NEFUIL: new initiative by Armenian LGBT activist

NEFUIL is an initiative by one of Armenia's well known LGBT activists, Sevak Kirakosyan. It's an acronym that stands for "Nest For Understanding And Improving Life".

Unzipped: Gay Armenia asked Sevak to describe the initiative:

"It all started with struggling to understand my own sexuality. Later I felt like as if I transcended many borders along the way and it all culminates with the foundation of NEFUIL."

For the past 5+ years Sevak has volunteered for LGBT rights and other causes. He used to work and still volunteering with PINK Armenia, the country's leading LGBT rights group, being targeted, along with fellow activists, by various conservative, homophobic elements. Currently he is part of a new NGO to address rights of transgender people in Armenia - Right Side NGO.

The website of NEFUIL (very basic, as of now) has only three offerings so far, and two of them LGBT related.

A short oeuvre, in Armenian, entitled "Holy and Filthy: Homosexuality and Transgenderness in World Religions” reflects how various religions treat homosexuality and gender identity across time and cultures. Sevak stresses that 50% of the income from this sale will be invested back into a new initiative to support LGBT movement and empower LGBT+ individuals in Armenia: ”Most probably we'll make a new fund for supporting LGBT+ individuals thrive".

The other bilingual article (available in English and Armenian) is entitled "LGBT in USSR, ASSR & III RA” [“ԼԳԲՏ Պատմություն. ԽՍՀՄ և Հայաստան”] and “unearths unique stories from USSR, Soviet and modern Armenia, some of which were never told before.”

Says Sevak: ”We hope to establish physical "nests" around Armenia and later in the region to help transform Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict and bring more peace and harmony into the region and the world."

If you find this initiative interesting and wish to support, here is their website: https://nefuil.myshopify.com. You can contact Sevak on Facebook.

US country musician Steve Grand with Armenian flag during EuroPride in Riga

It was a pretty historic event - the EuroPride that took place in Riga on 20 June. Latvia is currently hosting the EU presidency, and this was the first EuroPride in the ex-Soviet state.

However, Latvia has yet lots to do in order to embrace fully human rights for all. According to ILGA-Europe press release:

…the country is on a cross road between embracing the fundamental principles of the European Union and advancing the human rights of LGBTI people or slipping back into the past and mirroring by its eastern neighbours and introducing discriminatory and oppressive laws.

Just yesterday, the Latvian Parliament adopted a change in education law which prescribes ‘constitutional morality education’ to schoolchildren to ensure children are educated in line with the constitutional definition of marriage as union between a man and a woman. In effect such legislative change mirrors the infamous Russian law banning ’gay propaganda’ to minors. On the other hand, Latvia is in the midst of a very lively and positive debate of a gender neutral cohabitation law which is being championed by some mainstream politicians and gaining wider public support.

Moreover, as per ILGA-Europe Rainbow Europe Index, “Latvia has the lowest score among the EU Member States in terms of laws and policies affecting LGBTI people – only 18% equality achieved”.

One of the biggest flags one could spot during the EuroPride held in Riga was our Armenian tricolour.

And it’s great to see popular and pretty hot openly gay US country musician Steve Grand in Riga’s Euro Pride with Armenian flag

Re Steve Grand: “He became an overnight internet celebrity and was acclaimed by some to be the first openly gay male country musician to attract mainstream attention in the United States. The music video of his first hit "All-American Boy" went viral on YouTube in less than a week in July 2013.” (more on Wiki)

And below is a pic with rainbow flag that Steve Grand posted on his Instagram with the following comment: “#EuroPride in #Riga, #Latvia #USEmbassy It is an important time to be here for #pride. Grateful to be a part of the effort to further #equality in this part of the world”

Positive representation of gay people on Russian TV - Физика или Химия

Browsing YouTube, I accidentally came across this Russian TV series Физика или Химия [Physics or Chemistry]. It’s a Russian adaptation of original Spanish TV series Física o Química.

I watched only one episode - therefore I cannot reflect the whole series - but was struck by positive, away from cliché, representation of gay people on Russian TV. So many aspects of it were done so good, including the choice of characters, relationships with friends, coming out, parents’ reaction...



This could have been a textbook example of how media should portray LGBT people, especially in countries where homophobia is very high and there is big gap and lack in education on matters of sexuality and gender identity. And what is even more important, that the series are based in a high school setting in Moscow, raising important youth relevant issues.

Unfortunately, there was only 1 season produced and shown on Russian CTC TV channel in 2011, and, of course, considering the subsequent developments in Russia, where homophobia elevated to the state level by the so called gay propaganda laws and other examples of intolerance, you will unlikely to see anything similar in the near future.

It's a big shame that country with such a great intellectual and cultural potential to champion diversity, equality, acceptance within post-Soviet space and beyond, instead turned into an epitome of intolerance and homophobia.

Tbilisi: "Combating Hate Crimes in Georgia" (LGBT advocacy video project)

Combating Hate Crimes in Georgia from New Media Advocacy Project on Vimeo.

"The history of LGBT human rights in the Caucasus is a sordid one: homosexuality was a crime in the former Soviet Union, and remains so today in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. In contrast, the Republic of Georgia remains one of the few post-soviet States that legally prohibits discrimination against LGBT people; however, legal protection does not defend Georgians against the violence directed toward this marginalized group. The country’s entrenched homophobia surfaced last year when a group of conservative Ultra-orthodox supporters assaulted gay rights activists at a rally in the capital city of Tbilisi. Unfortunately, instances of targeted violence extend far beyond the events of May 17, 2013. One in three LGBT people were physically assaulted in the Republic of Georgia between 2011-2012 – a statistic that only measures the small group of people who are active in the LGTB community in Tbilisi. N-Map partnered with Identoba to produce a short film with a specific advocacy goal: to empower the Georgian LGBT community by encouraging them to demand accountability for hate crimes and become a part of the growing LGBT movement in Georgia."

Notorious “burn gay hearts” Putin propagandist Kiselev established club in Armenia capital

Reports surfaced today that notorious Kremlin propagandist Dmitry Kiselev established "Griboedov" club in Armenia capital
. The aim of this so called club is to ‘exchange opinions’ between Armenians and Russians and promote ‘integration processes’. Well, we all know what it means.

Meetings are closed, reportedly at elite restaurants, over expensive meals.

Says Kiselev about gays: "They should be banned from donating blood and sperm, and if they are killed in a car crash their hearts should be buried in the ground or burnt as unfit for helping to prolong anyone's life."

Among listed local members of “Griboedov” club are at least one closeted gay Armenian and homophobic head of Radio Van station Shushanik Arevshatyan (example), along with some other odious personas.

«Հայկական ժամանակ»  թերթը գրում է. «Տեւական ժամանակ է, Երեւանում կիսագաղտնիության քողի տակ գործում է «Գրիբոյեդով» ակումբը, որի հիմնադիրը Կրեմլի քաղաքականության քարոզչության թիվ 1 հրապարակային դեմքն է՝ հայտնի հեռուստամեկնաբան Դմիտրի Կիսելյովը։ «Գրիբոյեդով» ակումբի հավաքները տեղի են ունենում ամիսը մեկ անգամ, երեւանյան տարբեր էլիտար ռեստորաններում, որոնք հավաքների ժամանակ փակվում են։ Այդ հավաքներին մասնակցելու համար ամեն ամիս Հայաստան է ժամանում անձամբ Դմիտրի Կիսելյովը, ով էլ յուրաքանչյուր անգամ մեծ-մեծ հաշիվներ է փակում էլիտար այդ ռեստորաններում ակումբի մասնակիցների ընթրիքից հետո։ Ընթրիքներն ընթանում են հարցուպատասխանի ֆորմատով, տեղացիների հարցերին պատասխանում են ՌԴ-ից հրավիրված հյուրերը, որոնք փոփոխվում են։  Հայաստանի քաղաքագետների միության նախագահ Հմայակ Հովհաննիսյանը, ով ի թիվս մի շարք այլ հայ հանրային դեմքերի, «Գրիբոյեդովի» անդամ է եւ մասնակցում է Կիսելյովի կազմակերպած հավաքներին, երեկ պատասխանել է «Գրիբոյեդով» ակումբի վերաբերյալ մեր թղթակցի հարցերին՝ հաստատելով մեր տեղեկությունները.
[…]
Հայաստանից ովքե՞ր են «Գրիբոյեդով» ակումբի անդամները:  Վազգեն Մանուկյանն է, Արմեն Մազմանյանն էր, Տիգրան Լիլոյանը՝ ԻՏԱՌ-ՏԱՍՍ-ի, էդվարդ Սանդոյանը, Կարինե Գեւորգյանը, ով աշխատում է Մոսկվայի Արեւելագիտության ինստիտուտում, ՆԱՏՕ-ի գրասենյակի ղեկավար Արա Թադեւոսյանը՝ «Մեդիամաքս», Շուշանիկ Արեւշատյանը, Եգոր Գլումովը, Շուշան Պետրոսյանը։

"We are pretty intolerant" - unpleasant but unsurprising stats from Armenia

Unpleasant but unsurprising stats that prevent Armenia moving forward.

"We are pretty intolerant"

 

*video via CivilNet.

Read also: Attitudes towards Homosexuality in the South Caucasus (CRRC - Caucasus Research Resource Centres)

Soviet prisoners: criminal tattoo as "secret code language"

I posted about Russian Criminal Tattoo encyclopaedia and related small exhibit of photographs "Bodies As Text" in London.

The photo above I spotted recently in Saatchi gallery (London) as part of broader exhibit of Russian (ex-Soviet) art.

More about the author Sergei Vasiliev here: "Taken between 1989 and 1993, Sergei Vasiliev’s photographs of Soviet prisoners document the secret code language of criminals in the USSR, evidence of a gritty spirit of picaresque resistance within a violently repressive culture."

#funnysad : “No Cross-Dressing Comedians Please, We're Azerbaijani”

Even in the former Soviet Union cross-dressing for comical purposes, comedy sketches was considered pretty acceptable and widely used.

In independent Azerbaijan, like in other post-Soviet states, including Armenia, cross-dressing is still used by some of the most popular comedians, actors, performers.

RFE/RL report suggests, however, that at least for one Azeri MP & co this is no longer considered as ‘funny’ (regardless of the context) .

Dressing up as women is something of a stock in trade for Azerbaijani comedians Rafael and Cosqun. But the double act has run into trouble over an advertisement for a major mobile-phone operator in which the two men don blond and brunette wigs twinned with white and black dresses. The advertisement for Azercell appeared on billboards across Baku and on television. [...] But not everyone was amused. Parliament member Fazil Mustafa sharply criticized the actors' cross-dressing, labeling it as contradictory to the Azerbaijani mentality, and last month called on the Baku City Executive Office to take down the billboards.

*picture via RFE/RL

If I understood right from this Wikipedia article (AZ), he is a member of parliamentary human rights committee (! - not that I have any illusion re what ‘human rights’ committee in Azeri parliament could possibly represent) and member of the Azerbaijani delegation to PACE. He is also a member of the “Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe” (no comment, indeed). 

I suppose, as long as cross-dressing appeared as part of parody or comedy sketch shows, it was considered for him & co as something of an ‘entertainment only’, 'safe', something to laugh-off. But seeing this on billboards, up-your-face, or as part of ads entering into daily life (routine!) signalled some kind of ‘threat to masculinity’ and apparently 'national mentality'.

I like the mobile phone company response: “The company has investigated and established that there are no laws that would forbid male actors in women's clothing from promoting a company. The 'Azercell' advertisement contained no embarrassing elements and nothing that would cause psychological stress or spoil people's moral atmosphere."

Truly, a comedy. #funnysad

The ads were since halted and billboards taken down, reports RFE/RL.



*Thanks to O.K. for the link.

Vladimir Shakhidjanyan: "Is it possible to understand homosexuality?"

Interesting way of "explaining" homosexuality and why gay people should be accepted as equals by society by prominent Russian psychologist of Armenian origin Vladimir Shakhidjanyan.

Just one quote here (RU):

Какая разница, какой ты - голубой, розовый, зелененький, красненький, светленький. Любые цвета хороши, кроме коричневых (коричневый - это фашизм, это скверно), а всё остальное допустимо.

For the rest, watch the video (RU). He questions: "Is it possible to understand homosexuality?" by addressing some of the common prejudices still prevalent in Russia and other ex-Soviet states.


*thanks to K. for the link to the video

'We are the champions'... 'Homophobia Olympics' gold medal that Armenia should be ashamed of...

The highest level prize - gold medal - that Armenia should be ashamed of...

Earlier, Amnesty International expressed its shock by official Yerevan reaction following firebombing of alternative, gay-friendly DIY bar.

I'd love to see this Olympics becoming a regular annual feature for the Amnesty. Smart idea.
***

Homophobia Olympics in the Former Soviet Union

By Simon Maghakyan

The Amnesty International USA Blog

In the sporting world, countries from the former Soviet Union are used to winning medals. But in terms of gay rights, the only accolades these countries are winning are the wrong ones.

Short of outright criminalizing homosexuality as was the norm during Soviet times, Russia and most of its former satellite states are increasingly violating lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) rights. If a 2012 Eurasia Homophobia Olympics were held today, the “winning” countries trampling on the human rights of LGBTI people would be as follows:

Gold Medal: Armenia, for officially (and utterly shockingly) justifying and defending the firebombing of a gay-friendly bar by self-described young “fascists.”

Silver Medal: The Central Asian countries of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan for continuing to treat homosexuality (among men) as a crime.

Silver Medal: Belarus, for its authoritarian president’s sinister statement that it’s “better to be a dictator than gay.”

Silver Medal: Russia and Moldova, for making it a crime to spread “homosexual propaganda” (aka organize any public LGBTI event) in several regions and cities, most recently in Russia’s second largest city of Saint Petersburg.

Bronze: Georgia, for not protecting gay marchers from angry counter-protesters, including Orthodox priests, and Ukraine, for failing to stop ultra-right hooligans from putting LGBTI activists at risk and marring the capital’s first-ever Pride parade.

No medals for the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, in part, because their competitors are overachievers.

No medals for Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. That’s far from a compliment, as LGBTI communities in these countries are so marginalized that there aren’t as many opportunities to publicly violate their human rights as in some of the medal-winning countries.

In lieu of medals and certificates, all participating governments will receive a copy of the Amnesty International Annual State of the World Report 2012, releasing today, where their previous award-winning human rights violations are documented.

Aram Abrahamyan did it again: new homophobic outburst by the editor of Armenia’s highly ‘liberal’ and ‘ethical’ daily Aravot

He begins with a statement that he "understands" everything: European values, tolerance, political correctness etc. In fact, what his editorial proves, he understood nothing. Not a single thing. Zero.

Starting with the title of his piece: “Blue-coloured...” [derogatory term to refer to gays in post-Soviet states]

Yes, ladies and gents, [blue-coloured, sodomites... համասեռամոլ (AM)] - this is a vocabulary of highly ‘ethical’ editor-in-chief.

In fact, when he says “gay” he implies “sex worker”. ‘Liberal’ and educated editor-in-chief equates being gay with that of sex workers making inappropriate generalisations.

Բայց միասեռականներն այսօր իրենց այնպես են պահում, որ ճիշտը հենց իրենք են եւ հատուկ, նպատակաուղղված ի ցույց են դնում իրենց այդ կողմնորոշումը՝ մասնավորապես փողոցում իրենց նմանների հետ զբաղվելով մարմնավաճառությամբ:

He does not stop here. There is this whole new layer of the low for ‘suffering of political correctness’ Aram Abrahamyan. Editor believes it’s acceptable to say ‘bad words’ to female sex workers.

Եթե փողոցի որեւէ խաչմերուկում կանգնած է «սովորական»՝ կին մարմնավաճառ, դուք կարող եք կոպտության այս կամ այն աստիճանով խնդրել նրան այնտեղ չկանգնել՝ ենթադրենք, պատճառաբանելով, որ ձեր երեխային տհաճ է նման գործով զբաղվող մի կնոջ տեսնելը:

The wanders of editor’s logic takes you deep into the territory of conspiracy theorists. He ends up questioning: perhaps, it’s true that there is international league of homosexuals that influences the fate of this world.

Իսկ գուցե իսկապես գոյություն ունի աշխարհի ճակատագրի վրա ազդող համասեռամոլների միջազգային լիգա:

Guess what, Mr Abrahamyan. Yes, there is such “league” (in plural). Yes, they are powerful. They take a note of all the local and international bigots, just like you. In fact, with such editorials you help them to double their efforts to influence the “fate of this world”, with the aim of turning it into a place where hatemongers, just like you, feel uncomfortable and unwelcome. And the commander-in-chief of that “league” is... UN Secretary-General [Նույնասեռականների նկատմամբ խտրականությունը հարձակում է համամարդկային արժեքների վրա. Բան Կի Մուն]. See, the highest possible international level.



It's clear that the editor waited till the start of pre-election period to launch series 2 of homophobic rants called “editorial”, hinting at existence of high-level patrons of local gays. His populist approach to appeal to the lowest possible denominator among the mainstream is despicable.

“Privileged”... [referring to the ‘status’ of gays in Armenia] You have a very S&M perception of the word “privileged”, Mr Abrahamyan. Not judging, just stating.

With all the recent series of positive gay-themed articles (latest example) appeared on his newspaper, he was making an impression that Aravot has changed, and it’s only a matter of time that the editor himself will come clean, say “sorry” for all the hateful remarks in past and move on. But apparently, it was merely a smokescreen.

In his previous similar editorial two years ago, Aravot’s editor Aram Abrahamyan expressed his dismay at what he considers false displays of “European values”. “No one can convince me that [sexual] relations between two men are as normal as between a man and a woman”, writes Abrahamyan. He calls homosexuality “disgusting”, “disorder” etc. [Read: Homophobic editor of Armenian daily Aravot - Aram Abrahamyan - came out with another hate editorial Also relevant: When hypocrisy meets homophobia: founder of Civilitas Foundation and editor of Aravot daily]

He had a chance to change. Two years on... he didn’t use that chance. Instead, he hit the new low.

I can only reinstate my call to boycott sponsorship or any other support and collaboration with him. [Homophobia Hall of Shame] This is my personal position.

Read, make up your mind and act accordingly.
***

Երկնագույն արտոնյալները

ԱՊՐԻԼ 7, 2012

Ես ամեն ինչ հասկանում եմ՝ եվրոպական արժեքներ, հանդուրժողականություն, քաղաքական կոռեկտություն եւ այլն: Ինքս էլ կողմ եմ այդ ամենին: Բայց ես չեմ հասկանում, թե ինչու մեր համաքաղաքացիների հատկապես մի մասին մենք պարտավոր ենք գլխներիս վրա ման տալ եւ չհամարձակվել նրանց հասցեին որեւէ թթու խոսք ասել: Խոսքս, ինչպես հասկանում եք, միասեռականների մասին է: Եթե փողոցի որեւէ խաչմերուկում կանգնած է «սովորական»՝ կին մարմնավաճառ, դուք կարող եք կոպտության այս կամ այն աստիճանով խնդրել նրան այնտեղ չկանգնել՝ ենթադրենք, պատճառաբանելով, որ ձեր երեխային տհաճ է նման գործով զբաղվող մի կնոջ տեսնելը: Բայց եթե նույն խաչմերուկում կանգնած է կնոջ նման քսված եւ կանացի համազգեստ հագած արվամոլ մարմնավաճառը, ձեր ցանկացած դիտողության վերաբերյալ նա այնպիսի վայնասուն կբարձրացնի, որ այն մի քանի ժամից կհասնի Եվրոպայի խորհուրդ, եւ ձեր դժգոհությունը անպայման տեղ կգտնի այդ կազմակերպության տարեկան զեկույցում: Հենց այդ նկատառումից ելնելով է, հավանաբար, քաղաքապետարանի դիմաց կանգնած այդ մասնագիտության ամեն մի միասեռականի անվտանգությունը պաշտպանում 4-5 «կարմիր բերետավոր»: Արգելքները, բնականաբար, տարածվում են նաեւ լրագրության վրա, եւ վստահ եմ, որ իմ այս նշումները նույնպես կարժանանան միասեռականների տարբեր կազմակերպությունների բուռն քննարկմանն ու խիստ դատապարտմանը՝ որպես «հոմոֆոբիական»: Ոչ մի պաշտոնյայի, ոչ մի քաղաքական գործչի եւ ոչ մի օլիգարխի հասցեին քննադատությունը չի արժանանում նման արձագանքի:
Ես մինչեւ վերջ չեմ հասկանում, թե ինչու է այդպես: Բայց փաստը մնում է փաստ. իրենց ճնշվածի, հետապնդվողի դերում ներկայացնողներն իրականում շատ հզոր են՝ նրանք թե՛ երկրի ներսում եւ թե՛, մանավանդ, նրա սահմաններից դուրս վայելում են ազդեցիկ մարդկանց հովանավորությունը: Իհարկե, ավանդական կամ ոչ ավանդական կողմնորոշումը ամեն մի մարդու անձնական գործն է, եւ ինչպես այս, այնպես էլ մնացած դեպքերում ոչ ոք իրավունք չունի որոշելու, թե որն է ճիշտը, իսկ որը՝ սխալը: Բայց միասեռականներն այսօր իրենց այնպես են պահում, որ ճիշտը հենց իրենք են եւ հատուկ, նպատակաուղղված ի ցույց են դնում իրենց այդ կողմնորոշումը՝ մասնավորապես փողոցում իրենց նմանների հետ զբաղվելով մարմնավաճառությամբ: Իհարկե, միասեռականների նկատմամբ ագրեսիվ դրսեւորումները դատապարտելի են, բայց նույնքան դատապարտելի է իրենց՝ սոդոմիստների ագրեսիվությունը: Եվ ինչո՞ւ են նրանք կարծում, թե իրենց հակումներն այնքան լավն են, որ բոլորը պետք է նրանց ծափահարեն: Հավանաբար, մեր պետությունը, բազմաթիվ այլ հարցերում խախտելով մարդկանց իրավունքները, որոշել է գոնե այստեղ խնդիրներ չունենալ:
Իսկ գուցե իսկապես գոյություն ունի աշխարհի ճակատագրի վրա ազդող համասեռամոլների միջազգային լիգա:
ԱՐԱՄ ԱԲՐԱՀԱՄՅԱՆ

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.

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”?

First case from Georgia to the European Court of Human Rights concerning police homophobia

Good precedent (first such case not only from Georgia but the South Caucasus as a whole)... and FYI: all homophobic officials from post-Soviet states and beyond out there.

For more background info on this story:

Police attacks Georgian LGBT group Inclusive Foundation in Tbilisi. Head of organisation Paata Sabelashvili arrested

More details re detention of Paata Sabelashvili, head of Georgian LGBT group Inclusive Foundation

Europe's gay rights group ILGA-Europe condemns police raid of member organisation in Georgia, demands immediate release of its board member Paata Sabelashvili (statement and pictures)

Armenian groups condemn violence against gays in Georgia and call for immediate release of detained Georgian gay rights activist Paata Sabelashvilli

Interestingly, Paata was not mentioned among applicants to the European Court. He was the head (co-founder) of the Inclusive Foundation, LGBT NGO in Georgia. Unfortunately, the Inclusive Foundation is no longer active.

Thanks to LGBT Asylum News for the info.


*via LGBT Asylum News

Sunday, 8 May 2011
First case from Georgia to the European Court of Human Rights concerning police homophobia

Source: INTERIGHTS

The International Centre for the Legal Protection of Human Rights (INTERIGHTS), together with Article 42 of the Constitution, a Georgian human rights NGO, has submitted an application to the European Court of Human Rights in the case of Aghdgomelashvili and Japaridze v Georgia (Application no. 7224/11).

The case concerns a police search of the premises of the ‘Inclusive Foundation’ (IF) conducted on 15 December 2009. From 2006 to 2009 the IF was the only lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) NGO in Georgia. It was co-founded by the first applicant, Eketarine Aghdgomelashvili who is currently the Executive Director of ‘Women’s Initiatives Supporting Group’ (WISG). The second applicant, Tinatin Japaridze worked for the IF as a full time programme officer from 2006 to 2009 and is currently a project manager at the ‘WISG’.

The complaint to the Court alleges that, in conducting their search, the police officers abused their powers and violated the relevant domestic procedures whilst subjecting the applicants to humiliating and degrading treatment.

In particular, as soon as the police officers discovered the nature of the IF’s work, they displayed extreme homophobic behaviour towards all the individuals present in the office including the applicants.  This included multiple insults and rough treatment based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation. The IF staff were also unlawfully strip searched without being provided with any explanation or information about their rights.

Even though it has been two years since the incident, both applicants are still extremely upset and stressed by the police officers’ behaviour and its negative effect on their lives.

The seriousness of the incident is reflected in the significant amount of attention it has received both in the media and civil society. Both national and international NGOs have made public statements condemning the violations and appealed to the Georgian authorities to remedy them. However, despite all of this, there has never been any investigation or attempt to hold any of the police officers accountable.

The application argues that the applicants were subjected to inhuman and degrading treatment (Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights) and /or interference in their private lives (Article 8 of the Convention) as well as discrimination based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation (Article 14 of the Convention; Article 1 of Protocol No 12). In addition, it is contended that applicants’ strip searches were not “in accordance with the law” and did not pursue any of the legitimate aims envisaged by the second paragraph of Article 8 of the Convention. Further, it is submitted that, in the absence of an investigation into the incident, including whether it was motivated by homophobia and a subsequent failure of the State to identify and punish those responsible, there is a continuing procedural violation of Articles 3, 8 and 14.  The lack of effective remedies also breaches Article 13 of the Convention.

This is the first case from Georgia concerning homophobic ill-treatment by the police. In the absence of any similar judgments against other member states to the Council of Europe, it provides the Court with the opportunity to express its position in relation to such a serious issue. In particular the application places the incident within the wider context in Georgia where discriminatory practices towards LGBT individuals, a vulnerable group, regularly occur.

This case is a further illustration of attempts by officials in the former Soviet Union space to suppress LGBT activism which has already been done through banning gay-pride marches (see Alekseyev v Russia, nos. 4916/07, 25924/08 and 14599/09; Genderdoc-M v Moldova, no. 9106/06), resorting to hate speech (Alekseyev  et al v Russia, no 39954/09) or refusing to register LGBT NGOs.

*picture - via ILGA-Europe

Post-Soviet states: "Liberals" and gays

Excellent blog post (RU) by Natalia Morari on Radio Liberty - Moldova. If you change "Moldova" to "Armenia", you will get an exact description of our "liberals" too... Well, at least many of them...

[Here is just one very recent example: Absurdistan. Prominent oppositionist in Armenia links emigration to... homosexuality There are more...]
***

Либералы и гомосексуалы 

03.03.2011
Natalia Morari

- Хотите в Европу?
- Дааа!!!!!
- Хотите европейские зарплаты?
- Даааааааа!!!!!
- Хотите свободно перемещаться по странам Евросоюза?
- Дааааааааааааа!!!!!
- Хотите хорошие дороги и полицию, которая не берет взяток?
- Дааааааааааааааааааа!!!!!
- Готовы соблюдать права человека?
- А как же!
- Права абсолютно всех граждан?
- Безусловно!
- Разрешите проведение гей-парада в этом году? Примите закон о дискриминации, в том числе сексуальных меньшинств?
- Эээ... А это обязательно? Понимаете, у нас выборы на носу – люди могут не понять...

Еврокомиссия требует от Молдовы принятия закона о дискриминации – это одно из условий либерализации визового режима. Молдова взялась условие выполнить, но тут и проявилась вся либеральность наших «либеральных» правителей. В коридорах власти проект закона уже получил неформальное название «закон о п...сах», и чиновники посмеиваются над тем, кто в итоге будет вынужден поставить свою подпись под проектом.

Наши либералы лишь до тех пор либералы, пока им это удобно и вписывается в их систему координат. Они прекрасно говорят об европейских ценностях и правах человека, но тут же притупляют взгляд и краснеют, когда кто-то вслух произносит слово «гей» или «лесбиянка». Они и за права женщин, и за права религиозных меньшинств, и за права инвалидов, но вот с гомосексуалами как-то неудобно получается: вроде бы и за их права надо выступать, так ведь никто не поймет. «Да и что я, не мужик, в конце концов? – думает новоиспеченный депутат. – Еще чего, этих п...сов продвигать».

Закон в итоге пройдет - европейцы настаивают. Но для любого молдавского чиновника от этого вообще ничего не изменится: гей так и останется «п...сом», а права гомосексуалистов - чем-то из области фантастики. Но ведь так любимая всеми Европа на этом и основывается: права человека означают права абсолютно каждого. Но ведь у нас на носу выборы – люди могут не понять...

P.S. Уже появились гражданские "активисты", которые собираются создавать черный список чиновников, поддерживающих закон о дискриминации (а значит и гомосексуалов, по их мнению). Вот из-за таких "активистов" и политиков мы еще долго будем ждать маршрутки Кишинев-Брюссель.

*Thanks to Beth for the link

Arman’s Armenian storyline at the heart of documentary on gay Russia at London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival

***
EAST/WEST – Sex & Politics (director Jochen Hick, 2008)

3 years ago... Fresh from Berlin Film Festival… 3 years... That’s how long it took me to write this post, adding and amending bits over this period.
***

Arman realised he is gay at around 12-13 when he’s got a crush on his PE teacher (“учитель физкультуры”). The realisation that he is gay was like a torture to him, as he knew very well that it was not “accepted”, it was not “normal” in Armenia.

He came to Moscow around 4 years ago (early 2000s) seeking a freer society. Despite all the state level homophobia and violence towards gays, Russian society remained more open re gays, sexuality and sex compared to other post-Soviet states [This was the case during the Soviet Union too.]

[There was another Armenian guy, Sasha – Armenian from Georgia - who was briefly featured in the film too. He came to Russia for the same reasons.]

In fact, it was in Moscow that for the first time Arman came out as gay. But not to all, and surely not to his parents.

I have to say, he is a brave guy by deciding so openly to participate in this film and become one of its main heroes. While watching the film I couldn’t help myself but wonder what would happen if Arman’s parents see the film. Of course, no one expects that this kind of films would go on broad release in Russia and Armenia, but still… Now, 3 years on after the first screening of EAST/WEST – Sex & Politics, I wonder if he is still afraid of telling his parents that he is gay... I wonder if these years (from the time of shooting the film to present days) brought about changes in his life. There surely must be changes. But what kind of changes? I hope for better. Brave guy, in any case…

He is handsome, politically and socially conscious, regular at gym.

He said there is no such term as “homophobia” in Armenian language as this problem is “nonexistent” for Armenian society. However, he mentioned that ironically, if you visit Yerevan, you might get an impression that everyone around is gay, as men walk holding hands in public.

He was once got severely beaten when Russian neo-nazi skinheads made a real bloodshed in front of a gay club in Moscow. They were attacking, beating everyone whom they perceive as gay. Arman said that only a miracle made him stay alive. He also mentioned that in his case the perception of being gay perhaps did not play an important role, but rather his dark, Caucasian looks.

Despite ‘being himself’ in Moscow, he did not seem very happy, complaining that all his encounters end up to be one night stands, or flings... But he did not give up his dream of finding THE man.

On the day of attempts at staging a Gay Pride event in Moscow, which was disrupted by a violence from extreme orthodox religious fanatics and neo-nazi, he got a call from someone inviting him to a party. He was kind of dismayed by this invitation. He said, on one hand, there are people trying to fight for their and our rights and got attacked, on the other hand – that very night, another group of gay people keep partying. I know, it could be an ethical dilemma. I suppose one can’t expect from everyone to fight for rights etc. There are people who just want to enjoy their life, and it is perfectly acceptable and OK for me. But no guesses needed that I would associate myself more with Arman in this case, than with party goers, although - don’t get me wrong - I do like partying too.

Guys like Arman could be good role models for gay Armenian teenagers, and this film should be screened among them. OK, OK. I hear myself. What I just wrote sounds very old fashioned. “Role model”... Still, I use it in its broader sense. Basically, what I wanted to say, I sympathise with guys like Arman.

Russian gays are divided into cliques, Arman said. Well, this is evident in Armenia (and other countries) too, and not just for gays. There are lots of cliques within and across the layers of our society. However, Arman said that he does not belong to any, he is kind of a loner. In this context, good for you, Arman.

‘The worst thing for Russian gays is being ugly and poor.’ [The whole auditorium, myself including, burst into laughing.]

Russian pop star Lolita thanks gays for her "inner freedom" and proud of being called a "gay icon"

"I am proud that I am a gay icon. I have many gay friends, they taught me freedom, an inner freedom. This is something that in our country and other countries, including America, had never been encouraged. [...]", says Lolita answering the question of Moscow-based famous journalist of Armenian origin Arthur Gasparyan in a TV programme aired on Russian NTV.

Respects, Lolita. Love you. You certainly are a gay icon in post-Soviet states. Related posts

*via Gay.ru

"Я горжусь тем, что я гей-икона. К своему счастью, я имею большое количество друзей-геев, они меня научили свободе, внутренней свободе. Это то, что в нашей стране и других странах никогда не поощрялось, включая Америку. Я благодарная геям - и женщинам и мужчинам - за поддержку меня много лет. Потому что если бы не они, я бы, наверное, стояла в маленьком черном платье, худая до безумия, не позволившая себе располнеть, сделавшая сто одну пластическую операцию...", - такой спич произнесла популярная исполнительница Лолита Милявская, отвечая на вопрос журналиста Артура Гаспаряна в эфире телеканала "НТВ".

Marasmus à la Igor Muradyan on Lragir.am re “Homosexuality and Azerbaijan”

It may take you quite a while to find someone in Armenia who takes ‘political analyst’ Igor Muradyan seriously. He is known for his devotion to conspiracy theories, ridiculous ‘commentaries’ and demagogue propaganda.

I did not know he has such a ‘deep knowledge’ in the subject of “homosexuality and Azerbaijan”. In this ‘commentary’ published by Lragir.am (RU, AM), he writes about usual conspiracy theories of gays manipulating and governing political processes, briefly mentioning other countries, including Russia. Interestingly, he does not mention Armenia. Then he provides with the names and some ‘saucy’ details of what he calls “blue bath” orgy rituals in Azerbaijan (“blue” is a reference to homosexuals in ex-Soviet countries). I wonder where his ‘insider’ knowledge of gay life in Azerbaijan comes from? May be he participated in one of those "blue baths" rituals as an undercover agent?

Even writing about this makes me laugh.

He also ‘exposes’ the ‘enemy’ tactics of using homosexuality as a weapon to ‘recruit’ people in the EU, Russia and Georgia so that they will come up with the anti-Armenian stance and speeches... Paranoid imagination by Igor Muradyan, you know, as usual.

And if you have even slightest doubts re how trustworthy any factual info by Igor Muradyan is, read the last para where he states that the homosexual sex is a criminal offense in Azerbaijan and that ‘powerful forces’ in the country now lobbying to scrap it:

Уголовный кодекс Азербайджана основан на советском УК, правда, в него были внесены существенные изменения. Так, например, в стране нет смертной казни. Но мужеложство наказуемо. Ст. 113 предусматривает за добровольный сексуальный акт до 3-х лет лишения свободы. В той же статье предусмотрено до 5 лет за насильственный акт. Ходят слухи, что  будут проведены реформы по смягчению жизни сексуальных меньшинств. По слухам, весьма могущественные силы в Азербайджане лоббируют внесение изменений в законодательство и полностью признать данные предпочтения правомерными.

In reality: gay sex is not a criminal offense in Azerbaijan, as well as in all South Caucasus countries, as well as in all countries that are members of the Council of Europe. It has been decriminalised for almost a decade now.

I can’t believe Lragir.am pays Igor Muradyan to write such nonsense. What is also disappointing is that in Armenian version of this ‘commentary’ they use unacceptable Armenian terms to refer to homosexuality and gay people with the “-mol” ending. Usual Muradyan, disappointing Lragir.

*Thanks to reader of my blog H.A. for the link.

Homoeroticism in... Soviet cinema

Who knew? ;)





Х/ф "Аттестат зрелости".
Василий Лановой в главной роли.

*Thanks to sunshine.by for the links