This book highlights the lived experiences of gay Muslims in Malaysia, where Islam is the majority and official religion, and in Britain, where Muslims form a religious minority. By exploring how they negotiate their religious and sexual identities, Shah challenges the notion that Islam is inherently homophobic and that there is an unbridgeable divide between 'Islam' and the 'West'. Shah also gained access to gay Muslim networks and individuals for his in-depth research in both countries, and the book investigates the different ways that they respond to everyday anti-homosexual or anti-Muslim sentiments. Amid the many challenges they confront, the gay Muslims whom Shah encountered find innovative and meaningful ways to integrate Islam and gay identity into their lives. The Making of a Gay Muslim will appeal to students and scholars with an interest in contemporary Islam, religion, gender and sexuality.

Auteur
Shanon Shah is an academic based in London, UK. He lectures in the sociology and anthropology of religion and researches into contemporary Islam and Christianity in Malaysia and Britain.

Contenu

Introduction.- 2. Looking for Gay Muslims.- 3. Studying Islam and Homosexuality.- 4. Comparing Malaysia and Britain.- 5. Coming to Terms with Being Gay and Muslim.- 6. Gay Expressions of Islam.- 7. The Wider Politics of Halal and Haram.- 8. Conclusion.