Conservative Christians disrupted a drag show in Beirut, Lebanon, on Wednesday evening, according to witnesses and attendees. The event, hosted by Lebanese drag artists Latiza Bombe and Emma Gration, took place at a bar known as a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community. However, the show was cut short when the hosts, dressed in black leotards, makeup, and wigs, were informed that an angry crowd was approaching the venue.
Emma Gration addressed the audience, stating, “We are here, we exist, and no one will silence us. However, sometimes to keep doing what we’re doing we have to do it smartly. Unfortunately, we have to cut the show short.”
The hosts and some attendees quickly sought refuge in the changing area as the angry men gathered outside the venue. Witnesses reported that the crowd loudly expressed their disgust at the event by spitting and shouting. The performers removed their makeup and fake eyelashes to blend in with the audience, anticipating the potential intrusion from the conservative group.
After approximately 40 minutes, security forces arrived and dispersed the crowd, allowing the attendees to leave safely. Video footage posted online depicted individuals outside the venue identifying themselves as members of “the Soldiers of God,” an anti-LGBTQ+ Christian movement in Lebanon.
The incident reflects a surge in hate speech against the LGBTQ+ community in Lebanon, including from conservatives of various religious backgrounds. Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the Hezbollah Shi’ite armed group, has expressed that homosexuality poses an “imminent danger” to Lebanon and should be confronted.
Lebanon, known as a safe haven for the LGBTQ+ community in the Middle East, was the first Arab country to hold a gay pride week in 2017. However, activists now express concerns about the community’s security being jeopardized.
Reporting by Emilie Madi; Writing by Maya Gebeily, Editing by William Maclean
Credit: The Star : News Feed
