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Italian street artist helps József Szájer embrace his true self while calling out homophobia and hypocrisy of Hungarian lawmakers.
Disgraced homophobic Hungarian right-wing politician József Szájer has been reborn as a gay leather icon on the streets of Rome. Italian street artist Laika has proudly displayed his vision of a shirtless harness-clad Szájer with several naked men in the background with a small box declaring Szájer is the “new Hungarian gay icon.” The artist, displayed his vision of the Hungarian homophobe on Instagram.
Saying that the “Orban government literally declared war on the LGBT + community,” Laika called out the hypocrisy of the government while also calling for a more inclusive and tolerant Hungary “where even Szájer can be free to live his sexuality the way he believes, without hiding from his own party.”
Police in Belgium were called to an apparent gay orgy last year after neighbors were concerned the party violated quarantine protocols. Szájer was allegedly detained trying to escape by shimmying down a drain pipe. He later announced his resignation as a Member of the European Parliament at the end of the year as a result. Police made 20 arrests at the orgy where most guests disrobed upon arrival. Some of the partygoers thought the geared-up cops were part of the entertainment and tried to unzip the unsuspecting officers’ pants.
“We don't sit around drinking tea,” the unnamed party organizer said at the time. “People are here for sex.”
Szájer’s participation in the event created a scandal in Hungary where he is best known as the cofounder of the right wing Fidesz party and is a key ally of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The two men formed Fidesz in 1988 to protest the occupation of their country by the former Soviet Union. The party later shifted to a more socially conservative platform following the collapse of the communist superpower. Szájer is married to Tünde Hando, a justice on the Constitutional Court of Hungary. Together they have a daughter. The 59-year-old Szájer was sharply criticized by Orban, and he apologized for his involvement in the affair. He was ultimately not charged for his actions since he has diplomatic immunity.
While there’s no word if Laika, who takes his name from the Russian dog who was the first living creature rocketed into space, plans on bringing his work to Hungary, he thanked Szájer “for dealing a severe blow to intolerance.”
“From today you are the new Hungarian gay icon,” Laika declared.
Managing Editor at OutTraveler. Also write for Out, The Advocate, and Plus magazines.
Managing Editor at OutTraveler. Also write for Out, The Advocate, and Plus magazines.
