Beyonce Criticized For Giving Dubai Performance Amid Anti-LGBTQ Policies Of United Arab Emirates

January 23, 2023 by Tsai-Ann Hill in Music with 0 Comments

Beyonce

Beyonce Criticized For Giving Dubai Performance Amid Anti-LGBTQ Policies Of United Arab Emirates

Beyonce is facing criticism for her $24M Dubai performance.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you probably heard that over the weekend Beyonce returned from a four-year+ stage hiatus for the unofficial opening of Atlantis the Royal, an upscale Dubai hotel. Despite the performance being well received by many, the multi-Grammy-winning artist is facing criticism from some for performing in Dubai amid the anti-LGBTQ policies of the United Arab Emirates. Reportedly, in the Middle Eastern country a person who identifies as LGBTQ+ can face legal troubles for their sexual orientation.

Beyonce

According to Bev Jackson, the co-founder of the British advocacy group LGB Alliance, Beyonce’s show “casts a shadow over her support for lesbians and gay people.” On Sunday (Jan. 22) Bev Jackson said:

“Beyonce is a huge icon for many gay people.”

Bev Jackson continued:

“LGB Alliance is deeply therefore disappointed that Beyonce has agreed to give a lucrative concert in Dubai, where same-sex sex acts are a criminal offense, potentially punishable by death.”

LGB Alliance may be disappointed in Beyonce, but it’s important to note that she does not have a reputation for being anti-LGBTQ+. In fact, the superstar songstress previously honored her uncle during her 2019 GLAAD Media Awards acceptance speech, calling him “the most fabulous gay man I’ve ever known.” Accepting the Vanguard award alongside her husband Jay-Z, the mother of three shared:

“He was brave and unapologetic during a time when this country wasn’t as accepting.”

Highlighting her uncle’s battle with HIV at the event, she emotionally added:

“Witnessing his battle with HIV was one of the most painful experiences I’ve ever lived. I’m hopeful that his struggles serve to open pathways for other young people to live more freely. LGBTQI rights are human rights.”

As previously reported, Beyonce’s Atlantis the Royal performance lasted for 75 minutes. Although phones and recording devices were prohibited, footage still leaked to social media of Beyonce, 41, singing “Brown Skin Girl” with her 11-year-old daughter Blue Ivy. The former Destiny’s Child member was also seen hoisted 16 feet in the air at the hotel’s Skyblaze fountain during the performance.