330 LGBTQ+ Artists Pledge Not to Perform in Israel Until a Gaza Ceasefire Occurs
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In a powerful show of solidarity, a group of 330 queer artists from around the world have signed a letter pledging not to perform or participate in public events in Israel until a permanent ceasefire is achieved in the Israel-Palestine conflict in Gaza, and Palestine is “free.” The letter serves as a response to the massive number of Palestinian deaths and Israeli attacks on the country’s healthcare and public utilities.
The ongoing military conflict between Israel and Palestine has caused immense devastation and loss of life. According to The Washington Post and Al Jazeera News, over 20,000 Palestinians, Israelis, and foreign nationals have been killed in Gaza since the conflict re-ignited on October 7. Shockingly, many of the Palestinian deaths have been civilian women and children, as reported by the Gaza Health Ministry of Palestine.
The artists’ public letter, hosted on QueerArtistsForPalestine.org, begins by expressing their devastation over the loss of innocent Israeli lives on October 7. However, they state that they have been equally devastated by Israel’s assault on innocent civilians in Gaza every single day since.
The letter highlights the dire situation in Gaza, with almost 2 million Palestinians, constituting 90% of Gaza’s population, displaced from their homes. These displaced individuals are living in unsafe shelters without access to basic necessities such as food, water, or healthcare. As winter approaches, the spread of disease is a growing concern. The United Nations has described the state of Gaza as “apocalyptic,” further emphasizing the urgency for action.
By refusing to perform or participate in public events in Israel, these queer artists aim to challenge what they see as Israel’s “pinkwashing” of its brutal military occupation and policies against Palestinians. Pinkwashing refers to Israel’s portrayal of itself as a gay haven amidst a dogmatically anti-LGBTQ+ Middle East. This representation often serves as a pretext for Western policies against Israel’s neighboring countries and domestic citizens.
The artists firmly believe that honoring the radical histories of queer activism and self-expression requires standing in opposition to violent systems like apartheid and military occupation. They assert that queer liberation is fundamentally tied to the dreams of Palestinian liberation, which include self-determination, dignity, and the end of all systems of oppression.
Notable performers who have signed the letter include Angelica Ross, JD Samson, Hari Nef, Indya Moore, Sasha Velour, The Vixen, and Tommy Dorfman. While it remains unclear how many of these artists have previously performed in Israel or were expected to do so, their collective statement sends a powerful message of solidarity and support for Palestine.
This letter comes alongside growing calls for a ceasefire from various quarters. Twenty-four Democratic Congress members have joined the chorus, while a bipartisan majority of House members supported a late October resolution supporting Israel. However, President Joe Biden’s support for Israel and continued funding of its military has caused him to lose support among progressive voters.
The pledge by these queer artists not only highlights the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict but also serves as a reminder that the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights cannot be separated from broader issues of justice and liberation. By refusing to participate in events in Israel, they are using their platform and visibility to amplify the voices of Palestinians and demand an end to the violence and oppression they face.
As the conflict continues to unfold, it is crucial to listen to marginalized voices like these queer artists who are speaking out against injustice. Their actions serve as a reminder that true liberation can only be achieved when all forms of oppression are dismantled, and every individual is afforded their rights and dignity.
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“LGBTQ+ artists boycott Israel”
