A summary of the goals of the podcast and a glimpse into the myriad of topics coming up in the series, inshaAllah.

Podcast Teaser

In this episode, I introduce myself and give an overview of the current global narrative, highlighting the scarcity of resources in Muslim communities to help individuals struggling with SSA and airing out some of the frustrations that most of us feel. I also give a glimpse into what the podcast is about, who the target audience is, and what to expect from this series.

Links to sources mentioned in the episode:
- Waheed's article: https://waheedjensen.wordpress.com/2019/02/13/the-strange-elephant-in-the-room-struggles-passions-and-hopes/
- Br. Yousef's article: https://muslimmatters.org/2016/08/22/from-a-same-sex-attracted-muslim-between-denial-of-reality-and-distortion-of-religion/
- The Straight Struggle Yahoo group: https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/StraightStruggle
- Susan David's TED talk, "The Gift and Power of Emotional Courage": https://www.ted.com/talks/susan_david_the_gift_and_power_of_emotional_courage
- Br. Ali's Strong Support foundation: http://strongsupport.co.uk/

Episode 1 - Introduction

My dear friend Aadam joins me in a two-episode series where we discuss self-compassion, shame and vulnerability. In this episode, we talk about self-love and compassion, how these topics are crucial to our well being and growth, and the difference between shame and guilt. How do you treat yourself on a daily basis? What is it like with your mental chatter? Do you feel worthy of love? These and other questions are presented in this episode.

Episode 2 - On Self-Compassion, Shame and Vulnerability (Part I)

In the second part of our two-episode series, Aadam and I continue the discussion on self-compassion, shame and vulnerability. In this episode, we talk about connection, shame, feeling worthy and a sense of belonging, vulnerability, and what it really means to be courageous, and then we tie all of these concepts to the struggle of individuals living with SSA. Do you believe you are worthy of love, connection and belonging? Is there a difference between the person you think you should be and the person you really are? Are you willing to remove your masks for a while and show your true emotions? These and other questions are addressed in this episode.

Links to sources mentioned in the episode:
Brené Brown's TED talk, "The Power of Vulnerability"
Brené Brown's TED talk, "Listening to Shame"
Brené Brown's Netflix special, "The Call to Courage"
Brené Brown's publications

Episode 3 - On Self-Compassion, Shame and Vulnerability (Part II)

A podcast series discussing the everyday struggles of Muslims with same-sex attractions (SSA) who want to live a life true to Allah and Islam. I am Waheed Jensen, and I have SSA. In today’s world, it seems the only narrative out there is “love is love” and “embrace your sexual identity”. There are many of us who find that to be incompatible with the life we want to live, which is a God-conscious life in line with the teachings of Islam. This podcast series is a safe space for Muslims who struggle with SSA, as well as parents, family members, friends, imams, chaplains, community leaders, and the community at large. Join me every Friday for a new episode, starting January 31st, 2020, inshaAllah, as we pave together our way beyond the rainbow!

IMPORTANT NOTE: To hear episodes 4 and onwards, please access our official webpage.

A Way Beyond the Rainbow

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