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Mashrou’ Leila Appearance Cancelled In Qatar After Anti-Gay Backlash
Upsetting news reported by Reuters, it appears as though Lebanese band Mashrou’ Leila’s upcoming appearance at Northwestern University’s Qatar campus was cancelled after online backlash over the fact that the lead singer Hamed Sinno is openly gay.
The members of the band were scheduled to partake in a panel discussion about revolutions and the media in the region, but after hostile and homophobic campaigns online, the university and the band agreed to move the discussion to the US campus.
The hashtag used to attack the event was #نرفض_محاضرة_مشروع_ليلى (we reject the Mashrou’ Leila lecture) – here are some snippets of the horrific comments:
Others tweeted their support of the bands appearance, and acceptance of open dialogue.
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The members of the band were scheduled to partake in a panel discussion about revolutions and the media in the region, but after hostile and homophobic campaigns online, the university and the band agreed to move the discussion to the US campus.
The hashtag used to attack the event was #نرفض_محاضرة_مشروع_ليلى (we reject the Mashrou’ Leila lecture) – here are some snippets of the horrific comments:
Religion is above the state and above any personality whatever its is, We reject everything that touches our religion, customs, traditions, If you don’t like it here then just leave ..
— ɴ (@noallk) February 1, 2020
no.. this is not ok. Qatar is a religious country , and they are literally opposing our religion publicly. There are limits.. @NUQatar
— (@althaniim_) January 31, 2020
To all y’all expats who are new here. I’ve lived in qatar for 35 born & raised my dad been here since the 70s. One thing which is important is to respect the culture respect the community. If the qatari community dont want this band here then that’s that. #
— Nedal_101 (@Nadal_101) February 1, 2020
— (@abdalazez400) January 31, 2020
Others tweeted their support of the bands appearance, and acceptance of open dialogue.
While living in #Qatar Education City was 1 of my most cherished places because it was a space for young diverse people from all over the world (regardless of their background) to come together to educate & express themselves and grow. Sad: # @themediamajlis
— Ahmed Shihab-Eldin (@ASE) February 1, 2020
There’s a hashtag in Qatar about some people rejecting the visit of the band @mashrou3leila on the basis it goes against certain traditions and values here. I know many will agree openness and being welcoming is also an important value here #
— Marc Owen Jones (@marcowenjones) February 1, 2020
It’s very simple, if you’re against it just shut the fuck up and don’t be there!! Let others who want to attend attend.
— (@owohans) February 1, 2020
# #
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