LONDON (AP) – Pop star Kim Petras stands for LGBTQ rights at the 2021 EMA MTV.
The German singer-songwriter performs at an EMA ceremony in Budapest, Hungary, on November 14, following the country’s passage of legislation that critics say restricts LGBTQ rights.
“I am transgender and I perform at the EMA,” said Petras. “It will be great to be in Hungary and give an introduction when these laws just came into force.”
A law passed by the Hungarian Parliament in June prohibits minors from showing content depicting homosexuality or gender reassignment.
Chris McCarthy, President and CEO of MTV Entertainment Group Worldwide, recently supported the decision to host the awards ceremony. He said the ceremony was an opportunity to speak out for the civil rights of gays and transgender people around the world, and no censorship of TV shows is acceptable.
Petras fully supports this choice.
“I am not happy with the passage of these laws, but I find it surprising that MTV takes a stand and does not allow censorship,” Petras told The Associated Press.
She hopes this will inspire the local LGBT community to “not give up on themselves” and to unite through music.
“Music is such a powerful thing because music has to break down barriers, and in music it doesn’t matter what gender, sexual orientation, or skin color you are, music is very universal.”
At the event, the 29-year-old debutante will unveil a brand new song from her upcoming, yet untitled, debut album.
This follows the single “The Future Starts Now”, which she released in October, a song that Petras talks about her struggle with depression and anxiety.
She admits that it is difficult for her to live in the present moment.
Petras adds that while she enjoys what she does, it is difficult for her to relax and stop working. She began therapy while isolated from the coronavirus to help deal with those feelings.
Writing the track helped her survive the pandemic, so she also wanted to convey this philosophy to her fans.
Ultimately, she says, “The power of music is that you can inspire people to feel better about themselves, try to be in the moment and try not to worry about the future.”
Organized by American rapper Saweetie, the 2021 MTV EMA will air live on MTV channels in 180 countries.
Colombian star Maluma and Eurovision winners Moneskin will also perform live. The night before, the American group OneRepublic will lead the MTV World Stage Hungary at the Heroes’ Square of Budapest.
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