Join Muslims for Progressive Values and Dr. Hasib Nasiri for Reading Circles in Queer Islam
About the Reading Circles: The Reading Circles in Queer Islam offer a rare and carefully curated exploration of gender and sexuality in Muslim traditions, bringing together critical gender analysis, deep historical insight, and contemporary Muslim narratives in a non‐ideological format. Led by Dr. Hasib Nasiri—an experienced facilitator of Islamic feminist reading circles—the program provides an authoritative and accessible entry into material seldom available in one coherent space.
Participants develop a deeper literacy in how gender and sexuality function within Islamic intellectual history. They learn to recognize the constructed nature of gender binaries, to understand the diversity of pre‐modern Muslim approaches to desire and relationality, and to distinguish between historical Islamic discourses and the assumptions of modern Muslim heteronormativity. This historical and conceptual grounding gives them the ability to read Islamic texts with greater nuance and to situate contemporary debates within a broader lineage.
The Reading Circle is designed as a safe and affirming learning space, where gender and sexual diversity is respected, and where participants can engage with complex material without fear of judgment or debate over anyone’s identity.
Each group meets monthly in a small online cohort of 10 designed for depth, trust, and meaningful dialogue. Reading Circle I will begin in September 2026 and conclude in September 2027.
Reading Circle Dates: The first Sunday of every month (September 6, October 4, November 8, December 6, January 3, February 7, March 7, April 4, May 2, June 6, July 4, August 8 & September 5)
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM PDT (Please note, because of Daylight Savings Time, the time will change to 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM PST for November 2026 - March 2027 sessions).
Reading Circle Pricing: $300 USD / participant for the full 12-month program
Please note, you must pay your registration fee here, in addition to completing the registration form below to confirm your attendance.