I was debating whether to insert this within LGBT+ or Islamic Leftism but I do think ultimately it might fit here better because it covers the specific experience of French indigènes, which makes it more relevant here.
I feel like in these sort of online Islamic “progressive” spaces, there’s no genuine discussions happening. These spaces are often almost defensive in nature - like the existence of this community is just to prove to disapproving whites that Islam isn’t this, or isn’t that. This is a result of being in a Western dominated space in general.
Gender and sexual minorities is a very important phenomenon that must require a response, yet it is almost ignored or never spoken about because this muslim-homophobia dichotomy is so engrained that people are (rightfully) scared to even talk about it, especially across the White left.
I’d of course invite everyone to treat this article critically, and contribute if you have any qualms against their conclusions, although I will admit my opinions have slowly drifted closer to the article as the years went by.
Interesting read, I agree that the “straight” vs “gay” conception of human sexuality is very western and not at all universal. And that white people will often force change onto racialized communities that they have no understanding of at all. And that in the hands of a capitalist government, gay rights are just another pretense for colonization.
I’ve never considered how imposing the gay identity onto other cultures is like imposing race onto them, but it kinda is isn’t it? Definitely have to reconsider the language I use when talking about queer liberation. Hmm…
I’ve seen someone on reddit ask “why do middle Easterners take so much oride in heterosexuality” and that sentence hit me like a semi truck lol.