The fight for a more equal and fair society is not over until the homophobia
has ended up at the dustbin of history. It is sadly but true that in today’s
world individuals are still being prosecuted, murdered and jailed for being
what they are since the birth. Being a LGBT person is still not considered as a
fact and a common sense even within the modern societies. Even if it should be
widely known that not being heterosexual does not mean that one is sick or has some
type of damage. In many parts of the world many people are still relaying on
myths Instead of relying on science and reason.
Somebody said that homophobia is a choice but homosexuality is not. For
many individuals the myths about LGBT persons being sick, perverted or crazy
can be satisfying. It can give someone more simplified and easier way to
understand the world around oneself. Or better said the myths can provide one with
the chance (risk) to not understand the world around oneself and to make mistakes.
For other individuals the myths can be devastating. One can end up being
harmed, killed or behind bars because somebody else has an unrealistic, unscientific
and irrational understanding of the human reality.
The roots of homophobic myths are not only found in
rreligious books or on the Internet. Or in what is
being said at the dinner table between parents and children or among the football
hooligans on stadiums. The roots of today’s homophobia have much to do with the
politics. The answer for making the society less homophobic and more useful for
the individual is by changing the political rhetoric.
Globally seen the good news is that since a couple of years ago even the
UN has started to promote a message on equal rights for LGBT and non-LGBT
population. But in many states around the world such as Uganda and Russian
Federation the homophobic rhetoric from the political stage is sending wrong
and in many cases dreadful signals to the public. Political values are after
all affecting the hearts and minds of the citizens. It is
iimportant to aspire for wiping out the homophobic
rhetoric that is being used by politicians.
Within the EU there are still political parties, even in governments, that
either are openly homophobic or do not completely recognize the needs for more
LGBT-related human rights. Developments like these are not benefiting the
individual. Also EU is not being as tolerant, modern and open as many of its
citizens would like it to be. Despite that today being LGBT in the EU is easier
than 20 or 30 years ago the fight is still continuing.
Thankfully in many member states around the EU there are laws which are guaranteeing
strong rights for the LGBT population and there are societies where the
tolerant, modern and humanist values are well represented. And despite achievements
it still important to organize manifestations such as the pride parades and to campaign
for the rights of the LGBT population. Even if one can hear comments such as
”why do they need to be special” or ”why do they need to make the parades”. The
answer should not be simple, it rather should be more developed. For me both
the parades and legislation regarding LGBT population is going to be needed until
their function is not needed anymore. The ideal should be that is worth
fighting for a society where the pride parades are would not be necessary since
the full equality would be ensured.
The fight for a more fair society is even important not only for the individuals
but also for the families. Today many family across the EU are finding it
difficult to be accepted as the members of the society since the family is consisting
of two fathers or two mothers. There is much talk about the right or wrong
sexual orientation. But is it an orientation at all? Is even the word orientation
the right term in this context? In my opinion it is not. Being heterosexual, homosexual,
transsexual and intersexual is not the orientation. It is not even about the
choice. It is just about being natural and human.
On other side homophobia is a choice. Some individuals are not able to control
hate or anger due psychological or biological reasons. But most of us are able
to make a choice. To hate or fear somebody and basing it on ignorance, myths or
lies instead of knowledge, rationality and inclusiveness is after all a choice.
For that reason in order to fight against homophobia from a liberal perspective,
the message should be provided what is choice and what is not a choice in a
fight for a society that includes more equality, tolerance and
individualism.
