It’s our anniversary! We are 8 years together!

We are pleased to reflect on such an incredible moment. We started Maruf with one mission – to help queer Muslims live a better life and to connect with each other. Almost a decade later that mission remains the same, but so many other things have changed. Maruf started as a support group in a living room in Amsterdam West and now we have become a significant organization that contributes to the global queer Muslim movement. We are amazed at how far we have come, and how many lives we have influenced. So much of that is because of you!
 
Looking back
 
Over the past eight years you have assisted us in bringing Maruf to over 30 countries around the globe. We have (co-)organized more than 10 amazing international conferences, co-founded the Global Queer Muslim Network and founded the European Queer Muslim Network. We have worked with our partners, funders, governments and civil society organisations from all corners of the world. We have been visible and audacious, addressing structural inequalities and simultaneously sharing inspiring stories and our solutions for a better world. But we always go back to the core of our work: the empowerment of queer Muslims. 
 
Onward 
 
We are living in new and complex times. Now several months into the global pandemic, we are seeing new and non-traditional ways of working and we observe a wide variety of rapid and long-term consequences. Already at the beginning of the pandemic, we started to implement adjustments to COVID-19, and moved many of our trainings, projects and events online. This also includes a new identity that fits better within the new landscape. We have a new look, but one that is consistent with our style. We are moving forward, but we do not forget where we come from. That is why we would like to share our new logo and accompanying visual identity with you first.

It is important to accentuate the importance of social connectedness in times of physical distance. We are continuing to work towards a world wherein queer Muslims stay resilient in these challenging times. A lot can happen if you have great ideas, but none of that would work without the collaboration with our partners. We thank you for your contribution to our work. 
 
On behalf of our community, volunteers and board, 
 
Kindest regards, 
Maruf