Beyoncé’s latest album, “Renaissance,” celebrates the LGBT community
Beyoncé returned to the stage to give her first live performance in five years, but not everyone was excited about it.
The American star headlined a special concert in Dubai to mark the opening of the luxurious Atlantis, The Royal Hotel.
Despite the strict no-phones policy at the exclusive 1,500-seat gala, footage of the performance spread online.
Many fans were thrilled to see Queen B’s return, but others weren’t as happy because Dubai has strict laws against same-sex relationships.
Her latest album, “Renaissance”, was celebrated for its “homage to LGBTQ culture” and its inspiration from LGBTQ symbols.
It pays tribute to the dance music that emerged from the gay community, and also references the 19th century dance halls in Harlem, New York.
So some fans felt uncomfortable, because the singer is dating in a country that does not recognize gay rights.
Dubai is part of the United Arab Emirates, a group of countries in the Middle East that have strict laws and regulations against homosexuality.
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Beyoncé invited her daughter, Blue Ivy, to the stage to join her in performing the songs
So does neighboring Qatar, which hosted the 2022 World Cup, which has similar rules.
She has been criticized for her stance on LGBT people, her human rights record and her treatment of migrant workers. Qatar demanded respect for its values and traditions as a Muslim country, and confirmed that it had introduced remarkable reforms in the field of workers’ rights.
David Beckham faced severe reactions and criticism, most notably from comedian Joe Lycett, for signing a large financial deal with the Qatari government to announce the event.
Like Beyoncé, he was celebrated within the gay community and was featured on the cover of the best-selling gay magazine Attitude in 2002.
But so far the criticism of the singer has not been so severe.
Britain’s “Drag Race” star Kitty Scott-Klaus asked if there was “one rule for one and one rule for another”, referring to the backlash against Beckham.
But not all fans were critical, with some saying that the UAE is not alone in its stance on the LGBT community, and should not be singled out in particular.
Others pointed out differences, such as Beyoncé’s company paying for a private event, while the government paid Beckham to promote the country.
The BBC has contacted Beyoncé for comment.
