A Jihad for Love, directed by Parvez Sharma

Sharma, Parvez (Director). (2007). A Jihad for Love [Documentary film]. United States: First Run Features. 81 minutes.

Available in DVD or streaming format from Netflix. The Netflix summary:

Documenting the quandary of gay Muslims via the perspective of subjects from countries such as India, Iran and Turkey, director Parvez Sharma chronicles their struggles to square their sexual orientation with their faith, which forbids homosexuality. Relating their compelling tales to the camera, the subjects (most expatriates) cling to their Islamic ideals in the face of a sharia interpretation that imposes the death penalty for homosexual acts.

Winner of the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Documentary, 2009. Available for purchase from First Run Features.

Different Rainbows, edited by Peter Drucker

Drucker, Peter (ed.). (2000). Different Rainbows. London: Gay Men's Press.

Although the writings date mostly from the mid-1990s, they are very well done and should be a good starting point for research on contemporary conditions in the regions addressed, which include Mexico, Brazil, Nicaragua, and Latin American in general; South Africa, Kenya, Southeast Asia, and China.

Most chapters include references to pre-modern history in the region as well as contemporary conditions. A recurring theme is the limitation of defining LGBTQ life in terms of U.S. and European experiences. The introduction and conclusion deal clearly and directly with such issues.

Pete owns a copy. Available in the SF Public Library.