Members of London’s LGBT community will join Muslims in celebrating Ramadan this year, with a special iftar planned for June 24.
Pride in London, the group that organize’s the city’s annual Gay Pride events will host the iftar at St. Andrew’s Church in Southwark, according to Evening Standard.
Dubbed the Big Gay Iftar, it’s the second year the event has been held in London.
“The intention is to get back to basics and talk to one another, learn about each others’ faiths, cultures and sexualities and spread some love that is so sorely needed in the world,” a press release for the event said, according to Pink News.
London’s Muslim mayor is a major LGBT ally
to lighten up, here is Sadiq Khan at London Pride Parade.
yep, gay pride parade. pic.twitter.com/eAcosfU6jt
— Nadya (@nataIiedormer) 19 октября 2016 г.
Sadiq Khan, London’s first-ever Muslim mayor, led his city’s gay pride parade last year.
“London’s LGBT+ community is one of the largest in the world, and I was proud to lead last year’s Pride march and to be Mayor of a city that doesn’t just tolerate diversity but truly embraces and celebrates it,” Khan said.
“This year’s Pride in London program reflects the full spectrum of the capital’s LGBT+ community and I urge all Londoners to immerse themselves in the festivities,” he said.
Peter Flynn, a representative of Pride in London, echoed the mayor’s sentiments, emphasizing that the Gay Pride events celebrate all of London, not just the LGBT community.
Gay Muslims are raising their voices
While many critics of Islam argue that the religion is intolerant toward the LGBT community, numerous prominent gay Muslims and allies have raised their voices to critique this narrative.
The internationally popular Lebanese band Mashrou’ Leila‘s frontman Hamed Sinno, who identifies as a gay Muslim, has been a vocal advocate for the Arab world’s LGBT population. Similarly, Egyptian American actor Amin El Gamal, who also identifies as a gay Muslim, has used his platform to challenge mainstream narratives.
Leading Muslim American activist Linda Sarsour raised her voice in support of the LGBT community earlier this year.
“I ask you to stand and continue to keep your voice loud for Black women, for native women, for undocumented women, for LGBTQ communities, for people with disabilities,” Sarsour said during a speech at the historic Women’s March on Washington D.C. in January.
Source: stepfeed.com
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