Actor Ramy Eletreby

Religion being a favorite excuse for homophobia, a gay Muslim character is bound to create a stir. When Los Angeles's Cornerstone Theater decided to feature such a character in its latest production, A Long Bridge Over Deep Waters, three Muslim actors dropped out of the show. One who stayed--playing a gay man named Tameem--was Ramy Eletreby, 24, a journalist and one of three gay Muslims in the production's cast.

Tell us a little bit about Tameem.

Tameem is a victim of a hate crime. He tells his sister that it's because he's Muslim. Then you find out in the next scene it's actually because he's gay and Muslim. [He's] trying to reconcile these seemingly conflicting identities.

How do you feel about the controversy over Tameem?

A little offended that the idea of there being a gay Muslim is being treated like a circus act. The [Los Angeles] Times article made it sound like we were turning against each other. That paints a picture that intolerant Muslims are making people leave the religion, and that's not the case at all. There are several straight Muslims out there who are brilliant, beautiful, tolerant people.

How do you personally reconcile your gay identity with your faith?

It's only been lately that I've been trying to work on it--I used to ignore it. I'm doing research on religions in general: How clearly is homosexuality mentioned in the Koran or any of the other books or people's teachings? Is it a weak argument? Would I be able to get past it? So right now, I'm in the middle of searching for an answer to your question.

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