Armenian parents who support their LGBT children after coming out

I wish one day we will have similar to Istanbul’s LISTAG (Families of LGBT in Istanbul) organisation in Armenia and Diaspora, and we will see parents of LGBT Armenians publicly sharing their personal stories, challenging prevalent homophobic status quo and providing support to family and friends of other LGBT individuals.

In the meantime, great to read about Armenian parents who support their children after coming out. I want to hear and read more such stories which will help and inspire others.

This line sums up the situation perfectly: “It was not Ara’s sexual orientation that his mother was concerned about when he came out to her at the age of 21, but rather the very homophobic society they lived in.” […] Says Ara's mother: “support is the biggest gift a parent can give to their child.”

Արայի մայրն իմանալով, որ որդին գեյ է անհանգստացել էր ոչ թե որդու սեռական կողմնորոշումից, այլ որ զավակն ապրում է չափազանց հոմոֆոբ հասարակությունում, ինչը կարող է վնասել իր տղային: «Աջակցել, աջակցել, աջակցել, աջակցել, աջակցել, աջակցել»,- ասում է Արայի մայրը, -«աջակցությունն ամենամեծ նվերն է, որ ծնողը կարող է տալ իր երեխային»:

Read stories of David, Diana and Ara and their accepting parents in As You magazine (Armenian, English):

Armenia: video against anti-LGBT bullying in schools - Words hurt | Բառերը խոցում են

Video against anti-LGBT bullying in Armenia schools prepared by Teen Liars and PINK Armenia. Extremely important topic. Happy to see that Teen Liars and PINK Armenia work closely to raise the issue and (hopefully) subsequently tackle it.

Anti-LGBT bullying, stigmatizing and harassment in schools can have heavy consequences.
Ուսումնական հաստատություններում ԼԳԲՏ անձանց պիտակավորումը, ծաղրանքը, ճնշումներ գործադրելն առաջացնում է ծանր հետևանքներ:

 

"Speak up!": PINK Armenia’s anti-bullying message to mark Day of Silence

On the occasion of Day of Silence, PINK Armenia hold a press conference where they outlined the problem of bullying in Armenia’s educational institutions in particular, starting with anti-LGBT bullying and with other instances of bullying too.

Says Nvard Margaryan of PINK Armenia: “In various countries of the world, starting from 1996, the third Friday of April is celebrated as The Day of Silence. The main purpose of The Day of Silence is to focus public attention on discrimination and degrading treatment against LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) people and other social groups throughout educational institutions. Moreover, this day is meant to eliminate and prevent such phenomena in an effort to establish safer educational institutions for everyone, regardless of students’ sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnic origins, religion, appearance, social and other personal characteristics”.
Then she presented cases and personal stories, which were collected by PINK's staff members.

Here is a fragment of the press conference (AM) detailing cases of anti-LGBT and other bullying in Armenia.



And below is a video “Speak up” (AM with English subtitles), released by PINK Armenia, with real life stories and an important message to convey.

Underage "fascists" employed for psychological terror towards DIY bar in Yerevan

Underage "fascists" are being employed for psychological terror towards DIY bar, owners and friends.

In the immediate aftermath of arson attack on DIY bar, it became a frequent sight to see group of underage guys hanging out outside the DIY, making hateful remarks, spitting on people, and attacking the venue, its owners and friends.

In this video, made today, two teenagers confessed that they are "fascists", that it was them who burned anti-fascist posters in DIY on 15 May. [They, however, indicated that they had nothing to do with the main firebombing attack]

In an interview with ARF Dashnaktsutyun affiliated Yerkir Media TV station, these underage "fascists" mentioned that they started targeting DIY after the report by Yerkir Media on DIY owner Tsomak participation in Istanbul Gay Pride. Interestingly, Yerkir Media didn't air this interview tonight.

It is obvious - in the video too - that these guys are being used by others. However, it is deplorable to see that teenagers may so easily and proudly confess that they are "fascists", confess that they attack others.

 

#госдеп2 - Russian TV programme by Ksenia Sobchak on motives of scandalous homophobic law in St Petersburg

Highly recommend watching #госдеп2 Russian TV programme with Ksenia Sobchak [Ксения Собчак] re homophobic law in St Petersburg. My personal favourite - among guests of the programme - was sexologist Sergei Agarkov. He did not speak much, but whatever he said was spot on. Armenian sexologists & co, especially the ones who became media 'stars', as of lately, should take a note of their colleague's answers.

And here is what journalist Olga Bakushinskaya said re motives of such laws and stirring up hatred and homophobia in Russian (and not only!) society: "... потому что людьми которые полны ненависти легче управлять" [...because it’s easier to rule over /manipulate with people who are full of hatred]. Quote of The Day, indeed.

More on this topic:

Gazeta.ru editorial: "Traditional orientation" (RU)

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

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

Gazeta.ru editorial: "Traditional orientation" (RU)

Now that this shameful and scandalous anti-gay law has been adopted in its third reading in St Petersburg and awaiting a formality of governor's approval, this editorial by popular Russian news outlet Gazeta.ru is an absolute MUST READ: "Traditional orientation" (RU).

I am re-posting it below in full.

For more relevant postings, see:

#госдеп2 - Russian TV programme by Ksenia Sobchak on motives of scandalous homophobic law in St Petersburg

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

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

29 February 2012

Традиционная ориентация

Закон о запрете пропаганды гомосексуализма среди несовершеннолетних может стать еще одной дубиной для борьбы с инакомыслием

Российское государство ориентировано на запрет как на лучший, а часто единственный способ решения всех проблем. Но такая традиция только раскалывает общество и увеличивает его агрессивность.

Законодательное собрание Санкт-Петербурга в третьем чтении одобрило скандальные поправки в местный закон об административных правонарушениях, направленные «против пропаганды гомосексуализма и педофилии среди несовершеннолетних». Впервые со времен отмены существовавшей в советском Уголовном кодексе статьи за мужеложство (по ней были осуждены многие неугодные советской власти люди, в частности, замечательный режиссер и художник Сергей Параджанов) пока в отдельно взятом регионе государство пытается законодательно регулировать сексуальную жизнь граждан. То есть прямо вмешиваться в их частную жизнь без объективных на то оснований. При этом формулировки закона крайне расплывчаты и допускают расширительное толкование. И то, что в одном законе смешивается гомосексуализм и преследуемая уголовным законом педофилия, делает питерский законодательный опус еще более невнятным.

Этот запрет, учитывая роль Петербурга в политической жизни страны и раскладе сил во власти, может расцениваться как пробный шар перед возможным принятием аналогичного закона на федеральном уровне.

Но, даже если до федерального закона дело не дойдет, мы имеем дело с классической для России попыткой решить простым запретом крайне сложную проблему. Никакая сексуальная ориентация человека, что признано медициной и принято как базовая норма общественной морали в цивилизованном мире, не является болезнью или отклонением.

Конечно, главные традиционные религии России — православие и ислам — изначально резко отрицательно относятся к гомосексуализму. Но Россия светское государство и не может опираться в светских законах на религиозные доктрины и нормы. Кроме того, сексуальные отношения вообще глубоко интимная сфера, и государство такими запретами прямо вмешивается в частную жизнь людей.

Наконец, есть конкретные уголовные статьи, предусматривающие наказание за сексуальные преступления против несовершеннолетних независимо от сексуальной ориентации правонарушителя. И этого вполне достаточно, чтобы бороться с подобными преступлениями.
Напротив, юридический запрет «пропаганды» так называемых нетрадиционных сексуальных практик больше похож на характерные для нашего государства попытки запрещать инакомыслие.

Разумеется, пока в России нет никаких политических шансов требовать официальной регистрации однополых браков или, как это уже юридически разрешено в некоторых штатах США и ряде европейских стран, права однополым семьям усыновлять детей. Но пытаться регулировать законом, да еще запретительным, написанным с позиции определенных представлений о нравственности, то, что в принципе не регулируется таким образом, что имеет отношение к человеческой природе, просто дико. Фактически определенная сексуальная ориентация людей изначально объявляется преступной.

Более того, закон ставит в тяжелое положение именно тех, кого вроде хочет защитить, — детей. Ребенок, живущий в однополой семье, автоматически переходит на «нелегальное» положение. Ни его родители, ни его учителя, ни сам ребенок не могут даже затрагивать эту тему в разговоре с другими детьми, не рискуя попасть под действие закона. Толерантность к другим, не похожим на тебя цветом волос, языком, религией, образом жизни людям, взывать к которой так любят у нас в официальных речах, заканчивается там, где начинается питерский закон.

Еще большие сомнения он вызывает не только своим «концептуальным» варварством, но и правоприменительной практикой. В России любой закон, содержащий запретительные меры, обычно не выполняется, а «перевыполняется».
И закон о запрете пропаганды гомосексуализма среди несовершеннолетних может стать еще одной дубиной для борьбы с инакомыслием, особенно учитывая, что ЛГБТ-сообщество традиционно граждански активно и критически настроено по отношению к власти (в основном потому, что, по сути, загнано на нелегальное положение исторически культивируемой властью гомофобией).

И блестящий пример того, как этот закон может быть применен на практике, немедленно предложил его автор, депутат Виталий Милонов. Он заявил о намерении обратиться к прокурору Петербурга с требованием привлечь к ответственности группу Rammstein, как только проект будет подписан губернатором.

Нет сомнений, что петербургский закон окажется популярным и в самом городе, и среди россиян в целом. Но государство не должно поощрять законами низменные инстинкты консервативной толпы: в этом смысле агрессивная гомофобия куда более опасна, в том числе и для несовершеннолетних, чем так называемая пропаганда гомосексуализма.

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

“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.”

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

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

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

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.

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

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)

(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”?

Armenia - ‘gay surrogacy paradise’ (report)

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.

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

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 beyond: Heteronormativity in education and teaching materials - Council of Europe report

In a significant number of member states, including Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Poland, the Russian Federation, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, “the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia” and Turkey, NGOs report that schools do not provide any information about homosexuality or if so only biased, incorrect information. Such schoolbooks and teaching materials tend to present incorrect information not reflecting the WHO de-classification of homosexuality. In Moldova, for instance, according to NGO reports, at the Medical University homosexuality is taught as a disease from text books written when it was still criminalised.

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

PINK Armenia and activists: "Prejudice and discrimination made us silent today" - Day of Silence 2011

15 April 2011 - Day of Silence

*source: PINK Armenia

The Day of Silence is an event that brings attention to anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment in schools. Students from middle school to college take some form of a vow of silence in an effort to encourage schools and classmates to address the problem of anti-LGBT behavior. The event is designed to illustrate the silencing effect of this bullying and harassment on LGBT students and those perceived to be LGBT.

As a way of supporting the idea and those that are harassed in Armenia, we will undertake certain actions:

We apologize, but we won’t be available for the world on April 15: we will not respond to emails, phone calls, we will not have any activities and will not provide any direct service. On April 15, we will keep silence for...

Next day silence will be broken by launching our new e-mag “AS YOU”! [ԻՆՉՊԵՍ ԴՈՒ]
***
[emphasis mine]

Relevant reading: Call to Armenian media. Do the right thing. Write about the Day of Silence - 15 April 2011. Raise your voice against bullying and harassment of LGBT youth

Call to Armenian media. Do the right thing. Write about the Day of Silence - 15 April 2011. Raise your voice against bullying and harassment of LGBT youth

The Day of Silence is the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network's (GLSEN) annual day of action to protest the bullying and harassment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students and their supporters. Students take a day-long vow of silence to symbolically represent the silencing of LGBT students and their supporters. The Day of Silence has been held each year in April since 1996. The 2010 Day of Silence was held on April 16; this year's will be on April 15. (Wikipedia)
***
www.dayofsilence.org
***
"Մեր լրագրողներն էլ կարող են հանգստանալ ու իրոք թեմային հարիր սրտացավ նյութեր գրել, հո միայն սկանդալներով չի՞ կարելի կերակրել հանրությանը, ամենքս մի բարի, սիրուն բան գրենք էդ օրը մեր հասարակության խոցելի մասը կազմող քաղաքացիների նկատմամբ տոլերանտությունը բարձրացնելու համար: Բոլորս էլ մարդ ենք:"

I second Lusine Vayachyan’s call in the article published on the Armenian Version today (AM).

«Լռության օրը» ապրիլի 15-ին է

Անցյալ տարի ապրիլի 16-ը միաժամանակ և ՀՀ ոստիկանի օրն էր, և աշխարհի քաղաքակիրթ հանրության կողմից նշվող այսպես կոչված Լռության օրն է` ընդդեմ սեռական խտրականության և բռնության:

Այդ օրը, որը լողացող է, ֆիքսված օր չի, ամեն տարի մի շարք երկրներում Լռության Համազգային Օր է, այդ օրն ամբողջ երկրով մեկ լռության ծոմ են պահում, լռության երթեր անցկացնում, որպեսզի ուշադրություն հրավիրեն ոչ տրադիցիոն սեռական կողմնորոշվածություն ունեցող մարդկանց դպրոցներում ու համալսարաններում ու ընդհանրապես առօրյա կյանքում վիրավորանքների, ծաղրանքի ենթարկելուն ու հետապնդմանն ու բռնությանը:

«Հարգելի լրագրողներ, ձեր հորդորներից և մի քիչ էլ անիմաստ կասկածներից հետո ես հանձնարարել եմ տարբեր ինտերնետային կայքերը ուսումնասիրել: Մեր ուսումնասիրությունները ցույց տվեցին, որ ապրիլի 16-ը որևէ երկրում որևէ հիշյալ տիպի կազմակերպության հետ երբևէ չի առնչվել: Չգիտեմ՝ դա ում հիվանդ ֆանտազիայի արդյունքն է եղել տարիներ առաջ, ով է որոշել, որ ապրիլի 16-ը կարող է այդպիսի խորհուրդ ունենալ: Ապրիլի 16-ին Ոստիկանության մասին ՀՀ օրենքն է ընդունվել:

Դեռ երեք ամիս առաջ ես նպատակադրվել էի, որ ոստիկանության օրը նշենք ապրիլի 19-ին, նույնիսկ զեկուցել էի նախագահին, խնդրել էի թույլտվություն, որ անցկացվի 19-ին: Բայց նախագահը խնդրեց մեկ անգամ էլ ստուգել: Հերթական ուսումնասիրության արդյունքում էլ մենք նման երևույթ չարձանգրեցինք»,- ասել է երեկ Ալիկ Սարգսյանը (1in.am):

Ալիկ Սարգսյանի հանձնարարականը կատարելիս ճիշտ են զեկուցել`իրոք, այս տարի Լռության Օրն ամբողջ աշխարհում նշվում է ապրիլի 15-ին, էնպես որ, մեր ոստիկանները կարող են հանգիստ անցկացնել իրենց պառադը ապրիլի 16-ին, նախօրեին լռությամբ միանալով այլաճնշման դեմ պայքարին:

Մեր լրագրողներն էլ կարող են հանգստանալ ու իրոք թեմային հարիր սրտացավ նյութեր գրել, հո միայն սկանդալներով չի՞ կարելի կերակրել հանրությանը, ամենքս մի բարի, սիրուն բան գրենք էդ օրը մեր հասարակության խոցելի մասը կազմող քաղաքացիների նկատմամբ տոլերանտությունը բարձրացնելու համար: Բոլորս էլ մարդ ենք:

Լուսինե Վայաչյան

Video blogging from the top of Cascade in Yerevan: PINK’s volunteer on LGBT parenting

Joel Wiklund is from Sweden and currently volunteering for PINK Armenia. On Twitter he describes himself as an “Actor. Living in Stockholm/Paris/Yerevan. Social-liberal Socialdemocrat. Feminist and LGBT-activist.”

And now his first video message from Yerevan, on LGBT parenting (!) From the top of Cascade. Look forward to more, Joel.

On 1 December 2010, Kim Kardashian WILL DIE

No, the reality vixen isn't actually dead, but Kim Kardashian and several other stars are quitting Twitter and Facebook until $1 million is raised for the charity Keep a Child Alive, which supports AIDS-stricken children around the world.

The organization released a group of ads displaying Kardashian and other celebrities in a coffin, claiming their "digital life" could be restored only when they hit the target of $ 1 million.

Lady Gaga, Serena Williams, and several other stars will join the foundation's ambassador Alicia Keys in supporting the effort in light of World AIDS Day. Supporters can visit BuyLife.org or text "Kim" or other stars' names to 90999 to buy their digital lives back.

*source: HIVPlusMag.com

Keep a Child Alive

Buy Life

Can gay couples adopt children in Armenia?

To put it briefly, legally - yes, in practice - no.

Very interesting discussion during the roundtable on trafficking and adoption in Armenia. In response to the question on possibilities for gay couples to adopt children in Armenia, adoption official Yelena Hayrapetyan clarified that legally there are no obstacles for gay couples to adopt children, as Armenia does not want to contradict European norms on human rights. However, there is an “internal agreement” that gay couples will not be allowed to adopt so that “to preserve national values”

Իմ հարցին, թե ի՞նչ չափանիշներով են առաջնորդվում որդեգրողին նախապատվություն տալու հարցում, տիկին Հայրապետյանն ասաց, որ հաշվի է առնվում ամեն ինչ՝ սկսած նյութական-սոցիալական վիճակից, մինչև փսիխո-հոգեբանականը: Իսկ սեռական փոքրամասնություն կազմող մեր հայրենակիցներն ընդհանրապես կարող են չդիմել որդեգրելու համար. «Չնայած մեր օրենսդրությամբ դա չի մերժվում, քանի որ եվրաինտեգրման գործընթացը պահանջում է մարդու իրավունքները ՀՀ-ում համապատասխանեցնել միջազգային նորմերին, սակայն կա ներքին պայմանավորվածություն, ըստ որի՝ նույնասեռական քաղաքացու որդեգրման խնդրանքը մերժում են, ելնելով ազգային արժեքների պահպանումից»:

Փաստորեն, եվրոպաների առջև քաղաքակիրթ ենք խաղում, իսկ մարդիկ, ովքեր կցանկանային ծնողներ լինել, մերժվում են միայն սեռական կողմնորոշման պատճառով:

Ազգային անվտանգության մակարդակի հասցված, պետական մակարդակով «ներքին պայմանվորվածությամբ» անհադուրժողականությունը պատիվ չի բերում երկրին։

This is not surprising and a clear reflection of the widespread tactics employed by officials in Armenia: in papers, Armenia follows all human rights and anti-discrimination directives. But the reality is far from what papers may suggest.

However, I am glad that this question was raised and discussed, perhaps for the first time in Armenia on such a level.

There is one number presented during the roundtable that surprised me a lot. As per official’s data, there are only 70 orphans in Armenia who are eligible for the adoption. So few?

Այսօր մենք ունենք շուրջ 200 ՀՀ քաղաքացի, ովքեր ուզում են երեխա որդեգրել: Իսկ որդեգրման՝ առանց ծնողական խնամքի մնացած երեխաները 70-ն են, որոնցից միայն 15-ն են առողջ, նրանց մեծ մասը 10 տարեկանից մեծ են, որը ևս դժվարացնում է նրանց տեղավորման ամենանախապատվելի ձևը՝ որդեգրումը հայրենիքում: Հիվանդ երեխաներին հաճույքով որդեգրում են արտերկրացիները (որոնց մեծ մասը նույնպես ազգությամբ հայ են), եթե նրանց երկրներում կա այդ երեխաներին բուժելու հնարավորություն:

Profile of president Obama’s Armenian classmate Mark Momjian - highly respected lawyer, champion of LGBT civil rights

The Armenian Mirror-Spectator published a profile of well known Armenian American lawyer Mark Albert Momjian who is a highly regarded authority in the field of family law and was involved in a number of high-profile cases.

To my pleasant surprise, I discovered that he was prominently involved in a legal defence of LGBT civil rights in the US too.

I do not know the full details of those LGBT related cases, but the outline of activities and distinctions looks impressive, indeed.

He is also involved in Armenian community affairs and visited Armenia with his wife and two sons.

Among his distinctions:
Recipient of the 2005 Pro Bono Service Award by the Center for Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights, presented for significant efforts to achieve equality by the LGBT community of Pennsylvania.

Recipient of the 2004 Cheryl Ingram Advocate for Justice Award, presented by the Philadelphia Bar Association Committee on the Legal Rights of Lesbians and Gay Men, in recognition of extraordinary contributions in promoting civil rights.

Honored as the 2002 Pro Bono Attorney of the Year by the Center for Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights, given in recognition of dedicated efforts in defending the civil rights of the LGBT community.

Among his community activities:
First Chair, Rainbow Endowment, a nonprofit corporation distributing funds generated by the Rainbow Card, an affinity credit card promoted by tennis legend, Martina Navratilova and supporting projects of national scope in the areas of HIV-AIDS prevention and women’s health care.

Co-Chair, Armenian Church Earthquake Fund, which raised more than one-half million dollars to aid homeless survivors of the 1988 Armenian earthquake.
***
Below is a brief extract from the article published on The Armenian Mirror-Spectator:

[...] After graduating from Columbia College (where he was a classmate of President Barack Obama) and the Columbia University School of Law, Mark Momjian worked for more than 25 years with his father, primarily in the large Philadelphia law firm of Schnader Harrison Segal and Lewis, before starting a specialized family law firm named Momjian Anderer this year. Momjian has written more than 50 articles on family law topics for many legal journals, and he also co-authored with his father the reference work Pennsylvania Family Law Annotated (Thomson/West), now in its ninth edition. [...]

He handled an important case involving civil rights for the Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LBGT) community in 2002 before the Pennsylvania Superior Court (an intermediate appellate). Momjian explained, “This was the first case in the US that imputed a child support obligation on a former domestic partner. The biological parent successfully sued her former partner for child support, even though the former partner had never adopted the child.”

Momjian is particularly interested in the intersection between family law and biotechnology — different methods of reproduction, gestational surrogacy, DNA distribution and frozen embryos. With modern technology, family law is a rapidly changing field. Momjian lectures nationally on these and other issues of family law, and teaches at area law schools in Philadelphia. He is also an adjunct faculty member at Drexel University’s College of Medicine, teaching mental health law.

His public service work focuses on problems facing non-traditional families, as well as victims of abuse and domestic violence. He is a member of the board of directors of both the Homeless Advocacy Project and Philadelphia VIP (an organization working for equal justice for the poor). [...]

*picture - via The Armenian Mirror-Spectator

'Pope Art', Soho, London

*Read also: Pope's visit to the UK: Sinéad O'Connor and "Protest the Pope"