Gay people have been establishing religious and cultural groups for as long as anyone can remember. This makes perfect sense, since some interpretations of the world's religions also tend to underpin cultural justifications for homophobia. The gay community is already familiar with the idea of queer Buddhists, Catholics, Jews, Christians and others, but gay Muslims are largely invisible from the wider social fabric. With Islamophobia running high in the public conscious, fuelling Western beliefs that the Muslim faith is an oppressive way of life, new queer gay, lesbian, bi and transgender networks are emerging to challenge the status quo. Read on and find out more…

How can there be gay Muslims? Doesn't the Koran forbid it?
As with the Christian Bible, the Koran is open to different interpretations. There are debates about whether or not male homosexuality is forbidden, or the practise of sodomy, or the impact of lesbian relationships on women's roles within Islam. Whatever one's viewpoint, the fact is that gay Muslims exist.

Does this mean that there are gay-friendly mosques?
Because Islam is such a vast world religion there are many Muslims who are tolerant of homosexuality. Rashida X, co-chair of the British gay Muslim group Imaan, told GaydarNation that she had not heard of gay-friendly mosques in this country but added that they existed in the US.

How do queer Muslims meet each other?
Al Fatiha, the first gay Muslim group was established in the US in 1998. Since then it has been promoting the progressive Islamic notions of peace, equality and justice through its own networks. The organisers say: "We envision a world that is free from prejudice, injustice and discrimination, where all people are fully embraced and accepted into their faith, their families and their communities."

And in the UK?
Al Fatiha UK recently re-launched as Imaan, a social support group for Muslim lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgendered people, as well as those questioning their sexuality or gender identity, and their family, friends and supporters. The group encompasses those of liberal and orthodox beliefs. Imaan holds monthly meetings on the last Sunday of each month in London. These meetings and other social events are used by the members to discuss issues of their sexuality, for guidance and support in a safe environment. They host a website, mailing list and online forum, and organise events such as their Eid party, to celebrate the end of Ramadan.
 
Is there anything else we should know?
Many queer Muslims are caught between the Islamophobia of non-Muslims and homophobia within their communities. There's also the problem of visibility and as Rashida X points out: "The greatest misconception about us is that we exist at all." But she adds: "Our community is growing, people don't have to feel as though they are the only ones any more," and finally she urges: "Get involved, come to our meetings and take part in discussions on our forum."

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