LGBTQ

The positives and pitfalls of online dating

Throughout the Middle East and North Africa region, Christian and Muslim communities have historically discouraged dating. Religious values and cultural pressure both demand that men and women do not spend time together until they are ready to get engaged, usually to a partner who they don’t know very well. Of…

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Weekly roundup of altM news: Oct. 3

With all the stories on the Internet it can be difficult to always stay in the know. To help, we’ve searched the web for interesting pieces of news, videos and tips to help you start off your week on the right foot. 1. Coming out as bisexual when you’re Muslim…

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My Response to the Orlando Tragedy from a Muslim with a Gay Parent

Editor’s Note: As with all topics relating to country of origin, language, theology, race and lifestyle, the staff of altMuslimah reminds readers that each piece is the sole work and personal opinion of the author and do not represent the collective beliefs of the altMuslimah staff, affiliates, or advertisers. “But…

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Part 2 of the debate: Muslim Americans should not oppose legalization of same sex marriage

First things first: this is not an attempt to reconcile the Qur’an, Prophetic tradition, or classical Islamic thought with the cause of LGBTQ rights. Others more qualified than myself are doing that work. In fact, my argument depends somewhat on such a project being impossible. Let’s take for granted that Islam has no room for the accommodation of homosexuality – ignoring not only the efforts of reformist scholars, but also the numerous queer Muslims who are at peace with their bodies, hearts, and Creator. For a moment, let’s pretend that these intersections do not exist.

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Part 1 of the debate: Muslims, don’t support same-sex marriage

On 4th August 2010, Proposition 8, a ballot initiative whereby the California Constitution would only recognize marriage between a man and a woman, was overturned. It was a triumph for those who…well, support same-sex marriage – i.e., those on the political left. I agree with many other leftist issues, such as environmentalism. But as a Muslim, I cannot support same-sex marriage.

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