Al-Fatiha , a US-based organization dedicated to supporting and empowering queer Muslims announced today that more than 75 people gathered at the 5th International Retreat in Atlanta, GA from September 2-5, 2005.

Under the theme of "Sexism, Misogyny and Gender Oppression: Breaking Down the Systems of Patriarchy," the retreat had four simultaneous gatherings for queer Muslim men, queer Muslim women, transgender Muslims and allies (both straight Muslims and queer non-Muslims). Each facilitated gathering held dialogues and discussions related to the theme.

For the first time in Al-Fatiha's history, more than half of the participants were women and transgender people. Representatives came from as far as Seattle, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Montreal, London and Johannesburg. Highlights of the international retreat included a short film festival, a media training, mixed-gender prayers and keynote talks by Dr. Amina Wadud and Ms. Asra Q. Nomani, two renowned Muslim gender-rights activists in the U.S.

With the support of a generous grant from the Astraea Foundation, Al-Fatiha awarded twenty scholarships to queer and transgender Muslim women, who would otherwise not have been able to attend the international retreat. Additionally with the support of a grant from the Gill Foundation, Al-Fatiha held a media training for board members, community leaders and members of the organization. Led by a professional media consultant, the training focused on increasing visibility of LGBTIQ Muslims and the challenges they face around the world.

Reports from each retreat gathering are being compiled and Al-Fatiha will issue a report on the discussions held in the coming months. The retreat also offered an opportunity for participants to learn about Al-Fatiha and become future board members and volunteers.

Al-Fatiha presented awards to Dr. Amina Wadud and Ms. Asra Nomani for the bravery, courage and valor in struggling to gain gender rights and gender equity for Muslim women. Both women welcomed the gesture and hoped for future collaboration between the LGBTIQ Muslim community and the Muslim women's rights movement in the U.S. and abroad.

Faisal Alam, founder of Al-Fatiha announced at the conclusion of the retreat that he will be stepping down from the board of directors and taking a one year sabbatical from Al-Fatiha. Faisal who already stepped down as president in August 2004 said that the leadership transition within Al-Fatiha is important and that new people stepping up as leaders within the organization will only make the queer Muslim community stronger.

The 5th International Retreat for LGBTIQ Muslims was supported by the generous sponsorship of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF). Other advertisers and supporters included: GLSEN, the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry (at the Pacific School of Religion), Immigration Equality, IGLHRC, and Raksha Inc.

Al-Fatiha is already making plans to hold a North American conference in San Francisco from June 22-25, 2005. The conference will be held in conjunction with the San Francisco LGBT Pride Parade and Festival.