Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity

The Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity (MASGD), founded in 2013, is a support and advocacy organization for LGBTQ Muslims.

History

The Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity was launched in January 2013.[1] The organization was formed by members of the Queer Muslim Working Group, with the support of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. Several initial MASGD members previously had been involved with the Al-Fatiha Foundation, including Faisal Alam, Urooj Arshad,[2] Tynan Power, and Imam Daayiee Abdullah.[3] Co-founders include Raquel Saraswati,[4] Yas Ahmed,[5] Imi Rashid and Sahar Shafqat.[6]

In 2016, The Advocate magazine named four MASGD steering committee members in its list of "21 LGBT Muslims Who Are Changing the World."[7]

Mission

The mission statement of MASGD states: "The Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity works to support, empower and connect LGBTQ Muslims. We seek to challenge root causes of oppression, including misogyny and xenophobia. We aim to increase the acceptance of gender and sexual diversity within Muslim communities, and to promote a progressive understanding of Islam that is centered on inclusion, justice, and equality."[8]

Retreat

The first project of MASGD was an LGBT Muslim Retreat. The first Retreat was held in 2011, under the auspices of the Queer Muslim Working Group. Since then, the Retreat has been held each May. In 2013, the Retreat welcomed a total of 85 adults, including both LGBTQ Muslims and their partners.[9]

References
  1. "Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity". Muslimalliance.org. Retrieved 2013-11-18.
  2. Parsons, Monique (January 17, 2018). "The Influential Network for a New Generation of American Muslim Leaders". WWRN - World-wide Religious News.
  3. "The Progressive Muslim Movement". OutSmart Magazine. October 1, 2013. Retrieved November 18, 2013.
  4. "Raquel Saraswati". Family Equality Council. Retrieved January 25, 2019.
  5. Kini, Aditi Natasha; Trykowski, Tyler (February 7, 2018). "A New Exhibit Explores the Art and Identity of Queer Muslims". Vice.
  6. Alpert, Megan (June 14, 2016). "LGBT and Muslim Communities Warn Against Demonizing of Both After Orlando Shooting". Foreign Policy.
  7. Jacob Ogles (December 20, 2016). "21 LGBT Muslims Who Are Changing the World". The Advocate.
  8. "Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity". Muslimalliance.org. Retrieved 2013-11-18.
  9. "The Washington Post". 2013-05-30. Retrieved 2013-11-18.
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