Abstract:

Abstract:

The complex interplay of sex, gender, and sexual orientation within the context of religious faith, particularly Islam, poses significant challenges to people globally. Outside of religion, the conflation of sex and gender has led to widespread confusion, misunderstandings, and identity crises, particularly in Western societies like the UK. Whilst lesbian, gay, and bisexual identities are understood in terms of sex, transgender identities are rooted in gender. Thus the conflation of the two blurs the distinction between biological traits and cultural expressions, exacerbating issues like gender dysphoria and complicating the relationship between transgender individuals and the broader LGB community.

In contrast to the UK, Iran provides an intriguing case study, treating transgenderism as a psychological condition rather than a categorical identity within the LGB spectrum. This approach underscores the complex interplay between biology and psychology in shaping societal attitudes towards gender variance.

This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on LGBTQ+ rights, emphasizing the need for patience and dialogue in shaping a comprehensive understanding within religious frameworks. By shedding light on the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Iran and the UK, this study seeks to inform inclusive policies and practices globally, fostering empathy and mutual respect across diverse cultural and religious contexts. Through a comprehensive review of literature, official documentation, and media portrayal, this study illuminates historical contexts of LGB and transgender experiences in both Iran and the UK. Despite distinct cultural and legal frameworks, both contexts demonstrate a tendency to conflate biological and cultural aspects of identity, perpetuating misconceptions and marginalization. By elucidating the distinct challenges faced by transgender individuals in Iran and the UK, this study underscores the importance of reevaluating societal norms surrounding sex and gender. Moreover, it highlights the need for further qualitative research, particularly in understanding the experiences of transgender individuals in Iran post-transition, to inform more inclusive policies and practices globally.

Keywords: LGBTQ+; LGB; Transgender; Sex; Gender; Conflation; Iran; UK