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.”
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 ...
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