My story has been one of faith, love, and resilience. I came out as gay at the age of 17. In that moment, my life changed in many ways – some wonderful, some deeply painful. I was blessed to have my father, my brother, and a few extended family members who accepted me without hesitation. My mother, however, found it incredibly difficult to come to terms with. At the time, she believed it was “just a phase” and would pass.

 

When it became clear that it wasn’t, she made the heartbreaking decision to cut all contact with me – a separation that lasted 11 long years. Losing my mother was one of the hardest experiences of my life. It left a void in my heart and made it difficult for me to hold on to my faith. Back then, I felt invisible within the Muslim community; I could never have imagined there were other queer Shia Muslims out there, let alone a safe space or a society for people like me.

 

But life has a way of healing. With time, my mother found her way back to me. I never blamed her – I understood that her decision was shaped by community pressures and fear of judgment. What mattered most was that she was back in my life, and we could rebuild our bond.

 

In those years, I also rediscovered my faith and my true gender identity, a Trans Woman. I realised it had always been there, quietly rooted in my heart, waiting for the day I could embrace it fully again. The more I connected with LGBTQIA+ Muslims and allies, the more I found the acceptance I had longed for.

 

I came to see that we are all brothers and sisters in humanity, and within the LGBTQIA+ community, we share common stories – of struggles for acceptance, of finding our identities, of carving out our place in the world. Together, we are strong. And together, we will only grow stronger.

 

 

​

 

 

Our Queer Trans Shia Muslim Society is a space where everyone is welcome – Shia Muslims, Muslims from any school of thought, people of other faiths, people of no faith, and allies. We are united by love, respect, and the belief that we are one human family.

 

It does not matter what path you have walked, where you come from, or what your personal journey looks like – here, you are seen, you are valued, and you are embraced.

 

 

​

 

 

We exist to create an inclusive platform where LGBTQIA+ Muslims – and all who stand with us – can find community, connection, and celebration of both our identities and our faith.

 

Our goals are:

 

• To establish a physical home for our community – securing premises in the Lancashire area to create an LGBTQIA+ place of worship and reflection: an Imam Bargha that is open to all.

• To unite the community through events – from social gatherings to cultural celebrations.

• To honour key Islamic dates – holding events for occasions such as Muharram, Eid, and other significant moments in the Shia calendar.

• To deepen our understanding of Shia Islam – with educational sessions and discussions.

• To provide support networks – hosting sessions on topics that affect our lives, from identity and mental health to navigating faith and community.

• And much more – because our vision is ever-growing.

 

 

 

​

 

 

This society is more than just a community group – it is a movement built on love, faith, and resilience. Every voice matters here. Every story is sacred.

 

We invite you to walk this path with us – to build, to learn, to heal, and to grow together. Whether you are here for support, for faith, for friendship, or simply to stand in solidarity – you belong here.

 

Together, Insha’Allah, we will create a space where no one is left behind, and every heart finds a home.