Gay imam helps young Muslims balance religion, sexuality

In a land where homosexuality is still a crime and a sin, he was forced to live a secret life, hiding that he was gay from everyone — even his closest family.

[...] a gay imam from Algeria, Ludovic-Mohamed Zahed, is working with a local lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender association to counsel and protect Shaira and other young gay Muslims who make their way to the ancient French port city of Marseille.

The Le Refuge group says it helped 26 gay individuals find shelter and start a new life in Marseille last year.

Homosexuality is a criminal offense in much of the Middle East — punishable by imprisonment or, in countries like Saudi Arabia, by death.