Sydney Mardi Gras: Muslim owned fashion company showcases LGBT pride hijab
A Muslim fashion house has launched a pride hijab for Sydney Mardi Gras.
The Australian company, MOGA, originally released the rainbow headscarf in support of same-sex marriage, during last year’s national ballot on the issue.
They later sent their final pride hijab to ex-Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott – who is vehemently opposed to marriage equality – to show how different communities can embrace one another.
The headscarf has now been brought back to celebrate Australia’s biggest LGBT pride celebration, Sydney Mardi Gras.
The company invited drag performer Mable Syrup, bisexual activist Kalida Edwards and Chris McCubbin to model the Mardi Gras fashion.
Azahn Munas, who founded MOGA, said: “We also wanted to celebrate the diverse nature of our fans, who range from trendy Muslim ‘hijabsters’ to festival goers to drag queens, who all love our bold and colourful designs.
“And if anyone tries to rain on your parade, always remember that people, regardless of their race, gender or sexuality are equal and are always welcome to love.”
In a statement during Australia’s marriage referendum, the company said it wanted to offer support for same-sex marriage, emphasising the weight of the public vote.
“During one of the most critical and important times in our nation’s history, we at MOGA are proud to voice our support for marriage equality in Australia.
“Our love and adoration towards the LGBTIQ community is strong and we have designed a limited edition rainbow striped Pride scarf in honor of their strength, bravery and inclusive spirit.”
Moga rainbow scarf
The scarves sold out in a matter of days.
But the company kept one edition behind to send to former PM Abbott as proof that people from different walks of life can embrace one another.
Creative director Azahn Munas and brand ambassador Kalida Edwards sent the scarf to Abbott during the referendum.
“We made one minor addition, however, and included a mock ‘customer survey form’ we would love Mr Abbott to fill out,” the designers explained.
“It asks a rather similar question to the plebiscite postal vote but we deliberately changed the focus from sexuality to something we can all understand, love.”
The pair asked Abbott: “Do you believe two people in love deserve the right to marry?”
“By removing the focus on sexuality we are trying to remind Mr Abbott and others who share a similar view that marriage should be a union between two people in love, irrespective of what gender they are.
“We are hoping Mr Abbott accepts our scarf and gives it to a woman in his life he loves, whether it be his wife, his sister or his daughter.”
The founder of MOGA, Azahn Munas, said: “Like with our previous designs, our Pride scarf can be worn anyone, regardless of their skin colour, religious beliefs or sexual orientation.
(Getty)
“To demonstrate this, we have even draped it as a hijab, a world first, to acknowledge that members of the LGBTIQ community exist in ALL religions, including Islam, which is sadly one of the most homophobic in the world.”
Adding: “At the end of the day, everyone should feel proud of who they are, regardless of their skin color, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation,” Munas added, “and everyone deserves the right to love, and be loved in return.”
