(PresidentialHill.com)- After receiving feedback from Muslim community members that it was “inappropriate,” Western University erased a photograph posted on Instagram depicting two ladies in hijabs preparing to kiss each other.
The “International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia,” also abbreviated as “IDAHOTB,” was observed on Tuesday, and as expected, social media was inundated with posts commemorating the day.
The majority of the posts showcased a wide variety of people, and the one from Western University was no exception. It included, among other people, a lesbian pair where the partners were of different races, a couple where one of the partners was disabled, and two ladies wearing hijabs who were leaning in to kiss each other. The latter prompted outrage from the Muslim community in London, Ontario, which ultimately resulted in the university removing the post in its entirety.
Iman Abd Alfatah Twakkal, a local Muslim leader, was quoted in the National Post as saying that the image was “inappropriate.” He also stated that the community was working on formulating a reaction.
More than 2,000 people have signed a petition calling for the removal of the post. The petition stated that it should be made clear that this is not an attack on the LGBT+ community, and the existence of queer Muslims is acknowledged. In addition, it was stated that what was portrayed in the post was “extremely disrespectful, insensitive, and completely imperceptive to the Muslim community at large.
Even now, most Muslims in Canada continue to view homosexuality as a taboo subject, although the religion condemns homosexuality as a sin.
The equity, diversity, and inclusion authorities at Western University each published their statement, explaining why they had decided to delete the post.
According to the equity leader Opiyo Oloya they believe this presents an opportunity for genuine, thoughtful discussion about how they can best support members of the Queer Muslim community and those from all faiths and backgrounds within the 2SLGBTQ+ community.”
