Intersectional identities and dilemmas in interactions with health care professionals: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of British gay Muslim men

Individual interviews were conducted with six self-identified Muslim gay men living in London focusing on their experience of health service use. Transcripts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Analysis identified two major themes: namely, the close(d) community and self-management with health care professionals, detailing participants’ concerns regarding the risks of disclosing sexuality; and the authentic identity: “you’re either a Muslim or you’re gay, you can’t be both”, which delineated notions of incommensurate identity. Analysis highlights the need for health practitioners to have insight into the complexity of intersectional identities, identity disclosure dynamics, and the negative = consequences of assumptions made, be these heteronormative or faith-related

Perceptions of 'coming out' among British Muslim gay men

The cultural processes of heteronormativity and compulsory heterosexuality are acutely active within Islamic societies. The present study explored perceptions of 'coming out' among a group of British Muslim gay men (BMGM), focussing upon the potential consequences for identity processes and psychological well-being. Ten BMGM of Pakistani descent were interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule. Interview transcripts were subjected to interpretative phenomenological analysis and informed by identity process theory. Four superordinate themes are reported, including (1) 'social representational constraints upon "coming out"'; (2) ' "coming out": a source of shame and a threat to distinctiveness'; (3) 'fear of physical violence from ingroup members'; and (4) 'foreseeing the future: "coming out" as a coping strategy'. Data suggest that BMGM face a bi-dimensional homophobia from ethno-religious ingroup members and the general population, which can render the prospect of 'coming out' threatening for identity. Theoretical and practical implications of this research are discussed

Queer Jihad A View from South Africa

Muslims in Cape Town, South Africa, explore ways to be openly lesbian, gay, and transgendered and still be part of a Muslim community. Advocacy groups there assert their place as interpreters of Islam in a way that is open to diversity and engaged in a quest for justice

Die Before Dying: Activism and Passivity in Sufi Ethics

This article explores Sufi notions of the death of self-will. Sufis are often accused of advocating an ethic of passivity when they speak of giving the self over to an authoritative shaykh or spiritual master. However, some Sufis turn the image of giving over the self to death before one's actual death to more activist ends. This article will examine the lives and writings of two such reformist Sufis, Ahmad Zarruq (died 1493) and ‘Ali Muttaqi (died 1567), to show how their concept of the death of self-will propelled them on paths of intellectual vigour, political engagement, and individual initiative. The essay offers two original translations of these Sufi master's epistles on the death of self-will. Its conclusion offers a theoretical reflection on Sufi concepts of agency, its different possible relations to spiritual authority, and how these different models enable or limit engagement in political or social movements.Journal for Islamic Studies Vol. 26 2006: pp. 113-15

Queer Jihad A View from South Africa

Muslims in Cape Town, South Africa, explore ways to be openly lesbian, gay, and transgendered and still be part of a Muslim community. Advocacy groups there assert their place as interpreters of Islam in a way that is open to diversity and engaged in a quest for justice

To Love Every Life as Your Own:

No AbstractJournal for Islamic Studies Vol. 26 2006: pp. 1-1