Feminism
and Activism presents ::
Al
Fatiha Foundation
An international
organization dedicated to Muslims who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered,
those questioning their sexual orientation andor gender identity, as
well as their families, friends, partners, and allies.
Mission
Statement
The Al-Fatiha
Foundation is an international organization dedicated to Muslims who
are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trasngendered, those questioning their
sexual orientation or gender identity, and their friends. Al-Fatiha's
goal is to provide a safe space and a forum for LGBTQ Muslims to address
issues of common concern, share individual experiences, and institutional
resources. The Al-Fatiha Foundation aims to support LGBTQ Muslims in
reconciling their sexual orientation or gender identity with Islam.
Al-Fatiha promotes the Islamic notions of social justice, peace, and
tolerance through its work, to bring all closer to a world that is free
from injustice, prejudice, and discrimination.
Goals
And Objectives
- Support
Muslims who self-identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender,
and those who are questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Provide
a supportive and understanding environment for LGBTQ Muslims who are
trying to reconcile their sexuality or gender identity with Islam.
- Empower
LGBTQ Muslims by creating safe spaces to share individual experiences,
advocating on their behalf in national and international forums, and
providing information about institutional resources.
- Foster
spirituality among LGBTQ Muslims.
- Encourage
dialogue with the larger Muslim community around issues of sexuality
and gender.
The Al-Fatiha
Foundation 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, & Future of the Foundation
History:
The Al-Fatiha
Foundation 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, six chapters of the Al-Fatiha Foundation
have started in North America (in Atlanta, New York City, San Francisco,
Toronto, Vancouver, and Washington DC). In November of 1999, Al-Fatiha
established its first chapter abroad, in London, England. In the next
few years, Al-Fatiha plans on establishing future chapters in cities
across the United States and Canada, including Boston, Chicago, Los
Angeles, and Montreal and eventually across the world.
First
North American Conference for LGBTQ Muslims & Friends:
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.
Media
Coverage:
Since November
of 1997, the Al-Fatiha Foundation has received enormous media coverage
across the United States, Canada, England and around the world. Most
major gay and lesbian newspapers in the U.S. including publications
in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, San Francisco, & Washington
DC have written articles about Al-Fatiha and its activities. Additionally
Al-Fatiha and its members have been featured in The New York Blade,
Southern Voice, The Washington Blade, Trikone Magazine, The Advocate,
Out Magazine, XY Magazine, The Gay Times of UK, and Diva Magazine. Al-Fatiha
has also been featured in mainstream publications including The New
York Times, India Abroad, and The Washington Post. In August of 1999,
Al-Fatiha was featured in the Akutel magazine of Turkey (a mainstream
"lifestyle" publication). Also coverage has been received
abroad in Bangladesh, India, South Africa, and the Far East. In addition
to press coverage, Al-Fatiha has been featured on radio programs in
Vancouver and Chicago. Additionally, in May of 1999 Dignity (the GLBT
Catholic group) of New York City featured Al-Fatiha on their weekly
television program, which broadcasts to thousands of people in the New
York City metropolitan area.
Structural
and Organizational Development:
In February
1999, the Al-Fatiha Foundation became incorporated in the state of New
York as an official tax-exempt, non-profit, religious organization.
In January of 2000, Al-Fatiha formed a board of directors consisting
of seven people to oversee the development of the organization. In the
Spring of 2001, Al-Fatiha will launch an official membership drive to
generate on-going revenue and to establish a formal membership.
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 LGBTQ 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 LGBTQ Muslim community.
Future
Events:
In May
of 2000, Al-Fatiha will host its Second International Retreat for LGBTQ
Muslims & Friends in London, England. This retreat will formally
launch Al-Fatiha outside the U.S. & Canada into the global world.
In the year 2001, Al-Fatiha will convene its Second North American Conference
for LGBTQ Muslims & Friends in San Francisco, California, USA. And
in 2002, Al-Fatiha will host its Third International Retreat for LGBTQ
Muslims & Friends in an undecided location.
