Is This The Real Life ... Is This Just Fantasy?

Sorry, Freddie, the mullahs have judged you persona non grata -- even in death. (The link is to Gay.com for those of you at work.)

A 60th birthday gala for the late gay rock star Freddie Mercury was canceled Thursday on the east African island of Zanzibar, where Mercury was born, after outraged Muslims threatened to disrupt it, Agence France Presse reported.

On Wednesday, organizers said they would continue with the planned Sept. 2 event despite fierce opposition from Islamists, who said the lifestyle of Queen's flamboyant lead singer was offensive to many on the overwhelmingly Muslim archipelago. Organizers said Thursday they have no choice but to call it off. ...

Conservative Zanzibari Islamists last week demanded that authorities ban the party and then vowed to stage mass demonstrations if it went ahead, saying it would tarnish the islands' reputation and culture and promote homosexuality.

As sad as this story is, it is humorous that Zanzibar is known mostly for two things: spices and Freddie Mercury, yet its residents have no clue who Queen or Freddie Mercury are.

That happens when you're stuck in the 16th century.