Lifestyle /
“Muslim Drag Queens”: Lifting The Veil On A Vibrant ‘Gaysian’ Community
Asif Quraishi is no stranger to vicious death threats and online abuse as a result of his drag queen persona, Asifa Lahore, but he's hoping that a new documentary, Muslim Drag Queens, might encourage more gay Muslims to come out.
The documentary follows Quraishi and fellow drag queens Zareena Khan and Ibrahim as they navigate their dual lives and reconcile their gay identities with their religious backgrounds. It touches on the gay and Asian or "Gaysian" community and the underground scene that's devoted to gay Muslim men who are able to be themselves for those club nights.
The documentary premiered on Channel 4 in the United Kingdom on Monday, and security for Qureshi, Khan and Ibrahim has ramped up with fears for their safety. Quaraishi has been outspoken about how supportive the police are, and he told the BBC that he's always checking in with them about his whereabouts.
He knows that he's one of the rare out drag queens in the United Kingdom, which he's using as a platform to reach gay Asians and Muslims.
"I’m brave enough to talk about it publicly. And what I represent is hundreds and thousands of people up and down the country who can’t be themselves.”
Zareena Khan, Asifa Lahore and Ibrahim with the documentary's narrator, Ian McKellen.
Photo Credit: www.theguardian.com
Photo Credit: www.theguardian.com
Narrated by Sir Ian McKellen, the hour-long controversial documentary showcases a community that comprises 150 Muslim drag queens across the United Kingdom who have to deal with that dichotomous life. Quraishi stresses that he can be a Muslim and still perform drag as well.
"I pray, I go to the mosque every week, I fast during Ramadan, I've finished the Quran, I've been on pilgrimage," he says. Adding that it is a struggle, he continues, "I have to fight every day just to be me." Zareena Khan likens herself to Catwoman, who switches identities every night.
Ibrahim is the lone figure in the trio who seems more ambivalent about reconciling his drag persona and religious background. In one telling scene, we see him praying while in the pub while Qureshi looks on in disapproval. It's the quieter moments of reflection like that which work so well in the film. Khan talks about his dating life: “It’s a cover-up,” he said of his alter ego, “like a clown who smiles but he’s crying on the inside.”
Ibrahim also receives support from his family with a moment that's bound to have many viewers bawling, tissues in hand, as his father waves off any reservations. The documentary culminates in a very poignant way with Asifa Lahore performing and receiving the LGBT Award from Attitude Magazine, with mother in tow as well!
The reaction on social media has ranged from the awful — "These Muslim drag queens are as much Muslim as ISIS are , FFs #MuslimDragQueens" — to the supportive — "Actually they're both gay & muslim or drag queens and muslims. They have a right 2 be what they want to be, ur not all don't judge."
Quraishi also reads out some of the abusive emails he's gotten in the documentary, which are heartbreaking: "You call yourself a Muslim? You should be ashamed of yourself, and killed. You think I don't know where you live? You think I don't know who your mum is who your dad are? Carry on and you will be killed."
The documentary couldn't have been unveiled at a more vital time, especially after the case of Nazim Mahmood, a doctor from the United Kingdom who committed suicide last year when he told his parents about being gay. It's a courageous film that will no doubt create a dialogue within the Muslim and British-Asian community, which is so crucial at this time.
You can find the full documentary online streaming at 4OD. In the meantime, please check out the promo and let us know what you think. We'd love to hear your comments and opinions on the issue.
Main Image Photo Credit: www.asifalahore.com
Rumnique Nannar
Author
Rumnique Nannar is a new journalist with a passion for all things pop culture, film, and art. Rumnique was born in London, with a predilection for devouring English chocolate with her Vogue, ANOKHI, and Glamour magazines in tow. She is currently in her Journalism Masters at UBC. Connect ...
COMMENTS
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
-
Not Into Flu Shots? Try These Centuries-Old Desi Home Remedies Instead!
-
Diwali Gift Guide: Barbie® Diwali Doll & 8 More Unique South Asian Gift Ideas
-
From Turkey To Tadka: Desi-Inspired Thanksgiving Recipes
-
Mommy's Time-Out: How To Reclaim Your Zen After The Back-to-School Scramble
-
Khichdi Cups & 5 South Asian School Lunch Recipes For Busy Desi Parents
-
6 Complaints Desi Grandparents Have About Keeping Pets & How You Can Counter Them
-
Raksha Bandhan Gift Guide: Celebrate The Festival With A Modern Twist!
-
Summer Elixirs: Healthy South Asian Cooling Drink Recipes To Beat The Heat
-
Stay Cool: Build a Summer Garden Oasis At Home With Tulsi & Shade
-
Celebrating International Yoga Day: Find Your Balance Through Chakra Meditation
-
Spice Up Your Summer BBQ With These 5 Mouthwatering South Asian Recipes
-
South Asian Heritage Month: Journey Through Time With 8 Iconic South Asian Travel Destinations
-
How To Add Ancient South Asian Spiritual Cleansing Rituals To Modern Spring Cleaning Techniques
-
Toronto's Living Luxe Design Show Sets a New Standard for Luxury Exhibitions
-
Savouring South Asian Style: Elevate Your Home Decor with Cultural Flair
-
6 Ways To Create Fun Quality Time With Your Kids & Parents That Both Will Love!
-
Celebrating South Asian Literature: Must-Read Books by Female Authors
-
Flavourful Festivities: Traditional Holi Recipes To Spice Up Your Table
-
The Living Luxe Design Show Presented By JennAir Announces Powerhouse Program Of Speakers
-
7 Ways Yoga Will Save Your Mental Health
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Can I Convince My Friend That Her Threatening Boyfriend Is The Problem, Not Me?
-
10 Tips To Manage & Survive Long-Distance Relationships
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: I'm Afraid My Childhood Bully Will Be Back In My Life, What Do I Do?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Create "Me Time" In My Demanding Life?
-
Hot Spot Alert: Mishree Cocktails & Cuisine Exhilarates With South Asian X Middle Eastern Cuisine
-
BioAro Founder Dr. Anmol Kapoor Wants You To Be The CEO Of Your Health
-
Savour the Holidays With This Paneer Pakora Recipe By KFI Sauces!
-
Here's How To Craft And Achieve Meaningful New Year's Resolutions
-
Snack It Up This Holiday Season with Indian-Inspired Potato Wedges by KFI Sauces
-
Butter Chicken Nachos Recipe By KFI Sauces Is Perfect For Your Holiday Spread
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Friend She's Taking My Emotional Support For Granted?
-
Anjali Pathak of Patak's Shares Her Favourite Recipes For The Holiday Season
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Why Does Our Family Get Togethers Always End With A Fight?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Sis-In-Law To Stop Intruding In My Daughter's Wedding Plans?
-
Event Alert: The Auric Living Conference Brings Holistic Healing To Toronto
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: I'm On The Outs With My Friend Because I Supported Her Breakup What Do I Do?
-
Event Alert: The Desai Foundation Rings In 10th Anniversary of "Diwali On The Hudson" Gala
-
South Asians & Arthritis: Busting Myths And Sharing Facts About This Disease In Our Community
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Convince My Kids That My Granddaughter's Best Friend Is A Bully?
-
Make Your Brunch Brilliant With This French Buckwheat Crepes & Dosas Recipe!
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Sis-In-Law That Her Messy Dog Is Not Welcome At My House?
-
You Just Need A Hot Pot To Make This Amazing Masala Style Vegan Tomato Soup
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Friend To Stop Interrupting Me?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Trust My Husband After He Cheated On Me?
-
Check Out This Insane Recipe For Mini Masala Idli
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Brother That His Cottage Rules Ruins All The Fun?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: What Do I Do When My Fiancé Shares His Dog With His Ex?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Convince My Partner That Our Six-Year-Old Is To Young For Sleepovers?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Deal With My Friend Who Always Wants To Start A Fight?
-
Here's Why Paris Calls Tharshan Selvarajah The Best Baguette Baker In The City
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Help! My Bestie Roommate Is A Nightmare
-
Pride 2023: Why Is India's Supreme Court Taking So Long To Legalize Same Sex Marriage?
