The aroma of Biryani, the hum of conversation, the shared laughter; this is the Queer Ramadan Iftar.
Since
2018, what started as a small gathering has grown into a vibrant space where joy, connection, and authenticity fill the room. Today, around 20 participants join each event, sharing food, stories, and moments that remind us of the power of community.
Each dinner table is a mosaic of experiences: young people who have felt excluded, unseen, or unable to be with their families or communities because of who they are or the choices they have made. Yet here, at this table, every person belongs. Every smile, every shared dish, every story told is a quiet declaration: you are seen, you are valued, and you are part of this space.
Ramadan is an important month for Muslims worldwide, observed through traditions such as fasting and performing good deeds. Each evening during Ramadan, the fast is broken in a moment that is often joyful and shared with family and friends. This gathering is known as Iftar. Although our event carries the name “Queer Ramadan Iftar,” it is open to all youth regardless of their religious background and sexual and gender identity. It is not a religious event, but a space to celebrate traditions, cultures, and identity. Coexisting and integrating in Finnish society does not mean losing one’s traditions. Certain customs are meaningful and celebrating them can strengthen a sense of belonging. Our Iftar is about connection, joy, and recognition, not religious practice.
In a world where international crises, political tensions, and social pressures affect people’s sense of safety, belonging, and visibility, gatherings like the Queer Iftar become even more vital. Many young people carry the weight of feeling unseen or unheard. Here, they find a space of solidarity, empathy, and empowerment. They leave nourished not only by food but by connection, affirmation, and shared joy.
There is energy in the clinking of cups, in the exchange of stories, and in the warmth of shared laughter. There is strength in the simple act of coming together, sharing a meal, and celebrating identity and authenticity. Each Iftar is a testament to resilience and courage: a space where young people can celebrate themselves, their traditions, and their right to be present without compromise.
Looking back over these years, the Queer Iftar reflects more than growth in the number of participants. It is a celebration of courage, community, and hope. It is a place where everyone can experience belonging, and where shared traditions, from the aroma of Biryani to familiar cultural touches, remind us that being true to oneself can coexist with being part of a wider society.
Text by Hassen and Sanja
Specialists at Loisto setlementti’s unit for Work Against Honour-Related Violence (Sopu-työ)