Gay Celluloid on My God, I'm Queer

›› My God, I'm Queer ‹‹

a short film by Matt Mahmood-Ogston.

2020 | 30 mins | UK.

a compelling documentary on being proud to be openly gay and Muslim.

Dave says:

Screened by Channel 4 in the UK as part of their celebration of the Iris Prize Best British Shorts series of short films, this deeply personal film from Matt Mahmood-Ogston documents the lives of a group of homosexual men and women who are proud to be Muslim and openly gay. The result, as expected, is a deeply moving work made all the more so by the heartbreaking account of Ogston's soulmate Dr Naz Mahmood of thirteen years and the man he was due to marry, having taken his own life days after being told by his parents to seek a cure for being gay.

Only and as this compelling documentary is testament to, being gay and Muslim is not an oxymoron. But it is difficult, as this heartfelt work poignantly contrasts the differing ramifications of coming out to those you love; from that of the outstretched hand of human compassion, to those living in constant fear of being returned to their native land and here cue Palestine where homophobia is not only widespread, but backed by the religious views of those who deem homosexuality as a crime, punishable by death.

Little wonder then that many gay Muslims opt to hide their sexual orientation, seemingly living in a world where they are forced to make the agonizing choice between their religion, or being gay. But NOT here. For this wondrous work showcases a series of openly gay Muslim men and woman who are proud to show their love to the world and no more so than Amir and Aamir; namely a happily married Muslim couple. Their story is not only uplifting, but one that goes to show that and in spite of a religious doctrine that forbids their very sexuality, it is possible to be gay, Muslim and proud. And I salute all those who do so.

›› visit the Naz and Matt Foundation; the multi award-winning charity dedicated to tackling religious and cultural homophobia.

›› screened as part of the Iris Prize Best British Shorts series of short films.

›› posted: Saturday, 26th June, 2021.

Gay Visibility - overt.
Nudity - none.
Overall - file under ... 4 stars.

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archive reference #2021052

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