Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Stories about Queer Muslims: Final Call for Submission




Stories about Queer Muslims: Final Call for Submission
Due by 30 June 2009

The Inner Circle is collecting short stories for an anthology that it is compiling. The anthology seeks to reflect personal life stories relating to Islam and Sexual Diversity, especially of Muslims who are queer. The word queer is often regarded as offensive and derisive, but many LGBTI people have reclaimed and re-appropriated it to describe a sexual orientation and/or gender identity or gender expression that does not conform to heteronormative society.

In compiling this book we aim to develop independent reasoning so that people can realise that it is okay to be Muslim and queer. Ultimately we would like to decrease levels of homophobia, xenophobia, Islamophobia and other forms of discrimination. We especially seek stories linked to faith and how scripture supports the oneness of being. We would also like reflections on how some people misinterpret scripture to condemn homosexuality.

This is a call to all writers who are queer, or associated with queer individuals. Should you wish to remain anonymous, we could add your story under a pseudonym. If you feel you cannot personally write your story, you can contact us and we can arrange ways and means for it to be recorded and transcribed. All writers of the stories that are accepted for the publication will be financially rewarded.

Type of stories: Stories should reflect: humanity, inspiration, generosity, authenticity, caring, humor, friendship, love, courage, sharing, learning a life lesson, growing, overcoming obstacles, living fully or having great faith in God, themselves or others. It could also reflect how Muslims had to overcome adversity in their struggles and experiences of personal growth. We want any unique, unusual, funny or interesting story that you have experienced or of which you are aware. Many publications have been written about coming out stories, so we recommend that you choose some other experience; unless the coming out story is extraordinary.

Details of Story: Stories should ideally be written in English and consist of approximately 3 000 – 4 000 words. Shorter stories will be accepted in special situations. On submission of your story we will send you a short release form which you will need to send in as the final step of story submission. You will be financially rewarded if we use your story in the book, once the book is published.

Please forward your stories to info@theinnercircle.org.za or call 021 761 0037.

1 comment:

Denis Nzioka said...

I´ll be sure to pass this information to all my Muslim gay friends.

Thanks. All the best.