An Ottawa group is giving gay Muslims in the city the chance to find a sense of connection and acceptance by gathering around the dinner table.
Gay Muslims United is hosting a cooking night on Saturday, bringing people together to prepare food and share a meal.
“We want to create this family-like atmosphere,” said Yusuf Celik, the founder of Gay Muslims United.
“The mosques are not welcoming us, our community is not welcoming us, and our families are abandoning us,” he said.
Celik created the group earlier this year to give gay Muslims a voice and provide support, especially for those who live in fear of persecution from family, friends and their culture.