Tifawin, Tamazight for “light,” was born from the desire to come together and build new bridges in a time of division. The festival creates a safe space where queer Muslims, non-queer Muslims, and everyone open to connection can meet one another. Here, stories, traditions, and spirituality are shared with the aim of recognizing common ground and strengthening solidarity. Inspired by Ashura—a significant spiritual day that commemorates resistance, justice, and mourning—Tifawin offers space for reflection, collective grief, and hope. The festival emphasizes how keeping languages, roots, and traditions alive is an act of resistance and hope against colonization, Islamophobia, and polarization. In this way, Tifawin chooses light, trust, and mutual strength.
The festival consists of three main components: a photo exhibition, a podcast series, and a social program. The exhibition presents five portraits and personal stories of queer Muslims from diverse communities, increasing their visibility and powerfully highlighting the spiritual meaning of Ashura. The podcast series deepens these stories through conversations with key figures from the queer Muslim community, connecting personal experiences with broader themes such as Islamophobia, homophobia, and community building. During the festival itself, music, poetry, performances, panel discussions, and workshops guide visitors into encounters, dialogue, and collective reflection.