Perspectives on Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual and Transgender Identities in Islam

Freiheit

Just read a fascinating book by Scott Siraj al-Haqq Kugle on how L.G.B.T. identities are compatible with Islam .

http://www.amazon.de/Homosexuality-Islam-Critical-Reflections-Transgender/dp/1851687017/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1308823225&sr=8-5

http://talkislam.info/tag/lgbt/


Very impressed.

hivizman

I first came across Scott Kugle's writing in a book edited by Omid Safi, Progressive Muslims: On Justice, Gender and Pluralism (OneWorld Publications, 2003). He has a chapter called "Sexuality, diversity and ethics in the agenda of progressive Muslims".

Here's a link to his recent book on Amazon.co.uk.

Freiheit

Have to say that the sense propagated by this man is astonishing,an incredible understanding of lgbt identities and with very concrete and rational ideas on how they are compatible with their Islamic faith and community.

Jaafa

Could someone summarize his main points/views?

Freiheit

The story of Lot condemned same sex rape, not consensual same sex relations. That most of the homophobic hadith are of weak lines of transmission. That the prophet allowe Mukannah and the Eunch to operate freely in society. The various schools of jurisprudence such as Hanbali, Zahiri are analysed and the lack of consensus between is highlighted. Some Quaranic verses and hadith are used to demonstrate that such identities have a full place in the Islamic family.

Also that God created a diverse world , afthat he didn't intend everyone to be the same. He says that with scientific research now proving homosexualit and transgender tendencies to be innate that it is in the interests of the Islmaic world to accept such people, that it will benefit it.

How? It will improve the mental health of people with lgbt identies by not isolating them and discriminating against the, this will allow them to be more productive members of society and will benefit the wider Islamic community. It will also avoid forced heterosexual marriage for such people which cannot function and are damagaging for any children who might result. It is the collective responsibilities of Muslims to reproduce, not every individual.

He sas that homophobia and transphobia is also marginalising Muslim communities in majority non Muslim countiries,that propagate snegative perception of Muslims and is damaging to the wider community. That by discriminating against them it is also likely to result in their leaving Islam again not in the communities interest.

The need to adapt for the good of the Islamic community is a strong theme and he claims is mandated in the Quaran.

Also mentions how heterosexual marriage contracts have in many cases been revised and how sharia has already adapted in the abscence of slavery and democracy.

hivizman

Jaafa wrote: »

Could someone summarize his main points/views?

There's a brief YouTube video where he expresses his main views:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKc0XZm3hJk