Muslim Culture

Sex Longing & Not Belonging: A Gay Muslim's Quest for Love & Meaning by Badruddin Khan

"Although VERY sexually graphic, this book is an acute analysis of the confusions first of being Pakistani and attracted to males, and then of being a gay Muslim in Anglo North America (New York, Toronto, San Francisco). There are too many adjectives for some tastes, and more will cringe at how the author treats servants and other sex objects. He is more honest than most of us dare to be--particularly about the marriage he permitted his family back in Pakistan to arrange for him. One friend who accommodates his homosexuality to marriage and family in Pakistan and one who cuts his cultural and family ties to live entirely in a New York gay world provide contrasts of other possible paths and a (rather coldly academic) afterward by the author of Islamic Homosexualities draws out other comparisons of gay Muslim lifeways." -- Anonymous Review

"Wow! What a find! This is the first book of its kind, and well written too! The book describes in first person the authors experiences, growing up Muslim and gay in Pakistan....but beyond that, it also includes striking commentary on what it means to be "gay" in North America, from another point of view, and a very educated one at that. I enjoyed the writing, and read the book at one (very long) sitting...couldn't put it down...it is a bit specialized, though, but a must read if you are interested in cross cultural issues."  -- Anonymous Review

"A friend suggested I read this book, and I must say it is one of the most interesting books I have read in a long while. My only complaint is, it should be longer, his style of writing is engaging and a pleasure to read, and the subject matter is handled from a wide range of perspectives. This is the first book written BY a gay Pakistani that I have read, and I hope Badruddin writes some more. The book is satisfying, entertaining, provocative, and just plain fun to read." -- Anonymous Review

Discussion Group for Gay and Lesbian Muslims

This discussion list is provided by Queer Net.  Instructions on two different ways to join the list are listed.

Gay & Lesbian Arab Society

GLAS is an international organization established in 1988 in the US with worldwide chapters. As the name suggests, GLAS serves as a networking organization for Gay and Lesbians of Arab descent or those living in Arab countries. The aim is to promote positive images of Gays and Lesbians in Arab communities worldwide. GLAS also provides a support network for members while fighting for human rights wherever they are oppressed. GLAS is are part of the global Gay and Lesbian movement seeking an end to injustice and discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Gay and Muslim

Essay by Shagufta Yaqub

Excerpt:

London (Guardian) - In 1998, at a student conference on Islamophobia at King's College, London, a man politely greeted the audience. His next words caused uproar. "I am a gay Muslim," he began. Those were his only audible words. For members of the majority Muslim audience, the expression was enough to ignite the most passionate opposition. 

Lazeeza

This is the home page of Lazeeza, the Arab Lesbian Group. Here, you will find information about Lazeeza's mailing list, news of interest to Arab lesbians, articles, poetry and any other relevant material.

Islam and Homosexuality

This information resource is from the Religious Tolerance Website.  The page contains excerpts from the Holy Qu'ran and the Hadith regarding homosexual practices. Provides resources for gay Muslims.

Queer Jihad

This site is devoted to the needs of gay and lesbian Muslims, transgendered and bisexuals and anyone not necessarily heterosexual. You will find a variety of writings on all sorts of subjects, links to many sites of interest and more.

Queer Jihad is the queer Muslim struggle for acceptance: first, the struggle to accept ourselves as being exactly the way Allah has created us to be; and secondly, the struggle for acceptance and tolerance among Muslims in general.

Queer Muslims

This is a page for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered Muslims, and their allies. 

Was I Born to Be This Way ? -- The Thoughts of a Muslim Gay In An Oppressed Society

Essay by Mel Ayu

Excerpt:

Being gay and a Muslim (and worse still, living in an oppressed society) means always being in such a confused state of mind. Any Muslim man knows that being gay is a NO-NO in Muslim society. Gays are condemned for a one-way ticket to hell ! On the other hand, he knows his sexual tendencies so where does he seek help? There is no such thing as a gay Muslim priest for therapy, or one to turn to for help. So it ends up that he lives in a deep closet. Either he is satisfied with only fantasies and make believes, or to cover up his true personality by a marriage of convenience and lead a secret double life...