Matty Healy: Malaysian LGBT community angry at 1975 'White Saviour' stuntman
Matty Healy: Malaysian LGBT community angry at 1975 'White Saviour' stuntman
Image source, Getty ImagesBy Frances MaoSingapore
British pop singer Matty Healy's protest stunt at a concert in Malaysia has sparked fury from LGBT activists and their allies in the country.
Many described the singer's crass 1975 rant against the Malaysian government - and his kiss with a male bandmate - as an act of 'performative activism' that would make their lives all the more beautiful harder.
Homosexuality remains a crime in Malaysia, punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Conservative Islam remains the dominant political and cultural force in the country, limiting sexuality, alcohol and other perceived threats to traditional values and standards of "public decency".
In a statement after Friday's show, a source close to the group said Healy had wanted to stand up for the LGBT community.
q5iqo00">But while many locals appreciated the intention, they say it destroyed a precarious political environment for LGBT Malays and caused more damage.
"Unfortunately, local activists now have to deal with the fallout and the potential policies and restrictions that could come with it," said Dhia Rezki, an activist with the Kuala Lumpur-based JEKAKA support group.
British pop singer Matty Healy's protest stunt at a concert in Malaysia has sparked fury from LGBT activists and their allies in the country.
Many described the singer's crass 1975 rant against the Malaysian government - and his kiss with a male bandmate - as an act of 'performative activism' that would make their lives all the more beautiful harder.
Homosexuality remains a crime in Malaysia, punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Conservative Islam remains the dominant political and cultural force in the country, limiting sexuality, alcohol and other perceived threats to traditional values and standards of "public decency".
In a statement after Friday's show, a source close to the group said Healy had wanted to stand up for the LGBT community.
q5iqo00">But while many locals appreciated the intention, they say it destroyed a precarious political environment for LGBT Malays and caused more damage.
"Unfortunately, local activists now have to deal with the fallout and the potential policies and restrictions that could come with it," said Dhia Rezki, an activist with the Kuala Lumpur-based JEKAKA support group.
Image source, Getty Images
