Kylie Jenner Friend Gigi Gorgeous Detained at Dubai Airport
Kylie Jenner's BFF Calls for Change in the UAE After Being Refused Entry
by Leah Simpson
Kylie Jenner's BFF Calls for Change in the UAE After Being Refused Entry
Kylie Jenner's BFF is receiving plenty of support from fans after being detained at Dubai International Airport on Tuesday. Gigi Gorgeous - who is based a 16-hour flight away in Los Angeles - documented her "scary" experience on social media after she wasn't allowed into the UAE.
The YouTube star told TMZ that immigration officers refused her entry because she is a transgender person, classed as the "imitation of women by men," which is illegal in the United Arab Emirates. The country launched a campaign eight years ago to remind people it is against the law, according the Khaleej Times, and TMZ adds it could have seen her face up to 12 months behind bars. Gigi was born Gregory Lazzarato and claims her passport now refers to her as Gigi Loren. However, the website reports that DXB says her documents describe and picture her as male.
In 2008, 40 tourists were deported for cross-dressing. Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Dubai Police Chief said at the time: "This is against the UAE's traditions and social values," the Dubai Police website reported.
"After being detained and held at the Dubai airport for over 5 hours, this was the moment my baby came to rescue me. Yesterday was one of the scariest moments of my entire life and I wouldn't wish it upon anyone," she posted alongside a picture of herself and Nats Getty on Instagram before heading to Sweden. "How you can be denied entry somewhere just because of who you are is seriously disgusting and also very scary. This further proves the need for CHANGE. I am now on my way to somewhere much more accepting. Safe and sound and happy. I love you guys💋."
Gigi had previously teased to her 2.4 million followers on Instagram how she was traveling to an exciting destination. "Where's somewhere you dream of traveling? I'll be on a plane somewhere DOPE soon."
Her followers have since commented messages of support on her posts. @connorfranta wrote "im SO relieved to hear you're alright" and @s_back2luv posted "Glad to hear you are safe! Right now we can all hope that one day things get better in the Middle East." They're just a couple from an outpouring of love from her 278k Twitter followers.
Kylie isn't Gigi's only star pal, check out who she's rubbed shoulders with in the gallery.
