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Lbtq Muslim Women Intersectionality: Examining the Resistance

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Lbtq Muslim Women Intersectionality: Examining the Resistance LBTQ MUSLIM WOMEN INTERSECTIONALITY: EXAMINING THE RESISTANCE STRATEGIES MARYAM KHAN A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF GRADUATE STUDIES IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY GRADUATE PROGRAM IN SOCIAL WORK YORK UNIVERSITY TORONTO, ONTARIO August 2018 © Maryam Khan, 2018 ii Abstract This qualitative study critically examined life stories of 14 Lesbian, Bisexual, Trans, and Queer (LBTQ) Muslim women in the Global North (Canada and the U.S.) within an interpretive paradigm. Emphasis was placed on how LBTQ Muslim women lived out the intersections of (race, sexuality, gender identity and expression, religion, and spirituality) as well as addressing community, societal and familial dimensions amongst hegemonic discourses that exist within normative Muslim and LGBTQ communities. Transnational and critical race feminism, intersectionality theory and an Islamic liberationist approach to gender and sexuality frame the project. Findings suggest that the women do not abandon Islam, sexual and/or gender identity while living out lives; and LBTQ Muslim women resist hegemonic discourses within normative Muslim and LGBTQ communities vis-à-vis principles within the Islamicate tradition. Keywords: LBTQ Muslims, women, Islam, resistance iii Dedication This dissertation study is dedicated to the Ever-loving Creator. For without you there is nothing. One of the best blessings in my life is my partner in crime and my soul mate, Kaushilya. This dissertation would not have been possible without your shoulder to cry on. You have been my inspiration, solace and everything. I love you. iv Acknowledgements I would like to acknowledge the countless hours of guidance, care, and love my core committee members dedicated to me and this project. Without you there would be no project and no success. A very BIG thanks, sincerest gratitude and respect goes to (in alphabetical order), Dr. Chris Chapman (York University), Dr. Amina Jamal (Ryerson University) and Dr. Nick Mulé (York University). You have made my dreams come true and for that I am forever indebted to you! I would like to offer a special thanks to Dr. Nick Mulé for your ongoing excellent mentorship and supervision. You held it all together over the years and have taught me never to give up. Your feedback, guidance and mentorship have laid out a strong path for me to follow. To my larger dissertation committee members, huge thanks for agreeing to be a part of my journey and for your invaluable time and feedback. For all of the participants who shared their stories with me, May God bless you always and keep you safe. Ameen. I would like to say a heartfelt thanks to my esteemed colleague and comrade, Cameron McKenzie. You have been there for me throughout the good and not-so-good times. I will forever cherish our friendship and I look forward to our new adventures at Laurier! Lastly, (but not the least) many thanks are overdue to Kaushilya. Thanks for being my rock! v Table of Contents Abstract ........................................................................................................................................................ ii Dedication ................................................................................................................................................... iii Acknowledgements .................................................................................................................................... iv Chapter 1: Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 1 Problem Statement & Significance of Research ....................................................................................... 3 Dissertation Research Objectives.............................................................................................................. 5 Research Questions ................................................................................................................................... 6 Key Concepts ............................................................................................................................................ 7 Orientalism. ........................................................................................................................................... 7 Identity. ................................................................................................................................................. 8 Experience. ............................................................................................................................................ 9 Race, whiteness and racialization. ........................................................................................................ 9 Interdisciplinary Contributions ............................................................................................................... 10 Chapter 2: Literature Review .................................................................................................................. 13 Constructions of Racialized Muslim Women ......................................................................................... 13 Global Perspectives on Sexual and Gender Diversity............................................................................. 18 Islamic Jurisprudence .............................................................................................................................. 26 Quran and Tafsir ..................................................................................................................................... 29 Quran as sex positive. ......................................................................................................................... 32 Unpacking the story of Lut (Lot). ....................................................................................................... 33 Female homoeroticism. ....................................................................................................................... 35 Trans Muslims ........................................................................................................................................ 38 Secularism, Modernity, Orientalism, Neoliberalism and Homonationalism .......................................... 40 Progressive Muslims. .......................................................................................................................... 51 Varying Discourses on Living out LGBTQ Muslim Identity ................................................................. 52 Hegemonic discourses......................................................................................................................... 53 Affirmative approach. ......................................................................................................................... 57 Role of Support Groups in Living out an Intersectional Identity ............................................................ 58 Chapter 3: Theoretical Approach ........................................................................................................... 61 Theories Working in Tandem ................................................................................................................. 61 Transnational Feminism .......................................................................................................................... 63 Critical Race Feminism ........................................................................................................................... 65 Intersectionality....................................................................................................................................... 66 vi Theological Framing of Sexual & Gender Diversity in the Quran ......................................................... 69 Tawhid. ............................................................................................................................................... 70 Tafsir. .................................................................................................................................................. 71 Taqlid, jihad, and ijtihad. .................................................................................................................... 75 Chapter 4: Methods and Data Analysis .................................................................................................. 81 Recruitment and Sampling ...................................................................................................................... 83 Data Analysis .......................................................................................................................................... 86 Validity and reliability. ....................................................................................................................... 86 Interviews and transcription. ............................................................................................................... 87 Coding. ................................................................................................................................................ 88 Member checking. ............................................................................................................................... 89 Macro zoom. ......................................................................................................................................
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