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Queer Imam Ludovic-Mohamed Zahed: Faith and Homosexuality Coexist

other · 2026-08-26

Ludovic-Mohamed Zahed, an openly gay imam, challenges the perceived contradiction between Islam and queerness. Born in Algeria and raised between Algeria and France, Zahed is an Islamic theologian, psychologist, and anthropologist. In 2012, he founded an inclusive mosque in Paris that welcomes people regardless of sexual orientation, gender, or origin. His personal journey involved early involvement in Salafist circles and memorizing large portions of the Quran before reconciling his faith with his homosexuality. Zahed is among the first openly gay imams in Europe.

Key facts

  • Ludovic-Mohamed Zahed is an openly gay imam.
  • He was born in Algeria and raised between Algeria and France.
  • He is an Islamic theologian, psychologist, and anthropologist.
  • In 2012, he founded an inclusive mosque in Paris.
  • The mosque welcomes people regardless of sexual orientation, gender, or origin.
  • Zahed is among the first openly gay imams in Europe.
  • As a teenager, he moved in Salafist circles and memorized large parts of the Quran.
  • His life path demonstrates that queerness and Islam are not contradictory.

Entities

Artists

  • Ludovic-Mohamed Zahed

Locations

  • Algeria
  • France
  • Paris

Sources