Al-Jamaa Building a Community A Retreat for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Muslims, Their Partners & Families

s May 27-30, 2011 Philadelphia, PA

We gather together as a community of individuals who identify as Muslim culturally, religiously, ideologically and/or politically and also as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT), while reconnecting with our faith, our community and with ourselves. "Come, come, whoever you are. Wanderer, worshiper, lover of leaving. It doesn't matter. Ours is not a caravan of despair. Come, even if you have broken your vows a thousand times. Come, yet again, come, come." - Mawlana Jalal-al-Din Rumi O men [women]! Behold, We have created you all out of a male and a female, and have made you into nations and tribes, so that you might come to know one another. Verily, the noblest of you in the sight of God is the one who is most deeply conscious of Him. Behold, God is all-knowing, all-aware." - Quran (49:13) - Translated by Muhammad Asad

Table of Contents

Welcome from Retreat Co-Chairs Retreat Goals Retreat Outcomes Policies & Guidelines Creating Inclusive Spaces for Salaat (Prayer) Trans Ally Tips Resources to Learn About Transgender Concerns

pg. 2 pg. 2 pg. 3 pg. 3 pg. 4 pgs. 5-6 pg. 6

Program of Events

Friday, May 27, 2011 Saturday, May 28, 2011 Sunday, May 29, 2011 Monday, May 30, 2011

pgs. 7-8 pgs. 8-12 pgs. 12-15 pgs. 15-16

Thank You Retreat Planning Committee Retreat Program Committee Sponsors

pg. 16 pg. 17 pg. 17 pg. 17

In Memorium
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Muslim Retreat remembers and honors friends, family and comrades whom we have lost. We grieve for the loss of life resulting from hatred and bigotry. We dedicate this retreat in their memory and commit to building a just and equal world.

In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Dear sisters, brothers, friends and comrades; Welcome to Al-Jamaa. We are so glad that you have joined us at this beautiful retreat center. As Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Muslims we come from incredibly diverse backgrounds. In fact, in many ways we are a microcosm of the Muslim world. We represent many different ethnic backgrounds and races; we are queer, bisexual, and transgender; we are immigrants and native born; we are parents, sisters and uncles; we are Shia, Ismaili, Sufi and Agnostic; and we come from rural towns and metropolitan cities. Yet these differences are what makes us unique - and makes us who we are. Our life journeys may have taken us on different paths, but our destination is the same. As you look around you - you may be amazed at what you see - beautiful, spiritual, amazing individuals. Welcome to our community. We are thankful for this opportunity and for all those that have come together to make this retreat a reality. We acknowledge our shortcomings and understand that this gathering may not fulfill all your desires or expectations but we hope that you will leave this weekend with a renewed spirit - and that this retreat will be the beginning of many more opportunities - for you - and all of us - to continue to build a community - of LGBT Muslims. With sincere gratitude,

Faisal Alam & Urooj Arshad

Co-Chairs, Planning Committee

Goals:
To gather together as a community of individuals who identify as Muslim culturally, religiously, ideologically and/or politically and also as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. To (re)connect with our faith, our community and with ourselves. To learn from each other and our community. To create new friendships within and amongst our community. To share our individual experiences with one another. To engage in spiritual worship and (re)gain a sense of peace within our lives. To engage in meaningful dialogue with each other around concerns facing our community. To develop new ways of communicating our needs and desires to members of our community. To empower each other with vision, clarity and sense of purpose. To create spheres of interest in writing, art, song, dance and other creative media.

A Muslim who meets with others and shares their burdens is better than one who lives a life of seclusion and contemplation. - Hadith (Quote from the Prophet Muhammad) - Sahih Muslim O You who have attained faith! Seek aid in steadfast patience and prayer: for, behold, God is with those who are patient in adversity. - Quran (2:153) - Translated by Muhammad Asad

Outcomes: Our time together will be a "retreat" from our lives, but it will also be a time of self-reflection and community building. During the weekend we will engage in workshops, interactive sessions, salaat (prayer), creative writing, zikr (remembrance), art, reflections from the Quran and the Prophet's life, poetry and song. We will learn from each other and create dialogue with one another. While our time together will be brief, our goals will be great: To leave the retreat feeling a sense of peace and reconnection with our faith, our lives and with our community. You are encouraged to participate as much as possible. We will take risks, we will laugh and we will cry. Our lives are intertwined with the Divine, with our families, our communities, our sexuality, our gender identity and with the world around us. Come as you are, whoever you are and wherever you are in your journey - you will be welcomed.

Retreat Policies & Guidelines:

1) By registering and attending this retreat you have agreed to abide by any rules or guidelines stated verbally or written by the retreat organizers. 2) Alcohol is not permitted at the retreat center. If you are found with alcohol you will be asked to leave the retreat center at your own expense. 3) No illegal drugs may be brought on to the retreat center premises and no illegal drugs may be used at the retreat. If you are found to be in the possession of any illegal drugs you will be asked to leave the retreat at my own expense. 4) The confidentiality, privacy and security of all retreat participants is of utmost importance. 5) No audio or video recording devices may be used in any retreat sessions or workshops. 6) Photographs or video recording may only take place outside the retreat sessions or workshops. 7) No participant may be photographed or recorded without their express verbal and/or written consent. 8) By attending this retreat you agree that no retreat organizer, organizing committee member, retreat center staff or retreat center volunteers may be held liable for any damage or loss that may incur. This damage or loss includes personal, psychological, physical or material. 9) By registering and attending this retreat you have agreed to the above stated policies. Additional policies and guidelines may be issued by retreat organizers. It is your responsibility to be aware of such policies. 10) Physical, verbal and/or sexual harassment of any kind will not be tolerated. 11) If any of the stated policies are not followed, you will be asked to leave the retreat center at your own expense.
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Picture from Eid-ul-Adha Prayer held in Washington DC; Led by Pamela Taylor and sponsored by Muslims for Progressive Values DC Chapter - Credit: Glenn Koetzne

Creating Inclusive and Welcoming Spaces for Salaat (Prayer)

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Muslims are often ostracized from their families and communities, leading many to stop practicing their faith. For some queer women and transgender people, even the act of stepping into a masjid (mosque) is confounded by gender segregation and the imposition of binary gender norms. The right to pray where we choose is often taken away from us. As LGBT Muslims who aim to create inclusive communities, we strive to create places of worship that are welcoming to all - regardless of ones sexual orientation or gender identity. We also welcome our partners, families of choice and allies to participate in a religious ritual that brings great meaning to our lives. With these thoughts in mind, our retreat welcomes each and every one of you to participate in the daily salaat (prayers) and we offer the following thoughts on creating inclusive places of worship - including at this retreat:

Whether you pray regularly or not, we invite you to this open and welcoming space. We understand that prayer is filled with great pain for many of us - and we offer you support and love as you join the congregation. You may wear whatever clothing you are most comfortable in. As an inclusive community we do not judge each other. You may stand wherever you feel most comfortable. Men and women are welcome to pray side-by-side and next to one another. We are one community. Women are encouraged and welcome to lead prayer. As a community committed to social justice we understand that we must break the bonds of sexism and male privilege. Allah, our Creator alone knows what is in our hearts. And we seek the Divines guidance in all that we do.
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Trans Ally Tips - Some Ways to be a Good Trans Ally

Always use the pronouns and name the person wants you to use. If youre unsure, ASK! If you make a mistake, correct yourself. Politelysubtly, if possiblecorrect others if they use the wrong pronoun for someone else. Dont assume all trans people identify as men or women. Some trans people and genderqueer people identify as both, neither, or something altogether different. At the same time, dont assume all trans people identify as both, neither or something else. Many trans people do identify as men or womenand want to be treated simply and clearly as the gender with which they identify. Dont confuse gender with sexual orientation. Trans people, like non-trans people, may be straight, gay, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, etc. Gender is not tied to sexual preference. Dont tell others that someone is trans unless that person has given you permission to do so. This is especially important for people who have transitioned. Coming out as trans after transition means revealing personal medial historyit is not your right to share that information (not even to other trans or queer people). Instead of saying someone was born a boy or a girl, try saying they were assigned male at birth or assigned female at birth. The term assigned emphasizes the ways in which sex and gender are assigned to individuals at birth, rather than being innate, binary or immutable qualities. Using biological sex terms (e.g. male and female) helps to avoid confusing sex and gender (e.g. man and woman). Dont ask trans people about surgery or hormone status in general conversation. For example, dont ask when are you going to have the surgery? or are you on hormones? Like non-trans people, our medical histories and bodies can be intensely personal and private. If trans people want to share these details with you, allow them to do so on their own terms. (If you are going to have sex with a trans person, that would be an appropriate time to ask for guidance in relating to their body). Do listen if a transperson chooses to talk to you about their gender identity. Be honest about things you dont understanddont try to fake it! Dont assume the only way to transition is through hormones or surgery. Understand that medical transition is very often based on economic status. It is classist to assume that everyone who is a real trans person has access to health care and money to cover medical costs. Some trans people also do not want to transition physically. Dont assume all trans people feel trapped in the wrong body. This is an oversimplification and not the way all trans people feel. Recognize the diversity of trans and genderqueer lives. Remember that these identities are part of other identities, and intersect with race, class, sexual preference, age, etc. Dont ask trans people to educate you. Do your own homework and research. Understand that there is a difference between talking to individuals about their preferences/perspectives and forcing someone to be your educator. Try not to view individuals as spokespeople; the trans communities are diverse, not one monolithic voice or viewpoint.

Trans Ally Tips - continued

Recognize that trans women deal with sexism in a very real way (on top of transphobia). Recognize that trans women deserve access to women-only spaces/programs/shelters/etc. Recognize your privilege and prejudices as a normatively gendered person. Think about what makes you uncomfortable about transgender and try to understand why.

Dont let transphobia slide. Confront it as you would confront all other forms of oppression. Trans issues are rarely discussed & when they are it is often in a negative light. Transphobia is equally oppressive as (and works in conjunction with) sexism, homophobia, racism, classism, etc. Talk about trans issues/rights. Engage people in discussions and share your knowledge. The majority of information people have about trans issues is based on stereotypes & assumptions. To most people, trans folks are the freaks from Jerry Springer.| Be aware of the vital role you play as a non-trans person. Remember that the way you talk about trans people (e.g., using the right pronouns) influences how others perceive us. It can make a difference in whether we pass and whether we feel safe/comfortable. Always remember that people may be more likely to listen to and take cues from non-trans people than from trans people. What you say and do matters! Dont tokenize. Simply adding the T to LGB doesnt make you or your organization hip, progressive, or an ally. Make sure you have the resources, information and understanding to deserve that T. Dont refer to the LGBTQ community as the gay community. Some trans people and their partners are not gayand it trivializes lesbian and bisexual identities as well. The same goes for gay rights, the gay movement, gay culture, etc. Above all respect and support trans people in their lives and choices.
* With thanks to the LGBT Resource Center at UC Davis and Tynan Power for their support and help in creating this list.

Resources to Learn About Transgender Concerns

National Center for Transgender Equality http://www.transequality.org

Injustice at Every Turn: A Report of the National Transgender Discrimination Survey (February 2011) The National Transgender Discrimination Survey is the first large-scale national study of discrimination against transgender and gender non-conforming Americans, and paints a more complete picture than any prior research to date. http://transequality.org/PDFs/Executive_Summary.pdf Teaching Transgender (January 2009) - A how-to guide for leading trainings about the lives of transgender people. http://transequality.org/Resources/NCTE_Teaching_Transgender.pdf Understanding Transgender People - http://transequality.org/Resources/NCTE_UnderstandingTrans.pdf Transgender Terminology - http://transequality.org/Resources NCTE_UnderstandingTrans.pdf
*From the National Center for Transgender Equality

Friday, May 27, 2011

10:00 am5:00 pm 10:00 am5:00 pm 1:00 pm1:45 pm 1:45 pm2:15 pm 2:15 pm2:45 pm 2:45 pm3:45 pm 3:45 pm4:30 pm 4:30 pm5:00 pm 5:00 pm5:15 pm 5:15 pm5:30 pm 5:30 pm6:15 pm Participants Arrive Registration & Check-in to Rooms Lunch

Salaat-ul-Juma Friday Prayer Khutbah (sermon) on Al-JamaaBuilding a Community

Break Introductions and Group Ice Breakers Welcome, Orientation & Group Agreements Form Kinship Groups & Say Salaams Break

Salaat-ul-Asr - Afternoon Prayer

Gender 101

What is gender? How is gender formulated? Is gender assigned at birth or is it learned as we grow up? What is the difference between gender, sex and sexual orientation? These and other questions will be explored in this interactive group workshop. 6:15 pm6:30 pm 6:30 pm7:10 pm 7:10 pm7:30 pm 7:30 pm8:30 pm Break Dinner Break Opening Plenary: Our Personal Journeys

We come from many paths and have taken different and diverse journeys to gather at this retreat. This plenary will invite participants to share their personal struggles and triumphs as LGBT Muslims. What brought you here today? What do you hope to gain this weekend? What are your goals for this retreat? How has your personal journey brought you here? Participants are invited to share their personal stories in this opening plenary. 8:30 pm8:45 pm 8:45 pm10:00 pm

Salaat-ul-Maghrib - Evening Prayer

Plenary #2: Attaining Happiness as LGBT Muslims

What makes us happy? Do we rely on things to make us happy or do we make happiness ourselves? What does the Quran say about finding happiness in this world or the next world? Is happiness the same as contentment? How can we as LGBT Muslims attain happiness? We will explore these questions and look for some answers together.

Friday, May 27, 2011 continued...

10:00 pm10:15 pm 10:15 pm10:45 pm 11:15 pm11:45 pm Break

Salaat-ul-Isha (Night Prayer) & Reflections from the Quran

Recovery Support and Check-In

Those that are in a recovery program are invited to join this open and safe space for support and to check-in.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

5:00 am6:15 am

Salaat-ul-Fajr - Dawn Prayer & Zikr (Meditation)

Fajr means the dawn prayer that is recited before sunlight grows bright. We will meet every
morning early for dawn prayer in a group. Immediately after the formal prayer we will form a zikr circle. Zikr is an Islamic meditation practice that invokes the Divine presence through Gods most beautiful names (asma allah al-husna). It is a Sufi practice to create tranquility, peace of mind and open the heart. 6:15 am8:00 am 8:00 am8:40 am 8:40 am9:15 am 9:15 am10:30 am Free Time Breakfast Free Time Session #1

i) Losing My Religion: Struggling with Allah As LGBT Muslims we are often told that Allah hates us and that we are destined to hell. How do these intolerant and negative messages affect our view of God? How do you currently view your relationship with Allah? Has your perspective changed over time, or in different phases of your life? Is it different than what your parents, family or elders may have taught you or expected from you? Is it ok to feel doubt, anger or shame when we think about a Higher Power? How does the Divine figure play a role in our daily lives? This workshop invites participants to a safe and open space to talk about their relationship with Allah and how their view of the Divine has changed in their lives as LGBT Muslims. ii) Al-Kitab - What is the The Book? Keeping in mind the traditional history of the transmission of the Qur'an, from the dictation by the angel Gabriel to the standardization by 'Uthman, we will experience some of the practical and interpretive challenges faced by the hearers of a spoken word as they convert it to a written text, by doing a dictation of a short stanza of a poem and collectively reconstructing the original. Then we will ponder the meaning of the words al-kitab and al-quran as they are used in the Islamic holy text. Al-Kitab (the Book) in many instances seems to denote a kind of blueprint of the universe or a script of destiny, infinitely broad and comprehensive, and impossible to set down in physical writing or even to speak in words. Al-Qur'an often seems to describe an
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Saturday, May 28, 2011 (continued)

activity or a process (recitation), or at most the recited words, rather than a physical, tangible product. How does all this affect the status of the physical book we know as the Quran, and its use as a source of law rather than simply of personal guidance? iii) Sharing Our Stories: The Challenges and Triumphs of Coming Out Coming out is often viewed as a rite of passage for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. But for Muslims who are queer, coming out is filled with internal and external challenges. How will our families react? How will the larger community react? Is coming out really necessary to be happy? Can our families and communities really accept us for who we are? Participants are invited to share their stories of challenge and triumph in relation to the complex subject of coming out. iv) Disability and Islam There is much in common with queer and transgender people and those that are disabled. Both communities are trying to transcend or escape from mainstream social ideas of normalcy; what our bodies are supposed to conform to. This is also shared by communities of color. We live in a society where we are judged by an idea of the body which is heterosexual, white and able. Anything that deviates from that is considered abnormal, deviant, corrupt, etc. Thus the idea that people with disabilities, people of color and queer and transgender people are normal and valuable is very radical. Disability is usually framed as something other, and is only accepted in mainstream society with the frame that we need to be fixed, healed or accommodated but not just accepted as who we are or that we are another expression of what humanity is. Queer and disabled Muslims have similar experiences of being marginalized in mainstream Muslim circles especially in the masjid (mosque). This workshop will invite participants to share their own struggle with disability and with being LGBT and Muslim. Together we will create and build community and empower one another. Allies are welcome to join this discussion. 10:30 am10:45 am 10:45 am12:00 pm Break Plenary #3: Islam and Reform

Modern Wahabis and Salafis promote a false image of Islamic history and claim that Islam has never incorporated reform. This plenary will explore the major historical events that have shaped reform in Islam. It will address how reform is vital for the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Muslims in Islam. 12:00 pm12:20 pm 12:20 pm1:00 pm 1:00 pm1:30 pm Break Lunch (with Kinship Groups) Break

Saturday, May 28, 2011 (continued)

1:30 pm1:45 pm 1:45 pm3:00 pm i) Islamic Prayer 101 This workshop will explore salaat or prayer in Islam. What are the different forms of prayer? Are there informal and personal ways of praying in addition to the formal and congregational types of prayer? Do I have to pray in Arabic only? How do women participate in prayer? What are symbolic meanings of different parts of the prayer ritual like postures, invocations and washing? This workshop will explore these questions and demonstrate different approaches. ii) Healing from Violence and Trauma We come to this retreat and gather together as LGBTQ Muslims from a myriad of places. Many of us have experienced a lot of trauma along the way. This workshop is a space for us to share how we have healed, how we are still healing, and to explore our faith as a potential source of strength and resilience. We will also spend time talking about ways we can take care of ourselves and support each other. iii) Like a Prayer: Guided Personal Reflection Through Writing When we write, its like we are praying. How can we use writing or other forms of creative expression in times of struggle or even in times of reflection (such as the retreat). This workshop creates the space for us to process thoughts, feelings and ideas teeming within us. We will discuss individual themes, write out our experiences, and get a share our stories. Participants are encouraged to bring a journal to write in. iv) Personal Reflection, Writing & Art Retreat participants are invited to take a break and explore the retreat center premises, the art studio and the library. The retreat center also offers a perimeter path and labrynth to walk through. Whether you choose to explore your creative side, write in a journal, catch up on some reading or simply take a walk, you are invited to relax and take some to time to yourself. v) Film #1 - Please see film guide for description. 3:00 pm3:30 pm 3:30 pm4:45 pm Break Session #3

Salaat-ul-Zuhr - Mid-Day Prayer

Session #2

i) Islamic Leadership 101: Prayer & Devotional Community Activities This session will provide an introductory training for LGBT Muslims who want to take a leadership role in prayer and devotional community activities. How do you lead prayer, or make make the call to prayer? How do you write and deliver a sermon? Do you need special training or authority to do this? Aspects of community and devotional leadership activities will be explored.
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Saturday, May 28, 2011 (continued)

ii) Reconciling Sacred Text: Problematic Verses in the Quran As Muslims, we are taught that the Quran is the infallible word of Allah, revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) more than 1,400 years ago. But the Quran was revealed over 23 years of the Prophets life and was only compiled into book form after his death. Could there have been verses that were taken out or added for political or personal reasons? What does the Quran say about topics such as the role of women, homosexuality, people of other faith, war and the Day of Judgement. As Muslims, must we believe everything the Quran says? Do translations have any effect on the meaning of the Quran? This interactive workshop will identify certain problematic verses in the Quran and participants will be invited to look at various translations and meanings of these verses. We will also discuss how we can reconcile and come to a peaceful place in our own lives with the Quran, even though we may not agree with everything it says. iii) Lets Talk About (Relationships) and Sex Baby Relationships and sex; sex and relationships. These are often topics that are taboo in mainstream Muslim communities. As LGBT Muslims, we often have difficulties expressing our desires, wants and needs to those that we want to be intimate with. How do LGBT Muslims date? What role does our ethnicity or family background play when we want to begin a relationship with someone from another race or ethnic background? What are Quran Queens? Why do some people have a fetish with Muslim culture? Do we have to be in a relationship to have sex? These and other questions will be explored in this safe and open space. iv) Navigating Boundaries: Families of Origin, Self & Responsibility As LGBT Muslims, we often face internal and external conflicts as we navigate the many boundaries of our lives, our families of origin and the responsibility that we have to both. This workshop invites participants to share their own challenges and struggles with their families of origin. How have you as an LGBT Muslim reconciled your relationship with your family of origin? Can we be true to ourselves while also fulfilling our familys expectations of us? What role does culture and society play as we navigate these boundaries? These and other questions will be explored in this interactive discussion. iv) Personal Reflection, Writing & Art Retreat participants are invited to take a break and explore the retreat center premises, the art studio and the library. The retreat center also offers a perimeter path and labrynth to walk through. Whether you choose to explore your creative side, write in a journal, catch up on some reading or simply take a walk, you are invited to relax and take some to time to yourself. vi) Film #2 - Please see film guide for description. 4:45 pm5:00 pm 5:00 pm5:30 pm 5:30 pm6:00 pm Break

Salaat-ul-Asr - Afternoon Prayer

Break

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Saturday, May 28, 2011 (continued)

6:00 pm6:40 pm 6:40 pm7:30 pm 7:30 pm8:30 pm Dinner Free Time / Participant-Led Discussions Musical Performance: Of Sacred Love ~ Of Sacred Bodies

Fatimah Lorn is a performance vocalist blending music, monologue and movement to create Offerings that support emotional mending, spiritual transformation, and community action. We welcome Fatima and her eclectic blend of jazz, blues, world music. 8:30 pm8:45 pm 8:45 pm9:00 pm 9:00 pm9:30 pm 9:30 pm10:00 pm 10:00 pm10:15 pm 10:45 pm-11:15 pm Break

Salaat-ul-Maghrib - Evening Prayer

Q & A with Fatimah Lorn Break

Salaat-ul-Isha - Night Prayer

Recovery Support and Check-In

Sunday, May 29, 2011

5:00 am6:15 am

Salaat-ul-Fajr - Dawn Prayer & Zikr (Meditation)

Fajr means the dawn prayer that is recited before sunlight grows bright. We will meet every morning early for dawn prayer in a group. Immediately after the formal prayer we will form a zikr circle. Zikr is an Islamic meditation practice that invokes the Divine presence through Gods most beautiful names (asma allah al-husna). It is a Sufi practice to create tranquility, peace of mind and open the heart.
6:15 am8:00 am 8:00 am8:40 am 8:40 am9:00am 9:00 am9:30 am 9:30 am10:30 am Free Time Breakfast Break Pendle Hill Worship Service (all are welcome to attend) Participant-Led Discussions and Caucuses: 10:30 am11:00 am Break
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Men Women

Sunday, May 29, 2011 (continued)

11:00 am12:30 pm Plenary #4: Islam and Homosexuality Despite the way tradition has been handed down to us from the past, there is flexibility in Islamic teachings. This plenary will discuss homosexual identity in the light of Islam. How can we approach Islamic sources for guidance from a non-heterosexual and non-patriarchal perspective? How can we separate the Quran from hadith reports, and those from the decisions of Muslim jurists in the past? What conceptual and devotional tools to we have to work with? How does transgender identity and bisexuality fit into this paradigm? These and other aspects of sexual identity, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression will be explored in this plenary session. 12:30 pm 1:00 pm 1:00 pm1:40 pm 1:40 pm2:00 pm 2:00 pm2:15 pm 2:15 pm3:30 pm Break Supper (Main Meal for Sunday - with Kinship Groups) Break

Salaat-ul-Zuhr - Mid-Day Prayer

Session #4

i) A Body Sacred, A Body Free: Musical Expression to Liberate Body, Mind, and Soul This "playshop" is open to any and all voices (no experience or previous training necessary). It is an opportunity to use voice, percussive instruments and movement to unlock our deep reservoir of creativity and wisdom. Participants will sit in a communal circle and be guided through gentle, "liberatory" activities that encourage us to not only look inwardly but also connect outwardly in new ways. ii) Bitching Aint Easy: Managing Islamophobia and Fabulousness The LGBTQ Muslim community consists of cultural, secular and religious Muslims, both those who identify as LGBTQ and those who are exploring their sexual identity, gender expression and gender identity. Presenters will share key issues of concern for LGBTQ Muslims in this discussion-oriented workshop/panel, including some challenges in reconciling gender identity and sexual orientation with diverse religious, faith and cultural backgrounds. As individuals and as a community, we face numerous societal and institutional challenges, namely xenophobia and racism, Islamophobia, threats of interpersonal and state violence, and militarism. We will discuss the underlying intersections of oppression within our own communities, strategies to advance progressive interpretations of Islam, while striving to contextualize and analyze current events impacting our community through a progressive lens. iii) Whats God Doing in My Bedroom? At the intersection of faith and desire, is there a place for God in our bedrooms? After we come out as LGBTQ, we may still find that conflicts remain between our faith and our sexuality. Even in the LGBTQ community, we may find that some sexual behavior is assigned a moral (or immoral) value. This is a safe space to talk frankly about hot topics like monogamy vs. polyamory, casual sex vs. lifelong partnerships, dyads vs. triads (quads, quints or more), vanilla sex vs. BDSM, and what makes sex sacredor profane?
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Sunday, May 29, 2011 (continued)

iv) Personal Reflection, Writing & Art Retreat participants are invited to take a break and explore the retreat center premises, the art studio and the library. The retreat center also offers a perimeter path and labrynth to walk through. Whether you choose to explore your creative side, write in a journal, catch up on some reading or simply take a walk, you are invited to relax and take some to time to yourself. v) Film #3 - Please see film guide for description. 3:30 pm4:00 pm 4:00 pm5:15 pm Break Session #5

i) Build It and They Will Come: Creating Inclusive Communities This leadership development workshop will describe steps that panelists have taken in their communities to create progressive Muslim spaces. How does a group go about creating an inclusive Islamic community or a mosque that is not segregated by gender? Participants will be asked to identify resources within their own communities and brainstorm about the challenges they face within their cities as they embark on creating local progressive Muslim communities. ii) What is an Islamic Approach to HIV/AIDS? The stigma that surrounds HIV and AIDS is nearly as strong as it was 30 years ago when the epidemic started. Now, even 15 years after effective medications became available, the infection is still an uncomfortable subject for many. What can we do in the Muslim LGBTQ community to heighten awareness and diminish the prejudice? This workshop will discuss ways to dispel the myths, accept the realities, and break down the walls of non-acceptance. iii) Seeing Allah Within Yourself and Everyone Else So often we forget that Allah created us in love, and that we (as human beings) promised to carry and be that love. This workshop explores the concept of the creation as a mirror - everything that is from you is for you, and that everything for you is from you. It reminds participants that whenever we forget to see ourselves or others in mercy and love, we've broken the construct of love in which we were created. And it helps participants begin to see or deepen their witnessing of everyone and everything as divine manifestations, as evidence of Allah. By so doing, it moves us all closer to fulfilling our purpose and promise. iv) Personal Reflection, Writing & Art Retreat participants are invited to take a break and explore the retreat center premises, the art studio and the library. The retreat center also offers a perimeter path and labrynth to walk through. Whether you choose to explore your creative side, write in a journal, catch up on some reading or simply take a walk, you are invited to relax and take some to time to yourself. v) Film #4 - Please see film guide for description.

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Sunday, May 29, 2011 (continued)

5:15 pm5:30 pm 5:30 pm6:00 pm 6:00 pm6:30 pm 6:30 pm-7:10 pm 7:10 pm7:30 pm 7:30 pm8:45 pm Break

Salaat-ul-Asr - Afternoon Prayer & Reflections on the Quran

Break (Light) Dinner Break Plenary #5: Building a Community: Our Vision, Challenges & Opportunities

As we begin to close our gathering and this retreat, our panelists will explore how we can build Muslim communities that are progressive and inclusive. The invited speakers will discuss their vision of a world that is inclusive and welcoming to LGBT Muslims. What does this future world look like? How are LGBT Muslims a part of this world? And more importantly how can we as a community achieve this vision? What are some challenges that we may encounter along the way? And what opportunities exist today that we can utilize to achieve our vision of a world that embraces LGBT Muslims? 8:45 pm9:00 pm 9:00 pm10:30 pm 10:30 pm11:30 pm 11:45 pm12:15 am

Salaat-ul-Maghrib - Evening Prayer

Evening of Sharing: Talent / No Talent Show

Salaat-ul-Isha - Night Prayer and Zikr (Islamic Meditation)

Recovery Support and Check-In

Those that are in a recovery program are invited to join this open and safe space for support and to check-in.

Monday, May 30, 2011

5:00 am6:15 am

Salaat-ul-Fajr - Dawn Prayer & Zikr (Meditation)

Fajr means the dawn prayer that is recited before sunlight grows bright. We will meet every morning early for dawn prayer in a group. Immediately after the formal prayer we will form a zikr circle. Zikr is an Islamic meditation practice that invokes the Divine presence through Gods most beautiful names (asma allah al-husna). It is a Sufi practice to create tranquility, peace of mind and open the heart.
6:15 am8:00 am 8:00 am8:40 am 8:40 am9:15 am 9:15 am10:00 am Free Time Breakfast Break Participant Feedback Session with Planning Committee
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Monday, May 30, 2011 (continued)

10:00 am10:15 am 10:15 am11:15 am Break Plenary #6: Building Alliances Across Progressive Communities

The LGBT Muslim struggle for equality and liberation is part of a larger social justice and progressive movement. Organizations and communities of all different types have been fighting against oppression for a long time. The LGBT Muslim community can learn many lessons from our allies while building alliances with other progressive communities, in our collective struggle for social justice. This plenary invites speakers from allied progressive movements to share their organizations strategies to build inclusive communities and how alliances can be built across various identities to create a more just, equal and inclusive world. 11:15 am12:00 pm Closing Session: Envisioning the Future

The last three days have been inspiring and exhausting. We have met people from all different parts of the globe and shared intimate and deep personal experiences, stories and struggles with one another. As we leave this retreat, we gather together to reflect and envision the future. What does a world that is inclusive and welcoming to LGBT Muslims look like? How will our masjids (mosques) and Muslim communities look like? What have you learned and gained at this retreat? And what will you take back with you? We invite everyone to share their vision of a future world and an inclusive society. 12:00 pm12:20 pm 12:20 pm1:00 pm 1:00 pm1:30 pm 1:30 pm1:45 pm 1:45 pm Onwards 2:30 pm4:00 pm Survey & Evaluations Lunch Kinship Group Good Byes & Staying in Touch

Salaat-ul-Zuhr - Mid-Day Prayer

Departures Meeting to Discuss Organizing a Future Gathering

Thank You

Allah, the Most Compassionate, for bringing us together, To our funders, sponsors and individual donors for your generosity, To the planning committee for organizing this amazing gathering, To all our volunteers for their help in making this retreat a success, To the beautiful retreat center and their staff for hosing us, And to each and every one of for sharing your compassion and wisdom.
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Planning Committee

Program Committee

Imam Daayiee Abdullah Faisal Alam Urooj Arshad Dr. Siraj Kugle Tynan Power

Imam Daayiee Abdullah Faisal Alam Urooj Arshad Beena Naveed Merchant Dr. Siraj Kugle

Sponsors

National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Muslims for Progressive Values

http://www.thetaskforce.org http://www.mpvusa.org

The LGBT Muslim Retreat is funded in part by a grant from Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy. AAPIP is a national membership and philanthropic advocacy organization dedicated to advancing philanthropy and Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. Our members include foundations, staff and trustees of grantmaking institutions, and nonprofit organizations in regional chapters in the United States. AAPIP engages AAPI communities, philanthropy, and policy makers to address unmet needs; serves as a resource for and about AAPI communities; supports and facilitates giving by and to AAPI communities; and incubates new ideas and approaches for social justice philanthropy. Website: http://www.aapip.org The LGBT Muslim Retreat is funded in part by a grant from Astraea Lesbian Foundation For Justice. Astraea Lesbian Foundation For Justice works for social, racial and economic justice in the U.S. and internationally. Our grantmaking and philanthropic advocacy programs help lesbians and allied communities challenge oppression and claim their human rights. Website: http://www.astraea.org
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Daayiees Place of Inner Peace Quran-Based Pastoral Counseling

http://www.daayiee.com Daayiee@aol.com

Daayiees Place of Inner Peace Our Mission To compassionately respond to the ever-increasing demands on modern Muslims living in nonMuslim countries. Utilizing traditional Islamic formulations of ijtihad, to derive clarity from the Quran and authentic Sunnah, Imam Daayiee Abdullah evaluates your individualized circumstances and provides alternative opinions based upon the guidance espoused in the Quran to assist Muslims to successfully meet their challenges. Daayiees Place of Inner Peace, operated by Imam Daayiee Abdullah, is a progressive Muslim counseling center. Imam Daayiee provides Quran-based pastoral counseling for Muslims, whether they are gay or non-gay individuals, couples (opposite-sex, mixed-faith, or same-sex), gay or non-gay families and friends, life coaching, grief and death transition. Imam Daayiee also provides marital services (nikah) ranging from premarital counseling and contracts, to separation and divorce issues. Appointments can be easily scheduled online. Teleconferencing, online videoconferencing, or face-to-face, in-office sessions are available. For further information or to schedule an appointment, contact Imam Daayiee directly at Daayiee@aol.com or visit his website at http://www.daayiee.com.

The LGBT Muslim Retreat Thanks NCLR for Their Generous Contribution

The National Center for Lesbian Rights is a national legal organization committed to advancing the civil and human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education. Tel. 415 392-6257 http://www.nclrights.org

Upcoming LGBT & Progressive Muslim Conferences

Muslims for Progressive Values 5th Annual Retreat July 1-3, 2011 Berkeley, CA http://www.mpvusa.org Salaam Canada Conference in conjunction with the OutGames July 27-30, 2011 Vancouver, Canada http://www.salaamcanada.com

SAALT is proud to partner with LGBT Muslim Retreat

Please visit http://www.saalt.org to learn about how SAALT builds stronger South Asian Communities across the country. Learn more about SAALT's campaign for the 10th anniversary of September 11: An America for All of Us. Join the campaign and raise your voices.

Notes

Notes

Thank you to Salman for your generosity, humor, love, and continued support of the LGBT Muslim community.