Join us for Hidayah’s Sharing Stories event on the first Thursday of every month where we come together to share, listen, and connect. Our mission is to provide a safe space where up to six participants, facilitated by a licensed therapist, can share their narratives, experiences, and journeys with others who may find solidarity in their stories.

While we may explore loose monthly themes to inspire storytelling, participants are encouraged to share whatever feels most meaningful and relevant to them at the time. 

If this sounds of interest, we’d love to see you! Let’s create a space where stories are honoured, hearts are heard, and healing begins.

Please note that before each session, you will be required to fill out a short survey that will be read by one of our licensed therapists in order to conduct a brief assessment of your individual needs. This is done so as to safeguard participants who may be in active crisis in order to signpost additional professional support. All participants attending the session need to have completed the survey. Information collected by the survey will be destroyed after each session in accordance with GDPR.

About Hidayah:

Hidayah’s mission is to provide support and welfare for LGBTQIA+ Muslims. We promote social justice and education about our community. In the process, we counter discrimination, prejudice and injustice. Hidayah is a secular organisation, but its projects and activities are developed specifically for the needs of LGBTQIA+ Muslims. Our vision is to ensure our voices are heard and understood. 

We are a mix of practising and non-practising Muslims. However, we warmly welcome friends, families and allies to our events.

Please note that Hidayah’s first priority is always to safeguard the wellbeing of volunteers, board members and those using our services. With this in mind, Hidayah reserves the right to refuse or refund tickets at its discretion. Any decision to do so is not made lightly and will only ever be on the basis of safeguarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

The signup form asks for a membership number. Do I need to be a Hidayah member to attend the event?

Yes, our new policy asks that anyone wanting to attend a Hidayah event – in person or remotely – first signs up for membership. This is to protect safeguarding and ensure that everyone in attendance is who they say they are. The main way to do this is through an app called Yoti, and you can find all the details on how to sign up on our website. However, if you have concerns about accessibility or the use of ID for verification, please get in touch with our membership team (membership@hidayahlgbt.co.uk) and we can discuss alternatives with you, insha Allah.

Will it cost me anything to become a Hidayah member?

For the purpose of attending an event, no. You can attend an event by signing up for As-Shams, our free tier for queer Muslims, and al-Halif, our free tier for allies. You are, of course, welcome to sign up for our paid tiers, which will give you access to other membership perks. Find out more by going to https://hidayahlgbt.com/membership. 

What platform will this event be held on?

We will send you the Google Meet link a couple hours before the event. The reason for this is to safeguard our service users. Please do not share this link to anyone.

I’d love to attend the session but am not “out”/don’t feel comfortable with my camera on. Is it okay to attend with my camera off?

Yes, of course! We are keen to ensure this is a safe space for you. Lots of our attendees keep their cameras off (including our hosts at times!), or they participate more through the chat than by speaking. Whatever feels safe and comfortable with you is good with us.

I’m not an LGBTQ Muslim but I am an ally. Can I still attend?

At larger events we warmly welcome allies as we believe your support and solidarity is invaluable. However, as there only 6 spaces available, we ask that this particular event is a space that is prioritised for LGBTQIA+ Muslims specifically. If you have any questions on this, please contact our wellbeing team using this email: wellbeing@hidayahlgbt.co.uk.

Are the Sharing Stories Circles group therapy?

In accordance with BACP guidelines, the Sharing Stories Circles are not therapy sessions, rather they are safe spaces that are facilitated and guided by a licensed therapist. If you feel that you would like professional advice then do contact our wellbeing team who can signpost you to other resources. You can contact our wellbeing team using this email: wellbeing@hidayahlgbt.co.uk.

I’m not sure about my gender identity/sexuality, or I’m not a very practising Muslim. Can I attend?

We don’t gatekeep when it comes to being queer or being Muslim. We know there is no one way of being either. Whatever level you practise Islam and are LGBTQIA+ is fine with us; if you identify as such, that’s enough for us.

Ticket link