English singer Matty Healy's onstage kiss with male bandmate at a music festival in Malaysia sparks controversy and protest due to the country's strict anti-LGBTQ+ laws.
Source/Twitter
Matty Healy made headlines during a recent performance at the Good Vibes music festival in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In an act of protest against Malaysia's strict anti-LGBT laws, Healy kissed his male bandmate, bassist Ross MacDonald, onstage. The moment was captured on video and quickly went viral on social media, sparking discussions and drawing attention to the country's laws and policies surrounding LGBTQ+ rights.
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Before the kiss, Healy delivered a speech expressing his concerns about the Malaysian Government's policy on LGBTQ+ rights. He acknowledged that he had not thoroughly researched the country's laws before booking the show and voiced his frustration about the government's perceived interference in personal matters. Healy stated, "I don't see the point ... of inviting The 1975 to a country and then telling us who we can have sex with (sic.)"
1975 telah diharamkan dari #KL, #Malaysia selepas #MattyHealy dan rakan kumpulan #RossMacDonald bercium di atas pentas semasa set mereka di #GoodVibesFestival
— Sabahan Kinabalu (@SabahanKinabalu) July 22, 2023
Sebelum ciuman itu, Healy menyampaikan ucapan tentang kekecewaannya terhadap diskriminasi negara terhadap komuniti LGBTQ pic.twitter.com/9J60Pv63Jh
During his speech, Healy shared his regret and apology for any offense caused, while also expressing his strong opposition to the government's stance on LGBTQ+ issues. He used strong language to voice his frustration, stating, "I'm sorry if that offends you, and you're religious ... but your government is a bunch of *******".
Malaysia's anti-LGBT laws are influenced by religious beliefs, as Islam is the state religion. Homosexuality is considered a crime and is punishable by fines and up to 20 years in prison. Healy's act of protest has sparked conversations about LGBTQ+ rights and freedom of expression in the country.
The video of the kiss and Healy's speech circulated widely on social media, with both supporters and critics expressing their views on the matter. While some praised Healy for using his platform to raise awareness about social issues, others criticized his actions as inappropriate or disrespectful.
I’m starting to think people have forgotten that the reason women have votes in the UK is because protestors disrupted major entertainment events…look at the bigger picture people 🏳️🌈 @the1975 #The1975 #MattyHealy #RossMacdonald #GoodVibesFestival #MalaysianGovernment #LGBTQ pic.twitter.com/MjIJuXNlz9
— Abby Huntley (@Huntley97) July 22, 2023
A very valid point; but, also valid is that his actions resulted in the show being cancelled w/ resulting financial losses for everyone else involved in the festival; and, at least according to the other tweets an eventual crackdown on the community he was advocating for.
— Tomodachi 🇯🇲🇬🇧🇯🇵 (@LordMarescaux) July 23, 2023
As an artist, Healy's act of protest has reignited the debate about the role of musicians and performers in advocating for social change. Some argue that artists have a responsibility to use their platform to address important issues, while others believe that such actions should be approached with sensitivity and respect for local laws and customs.
The incident has highlighted the complex intersection between art, activism, and cultural norms, prompting discussions about the role of Western artists performing in countries with differing social and political climates.
Ultimately, Healy's actions have brought attention to the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in Malaysia and have sparked conversations about the need for greater understanding and acceptance of diverse perspectives. As discussions continue, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact the ongoing dialogue surrounding LGBTQ+ rights and freedom of expression in Malaysia and beyond.
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