2023-06-23 01:29:25
Mary Parker BBC News
4 hours ago
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Ian ‘H’ Watkins said he did not want to perform in Dubai due to human rights issues against the LGBT community
British rock band Steps refused to perform in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, because of a clause in the contract stating that they were not allowed to talk about sexual orientation, according to Welsh band member Ian Watkins, better known by his stage name H.
Watkins told Chippenham Pride, in Wiltshire, that he had reached a point in his life where morals were more important than “gold”.
Watkins said no one knew the Steps had been offered a show in the Middle East but said it was “important” to raise the issue.
image copyrightIAN ‘H’ WATKINS
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The pop star held the first ever gay pride party in his hometown of Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan
In his interview with Bobby Picard, CEO of Trans in Zaste, an advocacy organization for transgender people, on Saturday, Watkins revealed he was “too emotional” to speak up urgently at the time and wished he’d had the “courage” to speak up earlier.
He added, “This week we were offered a show and it was in a country where there is a lot of persecution, where the LGBT community is treated in a horrific way.”
He added that the contract stipulated that he should not talk about “sexual orientation”, and described this as “contradicting his convictions in truth.”
“I am at a point in my life right now where my morals and what I strive for are more important than winning the gold pot in Dubai,” he said.
He emphasized that he had given reasons for not wanting to perform in Dubai. “It’s because of all the horrific human rights issues that are going on out there,” he said.
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Ian Watkins came out in 2007, a decade after launching the band Steps.
Dubai is one of the emirates of the United Arab Emirates, which has strict laws against homosexuality.
Neighboring Qatar, which hosted the 2022 World Cup, has similar rules.
Doha has been criticized for its stance on homosexuals, its human rights record and its treatment of migrant workers.
A wonderful alliance
“The respect and support for Singer H’s position (by his colleagues) has shown a wonderful alliance (to promote the status of marginalized social groups such as LGBTQ people),” said Ms. Bobbi Picard.
“Steps has a strong LGBT following, and this reinforces their support and love for their fans.”
Picard added that she would like to see other artists follow Steps’ example and think twice before performing in areas where people who are their fans face imprisonment or the death penalty.
Watkins said he told the band they could play without him, but the band decided to support his decision to drop out.
He explained that regardless of a person’s gender, gender identity and color, people should be able to live their best lives, and be their true selves.
He admitted that he felt his decision was a “small win”.
He added, “If everyone did that, all these movements would make huge ripples, and we would have a much more inclusive and beautiful place to live.”
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