Picture a queer Muslim storyteller weaving tales that challenge norms and spark change—meet Lamya H! This New York-based author and activist has captivated readers with their debut memoir, Hijab Butch Blues, a bold blend of personal narrative and social justice. With a voice that’s both tender and fierce, Lamya H is redefining what it means to write from the heart of multiple identities.
Born in South Asia and raised in the Middle East, Lamya’s journey is one of courage, faith, and self-discovery. Their work, celebrated for its raw honesty, invites readers into a world where queerness and Islam coexist, making them a literary trailblazer for LGBTQ+ Muslims and beyond.
The Making of Lamya H
Lamya H’s story begins in South Asia, where they were born into a Muslim family. A move to the Middle East during childhood brought feelings of displacement, but also a deep connection to the Quran, which would later shape their writing. As a teenager, Lamya grappled with their queer identity, finding solace in reinterpreting Islamic stories. This curiosity led them to the U.S. for college, where they honed their craft as a writer and organizer, earning a Lambda Literary Fellowship for their early essays.
Their path wasn’t easy—navigating visa challenges and societal expectations as a hijabi, nonbinary Muslim immigrant fueled their resolve. Inspired by authors like Leslie Feinberg, Lamya began writing to carve out space for stories that hadn’t been told, blending personal reflection with activism.
Lamya H’s Unforgettable Stories
Lamya H’s debut, Hijab Butch Blues, is a memoir that echoes Feinberg’s Stone Butch Blues while standing on its own. Published in 2023, it weaves Quranic stories with Lamya’s coming-of-age as a queer Muslim, from crushing on a female teacher at 14 to building community in New York. Its lyrical prose and unflinching honesty earned it the Brooklyn Public Library Book Prize, a Stonewall Book Award, and a Lambda Literary Award finalist spot.
Their essays, published in outlets like Vice, Salon, Autostraddle, and the Los Angeles Review of Books, tackle themes of identity, faith, and resistance. Whether exploring Islamophobia or prison abolition, Lamya’s style is intimate yet political, inviting readers to question binaries and embrace complexity. Their work as an organizer shines through, centering LGBTQ+ Muslims and social justice in every piece.
While Hijab Butch Blues remains their flagship, Lamya’s shorter works, like their 2017 essay in the Los Angeles Review of Books about coming home, showcase their ability to make the personal universal. Each piece feels like a conversation with a friend—warm, witty, and wise.
Why Lamya H Matters
Lamya H’s impact lies in their refusal to choose between queerness and faith. By reimagining Quranic stories through a queer, feminist lens, they’ve created a blueprint for others to reconcile seemingly conflicting identities. Their memoir has resonated with queer Muslims worldwide, offering hope and representation where it’s often scarce. Beyond literature, Lamya’s organizing work—building spaces for LGBTQ+ Muslims and advocating for Palestine and prison abolition—amplifies their voice as a force for change.
Their accolades, from the Stonewall Book Award to being named Them’s 2024 Now Award honoree in Literature, reflect their growing influence. Lamya H isn’t just writing stories; they’re reshaping narratives, proving that faith and queerness can illuminate each other in powerful ways.
- Birthplace: South Asia
- Key Work: Hijab Butch Blues (2023)
- Awards: Brooklyn Public Library Book Prize, Stonewall Book Award, Lambda Literary Award finalist
- Fun Fact: Lamya aims to visit every NYC subway stop!
Snag Hijab Butch Blues and dive into Lamya H’s vibrant, boundary-breaking world! Their words will make you laugh, reflect, and maybe even rethink what’s possible.