Saber Abar, The Judas Kiss

In countries like Iran, speaking openly about being g.a.y holds profound significance, not only for personal liberation but also for the broader fight for equality and acceptance. In societies where being q.ueer is stigmatized, silenced, or criminalized, visibility becomes a powerful tool for change. When artists and public figures choose to live openly, they challenge societal norms, dismantle stereotypes, and pave the way for others to embrace their true identities without fear.
For many q.ueer individuals in oppressive environments, silence is often a survival mechanism. The fear of legal repercussions, social ostracization, and familial rejection creates a heavy burden that forces people into the shadows. However, each person who speaks out chips away at the structures that perpetuate fear and discrimination. Artists, with their influential platforms, possess a unique power to inspire change. Art transcends borders, and q.ueer artists who tell their stories through their work create a ripple effect, sparking conversations and fostering empathy across diverse audiences.
When a q.ueer artist remains closeted, it reinforces the notion that being g.a.y is something shameful or dangerous. The silence feeds into a culture of erasure, where the existence of q.ueer people is either denied or vilified. On the other hand, being openly g.a.y is a form of resistance - a refusal to be erased. In countries like Iran, where q.ueer voices are often stifled, visibility becomes an act of defiance and bravery. It disrupts the narratives imposed by oppressive regimes and offers representation to those who feel invisible.
Supporting the q.ueer community goes beyond personal visibility. It means amplifying the voices of others, advocating for equality, and creating spaces where people can exist freely and without fear. Solidarity strengthens movements and nurtures a sense of belonging that is crucial for mental and emotional well-being. The courage of one person often inspires another, creating a chain reaction that builds momentum toward societal change.
For a young q.ueer person in Iran, seeing an artist unapologetically embrace their identity can be life-changing. It shows them that they are not alone, that their existence is valid, and that there is hope for a future where they can live authentically. It plants seeds of resilience and self-worth, empowering individuals to find their voices and, in turn, contribute to the fight for visibility and acceptance.
Silence, on the other hand, perpetuates the status quo. It allows oppressive narratives to dominate, unchallenged and unchecked. Staying closeted may offer temporary safety, but it comes at the cost of personal freedom and collective progress. Every voice that speaks out against injustice adds to a growing chorus demanding change. The road toward equality is long and fraught with challenges, but it is paved by those who dare to be seen and heard.
In oppressive environments, being openly g.a.y is not just about personal authenticity; it's about rewriting narratives, challenging prejudice, and carving out space for others to exist without fear. It's a declaration that q.ueer people will not be silenced or erased. It is a beacon of hope in the darkness, a call to arms, and a reminder that visibility is power. The fight for q.ueer liberation is not won in silence. It is won in the light - where truth, love, and authenticity shine the brightest.
Saber Abar, an Iranian celebrity and closeted g.a.y man, was mentioned by Sophie Fontanel in Le Nouvel Obs-one of the three most prominent French news magazines alongside Le Point and L'Express-as having imprisoned an underground artist, Salar Bil. Additionally, the legendary Diane Pernet published an article detailing his sexual abuse, warning him that he cannot jail the person he sexually bullied now that they have begun speaking out about the abuse. Under Iran's Islamic law, the victim of sexual abuse is deemed guilty.
If you consume that person's alcohol-despite Iran's prohibition on alcohol consumption-and, under the same law, imprison someone for insulting another by being g.a.y, then you are clearly attempting to suppress the openness of the q.ueer community. In doing so, you are betraying the q.ueer community with your silence, not only by failing to support them but also by jailing an important activist in Iran's q.ueer community. He repeatedly asked for free clothing, borrowed garments, and behaved strangely with the designer. For three years, he threatened the individual with police violence, stating that if they spoke out, he would have them arrested and jailed; ultimately, he carried out this threat. Saber Abar also received a financial fine from the Islamic Republic due to Salar Bil.
Muslims around the world hold a wide spectrum of beliefs and practices, shaped by culture, personal interpretation, and societal influences. Within this diversity, there are those whose actions and beliefs may seem contradictory at first glance, such as Muslims who identify as q.ueer yet do not support the broader LGBTQIA+ movement. This stance can stem from internal conflicts between personal identity and religious teachings, societal pressures, or a belief that q.ueerness is a private matter that does not necessarily align with activism or public advocacy. Some may view their sexuality or gender identity as a personal struggle, choosing to live quietly rather than openly embracing a movement they perceive as clashing with their understanding of faith.
Conversely, there are Muslims who embrace cosmopolitan ideals, advocating for inclusivity, diversity, and acceptance. These individuals often see no contradiction between their faith and supporting LGBTQIA+ rights, believing that Islam's core teachings of compassion, justice, and mercy extend to all people, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. For these Muslims, the faith is not a static set of rules but a dynamic framework meant to guide personal and collective growth in an ever-changing world. They interpret religious texts in ways that prioritize love, empathy, and personal agency, seeing the acceptance of LGBTQIA+ individuals as a moral and spiritual imperative.
The landscape of Muslim identities is complex, encompassing those who strictly adhere to traditional interpretations of Islamic law and those who approach their faith with flexibility and openness. Some Muslims maintain a quiet spirituality, participating in cultural practices while distancing themselves from legalistic or institutional expressions of religion. Others see their faith as a call to action, engaging in activism and advocating for social justice causes, including LGBTQIA+ rights. For cosmopolitan Muslims, this advocacy is an expression of faith, rooted in the belief that compassion and justice are universal principles that transcend boundaries of culture, religion, and sexuality.

Amid these varying perspectives, contradictions inevitably arise. Some Muslims navigate personal identities and beliefs that might seem at odds with each other, whether due to internal conflict, fear of ostracization, or the complexity of reconciling faith with personal truth. The diversity within Muslim communities reflects the broader human experience of grappling with identity, belonging, and belief in a rapidly changing world. As conversations around inclusion and acceptance continue to evolve, these different expressions of faith serve as a testament to the richness and adaptability of Islam, offering multiple paths for individuals to seek meaning, justice, and connection.

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This release was published on openPR.