East Plano Islamic Center's EPIC homophobia.
Mobilized to fight Gay people.
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When possible material was saved at the Internet archive. https://web.archive.org/
Preface
I have worked with a lot of Muslims in my career as an Engineer. They are earnest middle class people and basically sociable. They always knew I was Gay and I didn’t encounter rudeness. Though that doesn’t mean they weren’t homophobic, it was that they aren’t ranting crazies like Muslims are often portrayed.
They are also subjected to unwarrented prejudice by people wanting to stir up problems. So remembering all the Muslims I have know, it is with some sadness that I have to write this. But what needs to be done, needs to be done. It is what it is. I am not responsible to accomodate someone’s homophobia.
I don’t play favorites and I document homophobia and the dangers our community face. I also feel that the homophobia of EPIC is somewhat disingenous. Belief leads to action.
I know what has happened to the Gay community in Indonesia. I have watched all 8 episodes of “Parts of the Heart” which is no longer available.
Los Angeles Times, Sept. 25, 2023, “As Muslims’ status as political punching bag fades, some are fighting against LGBTQ+ acceptance.”
That was in part spurred by an open letter that hundreds of American imams signed, titled “Navigating Differences,” a rare coming together of the biggest names in American Islam in an attempt to course-correct followers.
“We refuse the false choice between succumbing to social pressures to adopt views contrary to our beliefs or facing unfounded charges of bigotry,” the 1,289-word essay said.
Yasir Qadhi, a widely followed Islamic scholar who serves at the East Plano Islamic Center in Texas, was a lead writer of the notice.
“We have as Muslims been relatively quiet on LGBTQ topics because we thought there were bigger fish to fry, so to speak,” said Qadhi. “But then the issue was coming directly to our communities and involving schools and children.” [Boldface added.]
East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) plan to build a major development they call EPIC city.
Dallas Morning News, Feb. 24, 2025, “They dream of building Muslim-centric neighborhoods near Dallas. Will it work?”
The East Plano Islamic Center’s members hope the dream will materialize in EPIC City — a development of more than 1,000 homes, a K-12 faith-based school, a mosque, elderly and assisted living, apartments, clinics, retail shops, a community college and sports fields just outside the town of Josephine, about 40 minutes northeast of downtown Dallas.
“EPIC City is going to be a role model community of thousands of Muslims living well-integrated,” Yasir Qadhi, resident scholar at the East Plano Islamic Center, said while giving an update on the projects at EPIC this month. [Boldface added.]
This is a small town, and a town which is is inadviseable for Gays to visit and also it will be a town where young Gays will seek to escape.
The homophobia of EPIC is epic.
In a social environment where the general public doesn’t share their opposition to the LGBT they feel under seige.
This is the webpage of EPIC. Even using Google advance search I didn’t find homophobic items.
https://www.facebook.com/epic.masjid
https://www.linkedin.com/company/east-plano-islamic-center/
However, looking at their YouTube channel I found a lot.
https://www.youtube.com/@EPICMASJID/videos
They decided to have a series on the LGBTQ+ in which they point out that it is wrong and against Islam. These are videos from a LGBTQ+ Conference held by EPIC.
“LGBTQ+ Conference Announcement | Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi.” Boldface added.
Link to YouTube playlist.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYO6Oz7uwCSjkVhiXLc4pOt9I0G2tbadg
“The Slippery Slope of Political Engagement”
“Asma Tasnim Uddin | Civil Rights and the Law”
“Br. Waheed Jensen / Straight Struggle | The Human Component |”
“Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi | The Moral, Theological, and Historical Considerations”
“Sheikh Omar Suleiman | How to Navigate Coalition Building”
Dallas Gay Liberation has reported on Omar Suleiman, link to report at the end of this post.
“How Should Muslim Students Interact with People who Identify as LGBTQ? | Dr. Yasir Qadhi | Q&A” [Boldface added.]
“Why Muslims Shouldn't Celebrate Pride Month | Jummah Khutbah | Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi” [Boldface added.]
The announcement of the LGBTQ conference.
Other online items.
This is a speech given at EPIC.
Another story in which homophobia is omitted by the Dallas Morning News.
Scroll all the way down for the Muslim section.
