More than an event, Muslim Pride is a cultural platform, an act of defiance, and a love letter to queer and trans Muslims everywhere.
Muslim Pride is a grassroots initiative that first launched in Toronto in 2020. For the past five years, we’ve been uplifting queer and trans Muslim artists through unapologetic, genre-defying performances. Co-produced with ScrapFest— (a platform amplifying trans, racialized, and underground voices) —Muslim Pride has become a vibrant space for celebrating Muslim drag, burlesque, DJ sets, live music, spoken word, and more during Pride season.
What began as a digital showcase during lockdown has grown into a powerful in-person movement. From packed shows at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre to partnerships with Unity Mosque, QTBIPOC Sauga, CBRC and others, Muslim Pride has carved out vital space for representation, healing, and joy. Created to challenge Islamophobia and homophobia in both queer spaces and Muslim communities, the initiative centers spiritual affirmation and artistic brilliance.
In 2024, we expanded our offerings to include a Drag 101 workshop hosted at The 519 Toronto—an affirming, skill-building space where young queer and trans Muslims could explore performance, self-expression, and community care.
As we prepare for our U.S. debut in June 2025—with a kickoff party at the historic Stonewall Inn and a main event at The LGBT Center in Manhattan—we’re honouring the legacy of queer resistance while writing new history. Launching at these iconic spaces is more than symbolic: it’s a statement. We are here, we are thriving, and we are building a legacy of queer and trans Muslim celebration, resistance, and visibility.
“We hold deep gratitude for those who came before us—the artists, organizers, and visionaries who paved the way. Muslim Pride is one thread in a much larger tapestry of queer and trans Muslim resistance—woven through care, courage, and quiet brilliance.”
— Urvah Khan (Organizing Lead at Muslim Pride)
"Muslim Pride is a pioneering platform for queer and trans Muslims navigating the intersections of their identities, and showcasing the depth, diversity, and shared truths of their experiences. Through art, dance, music, and poetry, pain, sorrow, and joy are transformed into something beautiful. ‘Allah is beautiful and loves beauty.’ Thank you, Muslim Pride, for helping create beauty."
— Imam El-Farouk Khaki (Co-Founder of Unity Mosque / El-Tawhid Juma Circle)
— Now Toronto
‘Your faith is yours.’ Community leaders discuss being queer and Muslim.
— Xtra Magazine
ICONS and rising voices
Muslim Pride brings together the most celebrated queer and trans Muslim artists while championing fresh, emerging talent—creating a powerful platform for both icons and rising voices to shine.
(Photo: Lucifer Rose— circa 2024)
commitment to safe spaces
Muslim Pride is committed to creating a safe, affirming environment for all—audiences, artists, staff, and organizers—by working closely with our venues to ensure every space reflects our values of care, respect, and community well-being.
(Photo: Halal Bae— circa 2023)