We Have Always Been Here

A Queer Muslim Memoir

By: Samra Habib

Narrated by: Parmida Vand

CANADA READS 2020 WINNER
SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2020 EDNA STAEBLER AWARD FOR CREATIVE NON-FICTION
NATIONAL BESTSELLER
2020 LAMBDA LITERARY AWARD WINNER
ONE OF BOOK RIOT'S 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL QUEER BOOKS OF ALL TIME

How do you find yourself when the world tells you that you don't exist?

Samra Habib has spent most of their life searching for the safety to be themself. As an Ahmadi Muslim growing up in Pakistan, they faced regular threats from Islamic extremists who believed the small, dynamic sect to be blasphemous. From their parents, they internalized the lesson that revealing their identity could put them in grave danger.

When their family came to Canada as refugees, Samra encountered a whole new host of challenges: bullies, racism, the threat of poverty, and an arranged marriage. Backed into a corner, their need for a safe space--in which to grow and nurture their creative, feminist spirit--became dire. The men in Samra's life wanted to police them, the women in their life had only shown them the example of pious obedience, and their body was a problem to be solved.

So begins an exploration of faith, art, love, and queer sexuality, a journey that takes them to the far reaches of the globe to uncover a truth that was within them all along. A triumphant memoir of forgiveness and family, both chosen and not, We Have Always Been Here is a rallying cry for anyone who has ever felt out of place and a testament to the power of fearlessly inhabiting one's truest self.

This should be required reading

This is the kind of book that reshapes the way we see ourselves and the world. It carves out space for those of us who live on the periphery of the mainstream in every area of our lives. This is the book I wish I had when I was a teenager, and one I’m so grateful to have now. It was well-written and powerful. I’m so grateful for Samra Habib’s existence and the fact that she was courageous enough to share her life and work with us.

Required reading for Queers and Allies

This memoir was absolutely excellent. The story is well written and weaves through the many elements of Samra’s identity. It is also incredibly relevant and important during this time as western civilization faces a fresh wave of Islamophobia.

The narrator did an excellent job as well and the story moves at a crisp yet engaging pace.

Eye opening!

I think this should be a required read for everyone, very well written and giving voice to an unknown world for me.

Amazing

This book is outstanding and provided a window into a world I had very little insight.

Absolutely incredible and moving

I loved every second of it. There were many moments I felt so seen and never thought there was a community out there who could relate to the struggles of understanding queerness and Islam. This book is definitely a catalyst for my own growth and inspiration for me to take the leap and the risk without fear. Thank you Samra and thank you to the reader for such an impactful experience.