Why is it so hard to challenge the LGBTQIA+ narrative?
Teach acceptance, not ignorance. That's what we are up against living in the west. Liberal society is promoting 'Be yourself, celebrate yourself'. Books, Netflix shows, and TikTok are telling us. 'Freedom is a state of mind'. And they are framing anyone who disagrees as ignorant.
The actor Chris Evans (Captain America in The Avengers), who voices the main character in the new Pixar animated movie Lightyear, has applauded its depiction of a gay couple, saying those who react negatively should be disregarded.
"The real truth is those people are idiots," Evans said. "Every time there's been social advancement as we wake up, the American story, the human story, is one of constant social awakening and growth, and that's what makes us good."
There is no haram in LGBTQIA+ world. There are no restrictions. 'Love is Love'. Love is never wrong. There is no judgement; you are precious no matter what. It's like a dream come true compared to Islam. So you can see why the narrative is so appealing. It's not telling everyone to become gay; let's be honest, all Muslims aren't becoming gay or lesbian. Still, it's fundamentally encouraging us to give in to our basic instincts and desires, and then we will be happy.
Islamic rules are bad because they don't validate all your gender choices and manifestations. The Quran and Sunnah don't agree that 'you were born this way. Allah created two genders and defined roles, dress codes and behaviours for both. And so LGBTQIA+ activists tell Muslim youth to say, 'I will not change who I am just because you do not approve.'
Why has love become the most crucial emotion in a person's life? The slogans are non-sensical 'love transcends gender' What does that even mean? Another one is 'love has no gender. We have to question these statements because, in Islam, we love a person of the opposite gender. It's very clear no ifs, no buts.
Our Islamic texts provide clear guidance that marriage is where we can fulfil our need for love, pleasure, intimacy and sex. Dating, fornication, adultery and same-sex relationships are haram. It's not progressive to say that, but it is Islamic. We must remind ourselves that our way of life is wholesome, pure and natural. We should have these discussions with the friends, kids and family we influence. Going online and being abusive or rude to LGBTQIA+ activists and individuals wastes our time and energy, and we achieve nothing.
Muslims and non-Muslims who challenge the narrative are labelled every type of 'phobe'. They are vilified on Twitter and cancelled. Just look at the example of JK Rowling. All she said was this:
"When you throw open the doors of bathrooms and changing rooms to any man who believes or feels he's a woman – and, as I've said, gender confirmation certificates may now be granted without any need for surgery or hormones – then you open the door to any and all men who wish to come inside. That is the simple truth … It isn't enough for women to be trans allies. Women must accept and admit that there is no material difference between trans women and themselves,"
No mainstream book publisher would have published her books if she had said this before writing Harry Potter. The pro-LGBTQI+ voices are loud. They may provide instant gratification but not long-term peace of mind to people. There is so much more I have to say on this topic; I wanted to share just some of my thoughts as I am researching the issue for my new book Smart Teenage Muslimah. But I don't think it's a topic that only affects teenagers. We (Muslims living in the west) are slowly beginning to accept this narrative because it's pervasive.
My message is, be proactive, be who Allah wants you to be:
Be a strong, pious Muslim.
Don't accept the rainbow narrative as normal.
Don't passively consume the sanitised pop culture version of the narrative.
Gain Islamic knowledge, gain confidence about Islam’s opinion on this matter, internalise it
I do not clickbait. I don't believe in exaggerating; enlightening ourselves is a much more intelligent path. In my book Smart Teenage Muslimah there will be a chapter explaining the Islamic perspective on the LGBTQIA+ narrative. Inshallah, it will give your sister, daughter or niece a clear explanation.