This summer, Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives CLGA, Videofag Gallery and Parliament Street Library will hold exhibitions by Toronto photographer Samra Habib featuring queer Muslims. The shows are curated by Marcin Wisniewski.

"Samras work is not only aesthetically engaging but also culturally demanding, says Karen Stanworth, head of curatorial committee at the CLGA. The location of the show in the CLGA Reading Room will inspire dialogue around identity, politics and history.

Whether its through celebrating Muslim traditions in queer spaces or incorporating aesthetic elements and symbolism in their everyday lives, the work explores the ideas of community and personal expression that are inspired by Islam but are the individuals personal re-interpretations. Video interviews reveal some of the subjects complicated relationship with Islam and how its shaped by historical and political events in the last decade.

The exhibition will launch at Parliament Street Library on June 18th. On June 24th the CLGA will open a satellite show to coincide with the exhibitions running at Videofag Gallery and Parliament Street Library. On July 2nd, a discussion panel at the CLGA featuring prominent queer Muslims including Salaam founder El-Farouk Khaki will complement the exhibition. The panel will be moderated by journalist Elio Iannacci. A closing party at Videofag will follow.

Exhibition dates:

Parliament Street Library: June 18-July 9, 2014

Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives: June 24-October 5, 2014

Videofag Gallery: Exhibitionvideo screenings July 10-July 14, 2014

Related events:

Opening reception: Wednesday, June 18th, 2014 @ 6:30 p.m. at Parliament Street Library 269 Gerrard Street

Discussion panel: Wednesday, July 2, 2014 @ 6:30 p.m. at the Canadian Gay and Lesbian Archives 34 Isabella Street

Closing party: Thursday, July 14, 2014 @ 7 p.m. at Videofag Gallery 187 Augusta Avenue

For more info and interviews with subjects featured in the exhibitions, visit http://queermuslimproject.tumblr.com

Special thanks to the CLGA and Community One Foundation for their support.