How is everyone going are your weeks going well? Mine is pretty calm. There has however been an uptick in school work. So I’m trying to get a handle on that. But the class seems to be going pretty well overall and I only have about two months left. I’ve started reading for Pride. I plan to do several topical posts about it such a readathon suggestions. As well as different orientation focused books.
The first book that was on the docket for reading this month is Hijabi Butch Blues by Lamya M. This memoir focuses on Lamya’s youth in an Arab country. This is where they first notices their race and gender difference and how they affect their world.
Lamya notices their difference first through hearing the stories of different Muslim women. They point to the story of Maryam, or Mary in the Christian tradition. They talk about how in the story Mary had an immaculate conception.
Another point was that wasn’t interested in the angel that came to tell her she was going to bear the son of god. Lamya pointed to this as their first conception of a woman not liking men. This particular story was revolutionary to them.
A lot of Lamya’s gender and sexuality exploration came after she moved to the US. In the US had more chances to express themself. However the Islamphobia was and is rampant and they had to deal with a lot of racism and colorism.
One topic that kept coming up is how they kept having trouble finding a place that fit all of their intersectionalites. They were too Brown and devout for a lot of Queer spaces. In addition they were too queer and gender non conforming for a lot Muslim spaces.
Though it takes a while Lamya ends up finding a Queer Muslim space. This space and the people in it helps them redefine their understanding of god and gender. They also have a queer mentor who helps them through a lot of trials and tribulations.
Lamya also deals with a common issue for women who love women, ending up with crushes on straight girls. As a queer woman myself I can especially understand this part and how such feelings can easily devlop. Lamya gets to the root of the issue after several dates. They are scared to date queer women because they aren’t sure they are ready for a real relationship.
Finally the book deals with the process of coming out to a conservative and religious family. Lamya’s own internalized homophobia and their relationship to Islam.
Review
I found Hijabi Butch Blues to be the most engaging piece of non-fiction I’ve read in a long time. Lamya’s style of narration is very interesting. I love the way they interspese stories of the different people in Islam and relate it to their own story. Figures that come up include the Prophet Muhammad, Nuh (Noah) and several women from Islam that I didn’t know about.
I think in the West we tend to see faith and same sex relationships as diametrically opposed. This is clearly the way Lamya themselves grew up. This seems like it was part of the reason they have a hard time coming out. The pointed out that their family had no conception of a person being queer and happy. And that for a long time they thought coming out would hurt more than help their family.
Hijabi Butch Blues though shows an artful and beautiful blending of faith and a Queer life. It also shows how the interaction of the two can make someone’s life richer. I really enjoyed this book and would give it five stars. I also want to pick up Stone Butch Blues which this novel references and ties back to.
I can’t wait to read more for Pride and hope you all are enjoying this new month of reading. Send me any suggestions in the comments or things you might want to see.
Happy reading
Solara
Rose's Book Garden 