tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3819444802156961103.post1193461676903912307..comments2023-07-13T14:06:45.974+01:00Comments on Unzipped: Gay Armenia: Brutality of Homophobia in Armenia (presentation by Lala Aslikyan)artmikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11207317653711435445noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3819444802156961103.post-59909108747371778272009-07-12T21:42:52.915+01:002009-07-12T21:42:52.915+01:00PRF, I am happy for your friends. I wish I could g...PRF, I am happy for your friends. I wish I could generalise your statement. The day when I would be able to do so, would be one of the happiest days in my life. Sadly, along with improvements in recent years, there is still big problem of homophobia in Armenia, and we should all work for it to become a 'no problem'.artmikahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11207317653711435445noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3819444802156961103.post-25093512055133469052009-07-12T03:23:31.713+01:002009-07-12T03:23:31.713+01:00I had lesbian and gay friends in Yerevan for many ...I had lesbian and gay friends in Yerevan for many years and nobody was beaten or otherwise threatened... I am not sure if Lala Aslikyan has any proves for a single argument that she made in here presentation. It is true that the Armenian society does not accept gay and lesbian union, but that is true for most countries as well. But there is no problem of homophobia in Armenia!Homehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07726161439259684874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3819444802156961103.post-81280369127468988102009-03-12T15:42:00.000+00:002009-03-12T15:42:00.000+00:00I respect your opinion Artmika but, IMHO internet ...I respect your opinion Artmika but, IMHO internet comments on a topic like this should not be moderated. The Armenian community around the world has no idea about the hatred that some Armenians harbor towards LGBT Armenians, sweeping it under the rug doesn't help the situation.<BR/><BR/>Also, as LGBT Armenians we do not have anything to be shamed of, particulary the truth. And in the end I think people's goodness and tolerance will win out if they are educated about the issues and see how it impacts people's lives.Hraghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02777822271789999167noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3819444802156961103.post-17028365042861613382009-03-12T13:13:00.000+00:002009-03-12T13:13:00.000+00:00To be honest, I am of opinion that hate comments a...To be honest, I am of opinion that hate comments and personal attacks should be moderated. It’s internet, there are always people out there whose only aim is to spread hate. We have to promote civilised debate, where all opinions are welcome, however, there is zero tolerance policy for hateful ones. Therefore, I personally do not feel comfortable commenting at a place where such comments are allowed. <BR/><BR/>Please, do not get me wrong. I know, there is argument for ‘no moderation’ policy too. I am not judging those against or in favour of moderation, just stating my position. And of course, I encourage anyone to leave comments there if they wish so. <BR/><BR/>I certainly agree with you (and I try doing that on my blog as much as I can) that along with highlighting problems and negativity, we have to publicise positive aspects and developments too, because they exist! There are many positive and success stories about LGBT Armenians (in Armenia and Diaspora), and I’d love to hear more on that.artmikahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11207317653711435445noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3819444802156961103.post-60218330323722444952009-03-12T11:55:00.000+00:002009-03-12T11:55:00.000+00:00Thank you, artmika, for this entry, as well as you...Thank you, artmika, for this entry, as well as your comment. I am personally of the opinion that positive thoughts and actions, as well as hope, and most importantly, love, are the way to move forward. There is no more room for hate in this world. In my tools for justice, I would rather pick up a pen than a sword. <BR/><BR/>In that vein, I wanted to let your readers know that these two clips have generated a few comments on YouTube — some quite ugly and homophobic. There is an email circulating asking supporters to post encouraging comments on YouTube. Please forward this request so we can see more positive comments about Armenian LGBT people (because you know, we're not that bad! :)))))Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3819444802156961103.post-34284186843312641002009-03-12T03:03:00.000+00:002009-03-12T03:03:00.000+00:00Couple of important points. Lala Aslikyan was pres...Couple of important points. Lala Aslikyan was presenting only negative sides of life for gay people in Armenia, based on examples of widespread homophobia in our society from various fields and at various levels. <BR/><BR/>There are positive developments too, of course: LGBT related NGOs, emergence of gay friendly venues, increased visibility of gay people (well, so far in central Yerevan only, but still), UN gay rights statement signed by the government... <BR/><BR/>But this is the ugly face of homophobia and hate, however uncomfortable and horrifying it may sound. This needs to be tackled in Armenia on all levels. Armenian government has to assure that signing the UN gay rights statement was not a mere formality but a real intention and plan for actions to combat discrimination against LGBT people.artmikahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11207317653711435445noreply@blogger.com