South African-born Aussie singer Troye Sivan has publicly criticised Malcolm Turnbull for what he believes are hypocritical comments the Prime Minister made following the mass shooting at Orlando’s LGBT Pulse nightclub over the weekend.
In a tweet posted yesterday, Mr Turnbull told his followers, “All Australians stand with the people of the United States today, against terror and against hate.” He also provided a link to an official statement about the shooting, published by the Liberal Party.
All Australians stand with the people of the United States today, against terror and against hate. https://t.co/iu0mAssKqb
— Malcolm Turnbull (@TurnbullMalcolm) June 12, 2016
21-year-old Sivan has taken issue with the Prime Minister’s lack of reference to the LGBT community in the tweet, and has claimed there’s noticeable hypocrisy in Mr Turnbull’s words given the current rights of LGBT people in Australia.
Shortly after news spread of the attack at the Pulse nightclub, which has now claimed 49 lives and the life of the gunman, Sivan took to social media to share his reaction with fans, attempting to spread the love while being “at a loss for words”.
In a statement posted to Twitter, Sivan said, “Honestly been at a loss for words all day. I am stunned and horrified and scared and just so, so sad. It’s time to be prouder & louder & love harder than ever in honour of those beautiful LGBTQ+ people’s who’s [sic] lives were stolen.
“My thought are with the families. Locations where you can donate blood to the victims will be in my next tweet. Allies, this is your chance to help as unfortunately many queer men still can’t give blood in FL. #LoveWins.”
Sivan went on to share more thoughts on Twitter, including a reference to the effectiveness of Australia’s own gun laws.
'guns don't kill people, people kill people' pic.twitter.com/2dBPfIDEPK
— ?? (@troyesivan) June 11, 2016
May seem crazy to say rn, but happy pride everyone. Go out & be wise & brave & ur beautiful queer selves. It's more important now than ever
— ?? (@troyesivan) June 13, 2016
Sivan, a longtime advocate for LGBT rights, helped a bisexual fan come out to her mum at one of his shows earlier this year. His Blue Neighbourhood tour will make its way around Australia this August.
Watch: Troye Sivan – YOUTH
