British Gay And Muslim

MuslimSister —

Gay Muslims

This Channel 4 documentary shows how the experiences of five lesbian and gay Muslims in Britain challenge the heterosexual bias in Muslim communities and illustrate the diversity within Islam. Tamsila Tauqir reports

Over the sinister introductory music to the programme, presenter Sonia Deol says: ‘Islam is fierce in its condemnation of homosexuality.’ Let’s be fair, antagonism towards homosexuality is no more exclusive to any one community than favouring men, the able-bodied and those with wealth and power.

The activist

Some 200 lesbian and gay Muslims were contacted by the programme makers but only a handful were willing to be interviewed, and most of those insisted on keeping their identities hidden. Only one was prepared to show his face and give his true name. He was Adnan Ali, an activist on issues affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual (LGBT) Muslims.
Adnan described how, when he first came out about his sexuality in Pakistan, he was physically and verbally abused. He then came to the UK, where he chatted online with members of the Al-fatiha Foundation in the States. Al-fatiha is an international organisation dedicated to questioning Muslims who are LGBT and their friends. Adnan then set-up a sister group called Al-fatiha UK, now called Imaan.

The voices
The interviewees speak of their commitment to and belief in Islam, though instead of having their beliefs supported by their community and family, they face being ostracised. ‘Razeem’ speaks of his pain at being denied access to the children of his previous marriage, despite having a legal right to access and the fact that his wife ran away with another man. He also wishes there were more role models, like Adnan Ali, for gay Muslims.

‘Shakir’ and his parents find it easier to accept lesbianism than gay men’s homosexuality. ‘Farah’ contemplates going back into the closet, to lie about her sexuality to ease the tension in her relationship with her parents. Presenter Sonia Deol says that the gay Muslim group, Imaan, supports the idea of ‘keeping sexuality a private matter’.

[b]MONDAY 23TH JANUARY CHANNEL FOUR 8PM[/b]

[url=http://www.channel4.com/culture/microsites/C/can_you_believe_it/debates…]

Forum

Dave — Fri, 27 Jan 2006 - 21:31

Yea it kinda is... not to mention it destroys anonymity.

*I have actually had a few of you asking if my "mojo" purple hat picture i'm always using is actually me :roll:

Wow...

and I really mean that

Anonymous (not verified) — Fri, 27 Jan 2006 - 21:31

[quote="Admin"]Its upto you... but having a face staring at you is slightly discomforting.[/quote]

My mother said I’m very handsome, not asking you to agree- I’m not shy about having my picture, when I'm married I'll remove it.

Dave — Fri, 27 Jan 2006 - 21:32

[quote="(*_Shazan"]My mother said I’m very handsome, not asking you to agree- I’m not shy about having my picture, when I'm married I'll remove it.[/quote]

...this isn't a dating service so I hope that's not there as an advertisement

We've had enough forum romances by now

You — Fri, 27 Jan 2006 - 21:32

[quote="(*_Shazan"][quote="Admin"]Its upto you... but having a face staring at you is slightly discomforting.[/quote]

My mother said I’m very handsome, not asking you to agree- I’m not shy about having my picture, when I'm married I'll remove it.[/quote]

when is that? :twisted:

Its not about looks. Its about someone staring back at you whilst you are trying to read their post.

[EDIT]

So is that an ad of your availability? This is not a dating service.

And Don can you please spill the beans. I need to know what happens on my forums.

Anonymous (not verified) — Fri, 27 Jan 2006 - 21:34

[quote="Don Karnage"][quote="(*_Shazan"]I'm married I'll remove it.[/quote]

...this isn't a dating service so I hope that's not there as an advertisement

We've had enough forum romances by now[/quote]

It's staying unless the mods ask for it to be removed- Alhamdulillah I don’t flirt online nor feel the temptation to do so.

Dave — Fri, 27 Jan 2006 - 21:35

[quote="Admin"]Its not about looks. Its about someone staring back at you whilst you are trying to read their post.
[/quote]

lol well you could also smile... you look kinda surprised in the pic like somebody is sneaking up behind me :shock:

*dave checks behind chair*
*all clear*

it's a little unsettling...

You — Fri, 27 Jan 2006 - 21:36

[quote="(*_Shazan"]It's staying unless the mods ask for it to be removed- Alhamdulillah I don’t flirt online nor feel the temptation to do so.[/quote]

but is it an ad?

If it is remove it. If not, then upto you.

Dave — Fri, 27 Jan 2006 - 21:36

[quote="Admin"]And Don can you please spill the beans. I need to know what happens on my forums.[/quote]

lol Admin where the hell were you? You don't remember the epic "guest's" "question"?

[b]EDIT BY ADMIN[/b]

Thanks for filling me in. I did not really follow it. I will remove some detail to spare blushes...

Anonymous (not verified) — Fri, 27 Jan 2006 - 21:39

[quote="Don Karnage"]*all clear*

it's a little unsettling...[/quote]

That is a smile! 😢

Medarris — Fri, 27 Jan 2006 - 21:39

[quote="Don Karnage"]

lol Admin where the hell were you? You don't remember the epic "guest's" "question"?[/quote]

yeh, and some LOSERS here thought it was me!!

not impressed.

Dave — Fri, 27 Jan 2006 - 21:40

[quote="(*_Shazan"][quote="Don Karnage"]*all clear*

it's a little unsettling...[/quote]

That is a smile! :cry:[/quote]

I knew that!

Sorry... I got new contacts today, still adjusting

Dave — Fri, 27 Jan 2006 - 21:41

[quote="Med"][quote="Don Karnage"]

lol Admin where the hell were you? You don't remember the epic "guest's" "question"?[/quote]

yeh, and some LOSERS here thought it was me!!

not impressed.[/quote]

hahahhah I remember that!

You were fifty different shades of not amused 😂

MuslimSisLilSis — Fri, 27 Jan 2006 - 21:43

[quote="Med"][quote="Don Karnage"]

lol Admin where the hell were you? You don't remember the epic "guest's" "question"?[/quote]

yeh, and some LOSERS here thought it was me!!

not impressed.[/quote]

:roll:

we all know what ur situation is

u made it more then obvious and nauseating

Medarris — Fri, 27 Jan 2006 - 21:46

[quote="Don Karnage"]Play nice...[/quote]

she sounds jelous, leave her alon or she might get into a strop and leave us for a few days.

MuslimSisLilSis — Fri, 27 Jan 2006 - 21:48

[quote="Med"][quote="Don Karnage"]Play nice...[/quote]

she sounds jelous.[/quote]

of a caveman with a fetish for depressed brides?

sum how I doubt it :roll:

Dave — Fri, 27 Jan 2006 - 21:48

[quote="Muslimsislilsis"]he started it![/quote]
[quote="Med"]quit poking me![/quote]
[quote="Muslimsislilsis"]you're mean![/quote]
[quote="Med"]you're ugly![/quote]

*dave bashes head against desk... repeatedly*