New Delhi: Renowned Pakistani singer Ali Sethi, cherished by fans across borders, recently embraced his queer identity in a heartfelt Instagram post. Now he’s facing the cost that comes with the brave move. While some people showed love and support, many users labeled his coming out as “mental illness,” “strange,” and even “canceled” him for his revelation. A few went so far as to question his music based on his sexual orientation.
A user on the social media platform X wrote, “Ali sethi came out????? How can [a] gay person sing such heart wrenching songs.”
The singer took to Instagram on Sunday and posted his childhood photo with a caption that confirmed his sexual identity. “hi little one. i know it’s hard sometimes, when they tell you to not be you, but the very thing that makes you different will become a source of tremendous beauty and power. love awaits,” he wrote, signing off with the hashtag #happypride.
Sethi’s post soon drew comments in droves, many saying ‘goodbye’ to him and his music. While most of these comments received generous support from other users, many also hit back at them for hurling hateful remarks at the singer. Several others congratulated Sethi for being courageous.
One user wrote: “Allah made you the way you are and He loves you! Allah ki shan hai and we all love you.I know all these years may be hard but owning who you are is the first step of healing.” The commenter also asked Sethi to “KEEP DROPPING BOMB MUSIC!”
‘Brave move’
The Pakistani singer made headlines last year following rumours of his marriage to artist Salman Toor. The pair, who have reportedly been in a long-term relationship, were said to have tied the knots in New York. However, Sethi swiftly debunked the claim, “I am not married. I don’t know who started the rumor. But maybe they should help market my new release.”
But Monday’s revelation and the subsequent negative reactions made some fans comment on the state of affairs in Pakistan.
Fashion designer Mohsin Sayeed, who argued that Sethi’s post could be interpreted in various ways, said it is not a big deal even if he has come out.
“In Pakistan, people have been lynched and killed based on false accusations of blasphemy. However, I’ve rarely heard of anyone being killed for being gay or lesbian. This suggests that while the situation is severe, it’s not to the extent of persecution for sexual orientation. Many people in Pakistan, India, and other similar countries often live privately, practicing their lifestyles discreetly or hiding in the closet,” Sayeed told ThePrint.
The former journalist added that Sethi’s popularity was unlikely to be affected as long as he continues to deliver good music.
“Ali Sethi coming out is a brave move for him as an individual but it hardly changes anything for gay rights within Pakistan. Here same sex relationships remain criminalised by the law and frowned upon by the society. While LGBT rights groups work on ground to find relief the religious groups continue their fear-mongering declaring homosexuality against the ideology of Pakistan. ” said journalist Naila Inayat reacting to Sethi’s Instagram post.
One user on X sought to draw attention to the state of the ghazal industry in Pakistan, saying people should instead be focusing on Sethi’s songs.
Meltdown over Ali Sethi's sexuality and not over his songs and active role in deterioration of ghazals is the reason why we are in this state today.
— Hamza (@jamesbaldwincat) June 30, 2024
(Edited by Prashant)