Drag queen targeted
A TRANSGENDER Muslim popstar is terrified of being targeted in an acid attack.
Asifa Lahore, 34, who performs in flamboyant drag queen outfits, has had vile letters threatening to kill her and her family delivered to her house. but it’s a different story when I go to Southall in west London, where I’m from, or east London.
“They say I should be shot, that I need to be taught a lesson.
“I have been told that I should get an acid attack, just for being me. It’s stupid. The police have told me that it’s important to be on guard.”
“Being Britain’s first out Muslim drag queen, I go to a lot of those areas to do my garment shopping for my performances.
“I have to go into those areas, but the police have advised me in recent weeks, because of the rise in acid attacks, to carry water, because if the worst happens I can try and wash it off and minimise any injuries.”
Asifa, who has just released her new single Love Is the Only Cure, said police had been “amazing” with their help and support.
She was born a boy but earlier this year began living as a transgender woman.
Asifa explained that her drag performance is an “exaggerated” version of her daytime look and persona, saying she is a “completely different” woman to her on-stage character.
And she has vowed to keep up her act, saying: “I do feel I have to be on guard.
“Despite the freedoms I have as a British person, I still feel that I have to watch my back, and it’s sad that I have to do that.
“The Muslim community is still at loggerheads around LGBT people.”