Mohsin Hendricks, the world’s first openly gay imam was shot dead in Gqeberha, South Africa, last weekend while attending a wedding.

According to the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, the motive behind Hendricks’s murder remains unknown, however, there are suspicions that the crime might be a religiously motivated hate crime. 

“This brutal murder is not just about Imam Hendricks, it is a direct assault on all movements, organizations and persons advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights in South Africa. 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,” said Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, the Deputy Minister for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities.   

In 1996, Hendricks became the first imam in the world to come out as gay, however, he was removed from his position after coming out. He was the founder of the Inner Circle, a global Muslim community advocating for a society free from discrimination based on religion, sexual orientation and gender identity. He also established the LGBTQ-inclusive Masjidul Ghurbaah mosque and led the Al-Ghurbaah Foundation, which provides psycho-spiritual and social support to Muslims marginalized due to sexual orientation, gender identity, and belief.

“May Allah grant Imam Hendriks jannah. You have been a great teacher, human and religious mentor. A great father and a guardian of many, continue resting with angels,” said the Al-Ghurbaah Foundation.

In addition, Inclusive and Affirming Ministries (IAM), said Hendricks played a pivotal role in uniting Muslims regardless of their sexual orientation and was a gallant fighter in the fight against LGBTQ discrimination.

“IAM first had the pleasure of working with Muhsin during his tenure as founder and executive director of the Inner Circle, South Africa’s first queer mosque. Later, through the Al-Ghurbaah Foundation, the Queer Interfaith Collective and other civil society driven platforms,” said IAM. “Muhsin’s journey with IAM became a longstanding and fruitful one, and so we join multitudes in deeply mourning the passing of a faith leader who has fiercely yet gently championed and guarded LGBTIQ+ rights in South Africa, but also for Muslims across the world.”

Furthermore, IAM said their quest was to ensure Hendricks’s vision outlives him and continues to be an inspiration and shining beacon, “Even in his death, we celebrate Imam Muhsin for his tireless contribution to building inclusive and affirming communities of faith, which he was committed to doing until his last breath. May his vision to see an Islam that is inclusive and compassion-centred outlive him, and continue to liberate people from all walks of life.”

Moreso, the Global Interfaith Network (GIN) said the tragic death of Hendricks was an immeasurable loss to the global Muslim community, interfaith allies, and human rights defenders.

“Imam Muhsin was more than just a religious leader, he was a pioneer, a visionary, and a beacon of hope for countless marginalized Muslims worldwide. As the first openly gay Imam, he fearlessly championed an all-inclusive, compassion-centered Islam, dedicating his life to creating safe spaces for queer Muslims, advocating for justice, and redefining faith as a source of healing rather than harm,” said GIN.

In addition GIN said despite experiencing massive resistance from the Muslim community, he remained resolute towards the fight for a just society not only in South Africa but throughout the continent and the world at large.

“He played a pivotal role in shaping interfaith advocacy that upholds the dignity of LGBTQ+ people of faith, ensuring their voices are heard and respected on global platforms. His passing is an immeasurable loss to the global Muslim community, interfaith allies, and human rights defenders everywhere. His legacy will not be erased, it will live on in the hearts and actions of those who continue his mission,” added GIN.

According to Pan Africa Ilga (PAI), the murder of Hendricks is a stark reminder of the horrifying and harrowing everyday experiences of the LGBTQ community in Africa.  

“His murder underscores the violent reality that many LGBTIQ+ individuals, particularly those in faith communities, continue to face. Across Africa, religious fundamentalism is increasingly being weaponized to justify discrimination and harm against LGBTIQ+ people. The loss of Imam Hendricks is not just a loss for the Muslim LGBTIQ+ community, but for all those who believe in justice, dignity, and the right to exist freely,” said Arlana Shikongo, PAI’s communications officer.

Furthermore, Julia Ehrt, executive director for ILGA World, said they have lost a peacemaker, a bridge builder and someone who set an example showcasing that reconciliation is possible as evidenced by  his endurance and perseverance.

“He supported and mentored so many people in South Africa and around the world in their journey to reconcile with their faith, and his life has been a testament to the healing that solidarity across communities can bring in everyone’s lives. We call on authorities to thoroughly investigate what we fear may be a hate crime,” said Ehrt.

South Africa is the most liberal country in Africa when it comes to the protection and recognition of LGBTQ rights. However, due to religious and cultural norms, the LGBTQ community is often ostracized with little to no repercussions for the perpetrators.

Cape Town last month secured enough votes to host WorldPride in 2028.

The bidding process, which started in late October, took place in Medellín, Colombia, where the Guadalajara (Mexico) Pride and WorldPride Cape Town bidding teams contended for the rights to host WorldPride. InterPride, which organizes the event, on Nov. 8 officially declared Cape Town the host of WorldPride 2028.

It will be the first time WorldPride will take place in an African country.

South Africa is the only country on the continent that constitutionally recognizes LGBTQ rights. South Africa, as a result, in recent years has seen a surge in the number of LGBTQ asylum seekers from Africa and around the world.

Reacting to the historical precedence, Cape Town Pride said it was now time for Africa to shine and acknowledged the WorldPride Cape Town bidding team and the city of Cape Town for their role in the bidding process.

“This is a first for the whole continent of Africa,” said Cape Town Pride CEO Tommy Patterson. “A few weeks ago, in Medellín, Cape Town Pride, the city of Cape Town, and the bidding team presented our bid. The team did a wonderful job and we all forged great friendships and allies from Pride groups all over the globe.”

“Cape Town Pride is thrilled by the news and support shown by the global LGBTI+ family,” added Patterson.

Michael Gladwin of the WorldPride Cape Town bidding team echoed Patterson’s excitement.

“This will mark the first time WorldPride is held on the African continent, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome the global LGBTQ+ community to our beautiful city,” said Gladwin. “A heartfelt thank you goes out to all our incredible partners who supported this journey. Together, we will showcase Cape Town as a beacon of inclusivity and diversity.”

Gladwin also congratulated Guadalajara Pride for their bid.

“Their commitment in promoting LGBTQ+ rights is inspiring, and we look forward to collaborating in the future,” said Gladwin.

Cape Town’s LGBTQ community is celebrating the successful bid, while others in the city have criticized it.

Rev. Oscar Bougardt, founder and lead pastor of the Calvary Hope Baptist Church, described WorldPride as “garbage” and “filth” that should be condemned.

“I am happy to say I am amongst the pastors in Cape Town who are in opposition and are outraged at this garbage planned for 2028,” said Bougardt. “The city of Cape Town and LGBTQ+ organizations planned this event without consulting rate payers, this bid was done in secret and taxpayers’ money will be used to fund this filth.”

“Just as the LGBTQ + organizations have the right to host WorldPride 2028, we have the right to say we don’t want it in Cape Town,” he added. “I pray more church leaders will stand up against the planned WorldPride 2028. To church leaders and parents, this is the time to unite and tell the city of Cape Town and LGBTQ+ organizations that we are disgusted at the planned event. Untied we stand and divided we will fall!”

Kaohsiung, Taiwan, in 2022 won the bid to host WorldPride 2025, but the local planning committee withdrew it amid a dispute with InterPride. WorldPride 2025 will take place in D.C. from May 17-June 8, 2025.

The 2024 ILGA World Conference took place last month in Cape Town.

Lazarus Ikaneng Thomas, a 50-year-old gay man from Galeshewe in Northern Cape province has become South Africa’s latest victim of homophobic violence.

The province’s Department of Social Development, Youth, Women, People Living with Disabilities, Sports, Arts, and Culture said authorities discovered Thomas’s decomposing body in a home on Sept. 7 after neighbors complained of a foul smell. Thomas, who was buried at Kimberly’s Phutanang Cemetery last Friday, was reportedly strangled and had acid poured on his body.

Nontobeko Vilakazi, a member of the Department of Social Development, Youth, Women, People Living with Disabilities, Sports, Arts, and Culture’s Executive Council in the Northern Cape province, said Thomas’s murder left her shaken, especially when she saw pictures of his decomposed hand lying on the ground.

“I would firstly want to offer my condolences to the bereaved family,” said Vilakazi. “This tragic incident should never have transpired. It hurts me to see our society exhibiting so much hate.” 

“Why would someone murder someone because of who they are?” she asked. “The stigma and hatred for other people is of grave concern. As a community, we need to do better, we can’t continue like this. As a department we will be offering psychosocial support to the family, this tragic incident has left us utterly distraught.”

Sibonelo Ncanana, civil society engagement officer for OUT LGBT Well-being, echoed Vilakazi. The advocacy group said Thomas’s murder is a stark reminder of the ongoing hate crimes the country’s LGBTQ community are experiencing.

“Firstly, we would like to convey our condolences to the family. It’s really a painful tragedy that transpired,” said Ncanana. “However, over the past few months, we have witnessed a lot of hate crimes with most of the victims succumbing to the hate crimes.”

Ncanana said five people have been killed in suspected hate crimes in Eastern Cape over the last four weeks.

“It’s really worrisome,” said Ncanana. “We are running out of ideas on how to curb these hate crimes. It’s depressing and devastating.”

Inclusive and Affirming Ministries said the police should expedite their investigation of Thomas’s death.

“The LGBT community is united in demanding justice for Lazarus, we urge the police to take swift action in uncovering the truth and holding those responsible accountable,” said IAM.

South Africa is currently witnessing an unprecedented level of attacks on LGBTQ people, with many of them losing their lives. President Cyril Ramaphosa earlier this year signed a law that criminalizes hate crimes based on sexual orientation and gender identity, but the attacks continue. 

Activists have attributed this spike in anti-LGBTQ hate crimes to the National Prosecuting Authority, the police, and other law enforcement officials who they say have not done enough to arrest and prosecute perpetrators. A small handful of people accused of carrying out homophobic attacks have been arrested and prosecuted — and some cases have dragged on for years before a verdict is reached. 

Those who are convicted do not receive maximum — or lengthy — prison sentences. Activists say these punishments enable continued homophobic attacks.

So-called “right-wing socialists” continue their calls for the government to change laws that protect the rights of LGBTQ people.

South African law fully recognizes and protects LGBTQ people, but many South Africans continue to disregard their existence.