ImaanFest is bringing Muslim Pride to London!

On 12 December 2020, charity Imaan LGBTQI Muslim support is celebrating its 20th birthday by hosting ImaanFest, the world's first LGBTQI Muslim Pride festival.

We're inviting LGBTQI Muslims to join us in celebrating our culture, identities and faith with an amazing all-day event.

At ImaanFest, you will find talks and interactive workshops on a range of subjects from coming out, sexuality in Islam, intersectional identities and lots more.

There'll also be a programme of queer Muslim films, dedicated prayer space, a mini exhibition of LGBT Muslim history and our oral history project, "Not Coming Out".

When the evening comes, it's time to party! After a delicious, complimentary dinner provided by Dishoom, there'll be live entertainment and DJs.

We know that ImaanFest is going to be incredibly special and we hope you can join us to celebrate our community. We can't wait to see you!

FAQs

Where is ImaanFest taking place?

ImaanFest is taking place in east London. For security reasons, we'll be sharing information about the venue with ticket holders nearer to the time.

What time is it taking place?

Registration opens at 9.45am. Our keynote speeches will start at 10.30am. There will be talks and workshops throughout the day. We'll have dinner at 6pm and the performances and dancing will start just after 7pm.

We'll be finishing at 10pm.

Is there an age range?

The age range for ImaanFest is 18+, though young people under the age of 18 can attend with parent or guardian.

Is the venue accessible?

If you have particular access requirements you would like to discuss or need more detailed information, please email info@imaan.org.uk.

Who is this event for?

Above all, this is a festival for LGBTQI Muslims in all our diversity.

It's important to us that underrepresented members of community are able to attend, so we'll be offering early bird tickets to underrepresented LGBTQI Muslim groups like lesbian and bisexual women (cis and trans), trans men, non-binary people, disabled people, refugees and asylum seekers and LGBTQI Muslims who aren't from a South Asian background.

We recognise that we have many allies who would love to attend to support Imaan and our community. We're releasing a set number of tickets for allies because we want to make sure we meet the needs of LGBTQI Muslims first. If you aren't an LGBTQI Muslim, please purchase an ally ticket.

As an indoor festival, we have a limited number of tickets this year. This could change in coming years based on the popularity of ImaanFest 2020.

What does the ticket include?

Your ticket covers all sessions, workshops, panels and discussions, as well as the film programme, oral history exhibition, lunch, dinner and entertainment!

How can we be sure we'll be safe?

Everyone's safety is a top priority to us. We have some checks in place to make sure that the space is secure and everyone can enjoy the day.

There will be security guards and at the event to make sure only ticket holders can access the space. We'll also have lots of volunteers to make sure things go smoothly.

We are asking everyone to bring ID to the event so we know who is coming in. If this would be a problem for you because of your gender identity or expression or for another reason, please get in touch at info@imaan.org.uk.

We are asking all attendees to sign a code of conduct and we expect all attendees to behave in line with this so everyone can feel comfortable and safe at the event.

The tickets are too expensive for me but I want to come - what can I do?

We are offering a set number of £5 tickets for people who would not be to afford the full price ticket. If this is not affordable for you, please email info@imaan.org.uk and we will see what we can do.

What is your policy on alcohol?

ImaanFest includes an evening party. However, we will not be providing alcoholic drinks and we ask all ticket holders not to bring alcohol onto the premises. We recognise that there are different attitudes towards alcohol in our community - we want to provide a space for that discussion but we feel that the event will be more comfortable and inclusive without alcohol.

Will there by photography or filming at the event?

We are limiting what photography or filming can take place at the event to designated areas at specific times. You will not be filmed without your consent.

Media passes

If you are a journalist , blogger or YouTuber who is interested in covering ImaanFest, please get in touch at faizan@imaan.org.uk with all enquiries.

Can I volunteer at the festival?

We will be doing a call out for volunteers soon. Volunteers are going to be a major part of the festival.

While volunteers will have fun, please note that they will have a lot of responsibilities throughout the day and evening and will not be able to take part in many of the sessions. So if you want to be free to enjoy all the session you can, we recommend that you buy a ticket.

ImaanFest - Muslim Pride