I mean this post in the most respectful way possible.
i just genuinely need advice, i do not mean to come off in a negative light.
i’ve been considering converting to islam for several months now, and i’ve already started learning about the religion, which i’m growing very fond of.
However, i have an issue.
i’m queer.
As in most religions, a lot if them aren’t the most fond of people whoare are a part of the lgbtqia+ community, and with that knowledge it’s one of my fears in terms of converting, because I don’t want to hide/suppress who i am.
But I also don’t want to sin.
It’s hard for me because i really am loving islam but i can’t erase who i am, that’s not how it works and it wouldn’t be fair for me to do for my sake. i don’t have anyone to open up to about this because every muslim i know irl is severally homophobic.
i’m conflicted because i can’t change who I am in regards of this.
I don’t believe i’m this way for no reason.
I was made this way because it’s who i was meant to be along with other queer people. they say we’re all made in God’s image, which leads me to believe i was made this way for a reason.
I need advice or some form of guidance on what to do, i’m a minor which makes this difficult to me because every person i’ve talked to has tried to tell me to change my “ways” while i can.
I’m no expert on Islam, but I do believe there’s a lot of beauty and insight to be gained from it.
I don’t believe any one religion has any monopoly on what holds worth in any one religion. (Indeed, I think that beauty can be captured in a purely secular way.)
If Islam is what speaks to you, that’s great! But I’d like to suggest that you can totally observe any religion you might want to without involving yourself with any community. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Particularly adherents!
For starters, don’t take advice from unaccountable adult strangers on the internet. You’re broadcasting a vulnerable state in the context of powerful social structures. Go get some advice or at least supervision from accountable professionals. If in the US, dial 211 from a phone or go to https://www.211.org/. Otherwise, ask someone you trust to direct you to local social services. It’s common for healthcare professionals to assist with access to spiritual, sexual and gender related resources.
What you’re doing right now is ringing a dinner bell for predators. Please go get help privately, and then when you figure things out and can stand up for yourself, go help others.