coming out muslim: Radical acts of love
is a groundbreaking piece of theatre presenting stories of Muslims who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) and how they are navigating the intersection of faith and sexuality. In 2016 Muslims for Progressive Values partnered with two Muslim women to write, produce, and perform the theater piece, which shared their experience of being queer and Muslim and the difficult process of examining, reconciling, and ultimately accepting their queerness alongside their Islamic faith.
The show, which featured Terna Tilley-Gyado and Wazina Zondon and was directed by Ramy El-Etreby, went on a successful four city tour across the United States.
“LGBTQ Muslims are also the children of Adam and should not be shunned but embraced”
mosaic
was organized as a thought provoking presentation of song, dance, poetry, spoken words and comedy performed by progressive Muslim artists. The performances, by both male and female artists, highlighted a collage of artistic expressions inspired by the lifestyles and personal beliefs of this diverse assortment of artists. Performances including Sababa La Zeez Dance Group with Shaunti & Nar performing "Veils of al-Mutanabi" and the "Wing Dance", Saleem performing “I am Coming for America”, Meymona Hussein-Cattan, Hussein and Natalie, Ani Zonneveld, Maurice Saba and his musicians, and Comedian Mona Shaikh.
It’s Your Mic
was a monthly program held from 2014 - 2015 by the MPV Los Angeles Chapter, which created a safe space for youth to feel valued, empowered, and celebrated regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, religion, race, and/or any other aspect of their identity. Through the space, youth across the greater Los Angeles community gathered together to flourish in a space where creativity and identity collided and where this collision was celebrated rather than condemned.
