Author Discusses
Homosexuality and Islam, December 12 at Harvard

Harvard professor Khaled El-Rouayheb will discuss his book, Before Homosexuality in the Arab-Islamic World, 1500-1800, on campus Wednesday, December 12, 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Drawing on poetry, belles lettres, biographical literature, medicine, physiognomy, dream interpretation, and Islamic legal, mystical, and homiletic texts, he shows that the culture of the period lacked the concept of homosexuality. Instead, paramount importance was given to distinctions that are not captured by that term -- between active and passive sexual roles, between passionate infatuation and lust, and between penetrative and nonpenetrative intercourse.

This event is free and open to the public. It is sponsored by the Harvard Lesbian, Bisexual, and Gay Graduate Student Association and the Harvard Gay and Lesbian Caucus. The talk will take place in the Kresge Room, Barker Center, 12 Quincy St. (The Advocate)