MTV Shares Brave Queer-Positive Message Amid Rising Hatred

The LGBTQ+ community in Lebanon has been witnessing a surge in attacks against its members, with many enduring a relentless barrage of hate and fear-mongering. The targeted attacks initiated by members of “Jnoud El Rab” on Om Bar Room in Mar Mikhael have elicited a growing hate campaign against the community. In response to these hate crimes and the growing anti-queer narrative, the local news station MTV Lebanon shared a brave message calling for the decriminalization of homosexuality in Lebanon.

The video champions LGBTQ+ inclusivity and acceptance, calling for the repeal of Article 543 of the Penal Code, which criminalizes “sexual intercourse against nature” and has a penalty of up to one year of imprisonment.

Despite the fact that the campaign resulted in disgustingly homophobic and violent feedback, members of the LGBT community as well as supporters and allies voiced their support—here is a snapshot of the positive conversations on Twitter:

الجريمة هي قتل النساء، تزويج الاطفال، الرصاص الطائش، البدوفيليا، التعنيف و التفلت من العقاب.
المثلية ليست جريمة. شكرا @MTVLebanon for this video https://t.co/9lg7zBc9gX

— Rita Chemaly (@Ritachemaly) September 2, 2023

Really brave from a local TV station to be vocal about this topic.

However, after reading the replies, you notice that many people aren’t educated enough about human sexuality and how it works. https://t.co/004YN7rLuW

— Yara Y (@_y21yy) September 3, 2023

why am i agreeing with MTV this is the worst timeline (but good for them) https://t.co/YyBPmeMQED

— سالم (@sarde3atle) September 3, 2023

لا ينبغي أن يكون الحب هو ما يصدمكم.
القتل جريمة؛ الحب ليس جريمة. #LoveIsNotACrime #MTVLebanon https://t.co/ABu8GBxuSH

— Joe Kawly, 𝘔𝘗𝘚 (@JoeKawly) September 2, 2023

In the wake of the increasing aggressions against the community, MTV fostered both a great deal of support and hate for expressing their queer-positive message. With an incompetent government that only enables these hate crimes against the community, it is necessary for such platforms to champion LGBTQ+ causes.

Those experiencing any violations against their freedoms can reach out to Helem to benefit from their free and confidential legal services.