#rainbow mosque

— at Dhaka, Bangaladesh

I never imagine that there could be a mosque or masjid with a rainbow, especially in a conservative muslim-majority country. It can be a momentum for LGBTQIA+ muslims of Bangladeshi backgrounds to embrace the diversity of Allah. When I came know about this mosque, I was pretty shocked. It could be the only mosque in entire muslim world that has a vibrant rainbow minaret.

This mosque's name is Chawkbazar Shahi Jame Masjid, located in Chawkbazar, Puran-Dhaka. It was built by Emperor Shaista Khan. It is one of the oldest & largest mosques in Bangladesh. Guys, let me remind you of one thing: it is not a “LGBTQ+ friendly mosque." The mosque's rainbow minaret has also become a tourist attraction. It's ironic that the Bengali people living in this suburb have never had objections regarding the mosque's rainbow minaret. I think they are/were unaware of the symbolism of the rainbow, which stands for solidarity among queer and trans folks. BTW, there are some LGBTQI+ and hijra groups in the Puran-Dhaka suburb.

Homosexuality is a punishable offense in Bangladesh, under the British-inherited Penal Code Section 377. Hijras & kothis are visible queer individuals in South Asia. The South Asian term "hijra" refers to multiple genders, such as AMAB transgender individuals, transvestites, masculine women (intersex type), AMAB non-binary individuals, & intersex folks. The term doesn't include trans male. The term "kothi" specifically refers to transvestites, bottom gays, and effeminate males. Hijra community has existed since the early 10th century. In 2013, Bangladesh officially recognized hijras as a third gender. However, this subcultural gender minority still faces social stigma and discrimination.