Research
Muslims under the rainbow: Five aspects of reconciling Islamic faith with queer identity
Authors:
Sabeehah Ravat ,
University of South Florida, US
Milton W. Wendland
University of South Florida, US
Abstract
Academia regarding intersectionality has often involved analyses of how exposure to multiple forms of discrimination impact people’s lives. However, researchers have increasingly begun to examine how the compounded negative effects of intersectionality can be mediated to allow a diverse amalgamation of identities to be embraced and empowered. Muslims who identify as sexual minorities represent a unique intersectional positionality, existing in the liminal spaces between communities that many see as distinct and immiscible. Attempting to reconcile the heterogeneous facets of Islam and queerness encompasses navigating various facets of community, family, religiosity, self-identification, and media representation. These journeys are often continuous, involve creating new normalcies and queering methods of embodiment, and, at this time, are more likely to transform individual lives and smaller community spaces than Muslim societies at large. Through an examination of current archival research and lived experiences, this paper will argue that, despite the difficulties of unifying the conflicting Muslim and LGBTQIA+ identities, research strongly suggests that queer Muslims can achieve an uncompromised congruence of faith and sexuality by renegotiating and reinterpreting their relationships with faith, family, community and self.
How to Cite:
Ravat, S. and Wendland, M.W., 2020. Muslims under the rainbow: Five aspects of reconciling Islamic faith with queer identity. International Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities, 12(1), pp.1–9. DOI: http://doi.org/10.7710/2168-0620.0304
Published on
06 Jun 2020.
Peer Reviewed
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