HOUSTON – LGBTQ+ inclusive Mosque to open within the next few weeks. Pakistani-American Erum Rani who identifies as a queer muslim is spearheading the project. Once open it will become one of the few mosques in the U.S. that serve the LGBTQ+ community.
In an interview with Fox 26 Houston, Rani reveals that she’s felt judged as a queer person at Mosque’s in the past. Which is what has inspired her to work towards opening an affirming Mosque. She argues that although religious conservatism may seek to vilify members of the LGBTQ+ community, queer people still have a right to safely practice their religions. Rani states that her past experiences are a testament to how necessary it is for the LGBTQ+ community to have secure places to practice their religions.
The opening date has yet to be set as Rani still is crowdfunding for the opening of the Mosque. She anticipates to be able to offer Houston’s LGBTQ+ muslims a safe space to practice Islam within the next weeks.
In addition to serving the LGBTQ+ community, Rani hopes the space attracts straight muslims as well. In fact, she believes the space will help promote tolerance & acceptance within the entire community. Highlighting how difficult it can be for LGBTQ+ Arab and South Asian muslims to gain acceptance from their families.
America’s largest LGBTQ+ inclusive mosque Masjid al-Rabia is located in Chicago and opened in December, 2016.