#queer muslims

[hussyknee]

Abu al-Faraj al-Isfahani’s Kitab al-Aghani records the lives of a number of individuals including one named Tuways who lived during the last years of Muhammad and the reigns of the early Muslim dynasties. Tuways was mukhannathun: those who were born as men, but who presented as female. They are described by al-Isfahani as wearing bangles, decorating their hands with henna, and wearing feminine clothing. One mukhannathun, Hit, was even in the household of the Prophet Muhammad. Tuways earned a reputation as a musician, performing for clients and even for Muslim rulers. When Yahya ibn al-Hakam was appointed as governor, Tuways joined in the celebration wearing ostentatious garb and cosmetics. When asked by the governor if he were Muslim Tuways affirmed his belief, proclaiming the declaration of faith and saying that he observes the fast of Ramadan and the five daily prayers. In other words, al-Isfahani, who recorded the life of a number of mukhannathun like Tuways, saw no contradiction between his gender expression and his Muslimness. From al-Isfahani we read of al-Dalal, ibn Surayj, and al-Gharid—all mukhannathun—who lived rich lives in early Muslim societies. Notably absent from al-Isfahani’s records is any state-sanctioned persecution. Instead, the mukhannathun are an accepted part of society.

...

Far from isolated cases, across Islamic history—from North Africa to South Asia—we see widespread acceptance of gender nonconforming and queer individuals. - Later in the Ottoman Empire, there were the köçek who were men who wore women’s clothing and performed at festivals. Formally trained in dance and percussion instruments, the köçek were an important part of social functions. A similar practice was found in Egypt. The khawal were male dancers who presented as female, wearing dresses, make up, and henna. Like their Ottoman counterparts, they performed at social events.

- In South Asia, the hijra were and are third-sex individuals. The term is used for intersex people as well as transgender women. Hijra are attested to among the earliest Muslim societies of South Asia where, according to Nalini Iyer, they were often guardians of the household and even held office as advisors.

- In Iraq, the mustarjil are born female, but present as men. In Wilfred Thesiger’s The Marsh Arabs the guide, Amara explains, “A mustarjil is born a woman. She cannot help that; but she has the heart of a man, so she lives like a man.” When asked if the mustarjil are accepted, Amara replies “Certainly. We eat with her and she may sit in the mudhif.” Amara goes on to describe how mustarjil have sex with women.

...

Historian Indira Gesink analyzed 41 medical and juristic sources between the 8th and 18th centuries and discovered that the discourse of a “binary sex” was an anachronistic projection backwards. Gesink points out in one of the earliest lexicography by the 8th century al-Khalil ibn Ahmad that he suggests addressing a male-presenting intersex person as ya khunathu and a female-presenting intersex person as ya khanathi while addressing an effeminate man as ya khunathatu. This suggests a clear recognition of a spectrum of sex and gender expression and a desire to address someone respectfully based on how they presented.

Tolerance of gender ambiguity and non-conformity in Islamic cultures went hand-in-hand with broader acceptance of homoeroticism. Texts like Ali ibn Nasir al-Katib’s Jawami al-Ladhdha, Abu al-Faraj al-Isfahani’s Kitab al-Aghani, and the Tunisian, Ahmad al-Tifashi’s Nuz’ha al-‘Albab attest to the widespread acceptance of same-sex desire as natural. Homoeroticism is a common element in much of Persian and Arabic poetry where youthful males are often the object of desire. From Abu Nuwas to Rumi, from ibn Ammar to Amir Khusraw, some of the Islamic world’s greatest poets were composing verses for their male lovers. Queer love was openly vaunted by poets. One, Ibn Nasr, immortalizes the love between two Arab lesbians Hind al Nu’man and al-Zarqa by writing:

“Oh Hind, you are truer to your word than men. Oh, the differences between your loyalty and theirs.”

...

Acceptance of same-sex desire and gender non-conformity was the hallmark of Islamic societies to such a degree that European travelers consistently remarked derisively on it. In the 19th century, Edward Lane wrote of the khawal: “They are Muslims and natives of Egypt. As they personate women, their dances are exactly of the same description as those of the ghawazee; and are, in like manner, accompanied by the sound of castanets.”

A similarly scandalized CS Sonnini writes of Muslim homoerotic culture:

“The inconceivable appetite which dishonored the Greeks and the Persians of antiquity, constitute the delight, or to use a juster term, the infamy of the Egyptians. It is not for women that their ditties are composed: it is not on them that tender caresses are lavished; far different objects inflame them.”

In his travels in the 19th century, James Silk Buckingham encounters an Afghan dervish shedding tears for parting with his male lover. The dervish, Ismael, is astonished to find how rare same-sex love was in Europe. Buckingham reports the deep love between Ismael and his lover quoting, “though they were still two bodies, they became one soul.”

...

Today, vocal Muslim critics of LGBTQ+ rights often accuse gay and queer people of imposing a “Western” concept or forcing Islam to adjust to “Western values” failing to grasp the irony of the claim: the shift in the 19th and 20th century was precisely an alignment with colonial values over older Islamic ones, all of which led to legal criminalization. In fact, the common feature among nations with anti-LGBTQ+ legislation isn’t Islam, but rather colonial law.

Don't talk to me I'm weeping. I'm not Muslim, but the grief of colonization runs in the blood of every Global South person. Dicovering these is like finding our lost treasures among plundered ruins.

Queer folk have always, always been here; we have always been inextricable, shining golden threads in the tapestry of human history. To erase and condemn us is to continue using the scalpel of colonizers in the mutilation and betrayal of our own heritage.

[iamnotharaam]

EID MUBARAK!

To our wonderful family, wherever in the world you are!

Although Eid is a time of joy for many Muslims, for some things can be quite different. Some of our family are isolated from their relatives and communities and may not be surrounded with the festivities normally associated with Eid.

If you know any Muslim who might be alone today or tomorrow, or who doesn't have anyone to celebrate eid with, reach out to them. We need community now more than ever, and those in the dark need to see that there is light.

[hummussexual]

[our-queer-experience]

Everyone needs to chill the fuck out about queer Muslims.

They already face queerphobia from Muslims and Islamophobia from queers, don't push their buttons more.

Is Islām queerphobic? Yeah, as fuck.

But that doesn't mean that you can be an asshole to them.

Also, all of these are coming from a queer EX-Muslim. I realized I was queer when I was still a Muslim, and it was hell for me. So, I sympathize with their struggles.

Ramadhan Mubarak

^^^

[queermuslimlove]

hihi! Im an agender queer, and researching into islam, its a fascinating religion, but everytime I try to do research im bombarded with homophobia and transphobia which just gives me a headache lmao, so I was wondering what would be the best place to start? the quran itself? and then the hadiths?

Salaam! First of all, I'm so glad that you're researching into Islam, and regardless of if you find a home in the religion or not, I am so happy that you took the time to study it. And I'm so sorry that you're finding homophobia/transphobia, because that truly is not the religion at all.

I always recommend starting with the Quran, and then, if you feel you need it, looking at specifically queer-affirming interpretations! The Quran itself is not anti-LGBTQ in any way, and it's a bit old but i found a really good doc on the queer muslims reddit that i turn to often. Hadiths are great, but sadly there is a bit of confirmation bias in the context that anti-queer muslims will recommend anti-queer interpretations of the hadiths, which again, go against the religion :(

[queerdisabledmuslimlove]

hope everyone had a good pride and happy disability awareness month!

[icelordofwinter]

quick little vent about stuff

But I’m I the only one who gets frustrated when people hate on queer Muslims? I mean I know I’m technically not a Muslim (I’m a pagan) but it’s very frustrating when they act like being gay is a choice since it shown to be not a choice.

like people who hate on gay Muslims have you guys not research how the brain works? Literally BILL NYE the guy who did science education explains it we can’t control being lgbtq even if we wanted to be straight we can’t! We just end up hurting ourselves and making ourselves feel unhappy

I sometimes even see lgbtq people who stop being muslims still get hated! honestly seeing lgbtq muslims being hated reminds me of how the Christians hate on lgbtq people especially christians who are lgbtq

also to quickly mention we don’t really know the original text for everything like it’s been confused if the Bible part where it says “men shall not sleep with men” bit was translated wrong or not so but I could be wrong but even if I was it doesn’t mean you have to be rude about it

look I maybe just being harsh or hell maybe some call stupid but I am a personally believe that if it doesn’t effect you or the person then just let them live their lives

I already know I may get hate comments but I am just stating my opinion and if there is any lgbtq Muslims out there who are scared just know just be you even if everyone acts hateful and towards you just be yourself and I’m glad or well hope your happy being just the way you are cause your being yourself and not hurting anyone that’s all that matters you deserve to be happy and I’m sure your god if it’s allah Jesus or whoever respects and loves you for being who you are even if people say shit to you be yourself

anyways that’s all for now

Just remember this is my opinion I am not looking for drama I’m just giving out my opinion and not looking for a fight anyways see ya

[snowfelledayah]

Love is love

What the Bible says about homosexuality: (nothing)

What the Qur'an says about homosexuality: (nothing)

The only verses that are twisted to discuss homosexuality are entirely mistranslated and/or misinterpreted by both sets of people who follow them.

Instead, what both scriptures tell us is a story of a Prophet of God, Lut (AS), who told a city to follow the path God has laid out for all of us.

But the city of Sodom not only ignored him, but they decided to present and reinforce their power and status through terror and r-pe, a story that is not at all unbelievable as we watch people go into political power with shocking histories of sexual 'transgressions' alongside a hideous contempt for the very fabric of humanity in many cases.

The moral of the story of Lut (AS) is this:

Extend hospitality, generosity, and protection to others

Don't be greedy, stingy, or thieving

Protect vulnerable people

Do not lust over power

Have mutual respect and love for each other

Condemn fucking r-pe (didn't think we had to write that one down, but here we are)

Don't be a dick.

Follow God

[enbycrip]

I am *really* getting sick of people trying to use the “queer people shouldn’t support Palestine because they’d kill you for being queer there” card. Particularly at a time when institutional transphobia is ramping right up in the US and UK.

I’ve been in contact at various points over the last 10-15 years with queer Palestinians living authentically and with openly queer foreigners bringing in aid in solidarity. No one tried to lynch anyone. Pretty much everyone was kind and welcoming to foreigners.

Queer Palestinian lives are made *so*, *so* much worse by *the fucking ongoing genocide* than by homegrown queerphobia that trying to even compare them is sort of horrifically laughable? Honestly, they seem to be facing the same kind of level of that *from some people* that I and people I know face pretty regularly? It’s unfun, and I’d very much like better for all of us, but it’s hardly comparable to *being fucking bombed into the ground*.

This is just Islamophobia with a queerbaiting flavour. The implication that every country with a Muslim population is the same as extremist Islamist theocracies where queer folk are judicially murdered is just incredibly racist.

Queer Muslims - including trans binary and nonbinary Muslims - and queer folks who are culturally Muslim whether they actively practice or not exist all over the world, same as queer folks from every other faith community and cultural background. The othering of Muslim people is really shitty and I refuse to see my marginalised community used in this way even when it’s *not* being used as a cover for a racist genocide.

[bigenderrevert]

Fagdyke with a Blue Hijab and Pronouns

(is this anything?)

[iamnotharaam]

The Murder of Muhsin Hendricks

The tragic murder of Muhsin Hendricks has yet again highlighted the brutality of our struggle. The spotlight swings onto the topic of LGBTQIA+ Muslims once more, and with it come the terrifying reality of how dangerous it is for us to simply exist.

The reaction of a lot of Muslims is at times chilling and it can be difficult not to see what's online as a reflection of the larger Muslim community. Fear, bigotry and ignorance spew out onto comment sections of posts that seek to remember and pay tribute to the late imam, and then ensues the war of opinions and malignant rhetoric that often follows these "controversial" posts.

In truth we are an easy target. Easily othered, easily identified and easily scapegoated for issues that were never in our power of making. Islam is a complex and ancient religion, the texts of which can and have been interpreted in hundreds of ways. Scholars have examined verses and words for decades of their study and yet there is no single consensus for all Muslims to follow.

In its very nature Islam recognises that its followers are flawed, in its very central doctrine is the notion of the unwavering forgiveness of the Creator. At no point are we asked to be perfect, we need only submit and repent, and do our best to follow the guidance set out before us. Allah recognises we will falter and fail and yet he asks only that we come back to Him. The only judge in all the worlds is Allah, and we are instructed to leave judgement only to Him. And yet here we are. Those who reject us find righteousness in their hatred. They are so insecure in their own faith, so ashamed of their own acts and so terrified of their own judgement that they seek to point to us, a logical fallacy that's almost insulting to the very nature of final judgement. Each soul is accountable for itself and nothing more.

We need visibility and resistance now more than ever. Social media is everywhere, and accessible without any real checks and balances to all. Those who are youngest, and those who are most vulnerable in our community will be at risk of being exposed to terrifying and dangerous opinions. They need to see that they have community, they have peers and role models, and that people who will love and accept them exist in all corners of the world. That was the message of Muhsin Hendricks, that Islam is inclusive, and beautiful, and full of love.

So I urge you all, wherever you see hatred being strewn across these platforms with such indignity, to challenge and resist if you can. We owe it to all those who have fallen for our struggle, and all those who will come after us to maintain the momentum in any way we can. We have come so incredibly far, and we need to showcase this, and be visible and proud.

[kushamisaru]

Being queer and religious is so fucking difficult. If you're queer and religious I see you, and I love you. Don't let anyone take your faith from you 🧡

[queermuslimlove]

Hihi! Hope this isnt too out of topic but,

Could I ask what your opinion is on the prohibition of men imitating women? For me, it has always been a prohibition for men to imitate women for deceitful intentions. It confuses me why mainstream scholars and most mainstream islamic websites treat masculinity as if it were set in stone, while historically, it has always been a slippery slope at best.

Whoops got too long! Hope you're having a good day 💗

As-salamu alaykum, definitely not off topic at all! I agree with your interpretation - I think it's more about deceit in general, or even about men speaking over women/speaking for women. I obviously do not think it is about trans, intersex, genderqueer/nonbinary, gender non confirming, fluid, etc people (I know a lot of those fall under the same umbrella, but I wanted to cover all my bases).

Another thing worth noting, is trans people aren't even "imitating" one gender - trans men are just men, they're not women imitating men. Trans women are just women, they're not men imitating women. Even for the people (trans or cis or otherwise) who do 'imitate' gender, i.e. in drag or cosplay or in acting and performing arts, that's not being deceitful!

Closeted trans people (so men who really do have to pretend to be women, women who really do have to be men, nonbinary people who have to be one or the other, etc) aren't even being deceitful, even though they are "lying" about their gender in a sense. If it's being done for your own safety/comfort, as closeting tends to be, I don't think "deceit" is at all an accurate word to use for situations like that.

[queerdisabledmuslimlove]

Shout out to

LGBTQ reverts in a homophobic and islamophobic household

Aromantic allosexual Muslims

Lesbian couples who can’t decide who pays mehr /hj

Queer Muslims who have cried to Allah SWT, begging for forgiveness for being queer

Queer Muslims who tried to “pray the gay away”

Transmasc Muslims who still wear their hijab and transfems who can’t wear hijab

Genderqueer and multigender folks who can’t decide if they should wear a hijab or not

neurodivergent Muslims

Muslims who can’t recite prayer in arabic because of neurodivergence

Muslims who are in DID/OSDD systems

Muslim system who feels guilt when a non muslim alter fronts

Muslim alters in non Muslim systems and vice versa, that’s probably pretty rough :(

Muslims who forget prayer because of amnesia

Muslims who forget prayer due to Maladaptive Daydreaming Disorder

Muslims with invisible disabilities that prevent them from prayer

Muslims who can’t fast during Ramadan for any reason

Poor Muslims

White and Black Muslims

Arabs who have been accused of t3rrorism

Any Muslim who have been accused of t3rrorism

Muslims with addictions

Muslims who are therians, otherkin, or nonhuman in anyway

Muslims reverts who aren’t sure if they can still identify as a therian, otherkin, or nonhuman

Hijabi quadrobists

Hijabi cosplayers. Your hijab looks great

And anyone who feels they don’t fit into the community. You are loved, I promise. There’s people out there for you 🤍

[mariaswagdalena]

I'm late but...

Ramadan Kareem to my Queer and Trans Muslim sibilings. I love y'all the mostest and I wish you a month of spiritual nourishment.