We Have Always Been Here: A Queer Muslim Memoir

Samra Habib is the author and subject of the memoir We Have Always Been Here. They are an LGBTQ+ Pakistani Muslim whose family immigrated to Canada when they were seven years old to escape religious persecution. Habib identifies with the specific label of “queer” or “queerness.”

Habib has a BA in journalism and spent their early career working in advertising before becoming an LGBTQ+-focused journalist and activist. As a first-generation immigrant, Habib is uniquely situated to explore the intersections between Islamic faith and LGBTQ+ identity in the Western world using their background as a professional writer. Habib’s memoir is a continuation of their quest for representation begun with their photography project Just Me and Allah. Habib uses their memoir to create the kind of representation of LGBTQ+ Muslims that they wish to see in the world.

Habib begins the memoir as a frightened child who believes they must hide who they really are. They end the memoir as a proud and confident person who lives authentically, hiding neither their faith nor their queer identity. Chapters 1-7 find Habib trying to balance safety with living authentically while the world around them teaches them that hiding who they are is the only way to remain safe.