In a shocking act of violence, Imaam Muhsin Hendricks, the world’s first openly gay Imaam and a revered South African queer icon, was brutally assassinated in Gqeberha, South Africa. Hendricks, known for his tireless advocacy for greater acceptance of LGBTQ+ people within Islam, ran a mosque that served as a safe haven for gay and other marginalized Muslims.

According to the police, Hendricks was in a car with another person on Saturday when a vehicle pulled up, blocking their exit. Two unknown suspects, their faces covered, stepped out and opened fire on the vehicle. Hendricks, who was seated at the back, died on the spot. The shameless attack has sent shockwaves through the LGBTQ+ community, both in South Africa and globally.

South Africa is admired for its progressive constitution, being the first country in Africa to legalize same-sex marriage. Yet, this horrific incident underscores a stark reality; legal protections do not necessarily translate into societal acceptance. Religious homophobia remains deeply ingrained, with queer Muslims facing dual layers of discrimination from both religious institutions and society at large.

Hendricks was a beacon of hope, challenging traditional interpretations of Islam and advocating for LGBTQ+ Muslims to reconcile their faith and identity. His murder serves as a grim reminder of the persistent dangers faced by queer activists, even in countries with progressive laws.

For countries like Uganda, where the constitution has laws supporting LGBT genocide, or other countries where anti-LGBTQ+ legislation is brewing, the assassination of a figure like Hendricks sends a chilling message. It exposes the global reach of religiously fueled homophobia and the lethal consequences it can have.

As we mourn the loss of Imaam Muhsin Hendricks, we must also reflect on the broader fight for LGBTQ+ rights, recognizing that legal reforms are only one part of the struggle. True safety and acceptance demand societal change, including within religious communities.