In this deeply moving episode, Adam shares his journey through the confusing terrain of same-sex attraction as a Muslim man from Egypt. With remarkable vulnerability, he reveals how complicated family dynamics – a domineering mother and emotionally distant father – created the perfect storm for his internal struggles with identity and sexuality.

Adam's story isn't just about attraction; it's about the profound human need for connection. Through tears and triumphs, he describes how childhood wounds manifested as attractions that were less about sex and more about seeking the masculine affirmation and fatherly embrace he never received. "I learned that I just want to bond with men," he explains. "I want this healthy, golden fatherly hug."

The turning point came after Egyptian activist Sarah Hegazi's suicide in 2020, which propelled Adam into a spiritual crisis that ultimately led to healing. Through support groups, therapeutic approaches, and reconnecting with Allah, he began to unravel the complex "triangle of fusion" behind his attractions – discovering they contained elements of his mother, his wounded younger self, and the father figure he desperately needed.

Today, Adam experiences his masculinity differently. While still navigating occasional same-sex attractions, he's found peace by understanding their roots and addressing his deeper needs for healthy connection. His journey offers hope that healing is possible without denying one's experiences or abandoning faith and one's relationship with Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala.

Resources mentioned in the episode:
- Sh. Fadel Soliman's video addressing homosexuality, and his series on Allah's Divine Names
- Shame and Attachment Loss by Dr. Joseph Nicolosi
- Three books by Richard Cohen: Coming Out Straight; Being Gay: Nature or Nurture; and Healing Humanity: Time, Touch & Talk
- How to Do the Work by Dr. Nicole LePera
- Secrets of Divine Love by A. Helwa
- Breaking the Habit of Yourself by Dr. Joe Dispenza
- Strong Support official website
- Journey into Manhood (JiM) - Brothers Road official website
- Brothers Road clearance exercise (MANS principle for reframing SSA)

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Background music for most podcast episodes: "Pandemia" by MaxKoMusic (Creative Commons CC BY-SA 3.0)