As I prepare to step down as Co-founder and Chair of this incredible volunteer-led charity, I find myself reflecting on the past nine years. It’s been an extraordinary journey – filled with both personal and professional growth. As a proud Queer Muslim, I feel deeply honoured to have played a part in supporting other Queer Muslims through our work. Creating Hidayah all those years ago was a leap of faith, but it has rewarded me in ways I could never have imagined. Now, as I transition away, I invite someone with fresh passion and vision to take the reins and continue this vital work.
As Chair, I have been entrusted with the leadership of an incredible team of trustees and volunteers who are as passionate about our mission as I am. Together, we work to provide a safe space for Queer Muslims who often find ourselves navigating multiple layers of discrimination – both within the LGBTQ+ community and within Muslim spaces.
As a Queer Muslim myself, I know firsthand the struggle of feeling like I don’t truly belong anywhere. Growing up, I was often in spaces where my identity as a Muslim was accepted but my queerness was rejected – or I’d be in LGBTQ+ spaces where my faith was misunderstood or dismissed. This dual exclusion is exhausting and isolating, and I spent years hiding parts of myself just to fit in.
When I became Chair, I made it my mission to help others avoid that same painful feeling of having to choose between two core parts of who they are. Together with our team of trustees and volunteers, we’re building a space where Queer Muslims don’t have to leave any part of their identity at the door. Instead, we’re creating a safe, inclusive environment where people are fully seen, celebrated, and supported. The sense of belonging and acceptance I once longed for is now something we’re bringing to others, and it’s one of the most rewarding parts of this work.
My role, at its core, is to ensure that Hidayah remains aligned with our mission while staying sustainable and effective. This involves everything from strategic planning and overseeing fundraising efforts to managing stakeholder relationships and ensuring good governance. On any given day, I could be facilitating meetings, working on policy development, mentoring volunteers, or liaising with community members and potential partners. As a charity by and for Queer Muslims, that also means all these duties are informed by lived experience, of myself, of our trustees and volunteers, and crucially of our service users.
Being a volunteer-led organisation means that everyone involved, myself included, is giving their time and energy out of passion and commitment, not for financial reward. This makes the stakes higher, as we’re all balancing this with our personal and professional lives. Yet, this voluntary aspect is also what makes the work more powerful. The dedication that flows from the heart makes every achievement all the more meaningful.
As Chair, my responsibilities involve a diverse range of tasks, from strategic planning and fundraising, to team support and advocacy. The role demands leadership, but it also rewards you with the opportunity to create lasting impact.
On any given day, week or month, I might start by coordinating a virtual meeting with our dedicated trustees/volunteers, planning our upcoming events or campaigns. Later, I could be reaching out to potential donors or allies, drafting proposals, and working to secure the resources we need to sustain our services. Sometimes, my evenings are spent checking in with members of our community, providing guidance or simply lending a compassionate ear.
Balancing this role alongside a full time day job has certainly been challenging at times, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Hidayah has long been my passion project, and the countless lives we’ve touched make every moment spent worthwhile.
Stepping into this role has been a deeply profound experience, marked by both personal and professional growth. Leading an organisation that supports a marginalised and often misunderstood community has taught me invaluable lessons in leadership, resilience, and empathy.
It has also sharpened key skills such as project management, strategic planning, and team coordination – skills that have enriched not just my personal life but my professional path as well. The unique challenges of leading Hidayah require flexibility, creativity, and a deep sense of empathy. In many ways, this role has developed my leadership abilities in ways that more traditional environments could not. It’s about more than managing people; it’s about inspiring, guiding, and creating a shared sense of purpose.
On a personal level, my understanding of intersectionality – how faith, sexuality, and gender identity intersect in complex ways – has deepened. Being part of Hidayah has shown me the importance of creating spaces where people can be their full, authentic selves. The stories I’ve heard and the challenges we’ve faced together have not only increased my empathy but also strengthened my resolve to fight for inclusion wherever I go. You can read some of these stories in the Blog section of our website.
This role has also taught me resilience. As with many volunteer-led organisations, there are times when resources are scarce or when we face opposition from those who do not understand or support our mission. Yet every setback has been an opportunity for growth – both for me and for Hidayah. The sense of community and shared commitment keeps us moving forward, even through challenging times. Above all, we are guided by our unwavering dedication to the safety and wellbeing of our service users. Their needs and security lie at the heart of everything we do, shaping our decisions and actions, even in times of difficulty or hardship. This commitment not only strengthens our resolve but also unites us, ensuring we can continue to provide compassionate and dependable support.
Above all, I’ve come to understand the immense power of community. Through Hidayah, I haven’t just built friendships – I’ve found a family among people who genuinely understand my journey because they’ve walked similar paths. The connections I’ve formed over the years – with our dedicated volunteers and with members of the wider LGBTQ+ and Muslim communities – are deeper than words alone can express. Being part of Hidayah has given me a sense of belonging that feels like home, surrounded by people who share in our values, struggles, and triumphs. Leading Hidayah has allowed me to live out the values of inclusion, advocacy, and allyship that I hold dear.
This journey has been transformative, teaching me the true meaning of leadership, community, and resilience. It has helped me grow not just as a leader, but as a Queer, South Asian, hijabi practising Muslim woman, I know firsthand how rare it is to see someone who looks like me, with my lived experience, in a position of leadership. Growing up, I seldom saw examples of people like me being visible and valued in this way. This has deepened my commitment to creating spaces where everyone (especially those who might feel unseen or unheard) can find acceptance, belonging, and respect. My work with Hidayah isn’t just about community; it’s about ensuring that everyone feels seen, heard, and valued, no matter their background or how unique their story might be.
When I first co-founded this charity, my hope was to make a tangible difference in the lives of Queer Muslims. I wanted to create a space where we wouldn’t have to minimise our faith in queer settings or hide our sexuality around family. This work has always been about making room for the full expression of who we are, both as Muslims and as members of the LGBTQ+ community, without compromise. My goal was, and still is, to build a community where Queer Muslims can feel fully seen, accepted, and valued in every part of their identity.
Nine years later, I’m proud to say that we’ve achieved so much. From gaining official charity status in the UK and US, to securing funding that allows us to provide vital services, to expanding our impact – all while remaining volunteer-led – the journey has been transformative.
One of my proudest accomplishments has been establishing a US-based non-profit, expanding our reach beyond the UK and building a global network of support for Queer Muslims. Through this work, we’ve created safe spaces for our community, whether through support groups, advocacy, or simply providing someone to talk to who truly understands their experiences.
While I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built, I also recognise that I’ve taken Hidayah as far as I can. The charity deserves fresh leadership – someone with the vision and energy to take us to the next level. We’ve laid a strong foundation, and now it’s time for new leadership to build on it and push our mission even further.
The real reward of serving as Chair has been witnessing the life-changing impact we’ve had on Queer Muslims. From providing mental health support and peer mentoring, to creating spaces where individuals can fully embrace both their faith and their identity, our work has been nothing short of transformative.
I often reflect on how privileged I’ve been to be part of this movement, helping build a world where Queer Muslims don’t have to choose between their faith and their identity. It’s a constant reminder that true leadership is not about exerting authority but about being of service to others.
In this role, I’ve grown in ways I never imagined. I’ve become more compassionate and more confident in my ability to lead. But perhaps most importantly, I’ve been part of something much bigger than myself: a community of people breaking down barriers, one step at a time. In a world where I’ve rarely seen leaders who are visibly Muslim, Brown, female, and queer, stepping into this position has been both a personal and a collective journey. I know what it feels like to look for someone who reflects my experiences and identity and come up short. So, being able to hold this space for others who may feel the same is deeply meaningful. Together, we’re building a future where our diversity is our strength, and where each of us is celebrated for all that we are.
But most importantly, I’ve been part of something much bigger than myself – a community of people breaking down barriers, one step at a time.
As I prepare to step down, I do so knowing that Hidayah is in a strong and stable position. We have an amazing team of trustees and volunteers, a growing network of support, and a clear vision for the future. But after nine years, it’s time for new leadership – someone with fresh ideas and renewed energy to continue pushing us forward.
I’m excited about the possibility of handing over the reins to someone who is as passionate about our cause as I have been. If you’re someone who cares deeply about both the Queer and Muslim communities, who is ready to make a tangible impact, and who is willing to lead with compassion and vision, I urge you to consider applying for this role.
Becoming the Chair of a volunteer-led charity like ours is not just a voluntary role – it’s a calling. It’s an opportunity to lead a team of passionate volunteers, to grow personally and professionally, and to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. You’ll learn, you’ll lead, and you’ll be part of a community that is changing lives every single day.
This is a role that will challenge you, but it will also fill you with purpose and pride. Whether you’re already involved in the LGBTQ+ and Muslim communities, or you’re looking to lend your skills to a cause that truly matters, I encourage you to take the leap. Our charity needs someone who can carry the torch forward – and that someone could be you.
Serving as the Chair of Hidayah has been so much more than just a title or responsibility – it’s been a deeply transformative experience. It has been an opportunity to lead with purpose, build resilience in myself and others and make a meaningful impact in the lives of people who are often overlooked or marginalised.
The challenges have been real, but the rewards have been immeasurable. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. Each day has been a reminder that through this work, we are building a more inclusive world, one where everyone, regardless of their identity, is accepted.
As I close this chapter, I do so with immense gratitude for the experiences, relationships, and personal growth I’ve gained along the way. Leading Hidayah has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and I am confident that the next Chair will find it just as fulfilling.
If you feel called to step into this role, I wholeheartedly encourage you to apply. Hidayah and the community it serves, needs your leadership, passion, and dedication. There’s no greater reward than knowing you’ve helped others live their truth.
Thank you for being part of this incredible journey with me – and here’s to an even brighter future ahead.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Shelina
Founder & Chair (Stepping Down)
