spotlighting
queer/muslim
community
To mark our opening weekend, we invite you to check out and support these incredible organizations doing life-changing work here in Seattle and around the world.
This weekend’s spotlight is brought to you by Seattle’s own Zakaria Ibrahimi. They bring their lived experience as a Queer Muslim raised in the city, centering that identity in both their everyday life and the intention behind this initiative.
“Hello and Salam! Zakaria here. Thank you for reading.
As Queer/Bar prepared to reopen, September 11 emerged as the earliest date to do so. Knowing firsthand the significance and complexity that this date carries, I wanted to ensure it would be approached with care and intention, rather than letting it pass without acknowledgement. I was grateful for the opportunity to help shape a weekend that could interweave and honor my faith, culture, and queer identity.
This is my invitation to share in a call for Zakat. As one of the five pillars of Islam, Zakat is an obligatory practice of giving 2.5% of one’s financial holdings to those with unmet needs and systemic barriers. It is a beautiful practice rooted in care, responsibility, and community; Mashallah ✨🙏🏽☪️
For opening weekend, I’ve selected four organizations, some local and some continental, to center in this call: the Queer Muslim Network (@queermuslimnetwork), the trans-led Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity (@theMASGD), the Lavender Rights Project of Seattle (@lavenderrightsproject), and Muslims for Progressive Values (@mpvusa).
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday will offer plenty of opportunities for y'all to join in! You’ll find QR codes throughout the space all weekend, an option to add a $5 donation to your bill each day, and 10% of all Sunday brunch sales going to these causes.
Who knows, I might even hop on the mic and share more about why I chose these hard-working, essential organizations. 😘
I have so much gratitude for y'all; thank you for showing up and supporting these fantastic entertainers and causes. We are all individually responsible for the change we want to see in the world, and I couldn’t ask for a better team to help bring this all to fruition.”
- Zakaria Ibrahimi
Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV) Founded on the belief that Islam is inherently egalitarian and affirming, Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV) works globally to dismantle anti-LGBTQ+ narratives and advocate for human rights, gender justice, and freedom of expression. By collaborating with queer imams, producing educational resources, and taking LGBTQ+ advocacy directly to the United Nations, MPV ensures that LGBTQ+ Muslims have access to an inclusive spiritual home and a global voice fighting for their rights.
Lavender Rights Project (LRP) Based right here in Seattle, Lavender Rights Project is an LGBTQIA+-led organization that centers Black trans leadership to build safety, housing justice, and self-determination for marginalized community members. LRP tackles systemic oppression through legal advocacy, policy reform, and holistic wrap-around services—recognizing that true liberation requires secure housing alongside physical, mental, spiritual, and social well-being.
Queer Muslim Network (QMN) What began in 2020 as a digital space sharing stories during pandemic isolation has grown into a vibrant grassroots community. Queer Muslim Network uses creative arts, storytelling, and cultural programming to foster deep connection and combat the stigma surrounding queer and trans Muslim identities. From community picnics and Ramadan gatherings to mental health resources, QMN creates affirming spaces where chosen family, faith, and joy can thrive.
Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity (MASGD) Led by trans Muslims, the Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity works at the intersection of spiritual life, community care, and collective action. MASGD provides critical infrastructure for LGBTQ+ Muslims through youth programming, skill-building workshops, and political education. By bridging spiritual and cultural work, they actively challenge overlapping systems of racism, homophobia, and transphobia to build a world where the absolute fullness of people's lives is recognized and protected.
This is just the beginning
As we step into this new era at Queer/Bar, tonight is the first step in our commitment to continually highlighting, uplifting, and celebrating the many different & beautiful slices of our LGBTQ+ community.