Elton John held a concert in Moscow tonight, and from the stage he denounced Vladimir Putin‘s
anti-gay laws as “inhumane and isolating.” The 66-year old British-born
award-winning singer-songwriter had been vilified by some in the LGBT
press for planning a trip to Russia after the “gay propaganda” laws had
been enacted. Many believe anything in or from Russia must be boycotted, including the upcoming 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.
“You took me to your hearts all these years ago and you’ve
always welcomed me with warmth and open arms any time I’ve visited,”
John told his audience, reading from notes that were also projected on
screens. “You have always embraced me and you have never judged me. So I
am deeply saddened and shocked over the current legislation that is now
in place against the LGBT community here in Russia. In my opinion, it
is inhumane and it is isolating. People have demanded that because of
this legislation, I must not come here to Russia. But many, many more
people asked me to come and I listened to them. I love coming here.”
“I want to show them and the world that I care and that I don’t believe in isolating people. Music is a very powerful thing. It brings people together irrespective of their age, their race, their sexuality, or their religion. It does not discriminate. Look around you tonight. You see men, women, young and old, gay and straight. Thousands of Russian people enjoying the music. We’re all here together in harmony and harmony is what makes a happy family and a strong society.
“The spirit we share tonight is what builds a future of equality, love and compassion for my children and for your children. Please don’t leave it behind when you leave tonight. Each and every one of you please, keep this spirit in your life and in your heart. I wish you love and peace and health and happiness. And this show is dedicated to the memory of Vladislav Tornovoi.
Joe Jervis, who broke the story and published the transcript today, notes that “Vladislav Tornovoi was the 23 year-old gay man murdered earlier
this year in Volgograd after coming out to drinking companions, who
mutilated his genitals with a beer bottle and then set his body on
fire.”
The singer risks jail and deportation by speaking in public, although it’s unlikely the Russians would risk arresting him.
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