Joining the LGBT Community in America, Kia AFI Reveals the Beginning

Kapanlagi.com - After becoming the runner-up in Akademi Fantasi Indosiar or AFI season one, the name Petrus Kia Suban has rarely been heard. It turns out that after being traced, the man who is familiarly called Kia AFI now lives in New York, United States.

Recently, Kia uploaded a photo on Instagram showing his participation in the LGBT parade in the United States. According to Kia's confession, it all started when he joined a community while studying in New York.

"When I had the opportunity to study at Broadway Dance Center in New York. I was active in Permias (Indonesian Student Association in the United States); there were some students who introduced me to Indonesian communities in New York, one of which is the Indonesian LGBTQIA community, 'Satu Pelangi'. And June is PRIDE month. As an Indonesian living abroad, I feel proud to be involved in events in that country, especially global events. Moreover, I am even part of the parade." Not all groups or communities have the opportunity. And when the world sees the uniqueness of our culture and admires INDONESIA, it is an extraordinary experience," said Kia AFI, when contacted exclusively by KapanLagi.com.

1. Regarding Negative Reactions from Fans in Indonesia

Since deciding to join the Satu Pelangi community in America, Kia herself doesn't care about the negative sentiments related to LGBTQIA from her Instagram followers. She chooses to follow her conscience by helping fellow Indonesian expatriates.

"They asked me, 'Will Kia join the parade with Satu Pelangi? What about the society's reaction towards you as a Public Figure?' and I answered simply, 'I am Indonesian and you are also Indonesian. It is only right for us to collaborate, help each other, and support each other.' In this almost 4-hour parade, many groups also represented their countries. It was such a pride when they announced 'From Indonesia; Satu Pelangi!'," she said.

2. Not Entitled to Judge

The topic of LGBTQIA is indeed quite sensitive in Indonesia, and Kia pays close attention to it. However, according to him, everyone has their own path in life and we should not judge their decisions.

"Yup, in my opinion, LGBTQIA is just about sexual orientation. They are just like us, humans. We have no right to judge other people's lives. In Indonesia, there is still a lack of institutions or communities that provide positive knowledge about LGBTQIA, so there is still a lot of negative feedback and discrimination. But I always have guidance from my late father, Dr. Boli Sabon Max, S.H., M.Hum., who always taught me 'Humans will always live side by side. Love your fellow human beings as you love yourself,'" he concluded.

(kpl/gtr/tmd)