Rejecting Pinkwashing: The Intersection of Queerness and Liberation

In a recent meeting held on September 23, 2024, a group of activists and intellectuals gathered to discuss the complexities of queerness, liberation, and how they are intertwined with colonialism, nationalism, and occupation. The meeting was spearheaded by Sahibzada Mayed, an outspoken advocate for queer and transgender rights within Muslim communities. Mayed’s main focus was to challenge ‘pinkwashing’ and address homophobia and transphobia to build a shared politic of collective liberation.

Understanding Pinkwashing and Homonationalism

Mayed posits that ‘pinkwashing’ is a colonial mechanism, an insidious form of propaganda that paints a picture of LGBTQ+ inclusivity to detract from underlying issues of oppression. It’s a tactic often used by countries with poor human rights records to showcase their ‘progressiveness’ in relation to LGBTQ+ rights. This, in turn, detracts attention from other human rights abuses. Homonationalism was another key term discussed, which relates to how gay rights contribute to nationalist narratives and colonialism.

‘Pinkwashing is the symptom, settler-colonialism is the root sickness. Recognizing pinkwashing as colonial violence can help us understand how Israel divides, oppresses, and erases Palestinians on the basis of gender and sexuality.’

Queer Communities and Colonialism

One of the main points addressed during the discussion was the existence of queer communities around the globe, and how their rights and freedoms are often undermined by colonial influences. A stark example mentioned was Afghanistan, where despite two decades of Western intervention and a trillion dollars spent, human rights are still severely compromised.

It is essential to understand that queer and trans individuals exist everywhere, even in places under siege or being bombed. As one participant noted, ‘queer and trans exist everywhere including the places being bombed.’

Homophobia, Transphobia, and Community

Addressing homophobia and transphobia within communities is a crucial part of the conversation. Mayed emphasized the need for individuals to deconstruct their own biases first. It’s about creating safe spaces where people, regardless of their sexuality or gender identity, can feel accepted and valued. ‘As a queer Muslim, I don’t feel safe in queer spaces and I don’t feel safe in Muslim spaces. First deconstruct our own homophobia and then look to take action,’ Mayed urged.

Next Steps and Call to Action

Ultimately, the key takeaway from the meeting is the urgent need for collective action. This involves challenging and deconstructing internal prejudices, cultivating understanding and acceptance within our communities, and rejecting divisive tactics like pinkwashing and homonationalism. The fight for queer and trans liberation is deeply connected to the broader struggle against colonialism, occupation, and human rights abuses.

As Julia, one of the participants, beautifully put it, ‘My liberation is tied to every human being on the planet… Allah made us all perfect.’

Freedom Advocacy Network

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