A Collective Narrative Practice Methodology in the case of LGBTQI+ Muslims

Introduction: Narratives of incompatibility predominate in research of LGBTQI+ Muslim identities characterising them as irreconcilable, reflecting wider narratives which continue to depict LGBTQI+ Muslims as a homogenous group experiencing continuous struggle. This study aimed to explore how LGBTQI+ Muslims live with their multiple identities, with the intention of creating collective resources from people’s narratives
Methods: A collective narrative project recruited participants from social media and an existing community organisation to contribute to a resource that could be shared with other LGBTQI+ Muslims. Data was collected via individual interviews and a group interview.
Findings: LGBTQI+ Muslims face significant struggles within both LGBTQI+ and Muslim communities and experience challenges constructing positive identities. While LGBTQI+ Muslims may experience shame and rejection from these communities, they also adopt novel strategies which maintain important relationships while affording them opportunities to resist repeated victimisation.
Conclusion: LGBTQI+ Muslims are heavily problematised within dominant social narratives and the complexity of their identity configurations mean that clinical psychologists should be particularly cautious when making assumptions about what interventions are indicated to support their mental wellbeing. Further research should continue to listen carefully to LGBTQI+ Muslims’ lived experiences and avoid reinforcing harmful societal narratives when assuming in which contexts LGBTQI+ Muslims may struggle or thrive.