Care · Connect · Growth 2025 | A Celebration of Queer Muslim Faith

Care · Connect · Growth 2025 | A Celebration of Queer Muslim Faith

Join Hidayah US for an in-person conference event featuring dialogues on intersectional identities and queer spirituality. The event is in collaboration with the Arab American Cultural Center and Gender & Sexuality Center at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and includes a series of panel discussions on diverse topics, community building activities, and networking opportunities. The event is free to the public, and lunch and snacks will be provided. You must be +18 years old to attend, or accompanied with supervision by a guardian.

This event is a safe space for individuals to come together, share experiences, and build a supportive community. Whether you're looking to connect with like-minded individuals or simply want to learn more about the intersection of faith and identity, this event is for you. Let's celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and love in a welcoming environment.

All attendees will be required to agree to the event's safeguarding policies. By registering and attending this event, you agree that you will respect the Muslim and LGBTQ+ communities and have no malicious intent in harming members present. No recording of audio or video of participants is permitted during the event. Anyone found to be attending with ill intentions or causing harm to event attendees will be asked to leave.

Please contact [email protected] for any queries or concerns, or if you are interested in volunteering during the event.
Want to support this event and future programming for LGBTQ+ Muslims? Donate to Hidayah US today!

Info: What better way to start the day than with a hot cup of chai and our local resource fair open bright and early to chat with.

Info: Kick-off "Care · Connect · Growth 2025" as we set the space for the day's upcoming programming and reflect on the current state and future journey for the US Queer Muslim community. Hear from Hidayah US and the integral organizers from the University of Illinois at Chicago on the incredible work being done for our community.

Info: The Queer Muslim community is diverse in its stories, experiences, and advocacy efforts. Hear from a selection of speakers as they recount their Queer Muslim stories followed by a panel discussion moderated by Yazzie Dukan.

Info: Skip the small talk and dive right in to this Hidayah US-led networking activity to connect attendees through engaging conversations. This is a relaxed atmosphere where participants can meet new people, expand their network and form meaningful connections.

Info: Join Zain (Hidayah US Chair) and Ramish (Advocates for Youth Program Manager) for an interactive session where we will use human-centered design to collaborate and ideate solutions to address the needs of the Queer Muslim community in Chicago and greater Midwest region. We will also strategize on ways to leverage current resources and players to prepare for the upcoming struggles our community will face in the upcoming years. This working session will be geared towards leaders, activists and community members interested in shaping the future of the Queer Muslim community in the greater-Chicago area .***This session has a capacity of 40 people***

Info: Catered by UIC, have lunch while you learn about the work of various local organizations and individuals that are supporting the Muslim and LGBTQ+ communities at our resource fair. Prayer room with be available for Dhuhr.

Info: Join UIC associate professor Sarah Abboud for an exploration of intersectional minority stressors among queer Arab immigrants in the United States and their impact on health. As one of few Arab scholars to explore sexual health at the intersections of immigration, gender, sexual orientation, and ethnic identity, Sarah Abboud's program of research is grounded in social justice and health equity frameworks. This session will provide an overview of the findings of two completed research studies and the implications for the current and future projects.

Info: Watch an exclusive screening of Nadya's latest short, "A Simple Ask" which was recently screened at the International South Asian Film Festival of Canada and Sundar Prize Film Festival, and a moderated discussion surrounding Queer Muslim storytelling.

Info: Join Saria Omer, former Director of Masjid al-Rabia, for an educational session about Sudan, the largest displacement crisis in the world, and what it truly means to be black and queer within the LGBTQ+ Muslim community.

Info: Join community organizers from Salon Kawakib, a cultural space for SWANA diaspora in Chicago, for a Palestinian and Lebanese diaspora led session discussing solidarity and activism.

Info: Goodbye but not farewell! Be sure to connect with Hidayah US and local organizations before we end the day.

Host or Publisher Hidayah USA