Empowering and supporting LGBTQI+ people
Mission
Naz and Matt Foundation exists to empower and support LGBTQI+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, and Intersex) individuals, their friends, and family to work towards resolving challenges linked to sexuality or gender identity, particularly where religion is a heavy influence.
Naz and Matt Foundation are a small, volunteer-led charity that tackles religious and culturally sensitive subjects around LGBTQI+ rights.
- For pupils, NAMF delivers talks in schools to tackle homophobia and bullying.
- For religious parents, NAMF’s aim is to spread awareness, education, and provide support.
- For LGBTQ+ individuals, they organize support group chats and have a support forum called Ask Naz.
They run on limited resources so rely on donations to provide these services. The challenge is to amplify these sensitive subjects where LGBTQIA+ rights are affected by faith, religion, and narrow-minded attitudes towards the LGBTQI+ community.
Naz and Matt are a registered UK charity and have won multiple awards for their work building bridges between religious and LGBTQI+ communities.
“Our mission is to never let religion, any religion, come in the way of the unconditional love between parents and their children.” – Naz and Matt Foundation’s mission statement.
Why It Matters
According to research commissioned by Naz and Matt Foundation(NAMF), LGBTQ+ people from a religious or culturally conservative background are 30% less likely to be out to their parents compared to other UK LGBTQ+ individuals.
‘In 2019, I attended a few support events organized by NAMF. Before this, I hadn’t met any LGBTQ+ individuals from culturally conservative backgrounds. The discussions around tackling homophobia, LGBTQIA+ topics in the school curriculum, and personal stories of people were very inspiring. But many more LGBTQ+ individuals from conservative backgrounds go through hidden emotional trauma every day.’ Umang Dokey, Senior Creative Designer, TEAM LEWIS London.
A film directed by Matt recently aired on Channel 4. My god, I’m queer highlights these issues very well.