Acting chairman of Skeiv Verden Omar Akhtar and counsellor Maruwa Ibrahim participated earlier this week in a conversation about queer people and Islam organised by the University of Oslo. The focus of the conversation was how queer Muslims practise their religion in Norway. The conversation was held on Tuesday 20 June 2023.
Acting chairman of Skeiv Verden Omar Akhtar participates in the discussion on queers and Islam at UiO. Photo: UiO.
The conversation started with an informative presentation by researcher Nina Hoel on what history and widespread interpretive traditions say about sexuality and queer people in Islam. Participants then learnt about the experiences of queer Muslims in Norway in practicing their religion, existing and reclaiming their faith, and taking part in Muslim rituals such as praying in the mosque. Participants also gained insight into STL's (Samarbeidsrådet for tros- og livssynssamfunn) work on engaging in dialogue with queer organisations and finding a possible basis for cooperation. Finally, Maruwa Ibrahim from Skeiv Verden shared her experiences of the network project and the important work Skeiv Verden does in reaching out to parents and families with queer children to offer them safe arenas and guidance.
With support from IMDi and BUFdir, Skeiv Veren is collaborating with religious communities in Norway through the new initiative in the Network Project, which is aimed at families with minority backgrounds and queer children. Skeiv Verden would like to thank you for a rich and interesting conversation and looks forward to more.
