Imam Muhsin Hendricks, a pioneer for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, was ambushed and killed near Gqeberha on Feb. 15. Hendricks is regarded as the “world’s first gay imam” and was an advocate for queer rights ever since first coming out at 29, despite the life-threatening risks.
“I’m gay, and I’m an imam, and I want to announce it to the world. And if they want to kill me, they can kill me, but I’d like to meet my maker with that kind of authenticity.”
Hendricks created and led the Al-Ghurbaah Foundation. This provided a haven for prayer at the Masjid Ul-Umam (the People’s Mosque) — an inclusive space with no queer or gender-based discrimination.
The Deputy Minister of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Emily Letsike, denounced this murder as a “direct assault” on South African queer advocates. She urged the police to deepen their investigation to get justice.
“We call on the South African Police Services and all law enforcement agencies to strengthen their investigation, and track the persons responsible for justice to prevail.”
In The Radical (2022) documentary, Hendrick reiterated his decision to stand against death threats.
“The need to be authentic was greater than the fear to die.”
