A witness from Reuters reported that an angry crowd caused the stoppage of an entertainment show featuring men dressed in women's clothing with heavy makeup, part of what is known as drag performances, in the Lebanese capital Beirut late Wednesday night. The crowd shouted anti-LGBT slogans. The show was hosted at a bar in Beirut, featuring Lebanese drag artists known as Latiza Bomb and Emma Greeshin.
Both performers wore short outfits that revealed their legs, resembling ballet dancers, and sported bold make-up along with wigs. They ended the show shortly after it began after being alerted to approaching angry men. Greeshin stated from the stage in English, "We are here, we exist, and no one will silence us. But sometimes to continue what we do, we have to do it wisely. Unfortunately, we have to end the show early."
Both performers, along with a group of attendees, ran to a dressing area, while a group of men could be heard gathering outside, expressing their disgust at the event, according to a witness from Reuters who was present. The group hid for about 40 minutes, during which the performers removed their makeup and false eyelashes to blend in with the audience in case the crowd stormed the venue. Attendees left peacefully after security forces arrived and dispersed the crowd.
Footage posted online on Wednesday showed individuals reportedly calling themselves “God’s Soldiers.” The video indicated that “God’s Soldiers” stormed a bar in the Mar Mikhael area, where the party was taking place, proclaiming: "This place belongs to the devil promoting homosexuality, it is forbidden on God’s land."
Amnesty International expressed concern and urged the government to ensure protection for all, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.
