Gay Muslims
This BBC Channel 4 documentary shows how the experiences of five lesbian and gay Muslims in Britain challenge the heterosexual bias in Muslim communities and illustrate the diversity within Islam. There are diverse perspectives on homosexuality amongst Muslims, ranging from condemnation through to the Muslim Canadian Congress's welcome for legislation redefining marriage to include same-sex partners. Some 200 lesbian and gay Muslims were contacted by the programme makers but only a handful were willing to be interviewed, and most of those insisted on keeping their identities hidden. Only one was prepared to show his face and give his true name. The interviewees speak of their commitment to and belief in Islam, though instead of having their beliefs supported by their community and family, they face being ostracised. 'Shakir' and his parents find it easier to accept lesbianism than gay men's homosexuality. 'Farah' contemplates going back into the closet, to lie about her sexuality to ease the tension in her relationship with her parents.
Primary Title
- Gay Muslims
Date Broadcast
- Saturday 6 December 2008
Start Time
- 02 : 30
Finish Time
- 03 : 30
Duration
- 60:00
Channel
- Documentary Channel
Broadcaster
- Sky Network Television
Programme Description
- This BBC Channel 4 documentary shows how the experiences of five lesbian and gay Muslims in Britain challenge the heterosexual bias in Muslim communities and illustrate the diversity within Islam. There are diverse perspectives on homosexuality amongst Muslims, ranging from condemnation through to the Muslim Canadian Congress's welcome for legislation redefining marriage to include same-sex partners. Some 200 lesbian and gay Muslims were contacted by the programme makers but only a handful were willing to be interviewed, and most of those insisted on keeping their identities hidden. Only one was prepared to show his face and give his true name. The interviewees speak of their commitment to and belief in Islam, though instead of having their beliefs supported by their community and family, they face being ostracised. 'Shakir' and his parents find it easier to accept lesbianism than gay men's homosexuality. 'Farah' contemplates going back into the closet, to lie about her sexuality to ease the tension in her relationship with her parents.
Classification
- M
Owning Collection
- Television Vault
Broadcast Platform
- Television
Languages
- English
Captions
Live Broadcast
- No
Rights Statement
- Made for the University of Auckland's educational use as permitted by the Screenrights Licensing Agreement.
Subjects
- Homosexuality--Religious aspects--Islam
- Gay men--Great Britain--Religious aspects--Islam
- Lesbians--Great Britain--Religious aspects--Islam
Genres
- Documentary
Contributors
- BBC (Production Unit)
- Sonia Deol (Narrator)
- Cara Lavan (Director)
- Cara Lavan (Producer)
- Love Productions (Production Unit)
Subjects
- Homosexuality--Religious aspects--Islam
- Gay men--Great Britain--Religious aspects--Islam
- Lesbians--Great Britain--Religious aspects--Islam