The launch of a campaign aimed at generating support for LGBT Muslims and promoting dialogue about homosexuality has received mixed reactions from the Muslim community.



The new LGBT-Muslim Solidarity campaign, established by the Peter Tatchell Foundation, attracted both criticism and support at the launch on Wednesday. “Some LGBT Muslims have complained that they’ve received harassment from their fellow Muslims,” said Tatchell, a prominent LBGT rights campaigner. “We want to challenge that by pointing out that both gay and Muslim people suffer prejudice and hate crimes – therefore we should be working together.”

The campaigners drew disapproval from some pedestrians at the launch in Whitechapel, east London, which has a large Bangladeshi community. One middle-aged man asked if the campaigners would approve if he walked naked down the street.

“Muslims believe in the prophets and we follow their teachings,” said Mariam Miah, a local woman. “Nowhere in those teachings does it say that it’s acceptable to be gay or lesbian. I accept those are feelings they have but it’s not something I want to promote.”

But a 25-year-old man, who gave his name as Ali, said: “If people are gay, let them be gay. If they want to marry, let them marry.”

The launch of LGBT-Muslim Solidarity follows an increase in the numbers of hate crimes perpetrated against both communities. Figures released this month showed that homophobic attacks in England and Wales have increased 22% from the previous year. In the last year Islamophobic attacks have increased 70% in London.



One campaigner spoke of experiencing the shame felt by some gay Muslims when they tell their family about their sexuality. Matthew Ogston’s partner of 13 years, Nazim Mahmood, killed himself after his family rejected him when he came out. He said he felt compelled to help others who may find themselves in a similar situation.

“Being born into a religion that doesn’t accept you, where are you supposed to go?” he said. “I know three young gay Asians of different religions who felt like they had to take their own lives because they felt that their communities wouldn’t accept them. They’re not reported because the families don’t want it reporting.”

Imtiaz Shams, an ex-Muslim with the organisation Faith To Faithless, which gives a voice to those who have lost their faith, said it was vital to start the conversation.

“You can see a lot of the older generation walking past and I can speak to them in Sylheti. They’re realising that the people here are still part of their community,” he said.

“Homophobia isn’t limited to the Muslim community, but it’s brushed under the rug. Other communities at least have a conversation.”