Naz and Matt Foundation

Just before Christmas, I had the privilege of attending a private reception at 10 Downing Street, for a private reception with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to celebrate Advent. As a charity CEO whose work focuses on building bridges between religious communities and LGBTQI+ individuals, these moments - though they can feel uncomfortable - are vital. The evening opened meaningful dialogue with Church leaders and key government figures. Our Foundation's mission to prevent religious and cultural homophobia depends on having difficult but necessary conversations with those who can influence change. Sometimes, the most important work happens in unexpected places. As uncomfortable as these high-level meetings can feel, they're essential steps toward creating the understanding and acceptance our community desperately needs. What are your thoughts on engaging more with religious and political leaders to create positive change? 🤔 To look the part for this special occasion, I was loaned an amazing outfit by Anurag Wallace, a queer South Asian fashion designer who is behind the label A J Wallace 🏳️🌈 #SocialChange #CommunityBuilding #LGBTQIRights

Sending peace, love and Christmas wishes to all those celebrating. From all our volunteers, staff and trustees at Naz and Matt Foundation ❤️

The holiday season is often presented as a time of joy and connection. But for many LGBTQ+ individuals, especially those from religious and culturally conservative backgrounds, it can bring feelings of stress and discomfort. Going home for Christmas might mean being in an environment where your identity isn't accepted or where you may feel unsafe emotionally. If this resonates with you, please know that you're not alone. It's important to find moments of peace and comfort, even in a difficult environment. Creating your own personal safe space in that environment by bringing comforting items with you (such as books, resources for hobbies that you may be involved in) can provide a sense of familiarity in a space that may feel alien to you. You don’t have to engage in conversations that make you feel hurt or invalidated. If it's hard to set boundaries with your family members, excusing yourself from a conversation is the next best thing. Creating a “toolkit” of comforting resources can also help you navigate tough moments. This could include your favorite music playlists, a calming app like Headspace, or even a movie that makes you laugh. These tools might seem small, but they can be a lifeline when things feel heavy. Finally, please remember that support is always available. If you’re struggling, reaching out to LGBTQ+ helplines or online spaces can offer a listening ear and practical advice. Please also reach out to friends or online communities where you feel safe and supported. (Fun fact: texting 'Switchboard' to Shout on 85258, a 24/7 text based support service, will indicate to their volunteers that you require support surrounding sexuality and gender specifically.) This season might not look or feel perfect, and that’s okay. Your identity is valid, your feelings are important, and your safety and happiness come first. Take care of yourself, reach out when you need support, and please remember - you are never alone in this. Please save this post to revisit whenever you need a reminder of how to navigate the holiday season, and share it with someone who might find it helpful. If you would like to access 1-2-1 support with us, please visit the following link: https://lnkd.in/ejUzFHxR Please note, we are not an emergency service and support is provided over email or telephone via pre-arranged appointments. #LGBTQ #HolidaySelfcare

Stuck for Secret Santa gift ideas this Christmas? Not sure what to buy for a family member or friend? Give a vulnerable LGBTQI+ individual the priceless gift of hope! A single £15 donation will help keep our vital support service running, and will put a smile on the faces of those who are struggling. Many of our support users are facing exceptionally tough circumstances, including familial rejection, homelessness, financial hardship or thoughts of suicide. If your office is doing a secret Santa, why not make a more sustainable choice by ditching the usual socks and plastic knickknacks, and making a donation to Naz and Matt Foundation. Every donation £15 and over, received before 24th December, will receive a PDF certificate confirming your donation that you can forward to your colleague, friend or family member. https://lnkd.in/dkaaphN #SecretSanta #Christmas

Forcing someone to get married against their will is a criminal offence in the UK. In certain cultures, it may be seen as the norm for parents to influence their children's decisions when it comes to getting married. However the final decision is always yours. It's important to recognise the coercion tactics that are used to force someone into getting married. Regardless of your family's circumstances, nothing can or should make you enter a marriage that you are not happy with. Forced marriages are a major human rights violation. For LGBTQ+ people, forced marriages are used as a way to 'change' someone's sexuality or 'protect the family's honour'. This is why forced marriages are often also a form of honour based abuse. ----------- If you are at risk of being forcibly married: Contact the UK Government's Forced Marriage Unit: Email: fmu@fcdo.gov.uk Telephone: +442070080151 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) Out of hours: +442070085000 You can also apply for a ‘Forced Marriage Protection Order’ (FMPO) in court. These orders can be used to either prevent a forced marriage from taking place or to protect an individual that has been forced into marriage. Each order is specific to your case, and can also be issued in an emergency. If you are already abroad and become aware of any plans to force you into a marriage, please contact the nearest British embassy. ----------- Our friends at Karma Nirvana deal with all forms of Honour Based Abuse and Forced Marriage. Telephone: 0800 5999 247 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) ----------- If you are LGBTQ+ and believe you are at risk of forced marriage, please reach out to our friendly support team. Please note, we are not an emergency service and support is provided over email or telephone via pre-arranged appointments. Email: support@nazandmattfoundation.org https://lnkd.in/ebyP4mhM #ForcedMarriage #LGBT

Invitation to our supporters, community members and individuals who access our support services in Camden... You are invited to the third Brave Cafe in Camden, which will focus on the experiences of LGBTQ+ communities.   Date: Tuesday 12th November 2024 Time: 18:00 - 20:00 Venue: Claudia Jones Room, Town Hall, Ground Floor, Town Hall RSVP: equalities@camden.gov.uk What is this session about? ----- Brave cafes are a trial in discussing difficult 'elephant in the room' conversations with empathy at the heart of the discussion. These are using guiding principles that have been developed by Camden Council, their local partners and Leeds City Council.  Why should I come? ----- It's not just a chat; your involvement in this discussion, will shape how we engage conversations of this nature to change myths and rumours that can fuel racism and discrimination.  A £20 voucher in exchange for your time and participation as well as free refreshments on the day A chance to get to know other Camden residents, partners and people from the borough.  If these cafes are a success, the guidelines used will become nationally and internationally recognised and be held up as best practice across government both in the UK and Europe.    We look forward to seeing you there and working together to build a more inclusive community.   Express your interest by emailing equalities@camden.gov.uk, and they will be in touch to confirm your place. See you at the Brave Space Cafe on Tuesday 12th November  ☕🥪 This Brave Space Cafe is kindly sponsored by Lab Tech   @wemakecamden

We're delighted to be recognised by We Make Camden for our work in the community, helping some of the most vulnerable LGBTQI+ individuals find safety, support and refuge. Thank you to everyone who continues to support our work, and to Camden Council for recognising our commitment to making Camden the safest borough in London to find LGBTQI+ support for individuals from conservative backgrounds. https://lnkd.in/eF2FpzAF

On Suicide Prevention Day, break the silence surrounding mental health. 💜 Far too many people feel alone in their struggles, especially when facing suicidal thoughts. It can be hard to speak up, but reaching out for help is a vital first step towards healing. Whether you’re personally struggling, or reaching out to someone who is, know that there is help, support and advice available. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is take that first step, but it could change everything. Together, we can create a world where everyone feels safe to express how they’re truly feeling. ---- If you need help or support, please reach out to us. For LGBTQI+ individuals & parents ---- support@nazandmattfoundation.org https://lnkd.in/ebyP4mhM For desi parents of LGBTQI+ children visit ---- rainbowchai.org @rainbowchaiparents Telephone support is provided via pre-arranged appointments at a time convenient to you. #WorldSuicidePreventionDay

In this episode, we have two extraordinary mothers joining us from India. These exceptional women are taking the world by storm, standing up and saying 'our children are the most important to us, not religion or culture'.   Aruna Desai is the mother of a gay son and the co-founder of Sweekar Rainbow Parents. One of the parents who used these support groups was Meghna, a parent of two non-binary children. We explore their incredible journey from parents who didn’t know anything about LGBTQI+ people to passionate advocates for Out and Proud Parents.  ---- Subscribe wherever you get your podcast, or listen to episodes online now - https://lnkd.in/eQWVV7UP ---- Special thanks to the inspirational Aruna (@arunadesai2963) and Meghna (@meghnawrites) for appearing in this episode, thanks to @sweekartherainbowparents for all of their incredible working supporting parents all across India, and thanks to Transmission Roundhouse Studios. The Out and Proud Parents podcast was produced by Aunt Nell (@auntnell_) for Naz and Matt Foundation (@nazandmattfoundation) and made possible with support from The National Lottery Community Fund. We'd like to thank all of the brave parents who have so kindly donated their time to appear on the podcast, and the hundreds of incredibly proud parents who have participated in #OutAndProudParentsDay over the last five years. Proud parents who are helping to make the world a better, more accepting place to live. This is the final episode of this season. If you'd like us to produce more episodes, please let us know by direct message. Subscribe wherever you get your podcast. Your host is Saima @saima2264 The producer is @marnie.wm The executive producer for Aunt Nell is @tashwalker85 The executive producer for @nazandmattfoundation is @matthewogston Music is by Vehaan Bhandari @treacle_macabre #LGBTQ #LoveIsLove #SupportiveParents #EqualityInFamilies #UnconditionalLove #Parents #LGBTQParenting #ProudToBeMe #FamilyAcceptance #LGBTQVisibility #OutAndProudParentsDay #OAPPD

Episode 5: Benaifer and Lana are both leaders at work alongside their roles as Out and Proud Parents, but how do they create inclusive and welcoming spaces at home as well as at work? Hear them talk about the importance of Pride and bringing your skills to all parts of your life. ---- Subscribe wherever you get your podcast, or listen to episodes online now - https://lnkd.in/eQWVV7UP ---- Special thanks to the amazing Benaifer (@benaifer_b) and Lana (@lanaavery) for appearing in this episode, and to Transmission Roundhouse Studios. The Out and Proud Parents podcast was produced by Aunt Nell (@auntnell_) for Naz and Matt Foundation (@nazandmattfoundation) and made possible with support from The National Lottery Community Fund. We'd like to thank all of the brave parents who have so kindly donated their time to appear on the podcast, and the hundreds of incredibly proud parents who have participated in #OutAndProudParentsDay over the last five years. Proud parents who are helping to make the world a better, more accepting place to live. Six episodes will be released weekly, starting 30th July. Subscribe wherever you get your podcast. Your host is Saima @saima2264 The producer is @marnie.wm The executive producer for Aunt Nell is @tashwalker85 The executive producer for @nazandmattfoundation is @matthewogston Music is by Vehaan Bhandari @treacle_macabre Parents are the incredibly brave humans who make our world a better, safer and more kinder place to live. Thank you ❤️🏳️⚧️🙏🏳️🌈❤️ --- #LGBTQ #LoveIsLove #SupportiveParents #EqualityInFamilies #UnconditionalLove #Parents #LGBTQParenting #ProudToBeMe #FamilyAcceptance #LGBTQVisibility #OutAndProudParentsDay #OAPPD