calem     -    islam  &  inclusivity

 

the  INCLUSIVE  muslimS'  international  political  context

The overall context of discrimination towards LGBTQIA minorities is bad, even worrying; nevertheless, we shall be part of the ongoing positive changes, for things to get better.

Indeed, in seven Muslim countries, individuals belonging to an LGBTQIA minority may even be arrested and sentenced to death. Today several countries in Africa and the Middle East that were once very tolerant, especially towards all minorities, within an Arab-Islamic world regarded for centuries as a relative haven, seem inclined to tighten their laws.

The actions of our associations can help to act against the rise of homophobia and discrimination through the empowerment of Muslims belonging to an LGBTQIA minority and by informing efficiently, through relevant and targeted information and training, inclusive and progressive Muslims who condemn dehumanization and sustain what is fundamentally the expression of human diversity.

 

Besides, we can recall the latest twists on the international scene:

- UN: removal of the term "sexual orientation" from the international human rights texts - the U.S. has not voted.

- Middle East: the seven countries in the world which condemn homosexuals to death are Muslim countries.

- Africa: several Muslim countries – or countries where Islam has its say - are hardening totalitarian laws towards LGBTQIA minorities - Morocco, Cameroon, Uganda, etc.

- Asia: a certain tolerance, sometimes a proactive acceptance for example in Indonesia, the largest Muslim country in the world, where there are even mosques for homosexuals.

- Europe: slow progress according to the IGLA – International Gay and Lesbian Association - with even some who call themselves defenders of sexual minorities against the "Muslim Youth" - which would be, according to them, inherently homophobic and violent against LGBTQIA people (former minister of education and for LGBTQIA minorities at the opening speech of the ILGA conference - Netherlands, 28 October, 2010 - The Hague).

- United Nations Adopts Groundbreaking Resolution Affirming that LGBT Rights are Human Rights.

- UN council vote grants consultative status to ILGA – International Gay & Lesbian Association.

 

Therefore, it is a serious situation for LGBTQIA Muslim minorities who find themselves caught between the hammer and the anvil - Islamophobia and homophobia. This happens even here in Europe, where countries often have governments now openly Islamophobic (as in the Netherlands with the alliance of a right-wing party with the “anti Islam” party of Mr. Wilders).

 

                Indeed, not only does this stigmatize all Muslims as inherently homophobic and violent towards LGBTQIA minorities. As Muslims, this is unacceptable for us. Moreover, this view cannot help to move forward on issues concerning LGBTQIA individuals’ civil rights. Islam is used as an excuse, not to mention the real issue: the lack of total and proactive acceptance of individuals belonging de facto to a sexual minority.

Nevertheless, we believe that it is getting better for LGBTQIA Muslim minorities; and we shall be a part of that positive process. We do not seek extraordinary rights, but simply respect for our fundamental human rights; LGBTQIA rights are human rights.

 

 

audience  and  training  process

The CALEM conference long-term goal is to contribute actively, always in a peaceful manner, to  the development of a new representation of human sexuality among Muslims. This intellectual endeavor is related to the Islamic liberation theology currents of thought that our organizations support as a kind of avant-garde.

This allows LGBTQIA Muslims to free themselves from prejudices and direct or indirect violence. Participants to the conference will return home to train LGBTQIA individuals around them and have access to publications on the subject, available on the CALEM conference’s website – www.calem.eu.

The CALEM conference potentially concerns a wide and diverse public in search of training in relation to sexual and gender diversity within Islam. These exclusive trainings are given by international specialists at the forefront of this kind of social evolution. The CALEM conference might be of interest for:

- Young European citizens that are interested in these issues (average age at the conference is generally around 30 y.o.).

- Islamic associations, particularly members of reformed and inclusive Muslim associations, especially those dealing with people belonging to LGBTQIA minorities.

- Muslims concerned with issues related to the image that Muslims and people from other faiths could have about Islam today.

- Anyone interested in how Muslims develop a reformed and inclusive representation of their relationship to their heritage and faith.