Comedian Marc Lottering has paid tribute to Muhsin Hendricks, the world’s first openly gay imam [Islamic religious leader], who was shot dead in what is believed to be a homophobic attack this weekend.
MARC LOTTERING REMEMBERS GAY IMAM MUHSIN
On his social media platforms, Marc Lottering paid tribute to an iconic figure in both the Muslim and LGBTQcommunities.
He said of the openly gay imam: “Rest In Peace, Muhsin Hendricks. You did not deserve to be shot like an animal. No human being does.”
Marc added: “May justice prevail.”
Muhsin was shot and killed by two masked men, who ambushed his vehicle in Gqeberha.
According to reports, the 57-year-old had officiated a lesbian wedding before his murder.
Muhsin came out as gay in 2006 and founded The Inner Circle, an NGO that provided support and a safe haven to queer Muslims seeking to reconcile their faith. He also established the inclusive Masjidul Ghurbaah mosque.
In the 2022 documentary The Radical,the gay imam revealed that he had faced numerous death threats over his lifestyle, which was widely condemned. Despite this, he continued his work, defiantly stating: “The need to be authentic was greater than the fear to die.”
While the motive for Muhsin’s killing is unknown at this stage, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association has labelled it a “hate crime.”
Executive director Julia Ehrt said in a statement: “The ILGA World family is in deep shock at the news of the murder of Muhsin Hendricks, and calls on authorities to thoroughly investigate what we fear may be a hate crime”.
OUT AND PRIDE
Like the first openly gay imam Muhsin Hendricks, Marc Lottering is also a proud member of the LGBTQ community.
In 2010, the actor married his long-term partner, producer Anwar McKay, who he has now been with for close to three decades.
Anwar – who is also from the Muslim faith – spoke to EWN about coming out in his mid-twenties.
He said: “Coming from a Muslim background, I was quite closeted. I felt it was time to explore, and I saw an advert in the newspaper about gay hookups”.
He continued: “I called the number and got a contact list with Marc’s number. I called the number, we chatted and we hit it off. Marc was as charming as ever, and I was this shy little thing. It was just incredible…”
Meanwhile, Marc, the son of a Christian preacher, came out as gay in 2000. Last month, Marc and Anwar celebrated 15 years of marriage.
DO YOU BELIEVE OPENLY GAY IMAM MUHSIN HENDRICKS WAS MURDERED IN A HOMOPHOBIC ATTACK?
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