Norwegian Minister of Culture and Gender Equality, Lubna Jaffery, has recently stirred up controversy with her bold act during an Oslo Pride event where she was awarded the prestigious “Fag Hag 2024” award for her work. The Muslim minister of Pakistani origin took the stage at the event held in the Norwegian capital, holding her new accolade – a large pink bow with the golden inscription “Fag Hag.
Jaffery then proceeded to shock the audience by exposing her breasts, which were adorned only by two tasseled nipple covers. The minister received lengthy applause from those present at the event.
In a recent interview with Nettavisen newspaper, Jaffery expressed her gratitude for being named “Fag Hag,” stating that to receive such an honor, one has to be willing to “put yourself out and not take yourself too seriously.” The minister’s bold act was praised by the head of Oslo Pride, Joakim Aadland, who described it as the best thing to happen at the event in years.
I think it’s wonderful that we have a minister who goes ‘all-in’ and is not afraid to put herself forward a little,” Aadland told Dagbladet newspaper. I’ve never experienced the applause she received in the ten years we’ve had Pride. So, it’s clear that the audience appreciated Lubna’s stunt.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store echoed Aadland’s sentiment, describing Jaffery’s appearance at Oslo Pride as “wonderful.” He told Nettavisen, “Lubna is a confident, free and wonderful person who is warmly welcomed at cultural events all over the country.
While some may find Jaffery’s act to be in poor taste or even shocking, her willingness to take such risks and stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ community has earned her both praise and attention from her country’s top leadership. It remains to be seen what kind of impact this incident will have on Norway’s cultural landscape, but it is clear that Jaffery is a fearless advocate for gender equality and human rights.