By
Gaytheist,
Beirut 12.5.11
The International Day
Against Homophobia is a yearly occasion to remind the world that
the fight for gay rights is not over yet. Discrimination still
exists; Homosexuals fired from work, rejected by family or
beaten to death are just a few examples of what gay undergo.
There has been certainly some great progress in the past few
years but more is yet to be achieved.
IDAHO is celebrated
around the world, and Lebanon is no exception. The country might
not seem like the perfect environment for gay activism, but
recently there has been a lot of related buzz. A coalition of Lebanese
activists have started an inspiring blog where homosexuals and
their friends can share stories about how homophobia affects
their daily lives. The stories are beautifully written and
accompanied by creative banners crafted by local artists.
Additionally, a coalition of gay rights advocates have put up flyers
in some areas of Beirut. It aimed to question people’s
perception of homosexuality and get them to notice the damage
caused by homophobia. The messages ranged from discrimination at
the workplace, to death threats by family members and the
current state of Lebanese law that criminalizes homosexuality
under claims of ‘unnatural intercourse’. The campaign was well
received, attracting public attention and interest on the blogsphere.
Helem, a Lebanese LGBT
rights NGO, is organizing an event for the occasion on the 22nd
of May. It will include documentary screening and panel
discussions. The main theme for this year’s event is the
rejection of all forms of discrimination against LGBT
individuals. Not to forget the Lebanese Laique Pride on May the
15th where a presence of gay rights activists is expected.
Links:
The Lebanon IDAHO blog :
http://lebidaho.wordpress.com/
Coverage of the street
campaign:
http://lord-gaytheist.blogspot.com/2011/05/streets-of-beirut-speaking-loud-against.html
http://guymeetsworld.wordpress.com/2011/05/08/were-going-to-the-streets/
Helem's event page:
http://helem.net/node/126
