Social media users are demanding a ban on ScrapFest for allegedly promoting homosexuality in Pakistan. The hashtag #BanScrapFest trended on Pakistani Twitter this week, after a recent news report stated that the event is LGBTQ exclusive.
However, Urvah Khan, one of the organsiers of the event, confirmed to The Current said that the show exclusively features artists from minority groups of Pakistan, not just based on gender and sexuality.
Urvah told The Current that ScrapFest (Pakistan) is a performance based music festival showcasing artists from the trans and underground community of Pakistan. Ranging from trans singers/ dancers/ comedians, rappers and hip hop artists from Lyari to musicians and more.
“This show exclusively features artists from minority groups of Pakistan. Not just based on gender and sexuality but also featuring artists who continue to face discrimination based on race and class”
While talking about the reasons why the event has been shifted to a virtual venue, Khan said, “The event has been shifted virtually to ensure the physical safety of our artists and audiences. Regardless, by going virtual, now the whole world will be able to see the talent, drive, passion and commitment our artists and communities hold.”
ScrapFest is a platform created by an artist for artists. Artists who don’t get paid opportunities to showcase their art respectfully come together on this platform to celebrate one another.
“ScrapFest in Pakistan represents the trans and underground community here. I find it deplorable that when finally the chance to perform for a mainstream audience is given to indigenous, transgender and underground artists in order to come out of an economy of crime, abuse and violence; suddenly folks here are branding this event as such,” she said while talking about the criticism the event is being subjected to.
“When I am in Canada, I belong to multiple minority groups myself. I do and will continue to support, empower and create performance based opportunities for any artists belonging to any marginalized community.”
Talking exclusively to The Current, Dr Mehrub, who is hosting the event said that she has no clue how and why the event is being branded as LGBTQ exclusive.
Mehrub continued by saying that she does not feel anything about the hate the event is getting because it has become a norm
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She said that she and other transgenders are exhausted at this point. Mehrub further said that “i don’t think that the event was very well managed,” adding that if an event is including minorities and sexual minorities in the lineup one needs to understand the politics going behind it. “You need to follow certain measures and protocols,” she said.
