Organisers delighted at success of LGBT Muslim conference
Scholars, academics and activists from across the world gathered in London earlier this month to mark the tenth anniversary of the largest support group for LGBT Muslims in Europe.
Imaan marked its birthday with a two-day conference featuring guest speakers and delegates from Islamic, Christian, Jewish, Sikh and secular backgrounds.
Delegates came from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Holland, Iran, Lebanon, Pakistan, Turkey, Norway, Uganda and the United States of America.
Organisers said it was the largest ever conference addressed issues of faith and sexuality, homophobia and racism, as well how to engage the LGBT and Muslim communities, as well as wider society.
“Delegates at the conference overwhelming concluded through the plenary discussions and workshops that the future of an inclusive and diverse society depended on the continuing strength and visibility of all LGBT people within their communities,” said Pav Akhtar from Imaan.
“Leading LGBT activists and thinkers engaged with Imaan members, their friends, families, supporters and social-care professionals on engagement with LGBT / faith groups on issues including asylum, immigration, access to public and health services, challenging homophobia and Islamophobia in the workplace.
“The event was received as a tremendous validation of Imaan’s journey over the last 10 years and provided the inspiration for the next decade, including the approval of a new constitution, officers and programme of work.”
