ILLUME

Being Out and Being Muslim

Thu, 25 Feb. 2010 14:09:00 PST

Often, individuals who identify as non-heterosexual are found in the fringes of not only societies, but communities and families as well. They are often over-looked and cast aside as individuals that have a place only in the margins of society, safe in the outer-realms of our comfort zone.

The Wolfman's Joe Johnston

Wed, 24 Feb. 2010 22:33:21 PST

To look at Joe Johnston's thirty-plus year film career is to see a snapshot of Hollywood history.

Zeitoun: Dave Eggers' American-Muslim Hero

Wed, 03 Feb. 2010 09:49:21 PST

One rarely imagines the quintessential image of an American hero having a Muslim, Arabic name. The Syrian American protagonist of Dave Eggers’ elegant and powerful new book entitled Zeitoun bravely endures the harrowing tragedy of an apocalyptic, post Katrina New Orleans while honorably exhibiting the best of America’s virtues and ideals.

The Happy Muslim Men And Women Who Confuse You

Tue, 24 March 2009 11:27:33 PST

As a journalist I am loathe to blame the media for all and any perceived ills. But in the case of Angry Bearded Muslim and Covered in Black Muslim Woman, the media really do have a lot to answer for.

I Pledge Allegiance

Fri, 20 March 2009 15:47:59 PST

One day my son came home from school and told me he had been sent to detention for not pledging the flag in his classroom. It’s only his second year in public school and yet, he braves these challenges day after day.

Understanding The Arabs

Tue, 10 March 2009 21:20:57 PST

Speaking at the University of Delaware's Global Agenda series on the Middle East, Egyptian-born writer Mona Eltahawy described today's Arab world through the lens of electronic communication, which has become a vibrant political arena in a region where traditional politics generally stifles political discussion.

Catch the Cold of Equality!

Thu, 26 Feb. 2009 12:35:01 PST

Mona shares her hopes on the positive impact that new U.S. President Barack Obama will have on religious understanding, as well as how women in the Middle East are employing new media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube and blogs in the movement for gender equality.

A wake-up call for the community

Thu, 19 Feb. 2009 08:49:58 PST

The brutal dismembering of Aasiya Hassan, a Muslim Pakistani-American mother of four, will finally force a community to confront and remedy the overwhelming – but frequently ignored and intentionally hidden – demon of domestic violence that has persecuted its silenced women for far too long.

Respect Is Not Enough

Thu, 29 Jan. 2009 00:06:54 PST

In his historic interview with the Al-Arabiya TV channel, President Obama’s inclusive and respectful rhetoric towards Muslims attempted an elegant coup de grace to the divisive, insecure and arrogant bravado of

Cash Rules Everything Around Me

Wed, 28 Jan. 2009 21:03:25 PST

In the midst of the Black and Brown neighborhoods across America, you find liquor stores posted on residential corners every few blocks or so. We call them convenience marts.