At Tarab NYC, we often hear from Queer & Trans Middle Eastern & North African (or SWANA if you prefer) folks searching for spiritual spaces that affirm both their faith and their identities. Whether you’re looking for LGBTQ+ inclusive mosques, queer-friendly religious organizations, or spaces for spiritual reflection outside of organized religion, we’ve put together this guide to help you navigate your journey. This list includes Muslim, Christian, and other SWANA-affiliated spiritual resources that embrace and uplift LGBTQ+ individuals. If we missed a resource that you think should be included, send us a message, and we’ll try to add it in the next update. Images thanks to _gA_yI. This guide is maintained by @fursafarfasha.

Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity (MASGD): Supports, empowers, and connects LGBTQ+ Muslims through online programming, resources, and the Inara Warmline.

Hidayah LGBT: A UK-based organization providing support, education, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ Muslims, aiming to ensure their voices are heard and understood. Now with a US chapter that is forming.

Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV): Advocates for inclusive Islamic practices, endorsing the human and civil rights of LGBTQI individuals, and offers resources to support their inclusion in the Muslim community.

Inclusive Mosque Initiative: Aims to create inclusive, gender-equal places of worship and spiritual practice, welcoming individuals regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or background.

Queer Crescent: An Oakland-born LGBTQ+ organization that fosters community among queer Muslims, providing support and conducting surveys to reflect their experiences.

Coming Home to Islam and to Self: This guide is aimed at LGBTQ+ American Muslims who are on the journey toward living fully in their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and in their faith and its traditions.

LGBTQ Muslim Retreat: An annual retreat providing a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ Muslims and their partners to engage in dialogue, spiritual growth, and community building.

Coptic Queer Stories: Collects and shares narratives from LGBTQ+ individuals within the Coptic community, offering a platform for visibility and solidarity.

GayChurch.org: This platform maintains a directory of affirming Christian churches worldwide. Queer SWANA Christians can use this resource to locate inclusive congregations in their area or connect with online communities.

Queer Theology: Provides a wealth of resources, including articles, podcasts, and online communities, aimed at exploring the intersections of queer identity and Christian faith. While not SWANA-specific, their materials can offer valuable insights and support.

Gay Druze Community (GDC): Established in 2018, the Gay Druze Community offers a safe and supportive space for LGBTQIA+ individuals born into the Druze faith. GDC provides resources, a blog featuring member narratives, and a forum for community interaction. Their mission is to foster growth, healing, and support, aiming to cultivate a more tolerant Druze generation.

Jews for Racial and Economic Justice: Jews for Racial & Economic Justice is the home for Jewish New Yorkers organizing with our neighbors and allies to transform New York from a playground for the wealthy few into a real democracy for all of us, free from all forms of racist violence.

Congregation Beit Simchat Torah (CBST): Located in New York City, CBST is a non-denominational, progressive synagogue serving LGBTQ+ Jews and their families. Founded in 1973, it is one of the world’s largest LGBTQ+ synagogues, offering religious services, social justice initiatives, and community programs.

Jewish Voice for Peace: Jewish Voice for Peace is the largest progressive Jewish anti-Zionist organization in the world. We’re organizing a grassroots, multiracial, cross-class, intergenerational movement of U.S. Jews into solidarity with the Palestinian freedom struggle, guided by a vision of justice, equality, and dignity for all people.

American Atheists: A national organization dedicated to defending the civil liberties of atheists and advocating for the separation of religion and government. They are committed to LGBTQ+ rights and provide a network of local affiliates across the United States.

PFLAG National Secular and Atheist Resources: Offers resources specifically for atheists and humanists who identify as LGBTQ+, providing support for individuals seeking community without religious affiliation.

Final Thoughts

We hope we didn’t miss any other groups! Our next guide will cover other resources like legal services, advocacy, health care, etc.