Muhsin Hendricks, the first openly gay imam, was tragically shot and killed in South Africa. Hendricks, known for advocating for LGBTQ+ Muslims, was attacked while traveling near Gqeberha. His death has sparked global tributes and calls for justice, with many suspecting the incident to be a hate crime.
Muhsin Hendricks, recognized as the world’s first openly gay imam, was tragically shot and killed in South Africa on Saturday morning. Hendricks, 57, had been a leading figure in the LGBTQ+ Muslim community, known for his advocacy work and for creating spaces where queer Muslims could find faith and belonging. The fatal attack occurred near the southern city of Gqeberha when two masked individuals ambushed Hendricks' vehicle and opened fire. While Hendricks had just officiated a wedding for a lesbian couple, the exact motive behind the shooting remains unclear.
Following the shooting, tributes poured in from global communities mourning his loss. Julia Ehrt of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association (ILGA) called for a thorough investigation, emphasizing the possibility that this was a targeted hate crime. Hendricks had long been outspoken about his experiences and struggles as a queer Muslim, and he worked tirelessly to bridge gaps between LGBTQ+ rights and religious communities. He founded The Inner Circle to support LGBTQ+ Muslims and later established Masjidul Ghurbaah in Cape Town, a mosque offering an inclusive environment for marginalized Muslims. Hendricks’ legacy, advocating for acceptance and interfaith dialogue, continues to inspire those who champion the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals within religious spaces. His tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against discrimination and violence faced by the LGBTQ+ community in South Africa.
