Intersectionality between Religion and Sexuality: A Qualitative Study of Young Muslim College Students’ Experiences
There are few studies to-date that have explored the intersection(s) of Islam and human sexuality. Current-day messages are often complex and contradictory, e.g., highly sexualized media/movies/advertisements vis-à-vis an emphasis of remaining “pure”; double-standards that allow binary men considerable latitude in sexual behaviors that stigmatize binary women for the same behaviors. Western culture consistently reiterates its sexual liberation, despite these double standards, while stigmatizing Islam as sexually oppressive. This poster highlights key findings from a qualitative investigation that utilized semi-structured interviews with young adult Muslims drawn from a Midwestern University sample. Participants’ described their beliefs regarding sexuality as myriad, while still considering themselves to be Muslim. Many found themselves empowered by their sexuality despite patriarchal and other cultural messages that may influence how they interact with sexuality. Participants described balancing different messages through empathy towards both their Islamic culture and Western society. These findings show that Muslim university students are able to create personal meanings with Allah (God) by setting personal boundaries, differentiating themselves and their families, embracing Islam, and cultivating healthy sexual relationships.
