live their lives. He also points out that there is no word in the Quran for "gay" or "homosexual", and no mention of lesbians. Activists Some 200 lesbian and gay Muslims were contacted by the programme makers but only a handful were willing to be interviewed, and most of those insisted on keeping their identities hidden, to prevent reprisals. Only one was prepared to show his face and give his true name. He was Adnan Ali, an activist on issues affecting LGBT Muslims. Adnan described how, when he first came out in Pakistan, he was physically and verbally abused. He then came to the United Kingdom, where he chatted online with members of the American Al-Fatiha Foundation, an international organisation dedicated to Muslims who are LGBT or questioning, and their friends. Adnan then set up a sister group, now called Imaan. Voices The interviewees speak of their commitment to and belief in Islam, though they are mostly ostracised than their beliefs getting support by their community and family. ‘Razeem’ speaks of his pain at being denied access to the children of his previous marriage, despite having a legal right to access and the fact that his wife ran away with another man. He also wishes there were more role models, like Adnan Ali, for gay Muslims. ‘Shakir’ and his parents find it easier to accept lesbianism than gay men's homosexuality. ‘Farah’ contemplates going back into the closet, to lie about her sexuality to ease the tension in her relationship with her parents. The programme's presenter, Sonia Deol, says that the gay Muslim group Imaan supports the idea of "keeping sexuality a private matter". See also A Jihad for Love, a 2007 film produced by Sandi Simcha DuBowski References External links Channel 4's "Gay Muslim's" Information Page (Archive) Shaykh Riyad Nadwi's comments Channel 4 original programming British television documentaries Islam in the United Kingdom British LGBT-related films 2006 television specials British television specials Documentary films about LGBT and Islam 2006 in British television 2006 in LGBT history 2006 in Islam