Faisal
Alam is a queer-identified Muslim activist of Pakistani descent. At age
19, while trying to reconcile his sexuality with his faith, Faisal organized
the first-ever gathering of LGBT Muslims, which led to the founding of Al-Fatiha,
an organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex &
questioning (LGBTIQ) Muslims, and their allies.
Since founding Al-Fatiha, Faisal has traveled across the country and around the
world to meet with LGBTIQ Muslims to build a global queer Muslim movement.
Faisal’s queer Muslim activism has been featured in both LGBT and mainstream newspapers and media.
Faisal
has received numerous recognitions and awards for his activism on behalf of
queer Muslims. Advocate Magazine selected him as an
"Innovator," Genre Magazine has recognized him as a
"Founding Father," and the Utne Reader chose Faisal as one of
30 "Young Visionaries Under 30." In 2005 the Equality Forum
recognized Faisal as one of “40 Heroes” who have "made a defining difference
in LGBT civil rights over the last forty years." In 2008 Faisal
received an award from Pride Toronto for his "outstanding
contribution in the area of spirituality that positively impacts LGBT
communities."
