Photo: Representative Patty Kim

In response to a hateful note sent to the Islamic Society of Greater Harrisburg this week, PYC is sharing an open letter to stand with the Muslim community of Central PA, and across the county. Nearly a dozen copies of this letter were sent to mosques across the United States.

On Thursday, State Rep. Patty Kim organized a press conference to press back against this hateful incident at the Islamic Society of Greater Harrisburg’s mosque in Steelton. Speakers included incoming Islamic Society of Greater Harrisburg President Asgar Rizwan, Muslim community leader Samia Malik, Steelton Mayor Doug Brown, and Rep. Patty Kim.

Dear Muslim Members of our Pennsylvania Family,

We are outraged and appalled by all acts of Islamophobia, and continue to be with you in love and solidarity.

The letter recently received by the Islamic Society of Greater Harrisburg is incensing to people of conscience. From our LGBTQ youth community, we are here for you in whatever you may need.

We write to you as young LGBTQ Pennsylvanians to share that:

We celebrate you. We value you. We support and love you. We are proud to work together with you in building a beloved community.

From our intersection with LGBTQ Muslims, through our connection as communities often targeted for harm, we stand together in our commitment to ensuring human decency and respect for all.

We cannot and will not stand idly by while any of us is targeted for intimidation, hatred, or violence. We hold ourselves accountable to standing with you against any injustice you may experience, and toward embracing each other in love and respect.

We are proud to be with you in our shared commonwealth, communities, and nation.

Yours in Solidarity,
The Pennsylvania Youth Congress Family

Pennsylvania Muslim and LGBTQ community leaders following a vigil for the Orlando Massacre in the State Capitol (June 2016)