No doubt Elton John's one of the world's most visible, politically active gays. One can't help but wonder, then, why the singer chose to perform in an anti-gay nation:
Sir Elton John has surprised fans by announcing he will play his first gig in the United Arab Emirates later this month. The flamboyantly gay star… will perform at an open-air concert in Abu Dhabi's Emirates Palace Hotel.The decision could leave Sir Elton open to charges of hypocrisy, because of the UAE's poor record on human rights.
Homosexuality is illegal: those convicted of it face jail sentences, or compulsary psychiatric 'treatment', including the injection of hormones designed to 'cure' them.
Repressive or not, the United Arab Emirate's money's still green. Wait, actually the dirham notes run on a rainbow spectrum. Hmmm…
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Let's hope he is using it as a venue where he can call for change, or it could be the money.
So no gay or gay friendly performer should perform in a state with a DOMA in its state constitution? How far do you want to take this? Probably every place on earth has something about that someone doesn't like.
How is a gay intolerant country ever going to change if gays completely avoid it?
Sir Elton,
Probably needs the money. What a bag head though for being anti-gay. Or maybe he's going for the "cure".
If it's illegal, doesn't he run the risk of being arrested while he's there?
I'm in two minds about whether it's a good idea or not. On the one hand, I hate the idea of showing support for such a homophobic country, on the other hand, it could be very good for them to have a gay performer there. But it does smack of black artists performing in South Africa during apartheid.
I think it's a good thing for John to perform there. It shows the country that gay people do indeed have value.
Sun City, anyone?
But i'm still pissed at "Sir" Elton for his public support of the evil "Lord" Conrad Black.
Is he the first openly gay artist to perform there? Just imagine what kind of hope his presence offers to the hundreds if not thousands of closeted gays who will be in the audience. As for the UAE – they are trying to position themselves as a player on the world stage, attracting celebrities and tourists, and intense intolerance will not survive the spotlight of the world.
This is a GREAT way to get some Gay presence seen there. We can't change anything if we are invisible there. Good job, Elton!
didn't elton perform in baltimore when he was younger. i know that's the home of john waters and gthe late divine but wasn't the 1970s Baltimore homophobic?
I was waiting for someone to mention Sun City. Thanks James. It takes a lot of energy for a boycott to dig in and work. I guess that's why we are talking about it here. Any one want to call Elton "out" so to speak and boycott him until he cancels, or at least speaks publicly about it? There is so much money in that country that it's not an insignificant point. Money buys power and influences policy. Forbes and Griffin are dead and we let them enjoy their billions quietly in the closet. A new generation of OUT super rich can be expected to act in support of the larger community. Not just give back, but decide where they earn money from based on ethical choices.