ETJC in the News: We’re Queer. We’re Muslim. Get Used to It

Junaid Jahangir’s article in the Huffington Post discusses the struggles Queer Muslims face as activists for gender-sexuality justice but also as activists in fight against racism, imperialism, and other ills.

…Likewise, queer Muslim activists, despite facing immense prejudice, continue their work quietly and with dignity. Their work ends up helping the very Muslim communities that so strongly shun them.

Such activists not only face social ostracism from conservative Muslim communities but at times also experience strong condemnation from others. In 2009, El Farouk Khaki experienced immense pressure and condemnation when he spoke at a Queers against Israeli Apartheid event.

Regardless, he speaks out on many issues including multiculturalism, racism and religious and racial profiling in the war on terror. His work on refuge protection includes representing marginalized groups like people living with AIDS and women fleeing domestic violence….

…I often wonder how queer activists can assert their voice for justice for others despite the immense prejudice they face in their own lives. I like to think that they understand that the Good Samaritan did not act out of political expediency or personal gain. They truly know the meaning of spiritual chivalry, to practice good without expecting the same in return.

Click through the link to read the entire piece.