Sarah Yusuf

The homophobic environment I lived in while growing up set the foundations for my own internalized homophobia. For the longest time I felt guilty about who I was. However, I found my outlet through writing and poetry. “I Like” expresses the fluid nature of pansexuality. To me, being pansexual is freedom. My queer identity is just as important as being a Bangladeshi Muslim.

It was also when I was reminded of how often queer Muslims get pushed to the sidelines in discussions about Islam or the LGBT+ community. To this day, there are self-proclaimed “open-minded, progressive, feminist” people within the LGBT+ community who cannot fathom a queer Muslim. On the flip side, there are homophobic and transphobic people within the Muslim community. Queer Muslims are sometimes disavowed and shunned by other Muslims, whilst being simultaneously denied by the very LGBT+ communities they turn to for safety. To these individuals, religion and queerness cannot intersect.

Valentine’s Day can either be the bane of your existence or a super romantic day with your boo. Regardless if you celebrate with your friends or your significant other, here are drinks for the occasion everyone can enjoy. There are two different recipes below, one alcoholic and an alternative non-alcoholic option. They’re both Rooh Afza based and are so refreshing!

Disappointment aside, Grace’s story is all too common for women. There are men who ardently claim to be “nice guys” and “woke male feminists” but will be the first ones to act creepy and engage in problematic behavior. I can relate to Grace’s emotions and thought processes, because I’ve been in her position before.

The majority of my life was spent trying to suppress who I was. Then, when I finally realized I couldn’t hold it in any longer, I had to live my truth. However, living freely can often mean the difference between safety and fear. I spend my days as a closeted pansexual, cisgender woman.

There is an ongoing debate on whether Islam is feminist religion. My outspoken female Muslim friends are quick to say yes to the topic, while others on the Internet would wholeheartedly disagree. For this issue, I want to have a nuanced approach to calling Islam a feminist religion.