Memorial Day Weekend will bring together dozens of LGBTs of the Muslim faith for a getaway to build community and examine the intersection of their faith and sexuality.
More than 70 Muslims from across the nation and three other countries will join together for a retreat May 27-31 in suburban Philadelphia.
Volunteer organizer Siraj Kugle explained that LGBT Muslims used to gather annually for a national conference of Al-Fatiha, but that organization has become inactive in the past few years.
“There were a number of us who still kept in touch from our work with the foundation, and we felt that there was a real lack and a need for us to all get together again and keep discussing the issues affecting us,” he said. “But it’s not a conference; we used to have it at a major hotel with workshops and speakers and film screenings, and we wanted to make this more of a spiritual, social retreat.”
Throughout the weekend, participants will examine an array of topics regarding sexual orientation and gender identity through the lens of the Muslim faith.
Traditional Muslim prayers will be held each day for those who wish to participate, followed by group discussions and teambuilding activities.
The weekend’s opening plenary is titled “Our Personal Journeys” and will allow participants to share their own experiences with being gay and Muslim, two identities Kugle said often are difficult to fuse together.
“Our central hope is for people to make new connections and build a sense of togetherness, community and belonging,” he said. “Many people feel very isolated because of their Muslim families or backgrounds and may have some major reservations about coming out and taking advantage of resources. And often, gay and lesbian folks from Muslim backgrounds may not identify with more mainstream gay and lesbian organizations and venues whether because of race, ethnicity, religion or cultural values. So there are a lot of obstacles this community faces and we wanted people to have a place to get together with likeminded people where those obstacles could be lifted.”
Kugle said participants are expected to address the future of their community and whether to rejuvenate Al-Fatiha or start a new organization.
He said the retreat may become an annual event, adding it will likely move to different regions each year to ensure maximum participation.
Jen Colletta can be reached at [email protected].
