A trans Indian was almost killed by his parents, trans/non-binary athletes make history in sports, and Matty Healy stands against Malaysia's homophobia.
Trans Indian Almost Killed By Parents
Seventeen-year-old trans-Indian activist Manoj was almost killed by his parents after coming out. Manoj was interviewed by Divya Arya with BBC News about their inhumane coming out experience.
Manoj told BBC that his parents refused to accept him, tied down his hands and feet, beat him badly, and locked him in a corner of the house. His father was ready to kill him.
“I had thought whatever be my truth, I would be accepted, after all, this was my family. But my parents were ready to kill me for their honor,” said Manoj.
After this brutal experience, Manoj is fighting for India to legalize same-sex marriage and to accept the entirety of the LGBT community.
Trans/Non-binary Athletes Achieve New Heights
Quinn. Photo via Instagram.
Quinn, a Canadian athlete, became the first trans, non-binary player to compete in soccer’s international championship.
“I remember some of my favorite memories growing up were the opportunities I had to see my role models playing on the world stage and I’m so excited to be experiencing the other side of that now,” said Quinn via Instagram.
Nikki Hiltz became the first trans, non-binary athlete to win a USA Track and Field national title. Also, Hiltz broke the 1985 record set by Mary Slaney.
“There are a lot of things I could probably attribute my recent successes to, but I think the most powerful tool I have is my joy,” said Hiltz via Instagram.
Matty Healy Stands Against Malaysia’s Homophobia
Matty Healy. Photo via wikimedia.org.
Matty Healy, the queer frontman of the British band The 1975, is facing an international controversy that is sparking a global conversation about LGBT rights and the role of artists in LGBT advocacy.
During a performance at the Good Vibes festival in Kuala Lumpur, Healy kissed a male bandmate on stage, saying, “I don't see the fucking point of inviting The 1975 to a country and then telling us who we can have sex with…” The commentary and kiss led to the event being cut short and The 1975 being officially banned from Malaysia.
“If anything, what Matt Healy and The 1975 have done, is discount and disrupted YEARS of work by local activists who have been pushing for change and understanding AND endangering our vulnerable minority communities,” said Joe Lee, a Malaysian music industry professional.
Critics have been arguing over whether Healy helped or harmed the LGBT rights movement in Malaysia.
“I seriously doubt it was Healy's motivation or intention to ‘save' Malaysia from homophobia or hijack the LGBTQ+ struggle there. As far as I can see, he simply wanted to show solidarity with Malaysia's persecuted queer community,” said Peter Tatchell with The Guardian.
