"Allah Made Me Queer" by Kumz 2015/06/20 02:03
Muslims use the Tumblr tag "we are not haram"
to kick off the Islamic holy month.
The Islamic holy month of Ramadan overlaps with
LGBT+ Pride Month this year, inspiring dozens of
young Muslims to share their coming out stories
on Tumblr. Theyre using the tag We are not
haram, which means We are not forbidden.
The trends brainchild is an intersex blogger
called Noor, who spread the word with the help of
an anonymous lesbian Tumblr user who goes
by Dee. They kicked off the movement earlier
this week ahead of Ramadan, set to start
Thursday. The timing of the online campaign aims
to support queer Muslims in their faith by
creating a network for dialogue. Almost 200 posts
used the we are not haram tag as of
Wednesday.
Muslims use the Tumblr tag "we are not haram"
to kick off the Islamic holy month.
The Islamic holy month of Ramadan overlaps with
LGBT+ Pride Month this year, inspiring dozens of
young Muslims to share their coming out stories
on Tumblr. Theyre using the tag We are not
haram, which means We are not forbidden.
The trends brainchild is an intersex blogger
called Noor, who spread the word with the help of
an anonymous lesbian Tumblr user who goes
by Dee. They kicked off the movement earlier
this week ahead of Ramadan, set to start
Thursday. The timing of the online campaign aims
to support queer Muslims in their faith by
creating a network for dialogue. Almost 200 posts
used the we are not haram tag as of
Wednesday.
Kumz 2015/06/20 02:04
One Tumblr user who posted and celebrated the
tag wrote : Ive only been on tumblr for a couple
of weeks, but Im glad that in the past 2 days,
Ive been finding other lgbtqia muslim blogs to
follow. Thank you, and inshallah everyone will
have an enlightening Ramadan.
Like many of the young, queer bloggers with
anonymous social media accounts , Dee said she
isnt out of the closet yet offline. Many
bloggers contributed from countries where
homosexual expression is illegal such as Egypt,
Lebanon and Pakistan. Some participants in
North America and Europe also expressed concern
about their safety and the challenges they face
being socially accepted. But that hasnt stopped
many from being vocal on the web and even
taking their movements beyond the digital space:
A Vocativ analysis discovered that queer youth in
Saudi Arabia and other Gulf States often use
Tumblr to establish underground offline
communities.
One Tumblr user who posted and celebrated the
tag wrote : Ive only been on tumblr for a couple
of weeks, but Im glad that in the past 2 days,
Ive been finding other lgbtqia muslim blogs to
follow. Thank you, and inshallah everyone will
have an enlightening Ramadan.
Like many of the young, queer bloggers with
anonymous social media accounts , Dee said she
isnt out of the closet yet offline. Many
bloggers contributed from countries where
homosexual expression is illegal such as Egypt,
Lebanon and Pakistan. Some participants in
North America and Europe also expressed concern
about their safety and the challenges they face
being socially accepted. But that hasnt stopped
many from being vocal on the web and even
taking their movements beyond the digital space:
A Vocativ analysis discovered that queer youth in
Saudi Arabia and other Gulf States often use
Tumblr to establish underground offline
communities.
Kumz 2015/06/20 02:04
Unlike most of Pride Months grassroots social
media trends, we are not haram included more
personal stories than selfies. Posts also featured
specific rules not to reblog posts without
permission in order to protect participants.
Unlike most of Pride Months grassroots social
media trends, we are not haram included more
personal stories than selfies. Posts also featured
specific rules not to reblog posts without
permission in order to protect participants.
Kumz 2015/06/20 02:21
I'm thankful to tumblr and other such sites for giving the voiceless a voice and the cowards (with valid reasons) bravery. It's not right and it's not fair to make anyone live a lie their whole life.
I'm thankful to tumblr and other such sites for giving the voiceless a voice and the cowards (with valid reasons) bravery. It's not right and it's not fair to make anyone live a lie their whole life.
detrimentum 2015/06/20 12:26
power to them! Admitting you gay is already hard... Admitting you gay and muslim is twice as hard. Depending on where you live, but like you said, countries where its illegal.
power to them! Admitting you gay is already hard... Admitting you gay and muslim is twice as hard. Depending on where you live, but like you said, countries where its illegal.
Xiao Zen 2015/06/23 04:22
It is no more easier coming out as a member of any other religious or non-religious community (yes atheists, you are not immune to prejudice either).
Anywhere in the world in any community you will always find open-minded people and you will also find closed minded people.
Quote: detrimentum: power to them! Admitting you gay is already hard... Admitting you gay and muslim is twice as hard. Depending on where you live, but like you said, countries where its illegal.
It is no more easier coming out as a member of any other religious or non-religious community (yes atheists, you are not immune to prejudice either).
Anywhere in the world in any community you will always find open-minded people and you will also find closed minded people.
detrimentum 2015/06/23 05:57
i dont agree. Being gay, muslim and living in pakistan is more difficult than being gay, atheist and living in the UK. Yes family and society is equally hard. But being gay isnt a crime in the UK. You cant be thrown in jail for being gay. Also, support groups in the UK is open, not hidden because its illegal. Gay pride makes being gay easier, there is no gay pride in pakistan. Kumz for example isnt muslim or christian, but homosexuality is illegal in Srilanka, it will be easier for me being gay in South Africa where its not a crime and where gay pride is open in the streets every single day. (not once a year) Family and society is automatically easier to deal with when you dont feel like you breaking the law because of love. Just my opinion.
I have a lesbian friend getting married, they get their share of looks and comments, but they can go to a gay club, they can get married, they can walk holding hands in the mall because there is a 99% chance that they are not the only gay couple in the mall thats holding hands. They will get stared at, and old people will shake their heads, but there will also be people who smile at their inloveness and feel inspired by their boldness. Last but not least, no one will be phoning the SAPD. Can you do this in Pakistan?? Shrilanka? If not, being gay isnt the same all over the world.
Quote: Opium:
It is no more easier coming out as a member of any other religious or non-religious community (yes atheists, you are not immune to prejudice either).
Anywhere in the world in any community you will always find open-minded people and you will also find closed minded people.
It is no more easier coming out as a member of any other religious or non-religious community (yes atheists, you are not immune to prejudice either).
Anywhere in the world in any community you will always find open-minded people and you will also find closed minded people.
i dont agree. Being gay, muslim and living in pakistan is more difficult than being gay, atheist and living in the UK. Yes family and society is equally hard. But being gay isnt a crime in the UK. You cant be thrown in jail for being gay. Also, support groups in the UK is open, not hidden because its illegal. Gay pride makes being gay easier, there is no gay pride in pakistan. Kumz for example isnt muslim or christian, but homosexuality is illegal in Srilanka, it will be easier for me being gay in South Africa where its not a crime and where gay pride is open in the streets every single day. (not once a year) Family and society is automatically easier to deal with when you dont feel like you breaking the law because of love. Just my opinion.
I have a lesbian friend getting married, they get their share of looks and comments, but they can go to a gay club, they can get married, they can walk holding hands in the mall because there is a 99% chance that they are not the only gay couple in the mall thats holding hands. They will get stared at, and old people will shake their heads, but there will also be people who smile at their inloveness and feel inspired by their boldness. Last but not least, no one will be phoning the SAPD. Can you do this in Pakistan?? Shrilanka? If not, being gay isnt the same all over the world.
Xiao Zen 2015/06/23 09:15
It is not the same, no but that does not necessarily make it easier. All it means is that the LGBT community faces a different set of problems.
Sri Lanka is a predominantly Buddhist country, of the Theravada tradition. The third precept (one that is often cited when arguing against homosexuality) states: "Kamesu micchacara veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami." literally "I take the rule of training not to go the wrong way for sexual pleasure." as for what the "wrong way" is not further elaborated but in the Bahitika Sutta, Ananda is asked how to distinguish between praiseworthy and blameworthy behaviour. He answers that any behaviour which causes harm to oneself and others could be called blameworthy while any behaviour that causes no harm (and presumably which helps) oneself and others could be called praiseworthy. This is further reinforced by the Buddha in the Dhammapada: "The deed which causes remorse afterwards and results in weeping and tears is ill-done. The deed which causes no remorse afterwards and results in joy and happiness is well-done." So I would argue that Homophobia not only has no foundation in Buddhism but that it is an affront to it and that any loving and healthy relationship between adults of any gender in the lay Buddhist community is sanctioned.
But to return to my main point, all I meant is that there are many less obvious problems that are often overlooked when one focuses intently at the more obvious ones. Until LGBT and heterosexual couples and individuals are treated and viewed no differently from each other there is much room for improvement.
Quote: detrimentum:
i dont agree. Being gay, muslim and living in pakistan is more difficult than being gay, atheist and living in the UK. Yes family and society is equally hard. But being gay isnt a crime in the UK. You cant be thrown in jail for being gay. Also, support groups in the UK is open, not hidden because its illegal. Gay pride makes being gay easier, there is no gay pride in pakistan. Kumz for example isnt muslim or christian, but homosexuality is illegal in Srilanka, it will be easier for me being gay in South Africa where its not a crime and where gay pride is open in the streets every single day. (not once a year) Family and society is automatically easier to deal with when you dont feel like you breaking the law because of love. Just my opinion.
I have a lesbian friend getting married, they get their share of looks and comments, but they can go to a gay club, they can get married, they can walk holding hands in the mall because there is a 99% chance that they are not the only gay couple in the mall thats holding hands. They will get stared at, and old people will shake their heads, but there will also be people who smile at their inloveness and feel inspired by their boldness. Last but not least, no one will be phoning the SAPD. Can you do this in Pakistan?? Shrilanka? If not, being gay isnt the same all over the world.
i dont agree. Being gay, muslim and living in pakistan is more difficult than being gay, atheist and living in the UK. Yes family and society is equally hard. But being gay isnt a crime in the UK. You cant be thrown in jail for being gay. Also, support groups in the UK is open, not hidden because its illegal. Gay pride makes being gay easier, there is no gay pride in pakistan. Kumz for example isnt muslim or christian, but homosexuality is illegal in Srilanka, it will be easier for me being gay in South Africa where its not a crime and where gay pride is open in the streets every single day. (not once a year) Family and society is automatically easier to deal with when you dont feel like you breaking the law because of love. Just my opinion.
I have a lesbian friend getting married, they get their share of looks and comments, but they can go to a gay club, they can get married, they can walk holding hands in the mall because there is a 99% chance that they are not the only gay couple in the mall thats holding hands. They will get stared at, and old people will shake their heads, but there will also be people who smile at their inloveness and feel inspired by their boldness. Last but not least, no one will be phoning the SAPD. Can you do this in Pakistan?? Shrilanka? If not, being gay isnt the same all over the world.
It is not the same, no but that does not necessarily make it easier. All it means is that the LGBT community faces a different set of problems.
Sri Lanka is a predominantly Buddhist country, of the Theravada tradition. The third precept (one that is often cited when arguing against homosexuality) states: "Kamesu micchacara veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami." literally "I take the rule of training not to go the wrong way for sexual pleasure." as for what the "wrong way" is not further elaborated but in the Bahitika Sutta, Ananda is asked how to distinguish between praiseworthy and blameworthy behaviour. He answers that any behaviour which causes harm to oneself and others could be called blameworthy while any behaviour that causes no harm (and presumably which helps) oneself and others could be called praiseworthy. This is further reinforced by the Buddha in the Dhammapada: "The deed which causes remorse afterwards and results in weeping and tears is ill-done. The deed which causes no remorse afterwards and results in joy and happiness is well-done." So I would argue that Homophobia not only has no foundation in Buddhism but that it is an affront to it and that any loving and healthy relationship between adults of any gender in the lay Buddhist community is sanctioned.
But to return to my main point, all I meant is that there are many less obvious problems that are often overlooked when one focuses intently at the more obvious ones. Until LGBT and heterosexual couples and individuals are treated and viewed no differently from each other there is much room for improvement.
Xiao Zen 2015/06/23 09:23
PS: Congratulations to your friend
Quote: detrimentum:
i dont agree. Being gay, muslim and living in pakistan is more difficult than being gay, atheist and living in the UK. Yes family and society is equally hard. But being gay isnt a crime in the UK. You cant be thrown in jail for being gay. Also, support groups in the UK is open, not hidden because its illegal. Gay pride makes being gay easier, there is no gay pride in pakistan. Kumz for example isnt muslim or christian, but homosexuality is illegal in Srilanka, it will be easier for me being gay in South Africa where its not a crime and where gay pride is open in the streets every single day. (not once a year) Family and society is automatically easier to deal with when you dont feel like you breaking the law because of love. Just my opinion.
I have a lesbian friend getting married, they get their share of looks and comments, but they can go to a gay club, they can get married, they can walk holding hands in the mall because there is a 99% chance that they are not the only gay couple in the mall thats holding hands. They will get stared at, and old people will shake their heads, but there will also be people who smile at their inloveness and feel inspired by their boldness. Last but not least, no one will be phoning the SAPD. Can you do this in Pakistan?? Shrilanka? If not, being gay isnt the same all over the world.
i dont agree. Being gay, muslim and living in pakistan is more difficult than being gay, atheist and living in the UK. Yes family and society is equally hard. But being gay isnt a crime in the UK. You cant be thrown in jail for being gay. Also, support groups in the UK is open, not hidden because its illegal. Gay pride makes being gay easier, there is no gay pride in pakistan. Kumz for example isnt muslim or christian, but homosexuality is illegal in Srilanka, it will be easier for me being gay in South Africa where its not a crime and where gay pride is open in the streets every single day. (not once a year) Family and society is automatically easier to deal with when you dont feel like you breaking the law because of love. Just my opinion.
I have a lesbian friend getting married, they get their share of looks and comments, but they can go to a gay club, they can get married, they can walk holding hands in the mall because there is a 99% chance that they are not the only gay couple in the mall thats holding hands. They will get stared at, and old people will shake their heads, but there will also be people who smile at their inloveness and feel inspired by their boldness. Last but not least, no one will be phoning the SAPD. Can you do this in Pakistan?? Shrilanka? If not, being gay isnt the same all over the world.
PS: Congratulations to your friend
detrimentum 2015/06/23 10:13
you trying to fry my brain there?
thanks, she's super excited! And on a photographer hunt, shes finding that difficult.
Quote: Opium:
It is not the same, no but that does not necessarily make it easier. All it means is that the LGBT community faces a different set of problems.
Sri Lanka is a predominantly Buddhist country, of the Theravada tradition. The third precept (one that is often cited when arguing against homosexuality) states: "Kamesu micchacara veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami." literally "I take the rule of training not to go the wrong way for sexual pleasure." as for what the "wrong way" is not further elaborated but in the Bahitika Sutta, Ananda is asked how to distinguish between praiseworthy and blameworthy behaviour. He answers that any behaviour which causes harm to oneself and others could be called blameworthy while any behaviour that causes no harm (and presumably which helps) oneself and others could be called praiseworthy. This is further reinforced by the Buddha in the Dhammapada: "The deed which causes remorse afterwards and results in weeping and tears is ill-done. The deed which causes no remorse afterwards and results in joy and happiness is well-done." So I would argue that Homophobia not only has no foundation in Buddhism but that it is an affront to it and that any loving and healthy relationship between adults of any gender in the lay Buddhist community is sanctioned.
But to return to my main point, all I meant is that there are many less obvious problems that are often overlooked when one focuses intently at the more obvious ones. Until LGBT and heterosexual couples and individuals are treated and viewed no differently from each other there is much room for improvement.
It is not the same, no but that does not necessarily make it easier. All it means is that the LGBT community faces a different set of problems.
Sri Lanka is a predominantly Buddhist country, of the Theravada tradition. The third precept (one that is often cited when arguing against homosexuality) states: "Kamesu micchacara veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami." literally "I take the rule of training not to go the wrong way for sexual pleasure." as for what the "wrong way" is not further elaborated but in the Bahitika Sutta, Ananda is asked how to distinguish between praiseworthy and blameworthy behaviour. He answers that any behaviour which causes harm to oneself and others could be called blameworthy while any behaviour that causes no harm (and presumably which helps) oneself and others could be called praiseworthy. This is further reinforced by the Buddha in the Dhammapada: "The deed which causes remorse afterwards and results in weeping and tears is ill-done. The deed which causes no remorse afterwards and results in joy and happiness is well-done." So I would argue that Homophobia not only has no foundation in Buddhism but that it is an affront to it and that any loving and healthy relationship between adults of any gender in the lay Buddhist community is sanctioned.
But to return to my main point, all I meant is that there are many less obvious problems that are often overlooked when one focuses intently at the more obvious ones. Until LGBT and heterosexual couples and individuals are treated and viewed no differently from each other there is much room for improvement.
you trying to fry my brain there?
thanks, she's super excited! And on a photographer hunt, shes finding that difficult.
Xiao Zen 2015/06/23 19:00
You do not give yourself enough credit chica, your brain can handle it.
If either of you know someone who has recently had a wedding perhaps she could use a photographer they might be able to refer her to. If not then perhaps she might find something on the internet, that way she can browse through their portfolio to see if the photographers style is something that would suite her taste.
Weddings are often difficult to organize, it is worth the effort, stress and aggravation however.
Quote: detrimentum:
you trying to fry my brain there?
thanks, she's super excited! And on a photographer hunt, shes finding that difficult.
you trying to fry my brain there?
thanks, she's super excited! And on a photographer hunt, shes finding that difficult.
You do not give yourself enough credit chica, your brain can handle it.
If either of you know someone who has recently had a wedding perhaps she could use a photographer they might be able to refer her to. If not then perhaps she might find something on the internet, that way she can browse through their portfolio to see if the photographers style is something that would suite her taste.
Weddings are often difficult to organize, it is worth the effort, stress and aggravation however.
zugzwang 2016/07/26 17:06
Quote: detrimentum:
i dont agree. Being gay, muslim and living in pakistan is more difficult than being gay, atheist and living in the UK. Yes family and society is equally hard. But being gay isnt a crime in the UK. You cant be thrown in jail for being gay. Also, support groups in the UK is open, not hidden because its illegal. Gay pride makes being gay easier, there is no gay pride in pakistan. Kumz for example isnt muslim or christian, but homosexuality is illegal in Srilanka, it will be easier for me being gay in South Africa where its not a crime and where gay pride is open in the streets every single day. (not once a year) Family and society is automatically easier to deal with when you dont feel like you breaking the law because of love. Just my opinion.
I have a lesbian friend getting married, they get their share of looks and comments, but they can go to a gay club, they can get married, they can walk holding hands in the mall because there is a 99% chance that they are not the only gay couple in the mall thats holding hands. They will get stared at, and old people will shake their heads, but there will also be people who smile at their inloveness and feel inspired by their boldness. Last but not least, no one will be phoning the SAPD. Can you do this in Pakistan?? Shrilanka? If not, being gay isnt the same all over the world.
nice
i dont agree. Being gay, muslim and living in pakistan is more difficult than being gay, atheist and living in the UK. Yes family and society is equally hard. But being gay isnt a crime in the UK. You cant be thrown in jail for being gay. Also, support groups in the UK is open, not hidden because its illegal. Gay pride makes being gay easier, there is no gay pride in pakistan. Kumz for example isnt muslim or christian, but homosexuality is illegal in Srilanka, it will be easier for me being gay in South Africa where its not a crime and where gay pride is open in the streets every single day. (not once a year) Family and society is automatically easier to deal with when you dont feel like you breaking the law because of love. Just my opinion.
I have a lesbian friend getting married, they get their share of looks and comments, but they can go to a gay club, they can get married, they can walk holding hands in the mall because there is a 99% chance that they are not the only gay couple in the mall thats holding hands. They will get stared at, and old people will shake their heads, but there will also be people who smile at their inloveness and feel inspired by their boldness. Last but not least, no one will be phoning the SAPD. Can you do this in Pakistan?? Shrilanka? If not, being gay isnt the same all over the world.
#78 Faith/Beliefs
Share your views and beliefs on religion, theology, culture and matters of faith.