Countermarginalization and fostering a sense of belonging : a case study of Muslim sexual minorities in Indonesia

Abstract

This study aims to fill the existing gap in the discussion between Islam and sexual minority groups by exploring the strategies and methods that are employed by Muslim sexual minorities group in Indonesia in claiming their part as wider Indonesian Muslims. The research object of this study is Amar Alfikar, a transmale individual that represents an understudied subject within sexuality discourse. This thesis intends to particularly observe the trajectory of the advocacy of Alfikar in promoting alternative interpretation in Islamic studies. By employing Social Identity Theory developed by Henri Tajfel and John Turner as the theoretical framework, this thesis delves further into the advocacy and community of Alfikar and argues that Iqamah, an Islamic study community established by him serves as a representation of a new reality. The research methodology involves qualitative method, which focuses on analyzing his book 'Queer Menafsir: Islamic Theology for Diverse Bodies' and observing the Iqamah community. Literature review was used to critically analyze the ideas and alternative interpretations that Alfikar advocates in "Queer Menafsir,' while digital ethnography is employed by being part of Iqamah to observe the activities of the members. The findings of the study indicate that to be part of the wider Indonesian Muslim community, Iqamah serves as an alternate reality that caters for their experiences as part of Indonesian Muslims and fosters their sense of belonging. This research also emphasizes the paradox of tolerance that is applied towards sexual minority communities in Indonesia and suggests that equating the definition of tolerance as one of possible solution in situating the position of minorities community within the wider Indonesian community.