A platform for Queer Muslim voices
With 29 guest in attendance, the event created an intimate but powerful atmosphere with individuals sharing pieces of work that channelled their creative expression, such as dance performances, poetry, and artwork.
Attendees heard powerful stories of individuals navigating the relationship between their faith, sexuality and/or gender identity.
The event also included a fundraiser for DOST - a NAZ support group for GBT+ South Asian Men, which is a project tied to Eid with Pride, and one that provides a safe space for men from this community.
Building inclusive communities through events like Eid with Pride
This was the fourth iteration of Eid with Pride, with previous events consisting of panel discussions on the mental and sexual health needs of the Queer Muslim community.
Attendees were full of praise for the uplifting event, with one describing it as a “wonderful and heartening experience being surrounded by queer Muslims. So good for the mind, body and spirit. There was lots of care from the hosts and the food was wonderful!”
Another person spoke of the importance of having platforms such as these to create inclusive communities. They said:
“For many of us, faith and belief are core to who we are and form an intrinsic part of our diversity both within our community and in the communities we serve.
“The session created a safe space for open, positive, and meaningful dialogue. It had a blend of theory for purpose, tradition, culture and networking.
The event reinforced the importance of conversations like these and their role in fostering a supportive and inclusive community. It provided an opportunity for open and honest discussions about how we can further amplify conversations around faith and belief, bringing these topics out of the shadows and making them a visible and valued part of our inclusion agenda.”
Supporting communities through partnership
Eid with Pride was organised by SASH – Support and Advice on Sexual Health service for residents in Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea, and Hammersmith & Fulham.
The service is delivered as a partnership by three sexual health providers, including NAZ, London Friend and Turning Point who are the lead provider. Each organisation brings their own expertise and knowledge to work in partnership to offer support to some of the most stigmatised and underrepresented people in society.
Why do events like Eid with Pride matter?
The need for safe spaces like Eid with Pride continues to grow. Last year, Tell Mama, the UK’s primary anti-Muslim hate monitoring charity, recorded over 6,300 anti-Muslim hate incidents - a 43% increase from the previous year and almost half of all recorded religious hate crimes in the UK. Homophobic and Trans hate crimes have increased by 20% and 50% respectively.
The vision behind Eid with Pride
Eid with Pride has been developed and led by Wafi Ahmed, one of SASH’s Community Engagement Coordinators, who draws on his own lived experience to create inclusive spaces where LGBTQIAP+ Muslims can explore the intersection of faith and identity in a supportive environment.
He said: “I created this project to build the kind of space I never had access to myself. Providing a specific, intersectional, and culturally sensitive environment is essential to addressing inequalities and improving the well‑being of marginalised groups within our communities.
Eid With Pride offers a safe and affirming space for LGBTQIAP+ Muslims to connect with others who share similar experiences, where their identity and faith are not in conflict, but celebrated as a unified whole.”
Natalia Massucco, Partnerships and Engagement Manager at SASH, emphasised the importance of the event:
“SASH are incredibly proud to have created and supported Eid with Pride, a space for Queer identifying Muslims, and LGBTQIAP+ people from Muslim backgrounds, as well as their allies and loved ones.
Eid with Pride offers an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of Muslim experiences and the many ways of being. It has been a privilege and a joy to witness a space where people can explore, welcome, and express every part of themselves. Happy Eid with Pride!"
Parminder Sekhon, CEO at NAZ, added a wider call to action during Pride Month:
"This Pride Month remember, liberation for all is not free - empathy, integrity and allyship are the only true currencies of Pride. Let's keep organising, advocating and creating safe spaces for all our queer and trans siblings. When looking for meaning this Pride Month - this is a really good place to start.”
Looking ahead
Eid with Pride continues to be a vital platform for LGBTQIAP+ Muslims in London, offering connection, visibility and celebration. As conversations around identity and inclusion grow, events like this play a crucial role in breaking stigma, building community and promoting wellbeing.