Muslim LGBT Inclusion Project : Final Report

H. Rashid, A. Geissinger, M. Shaikh

The Muslim LGBT Inclusion Project sought to: initiate one-on-one conversations with Muslim theologians, religious practitioners, academics and lay people around LGBT issues; explore Qur'anic passages as they relate to homosexuality; consider cultural and historic practices and precedents related to LGBT individuals; uncover existing support and resistance to LGBT inclusion and equality; and lay the foundation for an evidence-based strategy for future action in continuing this conversation. To accomplish these objectives, we commissioned three articles by respected scholars in the fields of Islamic studies: Dr. Hussein Rashid, Dr. Aisha Geissinger and Mr. Munir Shaikh. These articles appear at the conclusion of this report. We also held two dozen one-on-one conversations with Muslim thought leaders in academia, among clergy, in the communications arena, and with youth. These conversations were held with such renowned thinkers as Imam Daayiee Abdullah, Ayaz Ahmed, Imam Bashar Arafat, Mohammed Abu-Nimer, Mona Eltahawy, John Esposito, Samar Habib, El-Farouk Khaki, Shabbir Mansuri, and Laury Silvers. We also hosted six intimate conversations in "safe spaces" around the country where individuals from across the spectrum of perspectives on this topic gathered to express those views, share stories and explore concrete suggestions as to how the conversation could continue and expand. Finally, we conducted a survey taken by those present during the gatherings, those invited to the gatherings but who were unable to attend, and those with whom we held the one-on-one conversations (A total of 61 surveys were returned and tabulated, representing a 78.2 percent response rate from the 78 surveys sent out. This report is a narrative summary of these findings. It does not pretend to be a scientific study, but its anecdotal evidence is not insignificant. Founded in 2007, Intersections International is a multi-faith, multi-cultural initiative of the Collegiate Church of New York, the oldest corporation in North America, dating back to 1628.