We Have Always Been Here

De: Samra Habib

Narrado por: Parmida Vand

A powerful, uplifting queer Muslim memoir by a young Pakistani Canadian activist and photographer.

Triumphant and uplifting - a queer Muslim memoir about forgiveness and freedom.

A memoir of hope, faith and love, Samra Habib's story starts with growing up as part of a threatened minority sect in Pakistan and follows her arrival in Canada as a refugee, before escaping an arranged marriage at 16. When she realised she was queer, it was yet another way she felt like an outsider.

So begins a journey that takes her to the far reaches of the globe to uncover a truth that was within her all along. It shows how Muslims can embrace queer sexuality and families can embrace change. A triumphant story of forgiveness and freedom, We Have Always Been Here is a rallying cry for anyone who has ever felt alone and a testament to the power of fearlessly inhabiting one's truest self.

©2019 Samra Habib (P)2019 Quercus Editions Limited

Wonderfully moving, well paced.

Takes you through their entire life so eloquently. At times brushes over moments you might want more detail and insight into. But I think part of the beauty of the book is that Samra really owns their story and doesn't give more than is necessary for the message they want to portray.

Doesn't delve into the faith side much but it is made clear that Samra continues to hold their Muslim faith as important to them, with an especially moving scene of finding a queer friendly mosque and being able to reconcile the few previously separate sides of themself.

(sex positive, full lgbtqia+ spectrum friendly)