The world famous punk and protest group, Pussy Riots, has affirmed its fight for LGBTI rights.
Speaking exclusively to Gay Star News, ahead of its appearance at the Miles of Love forum in Hong Kong, the infamous group said it would stand up for the LGBTI communities.
‘Fighting against sexism, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and standing up for LGBTI rights is always in Pussy Riot agenda,’ Pussy Riot told GSN.
Pussy Riot
Russia’s Pussy Riots came to international prominence as a feminist protest punk rock band. It became known for it guerilla music performances including at the Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Savior. More recently, some members of the group invaded the pitch at the soccer World Cup final in Russia this year. Dressed as police officers Pussy Riots protested for the release of political prisoners. They also called for the government to allow public protest among other things.
In September one of its members, Peter Verzilov, was hospitalized in Germany. The group claimed he had been poisoned.
Pussy Riots have always stood up for feminism, LGBTI rights and opposed Vladimir Putin. But now it is coming together with other activists to collaborate in making change at Miles of Love.
‘We believe that international collaborations are very important components of advocacy and activism, so it’s necessary to be able to travel freely to built bridges and networks,’ Pussy Riot said.
Activists come together
Pussy Riot is performing at and participating at the world’s first Miles of Love in early November. The Miles of Love forum will bring together LGBTI activists and travel industry experts from more than 15 countries.
The forum will explore how the travel industry can work with LGBT+ communities for real and impactful change.
‘It’s a big honour for us to participate in Miles of Love – to meet human rights activists from different countries, to change experiences, to think together how we can make a world better place to live,’ Pussy Riot said.
Planet Ally and All Out are hosting the unique event.
Responsible travel and LGBTI advocacy
Miles of Love plans to break new ground in exploring the interplay between LGBT+ issues and global tourism.
‘Tourism cannot achieve its full potential until all destinations are committed to treating their LGBTQ visitors and citizens with respect,’ said John Tanzella, President and CEO of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association.
Pussy Riot described why freedom of travel is so important to human rights.
‘Sometimes we are arrested or get fined after some of our actions, some of Pussy Riot members have had problems trying to cross Russian border,’ the group said.
‘It’s very important for us to be able to travel freely, but not always we can be sure that we are going to cross the borders without any difficulties.’
Miles of Love
The forum is happening from 2-5 November at the Eaton Hotel in Hong Kong.
Other highlights from the world first event include a performance from Cambodia’s first gay dance company, Prumsodun Ok & NATYARASA. LGBT+ activists from Egypt, Indonesia and Malaysia will explain how tourism can help and hinder the march to equality.
Industry representatives will outline their work to bring genuine LGBT+ positive inclusiveness to their business approaches.
Tickets to the event are available here.
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