The Inner Circle (TIC) will host the Annual International Retreat (AIR) aimed at challenging Muslim extremism as well as engaging the impact of this on gender and sexual minorities.

Themed Challenging Extremism, Engaging Islam and Human Rights, The Inner Circle maintains that "by addressing Muslim extremism, not only do we engage the issue of homosexuality, but also other issues around gender, ecumenical relationships and social issues such as abortion, adoption, safer-sex practices and sex-work."

"The AIR provides participants with tools to combat homophobia in their respective communities, families and in the workplace. It gives academic and student participants the relevant information to develop scholastic works in their respective academic institutions and practices", said Ayesha Pieterson of The Inner Circle.

Pieterson further explained that the retreat also aims to correlate Islamic Rights with Human Rights and to breach the gap between the two.

"With homophobia on the up rise on the African continent we at the Inner Circle felt it imperative that combating homophobia not only be seen as an LGBTI issue but as a human rights one as well", Pieterson added.

Since its inception, The Inner Circle has conducted research, developed human resource capacity, networked and mobilized activists to challenge homophobia.

"Although this program is beneficial to Muslim queers, it also impacts on the larger Muslim community, people of other faiths and beliefs, organizations in the LGBTI, faith and human rights sectors", read the TIC statement.

The TIC statement further suggested that "Africa needs a strong voice to counter these looming threats. Currently TIC is the only active voice that counters homophobia and extremism in Muslim contexts."

"It is truly an uplifting and transforming experience both emotionally and spiritually. This year we are looking at having well known Islamic scholars as the guest speakers because we plan to do a post retreat publication on Islam and Sexuality based on the info that is shared at the AIR", concluded Pieterson.

The retreat will be held at the Waterval Country Lodge, Cape Town from the 8-12 April 2010 with guests such as Dr Ghazala Anwar and Siti Musdah Mulia who have already confirmed their attendance.