It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to Muhsin Hendricks, a queer pioneer and inspirational figure who was murdered in South Africa on February 15th. Muhsin was the first imam to publicly acknowledge his homosexuality, fighting not only for his own freedom but also for the rights and recognition of LGBTQ+ people within the Muslim community.

Born and raised in South Africa, Muhsin Hendricks was a man who fought against convention and tradition. He had the courage to bridge the gap between faith and identity and showed the world that religion and sexual orientation need not be incompatible. Through his work, he helped to open up the conversation about LGBTQ+ rights in conservative religious circles and create spaces for tolerance and acceptance.

His commitment also received international recognition. In 2007, Muhsin took part in the groundbreaking documentary A Jihad for Love, which told the stories of Muslims who came out as gay and were confronted with the challenges of their sexual orientation in relation to their religion. In the movie, Muhsin not only stood for himself, but represented a whole community of people who are in an inner conflict between faith and love.

Muhsin Hendricks was far more than just an imam – he was a teacher, an activist and a friend. He stood up for the rights of the marginalized, and his voice echoed in the hearts of many people who found the courage to live their own truth through him.

May Muhsin Hendricks rest in peace, and may we all continue to stand up in his memory for a world where love and acceptance triumph across all borders.