Filmmaker’s #AllahLovesEquality statement following Mindanao Pride sparks outrage

The rainbow didn’t shine high during Mindanao’s first Pride March last December 9. It was unfurled along streets through a 2,000-strong attendance. Despite a diverse cultural, ethnic, and religious backdrop, participants were able to peaceably voice out their right to equality. For hate to rear its ugly head and force a member of the LGBTQ+ to flee Mindanao under the threat of violence was then unthinkable.

But as soon as Muslim filmmaker, activist, and Mindanao Pride team member Rhadem Morados posted an equality statement punctuated with #AllahLovesEquality, members of select religious circles were quick to attack.

“I’ve somehow already expected that it will raise some people’s eyebrows, I just didn’t expect that it will be to the point that they would threaten me and my safety,” Rhadem says. “The public shared posts and comments targeting me are countless, while messages sent to my private accounts would number over 100.”

Even if the Filipino LGBTQ+ community has made countless milestones this year, this recent turn of events has only made it clear that there is still much to be done.

People can worship their God differently but the line is crossed when death is wished upon someone who’s embracing their truth, moreover if that truth is simply to love.

Rhadem shares that violence is never a good reflection of one’s faith. People can worship their God differently but the line is crossed when death is wished upon someone who’s embracing their truth, moreover if that truth is simply to love. “The reason why my fellow council members and I organized Mindanao Pride is to raise awareness. Some people always think that the Pride event and the rainbow flag is always about gay people. It’s not. The rainbow flag symbolizes everyone, even straight people. It signifies equality and all people of diverse faiths, gender, and culture.”

Indeed, the rainbow flag is raised against prejudice and hate. It enjoins us to look out for Rhadem, for the oppressed, for each other. And then to fight back not with hate, anger, or even resentment. Instead, to engage and educate those perpetrators of hate and bigotry, who are often themselves victims of ignorance. 

Let the world be a witness to ourselves, that we have no agenda other than that of love and the equality it fosters.

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