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Working towards Principles on Islamic Sexual Ethics and Homosexuality

ISLA Workshop

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Working towards Principles (1)

  • Strongly and confidently establish Islamic gender and sexuality paradigm
    • Gender is binary, gender differences are real and God-given
    • Sexual expression is legitimate only in the context of (heterosexual) marriage
    • Actively critique and deconstruct Western paradigm post-Sexual Revolution: show why it’s wrong
  • Rejection of sexual identity paradigm
    • Must once again separate desires, actions, and identity
    • Terminological implications → avoid identity-laden vocab: gay, LGBT, dignifying “who people are,” etc.
    • Use descriptive terms instead, and adjectives not nouns: “has homosexual feelings,” “experiences SSA”, “trans-identifying”
  • No gay exceptionalism! (either positive or negative)
    • Pushing LGBT in an Islamic environment just as unacceptable as pushing drinking, zina, etc.
    • Merely having – and faithfully struggling with – same-sex desires merits no particular stigma or singling out

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Working towards Principles (2)

  • Balancing individual and community, subjective feelings vs. objective truths / right and wrong
    • Individuals dealing with same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria issues should be supported in their efforts to figure out their lives and live according to the deen
    • Private support and consultation as opposed to public “accommodation” or “inclusion”
    • Defiant activist types should not be allowed to disrupt Islamic school/community settings
  • Supporting the faithful struggler
    • Show empathy and understanding for what is often a very difficult and emotionally taxing issue
    • Support the person in general spiritual/other ways: mentorship, general advice, listening ear, shoulder to cry on
    • Know your limits: you are not a professional psychologist or spiritual guide and don’t know the details of this issue, so . . .
    • Direct the person to resources, particularly A Way Beyond the Rainbow, and maybe offer to discuss
  • Maintaining the Straight Path: Clarity, Conviction, Compassion
    • You are not more merciful than Allah. True compassion is guiding to the truth and what pleases the Creator.
    • Be humble and kind, but never apologetic about Islamic beliefs.
    • Islamic teachings on sexual ethics are not an embarrassment or a “problem”; they are the only solution!