The Making of a Gay Muslim: Religion, Sexuality and Identity in Malaysia and Britain

Description

This book highlights the lived experiences of gay Muslims in Malaysia, where Islam is the majority and official religion, and in Britain, where Muslims form a religious minority. By exploring how they negotiate their religious and sexual identities, Shah challenges the notion that Islam is inherently homophobic and that there is an unbridgeable divide between ‘Islam’ and the ‘West’. Shah also gained access to gay Muslim networks and individuals for his in-depth research in both countries, and the book investigates the different ways that they respond to everyday anti-homosexual or anti-Muslim sentiments. Amid the many challenges they confront, the gay Muslims whom Shah encountered find innovative and meaningful ways to integrate Islam and gay identity into their lives. The Making of a Gay Muslim will appeal to students and scholars with an interest in contemporary Islam, religion, gender and sexuality. Front Matter ....Pages i-xvi Introduction (Shanon Shah)....Pages 1-17 Looking for Gay Muslims (Shanon Shah)....Pages 19-52 Studying Islam and Homosexuality (Shanon Shah)....Pages 53-101 Comparing Malaysia and Britain (Shanon Shah)....Pages 103-141 Coming to Terms with Being Gay and Muslim (Shanon Shah)....Pages 143-186 Gay Expressions of Islam (Shanon Shah)....Pages 187-241 The Wider Politics of Halal and Haram (Shanon Shah)....Pages 243-298 Conclusion (Shanon Shah)....Pages 299-309 Back Matter ....Pages 311-354