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“In the Koran it says that we should be tolerant and open. That means respecting others, no matter what their preferences are.”
Abdellah Bijat, a 22-year-old of Morrocan orgin, has become the first Muslim man to be a finalist in Mr. Gay Man Belgium.
The handsome contestant has a poppin' Instagram. But with only 522 Instagram followers, we're hoping Mr. Gay Man gets him the attention he deserves.
He's not just good looks, either. Bijat has heartfelt intentions to spread LGBT acceptance and visiblity within the Muslim community. He said in an interview with Belgian radio station Studio Brussel, "I want to show that 2016 should be a feasible year for the existence of different cultures, including Islam, in order to all live in peace. It should be feasible for everyone to accept people as they are. The religion is somewhat contradictory when it comes to its stance on homosexuality."
The organizers of Mr. Gay Beligum had noticed that in the past seasons there were Muslim candidates who came to the auditions, but would then drop out of fear. Abdella Bajit is breaking that pattern. If he wins Mr. Gay Man Beligum, Bijat will go on to be a contestant in Mr. Gay Man World, which takes take place in Malta on May 28th.
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