Content note: This episode includes discussions of apartheid, colonialism, Gaza, genocide, and gender-based violence. If you’re unable to engage with these topics right now, you are welcome to skip this episode or come back to it when you feel better resourced.

In this powerful episode, activist and Registered Counsellor Shaheeda Sadeck joins us again to discuss the underreported realities of Islamophobia in South Africa, the mental health struggles of lesbian Muslim women, and why South Africa has taken such a bold stance against the genocide in Gaza. From hate crimes against mosques to the legacy of apartheid and its parallels with Palestinian oppression, this conversation bridges faith, justice, and decolonial psychology.

Shaheeda also shares insights from her groundbreaking research on queer Muslim women in Cape Town and the urgent need for mental health practitioners to advocate for Palestinian liberation.

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👇 Chapters

00:00:00 Land acknowledgement 00:00:28 Title credits 00:00:44 Content note 00:01:14 Welcome and introduction 00:01:53 Impact of Islamophobia on the mental health of Muslims in South Africa 00:09:51 Mental health challenges of Queer Muslims in Cape Town 00:19:38 From South Africa to Palestine: Ongoing decolonial work 00:24:52 Why healthcare workers must speak up for Palestine 00:38:40 The healing of memories 00:45:32 End credits

This episode of Intersectional Psychology was researched, written, recorded, and edited by Aurora Brown.

🎶Additional music credits BIIANSU. Ptem. ZapSplat. https://www.zapsplat.com/music/ptem-dark-pads-fading-in-and-out-with-a-fast-paced-gated-effect/ DeepTheme Audio. Analog Bubbles - Alternative Version 4. ZapSplat. https://www.zapsplat.com/music/analog-bubbles-dreamy-calm-and-carefree-musical-bumper-stinger-intro-outro/ DeepTheme Audio. Into the Blue. ZapSplat. https://www.zapsplat.com/music/into-the-blue-ambient-calm-warm-pads-serious-musical-bumper-stinger-intro-outro/ Miles, D. Shades of Orange. ZapSplat. https://www.zapsplat.com/music/shades-of-orange-a-serene-relaxing-warm-ambient-piece-with-slow-mellow-chords-perfect-for-relaxation-meditation-etc/ ZapSplat. Among the Stars, no piano edit. https://www.zapsplat.com/music/among-the-stars-no-piano-soothing-ambient-choir-portrays-panoramic-space-good-for-landscapes/