Intersectional Narrative Practice with Queer Muslim Clients

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper aims to explore the way intersectional narrative practice offers rich descriptions of preferred storylines for queer Muslims in response to racism, sexism, heterosexual dominance and Islamophobia. Drawing on two original narrative practice examples with my queer Muslim clients, it outlines how intersectional narrative practice responds to the unique challenges Muslims face in navigating multiple systemic barriers (Crenshaw [1989]. Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine Feminist Theory and Antiracist Politics. University of Chicago Legal Forum. Available from https://chicagounbound.uchicago.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article = 1052HYPERLINK “https://chicagounbound.uchicago.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article = 1052&context = uclf"&.). In praxis I have intentionally incorporated different perspectives of cultural humility, feminism, unique- nuanced outcomes, the failure map, the queer art of failure, and collective narrative practices to reveal the nuances of care required in working with people and communities responding to systemic hardships. The outcomes of the practice examples demonstrate that Narrative Therapy and Community Work (NTCW) provides a framework for social justice and inclusive practices. The stories we tell and are told exist in a context that is shaped by broader sociopolitical discourses, and exploring shame and strength, failure and faith, loss and love through an intersectional narrative practice allows queer Muslims to grow and heal, grounded in their faith and family.