Unzipped: Gay Armenia

Disgrace: Armenian LGBT group WFCE awards "woman of the year" to a homophobic head of local radio station

2012-01-13T10:13:00.001Z

I intended first to write a post re neo-nazi Mek Azg and Public TV thing but priorities have changed. Instead, I should focus on disgrace of the moment when one LGBT group in Armenia - WFCE ('We For Civil Equality'), awarded "woman of the year" to a homophobe head of Radio Van. Just to make a 'anti-move' against 'rival' group & people. Yes, a disgrace.

I wonder who is next on their list? Perhaps, another comparable "intelligent" homophobe ('environmental expert') Karine Danielyan who in line with what Shushanik (head of radio Van) posted claims that gays are threat to a national security and recently came up with even more ridiculousness claiming that people became "abnormal", i.e. homosexuals, because of what they eat. And then, one by one WFCE could award all the "intelligent" homophobes first, and when their list gets exhausted there is always a neo-nazi Mek Azg to praise for. Just because your 'rivals' were against them. Childish and contra productive tactics, incompatible with the notion of "civil equality".

ILGA-Europe that is vocal in protesting homophobia and their supporters in Armenia and elsewhere should investigate such a shameful behaviour of their member organisation. Sponsors of this Armenian group should take a note.

I know, there are some good passionate people working in WFCE but as an organisation they've lost all the credibility and respect they may have had.

Former British Ambassador in Armenia Charles Lonsdale: ‘Limited progress in reporting of gay issues, still long way to go to overcome prejudices’

2012-01-12T01:12:00.000Z

On his farewell blog post, former British Ambassador in Armenia Charles Lonsdale says:

“[...] There’s also been some progress on gender issues and it’s possible now to hope for some progress on the question of domestic violence in a way I didn’t think possible when I first arrived. There’s even been some limited progress in reporting of lesbian and gay issues, though there’s still a long way to go to overcome some deep-rooted prejudices.”

More on Unzipped: British ambassador in Armenia says ‘good-bye’. “Love embassy” stays

*picture - via British Embassy Yerevan FB page

Ken Davitian in support of No H8 campaign

2012-01-09T00:14:00.000Z

Respects!

The NOH8 Campaign is a charitable organisation whose mission is to promote marriage, gender and human equality through education, advocacy, social media, and visual protest. More about the campaign...

More about Borat's actor Ken Davitian - here.

*source of picture (thanks to Lena for the link)

Groundbreaking documentary in making: MY CHILD - parents of LGBT individuals in Turkey speak out!

2012-01-09T00:00:00.000Z

“They are changing what it means to be parents in Turkey”.

*source

MY CHILD is an independent feature documentary-in-production where parents of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) individuals in Turkey intimately share their experiences with the viewer, as they redefine what it means to be parents, family, and activists in a conservative, homophobic, and transphobic society.

LGBTs in Turkey
'I believe homosexuality is a biological disorder, a disease. It needs to be treated.'
Public statement by Selma Aliye Kavaf, the Turkish State Minister Responsible for Women and Family (March 2010)

In Turkey, every day, LGBT individuals are subjected to various forms of discrimination and violence, some unfortunately resulting in loss of life. Such violence cannot solely be explained by conservatism and various phobias. The discriminatory laws, police violence, banning of LGBT associations, and censoring of web sites with LGBT content are only a few examples of the systematic government policies and ongoing human rights violations.

Redefining what a family is… LISTAG
In this atmosphere, to fight against this mentality and its practices, a few parents of LGBT individuals got together in 2008 and established LISTAG (Families of LGBT in Istanbul) as a solidarity and support group for friends, families, and especially parents of LGBT individuals.

Acting in solidarity with LGBT organizations, LISTAG has intervened in the current political sphere, by releasing public statements and engaging with politicians. It has actively been working against homophobia, transphobia, discrimination, and hate crimes, being a source of inspiration and strength for LGBT individuals, by reminding them that it is not impossible to come out to their families.

About the Film
In the documentary, MY CHILD, these courageous and inspiring group of mothers and fathers tell their personal stories of the birth of their child, of how they found out about their child’s sexual orientation, of how they learn to accept and embrace… When they talk about how they experienced the coming out of their children, they refer to it as the ‘death of a child and birth of a new one’. They say this extremely traumatic experience has also led to their own rebirth, as they have been questioning what it means to be an individual, to be true to oneself, and to be a parent.

Apart from their personal stories as parents, the film also tells their stories as the LISTAG parents, as activists, of how and why they came together, how they work together and support other families, how they try to reach more parents, about their activism for visibility, acceptance, and equal rights.

For more information about the film, see their website: www.listagfilm.com

To support this worthwhile cause, please follow this link.

Says production team: “[...] Until now LISTAG parents have been using pseudonyms. The press releases, interviews were all given under different names and without photographs. Now they believe that it is time for them to come out publicly, even more forcefully, using their own identities.

Because of all these reasons, realizing this film and bringing it to the screen is very urgent. That is why we have given ourselves such a short time to complete this documentary. We have started this project in June 2011 and aim to finish it by May 2012.”

“[...] In case we succeed to collect more funds than we need for our budget, the extra funds will be donated to LISTAG, the parents’ organization.

In addition to helping us to realize our dream, with your donation, you will be contributing to the struggle for LGBT rights in Turkey. We hope to show our appreciation and gratitude by providing a series of incentives.”

Centaur, Canary Wharf, London

2012-01-08T02:44:00.000Z

Absolutely amazing sculpture of Centaur by Igor Mitoraj. I was mesmerised by it when spotted in Canary Wharf, London.

Introducing bigot - Gevorg Altunyan of Armenia Public TV

2011-12-17T02:21:00.000Z

Homophobia Hall of Shame has a new ‘resident’: Gevorg Altunyan, deputy head of news and analytical programs at Public TV in Armenia ում “առողջ բանականության սահմաններում ընկալելն անհնար է” (using his own words).

You know that things didn't change that much in Armenia when apart from handful of protests/comments on Facebook there have been no complaints sent to Public TV in Armenia after homophobic and transphobic outbursts by 'star commentator' Gevorg Altunyan in his Tesankyun TV programme. He didn't apologise and he still works in Public TV as a “Deputy Head of news and analytical programs”.

Disgraceful.

I devote him this song: You Think You're A Man.

Article in Aravot daily (AM): «Քարերով, թրերով կգան գեյ-շքերթի»

2011-12-17T01:14:00.000Z

Despite all seemingly positive changes and signed documents, the situation with LGBT rights has not moved that far in Armenia. Not that it's news, but below is just another indication of the reality that many face in Armenia.

*via Aravot daily

ԼԳԲՏ համայնքի ներկայացուցիչները իրենց նվաստացած են զգում Հայաստանում

2009 թվականին ՄԱԿ-ի գլխավոր ասամբլեայի հերթական նստաշրջանի ժամանակ 64 երկրների թվում Հայաստանը եւս ստորագրեց մի հայտարարության տակ, ըստ որի՝ մեր երկիրն այլեւս պարտավորվում է բացառել սեռական փոքրամասնությունների (լեսբիների, գեյերի, բիսեքսուալների, տրանսվեստիտների՝ ԼԳԲՏ-ների) հանդեպ ցանկացած բռնություն: Սակայն փաստաթուղթը այս տարիների ընթացքում չօգնեց ԼԳԲՏ համայնքի ներկայացուցիչներին՝ պաշտպանելու պարբերաբար ոտնահարվող իրենց իրավունքները:

Հայաստանում ԼԳԲՏ համայնքի ներկայացուցիչները շարունակում են որպես «տեսակ» ծպտված ապրել:

Ոտնահարվող իրավունքների, իրենց հանդեպ ցուցաբերված անհանդուրժողականության մասին վկայում են 27-ամյա Աշոտն ու 21-ամյա Յաշան :

Ըստ Յաշայի, «ոչ մի հայ կամ ինչպես ընդունված է ասել՝ «շրջապատի տղա» չի հանդուրժում միասեռականներին: Եթե հանկարծ իմանան, որ, օրինակ, իրենց հարեւան շենքի Ալիկը գեյ է, դա կդառնա ամբողջ թաղամասի քննարկման թեման. կսկսեն տղերքով հավաքվել ու պլաններ գծել, թե ոնց Ալիկին բռնեն-ծեծեն: Մի քանի տարի առաջ գնացել էի Բուժական՝ ամառանոցում հանգստանալու: Հարեւանները նկատել էին, որ ես միայն տղա հյուրեր եմ ունենում, դրա համար էլ սկսել էին հետեւել իմ ամեն քայլին: Մի օր էլ, երբ ընկերոջս հետ լողավազանում էինք, նկատեցինք, որ լողավազանին կպած պարսպի հետեւի կողմից մեծ-մեծ քարեր են թափվում մեզ վրա՝ հարեւաններն էին…»:

Աշոտի փոխանցմամբ, ինքն էլ է անհանդուրժողականության դրսեւորումների բախվել՝ դեռեւս բանակում ծառայելու տարիներից: «Ինձ անընդհատ նվաստացնում էին, անգամ բռնաբարության փորձեր եղան, իսկ ես չէի կարող բողոքել, որովհետեւ հենց հրամանատարն էր կարգադրել ինձ ճնշել: Ծառայությունից հետո ընդունվեցի բուհ, իմ անձի հանդեպ ճնշումները շարունակվեցին եւս հինգ տարի: Ավարտելուց հետո անցա աշխատանքի, այնտեղ էլ իմ՝ ոչ ավանդական կողմնորոշման համար անվտանգության աշխատողների կողմից ծեծվեցի»,- հիշում է Աշոտը:

Հայաստանում ո՞ր ոլորտում են ԼԳԲՏ ներկայացուցիչները ավելի շատ: Յաշան նշում է, որ հիմնականում գեղեցկության սրահներում են, բարերում, ռեստորաններում. «Սակայն դա չի նշանակում, թե մերոնք կրթություն չունեն: Այն մարդիկ, որոնց մենք ճանաչում ենք, բոլորն էլ բարձրագույն կրթությամբ, զարգացած անհատներ են: Մեր շրջապատում բժիշկներ կան, որոնք հրավիրվում են արտասահման՝ վիրահատություններ կատարելու, իսկ Հայաստանում նրանց կոլեգաները լուրեր են տարածում, թե այդ գոմիկներին մարդու կյանք մի՛ վստահեք: Մեկը լինի, նման կերպ մտածողներին բուժի»:

Տարածաշրջանի երկրներից որտե՞ղ են ավելի ազատ եւ պաշտպանված ԼԳԲՏ համայնքի ներկայացուցիչները: Մեր այս հարցի առնչությամբ տղաները նշեցին, որ ԼԳԲՏ ներկայացուցիչների վրա ճնշումներ բոլոր տեղերում էլ լինում են, բայց ամենատխուր վիճակը Հայաստանում է: Նրանց համոզմամբ, Վրաստանում պատկերն ավելի բարվոք է՝ սեփական փորձով են համոզվել, Վրաստանում աշխատելով, ապրելով:

Դիտարկմանը, թե Հայաստանում ԼԳԲՏ համայնքը ներկայացնող կազմակերպություններից մեկն ամեն տարի հանդուրժողականության մրցանակ է հանձնում լրագրողներին, դա չի՞ նշանակում, որ արդեն կարծրատիպեր են փշրվել, քանի որ նմանատիպ կազմակերպությունները ավանդաբար պնդում են, որ ԶԼՄ-ները հոմոֆոբիա են տարածում, Աշոտը պատասխանեց. «Չեմ կարծում, թե կարծրատիպեր են փշրվել, իսկ այդ մրցանակը տալու փաստը ուղղակի հարմար առիթ է՝ մեր մասին եւս մեկ անգամ բարձրաձայնելու համար: Համաձայն եմ, լրագրողներն էլ իրենց մեղքի բաժինն ունեն, որ ոչ ավանդական սեռական կողմնորոշում ունեցողներին համարում են հիվանդներ, շեղվածներ»:

Իսկ թե ինչպես կընդունվի, օրինակ, գեյ-շքերթի անցկացումը Հայաստանում, Աշոտը համոզված է, որ հայաստանյան գեյ-շքերթների մասին խոսք լինել չի կարող. «Բացառվում է: Եթե հիմա նույնիսկ փողոցով ազատ չենք կարող քայլել, ոստիկաններն անընդհատ հետապնդում են մեզ, էլ ի՞նչ շքերթի մասին է խոսքը: Եթե այդ թեմայով անգամ խոսակցություն լինի, մեզ տեռորի կենթարկեն: Նախկին ոստիկանապետն ինքն էր ասել, որ մեզ պիտի վառեն-վերացնեն, բա որ գեյ-շքե՞րթ կազմակերպենք՝ ինչ կանեն»: Շարունակելով ընկերոջը՝ Յաշան ավելացրեց, որ Հայաստանը այս առումով շատ հետամնաց է. «Եթե հանկարծ մարդիկ լսեն, որ գեյ-շքերթ է անցկացվելու, Հայաստանի բոլոր ընդդիմադիր ու դիմադիր ուժերը կմիավորվեն ու քարերով, թրերով-սրերով կգան այդ շքերթին»:

ԵՎԱ ՀԱԿՈԲՅԱՆ
«Առավոտ» օրաթերթ

“Swimming to Chicago” - New novel by David-Matthew Barnes featuring gay Armenian teen

2011-12-07T02:06:00.000Z

SWIMMING TO CHICAGO tells the story of a young gay Armenian-American teen growing up in a small Southern town.

It has been recognized by the American Library Association for their annual list of Rainbow Books - outstanding novels for LGBTQ children and teens.

Swimming to Chicago
A Young Adult Novel by David-Matthew Barnes

Reeling from his mother's suicide, seventeen-year-old Alex Bainbridge retreats from the world around him, often finding solace on a secluded island behind his house. As an Armenian-American living in a small Southern town, Alex struggles to fit in. His close friendship with the outspoken Jillian Dambro is his only saving grace, until he meets and falls in love with Robby LaMont - an introverted new student at school. As the year unfolds and the lives of the adults around them unravel, the three teens form an unbreakable bond, vowing to do anything to stay together - even if it means leaving everything behind.
(Amazon)

When I received the info on this book, I became curious to find out: Why did the author choose for his main character to be Armenian-American? Any specific reasons for that?

I asked these questions directly to David-Matthew Barnes. He explained to Unzipped: Gay Armenia his motivation to make the main character of Swimming to Chicago an Armenian-American teen:

“When I started writing SWIMMING TO CHICAGO, I knew I wanted to explore a culture and society that had not been given the attention and focus it deserved, especially where teenagers are concerned.

I considered making the character of Alex an Iranian-American teen, mostly due to my emotional response to the execution of Ayaz Marhoni and Mahmoud Asgari. But, I felt their story was told beautifully by Jay Paul Deratany in his stage play HARAM IRAN.

I continued researching and soon discovered articles about gay rights (or the lack of) in Armenia. The more I read, the more I became certain that Alex needed to be Armenian-American. Most importantly, because - to my knowledge - a young adult novel written by an American author has never featured a gay Armenian teen character as its protagonist. I hope that not only Armenian-American teens will identify with Alex, but also other young people from conservative cultures would as well.

While working on the novel, I found and read an article. This motivated and inspired me to write Alex's story. I knew it was one that needed to be told.”
***

Selected for 'Best of the Books' by The Washington Blade!

"I love books that can destroy their own labels...Davud-Matthew Barnes' marvelous Swimming to Chicago will doubtless be put on the YA shelf...a well-told tale...that will engross readers of all ages...riveting..."
Jerry Wheeler, Out in Print

"I found myself unable to put it down..."
Sara Power, Books Your Kids Will Love

"A beautiful love story told from a host of different perspectives which allows us to truly appreciate the interconnectivity of our world."
Carsen Taite, Author of Nothing but the Truth and Do Not Disturb

"With what has been happening with our gay youth, David-Matthew Barnes gives us a book that is so important...It is not often that I come upon a book that pulls me in so completely...it could be a combination of wonderfully drawn characters, a terrific plot and great writing. Barnes gives us three terrific characters in Alex, Robby and Jillian...I found myself cheering our heroes on and wanting to take them by the hands and lead them through."
Amos Lassen, Reviews by Amos Lassen

"Is there a way to give a book six stars? Because this book is definitely 5-plus...David-Matthew Barnes writes beautifully, his characters are vivid and his plot is a winding road of twists and turns...I cared so much about the characters, I couldn't stop reading...This is a lovely, lovely read..."
D. Jackson Leigh, author of Call Me Softly and Long Shot

"The author’s knack for dialogue is indicative of his experience as a playwright. Conversations are honest, gritty, and profound, and most importantly, germane to the story and its outcome."
Christopher Verleger, EDGE

"This was a heartbreaking story...I enjoyed the book. It made me think once again about how we need to fight for acceptance...this book highlighted the need to stop bullying and the fears gay high school students have when deciding whether or not to reveal their sexuality."
Lilly Road

"Like many teenagers, Alex just wants to belong and to be truly liked...Swimming to Chicago provides twists, shock and escape..."
Amy Steele, Entertainment Realm

WOW factor: Diaspora Armenian making gay-themed Turkish film, receiving prize for it in Turkey

2011-12-07T01:15:00.000Z

I asked award winning cinematographer Norayr Kasper to comment on the uniqueness of the combination of Diaspora Armenian making Turkish film on a gay-themed subject and winning the prize for it in Turkey.

Says Norayr Kasper: “Naturally, there are connotations regarding the reality of me working there; this is a complex question to discuss. Ultimately, this award is about my work as a cinematographer, not as an Armenian. And above all else, this is about artists coming together to work on an important human rights issue, freedom of expression, and making a difference through our collaboration, which transcends borders and identity.”

Zenne Dancer has been inspired by the true story of Ahmet Yildiz, who was murdered for being gay at the age 26 by his own father in 2008.

Below are extract from articles and press releases re Zenne Dancer.

[Official website Facebook page]
***
The Hollywood Reporter

Gay-themed 'Zenne Dancer' Wins Awards at Antalya Film Fest
The drama, from directors M.Caner Alper and Mehmet Binay, deals with homosexuals in the Turkish military.

ANTALYA – The 48th edition of the International Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival ended this weekend with a surprising four awards for M.Caner Alper and Mehmet Binay’s Zenne Dancer, a first-time feature that deals with homosexuals in and outside the Turkish military. While the film was almost universally dismissed by international critics and festival guests, its hot-button topic led to a 10-minute standing ovation at its premiere screening and an all-female jury honoring it as Best First Film, along with awards for Best Cinematography (Norayr Casper), Best Supporting Actor (Erkan Avci) and Best Supporting Actress (Tilbe Saran). [...]
***
Hurriyet

'Zenne Dancer' stirs controversy on taboo subject

The award-winning Turkish feature “Zenne” (Zenne Dancer) will hit screens in mid-January. For the handful of people that have seen advanced screenings of the movie, however, it is already promising to be yet another litmus test of mainstream Turkish attitudes toward a prominent taboo: homosexuality.

The film’s controversial nature arises from its blunt tackling of homosexuality in its relation to traditions, family, state and the military. Co-directed by M. Caner Alper and Mehmet Binay, the film won five Golden Oranges at the recent Golden Orange Film Festival, Turkey’s most prestigious film event. “Zenne” took home the Best Film Award, the Turkish Cinema Critics Guild’s Best Debut Feature Award, as well as honors for cinematography and best supporting actor and actress.

“Zenne” is based on the true story of Ahmet Yıldız, a young gay man who was allegedly gunned down by his father in July 2008 after coming out. Ahmet’s father has yet to be tried for the alleged murder. [...]

***
Press release via Hetq Online:

Zenne Dancer, a groundbreaking Turkish indie feature film, won five awards at the largest film festival in Turkey. Norayr Kasper, a Canadian cinematographer of Armenian descent, was awarded Best Cinematography. The film also received the Best Film Award by the Turkish Cinema Critics Guild, Best First Film, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Supporting Actor.

Zenne Dancer sets Ahmet Yildiz’s tragedy against a backdrop of rigid patriarchy and the clash between traditional values and urban modernity. It is the first Turkish feature film to expose the degrading treatment of homosexuals in the Turkish military. Ahmet Yildiz was 26 when he was gunned down outside his home. Ahmet’s father, who is being tried in absentia for allegedly murdering his son, has been evading justice for the past three years.

“I am honored to receive this recognition of my work by the Golden Orange jury,” says Norayr Kasper, who is the cinematographer of over 30 films, including Atom Egoyan’s CALENDAR. “Mehmet and Caner involved me from the beginning stages of this project and invited me to contribute with a specific style toward constructing a distinct visual narrative,” continues Kasper, “their sensibilities, dedication to excellence, and attention to detail greatly impressed me. I was also drawn to the subject matter, and its relevance in raising awareness of this important issue.”

Kasper and Binay met in 2008 at the Golden Apricot Film Festival in Armenia. Binay’s documentary film “Whispering Memories,” which tells the story of converted Armenians as a result of the Armenian Genocide, was screened at the 5th Annual Golden Apricot Film Festival.

The awards ceremony was broadcasted nationwide and in Europe on NTV News Channel. Among online comments, award-winning novelist Elif Safak wrote about Zenne Dancer, “a groundbreaking, captivating Turkish movie that’ll speak to our consciousness.”
It is worth noting that Harutyun Khachatryan’s documentary “Border” won Best Film at the Golden Orange Film Festival in 2009.

Co-director Mehmet Binay accepted the award on Mr. Kasper’s behalf and thanked him for “painting this film as a tableau.”

The Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film Festival congratulates Norayr Kasper for his award.

National postal service operator in Armenia HayPost issued special edition of stamps to mark World AIDS Day

2011-12-07T00:15:00.000Z

*source of picture: Lragir.am (Thanks to Mamikon for the link.)
**Haypost announcement (in English)

Queering Yerevan: the book

2011-12-01T01:37:00.001Z

After successful fund raising efforts, Queering Yerevan published their book: "Queered: What's To Be Done with Xcentric Art" (no question mark)

Publication Date: November 21, 2011.
Description: A catalogue of art works and texts that have shaped the Queering Yerevan movement. It includes documentation from various exhibitions and art happenings, photography, critical texts, excerpts from experimental writing, fragments from the QY blog, and email correspondence from 2007-2011.
Languages: Armenian and English.
Contributors: Artists, writers, cultural critics, and activists who have worked or associated in some capacity with the QY collective.
Publisher: Tigran Mets Press.

You may read review of the book on IANYAN.

Congrats!!

Ridiculous being of Iranian regime: latest targets - football and male haircut

2011-12-01T00:59:00.002Z

*Mohammad Nosrati (via Daily Mail)

*Sheys Rezaei (via Daily Mail)

This pair of Iranian footballers got suspended for lengthy periods and fined heavily for ‘immoral’ goal celebration. There were even suggestions that they may face lashes.

Two leading Iranian football players face floggings for celebrating goals in a manner the regime deems immoral.

Mohammed Nosrati appeared to place his hand on the buttocks of Sheys Rezaei as members of the Persepolis team, based in Tehran, jumped on each other to celebrate the winning goal in their 3-2 victory over rivals Damash last Saturday. Earlier in the game, which was watched by millions of Iranians on live television, Rezaei appeared to touch the bottom of another teammate, Alireza Noormohammadi, though he insists he was just trying to tickle him.

The Iranian football federation swiftly suspended both players and fined them nearly $40,000 (£25,000) each. But a Tehran judge, Valiallah Hosseini, has now suggested that they should be imprisoned and lashed as well.

“The two players should definitely be charged and sentenced according to Islamic punishment to two months prison and 74 lashes,” he said. Describing their behaviour as a “breach of public chastity”, he continued: “Even if a husband and wife conduct themselves inappropriately in public they are punishable (but) the two players have behaved like this in front of thousands in the stadium and television cameras.” [...] (The Times)

As per latest news, at least one of the players is reportedly seeking his career abroad.

While Nosrati is still under contract with Persepolis, Rezaei was released by the club. The former Persepolis captain, who had repeatedly violated the disciplinary code of the club in the past, reportedly is seeking his luck abroad now.

I’d say, ban football altogether. It’s sooo homoerotic.

But there is more to ridiculous being of Iranian regime.

Recent reports by Amnesty brought to our attention the issue of ‘legal male haircuts’. Apparently, there are only limited number of male haircuts that are ‘approved by state’ in Iran.

The Iranian government dictates which haircuts are acceptable for its citizens. This week's clip from Amnesty TV looks at which styles are approved by the state. The Simon Cowell, the lesser Simon Cowell and the Elvis are pretty safe. But don't even think of trying a mullet or ponytail. (watch the video on The Guardian)

A1+: "Your Topic" - HIV/AIDS

2011-11-30T22:53:00.000Z

Pretty good programme (AM) on Armenian online TV station A1+, with a focus on HIV/AIDS from all the right angles, and with knowledgable guests who speak the type language that should be example to others.

It's time. Best gay marriage themed video I've seen to date

2011-11-29T01:37:00.000Z

I know, this video is now all over the web, shared, re-blogged thousands of times. But it is so good, that I have to post it on my blog too. This is perhaps the best gay marriage-themed video I have seen to date. No sensationalism. Shows exactly what it is.

*video is made by Get Up marriage equality campaign in Australia:
Remove discrimination from your heart. Remove it from law.

Raffi Boghossian “breaks free” in Bulgarian X factor, in drag, à la Queen

2011-11-27T23:11:00.000Z

18 yrs old Raffi Boghossian of Armenian origin is from second-largest city in Bulgaria - Burgas. He is not a professional musician, but he is very charming, entertaining and talented guy. He dreams of singing in Wembley and wants to study business management or marketing in England.

"My biggest dream is to sing in front of thousands of people in a huge stadium like Wembley. I want to be one of the world's great artists," said Raffi, who is still a student.

He revealed that he wants to continue his education outside Bulgaria. Particularly, he wants to study business management or marketing in England.

Hilarious performance.

Here is Raffi’s fan page on Facebook, and personal FB page.

Must watch: Russian TV programme makes mockery of proposed anti-gay "propaganda" law in St Petersburg

2011-11-27T22:20:00.000Z

If you know Russian, this programme is an absolute MUST WATCH. It was aired today by NTV Russian TV channel re proposed anti-gay "propaganda" law in St Petersburg.

It's a rare delight. Watch it from the very beginning till the very end. You will not regret it.

It's a must watch in Russia, in Armenia, and in post-Soviet states.

Greek Ukrainian Andreas sings: Make Love, à la Kazaky, and fights animal cruelty

2011-11-24T20:56:00.002Z

According to the bio posted on his website and YouTube channel, Andreas was born and grew up in Greece. Contrary to his father desires (to see his son becoming a financier), he instead chose modelling and show business. He then left Greece and came to Ukraine, first as a tourist and then, in his own words, fell in love with the country and decided to stay there.

However, Ukraine is not terra incognita for Andreas. Born in Greek repatriated family, Andreas speaks Russian very well and with no accent, thanks to his living and studying in Moscow. Moreover, Andreas can be called an international project. He can sing very well in Russian, as well as in Greek, keeping the same temperament. [...]

In his spare time, he is seriously interested in nature and animals protection.
‘It’s not enough just to feel sorry about cruel behavior and killing animals, - Andreas says, - we should do something! I’m going to organize some events for it. For example, I plan to make people stop wearing fur clothes. It’s time to pay high attention to the cruel behavior toward pet animals as well…Until we learn to treat animals well we won’t treat people well either…’

Sexy video à la Kazaky with important messages against animal cruelty and for love. Simple as this: Make Love.

The uncensored version can be accessed here with disturbing scenes of animal cruelty.

*Thanks to Nelly for the link.

How I ‘became’ gay. A very personal reflection ahead of return to Stalinism and Fascism in Russia

2011-11-22T21:35:00.000Z

Ever was curious how I 'became' gay? What sort of "propaganda" turned me, a little child, into a homosexual guy?

Here is a story of my life. Well, sort of. A teeny-weeny part of it. How I ‘became’ gay.

I was a little child. It was still Soviet Union. There were no alternative sources of information. There was no Internet.

You turn on TV, and you embrace yet another heterosexual love story. You read books - yes, heterosexual love story. You go out, and see heterosexual couples hugging, kissing each other.

All I saw among my family, relatives, friends, neighbours and strangers were heterosexual affairs, marriages and occasional divorces.

All my favourite love stories were straight ones because I didn't know of other type of love stories. This was the only type of life I was "propagated" towards.

And suddenly, as a child under such intense “propaganda”... Boom... I realised that I ‘became’ gay. A miracle happened. A little child transformed into a gay guy. It was not even Christmas time.

Basically, as long as “heterosexual propaganda” is out and proud and in full force, gay rights activists can relax, with no need to resort to ‘devilish’ plans of turning population (children) gay. I am a living proof of such transformation.

So here we are, ladies and gentlemen, the very real target you should be focusing your efforts on. Ban "heterosexual propaganda". Prevent your child turning into a gay man or woman.

P.S. This post is devoted to LGBT activists & allies in Russia who "propagate homosexuality" = fight against totalitarian rules & fascism and for human rights in Russia.

In solidarity with Russia’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people,

Mika
***
For background of disturbing developments in Russia that inspired my post, have a look at selected links below (in English and Russian):

(source)

Russia's gays under attack as MPs back fines for 'gay promotion'

Amnesty urges Russia to halt homophobic bill

BBC: В Петербурге вводят штраф за пропаганду гомосексуализма

The New Yorker: WHAT’S RUSSIAN FOR “HOMOSEXUAL PROPAGANDA”?

X-rated lollipop + more ;)

2011-11-19T21:06:00.000Z

I never thought that the very definition of lollipop could be so X-rated. It reads like a porn.

Wikipedia: A lollipop, pop, lolly, sucker, or sticky-pop is a type of confectionery consisting mainly of hardened, flavored sucrose with corn syrup mounted on a stick and intended for sucking or licking.

The only reason I looked up for it is because I came across this pretty X-rated version of lollipop today while browsing through Soho stores in London (picture, above).

There was another treat waiting outside the store too - naked model, that is ;)

‘No gay rights movement’, admits co-founder of Azeri LGBT website

2011-11-15T20:54:00.000Z

Have to be honest, when this new Azeri gay site - gay.az - was announced, conveniently coinciding with the victory of Azerbaijan at Eurovision and calls for its boycott by LGBT activists due to widespread homophobia and extremely poor human rights record, I was not convinced.

There has been some, perhaps over-optimistic, comments that the prospect of Eurovision in Baku would help local activists to put the spotlight on human rights record, including gay rights, and use the opportunity for benefits of rights movement. Unfortunately, while some attempts has been made here and there, including on Facebook, this doesn’t seem to make any real impact.

The very admission by Azeri gay activist and co-founder of gay.az website in an interview with LGBT Asylum News (reposted below) that “we do not put any aims in the struggle for our rights on the government level” says it all.

***
via LGBT Asylum News

By Paul Canning

Interview with Ruslan Balukhin, co-founder gay.az, a website for LGBT people in Azerbaijan:

Q: What is the purpose of your website?

A: This informative-entertainment resource is for LGBT community of the capital, Baku.

After news about the site appeared on the local news outlets, I started to receive SMS messages from supporters but also from people with negative views about this site. I often receive e-mails and calls with threats. Channel One and Euronews also sent me message and asked to give interviews.

Then I received similar message from Euronews where BBC and CNN were mentioned. I think, this interest is associated with the victory on Eurovision 2011 and with the calls from LGBT communities worldwide to boycott the show in Baku in 2012.

As far as I can remember, an organization, official representatives of LGBT community in Azerbaijan, exists from 2006 – 2007 [this was 'Azeri Gay Community']. During its existence it has done nothing to solve problems of sexual minorities. What to talk about, if even the site lgbt.az, which is the site of the organization, doesn't work anymore.

Q: What methods do you use in the struggle for your rights?

A: We do not yet have any defined methods. Today, our main goal is to offer psychological help to sexual minorities, and we also try to establish communication. Our site is not associated with politics and therefore we do not put any aims in the struggle for our rights on the government level.

Q: Although homosexuality is legal in Azerbaijan, I understand that it is not tolerated?

A: It's very serious problem, because there may be many backgrounds of negative attitude and aggression: conservatism, religion, education and people's views. But the main reason of different people not being accepted in our society is ignorance.

People do not know about biological and genetic causes of homosexuality. It is not easy to replace negative attitude with tolerance. In the first place, educational work must be done, it is necessary to tell people who LGBT people are and why they are different.

Q: How do gay couples survive, is everyone closeted?

A: If you mean living together, there are many homosexual couples in Azerbaijan. Of course, most of them keep their relations hidden from others, but it is not hidden from sexual minorities.

In most of our families, the attitude towards gays is that they shouldn't be in their families.

Sooner or late, families accept it. Sometimes much time is needed for the family of a transsexual to understand that nothing has changed with the person after they discovered a hidden part of his biography.

Q: What do you think about the future of the LGBT gay movement in Azerbaijan? Will change happen?

A: I'm sure that there will be equality among people, independent of their sexual orientation. It's hard to tell, how much time will be needed for it – tens or hundreds of years, but that depends on us.

Some Azerbaijani journalists call homosexuality “disgusting”, reports on these are left without reply. Gays encounter insults in everyday life – in universities, streets. Struggle against discrimination should be accompanied with educational work. We would like to have discussions about homosexuality in an adequate, delicate and informed way in universities and schools and mass media on the required level.

French rugby player of Georgian origin Dimitri Yachvili naked in Dieux du Stade

2011-11-13T20:10:00.000Z

I have posted about hot Argentinian Armenian rugby player Juan Martin Berberian in Dieux du Stade 2009 famous annual calendar of naked rugby players.

Re-reading that post couple of days ago reminded me that I forgot to post about French rugby player of Georgian origin Dimitri Yachvili who appeared in one of earlier editions of Dieux du Stade.

(Wikipedia) Dimitri Yachvili (born 19 September 1980 in Brive-la-Gaillarde, Corrèze) is a French rugby union footballer who currently plays scrum-half for Biarritz and France.

Of Georgian descent, his father Michel was a French international before him. His paternal grandfather was a Georgian POW during the WWII in France who escaped and subsequently participated in the French resistance in the province of Limousin. Dimitri's brother Grégoire chose to play for the Georgian national team.

Enjoy! ;))

Oscar Meteor combats homophobia with a gay kiss music video - Water Under The Bridge

2011-11-01T23:21:00.000Z

"The video started as a piece against homophobia; displaying the very images that homophobes do not want to see : an everyday gay couple kissing. It got its rhythm through association with the Oscar Meteor project, a collective endeavour based in Paris. This particular track was remixed by The Bangers, comprised of David Maltese and Mederic Nebinger, who collaborated with Daft Punk on their first release Homework. Video direction by JC Polien".

Thanks to Tetu for the link.
***
Oscar Meteor

Oscar Meteor is a collective project by a team of artists, musicians, composers, DJs, video producers and performance artists.

An innovative music act which fuses rock and electronic influences, and tackles important issues such as racism, the environment or homophobia through its songs and videos. Regular contributors to the project include The Bangers, comprised of David Maltese and Funky Derrick, known for his work with Daft Punk, and David Richards who produced many albums for Queen and David Bowie.

Together they bring our hero Oscar Meteor to life; a character with mysterious origins, a dandy both elegant and scarred, fragile and lucid. Oscar is an observer of our society's peculiarities. He displays them and sings about them, while letting us decide whether we wish to change.

James Franco's naked butt - fashion magazine cover

2011-10-30T11:57:00.001Z

My friends know that I am in love with James Franco. Ever exciting, multi-talented, sexy, never boring... Perhaps, the most versatile actor (& more), as of today. For me, at least.

And now... his naked butt made it into LA fashion magazine Flaunt cover.

Enjoy! ;)

I like the way gay.net put it:

Franco’s latest uncharted turn is both shocking and not-so-shocking, considering the era we live in. The shocking part is that a recent Oscar-nominee would agree to have a close up photo of his naked bum grace the cover of Flaunt, the Los Angeles-based fashion magazine. That’s right kids; you can go out and purchase a close to life-size photo of Franco’s sweet cheeks, ready for framing or sleeping with under your pillow. The not-so-shocking part is that we live in a world where we’ve seen paparazzi photos of Britney and Lindsay’s naughty bits and sex tapes of Kim Kardarshian, Paris Hilton, Eric Dane and more. At this point in time, a 2-D picture of an actor's butt seems almost…well, family friendly.

You may read Flaunt magazine's feature story here.

James Franco’s ass stares at me from my desktop. it almost farts in my face. It feels like it wants to. Like it’s wanted to for weeks. But alas, this two-dimensional ass can’t blast any audible sass. It’s simply a photo, intended for our art cover—its gassy desires aren’t relevant. Of relevance is: how did we get here? How did Flaunt Magazine find itself a participant, throughout kept at an usual arm’s length, in the multiplicitous James Franco off-the-backlot artistry—what some amidst the fray might call an egoistic cluster-fuck, but what we’ll call a modern portrait of an ambitious man of means—onto not one, but two covers? [...]

*pictures - via Flaunt magazine

Internews Georgia - Minorities in Georgian Press (quarterly report): homophobia and Armenophobia side-by-side (part 2)

2011-10-30T11:17:00.000Z

Read also: Coverage of sexual orientation/gender issues in Georgia media: homophobia and Armenophobia side-by-side (part 1)

*via Media.ge

In framework of the Heinrich Boll Foundation South Caucasus Regional Office Project – Addressing Hate Speech in Georgia: A Litmus Test for Human Rights and Social Tolerance, Internews Georgia is conducting a monitoring of reporting on and usage of the hate speech against ethnic, religious and sexual minorities in Georgian press.

On October 25 Internews Georgia published the first quarterly report of the monitoring. This report represents the results of quantitative and qualitative researches conducted during May-July 2011.

8 national and 3 regional publications have been chosen for the monitoring: Resonance, Alia and Kviris Kronika, Akhali Taoba, Versia, Kviris Palitra, Asaval-Dasavali, 24 Saati, and Weekend, Prime-Time, Batumelebi (Batumi), Samkhretis Karibche (Akhaltsike and Akhali Gazeti (Kutaisi).

During monitoring period Asaval-Dasavali, Resonansi and Akhali Taoba dedicated the largest space to coverage of ethnic, religious and sexual minorities.

According to the report newspapers Asaval-Dasavali, Versia and Alia Holding (newspapers Alia and Kviris Kronika) often violate standards of journalistic ethics by publishing xenophobic and homophobic statements.

Additionally, an important trend has been outlined that excluding few newspapers there are several media outlets that provide society with balanced materials based on ethical standards. Newspapers like 24 Saati, Resonance, Batumelebi, Akhali Taoba, Kviris Palitra, Prime-Time and Samkhretis Karibche are paying less attention to minority issues, however in case of coverage articles are always balanced and with no statements containing hate speech. Along with that, according to the report, monitoring revealed that there is a lack of analytical articles in the Georgian printed media regarding sexual, religious and ethnic minorities.

The monitoring also demonstrated that among ethnic minorities, the coverage was mainly focused on Armenians and the tone was often negative. Regarding issues related to sexual orientation/gender identity, incorrect use of terms by both journalists and respondents and lack of awareness about the issue was noteworthy. In comparison with ethnic and sexual minorities, religious minorities attract less attention from the Georgian media, although Jehovah's witnesses is the minority group in relation of which hate speech is most frequently used.

The results of the monitoring clearly demonstrate that homophobic attitudes towards minorities are often manifested. “This indicates that the problem of tolerance and acceptance of differences is still an acute problem in Georgia,” – is said in Internews Georgia’s quarterly report.

You can download the monitoring quarterly results from Media.ge website.

(thanks to @kpearce for the link)

Coverage of sexual orientation/gender issues in Georgia media: homophobia and Armenophobia side-by-side (part 1)

2011-10-30T11:05:00.001Z

Read also: Internews Georgia - Minorities in Georgian Press (quarterly report): homophobia and Armenophobia side-by-side (part 2)

*via Media.ge

Media Development Foundation publishes new results of monitoring conducted under Media Monitoring - for Accountable and Professional Media project (the project is funded by Open Society Georgia Foundation). Under the project Expert Eka Aghdgomelashvili conducted monitoring of coverage of sexual orientation/gender issues in Georgian media from May 1, 2011 till June 1, 2011. The monitoring results indicate that homophobic expressions and insulting epithets are actively used in political discourse.

The following media outlets were selected for the monitoring:

Newspapers:
Resonance - (public-political newspaper. Published five times a week);
24 Saati - (daily public-political newspaper);
Alia - (public-political newspaper. Published twice a week);
Kronika - (weekly public-political newspaper);
Asaval-Dasavali (weekly public-political newspaper);
Kviris Palitra - (weekly public-political newspaper).

Magazines:
Tabula (published once a week, it has its own website);
Tbiliselebi (published once a week, it has its own website).
The blogs published on the newspapers' and magazines' websites were also taken into account. The monitoring results also include 1 radio story aired by Radio Liberty and 1 article published by Netgazeti (online news source), which were dedicated to International Day against Homophobia - May 17.

In Total 36 articles and news stories (20 newspaper articles, 11 magazine articles) as well as 1 online news source and 1 radio interview have been analyzed.

The total number of articles connected with the research topic was 38. The negative attitudes expressed in the articles are much more (24) than positive attitudes (5) and neutral attitudes (9).

This state of affairs is significantly impacted by the fact that homophobic expressions and insulting epithets are actively used in political discourse.

During the monitoring period it was discovered that:

The biggest number of articles concerning the above-mentioned topics was published by Tbiliselebi magazine as it pays a lot of attention to the above-mentioned topics. 91% of researched materials published by Tbiliselebi magazine concerned foreign showbiz stars belonging to LGBT group. When discussing these stars the journalists usually point out their sexual orientation whether or not this is required by the context of the article.

Some words that are used for denoting sexual orientation/gender identity in media (like "gay", "lesbian", "bisexual", "transsexual", "homosexual", "LGBT", "sexual orientation") do not have negative connotations per se, but sometimes they are still used in a negative context.

Tbiliselebi magazine also uses terms like gay, lesbian, bisexual in a neutral context; however, that magazine frequently uses the following word expression: "nontraditional sexual orientation", which in itself is nonsense - sexual orientation cannot be either "traditional" or "nontraditional".

Insulting words (like "faggot", "sodomite", "queer" etc.) are most often used in Kronika (13), Alia (11) and Asaval-Dasavali newspapers. As a rule, social phobias become stronger during political, economic or social crises when "a visible enemy image" is needed. Kronika, Alia and Asaval-Dasavali newspapers are traditional leaders as far as intensity of negative expressions and insulting context of expressing LGBT identity are concerned (taking into consideration the results of previous surveys). These newspapers are generally known for the frequent use of hate speech not only against sexual but other minorities as well.

Labeling political opponents as homosexuals, accusing them of spreading homosexual propaganda etc. are used for enhancing the effect of building an "alien" image of the government and on the other hand these methods are used for generalizing the dangers coming from the "alien", which threaten the whole country.

The articles studied and analyzed during the monitoring process are equally full of Armenophobia and homophobia. This symbiosis was caused by the xenophobic opinions expressed by Robert Sturua, which were followed by heated debates in media and social networks.

Term "liberast" (a mix of two words: "liberal" and "pederast") is one more example of introduction of homophobia in public political discourse.

Journalists often misuse and mix terms, which denote gender identity, sexual orientation and sexual behavior.

Detailed results of the monitoring can be viewed in the full version of the monitoring results.

Georgia Ombudsman George Tugushi speaks at annual European LGBT conference

2011-10-29T15:31:00.000+01:00

Good to see Georgia Ombudsman participated and presented at the ILGA-Europe annual conference currently underway in Turin. Let's hope, he will be as open and active re defending human rights for all and raising these issues back in Tbilisi, Georgia too.

*video of Georgia Ombudsman George Tugushi speech at the panel Human Rights and Traditional Values, ILGA-Europe annual conference in Turin, Italy. Thanks to @lishtotah for the link.

Orange Armenia re-states company’s policy against homophobia... by allowing for homophobic short story to remain shortlisted... with a “disclaimer”

2011-10-28T07:27:00.001+01:00

Here we are. Orange Armenia responded to our open letter (English version - reposted in comments section below).

They said their book prize contest is not aimed at propaganda but promotion of reading. “Reading”? Really? What they actually promoted was Facebook ‘likes’ contest and - even if unwittingly - homophobia.

Here is a disclaimer that (following our Open Letter) Orange Armenia posted towards the end of their website page introducing that homophobic short story:

Ծանոթություն. այս ստեղծագործությունը պարունակում է մտքեր, որոնք կարող են դիտարկվել որպես ատելության խոսքեր հասարակության տարբեր խմբերի` այդ թվում նույնասեռականների նկատմամբ:

Ցանկանում ենք հաստատել, որ Orange Արմենիան, լինելով պատասխանատու ընկերություն և կրելով Orange-ի ու Ֆրանս Տելեկոմի արժեքները, չունի տարբերակված վերաբերմունք մարդանց որևէ խմբի նկատմամբ` լինի կրոնական, սեռային, ռասայական, սեռական կողմնորոշման կամ ազգային բնույթի: Ստեղծագործությունների հեղինակների և կերպարների արտահայտած կարծիքը կարող է չհամընկնել Orange-ի կարծիքի և քաղաքականության հետ:

It’s good that they followed our call and re-stated their company’s policy re equality and no discrimination, including based on sexual orientation. I am glad that when asked, this is how they put it in wording. Unfortunately though, what they declare doesn't quite match with what they actually do.

In an Open Letter we asked Orange: “Would it be permissible, perhaps, for a story to be included in the contest that spread the same message of hate towards, for example, Jewish people or people of a different skin color or any number of other marginalized communities?.” [Արդյոք թույլատրելի՞ կլիներ, որ մրցույթում ներառված լիներ մի պատմվածք, որը նույն ատելությունը կտարածեր, օրինակ, հրեաների կամ մաշկի այլ գույն ունեցող մարդկանց կամ այլ անհատների նկատմամբ:] Orange conveniently skipped this part and didn’t reflect it in their reply.

They said they do not want to do ‘censorship’. Read the above paragraph again.

Now that we know that Orange Armenia doesn’t do ‘censorship’ and promotes whatever the so called “professional jury” chooses for them... Why not promote neo-nazi stories for next year’s book prize? Or perhaps, Anders Breivik-like diaries? Or... shortlist a novel that justifies genocide? Free speech. No censorship. Could be a subject of very ‘stimulating’ and ‘challenging’ public discussions. Could even ‘promote reading’. Слабо?

At least they won’t need an open letter next year. Disclaimer will conveniently come by default. Yes, disclaimer is good and necessary at times but cannot serve as an excuse for companies to promote (in this case) homophobic literature, even if unwittingly.

Finally, to repeat my point: And I will not be buying into the argument that the shortlist was decided by “professional” jury. It was Orange who should have set up a clear criteria re selection process (without interfering into deciding their literary merit), i.e. it should have been unacceptable under any circumstances to select racist, homophobic etc works.

...because hate kills.

Thumbs down, Orange Armenia.

How Turkish TV prevented ‘gay epidemics’ in the country - and how cartoons make fun of it

2011-10-27T21:12:00.000+01:00

Cartoon magazines are pretty common and popular in Turkey. They sell well and reportedly have quite progressive role in tackling various taboo or sensitive subjects, making fun of conservative circles or media.

‎"We were about to become "gay", says this cartoon from popular Turkish magazine "Uykusuz" and continues:

“Thank you ATV [National Turkish TV broadcast]"

ATV beeped (censored) the word "gay" while a character says "I am gay" in a popular Turkish film "Hunting Season".

*Many thanks to FB friend of mine E.Y. for the info provided.

Fighting Phobia - Council of Europe video re: discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity

2011-10-26T00:05:00.003+01:00

Featuring Anna Safaryan, from Human Rights Defender office, Armenia:

"Armenia as you know is a country in development. In this area, we have many problems, so it's very important for us to have the experience, to listen to experts who are really experts in this area, to hear their opinion, their work and after, have something we can use in our country."

(many thanks to Adrineh + Lara for French translations)

*Fighting Phobia - Discrimination on Grounds of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. Recorded at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg on 22-23 June 2011.

My commentary for Aravot daily re Open Letter to Orange Armenia (AM)

2011-10-22T13:14:00.000+01:00

Published today in Aravot daily (AM) - includes my commentary and comments from the head of PINK Armenia. I'd like to thank the author Eva Hakobyan and Aravot daily for presenting this issue in such an intelligent manner.
***

ՈՉ ՄԻ ԼՈՒՄԱ՝ ՀՈՄՈՖՈԲԻԱ ՏԱՐԱԾՈՂՆԵՐԻՆ

Լավագույն պատմվածքներից մեկը վիրավորել է ԼԳԲՏ-ին

Օրերս «Հանրային տեղեկատվություն եւ գիտելիքի կարիք» հ/կ-ն, «Unzipped: Gay Armenia» բլոգի հեղինակ Միկա Աթայանը, «Կանանց ռեսուրսային կենտրոնը», «Սեռական բռնության ճգնաժամային կենտրոնը», «Նոր սերունդ» հ/կ-ն, «Երաշխիք քաղաքացիական հասարակության կենտրոն» հ/կ-ն, «Համաշխարհային անկախ երիտասարդական միություն» հ/կ-ն, «Հասարակություն առանց բռնության» հ/կ-ն, «Թուֆենկյան հիմնադրամի կանանց աջակցման կենտրոնը» եւ այլք իրենց մտահոգությունն են հայտնել ու նամակ գրել «Orange գրքի մրցանակ 2011»-ի նախաձեռնող՝ «Օրանժ» ընկերությանը՝ մրցույթին ներկայացված աշխատություններից մեկի վերաբերյալ:

Ըստ նրանց՝ «Orange գրքի մրցանակ 2011»-ի ընթացքում, ինչպես «Օրանժն» է նշում իր պաշտոնական կայքէջում (http://orangearmenia.am/book-prize/), մրցույթին ներկայացվել է 130 ստեղծագործություն, որից 79-ը՝ պատմվածք ժանրում: Ժյուրին, «Օրանժի» նկարագրության համաձայն, այդ աշխատություններից ընտրել է 11-ը, որոնցից մեկը՝ Պարույր Սանթրոսյանի «Մահապատժից ժամեր առաջ» ստեղծագործությունը, պարունակում է ատելություն նույնասեռականների նկատմամբ: Հեղինակը մասնավորապես իր աշխատության մեջ բողոքում է նրանից, որ ՀՀ-ն երաշխավորում է հավասարություն բոլոր անձանց նկատմամբ՝ ներառյալ նույնասեռականները, նաեւ նշում, որ նույնասեռականների մասին եթե խոսի, ապա ստիպված կլինի հայհոյանքներով խոսել:

Նամակի տակ ստորագրողները շեշտում են, որ «Օրանժը» Հայաստանում գործող այն բարձր համբավ ունեցող կազմակերպություններից է, որը գիտակցում է, որ ունի CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) կամ հասարակության նկատմամբ պատասխանատվություն եւ միշտ էլ փորձում է բարձր պահել իր վարկանիշը համահայկական եւ միջազգային մակարդակով, ինչը որ նաեւ փորձում է անել «Ֆրանս Տելեկոմը» տեղական, ազգային եւ միջազգային հարթակներում: «Օրանժի» միջոցով սոցիալական խոցելի խմբերի ու փոքրամասնությունների նկատմամբ անբարյացակամ վերաբերմունք արտահայտելը, կարծում ենք, նախ եւ առաջ վնասակար է հենց «Օրանժի» համար. բացի նրանից, որ վերջինը կարող է կորցնել իր հաճախորդներից շատերի վստահությունը եւ վնաս կրել PR (Public Relations) մակարդակում, սա նաեւ վտանգավոր է ընկերության ԼԳԲՏ (լեսբուհի, գեյ, բիսեքսուալ, տրանսգենդեր) հաճախորդների եւ աշխատակիցների համար, որովհետեւ տվյալ աշխատության հեղինակն անպատվում է ԼԳԲՏ անձանց եւ ոտնահարում նրանց արժանապատվությունը: «Օրանժը» արժեւորում է բազմազանությունը եւ հավասար հնարավորությունների տրամադրումը՝ պայքարելով ցանկացած տեսակի խտրականության դեմ: Անհասկանալի է, թե ինչպես է «Օրանժի» հայաստանյան մասնաճյուղը թույլ տվել, որ մրցույթին ընտրվի մի պատմվածք, որը տարածում է ատելություն՝ նույնասեռականների նկատմամբ: Արդյոք թույլատրելի՞ կլիներ, որ մրցույթում ներառված լիներ մի պատմվածք, որը ատելություն տարածեր, օրինակ, հրեաների կամ մաշկի այլ գույն ունեցող մարդկանց, կամ էլ այլ անհատների նկատմամբ»,- ասված է նամակում:

Հոմոֆոբիայի դեմ պայքարողները՝ «Օրանժին» առաջարկում են հանդես գալ համապատասխան հայտարարությամբ եւ գործողություններով, որոնց շնորհիվ նա կվերահաստատի իր անաչառ եւ անկողմնակալ մոտեցումը իր ԼԳԲՏ հաճախորդների (նաեւ հնարավոր ԼԳԲՏ հաճախորդների, որոնց նա կարող է կորցնել հոմոֆոբիայի պատճառով) եւ սոցիալական խմբերի նկատմամբ՝ հետեւելով «Օրանժի» միջազգային քաղաքականությանը եւ սատարելով ՀՀ Սահմանադրության 14.1-րդ դրույթը, որը հավասարություն է երաշխավորում բոլորի նկատմամբ՝ անկախ անձնական կամ սոցիալական բնույթի հանգամանքներից (տվյալ դեպքում՝ անկախ անհատի սեռական կողմնորոշումից): Մասնավորապես առաջարկվում է մրցույթից հեռացնել վերոնշյալ աշխատությունը:

Կատարվածի վերաբերյալ «Առավոտը» զրուցեց «Unzipped: Gay Armenia» բլոգի հեղինակ Միկա Աթայանի հետ: Նրա խոսքերով. «Նպատակ չունեմ քննարկելու ներկայացված աշխատանքների գրական արժեքը, ինձ համար կարեւոր չէ, թե որ պատմվածքը կհաղթի, չնայած ես ունեմ իմ նախընտրած ստեղծագործությունները: Սակայն անընդունելի եմ համարում սեռական կողմնորոշման հիման վրա ատելություն սերմանող պատմվածքի ներգրավումը «Օրանժի» նման հեղինակավոր կազմակերպության կողմից կազմակերպված գրական մրցույթում: Ատելություն սերմանելը՝ տվյալ պատմվածքի դեպքում նույնասեռականների նկատմամբ, բացարձակապես կապ չունի խոսքի կամ ստեղծագործական ազատության հետ: Այլապես ռասիզմը, ազգային պատկանելության հիման վրա խտրականությունը եւ նման այլ դրսեւորումներ կշարունակեին խրախուսվել քաղաքակիրթ կազմակերպությունների կողմից: Նույն հարթության վրա է հոմոֆոբիան:
«Օրանժի» նման հեղինակավոր կազմակերպությունները սոցիալական պատասխանատվություն ունեն իրենց աշխատողների եւ հաճախորդների հանդեպ: Նման պատմվածքի գովազդը՝ օգտագործելով «Օրանժի» անունը եւ հնարավորությունները, անընդունելի է ցանկացած պարագայում, ես հուսով եմ՝ «Օրանժը» կուղղի իր սխալը, ինչպես նաեւ միջոցներ կձեռնարկի հետագայում նման տհաճ միջադեպերից խուսափելու համար»:

«Հանրային տեղեկատվություն եւ գիտելիքի կարիք» հ/կ-ի ղեկավար Մամիկոն Հովսեփյանն էլ մեզ հետ զրույցում նշեց, որ իրենց անհանգստացրել է այն փաստը, որ «Օրանժը» մրցույթին մասնակցելու համար ընդգրկել է հոմոֆոբ ստեղծագործություն՝ «հասկանում եմ, որ դա միայն «Օրանժի» ընտրությունը չէր, այլ մրցույթն անցկացնող հ/կ-ի ու ժյուրիի անդամների, ովքեր փաստորեն կողմ են հոմոֆոբիային, բայց ամեն դեպքում «Օրանժը» չէր կարող աջակցել այդ գաղափարին: Հուսով ենք, որ «Օրանժի» ղեկավարությունը շատ ավելի գիտակից կգտնվի ու կհասկանա բոլոր ստորագրողներիս անհանգստությունը ու արագ կուղղի իր թերությունը: Ես իմ հեռախոսի «Օրանժ» քարտն այլեւս չեմ լիցքավորում, քանի որ չեմ ուզում ինձնից գոնե մեկ լումա գնա հոմոֆոբիա տարածողներին, ինտերնետի մոդեմը եւս մի կողմ եմ դրել, նույնը խորհուրդ եմ տվել անել իմ ընկերներին: Իմ նպատակն է ոչ թե ընդդիմանալ, այլ կանխել նման դեպքերը: Ամեն դեպքում, հուսով եմ, «Օրանժը» չի հիասթափեցնի մեզ»:

ԵՎԱ ՀԱԿՈԲՅԱՆ
***
Read also:

Open letter to Orange Armenia re: homophobic short story shortlisted for their annual book prize

#Fail: Homophobe writer shortlisted for Orange Armenia book prize 2011

Open letter to Orange Armenia re: homophobic short story shortlisted for their annual book prize

2011-10-20T20:16:00.005+01:00

For more background info, read: #Fail: Homophobe writer shortlisted for Orange Armenia book prize 2011
***

Հարգելի Օրանժ,

Ցանկանում ենք մեր մտահոգությունը հայտնել «Orange գրքի մրցանակ» մրցույթի աշխատություններից մեկի վերաբերյալ:

«Orange գրքի մրցանակ 2011»-ի ընթացքում, ինչպես Օրանժն է նշում իր պաշտոնական կայքէջում (http://orangearmenia.am/book-prize/), մրցույթին ներկայացվել է 130 ստեղծագործություն, որոնցից 79-ը` պատմվածք ժանրում: «Պրոֆեսիոնալ» ընթերցողներից կազմված ժյուրին, Օրանժի նկարագրության համաձայն, այդ հարյուր երեսուն աշխատություններից ընտրել է 11 աշխատություն, որոնցից մեկը` Պարույր Սանթրոսյանի «Մահապատժից ժամեր առաջ» ստեղծագործությունը, պարունակում է ատելություն նույնասեռականների նկատմամբ: Հեղինակը մասնավորապես իր աշխատության մեջ բողոքում է նրանից, որ Հայաստանի Հանրապետությունը երաշխավորում է հավասարություն բոլոր անձանց նկատմամբ` ներառյալ նույնասեռականները, նաև նշում, որ նույնասեռականների մասին եթե խոսի, ապա ստիպված կլինի հայհոյանքներով խոսել:

Մեր մտահոգությունն ենք հայտնում առ վերոշարադրյալ հանգամանքը. Օրանժը Հայաստանում գործող այն բարձր համբավ ունեցող կազմակերպություններից է, որը գիտակցում է, որ ունի CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) կամ հասարակության նկատմամբ պատասխանատվություն և միշտ էլ փորձում է բարձր պահել իր վարկանիշը համահայկական և միջազգային մակարդակով, ինչը որ նաև փորձում է անել «Ֆրանս Տելեկոմը» տեղական, ազգային և միջազգային հարթակներում: Օրանժի միջոցով սոցիալական խոցելի խմբերի ու փոքրամասնությունների նկատմամբ անբարյացակամ վերաբերմունք արտահայտելը, կարծում ենք, նախ և առաջ վնասակար է հենց Օրանժի համար. բացի նրանից, որ Օրանժը կարող է կորցնել իր հաճախորդներից շատերի վստահությունը և վնաս կրել PR (Public Relations) մակարդակում, սա նաև վտանգավոր է Օրանժի ԼԳԲՏ (Լեսբուհի, գեյ, բիսեքսուալ, տրանսգենդեր) հաճախորդների և աշխատակիցների համար, որովհետև տվյալ աշխատության հեղինակն անպատվում է ԼԳԲՏ անձանց և ոտնահարում նրանց արժանապատվությունը: Ինչպես Օրանժն է նշում (http://www.orange.com/en_EN/responsibility/quality/index.jsp), Օրանժը կարևորում է իր հաճախորդներից յուրաքանչյուրին թափանցիկություն, որակ և անվտանգություն տրամադրելու նշանակալից գործընթացը և նպատակը: Օրանժը նաև արժևորում է բազմազանությունը և հավասար հնարավորությունների տրամադրումը` պայքարելով ցանկացած տեսակի խտրականության դեմ (http://orange.com/en_EN/responsibility/employees/index.jsp):

Անհասկանալի է, թե ինչպես է Օրանժի հայաստանյան մասնաճյուղը թույլ տվել, որ մրցույթին մասնակցի և «պրոֆեսիոնալ» ընթերցողների ժյուրիի կողմից 79 պատմվածքից ընտրվի մի պատմվածք, որ տարածում է ատելություն խոցելի սոցիալական խմբերից մեկի` նույնասեռականների նկատմամբ: Արդյոք թույլատրելի՞ կլիներ, որ մրցույթում ներառված լիներ մի պատմվածք, որը նույն ատելությունը կտարածեր, օրինակ, հրեաների կամ մաշկի այլ գույն ունեցող մարդկանց կամ այլ անհատների նկատմամբ:

Հաշվի առնելով վերոշարադրյալը, Օրանժին առաջարկում ենք հանդես գալ համապատասխան հայտարարությամբ և գործողություններով, որոնց շնորհիվ Օրանժը կվերահաստատի իր անաչառ և անկողմնակալ մոտեցումն իր ԼԳԲՏ հաճախորդների (նաև հնարավոր ԼԳԲՏ հաճախորդների, որոնց նա կարող է կորցնել հոմոֆոբիայի պատճառով) և սոցիալական խմբերի նկատմամբ` հետևելով Օրանժի միջազգային քաղաքականությանը և սատարելով ՀՀ Սահմանադրության 14.1-րդ դրույթը, որը հավասարություն է երաշխավորում բոլորի նկատմամբ` անկախ անձնական կամ սոցիալական բնույթի հանգամանքներից (տվյալ դեպքում` անկախ անհատի սեռական կողմնորոշումից): Մասնավորապես առաջարկում ենք մրցույթից հեռացնել վերոնշյալ աշխատությունը:

Անհամբեր սպասում ենք Ձեր արձագանքին:

Հարգանքներով,

«Հանրային տեղեկատվություն և գիտելիքի կարիք» ՀԿ
Միկա, «Unzipped: Gay Armenia» բլոգի հեղինակ
«Կանանց Ռեսուրսային Կենտրոն»
Սեռական Բռնության Ճգնաժամային Կենտրոն
«Նոր Սերունդ» ՀԿ
«Երաշխիք» Քաղաքացիական Հասարակության Կենտրոն ՀԿ
«Համաշխարհային անկախ երիտասարդական միավորում» ՀԿ
«Հասարակություն առանց բռնության» ՀԿ
Հայկուհի Մարգարյան
Համո Սարգսյան
Նարեկ Հարությունյան
Աննա Գրիգորյան
Արմեն Օհանյան
Թուֆենկյան հիմնադրամի Կանանց աջակցման կենտրոն
Դիանա Մուրադովա
«Կովկասյան երիտասարդ մասնագետներ»
Ginosi.com ՍՊԸ
***

Dear Orange Armenia,

We wish to express our concern with one of the entries of the Orange Book Prize.

For the 2011 Orange Book Prize, as noted on Orange Armenia's official website, 130 creative works were submitted to the contest, 79 of which were in the short story category. The jury of "professional readers," according to Orange Armenia's description, selected 11 out of the 130 entries submitted, one of which — Paruyr Santrosyan's "Hours Before [Being Given] the Death Penalty" — contains hatred toward homosexual people. The author in his work, in particular, complains that the Republic of Armenia guarantees equality for all, including homosexual people, adding that if he were talk about homosexual people, he would be forced to do so using profanities.

We would like to express our concern to the aforementioned. Orange Armenia is one of those reputable companies in Armenia that embraces Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), acknowledging that it has a responsibility to the public, and always tries to uphold its reputation at the pan-Armenian and international level, which France Telecom also attempts to do on local, national and international platforms. Expressing a malevolent attitude toward marginalized groups and minorities through Orange Armenia, we believe, is first and foremost detrimental to the company itself. Apart from the fact that Orange Armenia might lose the trust of many of its customers and sustain losses on a PR level, this is also dangerous for Orange Armenia's LGBT customers and employees, because the author of this work affronts LGBT people and tramples their dignity. According to its website, France Telecom–Orange is "committed to ensuring transparency, quality and security for all its customers," while promoting diversity and equal opportunity for its employees: "France Telecom-Orange has a duty to set an example by promoting equal opportunity and combating all forms of discrimination."

It is incomprehensible how Orange Armenia allowed a story to participate in the contest and to be selected out of 79 entries in this category by a jury of "professional readers" which spreads hate toward a marginalized group — in this case, homosexual people. Would it be permissible, perhaps, for a story to be included in the contest that spread the same message of hate towards, for example, Jewish people or people of a different skin color or any number of other marginalized communities?

Considering the aforementioned, we would like to suggest that Orange Armenia issue a statement reaffirming its unbiased and impartial approach toward its LGBT customers (also potential LGBT customers, which it might lose due to homophobia) and toward marginalized groups, in line with the company's own policies and Article 14.1 of Armenia's Constitution which guarantees equality for all, irrespective of personal or social circumstances (in this case, irrespective of an individual's sexual orientation). In particular, we ask that the aforementioned short story entry be removed from the competition.

We look forward to receiving your response.

Respectfully Yours,

Public Information and Need of Knowledge NGO (PINK Armenia)
Mika, author of the blog "Unzipped: Gay Armenia"
Women's Resource Center of Armenia
Sexual Assault Crisis Center, Yerevan
New Generation NGO
Guarantee Center for Civil Society NGO
World Independent Youth Union NGO
Society Without Violence NGO
Haykuhi Margaryan
Hamo Sargsyan
Narek Harutyunyan
Anna Grigorian
Armen Ohanyan
Tufenkian Foundation Women's Support Center
Diana Muradova
"Young Professionals Caucasus"
Ginosi.com LLC
____
originally published here

Societal attitudes towards LGBT people in Armenia - survey: press conference

2011-10-18T23:21:00.000+01:00

To download the full survey report (AM) - click here. English version - coming soon (within a week or so).

Blog posts detailing the results of this survey will appear on this blog in the near future.

English language report by Epress.am from today's press conference - Majority of Armenians Would Cut Ties if Found Out Friend, Relative was Gay: New Study.

*video - News.am

#Fail: Homophobe writer shortlisted for Orange Armenia book prize 2011

2011-10-16T12:36:00.002+01:00

Orange Armenia has revealed a shortlist of candidates for their annual book prize.

Apparently, this shortlist was selected by a “professional” jury, composed of “professional” readers (whatever that means) and the winner under each literary category will be decided by the number of Facebook ‘likes’. Deadline for voting is 7 November, and the winners will be announced on 11 November 2011. Without going into discussion as to the appropriateness of Facebook ‘likes’ for deciding book prize, there is one big NO too.

Among the shortlisted writers under the category of “short stories” is homophobe Paruyr Santrosyan (Պարույր Սանթրոսյան - Մահապատժից ժամեր առաջ) who could not contain his homophobia in nominated short story too (see below few extracts (AM):

Գիտեմ, չնայած էս երկիրը միացել է բոլոր տեսակի միջազգային կոնվենցիաներին ու պարտավորվել պաշտպանել տարաբնույթ վկաների ու համասեռամոլների շահերը ու խոստացել է անգամ սերիական մարդասպանի պարագայում չկիրառել մահապատիժ, բայց ես միակ բացառությունն եմ, ու առավոտյան ինձ կբարձրացնեն կախաղան: [...]

[...] Ես նայում էի նրան, իսկ նա՝ Էակը, բարյացակամորեն իմ խնդրանքն էր կատարում, թարգմանելով արվամոլներին բանտարկությունից ազատելու միջազգային հեղինակավոր կազմակերպությունների պահանջը՝ ուղղված մեր ԱԶԱՏ, ԱՆԿԱԽ, ՀՊԱՐՏ ՈՒ ՀԶՈՐ պետությանը:

Թե ինչպիսի վերաբերմունք ունեմ արվամոլների նկատմամբ. միտումնավոր չեմ անդրադառնում, այլապես դուք ականջալուր կլինեք իմ կրիմինոգեն բառապաշարի ողջ մանրամասնություններին: [...]

And I will not be buying into the argument that the shortlist was decided by “professional” jury. It was Orange who should have set up a clear criteria re selection process (without interfering into deciding their literary merit), i.e. it should have been unacceptable under any circumstances to select racist, homophobic etc works.

As this prize directly associated with the name and therefore reputation of Orange Armenia and French Telecom (Orange Armenia is a subsidiary of France Telecom), in an unfortunate case of that homophobe ‘winning’ the prize, this will be a disgrace for Orange.

P.S. Under this category of “short stories”, I personally ‘liked’ Armen Ohanyan’s Matryoshka. You may ‘like’ it following this link.

(!) First lesbian science fiction novel was written by Turkish Armenian Gregory Gasparian and published in 1906

2011-10-08T19:35:00.000+01:00

Reportedly, the first lesbian science fiction novel was written by Turkish Armenian Gregory Gasparian and published in 1906!

I can only say one word: WOW!!

Below is a re-post from io9.com.

Although the report states that the novel is available for free download from Google Books, I was not able to find any downloadable link when accessed Google Books. If you manage to get it, please, let me know.
***

The First Lesbian Science Fiction Novel, Published in 1906

Like most genres of popular literature, science fiction has been slow to present lesbians in a positive light. During the late 19th century and early 20th century, lesbians were entirely unrepresented in science fiction, with homosexuality an act only depraved men engaged in. Which makes Gregory Casparian's The Anglo-American Alliance. A Serio-Comic Romance and Forecast of the Future (1906), the first lesbian science fiction novel, all the more notable.

Casparian (1855-1947) was a Turkish Armenian who emigrated to the United States in 1877 after making himself unwelcome in Turkey as an officer in the Armenian army. He settled in New York and became an artist, painter, and photoengraver for an engineering firm. Little else can be found about him, but he must have been an interesting and thoughtful man, for The Anglo-American Alliance, his only book, is remarkably progressive sexually.

The Anglo-American Alliance, set in the future of 1960, has two plots. The first is a detailed history of a 20th century in which the United States and the United Kingdom are the major powers on Earth, colonialism is still in force (Great Britain having colonized central Africa in the 1920s), and technology has advanced in a limited fashion: prenatal sex determination and suspended animation are now possible, a germicide for laziness has been developed, benefitting "the negroes of the Southern States" [sic], and an enormous telescope has discovered "vegetation and moving objects" on Mars and Venus. A Persian astronomer, Abou Shimshek, has found an "ice lens" which allowed him to discover a new planet on which live a race of telepathic, furred, electric-wheel-riding aliens.

The second is the romance between Aurora Cunningham, the daughter of Great Britain's Secretary of Foreign Affairs," and Margaret MacDonald, the daughter of an American senator. Aurora is beautiful, blonde, blue-eyed, gentle, and has a speech impediment: "a typical English maiden." Margaret is Aurora's "very antithesis. She was somewhat taller, with sparkling black eyes and raven hair, of imposing dignity and carriage, but withal the equal of Aurora in the matter of natural gifts and accomplishments. She had, moreover, a captivating frivolity and aggressiveness which almost bordered on masculinity." And she's good at the kinds sports young women are fond of, which sometimes involve donning armor.

The two meet at the Diana Young Ladies' Seminary in Cornwall and fall immediately in love: "they were drawn to each other with a mysterious sympathy which attracted the attention of outsiders and furnished ample excuse for comment. Directly after their first meeting they had become inseparable companions and confidants." But as time passed this strange attachment grew so marked and its manifestations so alarmingly flagrant that they themselves became aware of its dangerous consequences.

They realized that if they gave free license to indiscreet emotional demonstrations class room or in public, not only would their actions not be tolerated by the College faculty and cause their expulsion from the Seminary, but they would also be subjected to unendurable ostracism by the rest of the students. But still worse was the confronting fact that they would undoubtedly become the topic of unpleasant notoriety through the publicity given by the sensational press. They had therefore the good judgment to pledge themselves to control their emotions in the presence of class, and to exercise wide-awake circumspection in their behavior in public and towards the opposite sex.

Casparian further describes how Aurora and Margaret were the only women in the Seminary who "refrained from making an alliance" with any of the "gallant swains from the Academy."

Now, passionate pairings among women were not unknown when Casparian wrote An Anglo-American Alliance. Many Victorian women, both American and English, formed "romantic friendships" or "passionate friendships," and a number of those became "Boston marriages," in which both women lived together, financially independent, and shared a house. Such pairings were very occasionally represented in late-Victorian fiction, though any lesbianism was absent or kept only as a covert subtext. But Casparian went far beyond that.

Aurora and Margaret are on the verge of graduating from the Seminary, which will mean their separation, a prospect which both loathes. So they make "a solemn compact, bound by an inviolable oath, not to make any alliance with any suitor whatever and to remain united to each other in souls until death should them part." Aurora goes further, and in a "fatuous ardor of love" writes "an impromptu poem of fealty, entitled ‘Wilt Thou Remember Thy Vow?' It revealed the intensity of their emotions, their utter subjugation and mutual abandonment of will and desire each to the other...."

Aurora returns home after graduation, and Margaret faints after she leaves. She is brought to the famous Hindu "Vivisectionist and Re-Incarnator" Dr. Hyder Ben Raaba, who discovers why Margaret is so distraught, and helps her recover. A few months later, after Margaret has inherited her dead father's wealth, she receives a card from Dr. Ben Raaba, asking after her health. Margaret then has a brilliant idea, which Dr. Ben Raaba agrees to: a "mental and physical metamorphosis" which transforms Margaret into a man. Margaret, now "Spencer Hamilton," becomes a famous musician, woos and wins Aurora, and the pair live happily ever after.

An Anglo-American Alliance would have been better (and extraordinarily progressive) had Aurora and Margaret lived happily ever after as women, it must be admitted. Nonetheless, An Anglo-American Alliance is the first science fiction novel with a pair of lesbian lovers as heroines, one of whom becomes science fiction's first transgender hero.

*Thanks to Vahan Ishkhanyan for the info.
**Pictures - via io9.com and Google Books

Sweet and cute! ;)) - Armenia national football team: THE picture, THE tweet

2011-10-08T12:09:00.000+01:00

To learn more re the occasion and for more details, see Unzipped

Picture of the Day

*picture - by PanARMENIAN Photo

Tweet of the Day (AM):

Աղջիկ լինեի, կամ գեյ, էսօր մեր սաղ թիմին կտայի
@8731

Relevant: 'Football is gay' - even according to Armenian media ;)

Famous gay French painter ‘seals’ France - Armenia state friendship in the very heart of Yerevan

2011-10-07T10:44:00.001+01:00

Continuing the topic of French-Armenian relations... This morning, presidents Sarkozy and Sargsyan participated in the unveiling ceremony of Rodin’s sculpture of Jules Bastien-Lepage. The statue was France’s gift to Armenia, and was appropriately placed in France square, the very heart of downtown Yerevan, that is, in front of Opera and Liberty sq.

*source of picture - Tert.am

Everyone knows Rodin. But I bet until today not many of you would have heard of French painter Jules Bastien-Lepage. Even less people, including participants of the ceremony, would be aware that this famous French painter was gay.

I have to say, this choice of gift from the French side was perhaps unintentional but considering the circumstances turned into hilarious twist to 'seal' Sarkozy’s Yerevan visit, and will forever be associated with a (prominent) display of friendship between two countries.

“This generous gift will symbolize the eternal and inviolable friendship between Armenia and France,” RA President said [...]

Mr. Sarkozy, in turn, thanked the Armenian community for its important role in his country’s life. “Long live Armenia, long live France, long live brotherhood!” he said. (source)

Jules Bastien-Lepage joined gay Armenian icons Parajanov, Charents & co as a must-see landmark for art loving locals and tourists, and could be added to an itinerary of gay travel agencies.

On surface, Yerevan is enhancing its reputation as a host of queer culture representation of world-wide importance.

Now, if only individuals and society manage to catch up...

Armenia president Serj Sargsyan and openly gay mayor of Paris Bertrand Delanoë

2011-10-01T13:23:00.000+01:00

Jean Eckian reports from Paris that having attended Charles Aznavour concert in Olympia, Armenia president Serj Sargsyan met the mayor of Paris, Bertrand Delanoë. They both then hosted a meeting with around 600 French Armenians.

Background info: “Despite France’s political tradition of keeping one’s personal life out of the public, Delanoë came out in a French television interview in 1998. In his book, “La vie, passionnément” (“Life, Passionately”) (2004), Delanoë says he made that decision because he thought it could help, even if in a small way, “lighten the burden of secrecy borne by so many people.” On the topic of gay marriage Delanoë writes, “In the name of what can one reject this demand for equality?” (source)

Wikipedia: (Personal life) Delanoë was one of the first major French politicians to announce that he was gay, during a 1998 television interview (before being elected mayor). His election made Paris the world's largest city with an openly LGBT mayor at the time; upon the election of Klaus Wowereit as Governing Mayor of Berlin in October 2001, it became the second-largest. Of the largest three, all have taken office since 2001; previously, the largest city with an LGBT mayor had been Winnipeg, Canada, in openly-gay former mayor Glen Murray (1998–2004). Delanoë is not known for taking an active part in the gay and lesbian community, but he has helped end discrimination in municipal subsidies to civic groups.

(Assassination attempt) He was stabbed on 5 October 2002 during the Nuit Blanche, a night of festivities in Paris, while mingling with the public. His assailant was a Muslim immigrant, Azedine Berkane, who reportedly told police that "he hated politicians, the Socialist Party, and homosexuals." Speaking to Le Monde, one of his neighbors said, "He was a bit like us. We're all homophobic here because it's not natural." Before being taken to hospital, Delanoë ordered that the festivities continue. Delanoë's wound was reported not to be life-threatening and he left the hospital after about two weeks. Azedine Berkane was eventually permitted to leave the psychiatric hospital where he had been a patient after his doctors no longer considered him a threat. However, in early April, 2007, he failed to keep a scheduled appointment with his doctors, and has not been seen since.

The mayor of Paris will be in Yerevan in October to participate in the conference of francophone mayors that he chairs.

Selected extracts (AM) from Sargsyan’s speech below, via president.am:

[...] Մենք հատկապես կարևորում ենք մեր մայրաքաղաքների` Երևանի և Փարիզի միջև ընթացող համագործակցությունը և այդ շրջանակում քաղաքապետ Դելանոեի գործունեությունը, ում օրոք Երևանի և Փարիզի միջև համագործակցությունը նոր բովանդակություն ստացավ` ներառելով նորանոր բնագավառներ ու ծրագրեր:

Փարիզի կենտրոնական հատվածներից մեկում Կոմիտաս վարդապետի արձանի տեղադրումը և Երևանի պուրակի հիմնումն իսկապես մեծ հպարտություն է բոլոր հայերի համար, որտեղ էլ նրանք բնակվեն:

Իհարկե, տեղյակ ենք նաև, որ այս տարի Փարիզի քաղաքապետարանն իր հյուրընկալ դռներն էր բացել հայության և Ֆրանսիայի հասարակական շրջանակների առջև` Ֆրանսիայում Հայաստանի դեսպանության հետ համատեղ տոնելու Հայաստանի անկախության 20-ամյա հոբելյանը, ինչի համար հայտնում ենք մեր խորին երախտագիտությունը: [...]

Հարգելի՛ պարոն Դելանոե,

Մենք սիրով սպասում ենք Ձեզ Երևանում այս տարվա հոկտեմբերին՝ Ձեր գլխավորած Ֆրանկոֆոն քաղաքապետերի միջազգային ասոցիացիայի Գլխավոր Ասամբլեայի տարեկան նիստին:

Կրկին շնորհակալություն եմ հայտնում Ձեզ այս հյուրընկալության համար և վստահ եմ, որ Երևան և Փարիզ քույր-քաղաքների հարաբերությունները զարգանալու են առաջանցիկ տեմպերով:

Շնորհակալ եմ:

*pictures - by Jean Eckian

CoE country-specific "thematic studies" on homophobia & transphobia, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russia and Turkey

2011-10-01T13:18:00.000+01:00

I didn't have time to read the reports yet but FYI...

*source: Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights

Country thematic studies on homophobia, transphobia and discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity

For the preparation of the report “Discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity in Europe”, research was conducted in all 47 member states of the Council of Europe. For each Council of Europe member state independent national experts or consultants prepared a legal report and a sociological/social report to which access is given on this webpage. These reports are published for information purposes only. Any views or opinions expressed in the reports are those of the author and do not represent or engage the Council of Europe or the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights.

The country thematic studies relating to the 27 EU member states were shared with the Council of Europe by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA). These were commissioned by the FRA to serve as background material for the 2010 update of its comparative legal analysis on discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity across the EU Member States. The views expressed in these country thematic studies do not necessarily reflect the views or the official position of the FRA and are made publicly available for information purposes only.

Armenia

Legal study on homophobia and discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity

The social situation concerning homophobia and discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation in Armenia

Azerbaijan

Legal study on homophobia and discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity

The social situation concerning homophobia and discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation in Azerbaijan

Georgia

Legal study on homophobia and discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity

The social situation concerning homophobia and discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation in Georgia

Russian Federation

Legal study on homophobia and discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity

The social situation concerning homophobia and discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation in Russian Federation

Turkey

Legal study on homophobia and discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity

The social situation concerning homophobia and discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation in Turkey

Ginosi Corporation suspends sponsorship of Radio Van upon discovering their homophobic ‘credentials’

2011-09-22T20:19:00.001+01:00

Ginosi Corporation travel company suspends sponsorship of Yerevan based Armenian radio station Radio Van upon discovering their homophobic ‘credentials’. In a letter signed on 21 September 2011, head of the Corporation informed the management of Radio Van that they are “disappointed and feel put down by your organization” and announced suspension of all sponsorship plans “effective immediately”.

We recently learned with shock and regret of discriminatory remarks that Shushanik Arevshatyan has made about gays and lesbians on the radio station's official website/blog. This puts Ginosi.com as a corporate sponsor of Radio Van in an awkward position not only with respect to our gay and lesbian customers, employees and business relations but also as a company that views corporate social responsibility and equal opportunity in its business practices as a top priority.

[...] We feel necessitated to suspend all future sponsorship plans for Radio Van effective immediately. [...]

With this letter we say good bye to Radio Van and finally, we believe that a public apology by Radio Van to the LGBT community is in order.

Ginosi Corporation further announced that they will be reviewing their current policies and practices with respect to corporate sponsorship programmes “to ensure that we will never again unknowingly finance bigotry.”

For original letter in full, see Ginosi.com

My respects to Ginosi Corporation. I hope such an exemplary stance for human rights and against homophobia will set a trend for other companies in Armenia, Diaspora and elsewhere to follow.

I am encouraged that increasing number of people and companies, local and international organisations, agencies and institutions started paying attention and acting upon Armenia: Homophobia Hall of Shame.

There is always a way out from this list of shame. However, I will only remove organisations or individuals from the Hall of Shame if I become convinced that they made genuine efforts to move on leaving homophobia behind.

PINK Armenia becomes member of ILGA - major international gay rights group

2011-09-22T19:12:00.001+01:00

Big congrats to PINK Armenia!!

PINK becomes a member of the ILGA - INTERNATIONAL LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANS AND INTERSEX ASSOCIATION.

Well deserved.

On the menu: X-rated ice cream in London

2011-09-18T10:12:00.001+01:00

I was wondering why this was dubbed “the world’s first gay ice cream bar”. Well, now I know. It relates more to the special gay-themed menu with at times X-rated ingredients :) Full of cliches, of course, but fun and tasty.

The venue is pretty small but cosy, and I liked the decor.

I ordered "The knicker-bocker-gloryhole" ice cream cocktail ;)) and as a... chocoholic, it was delicious.

I was expecting to see that famous ice cream masseur to try the ‘ice cream facial’ but he was nowhere on sight. Regardless... All in all, it was fun experience.

Armenian gay porn stars: singer / porn star / singer Colton Ford

2011-09-16T00:46:00.000+01:00

I first ‘met’ him in New York in 2008.

Here is a quote from Wikipedia: Colton Ford is the stage name of Glenn Soukesian, a former same-sex adult film star (11 films) who has become a mainstream musician and actor. As of May 2007, he resides in New York City.

He has awards for “Gay Performer of the Year” (2003) and “Best Group Sex Scene” (2002).

FB page
Website

BBC: Treatment of local gays casts doubts on Azerbaijan officials ‘assurances’ that gay visitors are welcome to the 2012 Eurovision

2011-09-15T21:24:00.000+01:00

*via BBC News

Officials in Azerbaijan insist gay visitors are welcome to the 2012 Eurovision song contest when the event, which has an enthusiastic gay following, is hosted in the capital, Baku.

However, such assurances jar with those who have had first-hand experience of how homosexuals are treated in Azeri society. [...]

"During Eurovision, no-one will bother gay foreigners in Baku," says Alekper Aliyev, a writer and an author of a controversial book about a gay relationship between an Azeri and a man from Armenia, the country's historic enemy.

"People here don't mind, as long as it's not in their family.

"There are several openly gay celebrities in Baku who have money and bodyguards, and they are safe.

"But nothing will change for the majority of gays, particularly in the provinces. This society will never accept them."

Azeri officials disagree, pointing out that Azerbaijan decriminalised homosexuality in 2001.

"Recently there has been much ill-informed speculation by some expatriates about how we treat our homosexual community," says Elnur Aslanov, a senior official from the presidential administration.

"We consider all this nothing more than an unsuccessful attempt by those naysayers to gain a better reputation in their respective countries in the light of the upcoming Eurovision song contest in Azerbaijan." [...]

Read the BBC report in full here.

Yerevan Diaries: Love at first sight - DIY, Tsomak & friends

2011-09-13T02:32:00.000+01:00

Instead of editorial

First night I went to DIY, and immediately it felt like I am at home there.

I have always wanted to have a regular place in London. But it never worked out. I could never find the place where I would want to go night after night and... Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of nice cool places in London. But so far I was unable to find THE one that I would consider myself a regular at.

With DIY, it was love at first sight. And it’s not just the place. It’s people who run the place and who come to that place that make it such a special and unique venue for me in Yerevan.

Tsomak, Armen & co - I love you. You are beautiful, and what you do is... beautiful. No mirror needed.

Emma, I still remember that delicious black-coloured cocktail, the best I’ve tried in Yerevan. [and I don’t normally like cocktails in Yerevan but this one was an exception] Cheers.

Was so great to finally properly meeting Tsomak (Pincet band). Talented, brave, cool. Girl, you rock!! Love and respects, as always. Absolutely loved you performing live. It was a very special evening for me. I feel honoured and touched that you agreed to live perform during my stay in Yerevan. Unforgettable.

Lily was the symbol of that night.

Here we are. I found THE place. Not in London, but in Yerevan. Can’t wait to come back and meet our mafia (=family) again ;)

London: high heel shoes environment

2011-09-12T22:54:00.000+01:00

12 September 2011

25 July 2011

Yerevan Diaries: rainbow sign

2011-09-09T01:36:00.025+01:00

In many other countries, the rainbow sign has a very different connotation. Not necessarily the one referred to in this picture ;)

Yerevan Diaries: Tattoo man

2011-09-09T01:26:00.000+01:00

*Cafesjian Museum of Modern Art

Yerevan Diaries (+ more): cult of the erect penis

2011-09-04T18:42:00.000+01:00

Downtown Yerevan. The very heart of it. You are in for a treat. Well, depending on your taste and preferences. Still, whatever they are, this could be interesting from historical perspectives too. A statue of soldier with the erect penis.

No, it's not that Cascade soldier welcoming you to Yerevan.

As a friend of mine rightly pointed out: “The Cascade guy doesn't have a penis; it's rather a penny”. The soldier I am talking about has a pretty big one. And you may see it as soon as you enter the National History Museum (Republic square). Up your face! Well, as long as you pay attention to the art work on tickets you are issued. Many people don’t. I do! ;)

But this is just a piece of paper, you may say. Enter the museum, and you are in for a real treat. Statues of soldiers with the erect penises. [Also, this is even more interesting, statues of intersex people (they are described in the museum as “statues of men and women”)... If/when more info on intersex statues become available, I will make a separate post]

But before you enter the hall with the statues, you get a ‘real size’ - sort of :) - experience with the Armenian phallic cult. Quite a few exhibits of stone representations of the phallus excavated from various parts in Armenia are on a prominent display at the National History Museum.

I posted about the Armenian phallic cult two years ago. I’d suggest re-reading that post.

There were times. Some say these were “golden ages” ;)

*source

I was reminded of my post when read Areg’s travel diaries via Turkey (highly recommend!). This one, in particular.

Day 15: Cocks (quotation and two pics below - via One Hell of a Ride)

***

[...] I swear to God, even though the hotel itself is crap, it is completely worth to get the experience of getting a man you met two minutes ago to ask you if you are gonna see the cocks, and then quickly clarify that he actually means the penises.

“Which penises?” I inquired

“The ones in the Love Valley!” he made a circle on a particular area of the map with pen and wrote “L. V.” — “Love Valley!”

“What are these… penises?”

“They are strange rock formations. Everyone loves to see them! Some of them here” — he marked another part of the map — “have three heads!” [...]

And finally, it all opened for me! I found the cocks! A valley full of phallic symbols — all natural — all carved by nature itself! [...]

I looked around and realized that I was literally surrounded by all sorts of them!

Thin and thick!

Some surrounded with trees… and bushes! [...]

And so ended the day that shall always remain a day of cocks to me. Amen!

Oh, and you did not read this if you are under 18, did you?

Yerevan Diaries: Animal orgy and naked swimmers

2011-09-03T11:32:00.000+01:00

I have this habit of seeing things the way they are probably not intended to be seen ;)

*Cafesjian Museum of Modern Art

Yerevan Diaries: Charents

2011-09-03T11:15:00.001+01:00

No. 6: Yeghishe Charents

*Grigor Khanjyan, Cafesjian Museum of Modern Art

Yerevan Diaries: Little Prince (graffiti)

2011-09-03T10:11:00.000+01:00

Yerevan Diaries: "Mrutt utem" :)

2011-08-26T08:43:00.000+01:00

Oh, how did I miss this. Walking the streets of Yerevan and overhearing one Armenian macho guy telling another: "Mrutt utem". Sweet! And very masculine, indeed. Macho society in action :)

Yerevan Diaries: Pink taxi

2011-08-24T08:48:00.002+01:00

This taxi service is for women only (no single man can be served; only if accompanied by woman).

*I devote this post to Blansh

Yerevan Diaries: white is the new black (brief observations re current fashion trends)

2011-08-23T15:08:00.000+01:00

We all know that the abundance of black colour, especially among Armenian men, is something pretty much routine in Yerevan, not worthy of blogging.

This summer, however, I can see some changes. Instead of black trousers, it's white that dominates the colours. I wanted to say I am happy with what I am seeing - and, relatively speaking, I am - but it's way too much. From one extreme to another :)

Good thing is that I see more youth wearing trainers with some cool T-shirts. Another positive thing is that I see less (much less!!) people wearing socks with sandals now.

Still, Yerevan women catching up with the fashion trends much better and quicker. And in their majority, dress code of Armenian men is still pretty conservative, even among Armenian gay men.

Have to admit, though, some of them still manage looking hot, regardless of style or fashion. Just being themselves. You know, their curious self ;)

Cosmopolitan Armenia: "My sister is lesbian" (real story)

2011-08-23T10:31:00.000+01:00

I may not agree with one or two points, but what I like most in this story is honesty. It's not that common to read gay-themed real-life stories in Armenian media without them resorting to sensationalism and scandals.

Selected extracts below. For story in full (AM) - see Cosmo AM

***
Իրական պատմություն. «Իմ քույրը լեսբուհի է»

Այն ժամանակ ես ուսանող էի։ Ուսանողական բուռն կյանքը, նոր ծանոթություններն ու ամենատարբեր մարդկանց հետ շփումներն ինձ անչափ դուր էին գալիս։

Դասերից հետո միշտ մնում էինք լսարանում և մինչև ուշ երեկո զրուցում ամենատարբեր թեմաների շուրջ. արվեստի բուհերում այդ հնարավորությունը կա։ Խոսում էինք արվեստից, մարդկային հարաբերություններից... ավանդական երիտասարդական թեմաներ։ [...]

Չեմ հիշում, թե ինչպես, բայց մենք սկսեցինք խոսել գեյերի մասին։ Կարծիքները, ինչպես հաճախ է լինում, հակասական էին։ Ես սկսեցի կատաղի վիճաբանություն սկսեցի կուրսեցիներիցս մեկի ընկերոջ հետ, ով ասում էր, որ գեյերը մարդ չեն, նրանց բոլորին պետք է հավաքել մեկ վայրում, վրաները բենզին լցնել ու վառել, իսկ լեսբիների հետ կարելի է սեքս ունենալ, ավելի ճիշտ՝ սկզբում պետք է նայել, թե ինչպես են նրանք սեքսով զբաղվում, իսկ հետո միանալ զվարճանքին....

Այդ արտահայտություններից հետո ինձ հազիվ էին պահում, որ ես նրա աչքերը չհանեի։ Իսկ հետո արդեն նրան էին պահում, երբ ես ասացի, թե ապացուցված փաստ է, որ հոմոֆոբները հիմնականում թաքնված գեյեր են... Խոսակցությունն անցնում էր բարձր տոնով, և ես, կարելի է ասել, արդեն խեղճացրել էի այդ երիտասարդին, ու թվում էր, թե նա շուտով նույնիսկ կհավատա իմ վարկածին...

Ես դուրս եկա լսարանից ու քայլում էի դեպի «հանգստի սենյակ»։ Անունս լսելով՝ շրջվեցի ու տեսա իմ համակուրսեցիներից մեկին։ Նրան հեշտ էր չնկատելը. մեր կուրսի «մոխրագույն մուկիկն» էր։ Ես մի քանի անգամ փորձել էի նրա հետ խոսել, շփման եզրեր գտնել, բայց նա շատ մեկուսացած էր, չնայած խելացի ու յուրահատուկ անձնավորություն էր։ Նա հասավ ինձ ու դողացող ձայնով ասաց, որ հետս խոսելու բան ունի։ Ես նայում էի նրան, բայց նա չէր կարողանում խոսել։ Մի փոքր լռելուց հետո ասաց.
-Դու իսկապե՞ս այդպես ես մտածում։

Առաջին վայրկյանին չհասկացա, թե ինչ նկատի ունի, բայց մի քիչ ուղեղս լարելուց հետո պարզ դարձավ։ Այո՛, ես իսկապես այդպես էի մտածում... ես կարծում եմ, որ պետք չէ «մտնել» ուրիշների անկողինը։ Ես ունեմ շատ ընկերներ և պարզապես գեյ ծանոթներ և ոչ մի հանցանք չեմ տեսնում միասեռական հարաբերությունների մեջ։ Ես տեսել եմ՝ ինչպես են իրար վերաբերվում զույգերը։ Իսկական գեյ-ընտանիքների եմ ծանոթ։

Ու երբ կուրսեցիս ասաց, որ ինձ «բան» ունի ասելու, ես մի պահ քարացա, քանի որ պարզ էր, որ շարունակվելու էր գեյերի թեման, սակայն հետո հիշեցի այն դեպքը, երբ ինձ մի աղջիկ ընկերության առաջարկություն էր արել։ Նրա լռությունն ինձ ավելի էր համոզում, որ նա ճիշտ խոսքեր է փնտրում իր սերն արտահայտելու համար։
Վերջապես խոսեց.

-Ես քեզ պիտի ասեմ մի բան, ինչի մասին երբեք ու ոչ ոքի չեմ ասել։
Արդեն վեց տարի է, որ ինձ հանգիստ չի տալիս իրականությունը։ Ես
նույնիսկ ինքնասպանության փորձեր եմ արել, քանի որ իրականությունն
անարդար է ու սխալ։

Նա նորից սկսեց արտասվել ու չէր կարողանում խոսել, իսկ ես արդեն հետաքրքրությունից այրվում էի։

-Բայց խոստացիր, որ ոչ ոք չի իմանա այն, ինչ ես քեզ պիտի ասեմ։
-Ազնիվ խոսք... (ազնիվ խոսքս երդման հավասար է)։
-Քույրս լեսբուհի է։

Կարծես մի ծանր քար ընկավ սրտիցս. ինչեր ասես, որ չէի հասցրել անցկացնել մտքովս։ Խոսում էր ագահորեն. վեց տարի լռել ու իր մեջ այդքան հոգեկան բեռ էր կուտակել։

Նրա քույրն այժմ ապրում է Փարիզում։ Երբ մեկնում էր Հայաստանից, խենթի պես սիրահարված էր մի երիտասարդի... անհույս։ Կուրսեցիս` Աննան, նույնիսկ պատմում էր, թե ինչպես էր գիշերներն արթնանում քրոջ հեկեկոցներից։ Հետո, երբ 21 տարեկան էր, երեք ամսով գնաց Փարիզ` բարեկամներից մեկին հյուր ու... չվերադարձավ...[...]

Սերը սեռ չի հարցնում

- Դերասանի վարպետությունն ինձ միշտ էլ լավ է տրվել... Ես սկսեցի ձևացնել, թե համակերպվել եմ այդ մտքի հետ։ Քույրս հանդարտվեց. նույնիսկ սկսեց ինձ պատմել իրենց առօրյայի, վեճերի մասին: Ես վերջապես կարողացա պատկերացնել, թե ինչով ու ինչպես է ապրում քույրս։

Ժամանակի ընթացքում սկսեցի հասկանալ, որ այնքան էլ վատ չեմ վերաբերվում նրա ընկերուհուն։ Մենք նույնիսկ շատ ընդհանրություններ ունենք (օրինակ՝ երկուսս էլ սիրում ենք վառվող լուցկու հոտը)։ Ու ես իսկապես համակերպվեցի այդ մտքի հետ։ Սակայն, միևնույն է, դա իմ ամենամեծ բարդույթն է, ու ես կարծում եմ, որ եթե մարդիկ իմանան իմ քրոջ մասին, ինձ կծաղրեն ու չեն ուզի որևէ շփում ունենալ ինձ հետ... Այսքանը... Վե՛րջ։

Այս բառերն արտաբերելուց հետո նա նայում էր ինձ, իսկ ես փորձում էի մարսել այն տեղեկությունը, որ վերջին տասնհինգ րոպեի ընթացքում լուռ լսել էի...

... Դասերից հետո խոսակցությունները շարունակվում էին, իսկ ես ու կուրսեցիս այն «արցունքոտ» օրվանից հետո անբաժան էինք դարձել։ Ամենուր միասին էինք։ Մենք միասին երկար երեկոներ ու նույնիսկ անքուն գիշերներ ենք անցկացրել, երկար զրույցներ ունեցել, ու վերջիվերջո նա հասել է նրան, որ իսկապես հարգանքով է մոտենում իր քրոջ ընտրությանն ու իսկապես ուրախ է, որ իր քույրը սիրում է և սիրված է։ Եվ ամենակարևորը` դրա համար պետք չէ բարդույթավորվել:

Բավական ժամանակ է անցել։ «Մուկիկս» ինքնավստահ, գեղեցիկ երիտասարդ կին է։ Նա ընկեր ունի, որը նրան սիրում է գժի պես ու ծանոթ է նրա քրոջ հետ։ Նրանք շատ լավ հարաբերությունների մեջ են։ Աննան նույնիսկ իր քրոջ ընկերուհու հետ է ծանոթացել, ում կատակով ասում է «փեսա». նա ոչ միայն համակերպվել է, այլև ընդունել է քրոջ որոշումը։

Գուցե միասեռականությունը հիվանդություն է, գուցե՝ ընտրություն։ Ու եթե այդպես է, ամեն մարդ ունի ընտրության իրավունք։

Mamikon Hovsepyan: 'There are still many taboos and stereotypes re sexuality and LGBT issues in Armenia'

2011-08-23T08:22:00.000+01:00

Below are extracts from the interview with the head of PINK Armenia originally posted on The Neutral Zone

***
People in Armenia still live with taboos and stereotypes and in many cases they mix tradition, religion, customs, habits and reality. In the past LGBT people were hiding because of intolerance, hate and ignorance, and the society thinks that we didn’t have gays at all and that this is something modern and European. In general, today people call whatever they don’t like ‘a European value’, for example gender equality, women’s role in the government and so on, but let me bring an example. What was Europe doing when at the beginning of the 20th century Armenia had women in the parliament and women diplomats? So human rights protection is a universal value and it belongs to Armenia as well. [...]

Homophobic media

Our research on LGBT rights and violations in 2010 says that discrimination mainly starts in families and goes wider to schools, workplace, healthcare services, actually everywhere. The media usually promotes hate toward the LGBT community and we don’t have any laws to stop hate speech. Nowadays it is possible to find a few tolerant electronic media or newspapers, but the majority is homophobe, especially TV.

For example “Iravunk” daily often promotes hate crime and they present it as freedom of speech but actually freedom of speech and human rights violation are two different things and in civil and developed counties hate promoters are punished by law. On TV they use the theme of homosexuality for jokes, teasing it as an abnormal and immoral behavior. During the last 5-10 years LGBT people became more or less visible and LGBT issues are on the top of the discussion list. Whether the reaction of the society is positive or negative, the visibility of LGBT issues brings small changes. [...]

Discrimination and hate crime

Homosexuality was decriminalized in 2003 but we don’t have any laws to protect LGBT people, to prevent violence, discrimination or hate speech. There aren’t any anti-discrimination laws in Armenia. [...]

There are many cases of violence against the LGBT community, but mainly they are not registered as violence against LGBT or those cases are not registered at all. Cases of violence can be found everywhere, but for the most part they take place in schools, healthcare sector, police stations and army.

The latest positive development - cooperation with the human rights Ombudsman's office

The latest positive development was the Ombudsman’s cooperation with PINK, when we signed the Memorandum of Understanding and he announced that he and his team are ready to protect the rights of all people in Armenia and cooperate with human rights organizations. Another positive development is the existence of tolerant journalists and a few newspapers that cover LGBT issues.

The existence of networks and coalitions that support human rights brings positive changes into the society. One drop in the lake is not a big deal but later those drops will make a river and it will run to the lake.

Role of the Armenian church

The Armenian Church, as they say, should be tolerant, spread peace and respect, but they are one of the main institutions that spread hate and intolerance against LGBT people. The topics they touch or present always come back to homosexuality and start to blame. In a recent case we had in Armenia, when the representatives of religious minorities and the Armenian Church had a conflict, during the press conference the priest talked about that conflict and religious minorities for a couple of minutes and then the whole press conference was related to homosexuality. On the other hand, it was the journalists who provoked the priest asking irrelevant questions, but the priest replied to their questions with pleasure blaming gays.

Lack of knowledge, cliches

In Armenia, people still don’t know all the terms regarding LGBT issues. Many Armenians even think that gays are those who wear dresses, have make-up and behave like girls. As I mentioned, the lack of knowledge and information doesn’t let them to recognize the difference between gay/lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.

Yerevan Diaries: Blogging from inside the toilet - "You are beautiful"

2011-08-17T14:43:00.000+01:00

Absolutely loved the idea of 'no mirror' in the toilet. Instead, this statement: "You are beautiful".

Blogging from inside the possibly coolest toilet in Yerevan ;)

*Toilet, DIY bar, Yerevan

Relevant reading: Yerevan Diaries: DIY bar - I recommend!

Yerevan Diaries: DIY bar - I recommend!

2011-08-16T09:48:00.004+01:00

Warm. Friendly. Cool. You feel at home there.

Gay-friendly. With regular movie nights and occasional live music performances.

DIY bar in Yerevan. Parpetsi 14.

I highly recommend it.

Relevant reading: Yerevan Diaries: Blogging from inside the toilet - "You are beautiful"

'Gay Pirates' Cosmo Jarvis - cute British music talent with Armenian roots

2011-08-12T23:55:00.000+01:00

I had no idea that Cosmo Jarvis has Armenian roots, from mother's side.

Cosmo Jarvis - Harrison Cosmo Krikoryan Jarvis - the author of Gay Pirates song (music video - below). He is quite cute too.

*picture - by Elina Kansikas (via The Guardian)

The Guardian

[...] Harrison Cosmo Krikoryan Jarvis – raised in Totnes, Devon, with an Armenian-American mother and English father – has already written more than 300 songs and is close to finishing his first feature film. He tackles weighty topics in a conversational style, treating the listener like a trusted friend. His music switches between acoustic ballads, rambunctious punk-folk, MOR rock and agitatedly introspective, scabrous rap, sometimes within a single song. These are all reasons why he should be accorded the status of national treasure, but they also explain why he has yet to become a household name. [...]

The first disc was mainly a collection of love songs, albeit with a singular, reliably dark humour, but the second was a concept album about a teenager struggling through his parents' protracted, bruising separation. It served as his autobiography.

"There was always problems at home – always," he says. "It was more than a divorce. It went on for ages. Still going on, 10 years later. I guess they actually split when I was nine years old. Mum took me and my brother, fucked off, left the country. She would say things about dad, he would say things about her, and you don't know what's true. And you get to the point where you don't hate them, but you just no longer see them as parents. I did, anyway." [...]

Gay Pirates – a folksy stomp designed to tackle homophobia by getting beered-up lads to sing along before they realise what it's about – was released in January. Stephen Fry tweeted his approval, and Jarvis's self-directed video became a YouTube hit.

"I needed something that was closed off from everything else so that the story could take place," he says, explaining why a heterosexual man used to mining his own life for material would choose to write a gay love story set on an 18th-century pirate ship. "I needed something where everyone else could be against them – where it was more than a gay person in a homophobic society, where the whole thing was amplified. By setting it in the days of pirates, and using the mandolin, which is the sort of instrument you could've taken to sea with you, I thought that might give it a kind of folklore thing, and that would add to the idea of it being firmly embedded in human history."

But Radio 1 refused to play it. "The reason they gave was because I said 'gang rape'," Jarvis tuts. "We could've given them an edited version." Momentum was lost and the record failed to chart. It's still bothering him. [...]

He seems incapable of making things easy for himself. Another single, Sure As Hell Not Jesus, arrived accompanied by a video that attempted to humorously examine child abuse and hypocrisy in the Catholic church. [...]

His parents have reconciled themselves to his songs, though his mum thinks he should stop rapping – perhaps not coincidentally, she seems to get the worst of the lyrics when he does, as in Sonofabitch's Problems, or the unflinching Mummy's Been Drinking ("I know you had your fair share of abuse/ But that's in the past so you got no excuse"). "She just goes: 'You're not from the hood!'" he says. "But sometimes it's just a much better way of explaining something really articulately. Mummy's Been Drinking did fuck her off a lot, though."

And this seems to be where we came in, and where Jarvis is perhaps most different and potentially important: he is willing to risk ridicule, incomprehension or hostility as he tries to communicate. It can be liberating. [...]
***

...And here is how Tert.am reported re above (AM)

Գեյերի արգելված սիրո մասին երգող ամենահայտնի բրիտանացին հայ է (տեսանյութ)

21–ամյա բրիտանացի երգիչ, 300–ից ավելի երգերի հեղինակ, դերասան, ռեժիսոր, պրոդյուսեր և սցենարիստ Հարիսոն Քոսմո Գրիգորյան Ջարվիսը (Գրիգորյանը նրա մոր ազգանունն է։ Իսկ նրա հայրն անգլիացի է) հաստատուն քայլերով առաջ է գնում բրիտանական շոու բիզնեսում։ Ինչպես հաղորդում է բրիտանական Guardian պարբերականը, Ջարվիսը շուտով նաև ավարտին կհասցնի իր առաջին գեղարվեստական ֆիլմը։

Ջերվիսի ամենահայտնի ստեղծագործությունը, թերևս, նրա Gay Pirates երգն է (գեյ ծովահենները)։ Երգը երկու գեյ սիրեկանների մասին է, ինչպես նաև այն խտրականության մասին, որին ոչ ավանդական սեռական կողմնորոշում ունեցողները հանդիպում են բոլոր ժամանակներում։

[thanks to Christin for the link]

Rainbow in Soho

2011-08-07T09:51:00.000+01:00

Soho, London, 6 August 2011

'Think PINK'

2011-08-07T09:43:00.000+01:00

I devote this picture to PINK Armenia :)

Selfridges, London

Must watch!! Kazaky in Armenian - "Pohvir ['Pokhvir'] (Change, I Know, You Can)"

2011-08-01T23:05:00.000+01:00

This is so good. I left speechless. Kazaky in Armenian. Fab clip. Great message. A must.

"Pohvir" ['Pokhvir'] - (Change, I Know, You Can)"

Relevant post: Arthur Gasparyan (Archibaz): Armenian member of Kazaky - Ukrainian band that everyone talks about

Yerkir Media TV report on Pincet gig and Armenians at Istanbul Gay Pride

2011-07-26T02:17:00.000+01:00

Relevant:

Side by side (2): Armenian presence at Istanbul Gay Pride

Armenian all-female punk rock band Pincet heats the things up during Istanbul Gay Pride week

Armenian guy quit Patriarchate, came out as gay, seeks asylum in Israel

2011-07-26T01:59:00.000+01:00

*via Haarets

The man who would be Israeli

Tobmas Glastian came to Israel to become a priest. But once he came out as gay and left the church, the Interior Ministry refused to grant him a visa to stay here.
By Ilan Lior

Tobmas Glastian wants to be an Israeli. "Everyone calls me Tomas," he says, accepting the mispronunciation with understanding. He has lived here for almost half his life, all his friends are Israeli, and he speaks Hebrew almost at the same level as a native speaker. The truth is that he already feels Israeli in every way - and only the official document is missing.

Glastian, 29, was born in Armenia. He arrived in Israel at the age of 16 to study at the seminar of the Armenian Patriarchate in Jerusalem, with the intention of becoming a priest. He studied there for three years until one day he decided to escape. He had understood he was a homosexual and wanted to come out of the closet.

Glastian had not told anyone at the seminar about his sexual preference. He knew the church would consider it a terrible sin and would not accept him into its fold. At first, he informed only his parents in Armenia, but their response left him frightened and desperate.

"My parents no longer wanted me. They said they would rather I die than go back home. That shut the door for me; I no longer have a family," he says.

Thus, Glastian was left completely alone at the age of 19. He hastened to leave Jerusalem in favor of Tel Aviv. He was scared to go back to conservative Armenia and, in fact, he admits, he had no reason to go there. Three years later, a long while after his visa to Israel had expired, he was unable to find work and decided to turn to the United Nations and ask for political asylum in Israel. As part of a routine process, he was granted the temporary status of an asylum seeker that has to be renewed every six months.

"They don't even allow me to request permanent residency status," he says, adding that every time he raises the subject, he is told he has to undergo a comprehensive interview once more to get refugee status and only then will he be able to request permanent residency in Israel.

"I don't have a problem with undergoing an interview again," he says. "They have been telling me for two and a half years already that I must go for the interview but they don't make an appointment for me. Every time I ask them, they say: 'Okay, we'll make an appointment and tell you to come,' but nothing moves."

Meanwhile, Glastian heads off to the Interior Ministry's office every six months. "I wait there for three hours; they check here, they investigate there; and in the end, they tell them on the telephone: 'Come on! Sign already.' They treat me there in a humiliating fashion; it's very offensive. Today, without bragging, I consider myself more Israeli than an Israeli. There is not a drop of Armenia in me any longer."

A few months ago, Glastian turned to Knesset member Nitzan Horowitz of Meretz and requested his help. Horowitz sent him to attorney Dr Yuval Livnat from Tel Aviv University's Human Rights Clinic who deals with the rights of refugees, in the hope he would help to get matters solved. Judging by past experience, Livnat is not optimistic - on the contrary.

No homosexual has so far been recognized as a refugee in Israel. According to the UN's Refugee Charter, a refugee is a person who is faced with a real threat of persecution in his homeland on the background of race, religion, nationality, political affiliation or belonging to a certain social group.

"All the countries in the western world have determined that homosexuals and lesbians belonging to a certain social group, and therefore they can be considered refugees," says Livnat. "In the State of Israel, at the present moment, this is not yet so."

Even if Glastian manages to create a precedent and becomes the first homosexual who is recognized as a refugee in Israel, he will still be far from having the permanent-resident status he so desires. Israel has never granted permanent residency to a refugee. "To my great regret, in Israel, even if you are recognized as a refugee, you remain a temporary resident forever," Livnat explains. "As of today, that is the unfortunate lot of all the refugees in Israel."

Despite the difficulties, Glastian speaks admiringly of Israel. He feels this is his country. "I love this country. In my first interview at the UN, they asked me if I would prefer to go to another country and I didn't want to under any circumstances. But from time to time, I have the feeling that maybe I made a mistake and that perhaps it would have been better to go somewhere else where they absorb you immediately and they give you the opportunity to advance in life and not to remain stuck," he says.

"Today, with all my love for Israel, I feel like I am stuck and this hurts me a great deal."

According to the Interior Ministry: "Mr Tobmas Glastian entered Israel in 1998 on a tourist visa. After a number of years, he registered with the UN and submitted a request for political asylum, and it was decided to give him a temporary work permit until a decision was made in his case. His visa is a temporary one that is given for as long as the request is under consideration and it has to be renewed every few months. The visa makes it possible to work in Israel. His request is being examined by the population and migration authority."

Armenian parents response to New York gay marriages :)

2011-07-23T12:37:00.000+01:00

As you may know, New York is gearing up for their first legal gay marriages.

Thanks to @writepudding, I got this link to The New York Times Special Issue on Gay Marriage.

There was this story there that tells of parents of gay children pushing for gay marriage.

With same-sex marriage now legal in New York, some gay sons and daughters are starting to feel the same heat from parents as do their straight siblings.

...and I started imagining what the Armenian parent would do in the similar circumstances: pushing for marriage of their gay children, fixing 'accidental' date meetings, say, for their son with a son of their friend etc. :))

"տղա ջան, տունն ես մնացել, այդքան լավ տղերք կան մեր շրջապատում, մեկին չես կարում ճարել"

And thanks to Bella, I got reminded of this hilarious anecdote (AM) - not new but still too funny and very relevant - that I have to share with you:

Էդ անեկդոտը գիտես չէ, որ երկու սփյուռքահայ կին հանդիպում են, պարզվում ա, որ մեկի տղան տղայի հետ ա ամուսնացել, մյուսը ասում ա, - «Գոնե հայ ա» ?

UNAIDS: Armenia lifts travel ban for people living with HIV

2011-07-19T21:41:00.001+01:00

Excellent news!
***

Armenia lifts travel ban for people living with HIV

UNAIDS

GENEVA, 15 July 2011—The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) commends the decision by the Government of Armenia to lift its travel restrictions for people living with HIV. The reforms—which took effect yesterday—align the country’s legislation with international public health standards.

Restrictions that limit an individual’s movement based solely on HIV-positive status are discriminatory and violate human rights. There is no evidence that such restrictions protect public health or prevent HIV transmission. Furthermore, HIV-related travel restrictions have no economic justification, as people living with HIV can lead long and productive working lives.

“I welcome Armenia’s decision to lift its HIV-related travel restrictions,” said UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé. “I urge other countries to follow Armenia’s example and take the necessary steps to remove punitive laws and practices as a matter of priority,” he added.

With the removal of Armenia’s travel restrictions, UNAIDS counts 48 countries, territories, and areas that continue to impose some form of restriction on the entry, stay and residence of people living with HIV based on HIV status. Five countries deny visas even for short-term stays and 22 countries deport individuals once their HIV-positive status is discovered.

Armenia - ‘gay surrogacy paradise’ (report)

2011-07-16T13:59:00.000+01:00

Who knew? :)

***
via Surrogacy Clinics

Gay Surrogacy Agencies in Armenia

Armenia is one of the leading medical tourism destinations for gay couples from all over the world looking for surrogate mothers because of its liberal surrogacy laws. The mushrooming of many a gay surrogacy agency in Armenia has made it possible for singles and gay couples to live their dreams of enjoying the joyful moments of parenthood. Armenia is a host to a large number of surrogacy facilities providing world class medical amenities and that too at a fraction of what it would cost in any other part of the globe.

Many gay men have a longing for starting their own families. The legal complexities and time involved in adoption for gay couples makes surrogacy a more favored route to beginning their own families.

Surrogacy is a process wherein a woman, as a part of a financial contract, carries and delivers a child for others, with or without having a genetic relationship with the child. In gay surrogacy, one of the partners provides sperms that will be utilized for fertilizing the eggs of the donor or surrogate mother.

Why Gay Surrogacy in Armenia?

There are a number of advantages synonymous with going in for gay surrogacy in Armenia. The leading factors contributing to Armenia’s popularity as a leading gay surrogacy destination are as follows:

• Gay surrogacy in Armenia is very popular because Armenian laws do not illegalize surrogacy for gays, unlike many other European and western countries which have criminalized the same.
• Surrogacy for gay couples can be an emotionally trying and stressful experience with surrogate agencies in many countries refusing to treat their cases. Often inquiries for surrogacy by gays are dismissed by clinics in other countries on the grounds that gay men cannot cater to the overall developmental needs of the infant. Legal ambiguities and moral reasons can also play a dampener in the surrogacy efforts of gay couples. Armenia provides a number of avenues in the forms of IVF clinics and surrogacy agencies for gay couples looking for surrogate mothers.
• The geographical proximity to East European and West Asian countries, some of which have banned surrogacy for singles and same-sex couples, has made Armenia a sought-after destination since it ensures minimum travel costs.
• Also, cost of gay surrogacy in Armenia is a big draw, as the prices here are a pittance when compared to costs in the USA and the UK. However, low costs do not mean compromising with the quality of services offered.

Gay Surrogate Mothers in Armenia

Under Gay surrogacy programs in Armenia, surrogate mothers undergo various rigorous physical and psychological tests for a couple of months. Potential surrogate mothers are young and healthy females belonging to the age group of 18 to 35 years, with their own children and with no history of pregnancy related complications. More and more gay couples and singles are coming to Armenia as Armenian surrogate mothers are responsible citizens who have been screened for various kinds of ailments that can otherwise pose a risk to both the pregnancy and the infant’s longevity.

Legal Framework for Surrogacy in Armenia

Armenia is one of the countries in the world that have decriminalized surrogacy for single and same-sex parents. Surrogacy in Armenia is governed by the Armenian Reproductive Rights Law, applicable on both Armenians and international patients, which stipulate that a surrogate cannot refuse to pass on the infant to the party with which a contract has been entered into. However, a surrogate who is also an egg donor can rescind a contract, provided she reimburses all the expenses that have been incurred on the pregnancy. The intended parents are legally bound to incur all the expenses related to the pregnancy. In order to avoid problems in the future, detailed contracts are recommended.

Armenia is a beautiful Eurasian country nestled between Eastern Europe and Western Asia and has a lot to offer to tourists looking for a combination of the wonders of nature and creations of man in the form of picturesque landscapes and amazing rock formations and, beautiful monasteries and castles, along with numerous museums showcasing an eclectic collection of glass work, jewellery, and contemporary art. A medical trip can be combined with a planned itinerary of this amazing country. The inexpensive world-class medical facilities, along with hassle-free legislations make gay surrogacy agencies in Armenia a preferred choice for ensuring a passport to the bliss of having children.

Armenian author publishes new book - "My Gay Dream"

2011-07-14T23:51:00.003+01:00

I have not read this book yet. In fact, today is the first time - thanks to this press release (below) - I learned of the author and his book.

You may have a look at Google book preview here (selected pages only).

Full book is available to buy on Amazon and elsewhere (Dorrance Publishing).
***

"My Gay Dream," a new book by Alex Ikke-Tuppel, has been released by Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc.

In "My Gay Dream," Alex Ikke-Tuppel expresses the loneliness his lead character is feeling, as he really has no friends, only acquaintances. Many of his hours are spent alone at the café…drinking and daydreaming…daydreaming and drinking.

After some soul searching, he realizes it is up to him to do something to change this bleak existence, and he reaches out to Mark, one of only three people with whom he spends any time at all. This leads to their forming a "quasi-friendship" with Carl and Roger, a well-to-do gay couple who recently moved to town and with whom he feels relatively comfortable. Oh, by the way…Mark is also gay, as is our leading man, but his interest in these three guys is purely platonic.

As life drones on, he spends more time with his "close friends" Armani, Versace, Cavalli, and Gucci, to name a few. This indulgence lifts his spirits significantly and through his association with them, in addition to Mark, Carl, and Roger, he enters the beau monde of the fashion industry, living the high life of haute couture and travel.

There is a new "person of interest" on the scene, who becomes the romantic object in our guy’s fantasies when he seems to appear everywhere-the café, the gym, etc. Is this the man of his dreams? Is this finally the life he has been waiting for, or is it just an illusion?

About the Author:
Alex Ikke-Tuppel is a native of Yerevan, Armenia. He is single and currently in sales for a manufacturer of semiconductors, but also has a Ph.D. in Engineering. In addition to his writing, he also has an interest in psychology.

"My Gay Dream" is an 150-page paperback with a retail price of $21.00. The ISBN is 978-1-4349-0963-3. It was published by Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. For more information, or to request a review copy, please go to our virtual pressroom at www.dorrancepressroom.com or our online bookstore at www.dorrancebookstore.com.

Editor-in-chief of Russia Today Margarita Simonyan on her Sochi gay club experience with Armenian twists & not only

2011-07-14T23:23:00.000+01:00

Margarita Simonyan, the editor of Russia Today, announced on Twitter that she is going to write a column about her experiences in Sochi [Russian seaside resort] gay club. The column is pretty long, with interesting and not only gay related twists, I’d recommend to read. Below is an extract (RU) of the copy of her column that Margarita re-posted on her blog today.
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[...]
-- А я читал, что в Англии Элтона Джона обвенчали с мужиком, -- сообщает Фауст.
-- Что в мире творится! – возмущается дядь Арут.
-- Это не в мире, это в Англии, -- успокаивает его Анжелка.
-- Нет. Не в Англии, -- вдруг мрачнеет Фауст. Опускает голову и беспорядочно чертит ножом по столу. – Я вам должен одну вещь сказать.
            Брат поднимает на нас свои сверкающие черные глаза под сверкающими черными бровями и медленно произносит:
-- В Сочи открыли гей-клуб.
            Пауза. И сразу после нее:
-- Да ну нах??? – хором вопят по-армянски мои родственники и еще человек 20 за соседними столиками, которые с увлечением слушали наш разговор.
-- Открыли, в натуре, гей-клуб! – клянется Фауст. -- Я, правда, сам не верю, я думаю, там в клубе никого нет, а вокруг клуба одни натуралы сидят на корточках, семечки жуют и ждут, когда первый гей появится.
-- Едем туда! – решаю я. Мне же надо веселую колонку писать. А веселее, чем гей-клуб в городе, где каждый второй – Фауст Сирунянц, сложно себе что-то представить.
В общем, несмотря на протесты Фауста и ужас в глазах дядь Арута, решаем ехать. Еще и берем с собой маму – развеяться. Брат тоже едет с нами, потому что кто же нас отпустит одних. Остается отпросить у мужа Анжелку.
Моя подружка бежит от себя много лет. Она родилась Иннокентием Анненским, но в 21 нецелованной вышла замуж, с тех пор рожает детей и варит туршу из фасоли. Муж у нее – бандит. С бычьей шеей и мертвой хваткой – все как положено.
И я должна отпросить у него подругу в гей-клуб.
-- Какой гейклуб-мейклуб я не знаю. Моя жена дома должна сидеть. Зачем она пойдет – чтоб на нее там смотрели все? – говорит, естественно, муж.
-- Ну, брат, -- уговариваю я, -- на нее никто не будет смотреть. Там народ не по этому профилю.
-- Профиль-анфас я не знаю. Твой муж тебя не умеет воспитывать, а моя жена дома должна сидеть, базар окончен.
-- Брат, но ты пойми, ей нужно расслабляться. Это ГЕЙ-КЛУБ! Мы даже если голые придем, никому там не будем нужны!
-- Сказки мне не рассказывай! Гей-клуб она придумала! Откуда в Адлере геи?
-- Ну что ж, ну геи, что такого? Еще Блок говорил, что только влюбленный имеет право…
-- Когда блок говорил, керамзит что делал? Дальше ты что мне скажешь?
            Дальше сказать было нечего. Мы просто напоили Анжелку так, что ей уже было все равно, в какую сторону у мужа кепка. Она выключила телефон и поехала с нами.
            Первый шок случился в такси. Вместо привычного «Рафик послал всех на фиг» кассетник фыркнул на меня женским голосом: «Эппрувал энд дисэппрувал. Одобрение и неодобрение».
-- Английский учу, -- смущенно пояснил пожилой таксист дядь Мигран. – Пахомов сказал, кто английский не выучит, за Мамайку всех переселят. Чтоб не позорили Олимпиаду – так сказал.
[...]
-- Сядь, Анжела, угомонись! – кричу я. Но подруга меня не слышит. Ее несет далеко. Сквозь уроки английского, которые таксист и не думал выключать, до меня доносится непонятно к чему относящийся анжелкин всхлип:
-- Армяне – непобедимые, летающие в космос люди!
            И тут мы, наконец, подъезжаем к клубу. Таксист сидит мрачный и злой. Фауст спрашивает:
-- Ты что, злишься на нас, дядь Мигран? Ну, выпила, женщина, не сильно она там тебе все и прожгла, и ликера разлила не так много.
-- Этот ваш клуб у меня вызывает большой дисэппрувал, -- отрезает таксист и до рубля отсчитывает нам сдачу.
            Дальше железная дверь без опознавательных знаков. На входе женщина – а, может, это был и мужчина – оглядывает Фауста неодобрительно.
-- Молодой человек раньше был в нашем заведении? – строго спрашивает она.
-- Этот-то? Конечно, был! – улыбаюсь я.
-- Сомневаюсь, -- цедит женщина сквозь зубы. Но пропускает. Внутри за столиком уже сидит моя сестра – младшая, продвинутая. Она работает в «Олимпстрое», поэтому в этом клубе бывает часто. Мы заказываем еще выпить.
            А дальше – я не могу это описать! Я только скажу, что мой брат каждые 20 секунд орал: «ААААА!!!!» -- и еще иногда орал: «Мамой клянусь, это жесть!!!!»
            На сцене, тем временем, зажигали трансвестит Вартанчик и его подруга Аза, в миру сбежавший из не скажу какой республики дзюдоист Азамат. В зале истекала слюной пара адлерских бандюков-армян.
-- Мир, труд, май! – кричала со сцены Аза. – Это лучше, чем война, безработица, декабрь!
            И мы не могли с ней не согласиться. Отпев первый номер, сверкая кружевными красными стрингами и безупречной эпиляцией всего, Аза спустилась в народ. Когда она подошла к нашему столику, брат мой, с плечами в полстола, умудрился забиться под диванную подушку. Аза двинулась напрямую к моей сестре.
Вообще в городе моя сестра знаменита тем, что она моя сестра. Но конкретно в этом заведении моя сестра знаменита тем, что у нее четвертый размер груди. Аза подошла к нашему столику, поцеловала сестру и объявила:
-- Пока ты накачаешь такую задницу, как у меня, твои сиськи отвиснут до пуза.
            После чего воткнула гвоздику в мою пепси-колу и вернулась на сцену.
-- Москва есть в зале? – крикнула она.
-- Да!!!
-- Официанты, запомнили, где Москва сидит? А Хоста есть?
-- Да!
-- Ну слава Богу, олигархи все тут, -- сказала Аза и стянула с себя юбку, вызвав оргазмический вопль зала и одинокий обморок Фауста.
            Таких Аз на сцену выходило штук пять или шесть. «Откуда, откуда они все у нас?» -- хрипел Фауст. Друг друга они называли трансухами и, не побоюсь этого слова, хачихами. Одна прочитала то, что сама назвала стихотворением Тютчева «Хачи прилетели».
Дальше девочки тянули на сцену какого-то парня, сидевшего за ВИП-столиком, его с визгом тащила обратно пришедшая с ним девица, и Аза орала:
-- Боишься мужика потерять, води его на дистотеку «Черноморец», фигли ты его сюда привела, натуралка безмозглая?
            Потом на сцену вышла та, кого Аза объявила:
-- Народная артистка Якорной щели и Туапсе Валентина Монро.
Она спела песню «За то, что только раз в году бывает май». Неплохо, кстати, спела. Ее сетчатый лифчик трепетал поверх богатырской груди, и нежно вздымалось жемчужное ожерелье прямо под выбритым кадыком.
Ну и дальше начался совсем ужас. Аза кричала кому-то:
-- Столик, за которым орали «Пидарасы!» -- вам отдельный поцелуй!
На сцене бесновалась полуголая Лайза Минелли, Аза подбадривала: «Давай-давай, Ваенга!», -- и последнее, что я помню, это как подруга моего детства, жена бандита, не целованная до свадьбы мать четверых детей, бросила на сцену гвоздику с криком: «Вартанчик, хочу еще!»
[...]

Hall of Shame: Hraparak - homophobic Armenian daily/tabloid that spreads hate and disinformation

2011-07-12T22:24:00.000+01:00

Here is the latest in a chain of totally misinformed, cheaply hateful articles on disgraced Armenian daily/tabloid - Hraparak, that firmly places it within the Homophobia Hall of Shame.

Boycott this paper. Don't waste your money on virulent hate and pseudo-journalism.

Reports (Epress.am): Armenia Defense Ministry insists no sexual assault incident at Goris military base

2011-07-06T14:40:00.000+01:00

*via Epress.am

Armenian Defense Ministry Insists No Sexual Assault Incident at Goris Military Base

Epress.am received news of an incident that took place in one of the military bases in Goris last week: apparently a high-ranking officer, entering the base, witnessed three soldiers sexually assaulting another soldier.

As a form of punishment, the officer allegedly shot at the feet of the abusers.

Epress.am spoke with senior public relations officer of the Special Investigative Service at the RA Ministry of Defense Meri Sargsyan, who noted that no such incident took place.

“This information is not true,” she said.

"Nkarichner" ('Painters') - short film

2011-07-05T17:54:00.000+01:00

This is too good. I'd say, my discovery of the day. That's why I love social networks - Facebook, Google+...

...and YouTube channel of PurpleSona from Armenia is definitely worth checking. Arty, experimental, exciting.

Favourite British TV show Shameless for Manchester Gay Pride

2011-07-05T12:42:00.000+01:00

One of my favourite British TV shows (there is now US version too) - Shameless - features in this highly entertaining short film, commissioned by Manchester Pride to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the festival which takes place this August Bank Holiday Weekend (Friday 26 - Monday 29 August 2011).

[and to remind, as I posted before] British Armenian Vicken Couligian appointed new chair of trustees at Manchester Pride

Thanks to Vicken for the link to the video and description (below).

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A SHAMELESS 21ST FOR MANCHESTER PRIDE

A short film featuring some of the cast of the hit TV show Shameless has been commissioned by Manchester Pride to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the festival which takes place this August Bank Holiday Weekend.

The film entitled ‘First Time On Canal Street’ follows a boy venturing out on to the famous street to celebrate his 21st birthday. There, he interacts with some of the area’s famous faces, is seen in iconic bars and gets involved with LGBT groups showing the diversity of what the Village has to offer.

The film opens with Ciaran Griffiths (Mickey Maguire) from Shameless, out with his girlfriend and being ‘eyed up’ from the birthday boy. In turn, Mickey finds it flattering and offers advice on where to go on the famous street. With the added ‘Shameless’ involvement and rugby star Ben Cohen, this film captures the fun and diversity of the area, which we will further bring to life at the 21st Manchester Pride later this summer”.

Other Shameless cast members to feature in the film include: Rebecca Atkinson (Karen Maguire), Aaron McCusker (Jamie Maguire), Nicky Evans (Shane Maguire), Sally Carman (Kelly-Anne Maguire), Quasim Akhtar (Chesney Karib), Elliott Tittensor (Carl Gallagher), Alice Barry (Lillian Tyler), Karen Bryson (Avril Powell) and Emmanuel Oghidaro (Jackson Powell).

‘Two alternatives’ for Armenia re Eurovision in Baku? I don’t think so. No ‘music wars’, please

2011-07-04T02:04:00.000+01:00

Why on earth everyone ‘agrees’ that there are 2 alternatives for Armenia re Eurovision representation: either SOAD or Razmik Amyan?! Provided, if Armenia decides positively on participation, which seems likely. Of course, as I mentioned few times in my previous posts, there are still major concerns that Azeri authorities must address before the final decision is made by Eurovision officials and Armenia organisers.

Irrespective of Azerbaijan factor, I would love to see SOAD (System Of A Down) or similar band one day representing Armenia in Eurovision. Yes, I know, it’s not your typical Eurovision-like band, but - for a change - we could try with alternative genres too. Of course, I hope Public TV in Armenia & higher level decision makers understand (or must understand) that there should be no political songs there, well, at least not overtly political. I’d rather see messages of love, peace etc. In fact, Serj Tankian seems to understand this perfectly too. Two years ago, in response to similar speculations re their participation in Eurovision for Armenia, he stated: “A love song would probably do better than political song however".

Also, why suddenly everyone talks of Razmik Amyan as the 'only alternative to SOAD'? Just because he has Karabakh roots, and in Azerbaijan we should present either highly political SOAD or Karabakh-born Razmik Amyan? It’s a music contest, after all, and I sincerely hope that Armenia will not put itself into a ridiculous position of attempting at ‘music wars’ with Azerbaijan.

I am not fan of Razmik Amyan, never was. In my opinion, his music could become digestable only if he refrains (completely!) from that ‘klkloc’ part, although almost all of his songs suffer from that to a varying degree. Besides, his fashion sense and ‘moves’ are highly questionable image/style-wise, and close to ‘rabiz’ style. This will need an urgent image/style/fashion intervention, if his choice is finalised.

Let’s put forward and discuss few singers/bands, and (importantly) songs that they will represent. There should be several factors to take into account in decision making process, and those factors should not involve regional or international politics and place of birth.

Novak Djokovic - new No. 1 in tennis - Wimbledon - in drag and more

2011-07-03T17:00:00.000+01:00

Before the match, I tweeted:

I am torn between my integrity and desires. I love Nadal in a kind of cute/sweet way, but I love Djokovic too, in a kind of rough way ;)))

Now let's remember how cheeky and playful Djokovic can be, especially with another sexy Serbian tennis player, Viktor Troicki, that is.

Warning: video contains serious touchings, and Djokovic in drag ;)

***

*video and pics - via Towleroad

London Pride: Rainbow love

2011-07-03T13:44:00.000+01:00

London Pride: "It's OK to be different"

2011-07-03T13:37:00.001+01:00

London Gay Pride 2011 - in pictures

2011-07-03T13:24:00.001+01:00

For more pictures - see the slideshow below, or visit my Picasa album.

Read also:

London Pride: Rainbow love

London Pride: "It's OK to be different"

“We Love Blue” - Sexy pilots Blue in a surprise appearance at London Gay Pride 2011
***

*Metropolitan police

*prominent British gay rights activist Peter Tatchell and IGLYO

*Muslim LGBT groups

*Amnesty International

*In support of arrested in US Bradley Manning re WikiLeaks-gate

“We Love Blue” - Sexy pilots Blue in a surprise appearance at London Gay Pride 2011

2011-07-02T22:04:00.001+01:00

Surprise appearance of British band Blue (this year representatives of Eurovision) at London Gay Pride... as airline pilots. Always up for such sexy surprises.

Many thanks to my friend Armen for this video. A visual delight! ;)

Relevant:

Hot! UK Eurovision entry - Blue, naked on the cover of Attitude magazine

UK Eurovision entry Blue Royal Wedding themed performance at G-A-Y (Heaven nightclub) in London

"Flying With Pride"

Important message from Eurovision to Baku: Azerbaijan must guarantee freedom of expression and sufficient visa entry [incl. for Armenians]

2011-06-29T21:11:00.001+01:00

“In line with standard requirements that have to be fulfilled to host the Eurovision Song Contest, the government of Azerbaijan has been requested by the EBU to provide guarantees about security during the event, as well as freedom of expression, according to Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights and in line with the case law of the European Court of Human Rights, to all participants, fans, accredited journalists and the individual citizens of the country that access official Eurovision Song Contest premises. The EBU also requested that all accredited individuals and ticket holders shall receive sufficient entrance visa for the required duration. Such guarantees are expected to be given in the weeks to come.” - reads statement published on official Eurovision website.

As Escdaily rightly pointed out, “such words are more than likely to refer to the question of Armenia’s participation, VISA entry requirements, and questions about press freedom in the would-be host country.”

This is extremely important, as Azeri authorities continue discriminating against anyone with Armenian surname, whether Armenian or foreigner, by barring their entrance to the country. Only yesterday, journalist of Armenian origin with Bloomberg was refused entry to Azerbaijan: Bloomberg Photojournalist Diana Markosian Deported from Baku to Istanbul

Photojournalist Diana Markosian on assignment for Bloomberg agency, arrived at Baku airport on Monday night, was detained and then deported to Istanbul on Tuesday evening. According to the Director of the Institute of Reporters’ Freedom and Safety (IRFS) Emin Huseynov, Markosian said that all her documents are in order, but she has been detained because of her Armenian surname. [...]

This is unacceptable in general, and even more so for a country that aims at hosting Eurovision song contest. Not to mention extremely poor record of human rights and gay rights. [more detailed post re latter will follow]

Here is what I tweeted yesterday:

#Eurovision must seriously reconsider #Azerbaijan suitability for hosting the contest unless they guarantee entry & safety of Armenian fans

To host #Eurovision, #Azerbaijan should be scrutinised & pressured to improve #gay rights #humanrights & ensure free entry of #Armenia fans

Side by side (2): Armenian presence at Istanbul Gay Pride

2011-06-27T22:34:00.000+01:00

Second year in a row, there were Armenian language signs/posters during Istanbul Gay Pride march on 26 June. [Read also: Side by side: Turkish and Armenian signs at Istanbul Gay Pride - re similar event last year]

"Եթե ճնշումն ու բռնությունը բարոյական է` մենք անբարոյականներ ենք," գոռում էին նրանք: [Lala Aslikyan]

What this poster says (its meaning) is 'If violence and discrimination are moral, then we are amoral'.

Cute guy, btw ;) See, how amoral I am !!

*picture - via Bianet.

Queering Yerevan reported (with pics) from Istanbul Gay Pride too.

ԵԹԵՐՈՒՄ Է ԵՐԵՎԱՆԸ, ժամը տասնանց է երեսուն րոպե, հաղորդում ենք վերջին լուրերը:

Այսօր, ինչպես հայտնում են մեր թղթակիցները Ստամբուլից, հունիսի քսան վեցին տեղի է ունեցել տարվա գլխավոր իրադարձությունը Թուրքիայում՝ Գեյ շքերթը: Իրենց բողոքն ու գեյ լինելու իրավունքը պաշտպանելու էին դուրս եկել հազարավոր մարդիկ տարբեր սոցիալական խմբերի և սեռական ուղղվածության: Նրանց ձեռքերի պաստառները բազմալեզու էին Թուրքիայի բոլոր փոքրամասնությունների լեզուներով: "Kimsenin namusu olmaya cagiz" («Մենք չենք ուզում լինել այլևս որևէ մեկի նամուսը») բարձրախոսներով վանկարկում էին շուրջ վեց հազար մարդ: "Baski shiddet ahlaksa biz ahlaksiziz" («Եթե ձեր ճնշումներն ու բռնությունը բարոյական են մենք բարոյական չենք»): Այս պահին էլ փողոցներում շարունակվում են վառ ու խառ իրադարձությունները...

And I want to share another cute picture, again, via Bianet.

Armenian all-female punk rock band Pincet heats the things up during Istanbul Gay Pride week

2011-06-27T21:46:00.000+01:00

Girls, you rock!

Pincet had a super-cool headlining gig at one of Istanbul night clubs as part of Istanbul Gay Pride week.

I absolutely loved the type of non formal AM language used by Lala Aslikyan reporting live from Istanbul. Below are selected extracts - sorry, in Armenian only, as only with AM you will get the ‘salt’ of what has been reported :)

Մեր թղթակիցներին հաջողվել է մի կերպ որոշ կադրեր ձեռք բերել երեկվա թույնիկ համերգից: Մինչև տասնվեց տարեկան երեխաներին նայել ԱՌԱՆՑ ծնողների ներկայության: Ծնողներ կողմնորոշվեք: Կյանքն անցնում է, դուք էլ հետը:

Եթերում է Երևանը: Ժամը իննանց է տասնհինգ րոպե: Հաղորդում ենք վերջին լուրերը Ստանբուլից: Գեյ շքերթը շարունակում է թափ հավաքել: Այս պահին Ստամբուլի կենտրոնի Ռադիո լայֆ հայտնի ակումբում փախած համերգ է տալիս Պինցետ խումբը:

Ծոմակն ու Ժենյան երգացնում, պարացնում, խմացնում ու հանվացնում են բոլորին: Ինչպես հաղորդում են մեր թղթակիցները, համերգը շատ թեժ է ընթանում: Նկարահանումներն ու ֆոտոխցիկներն արգելված են: Մուտքը` միայն մաքուր սրտերով ու ժպիտներով:

And few pics of Pincet performance & more. Via Queering Yerevan

***

Pincet after the interview with Armenian newspaper Agos in Istanbul

Armenians march at New York Gay Pride

2011-06-27T20:23:00.000+01:00

*pictures - via Queering Yerevan

...there is also short video.

[here is a picture from last year NYC Pride]

Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey: when family fails children... and “traditional values” - Council of Europe report

2011-06-25T16:12:00.000+01:00

In some member states, being gay or lesbian is viewed as a “betrayal” of national values and unity. Such arguments may be grounded on a specific understanding of the nation or the state which aims to preserve the homogeneity of the nation. For example, an interlocutor from the authorities explained that in Armenia being homosexual is often seen as disloyal to the traditional values of the Armenian people.

“Double discrimination” and violence in the family
The family may be experienced by LGBT persons as an institution of immediate social control. This imposes expectations on the gender roles of boys and girls alike, which can be problematic for LGBT children who do not meet them. NGO representatives in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey stressed the double discrimination facing lesbians and bisexual women in those states. As women, they are expected to marry and have children, and until they do they must come home directly from the workplace and not go out alone. Family honour is an influential concept. [Unzipped: Gay Armenia - with regards to marriage expectations, same applies to men.]

While many LGBT persons meet acceptance and respect in the family, many others may have to hide their sexual orientation from family members because they are afraid of bad repercussions. Systematically collected data on the scale of the problem are unavailable, but NGOs report the following: in France, 16% of LGBT persons reported they had been beaten at home by homophobic family members. Homophobic violence in the family was also reported by lesbian and bisexual women in, among others, Georgia and Azerbaijan.

An NGO report on Azerbaijan in 2009 stated that the “most frank displays of violence against lesbian and bisexual women occur in the home, and include verbal and physical abuse, confinement indoors, compulsion, compulsory marriage” as well as the threat of crimes to avenge family honour. The prevalence of domestic violence against LGBT persons is difficult to assess, but LGBT NGOs described family pressure, harassment, control and, in some cases, violence as invisible or under-reported. More research is needed to identify the level of violence or rejection LGBT people experience in their families. A positive recent development in this regard is the adopted Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, as it will also apply to lesbian, bisexual and transgender women.

In Georgia, NGO research demonstrates that 87% of LGB persons conceal their sexual orientation to their families.

/emphasis mine/

*Read also: Groundbreaking Council of Europe report issues ‘red cards’ to many member states, incl. Armenia, for failing gay rights

Armenia and Turkey: ‘Having gay neighbour’ (survey) - Council of Europe report

2011-06-25T16:03:00.000+01:00

In many Council of Europe member states national surveys have been conducted, with different methodologies, focus and scope. [Unzipped: Gay Armenia - without having detailed description of survey methodologies, it’s difficult to assess how robust, representative and comparable these survey results could be.]

Regarding survey results related to having a gay or lesbian neighbour, a Turkish survey from 2009 showed that 87% of the population did not want to have a gay or lesbian neighbour – the same figure is found in an Armenian survey from 2005.
***
In Georgia 84% of respondents expressed negative attitudes towards homosexuality.

Read also: Groundbreaking Council of Europe report issues ‘red cards’ to many member states, incl. Armenia, for failing gay rights

Police violence against LGBT persons in Azerbaijan - Council of Europe report

2011-06-25T15:57:00.000+01:00

In Azerbaijan during 2009 police raided bars which LGBT persons visit and arrested almost 50 people. Police reportedly held the individuals and threatened to expose their sexual orientation publicly unless they paid a bribe. A film documentary from Azerbaijan in which several people testify about their experiences also points to such incidents of blackmail.

UN treaty bodies and UN special rapporteurs have, in relation to Azerbaijan, the Russian Federation and Turkey, urged these states to end acts of violence and harassment by the police against LGBT persons. In some instances LGBT human rights defenders have been a target of such harassment and violence. The UN Special Representative on the situation of human rights defenders pointed out in 2007 that “In numerous cases ... police or government officials are the alleged perpetrators of violence and threats against defenders of LGBTI rights. In several of these cases ... police officers have, allegedly, beaten up or even sexually abused these defenders of LGBTI rights.” The Special Representative reminded states of their responsibility for protecting defenders against violence and threats.

*Read also: Groundbreaking Council of Europe report issues ‘red cards’ to many member states, incl. Armenia, for failing gay rights