Discrimination
Gyms, Culture, and Identity: Why Gyms Could be a Spiritual Space
Words by Fatima Lee Garsi What is a gym? By definition, a gym is a place that has fitness equipment for people to use for their physical education. A place where people go to get buff, to sweat, to stretch, kick, jump, and punch their way into a better body. Gyms are a new thing…
Read MoreA Brand Change for Sister Fit
By Fatima Lee Garsi Since its inception, Sister Fit has been a space open and affirming of diverse identities. Recently, you may have noticed that we have made a deliberate shift in our branding and services to more clearly and consciously include LGBTQ+ people and diverse women, in addition to Muslim women. Some Muslims have…
Read MorePersonal. Political. Powerhouse. Meet Lina Khalifeh from SheFighter!
Words by Fatima Lee Garsi Photography by Keemya Parsa Meet Lina Khalifeh! I’ll always remember the first time Lina came into Sister Fit. When she saw me, her eyes widened in surprise. She wasn’t shy to tell me that she expected me to be a conserative looking Muslim woman from Pakistan. Instead, she was met…
Read MoreBuilding an Authentic Identity • Asmaa Hussein from Ruqaya’s Bookshelf!
Words by Fatima Lee Garsi Photography by Keemya Parsa Meet Asmaa Hussein: Ruqaya’s Bookshelf lady! That’s what I’ve been calling Asmaa since I’ve been acquainted with her through my circle of friends. I think merging her with the name of her indie publishing company reflects my impression of her. She has built a strong and…
Read MoreLeadership Identity Series: Episode 3 – Unwavering Reema Gets Down to Business
Words by Fatima Lee Garsi Photography by James Ip Meet Reema Rafay: Reema Rafay is a business beast! I was first intrigued by Reema several years ago when she added me to an annoying FaceBook group about body transformations. I suppose I get annoyed with anyone who adds me to any group! Reema however, impressed…
Read MoreLeadership Identity Series: Episode 2 – From Canada to Barbados!
Words by Fatima Lee Garsi Photography by James Ip Meet Fatimah: I am pleased to introduce you to Dr. Fatimah Jackson-Best! Fatimah Jackson-Best is indeed the best! This is a lady who is the real deal; there’s something about FJB (I hope she doesn’t mind the acronym!) that is real nice. This is someone who…
Read MoreThe Problem with “Safe Spaces”
By Fatima Lee Garsi Whoa FLG – what on earth are you talking about? Isn’t Sister Fit a “safe space” for Muslim (and non-Muslim) women! YES! It is! Hold your horses and henchmen! Let me explain… What exactly is a “safe space?” A safe space is a place where the owner of the space can…
Read MoreFirst Step: Self-education to Combat Anti-Black Racism
Do the Deep Work: When we’re not on social media, what are we doing? Awareness is important and essential – but what happens when we step away from our screens? What will happen a week from now? A month? A year? Anti-racism work is an ongoing, introspective, deeply connected process that involves a commitment to…
Read More