Sunday, February 5, 2023
manilastandard.net
ADVERTISEMENT
  • About
  • News
    • Top Stories
    • National
    • World News
    • Pinoy Abroad
    • Features
  • Opinion
    • Editorial
    • Columns
    • Soundbytes
  • LGUs
    • NCR
    • Luzon
    • Visayas
    • Mindanao
  • Business
    • Corporate
    • Economy & Trade
    • Stocks
    • Money
    • Agri & Mining
    • Power & Tech
    • IT & Telecom
  • Sports
    • Basketball
    • Volleyball
    • Fightsports
    • Active
    • Sports Plus
    • One Championship
    • Columns
  • Entertainment
    • TV & Movies
    • Celebrity Profiles
    • Music & Concerts
    • Digital Media
    • Columns
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Culture & Media
    • Fashion
    • Health and Home
    • Leisure
    • Shopping
    • Columns
  • Others
    • Pets
    • Pop.Life
      • Newsmakers
      • Hangouts
      • A-Pop
      • Post Its
      • Performances
      • Malls & Bazaars
      • Hobbies & Collections
    • Technology
      • Gadgets
      • Computers
      • Business
      • Tech Plus
    • MS ON THE ROAD
      • Sedan
      • SUV
      • Truck
      • Bike
      • Accessories
      • Motoring Plus
      • Commuter’s Corner
    • Home & Design
      • Residential
      • Commercial
      • Construction
      • Interior
    • Spotlight
    • Gallery
      • Photos
      • Videos
    • Events
      • Seminars
      • Exhibits
      • Community
    • Biyahero
      • Travel Features
      • Travel Reels
      • Travel Logs
  • Advertise with Us
No Result
View All Result
  • About
  • News
    • Top Stories
    • National
    • World News
    • Pinoy Abroad
    • Features
  • Opinion
    • Editorial
    • Columns
    • Soundbytes
  • LGUs
    • NCR
    • Luzon
    • Visayas
    • Mindanao
  • Business
    • Corporate
    • Economy & Trade
    • Stocks
    • Money
    • Agri & Mining
    • Power & Tech
    • IT & Telecom
  • Sports
    • Basketball
    • Volleyball
    • Fightsports
    • Active
    • Sports Plus
    • One Championship
    • Columns
  • Entertainment
    • TV & Movies
    • Celebrity Profiles
    • Music & Concerts
    • Digital Media
    • Columns
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Culture & Media
    • Fashion
    • Health and Home
    • Leisure
    • Shopping
    • Columns
  • Others
    • Pets
    • Pop.Life
      • Newsmakers
      • Hangouts
      • A-Pop
      • Post Its
      • Performances
      • Malls & Bazaars
      • Hobbies & Collections
    • Technology
      • Gadgets
      • Computers
      • Business
      • Tech Plus
    • MS ON THE ROAD
      • Sedan
      • SUV
      • Truck
      • Bike
      • Accessories
      • Motoring Plus
      • Commuter’s Corner
    • Home & Design
      • Residential
      • Commercial
      • Construction
      • Interior
    • Spotlight
    • Gallery
      • Photos
      • Videos
    • Events
      • Seminars
      • Exhibits
      • Community
    • Biyahero
      • Travel Features
      • Travel Reels
      • Travel Logs
  • Advertise with Us
No Result
View All Result
manilastandard.net
No Result
View All Result
Home News

LGBTQ Arabs fear backlash after World Cup ‘spotlight’

AFPbyAFP
November 30, 2022, 1:00 pm
in News, World News
Reading Time: 4 mins read
A A
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Email

By Aziz El Massassi

With rainbow flags and “OneLove” armbands, World Cup fans have protested against host Qatar’s anti-LGBTQ policies, but many queer Arabs fear a Western solidarity push could do more harm than good.

In this file photo taken on June 29, 2022, drink coasters promoting equal rights are laid out on a table at the Lebanon-based Helem association, the Middle East’s first officially registered LGBTQ organisation, at its headquarters in the capital Beirut. – With rainbow flags and “OneLove” armbands, World Cup fans have protested host Qatar’s anti-LGBTQ policies, but many queer Arabs fear a Western solidarity push could do more harm than good. Anwar Amro / AFP

Gestures in support of the local LGBTQ community have unleashed a torrent of homophobia, activists and community members say, creating new risks for people who have long relied on discretion to survive.

“It’s not great to live in the shadow, but it’s also not great to live under a spotlight,” said a 32-year-old entrepreneur from neighbouring Gulf nation Bahrain, who requested anonymity for safety concerns.

“The World Cup will end, FIFA will leave, and the hate will continue.”

ADVERTISEMENT

LGBTQ rights in Qatar — where homosexuality is illegal — and concerns over the use of the rainbow flag during the World Cup have been a simmering issue ahead of the international tournament that kicked off on November 20.

Captains of seven European football teams had planned to wear rainbow-themed “OneLove” armbands as part of a campaign to embrace diversity, but backed down after a threat of disciplinary action from FIFA.

The well-meaning drive for LGBTQ rights has caused distress for some, the Bahraini entrepreneur said.

“No one from the queer community here has ever been asked about their opinion of what they think the rainbow flag does,” he said.

“I am worried about the future.”

‘Ruining a lot’

The clash playing out in Qatar is the latest example of the unintended backlash generated by Western LGBTQ initiatives in the Muslim majority region.

Earlier this year, US embassies in Bahrain, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates raised the rainbow flag and posted solidarity messages on social media to mark Pride month.

For the Bahraini entrepreneur, it triggered a scathing response in a region where queer people, citizens and expats alike, prefer to stay under the radar.

“They’re ruining a lot of things for people,” he said, referring to the Western campaigns.

“I don’t necessarily hide who I am and I also don’t walk around flying a rainbow flag.”

Over the summer, authorities across the Gulf zeroed-in on what they perceived as attempts to encourage homosexuality.

In Saudi Arabia, where same-sex relations are punishable by death, authorities cracked down on rainbow-coloured toys and clothing.

In Bahrain, posters went up showing silhouettes of a family under an umbrella, taking shelter as a rainbow flag spilled over them like a downpour.

Meanwhile, Hollywood productions including Disney’s “Lightyear” were banned from theatres in several Gulf countries for supposedly promoting same-sex relations.

‘From bad to worse’

“Religion remains central in the Gulf, despite relaxing some laws and social restrictions,” Saudi researcher Eman Alhussein told AFP.

And the LGBTQ cause “is probably not up for local debate anytime soon”, she said.

Alhussein, a non-resident fellow at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, said growing Western criticism of anti-LGBTQ policies in the region “has failed to produce change, and is unlikely to do so at least for the short term”.

“As many Gulf citizens remain conservative, maintaining some boundaries is seen as crucial to accommodate all segments of society.”

Tarek Zeidan, executive director of Lebanon-based Helem — the Arab world’s first officially registered LGBTQ organisation — lamented a “missed opportunity” to bring positive change to the region.

“Obviously we need to have a conversation about human rights despite the efforts of those trying to prevent it,” he told AFP.

But “if you care about human rights, lift up the voices of the people who are actually at the receiving end of violence”, as opposed to the overwhelming attention on what he called “Western outrage”.

Zeidan, who used to live in Qatar, noted a “hardening of positions” around the World Cup, which he said the LGBTQ community would ultimately pay for.

“It’s going from bad to worse,” said Zeidan.

“The backlash is probably going to be very, very harsh if not deadly,” the activist said.

“The coming years are going to be extremely punishing for LGBTQ people in the region.”

Tags: ArabsLGBTQQatarWorld Cup
ADVERTISEMENT
AFP

AFP

Related Posts

Amazon Sets a New Record for Most Renewable Energy Purchased by a Single Company

byThe Standard
February 5, 2023, 2:10 pm
0
8

The company’s renewable energy portfolio now totals more than 20 GW, and will generate enough clean energy to power 5.3...

Read more

Nine missing after fishing boat capsizes in South Korea

byAFP
February 5, 2023, 12:00 pm
0
8
Southwoods nails Seniors’ Fil golf crown

Rescue workers were searching by sea and air for nine people missing after a fishing boat capsized in waters off...

Read more

Endangered monarch butterflies face perilous storm

byAFP
February 5, 2023, 11:30 am
0
8
Endangered monarch butterflies face perilous storm

As devastating storms pounded California, nature lovers feared for endangered monarch butterflies that winter there as part of a seemingly magical...

Read more

Pelicans down Lakers as James moves 36 points from NBA scoring record

byAFP
February 5, 2023, 11:00 am
0
8
Pelicans down Lakers as James moves 36 points from NBA scoring record

The New Orleans Pelicans snapped a 10-game losing streak with a 131-121 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday,...

Read more

As pandemic fades, Guatemalan motorcyclists resume religious pilgrimage

byAFP
February 5, 2023, 9:30 am
0
8
As pandemic fades, Guatemalan motorcyclists resume religious pilgrimage

Thousands of motorcyclists on Saturday roared 140 miles across Guatemala in a rolling procession to venerate a religious crucifix, the...

Read more

‘Consensus’ with Zelensky that Western arms do not hit Russia: Scholz

byAFP
February 5, 2023, 9:00 am
0
8
‘Reconsider weapon export policy’; NATO to SoKor: Step up for Ukraine

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky agrees that weapons supplied by the West will not be used to attack Russian territory, Germany's...

Read more

Print Edition

View More

Recent Posts

  • Coach Tiu: Dubai tourney good experience for Strong Group
  • Amazon Sets a New Record for Most Renewable Energy Purchased by a Single Company
  • Kaspersky Threat Intelligence enhances its threat data feeds, threat analysis, brand protection capabilities
  • Check out Tommy Hilfiger’s February 6 store launch on Shopee
  • Nine missing after fishing boat capsizes in South Korea
  • Endangered monarch butterflies face perilous storm
  • Pelicans down Lakers as James moves 36 points from NBA scoring record
  • Can Beyonce finally take home the top Grammy?

Advertisement

Latest News

Endangered monarch butterflies face perilous storm

byAFP
February 5, 2023, 11:30 am
0
8
Endangered monarch butterflies face perilous storm

As devastating storms pounded California, nature lovers feared for endangered monarch butterflies that winter there as part of a seemingly magical...

Read more

Pelicans down Lakers as James moves 36 points from NBA scoring record

byAFP
February 5, 2023, 11:00 am
0
8
Pelicans down Lakers as James moves 36 points from NBA scoring record

The New Orleans Pelicans snapped a 10-game losing streak with a 131-121 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday,...

Read more

Can Beyonce finally take home the top Grammy?

byAFP
February 5, 2023, 10:00 am
0
8
Can Beyonce finally take home the top Grammy?

As music's elite gather in Los Angeles for the Grammy awards on Sunday, one question is playing on loop: Will...

Read more

As pandemic fades, Guatemalan motorcyclists resume religious pilgrimage

byAFP
February 5, 2023, 9:30 am
0
8
As pandemic fades, Guatemalan motorcyclists resume religious pilgrimage

Thousands of motorcyclists on Saturday roared 140 miles across Guatemala in a rolling procession to venerate a religious crucifix, the...

Read more

‘Consensus’ with Zelensky that Western arms do not hit Russia: Scholz

byAFP
February 5, 2023, 9:00 am
0
8
‘Reconsider weapon export policy’; NATO to SoKor: Step up for Ukraine

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky agrees that weapons supplied by the West will not be used to attack Russian territory, Germany's...

Read more

Advertisement

ADVERTISEMENT
Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube

ABOUT US

Manila Standard

Manila Standard website (manilastandard.net), launched in August 2002, extends the newspaper’s reach beyond its traditional readers and makes its brand of Philippine news and opinion available to a much wider and geographically diverse readership here and overseas.

Digital Edition

In tone and content, the online edition mirrors the editorial thrust of the newspaper. While hewing to the traditional precepts of fairness and objectivity, MS believes the news of the day need not be staid, overly long or dry. Stories are succinct, readable and written in a lively style that has become a hallmark of the newspaper.

Download – Today’s Paper

Search

No Result
View All Result

6th Floor Universal Re Bldg., 106 Paseo De Roxas cor. Perea Street, Legaspi Village, 1226 Makati City Philippines

Trunklines: 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558

© 2021 Manila Standard - Designed and Developed by Neitiviti Studios.

No Result
View All Result
  • About
  • News
    • Top Stories
    • National
    • World News
    • Pinoy Abroad
    • Features
  • Opinion
    • Editorial
    • Columns
    • Soundbytes
  • LGUs
    • NCR
    • Luzon
    • Visayas
    • Mindanao
  • Business
    • Corporate
    • Economy & Trade
    • Stocks
    • Money
    • Agri & Mining
    • Power & Tech
    • IT & Telecom
  • Sports
    • Basketball
    • Volleyball
    • Fightsports
    • Active
    • Sports Plus
    • One Championship
    • Columns
  • Entertainment
    • TV & Movies
    • Celebrity Profiles
    • Music & Concerts
    • Digital Media
    • Columns
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Culture & Media
    • Fashion
    • Health and Home
    • Leisure
    • Shopping
    • Columns
  • Pop.Life
    • Newsmakers
    • Hangouts
    • A-Pop
    • Post Its
    • Performances
    • Malls & Bazaars
    • Hobbies & Collections
  • Technology
    • Gadgets
    • Computers
    • Business
    • Tech Plus
  • MS ON THE ROAD
    • Sedan
    • SUV
    • Truck
    • Bike
    • Accessories
    • Motoring Plus
    • Commuter’s Corner
  • Home & Design
    • Residential
    • Commercial
    • Construction
    • Interior
  • Spotlight
  • Gallery
    • Photos
    • Videos
  • Events
    • Seminars
    • Exhibits
    • Community
  • Biyahero
    • Travel Features
    • Travel Reels
    • Travel Logs
  • Pets
  • Advertise with Us

© 2021 Manila Standard - Designed and Developed by Neitiviti Studios.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Install Manila Standard Web App

Install App