In most cases, religious beliefs within the world's major faith groups are based on four main foundations: revelation in the form of a holy text; religious tradition; logic and reason; and personal experience.

More liberal movements within these religions often tend to stress logic, reason, and personal experience. This includes scientific findings. It is only since about 1950 that homosexuality has been seriously studied by human sexuality researchers.

Liberal individuals and groups within Christianity, Islam and other religions have been quick to incorporate scientific findings within their ethical and religious beliefs. They generally regard homosexuality as a sexual orientation which is ethically neutral, fixed, not-chosen, and is normal and natural for a minority of adults.

More conservative movements tend to stress revelation and tradition. Their beliefs are anchored to the past. Their beliefs are much less liable to change rapidly. They generally regard homosexuality as a deviate and disordered behaviour, which is immoral, changeable, chosen, abnormal and unnatural.

The local group which provides emotional and practical needs of South Asian gay, bisexual men and men who have sex with men.

They run workshops which include Religion and Sexuality
If you want to be kept up todate with the Workshop activities, email Himat.

A UK-based international Charity that encourages fellowship, friendship, and support among individual lesbian and gay Christians through prayer, study and action.

Barnardo's, is well known for its work with children. While Barnardo's derives its inspiration and values from the Christian faith, today it works in a multi-cultural society with people regardless of faith and so is not strictly a Christian organisation.

The London Buddhist Centre (LBC) is a centre devoted to teaching meditation and the principles of Buddhism, and to making these relevant to contemporary life.

Courage is a UK-based, not for profit, Evangelical Christian organisation for gay and lesbian Christians who are seeking a safe place of friendship in which to reconcile their faith and sexuality and grow towards Christian maturity.

GALHA (Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association) provides a voice for the many non-religious in the lesbian and gay community in the United Kingdom and elsewhere and promotes a rational humanist approach to homosexuality and to lesbian, gay and bisexual rights as human rights.

Gay Christian Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the spiritual lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered Christians of every denomination. Our site includes an internet radio show, a message board, and numerous articles and resources.

Imaan, a UK-based social support group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Muslims; their family, friends and supporters, and those questioning their sexuality or gender identity.

Kiss is social support group made up of women who identify as lesbian, bisexual or queer and are of South Asian, Middle Eastern or North African descent. Some have been 'out' for a long time whilst others are just 'coming out'. The women meet up once a month in London.

Metropolitan Community Churches is an Inclusive Christian Church for the LGBT Community.

MuslimGayMen A discussion, information and support resource for believing Muslim gay men around the globe.

Muslim Youth has a confidential helpline where any young Muslim in the UK can talk about anything, including issues related to sexuality. No call will ever be traced and no one will ask your name. Helpline, Freephone: 0808 808 2008

Pastures New, formerly known as Rainbow Movement, encourages a deeper awareness and understanding of the spiritual needs and personality that is within every individual. They believe that there is only one true faith: faith in God, regardless of a persons faith or religion, creed or colour, sex or sexuality, age or disability.

Safra Project, a resource project working on issues relating to lesbian, bisexual and or transgender women who identify as Muslim religiously and/or culturally.

RELATED ARTICLES

Gay and Lesbian Rights: Why Humanism Cares, Rob Tielman argues that gays and humanists are natural allies.

What's wrong with being gay and Muslim?, “the Qur'anic verses usually cited as condemning homosexuality are by no means as clear or unequivocal as people imagine”. By Brian Whitaker

Same-Sex Sexual Activity and Lesbian and Bisexual Women
Article from the Feminist Sexual Ethics Project website which argues that, despite current conventional wisdom to the contrary, same-sex sexual expression has been a recognised aspect of Muslim societies for many centuries.

Sodom and the Koran, Raza Griffiths tackles the controversial question of whether a person can be gay and a Muslim, and the issues surrounding religious homophobia.

2000 Years of Church Homophobia, Peter Tatchell says Dr Qaradawi symbolises the threat that Islamic fundamentalism poses to Muslims, Jews, women and gay people

Outcast heroes: the story of gay Muslims, from Britain to Egypt gay men are stigmatised and attacked. But some are starting to fight back.

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