We are Maruf. and we are here.

Maruf represents the interest of queer Muslims in the Netherlands and abroad. Growing up lesbian, trans*, bi, gay or something else in a Muslim society can be very difficult. There are a lot of different opinions and challenges. Do I have to choose who I am? Can I be Muslim and myself? My religion or integration? My familiy or my happiness? You're not alone. Welcome. We are Maruf. We are here.

Who are we?

Queer Muslims often face pressure from their communities. They are forced to choose one of their identities. Queer or Muslim? Religion or secularization? Tradition or modernity? Compelled to choose, their right to self-determination and freedom is taken away. 

Maruf connects, supports and strengthens queer Muslims and their allies. We give them a voice, visibility and the power to create more social acceptance in their communities. We also raise awareness around sexual orientation, gender identity and expression. 

Maruf strives to build societies that are free of discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, religion/belief(s), ethnicity and race. We aspire societies that value the power of diversity and intersectionality.

Maruf. We are here.

QMEP

Our empowerment programma for queer Muslims. Closed trainings about Islam and diversity.

Read more

EQMN

We've founded the European Queer Muslim Network to support and empower queer Muslims abroad.

Coming soon...

ICRA

ICRA is our annual conference about religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, racism and sexism.

Read more

Our goals

• Combating discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, race, ethnicity, religion and/or belief.
• Advocating more social acceptance of queer Muslims in the Netherlands and abroad.
• Supporting and strengthening queer Muslims and stakeholders within queer Muslim communities.
• ​Creating a strong and sustainable queer Muslim movement in the Netherlands and abroad.

---

How do we want to achieve these goals?

• Education, support and empowerment of queer Muslims and their allies
• Leadership development and capacity building of the queer Muslim movement
• Exchange of experiences, expertise and knowledge
• Facilitate and promote cooperation between queer Muslims, civil society and government
• Agenda setting and addressing the issues relating to queer Muslims

---

Awards

• TIC Exemplary Leadership Award 2017
• Jos Brink Prijs 2017: Eervolle vermelding
• Derk Koetje Award 2017
• Roze Lieverdje 2018

Our activities

Queer Muslims in the Netherlands

• Queer Muslim Empowerment Program
• Dutch Queer Muslim Network
• Publicationss, articles, (social) media
• Lectures, workshops and consulting
• Dialogues about religion, feminism, sexuality and human rights
• Open events and diners during Ramadan

Queer Muslims abroad

• EQMN meetings, exchange of knowledge
• Peer-to-peer support participating activists and organisations
• Organisation of ICRA (International Conference of Religion and Acceptance)
• Participating international conferences
  ​(IDAHOT, ILGA, AIR)

Stay informed​

Thank you

Maruf represents the interests of queer Muslims in the Netherlands and abroad. We are blessed with the financial support of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science of the Netherlands, COC Netherlands and Open Society Foundations.

Contact

Do you have a question or suggestion?
Please do not hesitate to contact us.

Contact opnemen