Flying in the face of adversity
The prospects for queer acts touring internationally have never been more complex, so how are those affected hoping to break down barriers?
Feature By Derek Robertson | 25 June 2025
The condemnation was swift and unequivocal. “A very barbaric act,” said a government minister on Instagram, adding “very disrespectful” for good measure. “Vulgar antics” screamed a headline in local newspaper The Star.
“Self-righteous, entitled, and ignorant,” complained a local arts creative. But such opprobrium was not prompted by scandal or typical rock star debauchery. It was a kiss – a simple onstage smooch between The 1975’s Matty Healy and bassist Ross MacDonald.
This tangling of tongues occurred while the band were…
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