ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the notion of queer religious agency. It starts with three vignettes to critically explore debates on the presumed need to reconcile queer and Muslim subjectivities in relation to the experiences of the study participants. The aim is to emphasise that the construction of religion and non-normative genders and sexualities as incompatible does not resonate with the narratives of most queer Muslims, seeking to transcend discourses of ‘reconciliation’. This goal is bolstered by the case study of waria Muslims who describe themselves as possessors of a jiwa perempuan, which represents a female soul or spirit linked to Allah. Following this, a detailed exploration of the everyday religious practices of queer Muslims is introduced by revealing the significance of surrendering to God through the acts of salat (prayer) and fasting in relation to the development of agentic powers that have an impact on one's wellbeing.
