MR GAY MUSLIM

Are homosexuality and Islam mutually exclusive? Mr Gay Denmark, Michael Sinan, spoke to Mark McFarlane about making a difference and keeping the faith as a gay Euro-Muslim.

DNA: Tell us a little about yourself.

Michael Sinan: I was born in Copenhagen in 1978 and still live there. I have a master’s degree in Turkish and added Persian (Farsi), Middle Eastern society and politics and Indo-European linguistics to my education. I currently work in social welfare, helping people in difficult situations apply for jobs. I love working with people of differing religious and social backgrounds and making a difference.

Is making a difference why you entered the competition?

Yes, I am different from most gay people in that I am also a Muslim. I wanted people to be able to see that being a devoted Euro-Muslim is not at odds with who I am as a person.

Do you think you have achieved your goal?

For the most part. There was some negative reaction, but mainly from people who tar all Muslims as extremists. Islam, or perhaps those who “interpret” the religion’s teachings, want to deny the natural existence of homosexuality. My aim was to make homosexuality in Islam more visible so that others would not feel so isolated; to inspire other gay Muslims not turn their back on their faith. But then that is applicable to all religions.

Were you raised as a Muslim?

No, I wasn’t raised in any particular faith. As a young boy I was interested in God and read books about Christianity, Judaism and Islam. It just happened; I felt at one with Islam. This was when I was about 11 or 12.

What do you mean by “Euro-Muslim”?

Being a Euro-Muslim means that you assimilate in modern society. I want to show that Muslims don’t have to live in the dark ages. Muslims have to adapt and, like Christians, abandon prejudices that are based on interpretations of ancient sacred texts.

What do you do in your free time?

I love to mix oriental music, read books, play my Arabic drum (Dumbalak), study languages, and of course spend quality time with my partner, Mikael, who I married two years ago.

There is a Youtube video of you belly dancing. Is that unusual for a man?

Belly dance is not unusual for a man in gypsy societies, Arabic countries or in Turkey, but not many people are aware of that. They see belly dance as something for women, like a striptease. That annoys me because it is nothing like that. It is art, showing joy, and a different way of making a party rock.

Finally, what turns you on?

A kind heart, a good sense of humour and sweet laughter. >>