islam, stating that there is no actual condemntion of homosexuality in the Quran. The Quran is a book that is open to interpretation and although there is no mention of same sex marriage, there is also no indication of it being haram or unnatural. “Surat al-Nur (Qur’an 24:31-24:33) specifically mentions “men who are not in need of women.” These “men who are not in need of women” might have been gay or asexual, but by definition they were not heterosexual men. They are not judged or condemned anywhere in the Qur’an.”
Regardless of there being no actual proof of homoesexuality being haraam, there is still a social stigma that people of Islamic faith have to deal with. Which in turn results in lack of awareness about the LGBTQ+ community, leaving the queer-identifying folks feeling lonely, insecure, and ashamed of accepting who they are.
“I would cry on my prayer rug: ‘Give me cancer or anything. Please make me straight.’”
Afshan D’souza-Lodhi, 26, Manchester
An article in The Guardian narrates the difficult experiences of people that identify as both, Queer and Muslim. These people and many more are constantly struggling to find their place as members of the LGBTQ+ in the Islamic community. Says one particularly heartbreaking quote from Afshan D’souza-Lodhi, 26, of Manchester: “I would cry on my prayer rug: ‘Give me cancer or anything. Please make me straight.’”
While many Muslims may still struggle to find their stance on accepting homosexuality as an Islamic trait, we are fortunate that we have come to a point where the society is more tolerable than before. Allyship for Queer Muslim folks can be found, if not in all countries, at least some. Muslims for Progressive Values is an online page that has a bunch of resources for LGBQT+ community that you may find helpful if you or anyone you know are struggling to express your identity.
Slide in our DMs. Has the community been supportive of you? Hit us up at @muslimgirl on Twitter and Instagram and let us know your experiences as an LGBTQ+ Muslim.