Muslim LGB people

The social sciences have long been concerned with how human beings interact with, and make sense of, their social environments; indeed, social psychology seeks to integrate the societal and psychological levels of analysis and provides the tools for understanding how the social world, and the social changes inherent in it, can impact a person’s sense of identity and psychological well-being, as well as the individual’s response to change. Drawing upon the body of available social psychological evidence that has emerged in recent years, this entry focuses upon the identities, experiences, and well-being of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) Muslims. Much of this research has centered around gay/bisexual Muslim men, but some has also focused upon Muslim lesbians. This entry begins with brief insights into the theological, legal, and social representations of homosexuality in Islamic societies; continues with empirical insights into the identities, experiences, and well-being of LGB Muslims; and concludes with recommendations for further research, and policy and practice.