Reception of Qurʾān in the LGBTQ Muslim Community

Abstract

The homophobic mass murder at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida, in 2016 makes it urgent for Muslims and their friends to critically reassess their understanding of Queer Muslims (that is, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Muslims). Muslims cannot pretend that Islam has nothing to do with the killing, since the murderer was motivated by his understanding of Islam. However, research reveals that Islam is not inherently condemning of LGBT people: it has been interpreted that way, but its scriptural sources are open to other interpretations. This article demonstrates the varied ways that Queer Muslims receive the Qur’an. Through interviews with members of this community of varied ethnicity, national origin, and doctrinal affiliation, one recurring insight arises: namely, that a religion that does not focus on the lived experience of real people, especially those who struggle against marginalization and injustice, is not a religion of compassion. Queer Muslims find certain principles essential as they interpret the Qur’an, such as realistic assessment of social life, affirmation of deep diversity in creation, protection of human dignity, adherence to justice, and insistence on care and compassion as the foundation of Islam.