Our Vision
Queer Muslim Network is dedicated to creating a world where 2SLGBTQ+ Muslims and their allies can thrive, through spaces that celebrate diversity, acceptance, and progressive Islamic practices. Our vision is rooted in the belief that storytelling and community connection has the power to foster radical acceptance.
By organizing community events that promote queer liberation and amplify marginalized voices, we aim to create a multi-sect environment where every Muslim feels valued and celebrated for who they are, regardless of their nuanced relationship to Islam. Queer Muslim Network events are spaces for people to make friends, talk about their shared experiences, and be embraced by the warmth of acceptance within a faith context.
Our Mission
Join us in our mission to dismantle homophobia and transphobia within the Muslim community, create meaningful change, and shape a world where queerness and faith can co-exist peacefully.
Through our advocacy efforts, we strive to raise awareness, promote education, and create spaces where individuals can express themselves authentically without fear of discrimination.
By engaging in multi-faith dialogue, community building, and collaborating with like-minded organizations, we aim to empower queer & trans Muslims to embrace their identities proudly and confidently. Together, we are building a future where diversity is celebrated, inclusion is the norm, and love knows no bounds.
Land Acknowledgement
As Queer and Trans Muslims, it is our duty to look at our positionality as settlers, immigrants, and refugees on land that was wrongfully and violently stolen from its Indigenous caretakers. As QMN is based in Toronto/Tkaronto, we give homage to the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples. The harm done to our Indigenous kin did not end at colonization or residential schools, but rather, it is an ongoing injustice. We stand in solidarity with the Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island as they fight for sovereignty from the Crown and Canadian government, resisting the colonial powers that be.
History
2020
Queer Muslim Network (QMN) was founded in October 2020 as an Instagram account to share stories and art about 2SLGBTQ+ Muslims & culturally Muslim people based in Toronto and the GTA. It was intended to be a space where folks can learn from each other, build resilience, and connect with each other while isolating from COVID-19. The account shared submissions from Queer & Trans Muslims talking about their struggles, triumphs, and joys.
2021
Queer Muslim Network welcomed an executive team and built capacity for virtual distanced programming. In April 2021, QMN launched its Iftaar Drop Off Program, providing meals for 2SLGBTQ+ Muslims observing Ramadan in isolation due to COVID lockdowns. QMN also collaborated with the Canadian Council of Muslim Women for their #Hate2Healing campaign, aimed at highlighting the stories of marginalized Muslims such as Queer and Trans community members. This opened up the discussion of Queer inclusion within the mainstream Muslim community.
2022
March 2022 marked the start of consistent in-person programming and the beginning of the Queer Muslim Network becoming a flourishing community within Toronto. In June 2022, QMN hosted a Chai & Chill event, community picnics during the summer months, and a collaboration with the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). QMN also had the second Iftaar Drop Off program, delivering meals to over 150 Queer & Trans Muslims across the GTA with the financial support of #RisingYouth. These events became catalysts for community building going forward.
2023
In April 2023, QMN started hosting in-person Ramadan programming, bridging a gap in services needed for the Toronto queer community. Partnering with Unity Mosque and The 519, QMN hosted a community Iftaar & queer-affirming Eid celebration, sponsored by the AIDS Committee of Toronto. QMN also hosted a variety of community picnics for folks to come together and build bonds with each other. In 2023, QMN collaborated with Inside Out Festival, the University of Toronto, Tarragon Theatre, and Palestinian Film Festival.
2024
In 2024, QMN is featured on PBS’s Brave Spaces, getting over 14,000 views (and counting), and winning a Webby award in the Diversity and Inclusion category! Queer Muslim Network found a home in the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC Toronto) and started hosting monthly evening Jummah prayers and Ramadan programming there. MCC Toronto has been generous in supporting QMN’s Ramadan events financially during 2024, alongside Frontlines Toronto and Gender Reveal the Podcast. 2024 was the the most successful Ramadan in the organization’s history, bringing together over 200 Queer and Trans Muslims and their loved ones. In the summer, QMN continued offering its annual summer picnic programming and monthly Jummahs.
2025
If you want to see more programming from Queer Muslim Network, please consider donating to us. We hope to have another beautiful Ramadan together as a community, and every donation gets us closer to that goal.