Reclaiming Faith and Identity: LGBTQI Activism in Muslim-Majority Societies

“CSBR uses culturally sensitive approaches to connect universal human rights with local traditions and beliefs,” shares Rahman, a coordinator at Coalition for Sexual and Bodily Rights (CSBR). Based in South Asia, Rahman has been focused on progressing the rights of gender and sexual minorities in Muslim societies for over nine years. 

We spoke with Rahman about the challenges and triumphs of LGBTQI activism across South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and Central Asia. They explore the intersection of faith and LGBTQI identities, the impact of CSBR’s groundbreaking initiatives, and the hope for the future of the LGBTQI movement in Asia. 

What inspired you to become an LGBTQI activist? What has your journey as an activist been like?

Growing up in conservative South Asian societies, I witnessed the rigidity of people and their behaviours which are shaped by age-old customs, religions, and cultures. They are anxious to welcome and embrace diversity. This made me question the need for a strong intervention—one that amplifies the voices of those marginalised due to their gender identities and provides them with a strong platform.

It took years to gain momentum and exposure. Social and geographic dynamics varied widely—some areas were more open to discussing LGBTQI concepts, while others reacted with significant backlash. However, over the last decade, there has been considerable progress. Many people are becoming more aware and sensitised to gender and sexual identities, though conservative societies still struggle to accept diversity. But that’s what inspires an activist to thrive for more. This will be a lifelong journey to pursue justice, overcoming every challenge along the way.

You are now working with CSBR. Would you be able to tell us more about the work of CSBR?

CSBR is a transnational network that works to advance sexual and bodily rights across Muslim-majority societies. Established in 2001, CSBR brings together activists, academics, and organisations from diverse backgrounds to address issues related to gender, sexuality, and human rights. It focuses on fostering a nuanced understanding of how sexual and bodily autonomy can coexist within cultural and religious contexts. 

Our work focuses on building the skills of activists, engaging with governments, regional bodies, and international organisations to promote progressive policies. We create a collaborative space for member organisations to share ideas and promote cross-border solidarity. CSBR also publishes studies and policy papers that challenge stereotypes about gender and sexuality in Muslim communities, encouraging evidence-based discussions. Above all, CSBR uses culturally sensitive approaches to connect universal human rights with local traditions and beliefs.

CSBR works across South & Southeast Asia, MENA, and Central Asia. How does the situation differ for LGBTQI people between the different regions? 

The situation for LGBTQI people varies significantly across these regions due to differences in legal frameworks, cultural norms, and religious influences.

In some South Asian countries such as India and Nepal, progress has been made with decriminalisation and recognition of rights. Southeast Asia is more mixed. Countries like Thailand and Vietnam are relatively progressive, with movements toward greater legal recognition, while others such as Malaysia and Indonesia still have discriminatory laws or have seen anti-LGBTQI rhetoric increase. While some cultural practices historically embraced gender diversity like hijra communities in South Asia, conservative interpretations often dominate today. 

The MENA region remains one of the most restrictive globally. Same-sex relationships are criminalised in most countries, with severe punishments, including imprisonment or even the death penalty in places like Iran and Saudi Arabia. Even where laws are less strict like in Lebanon or Tunisia, societal stigma remains high, and authorities often target LGBTQI individuals under other laws such as public decency or anti-prostitution statutes. 

In Central Asia, many countries such as Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan criminalise same-sex relationships, with punishments ranging from fines to imprisonment. The region is influenced by both Islamic traditions and Soviet-era legacies that emphasise traditional family structures and moral conservatism. Public discourse around LGBTQI rights is often limited and hostile.

“Dominant religious frameworks, including Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, combined with conservative cultural values, heavily influence societal attitudes.“

And are there any common themes that link the regions together?

Of course. Across all three regions, laws criminalising LGBTQI identities persist, perpetuating stigma and violence. Dominant religious frameworks, including Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, combined with conservative cultural values, heavily influence societal attitudes. LGBTQI identities are often portrayed as “Western” or incompatible with local traditions.

Additionally, LGBTQI individuals frequently face compounded challenges due to intersecting factors like gender, socioeconomic status, and being part of ethnic or religious minority groups. Despite these difficulties, LGBTQI activism is growing across all regions. Local organisations are advocating for decriminalisation, legal protections, and societal acceptance, even as activists face significant personal and organisational risks.

A lot of your work is focused at the intersection of faith and LGBTQI rights. Would you be able to tell us more about the work being done at this intersection? 

The intersection of faith and LGBTQI rights is a complex space where spiritual beliefs, cultural traditions, and individual identities converge. The experiences of LGBTQI people of faith are shaped by intersecting factors such as race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and regional context, which often amplify both their challenges and their resilience. For many, reclaiming their faith is an act of healing. Through prayer, meditation, or community rituals, LGBTQI people of faith find spiritual belonging that affirms both their identity and their beliefs.

Work at this intersection aims to disrupt the false narrative that faith and LGBTQI identities are incompatible, instead highlighting the potential for inclusive faith practices. We found that engaging faith communities in LGBTQI advocacy can lead to broader acceptance, especially in regions where religion shapes public opinion and policy. By incorporating faith-based approaches, LGBTQI advocacy becomes more culturally resonant, particularly in conservative societies where secular arguments may have less impact.

You run an annual campaign called ‘One Day, One Struggle’. Could you tell us more about this campaign and its impact? 

The first One Day, One Struggle (ODOS) campaign, launched on November 9, 2009, brought together a diverse group of non-governmental organisations, academic institutions, and activists from across MENA, South, and Southeast Asia. The campaign aimed to amplify the struggles of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) advocates in Muslim societies at the international level. As part of the campaign, organisations from 11 countries held public demonstrations and discussions to affirm that sexual and reproductive rights are universal human rights.

Following 9/11, global discourse about Muslims turned overwhelmingly negative, perpetuating stereotypes that say feminists and LGBTQI people do not exist in Muslim societies. ODOS sought to challenge these stereotypes by highlighting the diversity within Muslim societies and emphasising that there is no single definition of a “Muslim society.”

The campaign spotlighted the huge diversity of practices in Muslim societies. For example, advocates in Palestine campaigned against “honor killings,” a widespread violation of women’s bodily rights in the Middle East, while LGBTQI communities in South Asia organised cultural events to increase visibility for the struggles of LGBTQI people in the Middle East. By showcasing these efforts, ODOS demonstrated the courageous work of SRHR advocates and the strength of cross-regional solidarity, setting a precedent for advancing awareness of sexual and bodily rights globally.

Would you be able to share with us a story of how the work of CSBR has impacted the lives of LGBTQI people? 

One impactful initiative was a regional workshop organised by CSBR that brought together LGBTQI activists, religious scholars, and community leaders from South Asia, Southeast Asia, and MENA. The workshop aimed to address the challenges LGBTQI people face when navigating their identities within religious contexts.

One participant, a gay Muslim man from a conservative MENA country, had struggled with isolation due to the conflict between his faith and sexual identity. Before the workshop, he felt excluded both from his religious community, which viewed homosexuality as incompatible with Islam, and from LGBTQI spaces, which often dismissed religion as oppressive.

Through CSBR’s program, he found a supportive network of LGBTQI Muslims and allies who understood his unique challenges. He gained access to resources that helped him reinterpret his faith in a way that embraced his identity. Inspired by the inclusive teachings and practical strategies shared during the workshop, he began facilitating small discussion groups in his local community, bringing together LGBTQI people of faith to share their experiences and support one another.

What are your hopes for the future of the LGBTQI movement in your region?

I hope for greater societal understanding and acceptance of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, dismantling stigma rooted in cultural and religious traditions. I envision gender diversity and identity becoming part of school curricula to foster understanding from a young age, combating stereotypes and misinformation. I also hope healthcare services, including mental health resources and gender-affirming care tailored to LGBTQI individuals, become easily accessible. 

We need to encourage conversations within traditional and religious communities to reconcile cultural values with respect for LGBTQI individuals. Ultimately, I hope for unified movements across Asia and MENA, where progressive countries inspire their neighbours to enact change, creating a ripple effect of inclusion and acceptance throughout the regions.

Learn more about CSBR here.