S7 E1: Imam Muhsin Hendricks: A Legacy of Love, Inclusion, and Soft Activism

In conversation with Thuli Mjwara

In this episode of Africa Rights Talk, we pay tribute to the life and work of Imam Muhsin Hendricks, a pioneering queer Muslim leader who dedicated his life to fostering inclusivity within faith communities. Our guest, Thuli Mjwara, reflects on his profound impact, highlighting his commitment to radical love, interfaith dialogue, and creating safe spaces for marginalized people. She explores his unique approach to activism—one rooted in softness, connection, and unwavering faith.

Thuli also discusses the ongoing work needed to honour Imam Hendricks' legacy, from advocating for inclusivity in religious spaces to ensuring activism also cultivates healing and joy. As we grapple with his tragic loss, the Queer Interfaith Collective has issued a call to action, urging those inspired by Imam Hendricks’ work to advocate for the inclusion of marginalized individuals in faith communities, foster interfaith dialogue that bridges differences rather than deepens divides and stand against hatred and violence, refusing to be silenced.

Please use the hashtags #JusticeForImamHendricks and #CompassionCentredIslam to amplify his message.

Miss Nokuthula (Thuli) Mjwara is the strategic advocacy coordinator at Inclusive and Affirming Ministries (IAM) Western Cape. With the vision of addressing religious-based homophobia, she works at the intersections of gender, religion, and human rights by facilitating processes that are community-based. Collaborating with civil society partners, she coordinates interventions that promote awareness on diversity, embodied leadership, advocacy, and eradicating conversion practices across Africa. Also, Thuli is a 2022 Outright International United Nations Religion fellow and a seasoned facilitator- accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). She has served on Provincial, National and Regional forums advocating for the rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex (LGBTI+) communities. With over 13 years’ work experience, she has worked with youth-at risk, sentenced offenders, LGBTI+ youth and their families. In relation to HIV prevention and vaccine research, she has been a member of the Groote Schuur clinical research site community advisory board (CAB) from 2018, serving as its chairperson from 2020-2022. Thuli is currently pursuing her master’s degree (MPhil) in Multidisciplinary human rights with the Centre for Human rights (University of Pretoria). She is a queer, Afro- feminist, with a passion for the realization of an equal society, where human dignity and rights are respected and affirmed across all communities.

This conversation was recorded on 27 February 2025.

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