This picture was supposed to be an entry for this contest. To sum it up, it’s about inter-faith tolerance and acceptance. The theme was to draw two or more people with different faiths ”in a peaceful and friendly mood”. Knowing the importance of accepting others regardless of what they believe in, I decided to give this theme a try. I had the idea for this picture stuck in my head: two girls, one Muslim and one Christian, in love.

I wanted to erase the stereotype about ”all religious people hating gays” and similar prejudices.

But then I saw rule g; ”no nudity, sex, gore, yaoi, yuri, inappropriate things”. Now, I was not intending to draw any inappropriate stuff or nudity, but the terms ”yaoi” and ”yuri” confused me, as they are term for japanese gay porn, NOT gay relationships in general. So I asked if I could draw two girls in love.

I wish I had screencaps for this discussion, because it was rather disillusioning and offensive. The creator of this contest of TOLERANCE basically said zoophilia and homosexuality were the same.

”based on your logic, someone can also say he loves his pet animal and by this, zoophilia will be also considered love.”

He also excluded gay Muslims from their faith, and spoke as if they do not exist. I for sure KNOW that there indeed ARE gay Muslims, and I ALSO know that being a homophobe isn’t a criteria for being a Muslim.

Why on earth would someone hold a contest about accepting and tolerating others regardless of what they happen to believe in, when they do not tolerate other’s way of life? I know that many gay people are rather hostile towards Islam because they think that all Muslims hate gay people. This is a stereotype. Why reinforce it when you are trying to fight this kind of prejudice? It’s awfully ironic.

He suddenly blocked me during the discussion, abruptly ending the conversation while still getting the last word.

Now: I encourage you all to draw a shitload of gay Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Hinduists, Jews - heck, people of every different religion ever. Religion does not equal narrow mindness. Please spread this message and be a better example than this guy I had the discussion with.