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 ;)
վճարված է|paid
6 years ago
Showing posts with label twitter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label twitter. Show all posts
Saturday, 8 October 2011
Sweet and cute! ;)) - Armenia national football team: THE picture, THE tweet
To learn more re the occasion and for more details, see Unzipped
Tweet of the Day (AM):
Relevant: 'Football is gay' - even according to Armenian media ;)
Tweet of the Day (AM):
Relevant: 'Football is gay' - even according to Armenian media ;)
Sunday, 15 May 2011
Azerbaijan to host Eurovision 2012. Intrigue of the moment: Will Armenia go to Baku?
I hope Armenia will go to Baku in 2012.
We should stop - and this is a good occasion to start with - once and for all this complex of losers or complex of inferiority between our countries, whenever either Azerbaijan or Armenia wins any international contest.
All talks of Armenia boycotting Eurovision in Baku I consider ridiculous and loser’s talk. Let’s pass that psychological complex, and rather concentrate on the quality of performance and the act chosen.
On the other hand, Azerbaijan must ensure that Armenian delegation and fans not only from Armenia but worldwide are able to attend the contest without having any problems with their yan/ian surname.
Problems facing by anyone with yan/ian surname was reminded once again in a post by IanYan:
Back to the contest itself.
Azerbaijan was not among my favourites at Eurovision. And that guy looked too ‘sterile’, or shall I say, ‘asexual’ for my taste. I personally voted for Georgia, Greece and Slovenia. [Being in London, I could not vote for the UK, but Blue was among my faves too.]
But Azerbaijan delivered a well executed performance. They made efforts, and they won the contest. And I’d like to congratulate my Azeri friends.
Here is what was happening in Baku last night after the news on winning the contest brought youth to the streets of Azerbaijan capital.
Now the most intriguing and interesting part begins. The build-up to the Eurovision 2012. Will Azerbaijan deliver on the promise to “bring Europe together”?
Flying Carpets and Broken Pipelines sums up general feeling of Azeri activists:
One of the popular thoughts on Twitter was Armenia coming to Baku and winning the Eurovision 2012.
And to end this post, I chose this extremely positive tweet by @dolcenelly:
We should stop - and this is a good occasion to start with - once and for all this complex of losers or complex of inferiority between our countries, whenever either Azerbaijan or Armenia wins any international contest.
All talks of Armenia boycotting Eurovision in Baku I consider ridiculous and loser’s talk. Let’s pass that psychological complex, and rather concentrate on the quality of performance and the act chosen.
On the other hand, Azerbaijan must ensure that Armenian delegation and fans not only from Armenia but worldwide are able to attend the contest without having any problems with their yan/ian surname.
Problems facing by anyone with yan/ian surname was reminded once again in a post by IanYan:
Plans for Armenia to participate in the festivities in Azerbaijan will be difficult, as Armenians citizens as well as those from other countries who are of Armenian descent are forbidden entry into the country, especially if passports show any evidence of travel to Nagorno-Karabakh. Even the U.S. Department of State travel site warns against it:Azerbaijan must ensure that security of Armenian fans are guaranteed. No excuses will be accepted this time. If Azerbaijan fails to deliver on this, the country should be barred from Eurovision. This will be too damaging for Azerbaijan reputation to risk.
“U.S. citizens of Armenian ancestry—you should know your visa applications may be denied by the Government of Azerbaijan on the grounds that your safety cannot be guaranteed,” it says, also adding, “U.S. citizens of Armenian ancestry considering travel to Azerbaijan–you should remain particularly vigilant when visiting the country, as the Government of Azerbaijan has claimed that it is unable to guarantee your safety.”
Back to the contest itself.
Azerbaijan was not among my favourites at Eurovision. And that guy looked too ‘sterile’, or shall I say, ‘asexual’ for my taste. I personally voted for Georgia, Greece and Slovenia. [Being in London, I could not vote for the UK, but Blue was among my faves too.]
But Azerbaijan delivered a well executed performance. They made efforts, and they won the contest. And I’d like to congratulate my Azeri friends.
Here is what was happening in Baku last night after the news on winning the contest brought youth to the streets of Azerbaijan capital.
Now the most intriguing and interesting part begins. The build-up to the Eurovision 2012. Will Azerbaijan deliver on the promise to “bring Europe together”?
Flying Carpets and Broken Pipelines sums up general feeling of Azeri activists:
And as Azerbaijan celebrates its this year victory with a song called "Running Scared" by Nikki and Ell, one of Azerbaijan's young activists, Elnur Majidli declared wanted by Interpol. You know why? Well, simply because Azerbaijan chooses to spend thousands (if not millions) of government money on things like Eurovision while paying no attention whatsoever to the internal situation on the ground where for the record, journalists and activists get arrested on faked up charges.These sentiments were echoed by @scaryazeri and Amnesty International:
So yea people, continue celebrating something as unnecessary and stupid as a Eurovision song contest, while turning a blind eye on human rights, freedom of expression and all the other violations taking place in your country. Because who cares about that right when Azerbaijan won such an important event of the year?!
@scaryazeri: Great! Now that everyone is excited about #Eurovision, we can all forget about human rights and other issues in #azerbaijan!But there is now a potential for activists to use the Eurovision for advancing the rights in Azerbaijan.
@amnestymanc: congrats to #Azerbaijan for #Eurovision win! Now pls free elections & media, no political prisoners & no torture http://tinyurl.com/5tggdmy
@GoldenTent: #Democracy advocates of #Azerbaijan - 12 months of #Eurovision coverage can work to your advantage - start your engines! ;) #Caucasus #escWe may safely bet that despite recent militaristic rhetorics from the Azeri authorities, there will be no war in the coming year.
@supersayatnova: Azerbaijan win at #Eurovision means one more year without war #escAnother important issue. Eurovision is a contest with huge gay following. Azerbaijan winning the contest means 'Gay Pride parade' is coming to Baku. Will Azeri authorities be able to ensure that rights and the safety of LGBT fans and participants of the contest are protected and they won’t face discrimination? Gay activists in Azerbaijan and abroad could use the occasion to improve the situation with the gay rights and target widespread homophobia in the country.
One of the popular thoughts on Twitter was Armenia coming to Baku and winning the Eurovision 2012.
@mmkarmenia: Imagine if next year #Armenia takes the first place in #Azerbaijan, that can be something. #Eurovision
@turkhankarim: Next year Armenians will come in Azerbaijan for Eurovision. And they will win... This is my peace opinion. Let it be true :)))Truly, an incredible thought.
And to end this post, I chose this extremely positive tweet by @dolcenelly:
all i can say is that South Caucasus rules: both Junior and Senior Eurovisions are going to be held in this region!:) #positiveview #Arm #AzHere is hoping.
Sunday, 27 February 2011
Absurdistan. Prominent oppositionist in Armenia links emigration to... homosexuality
Up until two days ago I thought that one of the prominent opposition figures, head of HHSh (Pan-Armenian National Movement) party Aram Manukyan is an intelligent enough guy with a liberal mindset. But this was up until two days ago, when during press conference he linked emigration to... homosexuality stating that the opposition will be able to “stop these processes”.
***
Below are only few comments via Twitter in response to Manukyan’s ridiculousness. More - on Facebook.
@epressam more homophobia from #Armenia public figures: "Emigration Leads to Homosexuality, Breakdown of Families" http://www.epress.am/?p=69915
24 Feb
@onewmphoto So, the opposition's rhetoric to justify an uprising? "The loss of Karabakh" and to "stop homosexuality." Sigh... http://bit.ly/fUa5Wb #1mar
24 Feb
@supersayatnova @onewmphoto oh my, immigration is so gay! hahahahaha, good one! what a bunch of lunatics!
24 Feb
@tzitzernak @onewmphoto though I must say i keep hoping the comment on homosexuality was a mistake/misinterpretation
24 Feb
@epressam @tzitzernak @onewmphoto Did you read the article in Armenian? It was what he said though the details are unclear
25 Feb
@dolcenelly @unzippedblog i guess it's not about homophobia, it's more about "tgitutyun", and i haven't read more stupid opinion, it's even ridiculous
25 Feb
@unzippedblog @dolcenelly I'd say both: routine homophobia (or playing on it) + tgitutyun. And cheap political tricks
25 Feb
Manukyan noticed as well that 10,000 boys leave Armenia during the period of transferring from 9th to 10th grade. “This leads to homosexuality, breakdown of families; late marriages and divorces. The disbalance [imbalance] between the number of boys and girls is a serious demographic problem,” he said, noting that it’s necessary to bring a stop to these processes. “We’re ready to stop these processes. Our political team is ready to lead the movement as much as possible without any losses; as much as possible, through reasonable, intelligent, organized, proven methods; to affect a change in regime with a team,” he concluded.If this is an example of type of mentality prevalent among opposition leaders in Armenia, no revolution and no change in ruling regime will result in any positive CHANGES whatsoever. Revolution in streets is irrelevant here. What we need now and utmost is revolution in minds.
***
Մանուկյանը նաև նկատել է, որ 9-ից 10-րդ դասարան անցման ժամանակ տասը հազար տղա է լքում Հայաստանը: «Սա իր հետ բերում է համասեռամոլություն, ընտանիքների քայքայում, բերում է ծեր ամուսնություններ, ամուսնալուծություններ: Տղաների և աղջիկների քանակի դիսբալանսը լրջագույն դեմոգրաֆիկ պռոբլեմ է», – հայտարարել է ընդդիմադիրը` նշելով, որ հարկավոր է այս գործընթացների «դեմն առնել»: «Մենք պատրաստ ենք էդ պռոցեսների դեմն առնելու: Մեր քաղաքական թիմը պատրաստ է ղեկավարելու շարժումը հնարավորինս անկորուստ, հնարավորինս խոհեմ, խելացի, կազմակերպված, փորձված մեթոդներով, կայացած թիմով կատարել իշխանափոխությունը», – եզրափակել է Մանուկյանը: (source: Epress.am)
***
Below are only few comments via Twitter in response to Manukyan’s ridiculousness. More - on Facebook.
@epressam more homophobia from #Armenia public figures: "Emigration Leads to Homosexuality, Breakdown of Families" http://www.epress.am/?p=69915
24 Feb
@onewmphoto So, the opposition's rhetoric to justify an uprising? "The loss of Karabakh" and to "stop homosexuality." Sigh... http://bit.ly/fUa5Wb #1mar
24 Feb
@supersayatnova @onewmphoto oh my, immigration is so gay! hahahahaha, good one! what a bunch of lunatics!
24 Feb
@tzitzernak @onewmphoto though I must say i keep hoping the comment on homosexuality was a mistake/misinterpretation
24 Feb
@epressam @tzitzernak @onewmphoto Did you read the article in Armenian? It was what he said though the details are unclear
25 Feb
@dolcenelly @unzippedblog i guess it's not about homophobia, it's more about "tgitutyun", and i haven't read more stupid opinion, it's even ridiculous
25 Feb
@unzippedblog @dolcenelly I'd say both: routine homophobia (or playing on it) + tgitutyun. And cheap political tricks
25 Feb
Monday, 6 December 2010
Outrage as Armenia Fund Telethon promotes homophobia
UPDATE 29 April 2011: VO.X frontrunner Aram Rian has re-edited and replaced the controversial portion of the band’s "I Love Armenia" music video, by removing the reference to homosexuality as “perversion”. We have reached a mutual understanding with the group and consider this matter resolved as dialogue has taken place. We no longer have reason to believe either Aram Rian or VO.X is homophobic, and we wish them success in their future endeavors.
***
UPDATE 7 December 2010: Contrary to Twitter and Facebook reactions, the Executive Director of Armenia Fund, Inc. and the Executive in Charge of Production for Telethon 2010, officially denied that VO.X music video was aired during the Telethon 2010: "My name is Sarkis Kotanjian, I am the Executive Director of Armenia Fund, Inc. and the Executive in Charge of Production for Telethon 2010. Officially, I hereby state that no VO.X music video aired on Armenia Fund's Telethon 2010. Please stop this nonsense once and for all." (see comments section below).
***
The idea of fundraising for a good cause that unites Armenians all over the world is a good one and difficult to resist. However, over time, there have been growing questions whether the Armenia Fund (http://himnadram.org and http://www.armeniafund.org), or “Hayastan” All-Armenian Fund, is serving its purpose in its current format, citing corruption and state of human rights in Armenia, you name it... (e.g. see here)
And now, as if all the above were not enough, one more concern has been added to the list.
This year the Fund’s Telethon became infamous for all the wrong reasons by featuring homophobic music video of the Armenian band VO.X.
I am not going to repeat what I have already said about VO.X (here and here). There are reasons why this band entered the Armenia Homophobia Hall of Shame:
Homophobic music video by Armenian band VO.X disguised under "progressive ideas"
Armenian music band VO.X on PR defensive to 'justify' homophobia
Number of Facebook and Twitter users expressed their outrage re the promotion of homophobia during the Fund’s Telethon, with calls for boycott.
Until then, there is no way I could support the Armenia Fund. I call others to refrain from supporting it too.
***
UPDATE 7 December 2010: Contrary to Twitter and Facebook reactions, the Executive Director of Armenia Fund, Inc. and the Executive in Charge of Production for Telethon 2010, officially denied that VO.X music video was aired during the Telethon 2010: "My name is Sarkis Kotanjian, I am the Executive Director of Armenia Fund, Inc. and the Executive in Charge of Production for Telethon 2010. Officially, I hereby state that no VO.X music video aired on Armenia Fund's Telethon 2010. Please stop this nonsense once and for all." (see comments section below).
***
The idea of fundraising for a good cause that unites Armenians all over the world is a good one and difficult to resist. However, over time, there have been growing questions whether the Armenia Fund (http://himnadram.org and http://www.armeniafund.org), or “Hayastan” All-Armenian Fund, is serving its purpose in its current format, citing corruption and state of human rights in Armenia, you name it... (e.g. see here)
And now, as if all the above were not enough, one more concern has been added to the list.
This year the Fund’s Telethon became infamous for all the wrong reasons by featuring homophobic music video of the Armenian band VO.X.
I am not going to repeat what I have already said about VO.X (here and here). There are reasons why this band entered the Armenia Homophobia Hall of Shame:
Homophobic music video by Armenian band VO.X disguised under "progressive ideas"
Armenian music band VO.X on PR defensive to 'justify' homophobia
Number of Facebook and Twitter users expressed their outrage re the promotion of homophobia during the Fund’s Telethon, with calls for boycott.
@geoy:Armenia Fund must set the record straight once and for all, and clearly distance themselves from the homophobia displayed during the Telethon. They must ensure that similar incidents won’t happen again, and those responsible for choosing this band held accountable. Otherwise, they risk further antagonising (if not already) a significant proportion of Armenians from the Fund.
@unzippedblog As a gay man I was donating year after year to #Armenia Fund. The homophobic song during telethon show outraged me. It's over!
@mmkarmenia:
no cent to #ArmeniaFund if they want to create this kind of a Armenia youtube.com/watch?v=5j8vf1…#homophobia #HateSpeech
@tzitzernak:
Wow -Not surprised some #armeniafund folks are homophobic, but how on earth did the video get approved??? @unzippedblog
Until then, there is no way I could support the Armenia Fund. I call others to refrain from supporting it too.
Monday, 29 November 2010
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
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
Sunday, 28 November 2010
Armenian media semiar/workshop on LGBT rights and reporting 12-14 November 2010, Tsaghkadzor, Armenia
I will start from the end. Lara Aharonian, prominent human rights activist based in Yerevan, summed it up perfectly on her blog post: the atmosphere, the event, the outcome. This link - LGBT and journalists: a journey through tolerance and mafia game! - was among the most re-tweeted under the Twitter hashtag #armLGBT.
When I posted the link to her blog post on Twitter, @LGBTAsylumNews re-tweeted it by commenting: “fantastic report on grassroots LGBT work with media in Armenia by @Lara_Aha”
This type of workshops are exactly the type of initiatives that must be supported by bodies like the British Council if they want to promote and support changes for better in Armenia, and for real. While the immediate outcomes of this media workshop are indeed positive, its long-term success will depend on continuity of the process. Further media monitoring will give an idea whether this seminar made an impact (at least) on the work of those who participated.
Important update: Radio Van removed their joint highly praised #armLGBT media workshop article prepared by Arman from the radio station and Mamikon from PINK Armenia. I have to say, I am not surprised. I am (always!) ready to acknowledge positive changes, regardless of past history. But... Removal of this article means one thing to me. This particular radio station initially posted it to show off only. They didn't mean it. It was perhaps too honest for their 'standards'. You may still read the article (both parts) in full on Mamikon’s personal blog:
Ես կապ չունեմ նրանց հետ
Толерантность-шо це та ке?
***
And below are few more links prepared by participants following the media workshop.
ArmVersion:
Երկխոսությունը ծնում է հանդուրժողականություն
Խղճուկ ես դառնում, եթե պետությունը կողքիդ չի
***
Hetq Online:
Նա ընտրել է մարդկային հարաբերություններից ամենաբարդը
Lilit and Mary: Two Women Living Together in Armenia
***
Jenka’s blog
Ապրել այնպես, որ......
***
A1+:
Լուսանկարչուհին իրեն է պատկերել
Photostory by Svetlana Antonyan ('Ocean') on A1+: artist, gay, society...
***
Here are how the events were unfolded at the media workshop, as reported on Twitter by participants @Lara_Aha, @ditord and @mmkarmenia (with few additional tweets and comments [] by myself @unzippedblog).
Day 1: 12 November 2010
ditord
Media workshop in Tsakhadzor, #Armenia to bring together journalists and LGBT activists for team reporting projects #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
in Tsaghkatsor, Seminar on #LGBT rights and media in #Armenia 12-14 November, will be moderating discussion on #tolerance #ArmLGBT
unzippedblog
Follow @Lara_Aha @ditord @mmkarmenia for updates on #Armenia media seminar/workshop in Tsaghkadzor on #LGBT rights and reporting #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
#LGBT members and media people get to know each other, the ambiance a little tense but people r starting to open up #armLGBT #Armenia
Lara_Aha
@unzippedblog [present at media seminar are] journalists from A1+, hetq, Aravot, radio Van, Hraparak, Tert, IWPR #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
[also present at the seminar are] observers from #british Embassy, British council #armLGBT #armenia
Lara_Aha
@ditord is facilitating the introductions #armLGBT #armenia
Lara_Aha
the group is divided in 2: #LGBT and media. they will prepare a list of complaints against each other #armLGBT #armenia
Lara_Aha
the #LGBT community representatives expressed their concerns regarding media reporting and same the media group #armLGBT now will present
Lara_Aha
@ditord presenting the concerns and expectations of the media regarding the #LGBT community #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
radio van issue has been raised in the media group #armLGBT #armenia
Lara_Aha
What is the #LGBT community is expecting from the Armenian media? #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
media says: #LGBT community has to develop a better media strategy #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
media wants to know the needs of the #LGBT community in #Armenia #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
#LGBT community is presenting their concerns: first, use of language in the media, hamaseramol for example #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
second problem is the silence towards #LGBT issues in #Armenia media #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
3rd: lack of real investigation and references in articles related to #LGBT issues #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
misinformation distributed through media on #LGBT issues #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
another important concern: the fine line between hate speech and freedom of expression #LGBT #armLGBT #armenia
Lara_Aha
both sides presented, now the discussion starts between #LGBT and media #armLGBT #armenia
Lara_Aha
#LGBT representative is suggesting to present the right terminology regarding sexual orientation for use in media #armLGBT #Armenia
Lara_Aha
it's getting really hot in this conference room, heated debate #armLGBT #armenia
unzippedblog
@Lara_Aha You should all go for drinks afterwards :) #armLGBT
mmkarmenia
Changes are possible #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
@unzippedblog actually we will play mafia :) afterwards #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
@ditord is presenting "tolerance in media" #armLGBT #armenia
Lara_Aha
it seems that there is a good start for communication between #LGBT and media groups #armLGBT #armenia
Lara_Aha
62.5% of ethnic minority groups media coverage in #southcaucasus 2004-2006 #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
0.4% of sexual minority group media coverage in #southcaucasus, 2004-2006 #armLGBT #LGBT #armenia
Lara_Aha
ALM is the most tolerant towards ethnic minorities apparently in Armenian TV and Aravot among the newspapers #armLGBT #armenia
Lara_Aha
sexual minorities are the most active in using #socialmedia in #armenia for their cause #armLGBT #LGBT
Lara_Aha
[these are questionable projections] according to kinsey method, in #Armenia 4% of male pop. is gay and 2% of female population - aprox. 65 000 men and 18 000 women #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
Vahan Ishkhanyan talking about Charents' gay poems published in inqnaqir and the issue around it #armLGBT #armenia
mmkarmenia
Vahan Ishkhanyan is presenting Chatents's homoerotic poems #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
end of day one, seminar media and #LGBT - interesting discussions /insights #armLGBT #armenia
Day 2: 13 November 2010
mmkarmenia
day 2: preparing articles with media representatives #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
Day 2: media training seminar on #LGBT issues. Today participants are paired to write articles on the issue #armLGBT #armenia
mmkarmenia
me and Arman from radio Van will prepare an article together, hope it will not be the most boring in the group #armLGBT
mmkarmenia
What we did for journalists, don't know yet. What they changed in me, forced to write an article:) #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
the team will be back soon to present their story drafts, can't wait. Some of them even went out in the city to do an opinion poll #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
watching a documentary filmed by one of the participant journalists in 2004 but refused for hatuk goti [TV programme], entitled "dziadzzni dak" #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
now journalists are asking honest questions about #LGBT isues, to understand more and getting answers from the #LGBT reps. #armLGBT #armenia
mmkarmenia
Tomorrow morning you can read Arman's article on radio Van's blog, for me it is perfect #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
some of the group working on the articles #armLGBT http://yfrog.com/9d28gtj
Lara_Aha
first article MAmikon and Arman team http://bit.ly/cpS76O #armLGBT #armenia
mmkarmenia
oops, we were even faster, the article is ready: Mamikon from @pinkarmenia and Arman from radio Van. Enjoy it http://bit.ly/cpS76O #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
like it very much RT @pinkarmenia: the result of @mmkarmenia and Arman team work http://bit.ly/cpS76O #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
Arman and Mamikon team working #armLGBT http://yfrog.com/3ml6snqj
mmkarmenia
another post created by Janna from radio Van and Zara from WFCE http://t.co/KSKwvTU #armLGBT
Day 3: 14 November 2010
mmkarmenia
Day 3. Presention of team works. Actually 2 teams were faster and their articles were ready yesterday #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
Day 3: Media seminar on #LGBT issues in #Armenia: presentation of team-work articles #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
Arman from Radio Van is presenting his article and interpreting the comments http://bit.ly/cDkh1J #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
Mamik and Arman had a very constructive approach writing this article and reflected on the real problems in society on #tolerance #armLGBT
ditord
Presentation of results of joint work at #armLGBT first presentation by RadioVan http://goo.gl/V2l7E
Lara_Aha
172 people already read Arman's and Mamikon's post since yesterday night which shows the interest in this topic #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
"aper karogha sagh tertere gren vor menq estegh eyinq kaluboyneri het" ,- some men hanging around the hotel's swimming pool #armLGBT
ditord
@RadioVAN is asking here http://goo.gl/V2l7E Why are we more tolerant towards unfairness, but not to sexual minorities #armLGBT
ditord
comment on @mmkarmenia & @RadioVAN post http://goo.gl/V2l7E its easier to be against #armLGBT community than corrupt government officials
Lara_Aha
2nd article JEnya and Zara http://bit.ly/cw9qx9 on coming out - artagalusd #armLGBT
ditord
Zhenka / Zara's article http://goo.gl/dOrW9 is long, boring, too many figures, no specific issue is raised, but its a great start #armLGBT
mmkarmenia
I guess #armLGBT community do not have that much problems with journalists but each of them has problems in their groups
ditord
Gohar Hakobian of Aravot Daily is presenting results of 'vox pop' on the streets of Tsakhadzor. Results are funny! #armLGBT
ditord
In response to question what they think of #armLGBT, someone started complaining from lack of jobs and social problems #lol
ditord
Gohar Hakobian says Tsakhadzor ppl tolerant, because its a tourist place and they are used to seeing diverse groups #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
Gohar from Aravot and Karen from WFCE went out on the streets of Tsaxkatsor and did an opinion poll on #LGBT issues #armLGBT
ditord
can't really comment on Gohar Hakobian's article draft for Aravot Daily before it's published, interesting stuff though #armLGBT
ditord
Susan Simonian is presenting a feature article on gender change at #armLGBT workshop in tsakhadzor
ditord
Susan Simonian's feature paints a touching picture of #armLGBT minority's struggle to survive in a hostile environment. Depressing!
ditord
Susan Simonian's feature for #armLGBT woskshop has a success story. Yey! Love it!
mmkarmenia
Gayane from A1+ presented amazing video report about Ocean and her artwork #armLGBT
mmkarmenia
Lusine's real story presenting Vahe from Hetq. Another reality, another emotions and this is all about our lovely Lusine #armLGBT
ditord
Vahe's story prepared for #armLGBT workshop is rather controversial. Has lot's of good sides, but somehting bother's me about it
ditord
from mainstream journalism perspective, knowing potential negative feedback, I wouldn't publish Vahe's story as it is #armLGBT
mmkarmenia
Finalizing the seminar. Thanks to British Council for great initiative #armLGBT
unzippedblog
Thanks @Lara_Aha @mmkarmenia @ditord for excellent tweet-reporting from #armLGBT media seminar. Will sum up your tweets into a blog post.
Lara_Aha
seminar is officially over, it was an amazing experience and exceeded my expectations! i will be back with lots of energy and hope #armLGBT
unzippedblog
@Lara_Aha WOW. Well done, guys. I like what I am reading :) #armLGBT
When I posted the link to her blog post on Twitter, @LGBTAsylumNews re-tweeted it by commenting: “fantastic report on grassroots LGBT work with media in Armenia by @Lara_Aha”
RT @unzippedblog fantastic report on grassroots LGBT work with media in Armenia by @Lara_Aha http://bit.ly/9coO1A #armLGBTIn a very recent past, I did criticise, at times pretty harsh, the British Council in Armenia for their failures in dealing with the LGBT related issues and effective (even if not intended) promotion of homophobic media outlets. Praise where praise is due. To the organiser - British Council Armenia, and participants, of course.
This type of workshops are exactly the type of initiatives that must be supported by bodies like the British Council if they want to promote and support changes for better in Armenia, and for real. While the immediate outcomes of this media workshop are indeed positive, its long-term success will depend on continuity of the process. Further media monitoring will give an idea whether this seminar made an impact (at least) on the work of those who participated.
Important update: Radio Van removed their joint highly praised #armLGBT media workshop article prepared by Arman from the radio station and Mamikon from PINK Armenia. I have to say, I am not surprised. I am (always!) ready to acknowledge positive changes, regardless of past history. But... Removal of this article means one thing to me. This particular radio station initially posted it to show off only. They didn't mean it. It was perhaps too honest for their 'standards'. You may still read the article (both parts) in full on Mamikon’s personal blog:
Ես կապ չունեմ նրանց հետ
Толерантность-шо це та ке?
***
And below are few more links prepared by participants following the media workshop.
ArmVersion:
Երկխոսությունը ծնում է հանդուրժողականություն
Խղճուկ ես դառնում, եթե պետությունը կողքիդ չի
***
Hetq Online:
Նա ընտրել է մարդկային հարաբերություններից ամենաբարդը
Lilit and Mary: Two Women Living Together in Armenia
***
Jenka’s blog
Ապրել այնպես, որ......
***
A1+:
Լուսանկարչուհին իրեն է պատկերել
Photostory by Svetlana Antonyan ('Ocean') on A1+: artist, gay, society...
***
Here are how the events were unfolded at the media workshop, as reported on Twitter by participants @Lara_Aha, @ditord and @mmkarmenia (with few additional tweets and comments [] by myself @unzippedblog).
Day 1: 12 November 2010
ditord
Media workshop in Tsakhadzor, #Armenia to bring together journalists and LGBT activists for team reporting projects #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
in Tsaghkatsor, Seminar on #LGBT rights and media in #Armenia 12-14 November, will be moderating discussion on #tolerance #ArmLGBT
unzippedblog
Follow @Lara_Aha @ditord @mmkarmenia for updates on #Armenia media seminar/workshop in Tsaghkadzor on #LGBT rights and reporting #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
#LGBT members and media people get to know each other, the ambiance a little tense but people r starting to open up #armLGBT #Armenia
Lara_Aha
@unzippedblog [present at media seminar are] journalists from A1+, hetq, Aravot, radio Van, Hraparak, Tert, IWPR #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
[also present at the seminar are] observers from #british Embassy, British council #armLGBT #armenia
Lara_Aha
@ditord is facilitating the introductions #armLGBT #armenia
Lara_Aha
the group is divided in 2: #LGBT and media. they will prepare a list of complaints against each other #armLGBT #armenia
Lara_Aha
the #LGBT community representatives expressed their concerns regarding media reporting and same the media group #armLGBT now will present
Lara_Aha
@ditord presenting the concerns and expectations of the media regarding the #LGBT community #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
radio van issue has been raised in the media group #armLGBT #armenia
Lara_Aha
What is the #LGBT community is expecting from the Armenian media? #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
media says: #LGBT community has to develop a better media strategy #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
media wants to know the needs of the #LGBT community in #Armenia #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
#LGBT community is presenting their concerns: first, use of language in the media, hamaseramol for example #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
second problem is the silence towards #LGBT issues in #Armenia media #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
3rd: lack of real investigation and references in articles related to #LGBT issues #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
misinformation distributed through media on #LGBT issues #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
another important concern: the fine line between hate speech and freedom of expression #LGBT #armLGBT #armenia
Lara_Aha
both sides presented, now the discussion starts between #LGBT and media #armLGBT #armenia
Lara_Aha
#LGBT representative is suggesting to present the right terminology regarding sexual orientation for use in media #armLGBT #Armenia
Lara_Aha
it's getting really hot in this conference room, heated debate #armLGBT #armenia
unzippedblog
@Lara_Aha You should all go for drinks afterwards :) #armLGBT
mmkarmenia
Changes are possible #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
@unzippedblog actually we will play mafia :) afterwards #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
@ditord is presenting "tolerance in media" #armLGBT #armenia
Lara_Aha
it seems that there is a good start for communication between #LGBT and media groups #armLGBT #armenia
Lara_Aha
62.5% of ethnic minority groups media coverage in #southcaucasus 2004-2006 #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
0.4% of sexual minority group media coverage in #southcaucasus, 2004-2006 #armLGBT #LGBT #armenia
Lara_Aha
ALM is the most tolerant towards ethnic minorities apparently in Armenian TV and Aravot among the newspapers #armLGBT #armenia
Lara_Aha
sexual minorities are the most active in using #socialmedia in #armenia for their cause #armLGBT #LGBT
Lara_Aha
[these are questionable projections] according to kinsey method, in #Armenia 4% of male pop. is gay and 2% of female population - aprox. 65 000 men and 18 000 women #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
Vahan Ishkhanyan talking about Charents' gay poems published in inqnaqir and the issue around it #armLGBT #armenia
mmkarmenia
Vahan Ishkhanyan is presenting Chatents's homoerotic poems #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
end of day one, seminar media and #LGBT - interesting discussions /insights #armLGBT #armenia
Day 2: 13 November 2010
mmkarmenia
day 2: preparing articles with media representatives #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
Day 2: media training seminar on #LGBT issues. Today participants are paired to write articles on the issue #armLGBT #armenia
mmkarmenia
me and Arman from radio Van will prepare an article together, hope it will not be the most boring in the group #armLGBT
mmkarmenia
What we did for journalists, don't know yet. What they changed in me, forced to write an article:) #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
the team will be back soon to present their story drafts, can't wait. Some of them even went out in the city to do an opinion poll #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
watching a documentary filmed by one of the participant journalists in 2004 but refused for hatuk goti [TV programme], entitled "dziadzzni dak" #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
now journalists are asking honest questions about #LGBT isues, to understand more and getting answers from the #LGBT reps. #armLGBT #armenia
mmkarmenia
Tomorrow morning you can read Arman's article on radio Van's blog, for me it is perfect #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
some of the group working on the articles #armLGBT http://yfrog.com/9d28gtj
Lara_Aha
first article MAmikon and Arman team http://bit.ly/cpS76O #armLGBT #armenia
mmkarmenia
oops, we were even faster, the article is ready: Mamikon from @pinkarmenia and Arman from radio Van. Enjoy it http://bit.ly/cpS76O #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
like it very much RT @pinkarmenia: the result of @mmkarmenia and Arman team work http://bit.ly/cpS76O #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
Arman and Mamikon team working #armLGBT http://yfrog.com/3ml6snqj
mmkarmenia
another post created by Janna from radio Van and Zara from WFCE http://t.co/KSKwvTU #armLGBT
Day 3: 14 November 2010
mmkarmenia
Day 3. Presention of team works. Actually 2 teams were faster and their articles were ready yesterday #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
Day 3: Media seminar on #LGBT issues in #Armenia: presentation of team-work articles #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
Arman from Radio Van is presenting his article and interpreting the comments http://bit.ly/cDkh1J #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
Mamik and Arman had a very constructive approach writing this article and reflected on the real problems in society on #tolerance #armLGBT
ditord
Presentation of results of joint work at #armLGBT first presentation by RadioVan http://goo.gl/V2l7E
Lara_Aha
172 people already read Arman's and Mamikon's post since yesterday night which shows the interest in this topic #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
"aper karogha sagh tertere gren vor menq estegh eyinq kaluboyneri het" ,- some men hanging around the hotel's swimming pool #armLGBT
ditord
@RadioVAN is asking here http://goo.gl/V2l7E Why are we more tolerant towards unfairness, but not to sexual minorities #armLGBT
ditord
comment on @mmkarmenia & @RadioVAN post http://goo.gl/V2l7E its easier to be against #armLGBT community than corrupt government officials
Lara_Aha
2nd article JEnya and Zara http://bit.ly/cw9qx9 on coming out - artagalusd #armLGBT
ditord
Zhenka / Zara's article http://goo.gl/dOrW9 is long, boring, too many figures, no specific issue is raised, but its a great start #armLGBT
mmkarmenia
I guess #armLGBT community do not have that much problems with journalists but each of them has problems in their groups
ditord
Gohar Hakobian of Aravot Daily is presenting results of 'vox pop' on the streets of Tsakhadzor. Results are funny! #armLGBT
ditord
In response to question what they think of #armLGBT, someone started complaining from lack of jobs and social problems #lol
ditord
Gohar Hakobian says Tsakhadzor ppl tolerant, because its a tourist place and they are used to seeing diverse groups #armLGBT
Lara_Aha
Gohar from Aravot and Karen from WFCE went out on the streets of Tsaxkatsor and did an opinion poll on #LGBT issues #armLGBT
ditord
can't really comment on Gohar Hakobian's article draft for Aravot Daily before it's published, interesting stuff though #armLGBT
ditord
Susan Simonian is presenting a feature article on gender change at #armLGBT workshop in tsakhadzor
ditord
Susan Simonian's feature paints a touching picture of #armLGBT minority's struggle to survive in a hostile environment. Depressing!
ditord
Susan Simonian's feature for #armLGBT woskshop has a success story. Yey! Love it!
mmkarmenia
Gayane from A1+ presented amazing video report about Ocean and her artwork #armLGBT
mmkarmenia
Lusine's real story presenting Vahe from Hetq. Another reality, another emotions and this is all about our lovely Lusine #armLGBT
ditord
Vahe's story prepared for #armLGBT workshop is rather controversial. Has lot's of good sides, but somehting bother's me about it
ditord
from mainstream journalism perspective, knowing potential negative feedback, I wouldn't publish Vahe's story as it is #armLGBT
mmkarmenia
Finalizing the seminar. Thanks to British Council for great initiative #armLGBT
unzippedblog
Thanks @Lara_Aha @mmkarmenia @ditord for excellent tweet-reporting from #armLGBT media seminar. Will sum up your tweets into a blog post.
Lara_Aha
seminar is officially over, it was an amazing experience and exceeded my expectations! i will be back with lots of energy and hope #armLGBT
unzippedblog
@Lara_Aha WOW. Well done, guys. I like what I am reading :) #armLGBT
Friday, 24 September 2010
Live tweeting: IWPR roundtable discussion on problems faced by LGBT people in Armenia
Many thanks to Lara Aharonian of Women's Resource Centre in Yerevan for live tweeting from the IWPR roundtable discussion on problems faced by LGBT people in Armenia.
All tweets below are by @Lara_Aha, with few questions and replies from me @unzippedblog.
***
at #IWPR office listening to Pink Armenia about the discrimination issues against #LGBT in #Armenia
"hate speech against #lgbt is very present in our local media and is presented as freedom of speech",- mamikon #Armenia
in 2009, complaints have been sent by a gay couple in #yerevan being harassed by police in the streets #lgbt #armenia
Lusine Vayachyan talking about the reality of #trans people and health issues in #Armenia #lgbt
#transgender people don't have any kind of support or health resources to lead a healthy life in #Armenia #lgbt
doctors and psychologists are trying to heal #trans and #lgbt people in #Armenia to make them straight as an only option
There is a great need to reform and train doctors, endocrinologist and sexologist on issues of #lgbt in #armenia
to learn more on #trans people issues in #armenia read http://bit.ly/9lDn3m
there is a law in Armenia to give permission for sex change but only for hermaphrodites and not for #trans people
RA signed 2 international declarations (UN and EU level) to improve the rights of #lgbt people in #Armenia
young #armenian #gay men prefer to be diagnosed as "mentally ill" than serve in the army and get harassed or raped #lgbt
"close your eyes and kiss the woman, so you can lead a normal straight life" - an advice given by psychologists to #gay men in #armenia
@unzippedblog: @Lara_Aha are reps from Ombudsman office, police, ministries, government officials, media present? What about turnout in general?
@unzippedblog some media present, representative from SOROS, British Council, i think OSCE
@unzippedblog and british embassy
@unzippedblog some 30-35 people
very few #lgbt people report to the police when in situation of harassment or assault in #armenia fearing more discrimination
@unzippedblog: @Lara_Aha but no government officials?
@unzippedblog nope!
@unzippedblog apparently they sent invitation to government officials, they said they will come but didn't.
@unzippedblog the representative from the ombudsman office came, registered and left very early, at the beginning.
@unzippedblog: @Lara_Aha that's disappointing :( And what was Ombudsman rep excuse for leaving so early?Will we hear again 'we are not aware of problems'?!
@unzippedblog: @Lara_Aha thanks a lot for all your updates, Lara jan.
*picture - via M.K.'s FB page
All tweets below are by @Lara_Aha, with few questions and replies from me @unzippedblog.
***
at #IWPR office listening to Pink Armenia about the discrimination issues against #LGBT in #Armenia
"hate speech against #lgbt is very present in our local media and is presented as freedom of speech",- mamikon #Armenia
in 2009, complaints have been sent by a gay couple in #yerevan being harassed by police in the streets #lgbt #armenia
Lusine Vayachyan talking about the reality of #trans people and health issues in #Armenia #lgbt
#transgender people don't have any kind of support or health resources to lead a healthy life in #Armenia #lgbt
doctors and psychologists are trying to heal #trans and #lgbt people in #Armenia to make them straight as an only option
There is a great need to reform and train doctors, endocrinologist and sexologist on issues of #lgbt in #armenia
to learn more on #trans people issues in #armenia read http://bit.ly/9lDn3m
there is a law in Armenia to give permission for sex change but only for hermaphrodites and not for #trans people
RA signed 2 international declarations (UN and EU level) to improve the rights of #lgbt people in #Armenia
young #armenian #gay men prefer to be diagnosed as "mentally ill" than serve in the army and get harassed or raped #lgbt
"close your eyes and kiss the woman, so you can lead a normal straight life" - an advice given by psychologists to #gay men in #armenia
@unzippedblog: @Lara_Aha are reps from Ombudsman office, police, ministries, government officials, media present? What about turnout in general?
@unzippedblog some media present, representative from SOROS, British Council, i think OSCE
@unzippedblog and british embassy
@unzippedblog some 30-35 people
very few #lgbt people report to the police when in situation of harassment or assault in #armenia fearing more discrimination
@unzippedblog: @Lara_Aha but no government officials?
@unzippedblog nope!
@unzippedblog apparently they sent invitation to government officials, they said they will come but didn't.
@unzippedblog the representative from the ombudsman office came, registered and left very early, at the beginning.
@unzippedblog: @Lara_Aha that's disappointing :( And what was Ombudsman rep excuse for leaving so early?Will we hear again 'we are not aware of problems'?!
@unzippedblog: @Lara_Aha thanks a lot for all your updates, Lara jan.
*picture - via M.K.'s FB page
Wednesday, 26 May 2010
Eurovision 2010 1st semi: In love with Belgium (+hotness index +"qyartu" in Eurovision)
I was live tweeting my immediate impressions along with watching the 1st semifinal of Eurovision 2010. Below I’ll try to sum up some of the main points.
Here we are. Never thought I would make this confession during Eurovision. Yes, yes, yes, I did fall in love with the Belgian singer Tom Dice. While he may not be your typical Eurovision entry, it was a class act all the way: song, performance, singer. He did not need complicated weird shows on stage or supporting dancers or back vocals. It was a one-man performance, and I loved it.
Back to the beginning of the evening, I quoted personal preferences of BBC Eurovision, received via their twitter:
Before Russia, Moldova did quite a bit of cheering up. I remember their performance with a smile on my face. It was light and entertaining.
Albania delivered a typical Eurovision performance, no more, no less, and it was not bad at all.
Then there was a turn for another typical Eurovision + typical Greece all-male performance. All men were hot, except for singer. He did sing OK, though. It was Hoppa, or Oppa :)))
I even managed spotting someone who would we normally call “qyartu” in Armenian. Watch out for that guy in black glasses during Macedonia’s entry.
When Iceland took the stage, all tweets were about associations with volcanic eruption and whether Europe “will forgive Iceland”:
Before the results of voting were announces, I indicated my faves from the 1st semi: Belgium, Greece, Albania, Iceland, Moldova. I could not decide re Serbia (too distracted by his haircut).
I was pleased that all my faves are through to the final.
Oh, and did I already mention this?! Belgium singer + Greece dancers = hot Eurovision.
And now, to make sure you’ll keep up the sexy mood till Thursday’s 2nd semi, watch this brief preview of Kylie Minogue’s All The Lovers video. Can’t wait to see the full version. Looks sexy ;)
Here we are. Never thought I would make this confession during Eurovision. Yes, yes, yes, I did fall in love with the Belgian singer Tom Dice. While he may not be your typical Eurovision entry, it was a class act all the way: song, performance, singer. He did not need complicated weird shows on stage or supporting dancers or back vocals. It was a one-man performance, and I loved it.
Back to the beginning of the evening, I quoted personal preferences of BBC Eurovision, received via their twitter:
Here are @bbceurovision preferences:"Personally speaking, I really like #Ireland, #Romania, #Iceland, #Finland & #Armenia! :)" #EurovisionThen there was an immediate commentary by BBC re Russia performance: "3 minutes of misery - Lost and Forgotten" :)
Before Russia, Moldova did quite a bit of cheering up. I remember their performance with a smile on my face. It was light and entertaining.
Albania delivered a typical Eurovision performance, no more, no less, and it was not bad at all.
Then there was a turn for another typical Eurovision + typical Greece all-male performance. All men were hot, except for singer. He did sing OK, though. It was Hoppa, or Oppa :)))
I even managed spotting someone who would we normally call “qyartu” in Armenian. Watch out for that guy in black glasses during Macedonia’s entry.
When Iceland took the stage, all tweets were about associations with volcanic eruption and whether Europe “will forgive Iceland”:
@bbceurovision: And finally tonight, another one of the favourites, Hera Bjork from Iceland. Will Europe forgive the volcano?Icelandic representative was pretty good, and as they passed through to the final, I may safely assume that Europe did indeed forgive for the volcanic ash chaos, well, at least for the occasion.
Before the results of voting were announces, I indicated my faves from the 1st semi: Belgium, Greece, Albania, Iceland, Moldova. I could not decide re Serbia (too distracted by his haircut).
I was pleased that all my faves are through to the final.
Oh, and did I already mention this?! Belgium singer + Greece dancers = hot Eurovision.
And now, to make sure you’ll keep up the sexy mood till Thursday’s 2nd semi, watch this brief preview of Kylie Minogue’s All The Lovers video. Can’t wait to see the full version. Looks sexy ;)
Friday, 14 May 2010
#LGBTArmenia: Compilation of live tweets from a historic LGBT rights event in Armenia (part 2)
As you know, on 4 May 2010 there was a groundbreaking presentation on LGBT rights by PINK Armenia in Yerevan. This was accompanied by an unprecedented for Armenian LGBT related event live tweeting from the venue.
Below, part 2, as tweeted by Lara Aharonian (@Lara_Aha). Tweets are presented in a chronological order (bottom to top)
For part 1 - here.
***
i expect more from the #Armenian people regarding this issue, because we know first hand what being opressed means says Alex S
Even though the #Armenian Church has a certain approach to #LGBT issues, they never state hate and discriminatory messages
most of the time victims of violence in the #LGBT community won't report to police from fear of blackmail
#violence against #LGBT people is an issue in #Armenia, psychological, physical and sometimes sexual
wow the ministry of social affairs has been working on gender equality and women's rights...when?where?
So Gay men should openly say about their sexual orientation to get an alternative military service? isn't this discriminatory in itself?
the mentally ill status will cause later other problems for gay men, for example will not be allowed to get driving license
in order to be exempt from military service, gay men pass a psychological official test and are categorized as mentally ill
Marina MArgaryan calls for a need to pass a law to change the sex status in passport for Trans people after change of gender
lawyer Nona Markaryan suggests an alternative military service for GBT until the reality/laws changes in #Armenia
Mika Danielyan, Helsinki Association doesn't agree that gay men should get exempted from military service, the problem is not there he says
Ministry of Justice representative suggesting to NGOs to present a draft law on the changes required in the legal field
#lgbt issues concerns everyone in society
representatives from Ministry of social affairs and ministry of justice of RA are present
and a couple of more internl. declarations were signed as well by #Armenia to stop #homophobic acts and fight #discrimination against #lgbt
UN Declaration on "sexual orientation and gender identity" was signed by Armenia in 2008
legal support needed from the state to ensure the protection of the rights of #LGBT people
Mamikon presenting the Legal Analysis of #LGBT issues in #Armenia
major awareness work should be done in the media, NGOs, educational institutions on tolerance and the rights of #lgbt people
respondents say that they encounter psychological problems and suicidal thoughts but they will rarely seek for help
in the workplace, mainly LGBT people will keep their gender identity and sexual orientation secret from fear of discrimination
police will sometimes ask for bribes from #lgbt people to not tell about their sexual orientation to their families
At the YErevan State University, they won't let students, grad or undergrads, to write their thesis on #lgbt issues
"some heterosexual men won't touch the same items that a gay man touches in the University or sit at the same chair "
discrimination against LGBT people in the workplace, could be forced to quit once their sexual orientation is known
LGBT people enter also in forced marriages in the #armenian society and divorce rate following that is quite high
in the family, most LGBT people keep their sexual orientation secret fearing #homophobic reactions from closed ones
cases of #rape and #homicide occurred in #Armenia against gay people
#lgbt women are more accepted than men
#lgbt community in #armenia want to see more awareness initiatives to counter stereotypes that discriminate against them
Marina Margaryan, sociologist from @pinkarmenia presenting the results of the report
@pinkarmenia also works with survivors of #violence in the #lgbt community in #Armenia
Mamikon Hovsepyan from @pinkarmenia will present about the organization's projects
it is hard to talk of these issues in the #armenian society but today we will try to engage in an open dialogue
Alex Sardar from #counterpartArm is doing the opening speech and calling for a dialogue and open discussion today on #lgbtarmenia
"we and our rights" at the @pinkarmenia forum/presentation of the report on #lgbt situation in #armenia
*picture - by PINK Armenia
Below, part 2, as tweeted by Lara Aharonian (@Lara_Aha). Tweets are presented in a chronological order (bottom to top)
For part 1 - here.
***
i expect more from the #Armenian people regarding this issue, because we know first hand what being opressed means says Alex S
Even though the #Armenian Church has a certain approach to #LGBT issues, they never state hate and discriminatory messages
most of the time victims of violence in the #LGBT community won't report to police from fear of blackmail
#violence against #LGBT people is an issue in #Armenia, psychological, physical and sometimes sexual
wow the ministry of social affairs has been working on gender equality and women's rights...when?where?
So Gay men should openly say about their sexual orientation to get an alternative military service? isn't this discriminatory in itself?
the mentally ill status will cause later other problems for gay men, for example will not be allowed to get driving license
in order to be exempt from military service, gay men pass a psychological official test and are categorized as mentally ill
Marina MArgaryan calls for a need to pass a law to change the sex status in passport for Trans people after change of gender
lawyer Nona Markaryan suggests an alternative military service for GBT until the reality/laws changes in #Armenia
Mika Danielyan, Helsinki Association doesn't agree that gay men should get exempted from military service, the problem is not there he says
Ministry of Justice representative suggesting to NGOs to present a draft law on the changes required in the legal field
#lgbt issues concerns everyone in society
representatives from Ministry of social affairs and ministry of justice of RA are present
and a couple of more internl. declarations were signed as well by #Armenia to stop #homophobic acts and fight #discrimination against #lgbt
UN Declaration on "sexual orientation and gender identity" was signed by Armenia in 2008
legal support needed from the state to ensure the protection of the rights of #LGBT people
Mamikon presenting the Legal Analysis of #LGBT issues in #Armenia
major awareness work should be done in the media, NGOs, educational institutions on tolerance and the rights of #lgbt people
respondents say that they encounter psychological problems and suicidal thoughts but they will rarely seek for help
in the workplace, mainly LGBT people will keep their gender identity and sexual orientation secret from fear of discrimination
police will sometimes ask for bribes from #lgbt people to not tell about their sexual orientation to their families
At the YErevan State University, they won't let students, grad or undergrads, to write their thesis on #lgbt issues
"some heterosexual men won't touch the same items that a gay man touches in the University or sit at the same chair "
discrimination against LGBT people in the workplace, could be forced to quit once their sexual orientation is known
LGBT people enter also in forced marriages in the #armenian society and divorce rate following that is quite high
in the family, most LGBT people keep their sexual orientation secret fearing #homophobic reactions from closed ones
cases of #rape and #homicide occurred in #Armenia against gay people
#lgbt women are more accepted than men
#lgbt community in #armenia want to see more awareness initiatives to counter stereotypes that discriminate against them
Marina Margaryan, sociologist from @pinkarmenia presenting the results of the report
@pinkarmenia also works with survivors of #violence in the #lgbt community in #Armenia
Mamikon Hovsepyan from @pinkarmenia will present about the organization's projects
it is hard to talk of these issues in the #armenian society but today we will try to engage in an open dialogue
Alex Sardar from #counterpartArm is doing the opening speech and calling for a dialogue and open discussion today on #lgbtarmenia
"we and our rights" at the @pinkarmenia forum/presentation of the report on #lgbt situation in #armenia
*picture - by PINK Armenia
#LGBTArmenia: Compilation of live tweets from a historic LGBT rights event in Armenia (part 1)
As you know, on 4 May 2010 there was a groundbreaking presentation on LGBT rights by PINK Armenia in Yerevan. This was accompanied by an unprecedented for Armenian LGBT related event live tweeting from the venue.
Below, part 1, as tweeted by Adrineh Macaan on behalf of @pinkarmenia. Tweets are presented in a chronological order (bottom to top)
For part 2 - here.
***
Thanks to @adrinehmacaan for translating the booklet, she was also taking care of @pinkarmenia tweets & updating
Thanks to @USIAD @CounterpartAm for support, special thanks to @alexsardar for assisting and moderating today's presentaion & discussion
Thanks to everybody who took part in "We and Our Rights" presentation
now we invite you to lunch, "We and Our Rights" presentation over
hopes that conversation continues especially with/among state bodies, says @AlexSardar
shouldn't matter what "minority" group we're speaking about, whether sexual, ethnic, religious etc says @AlexSardar
but that just means they censor themself & don't talk about LGBT issues on air because international agencies are "watching"
there was homophobic radio program which we were able to get off the air says @MamikonHovsepyan
would love to hear about positive experience and positive resolutions to issues says one participant
we have big example and resource in Armenia that we don’t use in order to fight stereotypes says @AlexSardar
church “principles” don’t come out against LGBT discrimination, why don’t we raise this as example? says @AlexSardar
Labor Ministry says this also cultural issue not just legal issue i.e. films, media, etc #LGBTArmenia thus must fight stereotypes
correction: Justice Ministry not Defense Ministry rep
agree that state has to oversee NGOs it approves and check if spreading discrimination and misinformation says Defense Ministry
LGBT primary turn to NGOs that support and work with LGBT community for help such as WRCA, Helsinki Association
but may not report to law enforcement bodies because of bribes and threat of "outing" LGBT victims
physical and sexual violence cases in military and public life says @MarinaMarkaryan
has your research revealed cases of violence against LGBT people? asks someone at "We and Our Rights"
there are NGOs who themselves spread misinformation and discriminate says @MamikonHovsepyan
NGOs should unite and show support and strength in LGBT issue says @Lara_Aha
if NGO working on women’s issues also working on lesbian issues, but often we’re not doing this work in NGOS says @Lara_Aha
@Lara_Aha from WRCA speaking on role of NGOs on LGBT rights and this sector
this is one of possible steps to allow minorities’ rights to be heard at state level @MarinaMarkaryan
strongly disagree with this “numbers game” says Daniel Yeghisyan
not that it’s too early to talk about LGBT issues, but it’s too late says @MikaelDanielyan
even if number is small, doesn’t mean LGBT rights shouldn’t be protected @MarinaMarkaryan
important to recognize this is first survey inside LGBT community @MarinaMarkaryan
just because public isn’t ready doesn’t mean the problem doesn’t exist says @AlexSardar
child & family rep doesn’t think public is ready for LGBT issues; citizens understand men, women, but not trans
@MamikonHovsepyan military service should be voluntary, this is ideal #LGBTArmenia @Mikael Danielyan agrees
how does it get decided who is LGBT and who is not? question at "We and Our Rights" presentation
Daniel Yeghisyan says RA Defense Ministry sees problem with BGT & military service, but how to solve it?
Nona Markaryan says lack of corresponding laws, need LGBT rights protection, in response to Mikael Danielyan
Mikael Danielyan, Helsinki Association not necessary to stress sexual orientation for military exemption, Jehovah’s Witnesses also exempt
Mikael Danielyan, Helsinki Association doesn’t agree with GBT men exempt from military service
Nona Markaryan lawyer says need for new law to recognize gender identity
“hamaseramol”, “tmramol” terms in Armenian discriminatory @MamikonHovsepyan
Kevork Manukyan asks for more info on sex workers situation
Kevork Manukyan, Ministry rep suggests NGOs cooperate with state bodies
recommend amendments in RA legislation to ensure that LGBT discrimination and hate prevented and LGBT rights protected
necessary to adopt law to recognize gender identity and prohibit all forms of LGBT discrimination
Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe (PACE) resolution: http://bit.ly/baDAOj
PACE resolution few days ago on LGBT rights, Armenian delegation voted against
Mar 31 Armenia signed Council of Europe Ministers Council to fight discrimination against LGBT people
Armenia signed UN LGBT declaration but not implemented into practice yet
Dec 2008 Armenia signed UN Declaration on protecting sexual orientation and gender identity
Discrimination specifically on basis of sexual orientation and gender identity ABSENT from RA legislation
according to Republic of Armenia (RA) Constitution Article 14 Section 1, all equal under the law, discrimination against sex etc prohibited
@MamikonHovsepyan speaking on human rights and all equal under the law
English version of booklet will be available on pinkarmenia.org later today
complete research will be available on pinkarmenia.org website
LGBT must come to terms with society in which they live, respect society’s current norms and rules, & conform: respondents
church doesn't accept LGBT, but no cases of discrimination and violence against LGBT by church, according to survey results
bisexual, gay men and transwomen need to get medical documentation to "prove" queer status to be exempt from military service
media in Armenia propagates LGBT stereotypes and spreads misinformation
LGBT can't fully disclose sexual history when seeking medical services, affects their health and may result in misdiagnosis
hetero men say they don't have contact with gay or bisexual male students in their university, according to survey
..., the more serious level of discrimination
more one’s external appearance or way s/he carries him/herself reveals his/her sexual orientation or gender identity...
LGBT Armenians mainly hide sexual orientation and gender identity from family, according to results of survey
According to respondents, there are cases of LGBT people in Armenia being raped and even murdered.
gay men more accepted than lesbian women according to respondents "We and Our Rights"
discrimination toward LGBT people begins from family ex. by kicking them out of the house, breaking off contact
LGBT respondents don't differentiate their rights from that of others according to survey #LGBTArmenia, want acceptance
@MarinaMarkaryan of @pinkarmenia presenting on "We and Our Rights" research
"We and Our Rights" sociological research and legal analysis on LGBT situation in #Armenia conducted by @PINKArmenia
@MamikonHovsepyan presenting on @pinkarmenia's activities
@AlexSardar from @Counterpart International Armenia representation speaking
#LGBTArmenia is hashtag for PINK #Armenia "We and Our Rights" presentation on LGBT rights http://pinkarmenia.org/ starting soon
today: "We and Our Rights" presentation, 11am +4GMT http://j.mp/b9MzPU follow on twittter & skype (pinkarmenia)
*pictures - by PINK Armenia
Below, part 1, as tweeted by Adrineh Macaan on behalf of @pinkarmenia. Tweets are presented in a chronological order (bottom to top)
For part 2 - here.
***
Thanks to @adrinehmacaan for translating the booklet, she was also taking care of @pinkarmenia tweets & updating
Thanks to @USIAD @CounterpartAm for support, special thanks to @alexsardar for assisting and moderating today's presentaion & discussion
Thanks to everybody who took part in "We and Our Rights" presentation
now we invite you to lunch, "We and Our Rights" presentation over
hopes that conversation continues especially with/among state bodies, says @AlexSardar
shouldn't matter what "minority" group we're speaking about, whether sexual, ethnic, religious etc says @AlexSardar
but that just means they censor themself & don't talk about LGBT issues on air because international agencies are "watching"
there was homophobic radio program which we were able to get off the air says @MamikonHovsepyan
would love to hear about positive experience and positive resolutions to issues says one participant
we have big example and resource in Armenia that we don’t use in order to fight stereotypes says @AlexSardar
church “principles” don’t come out against LGBT discrimination, why don’t we raise this as example? says @AlexSardar
Labor Ministry says this also cultural issue not just legal issue i.e. films, media, etc #LGBTArmenia thus must fight stereotypes
correction: Justice Ministry not Defense Ministry rep
agree that state has to oversee NGOs it approves and check if spreading discrimination and misinformation says Defense Ministry
LGBT primary turn to NGOs that support and work with LGBT community for help such as WRCA, Helsinki Association
but may not report to law enforcement bodies because of bribes and threat of "outing" LGBT victims
physical and sexual violence cases in military and public life says @MarinaMarkaryan
has your research revealed cases of violence against LGBT people? asks someone at "We and Our Rights"
there are NGOs who themselves spread misinformation and discriminate says @MamikonHovsepyan
NGOs should unite and show support and strength in LGBT issue says @Lara_Aha
if NGO working on women’s issues also working on lesbian issues, but often we’re not doing this work in NGOS says @Lara_Aha
@Lara_Aha from WRCA speaking on role of NGOs on LGBT rights and this sector
this is one of possible steps to allow minorities’ rights to be heard at state level @MarinaMarkaryan
strongly disagree with this “numbers game” says Daniel Yeghisyan
not that it’s too early to talk about LGBT issues, but it’s too late says @MikaelDanielyan
even if number is small, doesn’t mean LGBT rights shouldn’t be protected @MarinaMarkaryan
important to recognize this is first survey inside LGBT community @MarinaMarkaryan
just because public isn’t ready doesn’t mean the problem doesn’t exist says @AlexSardar
child & family rep doesn’t think public is ready for LGBT issues; citizens understand men, women, but not trans
@MamikonHovsepyan military service should be voluntary, this is ideal #LGBTArmenia @Mikael Danielyan agrees
how does it get decided who is LGBT and who is not? question at "We and Our Rights" presentation
Daniel Yeghisyan says RA Defense Ministry sees problem with BGT & military service, but how to solve it?
Nona Markaryan says lack of corresponding laws, need LGBT rights protection, in response to Mikael Danielyan
Mikael Danielyan, Helsinki Association not necessary to stress sexual orientation for military exemption, Jehovah’s Witnesses also exempt
Mikael Danielyan, Helsinki Association doesn’t agree with GBT men exempt from military service
Nona Markaryan lawyer says need for new law to recognize gender identity
“hamaseramol”, “tmramol” terms in Armenian discriminatory @MamikonHovsepyan
Kevork Manukyan asks for more info on sex workers situation
Kevork Manukyan, Ministry rep suggests NGOs cooperate with state bodies
recommend amendments in RA legislation to ensure that LGBT discrimination and hate prevented and LGBT rights protected
necessary to adopt law to recognize gender identity and prohibit all forms of LGBT discrimination
Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe (PACE) resolution: http://bit.ly/baDAOj
PACE resolution few days ago on LGBT rights, Armenian delegation voted against
Mar 31 Armenia signed Council of Europe Ministers Council to fight discrimination against LGBT people
Armenia signed UN LGBT declaration but not implemented into practice yet
Dec 2008 Armenia signed UN Declaration on protecting sexual orientation and gender identity
Discrimination specifically on basis of sexual orientation and gender identity ABSENT from RA legislation
according to Republic of Armenia (RA) Constitution Article 14 Section 1, all equal under the law, discrimination against sex etc prohibited
@MamikonHovsepyan speaking on human rights and all equal under the law
English version of booklet will be available on pinkarmenia.org later today
complete research will be available on pinkarmenia.org website
LGBT must come to terms with society in which they live, respect society’s current norms and rules, & conform: respondents
church doesn't accept LGBT, but no cases of discrimination and violence against LGBT by church, according to survey results
bisexual, gay men and transwomen need to get medical documentation to "prove" queer status to be exempt from military service
media in Armenia propagates LGBT stereotypes and spreads misinformation
LGBT can't fully disclose sexual history when seeking medical services, affects their health and may result in misdiagnosis
hetero men say they don't have contact with gay or bisexual male students in their university, according to survey
..., the more serious level of discrimination
more one’s external appearance or way s/he carries him/herself reveals his/her sexual orientation or gender identity...
LGBT Armenians mainly hide sexual orientation and gender identity from family, according to results of survey
According to respondents, there are cases of LGBT people in Armenia being raped and even murdered.
gay men more accepted than lesbian women according to respondents "We and Our Rights"
discrimination toward LGBT people begins from family ex. by kicking them out of the house, breaking off contact
LGBT respondents don't differentiate their rights from that of others according to survey #LGBTArmenia, want acceptance
@MarinaMarkaryan of @pinkarmenia presenting on "We and Our Rights" research
"We and Our Rights" sociological research and legal analysis on LGBT situation in #Armenia conducted by @PINKArmenia
@MamikonHovsepyan presenting on @pinkarmenia's activities
@AlexSardar from @Counterpart International Armenia representation speaking
#LGBTArmenia is hashtag for PINK #Armenia "We and Our Rights" presentation on LGBT rights http://pinkarmenia.org/ starting soon
today: "We and Our Rights" presentation, 11am +4GMT http://j.mp/b9MzPU follow on twittter & skype (pinkarmenia)
*pictures - by PINK Armenia
Sunday, 28 February 2010
IANYAN: "Overheard on the Net: Flashy Cars, Music and Homosexuality"
Looking forward to a four part series re gay Armenians to appear on IANYAN very soon. In the meantime, here is the latest reflection by one of my favourite Diasporan publications. IANYAN reflects few comments which appeared recently on the web here and there. I remember this comment by someone on Twitter:
"I just saw a gay Armenian guy! Never seen that in my life!"
"I just saw a gay Armenian guy! Never seen that in my life!"
Can't agree more with what IANYAN has to say re above: "It perfectly illustrates all the hurdles Armenian culture still has to overcome to acknowledge, accept and respect homosexuality. It’s also appropriately timed with a four part series that will be appearing on this site very soon. There are gay Armenians every where, all you need to do is open your eyes and mind."
Saturday, 5 December 2009
Tweet of the Day: Yerevan airport taxi driver asks about gay marriages in Europe
Usually airport taxi drivers ask why someone would stay in #Armenia. Today's wanted to know if gay marriage existed in #Europe. #LGBT
*@onewmphoto
My optimistic reaction to this:
You know what they say. Taxi drivers are good sources of proxy indicators to get a 'vox populi' perspective of what's going on in any particular country. The mere asking such a question by a Yerevan airport taxi driver may be a proxy indicator that things are changing in our country, after all, even if to a very little extent, even if it's "some seeds", for whatever reason he asked...
*@onewmphoto
My optimistic reaction to this:
You know what they say. Taxi drivers are good sources of proxy indicators to get a 'vox populi' perspective of what's going on in any particular country. The mere asking such a question by a Yerevan airport taxi driver may be a proxy indicator that things are changing in our country, after all, even if to a very little extent, even if it's "some seeds", for whatever reason he asked...
Sunday, 8 November 2009
Harvey Milk in Armenia (2): 'Milk' was shown on a national TV channel H2
His life changed history. His courage changed lives.
When I first watched Milk in London in January 2009, my first thought was "We need someone like Harvey Milk for Armenia. Someone who will inspire. Someone who will lead civil rights movement."
My second thought was whether the film will be shown in Armenia. I knew that it won't be released in cinemas, but there should be no problems with the DVDs.
However, I did not expect the film to be shown on Armenian TV channels so quickly. Always like pleasant surprises, and always happy to share them with you.
First, it was Tsayg TV channel in Armenia's second city Gyumri. They showed Milk in April 2009. Mamikon of PINK Armenia posted his impressions after watching the film: "I learn a lot from Harvey Milk, even all the phrases that he said are in my mind. Hope one day I can be so strong like him and I can do at least part of his work. I wish one day to stand on the top of the mountain with you and feel the wind of freedom."
What is even more significant is today's news from Yerevan, that Armenia's national TV channel H2 showed Milk tonight. News were first broken via Twitter. These are truly tweets of the day for me:
Armenian H2 channel shows a film on gay movement campaign in san francisco. WOW
*@astepany
The story of Harvey Milk, and his struggles as an American gay activist NOW on H2 armenian channel.
*@astepany
@unzippedblog - yes and the film is in russian. sony ericsson is the official "hovanavor"
*@astepany
Yes, "His life changed history. His courage changed lives". Let's just hope that we'll achieve this in Armenia without losing (more) lives...
Thursday, 6 August 2009
Ricky Martin and his twin son
Ricky Martin who very recently joined the Twitter @ricky_martin posted this photo of his twin son: "a year ago!my son's first bath!" Very cute! Reminds me somehow that classical poster of Man & Baby by Spencer Rowell.
Friday, 17 April 2009
Cocoon – new gay friendly bar in Yerevan
Interestingly, this news was first delivered yesterday via Twitter @ArmenianNews:
“Armenia's first Gay Bar, "Cocoon" - opens in central Yerevan with large crowd.”
I am so not regretting for joining Twitter. Thanks to Onnik for inspiring me to do so :)
Strictly said, this was rather a re-launch than a launch, as it replaced a former techno bar with the same name Cocoon.
Also, Cocoon is not the first gay bar in Armenia. The very first gay bar in Yerevan (and Armenia) was Meline’s.
As far as I understand, it would be more correct to call it a gay friendly bar, rather than a gay bar. In any case, good news for sure. I’ve been told that ambience at Cocoon is cool, and people have good time there. (Cocoon is on Tumanyan street)
Time to update my Armenia Gay Guide. I know, I promised to do it quite some time ago, but could not find time, sorry for that. Now I have even more reasons to do so. Will do it asap.
“Armenia's first Gay Bar, "Cocoon" - opens in central Yerevan with large crowd.”
I am so not regretting for joining Twitter. Thanks to Onnik for inspiring me to do so :)
Strictly said, this was rather a re-launch than a launch, as it replaced a former techno bar with the same name Cocoon.
Also, Cocoon is not the first gay bar in Armenia. The very first gay bar in Yerevan (and Armenia) was Meline’s.
As far as I understand, it would be more correct to call it a gay friendly bar, rather than a gay bar. In any case, good news for sure. I’ve been told that ambience at Cocoon is cool, and people have good time there. (Cocoon is on Tumanyan street)
Time to update my Armenia Gay Guide. I know, I promised to do it quite some time ago, but could not find time, sorry for that. Now I have even more reasons to do so. Will do it asap.
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