Muslims discuss Gay-Lesbian acceptance
“Hell No” was the phrase uttered by Pastor Jeff Hood at the Denton LGBT Forum , and my response was no different, the question was “Is yours the majority opinion amongst the clergy of your faith, and if not how do you respond when confronted on the issue?” An article is in the making that will share the exchanges at the forum, after I receive a statement from the fellow panelists.
No, my opinion is not the majority opinion and I am not a clergy, but someone who chose to be a Muslim after critical study of Islam. Throughout the human history, every opinion and message at the beginning was not a majority opinion, even including the message of Jesus, Muhammad, Krishna, Buddha, Moses and all others.
We have had several reformers including Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, Dr. Muhammad Iqbal, Dr. Muhammad Asad, Maulana Azad, Gus Dar Abdul Rahman Wahid, and among the current ones; Dr. Javed Ghamidi, Dr. Asghar Ali Engineer, Dr. Yusuf Hamza, Dr. Chandra Muzaffar, Dr. Tariq Ramadan, Dr. Laleh Bakhtiar, and many more. Every one of them followed Quraan with a firm belief that Quraan is God’s word, and to each one of them, God was Just, fair, merciful, kind and firm. Each one believed that God is God of the Universe and God of humanity, Allah was not a property to them that they owned, and God was freedom to them and freedom to his creation.
None of them ever sought to change Quraan; it was perfect to them, as it is God’s word. What they sought to change was layers of dust covering the wisdom, majesty, magnificence, kindness, justice embedded in Quraan. Indeed, that is the role of true reformers.
Acceptance of Gays and Lesbians started out as a minority opinion, but has gained acceptance in most traditions except Christian and Muslim traditions.
Although, Christians are miles ahead in holding seminars to understand and hear different opinions, Muslims are behind. The Muslim clergy is grappling with the issue, as they had never faced it before, and with sincerity, they are readying themselves theologically to discuss the issue, and we have to give them that room.
When I chose Islam to be my religion some 15 years ago, it was the freedom and justice aspect of Islam that appealed to me. I am a Muslim because I feel I am on the right path for me with the Guidance from Quraan. I see Islam as a religion that teaches humility, respect for the other, respect for other opinion, and building a society that is just and fair to every one of God’s creation. Most Muslims get Islam right, and some don’t.
I am committed to do my share of work in building cohesive societies.
Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism, politics, peace, Islam, Israel, India, interfaith, and cohesion at work place and standing up for others as an activist. He is committed to building a Cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day at www.TheGhousediary.com. Mike has a strong presence on national and local TV, Radio and Print Media. He is a frequent guest on Sean Hannity show on Fox TV, and a commentator on national radio networks, he contributes weekly to the Texas Faith Column at Dallas Morning News, fortnightly at Huffington post, and several other periodicals across the world. His personal site www.MikeGhouse.net indexes everything you want to know about him.
Reference to Christianity and Islam in the following commentary is due to the fact that the conservatives among these groups believe in imposing their morality on others, where as the moderate majority minds its own business. By the way, that is the case with conservative Jews and other faiths as well.
Islam is misunderstood by Muslims more than others, some of my fellow Muslims believe that God has given them the authority to carry a stick and force their belief on others, and if others don’t comply with their whims in the name of God, eradicate them. If that was the rule, no Muslim would have ever made it anywhere, they would have been eradicated. Islam is not about compulsion, it is about free will, it is a pro-active model system to create cohesive societies where no individual has to fear the other.
Prophet Muhammad and Jesus lived a model life offering the world, how to live with yourselves and with each other. They welcomed everyone to adapt their model, but were clear not to force any one against their will.
Islam is my religion; it helps me understand many questions about life through free will, which is also the spirit of America. My religion is for me and me alone, as other’s religion is for them and them alone. Some of the Muslims forget that on the Day of Judgment, he or she is asked, what good have you done to the fellow beings. Doing good to yourselves like going to Church or Mosque is a selfish thing, doing it for your own good that is not necessarily a good deed; unless it helped others do good as well.
Islam is not about imposing or eradicating others. As long as individuals are not robbing things from me or the society, breaking contracts with fellow beings, hurting loved ones physically and emotionally in their pursuit of happiness, they are free to do what they want.
Gay and Lesbian is part of our culture and it is here to stay, we are a free nation that respects one’s right to the pursuit of happiness. When I say, our culture, I mean American Culture. It is the American culture that has welcomed everyone on her shores, a culture about freedom where a Muslim can be a Muslim, and an Atheist can be an Atheist freely.
The conservatives in the United States are unfortunately out of touch with the realities of the world. Indeed, there are still a lot of people out there who believe in imposing their views on others.
Mike Ghouse
Coinciding with that definition, it applies on you most Mian and Mike is close. Because what I have been telling is what the overwhelming majority of Muslims think, and you people are bent on insisting in the name of Islam what not even a minuscule minority thinks. I am rejecting the opinion of the minority of Muslims and you that of majority.
Javed Jamil
According to Qur’an straight people of Hazrat Lut feared from Gay and Lesbian’s transgression (11:77-81) but in today’s world – (in Nigeria and elsewhere) straight people are the oppressors. As long as same sex marriages and G & L don’t interfere with rights of straight people and force others to become G & L but chose to adapt a different life style. Why don’t we leave Allah to arbitrate their personal conduct on the Day of Judgement. These people should be given same right to live and enjoy life as they please. I am unable to find example of extremely sever punishment constituted by God for Gay and Lesbian relationship in the Qur’an. I would be obliged if any one would be kind enough to show me reference from the Qur’an for unprecedented draconian punishment for the “crime” of such a nature? I understand that there is no compulsion in Islam whatever way of life one decide to chose (2:256 & 109:1-6).
Khan Mohammad Hanif
Salam
That saves the secularists, the pluralists, the lesbianist, the gayist, the athiest as by their own authority they are not bigots, they can’t be extremist, they would never be terrorist and they cannot even think of being intolerant lest they be chastised. Hmmm…interesting.
Khalid
Javed,
I sympathize for the stand you take; your base is Muslims, the orthodox Muslims. Prophet Muhammad’s base was Jews, Christians, pagans and Muslims, so is mine. As a Muslim I consider myself a Mukhlookhul Aalameen, following the Rab and the Prophet who both were for the Aalameen.
To shape the world, to be universal, our attitudes need to be universal and not confined. Islam is much bigger than the little religion a few Muslims reduce it to.
You have a different experience than most of us, we have learned and transitioned into accepting that the people who are gay have natural proclivities to be who they are, that is nearly 10% of the population in the United States, I am sure it is there in India, Saudi Arabia or Mexico and elsewhere.
God’s word is never wrong, he is the creator, and however, understanding his word is different for different people.
The smaller the pond, smaller is the God, the larger the ocean, larger the God.
Oppressive societies kill and frighten people. Like they do to Muslims, Baha’i, Hindu, Sikh, Christians and others Christians in Iran, Saudi Arabia, India, Pakistan, Israel and other places, they do the same to Gays and Lesbians. As a Muslim, I will stand up for the rights of every human, Allah has created us all.
In the spirit of ILM, learning, we will continue to share different points of view. I am not worried about others point of view, I am determined to speak what is right, which may not be right to many at this time, but a generation from now, there will be more understanding of human nature and God’s word.
There are a lot of Muslims who are gay, because of the stand I take, I get a ton of emails and phone calls, and I have been able to console many on the phone, preventing them from committing suicide, that’s how cruel some Muslims are… wanting to impose their whims on others. Unless we stand up for others, others who do not subscribe to our ideas, the world will not get better.
Mike Ghouse
Hi,I used the word, ‘Bigot’ in one of my previous messages and for the benefit of readers, I am including the definition of that word (bigot) below: World English Dictionary bigot (ˈbɪɡət) ”
“a person who is intolerant of any ideas other than his or her own, esp on religion, politics, or race”
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/bigot?s=trespectfully,
maw
From: javed jamil
Sent: Wednesday, January 16, 2013 6:47 AM
Subject: MuslimsTogether :: Re: FoundationForPluralism :: Muslims discuss on GAY/LESBIAN Issues
Mike
Talking to and dealing with gays is exactly like dealing with drug addicts. Due to various factors including gay provocative images in media, exposure to gay culture in the vicinity and exposure to gay sex, soon they become addicts of homosexuality. They start believing that they cannot live without this.
I am not advocating killing homosexuals from the very beginning. The problem has to be confronted in a phased manner through a comprehensive approach using all the possible ways. The first and foremost is the conceptual clarity with categorical assertion that homosexuality is an anomaly, which is extremely dangerous for homosexuals themselves as well as society at large, is immoral and unnatural and therefore cannot be given a moral, legal and social sanction. All the avenues related to the institutionalization and commercialization of homosexuality have to be confronted. The people involved in commercialization of homosexuality should be booked. The gays must then be counseled and those indulging should be imprisoned. At a later stages, the severer punishments may be given.
“Human Rights” have again become a favorite way to spread “Commercial Morality”. There is no campaign against prostitution, which is surely the greatest exploitation of women, there is no campaign against abortions, which does not only mean the killing of more than 50 million humans-in-making but also the burden of this ghastly and difficult exercise on as many women, there is no campaign against murders of human beings. No Human Rights activists are questioning the very basis of “Sexual Revolution” that kills people in millions, make people prostitutes, destroys the family system, makes children destitutes (with a high percentage living only with a single parent.)
And Mike, while you continue with your campaign for “Compassion for gays”, you ban my “The Killer Sex” series on the pretext of its being a book. What a logic! What a way to be a human rights activist!
Javed Jamil
— On Wed, 1/16/13, MikeGhouse@aol.com wrote:
From: MikeGhouse@aol.com
Subject: Re: FoundationForPluralism :: Muslims discuss on GAY/LESBIAN Issues
To:
Cc: FoundationForPluralism@yahoogroups.com, worldMuslimcongress@yahoogroups.com
Date: Wednesday, January 16, 2013, 2:16 AM
Javed,
Right off the bat, I mentioned that it is not a popular thing to do, and at this time a majority of “conservative” Christians and Muslims condemn homosexuality, but the majority of general population in the United states do not.
But, it is theright thing to defend the rights of individuals. There are 6 million Muslims in the US, and some 170 Million in India, where homosexuality is permitted in various segments of the nations.
The system of judgment has been established by men, based on their understanding ofGod’s words, and it is not easy for any one to consider a different point of view. I am not an advocate of Homosexuality, but an advocate of Human rights, the rights of an individual to seek happiness, without taking anything away from any one, be it property, money, emotion or other things of life, must be valued.
Are your suggesting to kill homosexuals? Force them to be straight? Unfortunately, you have to live hating them all your lives as it is no going to go away, because we are not brutal animals to kill others with whom we disagree. We have to learn the word of God, God is wise and he wants us to learn to respect the others (sura kafirun) and live with the idea of – to you is your belief, and to me is mine. Quraan does not advocate killing.
Ghalib had said a profound thought, even though it was for the Hetrosexuals, it is applicable to all. “Ishk pay zor nahin, hai a o aatish ghalib, ke lagaye na lagey, bujhaye na bujhe” love is such a flame that you cannot love someone by deciding to, or withdraw by wishing.. the longing to see, the longing to meet is aand inexplicable emotion. No one really knows why you like someone….
As a Doctor, have you had an open mind to sit and talk the with people who are gay and lesbians, I have. in the process of learning about themselves, most of them do not want to be gay, but they do not feel the same way towards the opposite sex, as you or I do. Javed, it is not easy for most people to understand, it takes a lot of empathy and caring to understand and honor that feeling.
I am writing a full article on the topic for us, the Muslims as well as the Christians to ponder on the topic. Some may not want to do that and that is their prerogative.
We don’t have to agree, we need more information to absorb the thoughts. I don’t expect you and a few more to agree with the stand that is anathema to you and I have no problems with that.
Mike Ghouse
In a message dated 1/16/2013 12:43:54 A.M. Central Standard Time, Javed Jamil writes:
Mike,
Your basic assertion is faulty. God does not establish social system through his own civil servants. It God has established human social system through the agency of humans themselves. What you say implies that if there is a disease, you need not treat it, if there is a deviation of attitude, there should be any effort to change it. And as Mujtaba pointed out, you have taken in your hands the responsibility to make everyone believe in a certain concept of pluralism. You have always tried to mould the interpretations of Quran in a way that suits your mission; and now you have made another serious departure, which is throughly unaccptable. Now you have judged that God did not punish Sodom and Gomorrah for homosexuality. This is absurd and is clearly condemnable. You cannot go saying whatever you like about Quran.
Homosexuality is a serious disorcer, which needs to be confronted n every possible way. But unfortunately you are playing in the hands of economic fundamentalists whose “Commercial Morality” judges the goodness or badness only on the basis of their impact on market. They feel no compassion for aborted children but for homosexuals. I cangive a list of many other examples. But I wil let it wait.
Javed Jamil— On Wed, 1/16/13, Mike Ghouse wrote:
From: Mike Ghouse
Subject: Re: FoundationForPluralism :: Muslims discuss on GAY/LESBIAN Issues
Cc: “FoundationForPluralism@yahoogroups.com” , “worldMuslimcongress@yahoogroups.com” ,
Date: Wednesday, January 16, 2013, 12:55 AM
Mujtaba,
You missed two points from the write up:
1. Humans are born with a free will and there should not be any compulsion on any one to believe otherwise, did our wise prophet not say that? Sharing knowledge, yes, but compulsion, No.
The last sentence is the summary of sura Kafirun. You share the knowledge, if they don’t see what you see or vice versa, you say, to you is your deen, as mine is to me..
2. As a society, we need to punish rape, or any act that violates the rights of others. Indeed, God did punish the people in the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, the punishment was for the lewd behavior; raping men and not for homosexuality.
Violation that affect the society need punishment by the society, where as the faith matters, only Allah is the judge.
Mike
On Jan 15, 2013, at 11:39 PM, wrote:
Dear Mike Sahab
When Dr Javed says we should try to clean the filthy habit among the deviated human being you say let the God do it And at the same time you say that God has turned the world over to us to make it a heaven, and he knows everything we do
Is it not our responsibility to tell the truth to those who are not aware?
Thanks
Mujtuba
On Wed, Jan 16, 2013 at 9:33 AM, Mike Ghouse wrote:
Mujtaba,
That was actually a question to Javed, and not a statement.
God has turned the world over to us to make it a heaven, and he knows everything we do. Humans are endowed with free will, we were not put on an auto-pilot, and we have to find our own balance through trial and error or guidance offered by every religion and tradition. We are responsible to manage our world – we are the asharaful mukhlookat, (honored beings) and we are accountable for our actions.
Mike
On Jan 15, 2013, at 11:18 PM, wrote:
I am concerned about your statement of eradication, a problem that needs to be eradicated
God did not do it himself, but you want to do it then?…………… Mike
Dear Mike sahab
If the above is your point of view, that if something is wrong/bad it is God’s responsibility to correct it, then why you are wasting your time for safe societies, communal harmony and interfaith coordination
You should also leave all these things to God and when God wishes everything will be all right in this world from women rights and communal harmony to minorities rights and pretection of Ahmediyas
Hope my point is clear
Regards
Mujtuba
|
Published on January 14, 2013
The announcement to attend the “Faith & LGBT Equality event in Denton on Jan 13, 2013” was sent to WorldMuslimCongress@yahoogroups.com as an invitation (appended below). The group is open to people of all faiths, so together we can learn about each other in a moderated environment. We have about 1800 Members from around the world including but not limited to Imams, Muslim Scholars, Students and ordinary religious and non-religious folks. A discussion follows the posting and is nowvposted at our website www.WorldMuslimCongress.com as well. I am working on writing a full article for publication based on the input and quotes from the panelists from yesterday’s event. We are committed to building cohesive societies, where no human has to live in fear of the other.
The information is in a discussion format, it carried with the title
Javed
This is a long response, but need to make the points. It is always good to exchange thoughts and ideas without judgments to enrich ourselves to deal with the issue.
I realize the traditionalist will not like my take on the issue, and they are welcome to go behind my back and malign me, as if that is the Muslim thing to do. As a Muslim, it is my duty to speak out the truth as I see as an individual; we may not be ready for it now. Right now we are at a stage to ignore the issue, next time, we will remain silent, a stage of “don’t ask don’t tell” will come upon us, and then finally we will have a heart to accept fellow beings, as they are. Mahmood o Ayaz will be on par then.
The Americans, both Muslims and Christians are grappling with the issue; the majority still does not like it, “probably” because of the propagated mis-understanding of homosexuality.
Let me share another perspective on some of your comments.
You wrote, “…the first step will have to be in the form of recognition of homosexuality as a problem that needs to be eradicated rather than legalised, institutionalised and commercialized”
I am concerned about your statement of eradication, “a problem that needs to be eradicated”
God did not do it himself, but you want to do it then? Even if we went with your interpretation of Sodom and Gomorrah that God destroyed them because of homosexuality, then why did he not destroy them for Good? That is the fallacy of interpretation.
Diversity is God’s formula for sustaining his creation, God did not make a mistake, neither has he goofed up. Everything is created in balance, including sexual orientations, promiscuity, hyper and lower to no sexual drives. Had God willed, all of us would have been exactly alike.
The story of Sodom and Gomorrah serves to acknowledge the diversity of mankind. The story also is understood in two different ways; one that God destroyed the Qarya (township) because the population was homosexual, the other part is God destroyed the township because of the lewdness displayed by those men who forcibly raped the other men.
Our traditions, both Christian and Muslim, have been interpreted by men, to suit their whims rather than what is right, and we need to fix some of the errors from the past. I can give a lot of them, but here are a few for you to ponder.
In case of Delhi Rape, thank God it was not Sharia (of course Sharia means justice, but the Sharia in practice does not), the Rapists would have gone scot free because the girl could not produce 4 men witnessing penetration of the rapists. So much for the mangled up Sharia! Thank God, India chose to be a pluralistic nation. You know the flaws of the Sharia as practiced, I cannot call that Sharia “Islamic” when injustice is rampant in that system, a man can put a woman with children on the street if the asshole is angry by saying Talaq three times, that is not Islamic, are you ready to challenge the “practicing Muslims”?
Javed, it is time to think and give room to our intelligence to function.
First of all, I have nothing to gain from this, but standing up for others people’s right is the right thing to do.
Humans are born with a free will and there should not be any compulsion on any one to believe otherwise, didn’t our wise prophet say that? Sharing knowledge, yes, but compulsion, No.
Javed, here you go again, “The best form of compassion towards gays will be to keep them away from their addiction, even if by force. Institutionalisation of homsexuality accompanied with their rights to marry and adopt children will only ensure a big growth in the percentage of gays. Isnt it a big crime to expose children to gay parents rather than normals? Children exposed to gay relationships will obviously have much greater chances to grow as gays.”
I am not debating with you to win or lose, nor am I expecting a person to clap for you or me… it is a serious issue for discussion and we cannot be judgmental.
Javed, are you denying the parenting rights to men and women who are gays and lesbians? You think children will not feel the need to have a father and a mother, regardless of what their parents are? You think the children are going to drop them their parents because of their sexual orientation, promiscuity or no sex drive? You think your declaration will turn the switch off for the longing of the children? You have not understood the human needs for longing, loving and caring.
Javed, God may have a real problem with your statement, “If mankind is to be saved from the menace, homosexuality has to confronted and at a certain time, severe punishments may be required to first punish those who commercialise and institutionalise homosexuality and then the gays and lesbians themselves.”
You call it a menace? Are you saying God screwed up by?
No, not at all. God did not mess it up.
Indeed, we need to punish rape, as God punished in the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, but do not punish for what is natural for the individuals who feels that way. Have empathy my friend… don’t you worry about a few cursing you out, they did not spare the prophet, and they will not spare you or I. We might as well do the right thing then; to speak for the rights of all humanity.
Every human has a right to express his thoughts and sex without taking away things from others.
“I will request you to not become a pawn in the hands of the forces that have interests in the institutionalisation of homosexuality. Think of the larger mankind rather than a few perverted people. “
And my friend Javed, I request you not to pander to the men who would clap for you. The truth is neither you nor I are motivated by any such non-sense, we are speaking our hearts and minds out, period. What we should not is deny other individual her or his right to the pursuit of his or her happiness.
Insha Allah, I am writing a full piece for publication – amazingly in the conference yesterday, we referenced Quraan and Bible with the exact same six verses, that seem to have been interpreted by men who were biased.
Quraan, Al-‘Ankabut (The Spider) chapter 29: 26-39; Nour (Light) Chapter 24: 30-32 and The Romans, Chapter 30: 20-23
I beg our friends to not clap for either one of us, we all need to learn the truth and not go by what is dished out to us, even if it were by the greatest Imams of the time, only Allah’s word is final, and the still to be authenticated Hadiths would be final – all else is simply guidance and not law. Sharia should be guidance and not the law, because it is not the word of God.
Mike Ghouse is committed to work for building cohesive societies, where no human has to live in fear of the other.
Mike,
If Quran has prescribed death sentence for certain practices, do you think it is against the Wisdom? The biggest farce being imposed on the world by vested and institutionalised interests is that homosexuality is inborn, and God has chosen to give birth to gays. First, pure gays can in no way reproduce, which is the essential condition for genes to pass through to next generation. Second, even the people born with congenital anomalies are treated as required. Schizophrenia is often linked with genes but schizophrenics are actively and aggresssively treated, and if they become a threat to others, they are imprisoned in assylums.
Homosexuality is an addiction and gays should be given an opportunity to get treated. This is necessary in the first stage of what should be a phased campaign to eradicate homosexuality from society. But for this campaign to begin, the first step will have to be in the form of recognition of homosexuality as a problem that needs to be eradicated rather than legalised, institutionalised and commercialised.
Furthermore, it has to be recognised that homosexuality is the biggest threat to homosexuals themselves, with the life expetancy of homosexuals being 20-30 years less than the straight. They pose serious threats to others also as they are more likely to catch and spread STDS and AIDS. The best form of compassion towards gays will be to keep them away from their addiction, even if by force.
Institutionalisation of homsexuality accompanied with their rights to marry and adopt children will only ensure a big growth in the percentage of gays. Isnt it a big crime to expose children to gay parents rather than normals? Children exposed to gay relationships will obviously have much greater chances to grow as gays.
If mankind is to be saved from the menace, homosexuality has to confronted and at a certain time, severe punishments may be required to first punish those who commercialise and institutionalise homosexuality and then the gays and lesbians themselves.
I will request you to not become a pawn in the hands of the forces that have interests in the institutionalisation of homosexuality. Think of the larger mankind rather than a few perverted people.
Javed Jmail
Mike Ghouse
Subject: Re: MuslimsTogether :: Future Muslim Leaders and Gay and Lesbian Issues
To: WorldMuslimCongress@yahoogroups.com
Date: Monday, January 14, 2013, 8:05 AM
Javed
Quraan is the basis for our conversation, whether one is conservative or liberal.
Even though conservative religious rhetoric has dominated the American religious landscape, it has not permeated in the society. The people of two states have approved same sex marriage, and the trend will continue.
A majority of American Muslims are grappling with the issue. If the conservative Christians and Muslims have the dictatorial powers, they will kill all Gays and lesbians, thank God, the power to judge one’s faith still rest with God, it’s his call. He created us all, and he could have created us all alike, like the angels, but he chose to create us to be different, each one with his or own unique DNA, thumb print, taste buds etc.., shouldn’t we honor God’s choice?
Javed it’s not easy, Allah has given us the freedom to look at the masalah, and find answers thru what works in the society, and as Muslims particularly, we cannot judge ones practices, as long as they are not robbing others, hurting, killing or breaking the civil covenants.
Jazak Allah Khair
Mike
Should I repeat the figures that tell how big a threat homosexuality is to human existence? Surely, thousands of times bigger than “Terrorism”. Homosexuality is an addiction much more dangerous than cocain. It needs to be eradicated at the earliest. Compassion for gays and lesbians is understandable only if it is aimed at weaning them away from their addiction rather than preserving it. Severest measures need to be taken against those who commerialise homosexuality or promote/institutionalise it.
Mike, it will be better if you do not try to gain support from Quran for everyting that you do. If you want to support gay rights, better do it withut invoking Quran, which does not accept homosexuality at all.
Yes, you have the right to post or not post this letter of mine. You both also have the right to call me a bigot if it suits you.
Mianwaheed likes my Ghazals more than my prose. But here he will have to bear with my prose.
Regards
From: mianwaheed
Subject: Re: MuslimsTogether :: Future Muslim Leaders and Gay and Lesbian Issues
To: “WorldMuslimCongress@yahoogroups.com”
Date: Sunday, January 13, 2013, 2:28 PM
Mike,
You have guts to stand up against the bigotry.
respectfully,
maw
From: “MIKEGHOUSE@…”
To:
Sent: Sunday, January 13, 2013 2:12 PM
Subject: MuslimsTogether :: Future Muslim Leaders and Gay and Lesbian Issues
FUTURE MUSLIM LEADERS and GAY/LESBIAN ISSUES
…. As Muslims we need to be a part of the society, if any one of you is thinking of leading the communities in your city, county, state or national politics, don’t be a Todd Akin or a Murdoch, or a bigot like Bachman, Cain, Gingrich, West and a host of others… please join us today to learn about dealing with the issues of Gays and Lesbians, there is someone in your family that needs your compassion.
We have to believe and be like Rahman and Raheem and a rahmat to fellow beings…… remember 49:23, the best among you is one is who knows and learns about others… but if you believe you want to shape the future of America, want to be in public office… you cannot be on the side lines or be an ignorant about the issues. Most of our Imams do not want to touch the topic, but there are a lots of Gay and Lesbian Muslims and we have to learn about the issues.
I am one of the speakers, come and learn different perspective and develop your own.
Faith & LGBT Equality event in Denton on Jan 13, 2013
Members of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Denton will conduct a forum on faith and equality featuring area religious leaders at 3 p.m. Sunday.
The event is free and open to the public and will be at Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 1111 Cordell St. Denton.
Scheduled to participate are:
- Rabbi Geoffrey Dennis of congregation Kol Ami in Flower Mound and adjunct professor in the Jewish Studies program at the University of North Texas;
- Mike Ghouse, president of the Foundation for Pluralism, founder of America Together Foundation and speaker and writer on intercultural issues;
- the Rev. Jeff Hood, Baptist minister and peace activist who works as a chaplain at John Peter Smith Hospital and as moderator of the Denton Fellowship of Reconciliation;
- the Rev. Peter Johnson, longtime civil rights activist and associate of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; and
- Scottie McIntyre Johnson, ministerial intern at Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.
PFLAG Denton is a local chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Gays and Lesbians. Our mission is to support, educate and advocate for the LGBT community and their families and friends.
Mike
(214) 325-1916 Text/Talk
———-
Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism, politics, peace, Islam, Israel, India, interfaith, and cohesion at work place and standing up for others as an activist. He is committed to building a Cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day at www.TheGhousediary.com. Mike has a strong presence on national and local TV, Radio and Print Media. He is a frequent guest on Sean Hannity show on Fox TV, and a commentator on national radio networks, he contributes weekly to the Texas Faith Column at Dallas Morning News, fortnightly at Huffington post, and several other periodicals across the world. His personal site www.MikeGhouse.net indexes everything you want to know about him.
