Indonesia: Ambassador summoned over rainbow flag
Reuters reported on May 23 that Indonesia summoned Owen Jenkins, Britain's ambassador to the country, to have him explain the British embassy's raising of a rainbow flag.

As part of an appeal to foreign institutions, and to avoid further backlash from conservatives, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Teuku Faizasyah said, "The Foreign Ministry reminds foreign representatives to be respectful of the sensitivities among Indonesians on matters relevant to their culture, religion, and belief."

Faizasyah went so far as to cite the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which stipulates that only a nation's flag can be flown at an embassy.

Reuters added the event to a greater context of Indonesia becoming less tolerant of its LGBTQ+ community, with politicians becoming more vocal about Islam playing a larger state role, as attested by activists and
advocacy groups.

Although homosexuality is not illegal in Indonesia, barring one sharia-ruled province, a 2020 Pew Research Center survey showed that 80% of Indonesians believe it "should not be accepted by society."

Canada: Illustration of Gay Muslims sparks backlash
The London Free Press reported on May 19 that Western University in London, Ontario, took down an illustration from its Instagram after members of the city's Muslim community called it "inappropriate" and "disrespectful."

Made to celebrate the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, the illustration had the title "Celebrate the power of love" and featured drawings of a diverse set of couples kissing, one of which was two women wearing hijabs.

Although the university initially stood their ground, a spokesperson said after removing the image, "We believe this presents an opportunity for genuine, thoughtful discussion about how we can best support members of the Queer Muslim community, and those from all faiths and backgrounds within the 2SLGBTQ+ community."

Iman Abd Alfatah Twakkal, a Muslim community leader, had this to say: "We respect the human rights of everyone as protected under Ontario's human rights [law]. While we appreciate that the intent is to promote inclusion, the poster is doing the opposite... Singling [out] a Muslim religious symbol in that setting is inappropriate."

A user on Twitter joined others in support of the poster: "I cannot believe people are mad that it acknowledges that Gay Muslims exist."