We Have Always Been Here: A Queer Muslim Memoir

by Samra Habib

As we grow into ourselves, we amass a network of friends who embrace us as we are and nurture us in ways we never were while growing up. My friends, my soul mates, see all of me—the messy and the tender parts. They know what needs to be celebrated and what still needs healing.

meaningful dialogue was available only to those with a PhD. In this way, the language is inaccessible to those who need to be comforted most.

Eventually I would find writers who were able to put my fears and insecurities into words, and artists who would inspire me to do the same, but for many years I was an outsider looking in, compelled by a mix of wonder and envy.