Legendary singer/songwriter Elton John interrupted his concert in Moscow on Saturday night to say he was “saddened and shocked over the current legislation that is now in place against the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community here in Russia. In my opinion, it is inhumane and it is isolating.”

One of the first international celebrities to “out” himself as bisexual, John noted that some told him not to come to Russia to protest the nation’s anti-gay laws.

“But many, many more people asked me to come,” he said. “I love coming here.”

He went on, reading from a statement he had prepared:

“I want to show them and the world that I care and that I don’t believe in isolating people. Music is a very powerful thing. It brings people together irrespective of their age, their race, their sexuality, or their religion. It does not discriminate. Look around you tonight. You see men, women, young and old, gay and straight. Thousands of Russian people enjoying the music. We’re all here together in harmony and harmony is what makes a happy family and a strong society.

“The spirit we share tonight is what builds a future of equality, love and compassion for my children and for your children. Please don’t leave it behind when you leave tonight. Each and every one of you please, keep this spirit in your life and in your heart. I wish you love and peace and health and happiness. And this show is dedicated to the memory of Vladislav Tornovoi.

Vladislav Tornovoi was a 23-year old resident of Volgograd who was brutally murdered in May, reportedly after he told the men he was drinking with that he was gay.

Photo: Sarah_Ackerman via Flickr