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A podcast series discussing the everyday struggles of Muslims with same-sex attractions (SSA) who want to live a life true to Allah and Islam. I am Waheed Jensen, and I have SSA. In today’s world, it seems the overwhelming narrative out there is “love is love” and “embrace your sexual identity”. There are many of us who find that to be incompatible with the life we want to live, which is a God-conscious life in line with the teachings of Islam. This podcast series is a safe space for Muslims ...
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A Way Beyond the Rainbow
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#40 - Alan's Story: "Making Peace with My Painful Past"
2:37:46
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In the last episode of this season, my friend Alan joins me and shares with us many gems from his journey of healing, recovery and overcoming same-sex attractions, attachments and codependency. Alan shares with us how support systems have helped him in his journey of healing, and he shares lots of advice on relationships, marriage and intimacy from…
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#39 - On Marital Intimacy and Sex (Part II)
1:22:59
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*General trigger warning: Episode involves discussion of intimacy and sexual relations with graphic details. This episode is flagged for explicit content.* This is part II of a 2-episode series on marital intimacy and sexual relations, answering frequently asked questions on these topics, with a focus on men and women experiencing same-sex attracti…
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A Way Beyond the Rainbow
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#38 - On Marital Intimacy and Sex (Part I)
1:48:13
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*General trigger warning: Episode involves discussion of intimacy and sexual relations with graphic details. This episode is flagged for explicit content.* This is part I of a 2-episode series on marital intimacy and sexual relations, answering frequently asked questions on these topics, with a focus on men and women experiencing same-sex attractio…
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A Way Beyond the Rainbow
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#37 - On Marriage and Celibacy (Part II)
1:07:07
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This is part II of a 2-episode series on marriage and celibacy, answering frequently-asked questions on the topics, with a focus on SSA-related matters. In this episode, we focus on SSA-related questions within the context of marriage, and we address the topic of celibacy as a legitimate life choice. Is it honest of me to get married without tellin…
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#36 - On Marriage and Celibacy (Part I)
1:18:19
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This is part I of a 2-episode series on marriage and celibacy, answering frequently-asked questions on the topics, with a focus on SSA-related matters. In this episode, we address general questions and misconceptions about marriage. What are the legal rulings on marriage, and when would it actually be discouraged or haram? What if I am pressured by…
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#35 - Chris's Story: "Stuck on 'Step Minus One'?" The Medical Aspects of Sexual Recovery
1:23:41
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In this episode, Chris joins me again from Melbourne, Australia, to talk about his own journey of healing, relapses and recovery, involving decades of therapy and being part of support groups, as well as findings answers and help in the fields of neuroscience, biology and functional medicine. He shares with us insights and wisdoms gained throughout…
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#34 - On Support Systems: "Mankind Project", "New Warrior Training" and the "Noble Man"
1:05:37
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In our last episode on support systems, Br. Ali Jaffery joins me again as a guest speaker and talks to us about the Mankind Project with its different services, like the New Warrior Training and integration groups, as well as a separate initiative called the Noble Man. How does the Mankind Project help men in general with their growth, healing and …
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#33 - On Support Systems: "Joel 2:25"
1:03:06
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In this episode, Jeremy Schwab from the US and Alan Alencar from Brazil join me as guest speakers and talk to us about "Joel 2:25" and the international initiatives associated with the organization. What does "Joel 2:25" stand for? How has "Joel 2:25" evolved throughout the years, and what are some of the services provided for individuals who exper…
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#32 - On Support Systems: "Brothers Road" and the Journeys
1:01:09
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In this episode, Mr. Richard Wyler from the US joins me as a guest speaker and talks to us about Brothers Road and the services offered by his organization. How has "Brothers Road" evolved throughout the years from "People Can Change"? What are "Journey into Manhood" (JIM) weekends, and what do they involve in terms of bonding and healing work? Wha…
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#31 - On Support Systems: "Homosexuals Anonymous" and the 14 Steps
1:06:35
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In this episode, Robert Gollwitzer from Germany joins me as a guest speaker and talks to us about Homosexuals Anonymous and the 14-step program. How are the 14 steps different from the 12 steps, and what do they entail? What is the focus of Homosexuals Anonymous, and how does it help individuals struggling with unwanted same-sex attractions? These …
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#30 - On Support Systems: 12-Step Programs and Sexual Recovery Programs
53:21
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In this episode, Chris from Australia joins me as a guest speaker and talks to us about 12-step programs as well as sexual recovery programs, like Sexaholics Anonymous (SA), Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA), among others. How did 12-step programs evolve throughout the years and what do they entail? Who are "sponsors" and how do they support us…
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#29 - On Support Systems: "Straight Struggle"
1:05:44
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In this episode, Br. Yousef Salam from Canada joins me as a guest speaker and talks to us about the online support group Straight Struggle. How did Straight Struggle evolve throughout the years from the "Yahoo!" to "Discord" platforms? What are the services that the online support group provides? What are the demographics of members who benefit fro…
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#28 - On Support Systems: "Strong Support"
48:13
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In this episode, Br. Ali Jaffery from the UK joins me as a guest speaker and talks to us about his organization, Strong Support, which aims to help Muslims experiencing unwanted same-sex lust. What is the mission and vision of Strong Support? What are the services that it provides? What are the demographics of members who benefit from such services…
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#27 - On Support Systems: Friends, Family and Local Support Groups
1:18:05
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With season 3, we begin a series of episodes that address different kinds of support systems and the ways they can help us on our journeys of growth and healing. In this episode, we address local support groups, including friends, family members and colleagues, and we answer some frequently asked questions. What are the different kinds of friendshi…
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#26 - Amina's Story: "Coming Home to Allah From a Same-Sex Marriage"
2:30:26
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In this season finale, my friend Amina joins me as a guest speaker to share with us her story, from same-sex relationships and marriage, being on “spiritual life support” as she calls it, and living the “progressive lifestyle”, to returning back to Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala and changing her life for Him. *Trigger warning: the episode covers deep em…
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#25 - On Spiritual Awakening (and a Wrap-Up!)
1:08:09
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In our last episode on spiritual reflections, Hashim and I revisit the topic of repentance, and we discuss spiritual awakening, the characteristics of that station and some things to watch out for when we're experiencing the "highs" as well as the "lows". We also wrap up and summarize the spiritual themes discussed during season 2 of the podcast. W…
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#24 - On Shahawat and Curbing Desires
1:33:06
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In this episode, Hashim and I talk about desires and shahawat: their different kinds, the wisdom behind them, and the many ways to help us curb them in our journeys, particularly for individuals who experience same-sex attractions. Is it only Shaytan that whispers to us to inflame our desires? What are the different degrees of the nafs (self), and …
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#23 - On the Story of the People of Lut (PBUH)
1:30:31
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In this episode, Hashim and I discuss the story of the people of Lut (PBUH) and reflect on many relevant themes, with a focus on our struggle as men and women experiencing same-sex attractions in this day and age who are committed to staying true to Allah and His deen. We tackle the topics of pride and remorse, the ways in which we may be similar t…
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#22 - On Adam and Eve, Temptation and Repentance (Part II)
1:09:55
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This is a 2-episode series where my friend Hashim and I dissect the story of Adam and Eve, peace be upon them, as well as temptation and repentance and offer many reflections on how this story is relevant to us as men and women experiencing SSA. In part II of this series, we talk about how to use Allah's provisions to repent and go back to Him, sta…
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A Way Beyond the Rainbow
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#21 - On Adam and Eve, Temptation and Repentance (Part I)
1:13:46
1:13:46
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This is a 2-episode series where my friend Hashim and I dissect the story of Adam and Eve, peace be upon them, as well as temptation and repentance and offer many reflections on how this story is relevant to us as men and women experiencing SSA. In part I of this series, we go back to the origin of the creation of mankind: how God glorified man and…
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#20 - On David and Jonathan, Shams and Rumi
57:15
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In this episode, we explore together the concept of love for the sake of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala, presenting the examples of two pairs of giants: David (PBUH) and Jonathan, as well as Shams and Rumi. Pure love between members of the same sex can be very profound, healing and uplifting, such that even poetry fails to describe its magnitude. What w…
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#19 - On Gifts, Divine Openings and Role Models
58:25
58:25
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In this episode, we talk about gifts and talents, as well as Divine openings that come along with SSA. Whether spiritual openings, emotional intelligence or extraordinary talents across different fields, men and women with SSA have God-given gifts, which, when used wisely, can end up changing the world. We also explore some stories of men and women…
In this episode, Aadam and I discuss the topic of attachments, fear of letting go, and sacrifice for the sake of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala. We dissect the story of Ibrahim, Hajar and Isma'il (peace and blessings be upon them all), looking at their trials from that particular lens. We also examine the statement of Tawheed (monotheism): "There is no …
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#17 - On Hardships, Trials and Tribulations (Part III)
1:01:10
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In our third and last part of the three-episode series on hardships, trials and tribulations, we talk about how trials and hardships purify us, the rewards hidden in them and how challenges in life lead to self-improvement and the development of gratitude and contentment. We end this series of episodes by synthesizing all themes discussed and refle…
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#16 - On Hardships, Trials and Tribulations (Part II)
1:21:36
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We continue with our three-episode series on hardships, trials and tribulations, and in this second part, we talk about how struggles bring about sincerity, humility and patient forbearance, as well as many rewards from Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala. We also explore the notion, "With every hardship comes ease", as we present glimpses from the lives of …
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A Way Beyond the Rainbow
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#15 - On Hardships, Trials and Tribulations (Part I)
1:20:49
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My friend Aadam joins me in a three-episode series where we discuss hardships, trials and tribulations and contextualize our struggle with SSA in the larger scheme of things. In this episode, we talk about the problem of evil and suffering, the story of Moses (PBUH) and Al-Khidr, the story of Ayyub (PBUH) and his wife, and how everything in life is…
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#14 - Reflections on Divine Love and Mercy
1:06:30
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With this episode, we begin a series of episodes tackling spiritual aspects relevant to struggles, trials and tribulations. We explore together what many of us have been through, or are still going through, namely, what seems to be "layers of darkness within an unfathomable sea", and our search for Light. The episode is based on Surat al-Fatiha, Th…
In this season 2 premiere, I address some of the questions and comments received and misconceptions that arose with regards to topics addressed in season 1 of the podcast, inviting everyone to pause, rewind and hit play, both literally and spiritually. Do we all fit the trauma-based models? Does therapy work for everyone? What is meant by "healing"…
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#12 - A Comprehensive Approach to Healing
2:26:45
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In this season finale, Mr. Richard Cohen, author of "Coming Out Straight: Understanding Same-Sex Attraction" joins me in an intense yet heartwarming discussion of the four areas and four stages of healing that he outlines in his book, as part of a comprehensive and holistic plan to healing and growth. We dissect, in details, the different stages fr…
In this episode, Mr. Michael Gasparro from Dr. Nicolosi's Breakthrough Clinic joins me to talk about reintegrative therapy. We discuss cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), body work, how to navigate the gray zone and the scenario preceding the homosexual enactment, as well as grief work and the reintegrative therapy protocol. Would therapy help me a…
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#10 - On Female Same-Sex Attractions
1:55:41
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In this episode, we tackle the origins, development and characteristics of female same-sex attractions (SSA). We dive again into childhood family dynamics, defensive detachment, gender non-conformity, trauma and sexual abuse, as well as poor peer relations and body image. We explore together dynamics of female-female relationships and discuss emoti…
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#9 - On Shame, Narcissism and Assertion
2:01:47
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In this episode, my friend Fares and I discuss characteristics and experiences common to men and women experiencing same-sex attractions (SSA). We revisit shame and discuss anticipatory shame, and we explain some of the psychological defenses that we exhibit, mainly false selves and narcissistic thoughts and behaviors. We also dissect the notion of…
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#8 - On the Genesis of SSA (Part II)
1:22:18
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In part II of our discussion on the genesis of same-sex attractions (SSA), we tackle the topics of poor peer relations, social wounds, body image and the masculinity/femininity inferiority complex. We also go into the roles of society, media and culture, as well as the potential effects of separation from parents and negative events in-utero. The s…
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#7 - On the Genesis of SSA (Part I)
1:57:34
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In part I of a discussion on the genesis of same-sex attractions (SSA), we tackle the extent to which genetics, temperamental predisposition as well as different family dynamics are associated with the development of homosexual inclinations. In addition, we talk about narcissistic parental relations and their impacts on children, the concept of def…
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#6 - Sinan's Story: "From Devastation to Tranquility"
2:10:43
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In this episode, my dear friend Sinan joins me to share his personal story. A journey from a place of complete darkness and devastation to a place of wholeness and peace. *Trigger warning: episode includes vivid recollection of severe depression, death wishes and passive suicidal ideations*By Sinan and Waheed Jensen
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#5 - On History, Media and the Gay Identity
1:20:17
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In the first part of this episode, I present some historical facts on changes within the psychological profession with regards to the classification of homosexuality. I also present some history about the gay liberation movement as well as popular misinformation circulating nowadays, with some scientific studies to disprove some of these misconcept…
In this Q and A session, Aadam and I answer some of the questions and comments that we received by e-mail or came across on social media, with regards to the first three episodes, as well as the recent event that took place in Texas entitled, "LGBTQ+ Balancing Our Faith with Civil Rights" in which I was a speaker. Links to sources mentioned in the …
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#3 - On Self-Compassion, Shame and Vulnerability (Part II)
1:17:06
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In the second part of our two-episode series, Aadam and I continue the discussion on self-compassion, shame and vulnerability. In this episode, we talk about connection, shame, feeling worthy and a sense of belonging, vulnerability, and what it really means to be courageous, and then we tie all of these concepts to the struggle of individuals livin…
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#2 - On Self-Compassion, Shame and Vulnerability (Part I)
1:17:04
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My dear friend Aadam joins me in a two-episode series where we discuss self-compassion, shame and vulnerability. In this episode, we talk about self-love and compassion, how these topics are crucial to our well being and growth, and the difference between shame and guilt. How do you treat yourself on a daily basis? What is it like with your mental …
In this episode, I introduce myself and give an overview of the current global narrative, highlighting the scarcity of resources in Muslim communities to help individuals struggling with SSA and airing out some of the frustrations that most of us feel. I also give a glimpse into what the podcast is about, who the target audience is, and what to exp…
A summary of the goals of the podcast and a glimpse into the myriad of topics coming up in the series, inshaAllah.By with Waheed Jensen
