As a young Muslim woman attracted to women - what are my options?
As-salamu alaykum. I’m 16 and have been attracted to women for as long as I can remember. I know I’m young and some might say I could change or later be attracted to a man, but I don’t think that will happen. I’m worried about the future because I want to stay within Islam, and I can’t imagine marrying a man I don’t love - that would be unfair to him and bad for my mental health. I also don’t want to spend life alone if I’ll end up craving affection and companionship, but I don’t want to pursue a relationship with a woman because I believe it’s forbidden in Islam and fear the consequences for my faith and akhirah. That conflict eats me up inside. I once had a relationship with a girl and it felt right - I could be myself and was happy - but I don’t want to continue that path because of my beliefs. I worry I might end up trying to suppress or eliminate my need for love, but I don’t know if that’s healthy. Are there medications that remove romantic feelings? I’m scared that living alone long-term will lead to depression and that I won’t be able to manage financially or with my health. Could something like a marriage of convenience (lavender marriage) work - how would I find a man willing to care for me even if there is no romantic or sexual relationship? What practical and faith-friendly options do I have to live a balanced, content life while staying true to Islam? I’d appreciate compassionate, realistic suggestions from people who understand both the emotional side and Islamic teachings.