HDC Global Community - Michael Luongo talks about homosexuality in the Muslim World

Islam, as one of the Abrahamic religions, rejects homosexuality from the religion's beginning. According to mainstream Islamic beliefs, God sent the prophet Lot to the people of Sodom to preach against their wicked practices and urge them to worship God. Among these practices (as mentioned in the Quran) engaged in by the people of Sodom were homosexual acts performed out in the open. Hence being gay in the Muslim world does not grant the freedom we enjoy elsewhere in the world.

Michael Luongo is a gay travel writer who has always had a fascination with the Middle East especially since his experiences helping dig people out of the Twin Tower ruins after 9/11. He took the time to chat to the Hump Day Crew. Michael discusses how attitudes of the English & French have affected the old laws of Middle Eastern countries, how one of the pilots who flew a plane into the Twin Towers (911) may have been gay and what we can learn from the Middle East.

Click here to listen to the interview.

Here is an interview with Michael Luongo on Pink Planet TV:


For more information on Michael Luongo and his writing, please visit http://www.michaelluongo.com/

HDC Global Community - Abdellah Taia - Speaking Up About Life as a Gay Muslim in Morocco

Abdellah Taia grew up in a poor family in Morocco where he experienced the repressions of his sexuality in a Muslim country. Today, living in Paris, he writes about his experiences and has become a beacon of light to many other gay Muslims.

"I found that many other interviews about Abdellah Taia has sensationalised aspects of his life but when you take the time to talk to him, you realise how he experienced many thoughts, feelings and reactions many gay youths go through in their lives. An attraction to his brother is similar to that which we experience as we grow up and reconcile feelings inside our self.

Abdellah Taia's story is both interesting and relatable and I hope you enjoy the experience of listening to him as much as I did talking with an inspirational man who follows his dreams and sees beauty in the gloom".

- Adam Barralet

Click here to listen to the full interview.

Abdellah Taia's book is available at many book stores and can be ordered on line.

Click here to read an excerpt.

Abdellah Taia's website is http://abdellahtaia.free.fr/