Sydney artist Spanian has shared a groundless rant about “gay pride” events, falsely claiming that they are a mask for pedophiles to be able to interact freely with children.
Trigger warning: homophobia
UPDATE: Since this story was published, Spanian has deleted the post and hip hop collective One Day released a statement, saying it no longer represents Spanian, “effective immediately”. This story has also been updated.
Over the weekend, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade was held in Darlinghurst, and World Pride events are held from Friday, 17th Feb until Sunday, 5th of March. It’s the first time that World Pride has been held in the southern hemisphere and the event is held to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community.
However, Spanian has taken to his Instagram account to falsely claim that “dead-set pedophiles” hide behind the event, and use it to further their motives. Hip-hop artist Manu Crooks and former professional basketball player Andrew Bogut both voiced their support for Spanian’s video in the comments section.
The Aussie artist went on to reference non-binary pronouns and said that these are being forced “upon our kids”.
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Next, Spanian circled back to his unsupported, original sentiment suggesting that LGBTQIA+ events are connected to pedophilia.
The musician compared flyers promoting LGBTQIA+ events, which are currently decorating Sydney, to a recent campaign that Balenciaga released that featured pictures of children holding handbags that looked like teddy bears in bondage gear. Photos in another campaign by the brand included paperwork about child pornography laws.
I’ve never been one to “cancel” but fashion brand Balenciaga needs to be shut down.
They used a CHILD in a BDSM themed photoshoot and have court documents discussing child p*rnography “visibly hidden” in the photos.
This is a new low for society and a not-so-new high for Satan. pic.twitter.com/gx3WhlKKiX
— Xaviaer DuRousseau (@XAVIAERD) November 21, 2022
Former triple j host Hau Latukefu called Spanian out over the rant, calling it “disapointing”.
“On a weekend that was meant to be about love, inclusion, self-worth, and pride, it was bloody disappointing to see Spanian’s rant. Equally disappointing to see those from our music community like and comment in support of it. Very telling. More love & power to my queer family,” he tweeted.
On a weekend that was meant to be about love, inclusion, self-worth, and pride, it was bloody disappointing to see Spanian’s rant. Equally disappointing to see those from our music community like and comment in support of it. Very telling.
More love & power to my queer family.
— Hau (@hauiebeast) February 27, 2023
Hau was one of many public figures from within the music industry who expressed their concern over Spanian’s baseless comments.
According to Dr. Gregory Herek, an internationally recognised authority on sexual prejudice, “Scientific research does not provide any evidence that gay men or lesbians are any more likely than heterosexuals to molest children.”
If you are affected by this story and want to seek assistance, support is available to you. Contact QLife 1800 184 527 or webchat at qlife.org.au/resources/chat
