My hero! This dude is as brave AF!
A Lebanese dancer defies extremist threats and social norms with his sold-out performances
by Malak Harb and Kareem Chehayeb
September 13, 2025
Excerpt: "#AlexandrePaulikevitch put on his white dress and wig and danced his way to center stage, knowing that the extremist groups who had threatened him before his controversial recital might be waiting for him outside the theater.
"The Lebanese dancer’s sold-out performance to a cheering crowd at a popular #Beirut venue had angered #fundamentalist movements ranging from the #RightWing #ChristianSoldiersOfGod to #SunniIslamists.
"The fundamentalists say Paulikevitch is 'promoting #homosexuality' because he wears dresses and corsets and undulates to classical Arabic music in a way which society largely sees as exclusive to women.
"Paulikevitch says he’s breaking social norms and reintroducing forms of dance that were commonplace for men as recently as the early 20th century.
"Lebanon is seen as a place of relative tolerance in the region when it comes to #LGBTQ+ rights, following years of #activism from the #QueerCommunity and supporters. But the community still faces restrictions and even violence."
https://apnews.com/article/lebanon-dancer-lgbtq-religion-beirut-alexandre-paulikevitch-1b36f6ad8c6e5b82e07e49451b2e12e7
#GBLTQ #Lebanon #Dancing #BellyDancing #RaqsDancing #MaleDancers