A qualitative exploration of queer Muslim women and the intersection between religious and sexual identities

Abstract

Some members of multiple minority groups experience conflict between their sexual and religious identities which could lead to negative impacts on their wellbeing. The present study aimed to examine the intersection of religion and sexual identity for queer Muslim women. Eight lesbian/bisexual/sexual minority Muslim women were interviewed about their lived experiences using a semi-structured interview. A thematic analysis, informed by internal conflict theory, identified five themes: (i) compartmentalised identities; (ii) religious expectations; (iii) Is being gay a choice? (iv) ‘I am who I am’: acceptance; and (v) authenticity. The results revealed an internal conflict from compartmentalised identities, but acceptance was a dominating theme. It investigates a novel issue and future research is warranted regarding the development of interventions to improve wellbeing for queer Muslim women.