Matty Healy Of The 1975 Takes Stand Against Malaysian Government – Are His Actions More Harmful Than Helpful?
On Friday, July 21, The 1975 rebuked Malaysian anti-LGBTQIA+ law during their performance at the Good Vibes Festival in Kuala Lumpur. Frontman Matty Healy took the opportunity to advocate for greater acceptance and equality before subsequently kissing his bassist Ross MacDonald, reports BBC.
The State of LGBTQIA+ Rights in Malaysia
Same-sex sexual activity is still criminalised in Malaysia under Section 377D of the Penal Code which prohibits “gross indecency”. Malaysia is one of a handful of South-East Asian countries that are still debating a Penal Code left over from British colonial times.
In the midst of their Good Vibes performance, Matty Healy condemned the Malaysian government’s handling of LGBTQIA+ rights. “Unfortunately you don’t get a set of loads of uplifting songs because I’m [expletive] furious,” the frontman said. “And that’s not fair on you, because you’re not representative of your government. Because you’re young people, and I’m sure a lot of you are gay and progressive and cool.”
Following Healy’s kiss of defiance with bandmate Ross MacDonald, organisers released a statement announcing the cancellation of the rest of the festival as ordered by Malaysia’s Ministry of Communications and Digital.
The Fallout
Despite Healy’s noble intentions, his actions may have unwanted consequences for the LGBTQIA+ community in Malaysia. One advocate named Joe Lee took to Twitter to outline the problematic actions of The 1975, reports NME.
“If anything, what Matt Healy and The 1975 have done is discount and disrupted [sic] YEARS of work by local activists who have been pushing for change and understanding AND endangering our vulnerable minority communities,” says Lee.
Lee’s frustration comes from The 1975’s assumed ignorance of the advocacy work being carefully negotiated in Malaysia. There were other queer artists scheduled to perform at Good Vibes and Healy’s actions would have jeopardised their safety.
“Now, with more queer friendly artists performing, tell me do you think it would have been safe to have two more days of the show?” says Lee. “Every country has its laws. Foreigners don’t get to come in and shit on us and tell us how to do things, especially when they only make it worse for us.”
