As an Egyptian American youth with spiritual inclination in NYC, I had to face some odd situations that led to more odd situations, confrontations, and conversations.
We are taught that intercourse is a sacred act; it is divine. Our bodies are temples, and they are not for public consumption and exploration. It is better to wait to find your one and it is that much better, according to legends. We are taught the basics when it comes to our bodies and sexualities. Collectively and publicly, we tend to stick to traditional gender roles, and we go far to fit in.
High School and College Years
I did mention that I had spiritual inclinations, which provided a disciplinary system that kept me out of trouble. I had many unanswered questions, and there was no one to address them.
It is during those years that many of my non-Arab and non-Muslim peers began to explore their sexuality, leading to adult-like conversations. I didn’t want to have those conversations; I wasn’t ready for such explorations or conversations, at least not publicly.
Kids are mean!
Belonging to a group of teenage monks didn’t help the cause. Bullying, in a cloak of playful peer pressure teasing, was the theme. Among so many other derogatory labels, we were labeled gay for not pursuing our bodily pleasures.
Representation: the one to read
Osama’s Jihad, my first novel, addressed those issues and many of my unanswered questions. It was intentional. I wrote the story I wished to read growing up. I authored a novel that answered my questions and those who were similar. I wrote it for my future kids, because I want them to be equipped with knowledge for the world. I want them to feel safe.
The one to write
With the first book out of my system, I went on to write a second one—the story I want to write.
‘A Pyramid Builder’ has a lot of me and the things I love. It includes enchanting experiences and life lessons, starting with the pyramids and their surrounding area, magical full moon horse rides in the desert, exclusive access to the Grand Egyptian Museum and its mesmerizing location in my hometown, and much more. It is a glimpse into the fantastical world and rich history of Egypt, and all the reasons you can never take Egypt out of this boy’s heart.
