Homosexuality in Islam

Macalester Islam Journal
Volume 2 Macalester Islam Journal
Issue 3

Article 8

3-28-2007

Homosexuality in Islam: A Difficult Paradox
Nicole Kligerman
Macalester College

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Recommended Citation
Kligerman, Nicole (2007) "Homosexuality in Islam: A Difficult Paradox," Macalester Islam Journal: Vol. 2: Iss. 3, Article 8.
Available at: http://digitalcommons.macalester.edu/islam/vol2/iss3/8

This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Religious Studies Department at DigitalCommons@Macalester College. It has been accepted for inclusion in Macalester Islam Journal by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@Macalester College. For more information, please contact [e-mail].

Kligerman: Homosexuality in Islam:

Macalester Islam Journal
Spring 2007 page 52
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Homosexuality in Islam:
A Difficult Paradox
Nicole Kligerman ‘10
This paper addresses the complex intricacies of homosexuality in Islam by exploring Qur?anic notions of sexuality, theoretical perceptions of homosexuality in the Muslim world, the effect of
Western influences on sexuality, and human rights abuses inflicted upon Muslim gays today.

Published by DigitalCommons@Macalester College, 2007

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Macalester Islam Journal, Vol. 2 [2007], Iss. 3, Art. 8

Macalester Islam Journal
Spring 2007 page 53
______________________________________________________

Homosexuality in Islam:
A Difficult Paradox
Nicole Kligerman ‘10

Introduction
Historical and contemporary homosexuality in Islam both demonstrate a paradoxical reality. While it is a common
Western perception that contemporary Muslim societies are particularly repressive of gays, this has not always been the case.
In fact, it is partly the rise of Western influence in the Muslim world that has created a greater social stigma against homosexuality. Although the Qur’an dismisses homosexuality

Cited: Azimi, Negar. "Prisoners of Sex." New York Times Magazine (2006): 62-67 (1990): 1-18. 15 Dec. 2006. Dunne, Bruce W. "Power and Sexuality in the Middle East." Middle East Report (1998): 8-11 International, 1993. 181-197. "Homosexuality Laws of the World." Wikipedia. 17 Dec. 2006 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexuality_laws_of_t "Mahmoud Asgari and Ayaz Marhoni." Wikipedia. 17 Dec. 2006 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahmoud_Asgari_and_Ay Massad, Joseph. "Re-Orienting Desire: the Gay International and the Arab World." Public Culture 14 (2002): 361-385 Dec. 2006. Published by DigitalCommons@Macalester College, 2007 13