Author: Stephanie Roy

Acadian/French Canadian, raised by a Catholic mom and an agnostic gay dad in northern New Brunswick, Canada, she is now a recent convert to Islam and an activist for LGBTQ-affirming interpretation of Islam and other faiths. As Queer-spawned and an active ally of the LGBTQ community, she sees her first responsibility - in life, in faith and in humanity - to defend her biological, chosen and future family from sexism, racism, classism, ableism, heterosexism, cissexism and other types of discrimination. You can find Stephanie's musings at www.LoveGodDiversity.com.
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Ramadhan 2019

Stephanie Roy

Last year, I struggled with Ramadhan, and winded up fasting only about half the days. I had to take things easy on myself as my mental health took a dive. I could not rely on my favourite exercise of faith to give me strength, and I saw Ramadhan 2019 approaching with almost a sense of dread. So, as Ramadhan approached, I didn’t have it in me to plan – my plans have been upended so many times before! Continue reading Ramadhan 2019

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Learning to be gentle on my God-given body

Stephanie Roy

{CW: mental illness, mention of suicide ideation}
My cousin’s passing, both sudden and tragic, has put much strain on both my physical and mental health. This turmoil, so close to Ramadhan, serves to put into perspective how fragile health can be.
God, in His Infinite Mercy has provided me with a functional body and mind as a vessel for my spirit in this temporary life [dunya]. This vessel remains, despite its remarkable ability, in need of tenderness and care. So while I am dedicated to holding the fast throughout Ramadhan, I have had, since day 1, to consider my responsibility towards my God-given body versus my dedication towards this personally important act of devotion. Continue reading Learning to be gentle on my God-given body

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Stop telling me I look good without hijab!

Stephanie Roy

“You look so much better without hijab!” reminds me that you – stranger, acquaintance, family member – have not bothered to get to know me beyond my appearance, have not considered the context in which I and we exist, do not realize the impact of your remark, and do not recognize that clothing choices can be and are political. Continue reading Stop telling me I look good without hijab!