Reprint of an article that first appeared in early 2017 — This essay first appeared on EqualityforHER (which no longer exists) in early 2017. Though my perspectives on the subject and approach to inclusion work has evolved since then, I’m leaving the essay as it appeared then, unedited. Beware of the supplication of the oppressed for there is no barrier between…

converting to islam does not absolve us of our complicity in white supremacy. let’s talk about it. — On the ninth of Muharram of year 61A.H., Husayn ibn Ali stood up and spoke to his party of followers for the last time. It would be the final sermon from the grandson of the Prophet, before what everyone in Husayn’s camp knew was the final battle of their lives…

Full transcript from Mahdia Lynn’s closing prayer at the #NationalDayofPrayer action at CPD Headquarters — This morning, community leaders, activists and clergy representing eighteen different organizations in Chicago’s Coalition for Police Contracts Accountability held an action in front of CPD headquarters featuring testimony from survivors of police injustice and words from spiritual leaders across the city. …

From the Human Rights Campaign’s Ramadan Reflections campaign — [This essay first appeared on the Human Rights Campaign’s Ramadan Reflections page 13 June 2017] This summer, we launched a program for incarcerated LGBTQ Muslims at Masjid al-Rabia. …

Lamya H’s contribution to the Longest Days Sacred Nights Campaign — Dear Younger Self, Remember all those times that people would ask you what you wanted to be when you grew up and you’d say, “Alive?” Remember how it would make people really uncomfortable? They’d laugh skittishly and say, “No, really?” And you’d grow serious and say, “No, but really.” Well…

Mari (a.k.a. Homojabi)’s contribution to the Longest Days, Sacred Nights campaign. — And you should also know this: You are not alone. This Ramadan, I want you to know that I exist. And I will know that you exist. And our existence is proof that it’s possible — it’s proof that LGBTQ Muslims can and do exist, that we are loved by…

A Welcome Letter by Mahdia Lynn — Ramadan can be hard, especially so for the most marginalized in our communities. It’s also an opportunity for people to reconsider their prejudices, step out of their comfort zone and strive to enact positive change in the world. Ramadan is a time of generosity, family, introspection, temperance, struggle, heartbreak, frustration…

Transcript of my speech at the #ADAPTtakesCHI rally and march 4/12/17 — As I share this microphone today I speak alongside stories of strength, power and resilience. Stories of what we’ve accomplished, and what is yet to be done. Today, I would like us to imagine our better future together. I would like to see our movement filled with the audacity and…

Transcript from my speech @ Chicago’s Trans Liberation Protest — I made a commitment to my communities to give a speech that is as unapologetically Muslim as it is unapologetically Trans so y’all are just going to have to catch up: I have spent ten years of my life fighting for trans justice. I have given my life advocating for…