This organization is changing the lives of LGBT Muslims
What's the story
While June is celebrated around the world as Pride Month, Muslims also spend days fasting during Ramzan. To blend sexuality with religion, The Queer Muslim Project (TQMP) organized a special inter-faith iftar to promote love and acceptance. The iftar was termed brave by many. TQMP, founded in 2017 by Rafiul Alom Rahman, thrives to help queer Muslims in their lives. Here's their story.
The founder
Founder of TQMP reveals reason behind one-of-its-kind interfaith iftar
Rafiul Alom Rahman, who belongs to Assam and stays in Delhi, rejects hate that is used to polarize India. Speaking about the one-of-its-kind interfaith iftar, Rahman said, "We wanted to invest a few moments of our lives to explore a world that values inclusion and diversity." He added Ramzan represents hope, peace and patience, whereas the queer parade is about accepting their sexualities.
The battle
Why being queer and Muslim is difficult? Rahman explains
Rahman said along with the cultural upbringing that considers homosexuality a sin, the growing Islamaphobia makes it difficult for Muslims to seek acceptance. A DNA report quoted a queer who found it difficult to initiate a conversation about his sexuality in the house, more so after his elder brother called it a sin. But TQMP helped him in more ways than one!
The network
Having online presence, TQMP is touching lives of many
Understanding the problems queer Muslims in India face, Rahman decided to start TQMP. Being exposed to movements like Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity (MASGD) and Muslims for Progressive Values, helped him initially. TQMP has formed a fan following on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. The idea was to create a safe haven for queer Muslims and to start conversations around sexuality.
Love is love
Thankfully, the hate TQMP receives hasn't deterred Rahman
However, Rahman agrees he receives a lot of hate too. The good thing is love that they receive compensates for the hate mails. Telling about how he handles hate, Rahman said he tries to use a rational stand and state facts. "Not that it always works, but it is the only way to go ahead," he added. You can also follow TQMP on Facebook.