Mr. Sharma, however, seems to offer very little criticism of his faith, Islam, and the sometimes horrific means it uses to repress and ostracize its gay brethren. I also find his redefining ‘Jihad’ as a ‘struggle’ rather than the accepted ‘holy war’ to be disturbing. He seems almost to be criticizing the West at times, as if expecting that we should rethink our democratic processes of speaking out against intolerance and injustice, or stop demonstrating via such vehicles as Pride celebrations. How can change come about, and I assume change is wanted, without utilizing ones own voice? Perhaps especially in the face of persecution.

I hope some of these concerns are more deeply confronted in his film and a clearer picture of what he hopes to enlighten his Western audiences with will emerge.

It is certainly brave to establish an outreach to Muslim clerics, though I see little hope of a dialogue. Surely, it must be the individual gay and lesbian muslim working to create his and her place within their faith which is needed to create change. The enlistment of family and friends in their struggle is paramount to success. If all is hidden and filled with personal shame how will this occur? Just as within the Catholic Church I see little hope for progress with the hierarchy and Vatican; but I do see hope within the rank and file of priests and parishioners that acceptance may come eventually. I hope Mr. Sharma’s film will not simply portray the genuine suffering of his subjects, but also what they are doing to change their environment.