I was scared that I would be cast aside and that there would no longer be a place for me in the Church. How did you expect people to react when you came out? How did the reality compare? There are also so many amazing resources online that go over the positive Christian position towards homosexuality and its basis in the Bible, so check those out. Find safe, caring people who understand this, find a church who does not "tolerate" you but accepts you inherently into the church family, and start small. If you really go into the scripture, the homophobia and transphobia of the church has no basis in Jesus’ teachings. It’s also opened my eyes to how much there is left to do, and given me the confidence to start being a more active, public role model for LGBT+ people of faith.Īs a Christian, I think my advice would be to get personal with God. It’s been powerful – just sharing and learning with such an incredible, varied and brave group of individuals was so inspiring.
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What effect has taking part in the programme had on you? I want to actively challenge and improve institutional Christian attitudes to homosexuality, and encourage intersectional understanding of religion with the LGBT community. I am so passionate about being a living example against people’s misconceptions. I want to show as many LGBT+ people of faith that unconditional love from God means unconditional, and that your love is not a sin, He made you how He wants you to be. One of the things that got me through was this conviction that I would use this experience, get through the other side, and help people like me so they never have to feel like that. When I was really, really struggling with marrying my faith and sexuality, I had some very low times. So share your stories and introduce them to your life as much as you can. They also have to come out constantly and it’s important to them to know that you are OK.
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Your family will always come around but you will need to support them in getting there as it’s not easy for anyone. I would encourage them to start with some safe people who they can confide in and build a social network. What is your advice for anyone who is nervous about coming out who is a member of your faith? I want to give young people the chance to grow and achieve their fullest potential. I hope to be one voice, a role model, someone who other LGBT and ally Muslims can look to and say it is OK: the world has not ended and that we are all stronger together. Islam is a very accepting religion and its foundations are based on peace, befriending and supporting each other.
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What is the biggest misconception about your faith and identifying as LGBT?Ī lot of people say you can't be gay and Muslim like it is a choice.