Artist Carmen Rose used to perform regularly in Malaysia, until a police raid last year put an end to the veteran drag queen's act and fuelled the fears of the LGBTQ community at a time when Islamists are rapidly gaining political clout.
A PAS lawmaker recently said LGBTQ people should be classified as "mentally ill". Another PAS leader urged the government to cancel a concert by Coldplay because the band supports queer rights.
While Anwar has never expressed support for the LGBTQ community, activists say they expected him to show more tolerance as he advocated for an inclusive society during his 25 years in the opposition. , after the frontman of British pop band The 1975 kissed a male bandmate onstage and criticised Malaysia's anti-LGBTQ laws.
Activists say online harassment and death threats against queer Malaysians are rampant on social media, while undercover police often attend LGBTQ-friendly events. Many groups now ensure there are lawyers at these events in case of a raid.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
LGBTQ leaders ‘more motivated than ever’ in Mobile“The title may be gone, but the work’s not done,” former liaison Natalie Fox said.
Read more »
NYPD: Man broke woman's nose, made anti-LGBTQ remarks during argument on subwayPolice said it started when the man grabbed the woman from behind on the J train platform at Broadway and Myrtle Avenue in Brooklyn.
Read more »
Most US Students Say Their School’s Curriculum Doesn’t Include LGBTQ TopicsLGBTQ kids across the country have had to learn about their history from sources beyond textbooks and classrooms.
Read more »
Jon Batiste Talks New LP ‘World Music Radio,’ Calls Himself a ‘Top to Bottom Albums Artist’The Grammy winner sat down with Billboard News to discuss the new album, as well as his approach to artistry.
Read more »
Bay Area artist featured in 'Lunar Codex' time capsule to the moonA Bay Area artist will soon have her work featured on the moon as part of a special exhibition called “Lunar Codex.' It will include work from around the world, sent to the moon in time capsules.
Read more »