In the novels of Hugo Claus in which an "impossible love" is an important issue, we find, almost without exception, characters having characteristics that are typical for members of the opposite... Show moreIn the novels of Hugo Claus in which an "impossible love" is an important issue, we find, almost without exception, characters having characteristics that are typical for members of the opposite sex. (Latent) homosexuality plays an important role. The androgyny theme is the main theme in most of Claus' novels. There are two sources to be designated for this theme. In the first place, that is Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis. The other source is the ancient belief that man is an androgynous being, originally. The androgynous man or woman, the human beings in which the contrast between male and female characteristics are disappeared, are often to be associated with a heavenly state of being. Show less
Throughout the world, Muslims explore ways to be gay and still be part of the Muslim community. Although prohibitive Islamic attitudes towards homosexuality may seem to make this difficult, these... Show moreThroughout the world, Muslims explore ways to be gay and still be part of the Muslim community. Although prohibitive Islamic attitudes towards homosexuality may seem to make this difficult, these are not shared by all Muslims. There is also a counter-culture of Muslim queerness that demonstrates that not all religious scholars were necessarily against homosexuality. This article discusses understandings of Islam that accommodate homosexual relationships. Show less
