Al-Fatiha Foundation Dedicated to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual

Transgender, Questioning Muslims & their Friends

Mission Statement:

Al-Fatiha Foundation is dedicated to Muslims who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, questioning, those exploring their sexual orientation or gender identity, and their allies, families and friends. Al-Fatiha promotes the progressive Islamic notions of peace, equality and justice. We envision a world that is free from prejudice, injustice and discrimination, where all people are fully embraced and accepted into their faith, their families and their communities. Founded in 1998, Al-Fatiha Foundation is a registered US-based non-profit, non-governmental organization.

Goals and Objectives

1. Support Muslims who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, questioning, those exploring their sexual orientation or gender identity, and their allies, families and friends.
2. Foster spirituality among LGBTIQ Muslims.
3. Provide a supportive and understanding environment for LGBTIQ Muslims who seek to reconcile their sexual orientation or gender identity with Islam.
4. Empower LGBTIQ Muslims by creating safe spaces to share individual experiences and by providing information about institutional resources.
5. Advocate on behalf of LGBTIQ Muslims in national and international forums
6. Encourage and initiate dialogue with Muslim communities around issues of sexuality and gender.
   

Al-Fatiha aims to accomplish its mission, goals, and objectives by:

• Establishing local support & discussion groups for LGBTQ Muslims in the U.S. and abroad.
• Holding regional, North American, and international meetings.
• Outreach on the internet.

Past, Present, and Future of the Al-Fatiha Foundation History:

Al-Fatiha started in November of 1997 when its Founder, Faisal Alam, started a listserv (internet-based email discussion group). The listserve now hosts more than 275 subscribers from over twenty countries around the world. Subscribers of the listserve decided soon after to meet in person at what became the First International Retreat for GLBT Muslims, held in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, in October 1998. More than 40 participants attended representing thirteen ethnicities and nationalities, including four international participants who came from South Africa, Canada, Belgium and the Netherlands. At the end of the three-day retreat participants formally decided that an international organization was needed in order to address the specific issues and problems facing the “gay” Muslim community. Al-Fatiha, Arabic for “The Opening,” which was the theme of the retreat was thus adopted as the name of the organization to be established.

Since the retreat took place in 1998, Al-Fatiha has grown to include seven chapters in the United States (in Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, New York City, San Diego and Washington DC). Affiliate and sister organizations exist in three countries. In London, Al-Fatiha UK and the Safra Project work with local LGBTIQ Muslims. In Canada, there is Salaam Toronto, Salaam Halifax, and Salaamat Vancouver. And in South Africa Al-Fitrah Foundation in Johannesburg exists to support LGBTIQ Muslims. In 2003 and 2004 Al-Fatiha plans to start future chapters in other major metropolitan cities in the United States that have a large Muslim populations. Local chapters hold social events, discussion groups, parties, regional retreats, and participate in local LGBTIQ and Muslim events.

Structural and Organizational Development:

In January 1999 Al-Fatiha registered formally as an official tax-exempt, non-profit, religious organization. In the summer of 2001, Al-Fatiha launched an official membership drive to generate on-going revenue and to establish a formal membership. In 2002 a strategic planning meeting was held and it was decided that Al-Fatiha in the US would work on US issues only. The organization would be called Al-Fatiha Foundation, and maintain affiliation and contact with sister organizations in other countries. In 2002, Al-Fatihaa Foundation established a board of directors. Currently it includes eight people from a broad spectrum of the LGBTIQ Muslim community and from across the United States. In 2003 and 2004, Al-Fatiha will apply for formal funding from foundations and will seek to hire a part-time coordinator to manage day-to-day activities and its programs.

Future Chapters:

In the years to come, the Al-Fatiha Foundation hopes to establish chapters across the United States and Canada, as well as countries abroad. By working with other LGBTIQ organizations, non-governmental agencies, HIV/AIDS groups, human rights organizations, etc., Al-Fatiha will increase its visibility around the world and bring to light the complex issues facing the LGBTIQ Muslim community.

Retreats and Conferences

Al-Fatiha has coordinated a number of retreats and conferences. In May of 1999, Al-Fatiha hosted the First North American Conference for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) Muslims & Friends. With more than sixty participants from across the U.S. and Canada, including two people from abroad, Al-Fatiha successfully hosted this historical event, which was called the “first of its kind,” in New York City, USA. With more than ten workshops and five plenary sessions, participants engaged in discussions on the many issues affecting their lives, their families, and their communities. In June of 2000, Al-Fatiha went to London for the 2nd International Retreat for LGBTQ Muslims & Friends (our first event outside of the USA). In June of 2001, Al-Fatiha held its 2nd North American Conference for LGBTQ Muslims & Friends in San Francisco and also participated in the San Francisco LGBT Pride Parade & Festival, marking the first time that an LGBT Muslim organization had marched in one of the largest Pride parades in the world. Here Al-Fatiha received wide mainstream media attention including coverage in the Associated Press and BBC World Television. In May 2002, Al-Fatiha held its 3rd International Retreat for LGBTQ Muslims & Friends in Washington, DC.

Future Events:

In June 2003, Al-Fatiha will collaborate with its affiliate chapters in Canada (SALAAM – Toronto and Salaamat - Vancouver) and hold an international conference in Toronto. In 2003, Al-Fatiha also plans on holding three regional retreats in Atlanta, New York City, and Los Angeles, aiming to bring together LGBT Muslims who cannot access our national meetings. In 2003, Al-Fatiha will also hold the first retreat for lesbian and bisexual Muslim women only. In 2004, Al-Fatiha plans to collaborate with community members in Indonesia and hold an international conference in Surabaya, marking the first that an LGBT Muslim conference has been held in a predominantly Muslim country.

Media Coverage:

Since its inception Al-Fatiha has received wide media coverage across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and around the world. Major LGBT newspapers in the Untied States have featured Al- Fatiha and its activities. Additionally Al-Fatiha and its members have been featured in: Trikone Magazine, The Advocate Magazine, Out Magazine, XY Magazine, The Gay Times of UK, and Diva Magazine. Al-Fatiha has also been featured in mainstream media including The New York Times, Oakland Tribune, Milwaukee Sentinel, India Abroad, and The Washington Post. The Associated Press and Reuters have also featured articles on. Al-Fatiha and the LGBTQ Muslim movement. In August of 1999, Al-Fatiha was featured in the Akutel magazine of Turkey (a mainstream “lifestyle” publication). Coverage has also been received abroad in Bangladesh, India, South Africa, the Middle East and the Far East. In addition to press coverage Al-Fatiha has also been featured on a number of radio and TV programs including BBC Radio and BBC World Television.