| From | Muslims for Progressive Values <[email protected]> |
| Subject | Countering Homophobia in the Name of Religion |
| Date | June 4, 2023 10:48 PM |
Links have been removed from this email. Learn more in the FAQ.
Links have been removed from this email. Learn more in the FAQ.
96
Image
MPV Newsletter
June 2023
President's Note
Countering Homophobia in the Name of Religion
Last week in advance of Pride month, a position statement entitled “Navigating Differences: Clarifying Sexual and Gender
Ethics in Islam ( [link removed] )” was published and signed
by over 150 imams, sheikhs and religious leaders, across the United States and Canada. Their position states their right to
deny the humanity and constitutional rights of queer Muslims and non-Muslims, a position they substantiate with a patriarchal
interpretation of Islamic jurisprudence, and their constitutional right to do so, while denying the same rights for that of
queer folks.
Over and over again, queer folks and their lived experiences have served as a unifying factor for the world’s religious right
who, regardless of both their religious affiliation and their nationality, continue to demonstrate their unwavering
commitment to demonize and deny the humanity of queer people worldwide. It is particularly galling when these “scholars” take
it upon themselves to define Islam for the rest of us, citing ijma, or infallible agreement within the Muslim community,
while at the same time denying any dissent that contradicts their declaration, erasing those dissenting as
“non-authoritative”.
Since 9-11, Muslims in America have faced their share of discrimination ( [link removed] ) as a
minority population in the United States, often unjustly treated or discriminated against simply for being Muslim. The
signatories of this statement, in perhaps their only accurate observation, acknowledge the bigotry and exclusion that Muslims
have faced across the Western world. Yet these Muslim “leaders' ', who have no doubt spoken up numerous times against
Islamaphobic exclusion and their constitutional right to be protected and feel safe, have the impudence to demand acceptance
and reject all forms of criticism for their intolerance of a minority population .
Although upsetting, the hypocrisy from the religious right is nothing new. More disconcerting is the blatant disregard these
signatories show for teachings of the Qur’an, the Hadith, and the Sunnah and the long traditions of sexual and gender
diversity across Islamic civilizations. What happened to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad that call on Muslims to stand up
to the oppression of the most vulnerable? What enticed these religious “leaders”to conveniently omit that Prophet Muhammad
never punished anyone for being gay despite there being plenty of evidence of the existence of queer people during his time?
Nor do they mention that there is no punishment for being homosexual in the Qur’an, and yet, they utilize the holiest text in
Islam to promote their homophobic and transphobic teachings.
What about the “mukhannath”, or gender-variant people mentioned multiple times in the Qur’an and the Hadith or the phrase
“men who do not desire women” in Qur’an 24:31-24:33? These are direct references to sexual diversity in what Muslims believe
to be, God’s own words, mentioned without an iota of hate or prejudice. Muslim societies throughout the ages even had
inheritance laws for hermaphrodites. The omission of all these rich facts by these religious leaders are nothing short of
misleading, falsifying the true teachings of the Qur’an and the long presence that Queer Muslims have had in Islamic
societies.
The fact of the matter is that much of the Muslim world never had discriminatory laws against homosexuality prior to
colonization. It was the European colonizers who introduced institutionalized and systemic homophobia and transphobia to
these societies often in the form of penal codes, like Penal Code 377, which criminalized consensual homosexual conduct as a
“carnal intercourse against the order of nature” across the British Commonwealth. It is unfortunate that much of the Muslim
society, regardless of their geographic locations, have now embraced this discriminatory belief as their own with such
religious fervor rather than looking at the religious truth and historical facts .
In 2017, PEW ( [link removed] ) reported
that 52% of American Muslims are accepting of LGBTQ+ folks. More telling is that 52% of American Muslims are millennials, and
60% of them say homosexuality should be accepted by society (PEW 2017 ( [link removed] )). These religious leaders and
scholars in question realize that millennials will no longer stand passively by as they espouse their misogynistic and
homophobic beliefs while claiming to speak for all Muslims. They can see the youth have moved on without them because this
new generation is now reverting back to the age-old practice of ijtihad, studying the Islamic texts for themselves and
striving to build their own personal relationship with God. I can attest to this shift as I experienced this personal change
of heart and mind myself, through my own journey in re-learning Islam for myself.
Once your heart and mind is open to a theology of inclusivity, there is no going back. It is a fire in the belly that is
undistinguishable.
For the Muslim religious leaders in America who have not signed on to this hateful position statement, I urge you to make
your voice count, be a leader, live up to the Islamic conviction of human dignity and justice for all by signing on to our
#NoHateInMyFaith ( [link removed] ) campaign, which reads: “I pledge to refute and combat
discrimination against any individual or community, including Blacks, the LGBTQ+ community, women, Jews, Shi’a, Sunni, and
Ahmadiyya Muslims, Baha’i, non-Muslims, atheists or any “other,” no matter who that other is. I pledge to eradicate all
divisive, homophobic, and/or misogynistic teachings in my community and in religious institutions I am affiliated with, and
will affirm the dignity of all individuals.”
If you call yourself a Muslim religious leader, then lead for the good of humanity. Meanwhile, a group of Muslims have taken
it upon themselves to lead in the counter narrative which we urge everyone to sign on to here ( [link removed] ).
Ani Zonneveld
MPV Founder & President
Image
National Events
National Call to Prayer for LGBTQ+ Youth
This Pride Month, MPV is proud to be a partner of Beloved Arise as they plan their National Call to Prayer for LGBTQ+ Youth.
We encourage you, whether as an individual, community, or family, to join us on this day of prayer.
Learn More Here ( [link removed] )
Marriage Services
New Officiants
Two new officiants have been added to our interfaith marriage services roster. Visit MPV’s website today to learn more about
Sabahat Ashraf and Summer Albayati and their journey to become Muslims for Progressive Values' Marriage Officiants.
Learn More ( [link removed] )
Image
Image
International Updates
Global Campaign for Equality in Family Law
Globally, discriminatory family laws restrict the right for women to marry or divorce, inherit property on an equal basis, or
have equal custody rights. They do not allow women and girls to fully exercise their human rights & achieve their full
potential. That's why Muslims for Progressive Values is proud to be a part of the Campaign's Coordinating Committee
Learn more about the Global Campaign for Equality in Family Law and the important work we’re doing to combat unequal family
law on the Campaign's newly launched website.
More about the Campaign ( [link removed] )
International Updates
GCEFL Statement
On International Day of Families 2023, the Global Campaign for Equality in Family Law released a statement calling on women’s
rights movements, the human rights system, and governments to demonstrate their support for the reform of discriminatory
family laws and prioritize ending discrimination in family law and practices
Read the Statement Here ( [link removed] )
Image
Chapter Updates
MPV New York
We are so excited to announce that Muslims for Progressive Values New York Chapter is officially active once again and open
to all individuals in the surrounding areas. Join MPV New York's Facebook Group for community and event updates.
MPV New York Facebook ( [link removed] )
Events
MPV New York
June 16 | Join the newly re-active MPV New York Chapter for their first event as a once again active chapter - a Meet & Greet
/ Town Hall on Friday June 16 at 6 PM EST in downtown New York City.
For more event details and to confirm your attendance, please join MPV NY Chapter's Facebook Group.
We look forward to welcoming you back into community!
More Details ( [link removed] )
Image
Chapter Updates
MPV Boston
MPV-Boston held their Eid party with lots of entertaining Eidi games, joys and laughter.
MPV-Boston was honored to co-sponsor Wicked Queer Film festival for 5th consecutive year. This incredible film festival
featured amazing LGBTQIA * affirming films including Joyland ( [link removed] ), Queer Shorts of the
Middle East and North Africa ( [link removed] ), Blue Caftan ( [link removed] ) and El-Houb ( [link removed] ). Wicked Queer film
festival ( [link removed] ) has positively impacted many Progressive Muslims over the years.
On May 13th, chapter participated in a film screening of Farha ( [link removed] ) and a discussion around the
freedom fight of Palestine with a local Party for Socialism and Liberation.
For our upcoming events, keep scrolling or join the MPV Boston community on Facebook.
MPV Boston ( [link removed] )
Events
MPV Boston
June 10 | MPV-Boston will be meeting to cheer for Boston Pride for the People march and also tabling at the Pride Festival
afterwards. Come find our table and get cool merch!
More Details ( [link removed] )
Image
MPV San Francisco Facebook ( [link removed] )
MPV San Francisco Meet Up ( [link removed] )
Chapter Updates
MPV San Francisco
The San Francisco Bay Chapter of MPV is looking forward to a busy June, with members participating in Santa Cruz Pride on
June 4, and San Francisco Pride on June 25th–with a possible return to participating in the Interfaith Worship Service at
Silicon Valley Pride later in the year. We are also looking forward to marking Juneteenth near to June 19th.
We are also looking forward to planning our own gatherings to discuss events in Sudan and a presentation by one of our
members who recently visited Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the Middle East.
For more event updates, please join us on our Meet Up ( [link removed] ) and Facebook ( [link removed] ) pages.
Staff Update
Meet Noel
We are so excited to announce that our team is expanding for the summer! Noel Abas, our new Community Engagement Intern, will
be working with Muslims for Progressive Values to build out MPV’s Chapters and Membership programs.
Interested in getting involved in Chapter development or starting an MPV Chapter in your community? Email her at
[email protected].
Image
Now Available
Is the Islamic Declaration of Faith For Your Vows?
Written by MPV Marriage Officiant, Jamal Mahmood, “Is the Islamic Declaration of Faith for Your Vows?”, includes a quiz for
non-Muslim individuals who plan to marry their Muslim partner to help them determine the answer to the question they may have
been asking.
Purchase Here ( [link removed] )
Image
Just Launched
The Women in Islam Series
is a public education series that demonstrates the compatibility of Islam & feminism & expand public knowledge on the
explicit right that Muslim women have to human rights. Over the series, we'll be publishing 11 pieces of educational contents
that promote a woman’s right to bodily autonomy from a progressive Islamic perspective.
Read all about Gender Based Violence in Part V of the series.
Discover Part V ( [link removed] )
Image
Donate
This Pride Month, considering making a donation to Muslims for Progressive Values to support our education and advocacy
efforts to advance the rights of Queer Muslims.
You can also support our work by amplifying our educational content, including our Sexual Diversity Series ( [link removed] ).
Make a Donation ( [link removed] )
Facebook ( [link removed] )
Twitter ( [link removed] )
Instagram ( [link removed] )
LinkedIn ( [link removed] )
Hey, would you like to see more of MPV in your feed?Connect with us on our social platforms!
click here ( --UNSUBSCRIBE_ALT-- )-->
MPV · 1465 Tamarind Ave., Suite 702 · Los Angeles · California · 90028
Preferences ( [link removed] )
|
Unsubscribe ( [link removed] )
This email was sent to [email protected].
Click here to view the online version. ( [link removed] )
Image
MPV Newsletter
June 2023
President's Note
Countering Homophobia in the Name of Religion
Last week in advance of Pride month, a position statement entitled “Navigating Differences: Clarifying Sexual and Gender
Ethics in Islam ( [link removed] )” was published and signed
by over 150 imams, sheikhs and religious leaders, across the United States and Canada. Their position states their right to
deny the humanity and constitutional rights of queer Muslims and non-Muslims, a position they substantiate with a patriarchal
interpretation of Islamic jurisprudence, and their constitutional right to do so, while denying the same rights for that of
queer folks.
Over and over again, queer folks and their lived experiences have served as a unifying factor for the world’s religious right
who, regardless of both their religious affiliation and their nationality, continue to demonstrate their unwavering
commitment to demonize and deny the humanity of queer people worldwide. It is particularly galling when these “scholars” take
it upon themselves to define Islam for the rest of us, citing ijma, or infallible agreement within the Muslim community,
while at the same time denying any dissent that contradicts their declaration, erasing those dissenting as
“non-authoritative”.
Since 9-11, Muslims in America have faced their share of discrimination ( [link removed] ) as a
minority population in the United States, often unjustly treated or discriminated against simply for being Muslim. The
signatories of this statement, in perhaps their only accurate observation, acknowledge the bigotry and exclusion that Muslims
have faced across the Western world. Yet these Muslim “leaders' ', who have no doubt spoken up numerous times against
Islamaphobic exclusion and their constitutional right to be protected and feel safe, have the impudence to demand acceptance
and reject all forms of criticism for their intolerance of a minority population .
Although upsetting, the hypocrisy from the religious right is nothing new. More disconcerting is the blatant disregard these
signatories show for teachings of the Qur’an, the Hadith, and the Sunnah and the long traditions of sexual and gender
diversity across Islamic civilizations. What happened to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad that call on Muslims to stand up
to the oppression of the most vulnerable? What enticed these religious “leaders”to conveniently omit that Prophet Muhammad
never punished anyone for being gay despite there being plenty of evidence of the existence of queer people during his time?
Nor do they mention that there is no punishment for being homosexual in the Qur’an, and yet, they utilize the holiest text in
Islam to promote their homophobic and transphobic teachings.
What about the “mukhannath”, or gender-variant people mentioned multiple times in the Qur’an and the Hadith or the phrase
“men who do not desire women” in Qur’an 24:31-24:33? These are direct references to sexual diversity in what Muslims believe
to be, God’s own words, mentioned without an iota of hate or prejudice. Muslim societies throughout the ages even had
inheritance laws for hermaphrodites. The omission of all these rich facts by these religious leaders are nothing short of
misleading, falsifying the true teachings of the Qur’an and the long presence that Queer Muslims have had in Islamic
societies.
The fact of the matter is that much of the Muslim world never had discriminatory laws against homosexuality prior to
colonization. It was the European colonizers who introduced institutionalized and systemic homophobia and transphobia to
these societies often in the form of penal codes, like Penal Code 377, which criminalized consensual homosexual conduct as a
“carnal intercourse against the order of nature” across the British Commonwealth. It is unfortunate that much of the Muslim
society, regardless of their geographic locations, have now embraced this discriminatory belief as their own with such
religious fervor rather than looking at the religious truth and historical facts .
In 2017, PEW ( [link removed] ) reported
that 52% of American Muslims are accepting of LGBTQ+ folks. More telling is that 52% of American Muslims are millennials, and
60% of them say homosexuality should be accepted by society (PEW 2017 ( [link removed] )). These religious leaders and
scholars in question realize that millennials will no longer stand passively by as they espouse their misogynistic and
homophobic beliefs while claiming to speak for all Muslims. They can see the youth have moved on without them because this
new generation is now reverting back to the age-old practice of ijtihad, studying the Islamic texts for themselves and
striving to build their own personal relationship with God. I can attest to this shift as I experienced this personal change
of heart and mind myself, through my own journey in re-learning Islam for myself.
Once your heart and mind is open to a theology of inclusivity, there is no going back. It is a fire in the belly that is
undistinguishable.
For the Muslim religious leaders in America who have not signed on to this hateful position statement, I urge you to make
your voice count, be a leader, live up to the Islamic conviction of human dignity and justice for all by signing on to our
#NoHateInMyFaith ( [link removed] ) campaign, which reads: “I pledge to refute and combat
discrimination against any individual or community, including Blacks, the LGBTQ+ community, women, Jews, Shi’a, Sunni, and
Ahmadiyya Muslims, Baha’i, non-Muslims, atheists or any “other,” no matter who that other is. I pledge to eradicate all
divisive, homophobic, and/or misogynistic teachings in my community and in religious institutions I am affiliated with, and
will affirm the dignity of all individuals.”
If you call yourself a Muslim religious leader, then lead for the good of humanity. Meanwhile, a group of Muslims have taken
it upon themselves to lead in the counter narrative which we urge everyone to sign on to here ( [link removed] ).
Ani Zonneveld
MPV Founder & President
Image
National Events
National Call to Prayer for LGBTQ+ Youth
This Pride Month, MPV is proud to be a partner of Beloved Arise as they plan their National Call to Prayer for LGBTQ+ Youth.
We encourage you, whether as an individual, community, or family, to join us on this day of prayer.
Learn More Here ( [link removed] )
Marriage Services
New Officiants
Two new officiants have been added to our interfaith marriage services roster. Visit MPV’s website today to learn more about
Sabahat Ashraf and Summer Albayati and their journey to become Muslims for Progressive Values' Marriage Officiants.
Learn More ( [link removed] )
Image
Image
International Updates
Global Campaign for Equality in Family Law
Globally, discriminatory family laws restrict the right for women to marry or divorce, inherit property on an equal basis, or
have equal custody rights. They do not allow women and girls to fully exercise their human rights & achieve their full
potential. That's why Muslims for Progressive Values is proud to be a part of the Campaign's Coordinating Committee
Learn more about the Global Campaign for Equality in Family Law and the important work we’re doing to combat unequal family
law on the Campaign's newly launched website.
More about the Campaign ( [link removed] )
International Updates
GCEFL Statement
On International Day of Families 2023, the Global Campaign for Equality in Family Law released a statement calling on women’s
rights movements, the human rights system, and governments to demonstrate their support for the reform of discriminatory
family laws and prioritize ending discrimination in family law and practices
Read the Statement Here ( [link removed] )
Image
Chapter Updates
MPV New York
We are so excited to announce that Muslims for Progressive Values New York Chapter is officially active once again and open
to all individuals in the surrounding areas. Join MPV New York's Facebook Group for community and event updates.
MPV New York Facebook ( [link removed] )
Events
MPV New York
June 16 | Join the newly re-active MPV New York Chapter for their first event as a once again active chapter - a Meet & Greet
/ Town Hall on Friday June 16 at 6 PM EST in downtown New York City.
For more event details and to confirm your attendance, please join MPV NY Chapter's Facebook Group.
We look forward to welcoming you back into community!
More Details ( [link removed] )
Image
Chapter Updates
MPV Boston
MPV-Boston held their Eid party with lots of entertaining Eidi games, joys and laughter.
MPV-Boston was honored to co-sponsor Wicked Queer Film festival for 5th consecutive year. This incredible film festival
featured amazing LGBTQIA * affirming films including Joyland ( [link removed] ), Queer Shorts of the
Middle East and North Africa ( [link removed] ), Blue Caftan ( [link removed] ) and El-Houb ( [link removed] ). Wicked Queer film
festival ( [link removed] ) has positively impacted many Progressive Muslims over the years.
On May 13th, chapter participated in a film screening of Farha ( [link removed] ) and a discussion around the
freedom fight of Palestine with a local Party for Socialism and Liberation.
For our upcoming events, keep scrolling or join the MPV Boston community on Facebook.
MPV Boston ( [link removed] )
Events
MPV Boston
June 10 | MPV-Boston will be meeting to cheer for Boston Pride for the People march and also tabling at the Pride Festival
afterwards. Come find our table and get cool merch!
More Details ( [link removed] )
Image
MPV San Francisco Facebook ( [link removed] )
MPV San Francisco Meet Up ( [link removed] )
Chapter Updates
MPV San Francisco
The San Francisco Bay Chapter of MPV is looking forward to a busy June, with members participating in Santa Cruz Pride on
June 4, and San Francisco Pride on June 25th–with a possible return to participating in the Interfaith Worship Service at
Silicon Valley Pride later in the year. We are also looking forward to marking Juneteenth near to June 19th.
We are also looking forward to planning our own gatherings to discuss events in Sudan and a presentation by one of our
members who recently visited Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the Middle East.
For more event updates, please join us on our Meet Up ( [link removed] ) and Facebook ( [link removed] ) pages.
Staff Update
Meet Noel
We are so excited to announce that our team is expanding for the summer! Noel Abas, our new Community Engagement Intern, will
be working with Muslims for Progressive Values to build out MPV’s Chapters and Membership programs.
Interested in getting involved in Chapter development or starting an MPV Chapter in your community? Email her at
[email protected].
Image
Now Available
Is the Islamic Declaration of Faith For Your Vows?
Written by MPV Marriage Officiant, Jamal Mahmood, “Is the Islamic Declaration of Faith for Your Vows?”, includes a quiz for
non-Muslim individuals who plan to marry their Muslim partner to help them determine the answer to the question they may have
been asking.
Purchase Here ( [link removed] )
Image
Just Launched
The Women in Islam Series
is a public education series that demonstrates the compatibility of Islam & feminism & expand public knowledge on the
explicit right that Muslim women have to human rights. Over the series, we'll be publishing 11 pieces of educational contents
that promote a woman’s right to bodily autonomy from a progressive Islamic perspective.
Read all about Gender Based Violence in Part V of the series.
Discover Part V ( [link removed] )
Image
Donate
This Pride Month, considering making a donation to Muslims for Progressive Values to support our education and advocacy
efforts to advance the rights of Queer Muslims.
You can also support our work by amplifying our educational content, including our Sexual Diversity Series ( [link removed] ).
Make a Donation ( [link removed] )
Facebook ( [link removed] )
Twitter ( [link removed] )
Instagram ( [link removed] )
LinkedIn ( [link removed] )
Hey, would you like to see more of MPV in your feed?Connect with us on our social platforms!
click here ( --UNSUBSCRIBE_ALT-- )-->
MPV · 1465 Tamarind Ave., Suite 702 · Los Angeles · California · 90028
Preferences ( [link removed] )
|
Unsubscribe ( [link removed] )
This email was sent to [email protected].
Click here to view the online version. ( [link removed] )
Message Analysis
- Sender: Muslims for Progressive Values
- Political Party: n/a
- Country: United States
- State/Locality: n/a
- Office: n/a