Lady Gaga's manifesto - "Born This Way" - premiere

You were born this way, baby !! ;)



***

...earlier at the Grammy Awards

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”.

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.
***
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)

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.

***
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

Lady Gaga vs Horovel

This is beyond words hilarious :)))



*Thanks to M.N. for the link.

When hypocrisy meets homophobia: founder of Civilitas Foundation and editor of Aravot daily

He never distanced himself from his own words. He never said “sorry” for one of the most disgusting displays of homophobia to come out from the editor of national daily: Homophobic editor of Armenian daily Aravot - Aram Abrahamyan - came out with another hate editorial. Yes, “sorry seems to be the hardest word”, and the least he could have done.

I have to say I am not surprised that homophobic editor of Armenian daily Aram Abrahamyan has been invited to moderate the first discussion in new series One Hundred Questions and Answers hosted by Civilitas Foundation. This is yet another display of hypocrisy by organisation that talks about European values and human rights.

Let’s not forget that founder of the Civilitas and first “guest” of the ‘100 questions’ forum is Vartan Oskanian who tries hard at rebranding himself as ‘human rights champion’. In his latest statement Oskanian denounced Armenia’s ruling coalition latest announcement:

The ruling coalition’s announcement highlights the authorities’ disregard of democracy, elections and the public will.

There is just one big problem here, Mr. Oskanian.

Vartan Oskanian was Armenia’s foreign minister during 1 March 2008 bloody crackdown on the opposition in the aftermath of falsified presidential election. He was silent re human rights abuses then. In fact, I am wrong, he was vocal in his support and excuse of ruling regime’s actions. I do not remember him ever coming clean or apologising. For real.

At least one reader of this blog who received the invitation below, has already sent a complaint to Civilitas re collaboration with the homophobic editor.

I thought it would be good if someone could go there and challenge both Vartan Oskanian’s hypocrisy and Aram Abrahamyan’s homophobia. As they say, the aim of these discussions is “to give the citizens a possibility to pose direct questions to personalities who are responsible for different areas of life of the society.”
***

The Civilitas Foundation cordially invites you to the first discussion in its new series called

One Hundred Questions and Answers

Each month we will invite a public personality from all walks of life – political parties, civil society, public officials, etc. – to answer questions from the audience. The aim is to give the citizens a possibility to pose direct questions to personalities who are responsible for different areas of life of the society.

The discussions will be moderated by

Aram Abrahamyan
Editor-in-chief of Aravot daily

The first guest of the forum will be

Vartan Oskanian
Founder of Civilitas and
former Minister of Foreign Affairs

The event will take place at the
Yerevan Golden Tulip Hotel, Rossini Hall,
on February 28, Monday, at 4 p.m.

Entrance only by registration,
by phone 010 500 119.

Number of places is limited.

Kazaky in drag. Ukrainian "response to Lady Gaga" did it again ;)

They hit the headlines last year with In the Middle and instantly gained big gay following. Their performances are over-the-top bordering 'bad taste'. But hilarious viewing, nevertheless.



In this new music video Love they do it in drag, with stilettos. Kazaky from Ukraine ;)



*Wikipedia
**official website
***Facebook page

PINK Armenia launches Diversity project

*full AM version
**full English version

Synopsis

“Public Information and Need of Knowledge” NGO (PINK Armenia) is launching this project, willing to reach a high level of acceptance of diversity, mutual respect and cultural sensitivity by promoting the ideas of tolerance, respect, and understanding. Nowadays, sadly, the rise of neo-Nazi movements and ultranationalists is registered. It’s a pity, but often activists of these movements take ultranationalist or neo-Nazi ideas for and represent them as nationalism, even worse – as patriotism. Gender based Human Rights violations, xenophobia, homophobia, neo-Nazism, ignorance and illiteracy will do nothing but flourish, if no serious actions are taken, if these issues remain unaddressed or silenced, or ignored, and the marginalized and discriminated groups will be defamed as ‘good’ as nowadays.

Addressing and fighting the issues of stereotypes, intolerance, xenophobia, homophobia, discrimination based on gender, including LGBT- related issues[1] are highly important for this project, as well as generally are the issues of any kind of discrimination based on age, sex, gender, sexual orientation. Moreover, a list of must-dos includes spread of knowledge on the issues mentioned above, inspiration, youth empowerment, preparation of human rights activists, cooperation with other NGOs, inclusion of wider public, marginalized and discriminated groups into the actions and events presented above. We especially stress the idea of youth empowerment all across the nation.

Main activities and events within the framework of this project will include – organization of seminars, round tables, flash mobs, exhibitions and other various types of cultural, social and public events, writing articles, creation of an e-magazine, building a relevant library and e-library, creation, translation and spread of various relevant materials with regard to the issues, challenges and to the scope of activities mentioned above.

Women Resource Center non-governmental organization will support us in the frame of this project.

The activities and events organized during “Diversity” project shall lead to the promotion and to better understanding of human rights both as a theory and as a practical tool to use in daily life, realities and situations, as well as in case of abuses, abuse reporting, etc."

Trainings/workshops/roundtable discussions

"There will be trainings, seminars and other types of activities organized for the active and promising youth willing to become human rights advocates, activists and peer-to-peer educators. Also, there will be supervision provided from our organization to other civil society organizations that will make steps towards organizing similar activities and events. It is through this kind of activities that there will be shaped a chosen core of active volunteers, activists, educators and peer educators especially in the regions of Armenia for whom we will organize annual trainings/workshops on the topics of human rights, tolerance, diversity and other important topics and issues."

"In the framework of this project we will implement round table discussions on matters that are relevant for marginalized and vulnerable groups in Armenia. The discussions are framed responsive to gender and LGBT issues. This kind of activities are a very good source to both gather and share proper, actual information and knowledge on problems these groups face today, also to find constructive solutions, to empower them and contribute to their consolidation."

Working with media

"Another sphere where we will extend our activities and will try to enhance cooperation is Mass Media. In Armenia, Mass Media is trying to follow the example of the state by leading its development toward the creation of a mass media system that informs and empowers all the members of the society, also enhances democratic values. Slowly, topics such are gender equality, gender based violence, LGBT issues, tolerance, human rights are being more discussed. Changes are visible. Nonetheless, there is still a lot to be done in that field either. Thus, PINK Armenia will cooperate with various types of mass media in order to promote and raise the issues of human rights, gender, LGBT, challenges that exist in those spheres, as well as means to overcome them."

Quarterly e-newsletter

"As a mean of possible cooperation with wider media, to help overcome difficulties concerning the lack of knowledge and information, we plan to create an e-newsletter with other activists and civil society representatives, which will be published once in three months. The newsletter will include articles about the projects, activities, events planned and carried by PINK Armenia and partner organizations. Also, there will be a room for recent domestic and international news concerning the topics of human rights, civil society, gender issues, LGBT community, sexual healthh, culture, etc."

Letter turned song. Juice - “You are my KIX” by Karen Grigoryan

First it was a letter, presumably a love letter, written in London by Karen. Then it became a song. Music video was made in Yerevan and Beirut. Once I called Karen Grigoryan “multitalented”: artist, songwriter, producer, film director and TV host, with degrees... in political science and European studies. With this music video he adds “cameraman” to his credentials too :)

I must confess I like Juice. I loved her appearance in Reincarnation video. In this video, she is less risky, more conventional. Pleasant enough, though, with good make up at the beginning. What I’d like to see from Karen and Juice next is something more cutting age. I know Karen can push the boundaries further, much further. Juice can do it too.

For now, it’s "You are my KIX".

Haig Chahinian: “The Time We Came Out at Work: In an Armenian Village”

Very telling and moving piece by Haig Chahinian. He runs website called Workplace Nudity which is not about “nudity” per se, but rather “intellectual and emotional nudity, or being open to share your thoughts, feelings and beliefs–your humanity, in essence–on the job”. He is a “career counselor and training and development specialist. New Yorker. Blogger. Dad.” He recounts coming out as gay man to his colleagues at the Land and Culture Organization (LCO) + local Armenians during his first trip to Armenia. He “traveled to Armenia in the summer of 2003 and worked in Ayroum, a small northern village, and helped construct a solar fruit dryer to assist the local economy.” He was interviewed at the time by an Armenian-Americal publication, and now reprinted it on his website: "The Time We Came Out at Work: In an Armenian Village".
***
1. I know this is your first time joining a campaign with the Land and Culture Organization (LCO), how did you get involved with this organization?
I grew up in Los Angeles, where my parents sent me to Armenian Mesrobian School until I was 12 years old.  At Mesrobian, I learned that one day there would be an “angakh ou azad Hayastan [liberated and free Armenia]” and that all Armenians in the Diaspora would move there and live together happily ever after.  I wasn’t so sure about moving to Armenia, but the prospect of one day placing my feet on Armenian soil felt like part of my destiny.

Flash forward twenty years, I’m 32 now and living in New York, working as an independent career counselor.  Over the last year I felt I finally had the means to travel to Armenia and make good on my wishes.  I don’t have children yet, and could manage my personal and professional obligations from a distance for a prolonged period–six weeks, in this case.

A few years back I had heard of LCO through a colleague.  She was enthusiastic about her experience, and encouraged me to participate.  It seemed to be the best way to journey through the country while giving of myself, which was important to me.  I wanted to contribute to the betterment of my homeland, and not only by helping the economy as a tourist.

I think it’s important to mention that over the last several years, I distanced myself from the Armenian-American community.  For example, as a gay man, I didn’t feel very welcomed at the Armenian Student Associations of the universities I attended, so I rarely participated in organized events.  Coming to Armenia has been a way to reconnect with my Armenian identity.

2. You did mention on your initial application form that you were gay. Were the volunteers in your group also aware of this or did you have to come out to them in the course of events? How did that go and what kind of support or not did you receive?
A friend of mine from the Armenian Gay and Lesbian Association (AGLA) of New York wrote my letter of recommendation.  Naturally she addressed my participation in the group, and that’s essentially how I “came out” in the application.  Nowhere else did I make reference to my sexual orientation.  Then, through the natural course of events I came out to my fellow LCO’ers.  Herein lies my story.

The first Sunday night, the group was having dinner with the town mayor, who had been encouraging everybody to drink homemade mulberry vodka (interesting, yes; tasty, no; strong, YES).  Mid-way through our meal, a fellow campaign member I’ll call Vartan turned to me and asked, “I don’t know if you’ll be offended by my question, but are you gay?” I replied, “Yes, I am.” For the record, he was a straight man, 23 years old, from Los Angeles, and born in Beirut.  I probably won’t ever forget his immediate response.  With a somewhat sinister giggle, he declared that he’s against gay people, and that he’ll “slit my neck for being gay.”  Keep in mind, I expected to grapple with issues of my identity–mostly the convergence of my sexual and ethnic identities–while traveling in Armenia, but this interaction came as a surprise.  I questioned to myself where he might be coming from: Was his intent to hurt me serious?  Did he need to be educated about diversity?  Could I help him in this regard?

Our conversation continued, mostly about sexual things.  He shared stories about his sexual activities, and asked about mine.  Throughout this time, I was still assessing whether or not I was in imminent danger.  I needed to confirm or refute his threat to me, so I asked him a few moments later if indeed he would slit my neck, to which he replied, “for being gay, yeah.”  I looked around the room of drunken fellow volunteers, and nowhere did I feel any potential support.  Instead, I sensed only general hostility from the group members and the site leader.  There was one person who seemed kind, “Nicholas,” an older European gent.  I approached him in private, told him that Vartan had asked if I was gay, I replied “yes,” and Vartan said he would slit my throat.  For this, I was considering leaving the campaign the following morning.  Nicholas stated that this issue was between Vartan and me, and he wouldn’t get in the middle.  Thus, my decision was made, I needed to flee from this situation to preserve my life.  Someone had threatened me, and I was alone with no support should Vartan follow-through on his word.

In order to avoid any resistance, I notified the site leader that the conditions in the village were not what I expected, and I would be leaving for Yerevan early the following morning.  After a restless and sleepless night, although feeling at ease that I would soon be fleeing with my life intact, I took a bumpy and cramped van back to the capital at the cost of 3.00 USD. Upon reaching our final destination near the main square, I was so relieved that I gave the van driver the equivalent of a 9.00 USD tip.  Later I learned that he could probably feed his family for a week with that sum.

Within two short hours of arriving in Yerevan, I was at the LCO main office meeting with two program organizers to tell them my story.  I was comforted to be in Yerevan, pleased that I could take care of myself in an emergency situation, yet angry that I had to endure such pain.  In this vulnerable state I recounted my story.  The LCO representatives were polite for the most part, but could not sympathize with my ordeal, even though I desperately hoped they would.  The coordinator and I agreed to return to the village of Ayroum where I had been assigned, 4 hours away, and talk through the issue with everyone involved.  I reluctantly agreed, on the condition that I would make the final decision about my assignment.

That evening I met with the friend of a friend, Shushan, who gave me such comfort, support, and strength.  This was our first meeting, but she listened intently to my story, and we shared laughs and tears at Monte Cristo, a local cafe.  I remember talking about how I couldn’t give up in the face of hostile and homophobic Armenians.  She suggested that my presence in Ayroum would send a message that as a gay person, I wouldn’t tolerate any bigotry, and that there was a place for me, a gay man, in this Armenian village.  I essentially understood that I would be going as a sort of crusader, educating ardasahmantsees (Diasporan Armenians) and native Armenians alike that gay Armenians exist, we’re good people, and we won’t tolerate discrimination.

With this in mind, I was quite anxious when we arrived in Ayroum.  I asked Vartan if he had any idea why I might have left the village, to which he responded, “no.”  I reminded him of our conversation, and how I took his threat seriously.  He laughed, and had difficulty believing that I would place such weight on his words, which startled me.  I felt sad that he believed his words didn’t have much merit, and hoped that he would learn that they do.  I acknowledged to him that I had been scared, but was now full of rage towards him.  In a playful gesture, he encouraged me to sock him repeatedly on his bicep, and I obliged.  It felt good to release my pent-up anger towards him, and make some peace with him at the same time.

I then spoke with the whole group during a break from the physical labor of constructing the solar fruit dryer.  Most had been confused and were concerned about my well-being.  I related to them what transpired at that Sunday evening’s dinner with the mayor, and the details of my subsequent departure.  They listened, and I felt some relief as I told them I’d be returning the following day to join them at work.  As we headed back to Yerevan, I thought how in the end, my contribution to Armenia was very important to me, and I wouldn’t let this homophobia get in my way.

3. In an email sent from Ayroum, your campaign site, you wrote, “I find that I must consciously soothe myself some moments, things sometimes are just uncomfortable.” Could you talk more about your emotional state, and the toughest moments?
When I arrived back in Ayroum, the group carried on in typical fashion.  A number of cliques had formed, and not surprisingly, I wasn’t a member of any of them.  While I soon made a true friend, a student from UC Berkeley, being in the presence of a group of mostly straight, 20-something, upper middle class Armenian-Americans was unnerving.  My relationship with Vartan grew in different ways.  While he was genuinely curious and ignorant about gay life, I tolerated most of his rather offensive remarks about gay people and women.  For example, sometimes he would call me “gay guy.”  He referred to my sexuality as “faggotism.”  In response to some jokes I made he would say “what a homo.”  Believe it or not, these words were almost refreshing to hear, since I sensed others in the group may have been thinking similar things, but Vartan was the only one saying them.

When I felt alone and tired of continuously fending for myself, I would think back to the conversation with Shushan in Yerevan.  It gave me strength to remember that just my presence in the village was powerful.

4. Did you meet any local gays/lesbians and what is your impression on gay life in Armenia?
I certainly didn’t meet any queers who were out in Ayroum.  In fact, I asked everyone in the group not to share my sexuality with any of the villagers.  However, on the very last day, about an hour before our departure, I sat down with our main contact in the village, Digin Laura, and told her I was gay.  People in Ayroum had come to like me for the most part, and I wanted her and the rest to know that gay people are good people.  I waited literally until the last minute only because I didn’t know what kind of reaction she might have.  She took the news in stride, and said something to the effect of “if it’s God’s will, that’s how things are.”  I told her I had a partner of 7 years back in the States, and that he was a good man, too.  She agreed to share my news with the rest of the village after I left.

In Yerevan I met some gays and lesbians in different settings–at friends’ homes, at concerts, at the discotheque.  The queer scene felt “underground;” there is still such shame related to being gay.  As an Armenian-American, I have a wish to see a Gay Pride Day in Yerevan, but I imagine that local gays and lesbians wouldn’t be so enthusiastic to put themselves in such a vulnerable position:  out in relatively hostile territory. [...]
—–
It’s a funny thing, to maintain friendship with someone who’s been openly hostile to us, about something so personal, right? Yet working with hostile feelings out in the open can be an intimate experience. We were strong enough to tolerate “Vartan’s” aggression and naivete, and patient enough to embrace him rather than pummel him, well, at least after that initial punch. He’s since revealed to us his dreams and his disappointments; he’d like to sail around the world in his own boat, which he just recently purchased.

Council of Europe issues non inclusive anti-discrimination report on Armenia amid rise in intolerance towards minorities

I have to say, despite Council of Europe's European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) report on Armenia dubbed as a 'report against discrimination and intolerance', it almost exclusively touches ethnic/racial discrimination and religious intolerance and only in very vague terms refers to “intolerance” in general, without e.g. specific mention of discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation or other grounds. I do agree with the prominent Armenian human rights defender Mikael Danielyan that the report is pretty mild. I would also add that the report is not inclusive.

Danielyan says that intolerance towards religious and sexual minorities is on rise in Armenia but the authorities do nothing about it.

"Մեր զրույցի ժամանակ իրավապաշտպանը կարծիք հայտնեց, որ Հայաստանում թե՛ կրոնական, թե՛ սեռական փոքրամասնությունների նկատմամբ նկատելի է անհանդուրժողականության աճ, և իշխանությունները որևէ քայլ չեն անում այդ անհանդուրժողականությունը մեղմելու ուղղությամբ:"

The report mentions ridiculous hateful posters campaign by ultra-nationalist right-wing group Mek Azg (‘One Nation’) but only in relation to religious minorities.

For example, there has been an ongoing poster campaign calling on Armenians to engage - in their own buildings and on their own floors - in a struggle against the antinational and corruptive activities of the sects. [The posters in question are signed by an individual in the name of the “One Nation alliance of organisations.]

Here is an example of homophobic posters in Yerevan by the same group. Read my relevant blog post here.

*Links to press release and full report

Ukraine: 'Sex and the City', or 'Секс в ПГТ'

For all SATC fans out there. But you have to know Russian to get it. Here we are. Ukrainian response to 'Sex and the City' - 'Секс в ПГТ'. Too funny :)))



*thanks to Angela for the link.

Armenia: Disgrace of the Day

When hatemongers from Iravunk tabloid award Public TV in Armenia for "best cultural coverage", and the head of Public TV Aleksan Harutyunyan proudly accepts the 'award' with the handshake, no more words needed to comment, it's #fail.

*picture - via 1in.am

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.]

Serge Avedikian: ‘I never rejected my homosexual experiences as a youngster, and never thought of them to be within the confines of normality or abnormality’

As I mentioned in my earlier post, Serge Avedikian - French Armenian director, actor, writer and producer - made an unforgettable mark on the history of world gay cinema by playing in a very different wartime love story - Nous étions un seul homme (We Were One Man), film by renown French director Philippe Vallois in 1979. [Read “Modern gay classic” French Armenian Serge Avedikian won Palme d'Or 2010 at Cannes]. Serge was recently in Yerevan to participate in Golden Apricot international film festival.

This exclusive interview was first published in October 2004 on the website of the former Armenian gay rights group in France - www.agla.info (no longer exists). Thanks to Micha Meroujean, head of then AGLA France, I can now post it, with accompanied pictures, on Unzipped: Gay Armenia.

This extract - from the original interview in French - was translated using Google Translate. I only slightly edited it.

*Philippe Vallois (left) and Serge Avedikian (right) with former AGLA France

*Philippe Vallois (left) and Serge Avedikian (right)

*Philippe Vallois

[Interview and photos by Didier K.]
***

Exclusive: Interview with Serge Avedikian

AGLA: You are the only actor of Armenian origin who played the role of a homosexual and, to my knowledge, you have never denied this role. What was your perception of homosexuals at the time when you shot "We Were One Man”?

SA: This is the first film I shot as an actor in 1979. I was a young stage actor and I had just done "Avignon", and Philippe Valois had seen pictures of me in an agency. He was not necessarily looking for a gay actor although there were many actors who were gay but not out but everybody knew them.

AGLA: Especially at that time, when homosexuality was not yet decriminalised in France; we had to wait until 1981.

SA: I didn't remember that. Moreover, at the time we were kidding by saying "the guy is from the building". It was sort of a password!

In fact, the director was seeking someone who could have a high sensitivity combined with a slightly wild side, and when we met, it worked instantly.

Philippe Valois did not hide at all that he was gay. He introduced me to his friends, when I went to his home.

I always felt comfortable with gay guys while not being gay myself. I didn’t hide from Philippe the fact that I had homosexual experiences as a youngster. I never rejected those experiences, and never thought of them to be within the confines of normality or abnormality.

I felt totally at ease and loved this project when I read the script, nothing shocked me. "We Were One Man" is not a gay or militant film per se. It is a film about an impossible love story between a “mentally deranged” boy who escaped from a psychiatric hospital and lives in the forest, having encounters with the prostitutes of the village, and a German soldier he captures and with whom he finally accepts his love.

With Philippe we had planned and agreed on intimate scene, but in the end, it was I who staged it in a certain way. Like it or not, it's so complicated to do an intimate scene.... I remember very well the scene when I am lying on the bed, on my belly, and I lifted my shirt to give myself to him, cheerfully showing my ass in a gesture quite natural but shy. Then we filmed the love scene between two of us, then the threesome.

AGLA: Did this role embarrass you in the Armenian community?

SA: If this role would have embarrassed me, I could not do it. In addition, the Armenian community has never talked about this movie. The film which made me known in the community was "The Red Sweater". Right after it "We Were One Man" was released... When the community media outlets were interviewing me about "The Sweater..." I was also speaking of "We Were One Man". And somehow they never asked me questions about it.

I told them: "You know, I made another movie you should go see?"

I must say that by that time there were only few newspapers, like Gamk and Haratch, and that's it. The community was very closed on itself.

I did not talk about it in the community, but my friends have seen and they all liked it.

This film has gone somehow unnoticed by the public, even though some curious minds went to see it thanks to the success of “The Read Sweater”.

AGLA: What is your perception of gay Armenians and do you think that these two words can add up (work together)?

SA: At the time when the film was released, when people were speaking of homosexuality they were speaking of it as of minority. I myself was already in a minority. Yes, I think being gay and Armenian makes a “double” minority, and in the end it could almost make up a majority ! (laughing)

The word "minority" or "marginality" never deranged me, but at the same time I would not like them to be perceived as negative or militant specificity.

When you're part of a specificity, you live in the society by hiding it and that is actually the case for many people, or you live openly and therefore you place yourself in the provocation to the establishment. And that's really not interesting.

In the case of gay Armenians, this becomes a combination of provocations and that could be a double disadvantage in the community.

And I do not see the problem of being gay and Armenian, openly, here, now, in France and claim it as such.

AGLA: We do not believe we are still at the beginning of understanding or acceptance of homosexuality in Armenia. Local gays cannot wait to live their lives, they have few options: hide or leave!

SA: Before us, long ago, Charles Aznavour sang "Like they say …" (Comme ils disent) during his tour in Yerevan. At least I hope he did. And I believe that people who heard it received this song with great emotion even if they were Soviet apparatchiks. Same kind of example, when I screened "We Were One Man" in the Cinematheque of Yerevan, the cinema hall was full, and this is for a film that was never shown on French television.
[Unzipped: Gay Armenia: WOW! I didn’t know that the film was screened in Yerevan !!]

Published in October 2004 on www.agla.info
Interview and photos by Didier K.

“Unnatural” national security ‘top’/‘bottom’ Arthur Baghdasaryan says homosexuality “extremely dangerous” for Armenia

You will hardly find people in Armenia who take Arthur Baghdasaryan and his party - part of the governing coalition - “Orinats Yerkir” [‘Rule of Law’] (or as people call it “hOrinats Yerkir” - word play in AM - turning ‘Rule of Law’ into ‘Made-up’/‘Fake’/‘Invented’/‘Fictitious’...) with respect or seriousness. But he & party have been successfully and regularly used by others. Basically, this is the main calling of the man and his party - being used.

Answering to the query by Armenian homophobic tabloid Iravunk re “flourishing of sexual deviants” in Armenia, Arthur Baghdasaryan, in his capacity as a secretary of Armenia’s National Security Council (!), said he is “against limitations of human rights, in general” but considers homosexuality as “extremely dangerous” for Armenia. He called homosexuality “unnatural” and “unacceptable” for Armenians as the first nation to accept Christianity, with “traditional values”.

Zhamanak daily, via Armenia Today: Тема гомосексуализма стала своего рода поводом для отвода глаз от более серьезных внутриполитических и социальных проблем.

Как пишет оппозиционная газета «Жаманак», «Иравунк» обратился к секретарю Совбеза Армении Артуру Багдасаряну за комментариями на тему «Распространение и процветание  лиц, имеющих сексуальные отклонения».  Исходя из статуса секретаря Совбеза, Артур Багдасарян дал следующие комментарии: «Подобное поведение не пристало армянской нации. Для народа, первого принявшего христианство, семья и традиционные ценности являются приоритетом. Неестественно все то, что неприемлемо. Я против  ограничения прав человека в целом, но гомосексуализм считаю крайне опасным для Армении». [...]

I am not going to discuss the ridiculousness of asking such question, and asking it to the national security official, implying both with the question and with the answer that gays are ‘threat to the national security’. (you can’t expect anything less from Iravunk tabloid, it has to be ridiculous, pseudo-patriotic etc.etc.)

But...

Yes, it is “unnatural” that losers and political prostitutes such as Arthur Baghdasaryan continue heading the National Security Council in Armenia. This is indeed “extremely dangerous” for Armenia. Depending on the direction of the wind blow, he would sell everything and everyone, himself including. And he is very cheap. Putting it Twitter way - it’s #Fail all the way through.

There is a good quote (RU) for people like Arthur Baghdasaryan in the article by Zhamanak daily re above.

via Armenia Today (cont.): В этом вопросе, пишут авторы публикации, интересна не позиция Багдасаряна,  а тот факт, кого заинтересовало его мнение конкретно по этому вопросу и почему именно сейчас. «Вся суть в том, что у Армении есть множество проблем – конституционных, правовых, политических, экономических и социальных, и в подобных условиях поднятие вопроса сексуальных меньшинств на уровне секретаря Совбеза как минимум странно. Странно с той точки зрения, что главной угрозой национальной безопасности Армении являются отнюдь не сексуальные меньшинства, а политические меньшинства, в число которых входит и сам Артур Багдасарян. Именно эти политические меньшинства, выступая в роли приложения властей, пытаются перевести внимание общественности с реальных угроз национальной безопасности, на искусственные вымышленные угрозы. Раз уж вопрос дошел до морали, естественного и неестественного, то в реальности угрозой номер один для Армении является тот факт, что для многих политических деятелей, в том числе и Артура Багдасаряна, стало естественной деятельностью обманывать народ, ругать власти самым жестоким образом, а потом лезть в задницу властей.  Именно в этом и состоит главная угроза, именно это наносит удар по обществу,  системе моральных ценностей, а также демографической картине Армении, поскольку пополняемая подобными политиками власть вынуждает многих покинуть страну. Вместо того, чтобы говорить о христианстве, следовало бы оглянуться в прошлое и выяснить, сколько христианских заповедей было нарушено одной подписью 29 февраля 2008 года (в эту ночь был организован разгон митинга, что впоследствии спровоцировало акцию 1 марта, в результате которой были жертвы – ARMENIA Today.)», - пишет газета «Жаманак».

Remind me what Armenia president Serj Sargsyan claimed in his latest speech? Something about the adherence to European values “from the produce displayed in the shop window and up to the state and legal structure”... Here is a quote (official English version of his speech) from president.am:

“When we talk about strengthening democracy, firm implanting of the European standards, these are not just slogans or idle words meant for other audiences. It is Armenia which needs them foremost, not Europe. This is our conscious course and our conviction. European democracy and rule of law are demands of our society, confirmed firmly on many occasions - at the elections, in criticizing the political forces, or in encouraging the same forces. 

The European standards - from the produce displayed in the shop window and up to the state and legal structure, must become exemplary for us. Today, the issue of becoming a full member of the European Union is not yet on our foreign policy agenda, however I would like to repeat that the European rules of the game and European standards must take roots in our country because these are high and time-tested standards. We need these standards to make considerable progress, to change lives of our citizens and to build up the organizational strength of our society.”

Yeah, sure, with such a ‘dream-team’ of ‘devotees’ to European values....

*source of photo: Photolur, via A1+ (from my archive: Disgrace of the Day - Arthur Baghdasaryan)

British Armenian Vicken Couligian appointed new chair of trustees at Manchester Pride

It's with great pleasure I'd like to share this news with you. An indication of well deserved respect in the community. Well done, Vicken !!

@davechapman: so thrilled to know Vicken, who is going to be Chair of Manchester Pride 2011, my fave Pride event :) congratulations to him! @unzippedblog

@unzippedblog: @davechapman @jamead1981 Fab news. Well done, Vicken!! I could not make it to to Manchester Pride 2010 but will have to make it next year ;)
***

Manchester Pride appoints new Chair of Trustees

James Sanders

PinkPaper.com

15 December 2010

Vicken Couligian has been appointed as the new chair of trustees at Manchester Pride following a recent Annual General Meeting.

Couligian will replace Andrew Stokes who has recently stepped down after eight years.

He has volunteered for Manchester Pride since 2005 and joined the board of trustees in 2008. He is also on the board for Gaydio and is a mentor for the Albert Kennedy Trust. Vicken currently works for Nexus Solicitors in the Personal Injury department.

Andrew Stokes, former chair of Manchester Pride, said: “As Manchester Pride approaches its 21st birthday I feel this is the perfect time for Vicken to take the reins as the festival moves forward. I've had the privilege of seeing Pride grow into an event that attracts over 45,000 people whilst remaining true to its roots – a festival that raises money for local LGBT and HIV communities. I’m confident that with Vicken’s passion and drive Pride will continue to grow as a world-class event.”

Jackie Crozier, festival director of Manchester Pride, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Vicken on board as our new chair. He’s made an outstanding contribution to Manchester Pride and the LGBT community over the years, and I’m very much looking forward to working closely with him in the future.”

Couligian, chair of Manchester Pride, said: “I would like to thank Andrew Stokes for all his hard work over the last eight years. His will be a very tough act to follow. It’s a great honour to take on this position and I’m really looking forward to continuing my work at Manchester Pride.”

He will head up the board of trustees which includes: Clare Simpson (marketing director for the Royal Exchange Theatre), Elaine Clarke (chief executive for Baa Bar Group Plc), John Ryan (managing editor of BBC Radio Manchester), Les Pratt (producer for BBC Radio 3), Steph Kay (owner of Vanilla bar), Tim Pickstone (chief executive of a UK local councilors organisation), and Michael Pollard (operations director at Taurus bar).

A1+: Gay-themed reporting with correct use of terminology and more appropriate categorisation - "Նույնասեռականներին չեն տուգանում"

UPDATE 19 December 2010: When I was writing this post, I tried to concentrate on positive changes I noticed in reporting by A1+, as it’s always important to encourage such changes. However, at times, when you concentrate on positive, you miss mistakes that need to be voiced and amended further.

I received an email message from the guy whose interview was featured by A1+. He made few important clarifications and comments, and I especially agree with his points re sex workers and presenting LGBT people as part of some kind of organisation (this is another mistake frequented by Armenian media). He mentioned that there was another version of the video that was more acceptable, and he will ask A1+ to amend or replace this video report. He then specifically touched opon two important mistakes made in the report (see below extracts from his message to Unzipped: Gay Armenia).

I hope A1+ will take into account his comments and in future we will see better examples of reporting on sensitive matters by this - currently only online but highly popular - Armenian TV station.

“1. In the written stuff, they mention: “«Կարող են ասենք առեւտրային սեքս-աշխատողներից մի քանիսին վերցնեն ու ներկայացնեն որպես ԼԳՏԲ համայնքի անդամ, ինչը, իհարկե, այդպես չէ»,-նշեց նա: “

Well, I never said that! I say another thing in video! I consider them to be the part of the community, but they are not the face of the community: I didn’t mean they shall become exiles in the community itself. What I mean is they make stereotypes by talking about gay, especially transvestite sex workers and later representing it as a whole LGBT (mainly gay) community. Are not heterosexual prostitutes part of heterosexual ‘community’? So are LGBT sex workers part of LGBT community. The attitude toward them, now that’s another matter I did not touched at all! As a matter of fact, I meant their experience! They captured some sex workers, made a ‘reportage’, uploaded it to youtube & wrote “hamaseramolner@ komaygum”, I believe they meant ‘gay people in the park (komaygi)’.

2. Next, they say in video: “Hayastanum GORTSOX LGTB hamaynqi nerkayacucichneric mek@”.

Well... like it’s some political party or an organization... would they say “gortsox” for heteros? I don’t think so.”
***

Good use of terminology and more appropriate rubric "society" for the report by A1+. (frequently, Armenian media puts gay-themed news under the "lifestyle" regardless of the content)

See, after all, criticism, and as a direct consequence of it - trainings, direct contacts, and desire to change (become better) by some (not all, of course) media outlets, pays off. Changes are possible, even if they may seem as relatively small ones, for now.

I did criticise A1+ in past with regards to their gay-themed reporting. Glad to see my favourite Armenian TV station (still deprived of broadcasting rights - see recent statement by the Human Rights Watch) making efforts to learn from own mistakes and change for better, as evidenced by quite a few recent gay-themed broadcasts and reports.



Նույնասեռականներին չեն տուգանում

15:38 | ԴԵԿՏԵՄԲԵՐ 13, 2010 | ՀԱՍԱՐԱԿՈՒԹՅՈՒՆ

Սեռական փոքրամասնությունների ներկայացուցիչները հերքում են մամուլում հրապարակված այն լուրերը, թե իրենց եւ հատկապես սեքս-առեւտրով զբաղվող նույնասեռականներին ոստիկանությունում տուգանում են 100 դոլար:

Հայաստանում գործող ԼԳՏԲ / Լեսբուհի (կին նույնասեռական), գեյ (տղամարդ նույնասեռական), բիսեքսուալ (երկսեռական), տրանսգենդեր (գենդերափոխ)/ համայնքի անդամներից մեկը, ով չցանկացավ, որ իր անունը նշվի, «Ա1+»-ի հետ զրույցում փաստեց, որ իրենց իրավունքների պաշտպանության առումով Հայաստանում թեև անելիքներ կան, սակայն նաեւ նկատելի են դրական տեղաշարժեր:

Ըստ նրա, եթե նախկինում հասարակության լայն շրջանակներում նույնասեռականների մասին արգելվում էր խոսելը, ապա հիմա նույն այդ հասարակության մի մասը գոնե բաց է երկխոսության համար: Դրական տեղաշարժը նա պայմանավորեց Հայաստանի հետ եվրոպական կառույցների խորացող մերձեցմամբ:

Առաջին հաղթահարված պատնեշը, ըստ նրա, այն է, որ արդեն հասարակության մեջ, մամուլում ու հասարակական կազմակերպություններում իրենց մասին խոսելիս կիրառվում է ոչ վիրավորական, ճշգրիտ տերմինալոգիա:

Միաժամանակ, ըստ նրա, ԼԳՏԲ համայնքի անդամների համար դեռեւս չլուծված է մնում հասարակական վայրերում անհանդուրժողական վերաբերմունքը, անվայել ակնարկները:

«Կարող են վիրավորական բառեր ասել հատկապես, երբ իրենք խմբով են, իսկ դու մենակ ես: Նման դեպք եղավ Կասկադում, որտեղ ընկերներով ուղղակի նստած էինք, մեզ մոտեցան ու սկսեցին վիրավորել: Մենք ի վերջո, դիմեցինք ոստիկանություն, ու նրանք չքացան»,-պատմեց նա:

Համայնքի ներկայացուցչի խոսքով` թեեւ այսօր իրենց նկատմամբ գործածվում է հիմնականում բանավոր վիրավորանք, սակայն եղել են նաեւ նույնասեռականներին փողոցում ծեծելու դեպքեր:

Այս ամենի պատճառ մեր զրուցակիցը համարում է այն, որ սեռական փոքրամասնությունների ներկայացուցիչները դիտվում են միեւնույն լույսի ներքո:

«Կարող են ասենք առեւտրային սեքս-աշխատողներից մի քանիսին վերցնեն ու ներկայացնեն որպես ԼԳՏԲ համայնքի անդամ, ինչը, իհարկե, այդպես չէ»,-նշեց նա:

Առկա իրավիճակը շտկելու միակ տարբերակ նույնասեռականները համարում են հասարակության մեջ իրենց մասին ճիշտ տեղեկատվության տարածումը, կարծրատիպերի վերացումը:

*Related post: Armenia: "Targeted media campaign against us, say trans sex workers" (Epress.am)

Gay man was stabbed to death in Azerbaijan in an alleged hate crime

Online news outlets in Azerbaijan report on an alleged hate crime "on the grounds of sexual orientation". Reports of 14 December 2010 state that Namik Eyvazov, 52 yrs old resident of Jalilabad region in Azerbaijan, was murdered in his own apartment 3 days ago. Police was alerted by neighbours who became suspicious after noticing that the front door to Eyvazov's apartment was left open. He was a local tailor, lived alone, and he was gay.

When I first read of the incident, I wondered how they knew that Eyvazov was gay. I thought it was perhaps due to 'local knowledge'. But according to one Azeri media, his "non-traditional sexual orientation" was "reported" by pathologists who examined the body.

Multiple "stabbing-cutting injuries" ("seven") were found on his body (he was stabbed in the chest and abdomen).

As per police, this murder was most likely committed "on the grounds of sexual orientation", because Eyvazov was not involved in any suspicious activities. As of today, no one has been detained. The case is being considered under the "premeditated murder" article of the criminal code.

Diesel: "You'll eat better". Well, sort of ;)

I spotted this ad at one of Diesel outlets in London.

Armenia: "Targeted media campaign against us, say trans sex workers" (Epress.am)

Also relevant:
Բաց հարց Հրապարակ օրաթերթին
«Տրանսերը» նամակ չեն գրել



*Source: Epress.am (+ here; and AM)

A few trans sex workers came to the editorial offices of Epress.am earlier this week to protest two recent stories published by local daily Hraparak.

In the conversation which ensued, the guests spoke about their relationship with the police and the consequences of publishing material without verifying the facts, which could very well endanger their lives.

The photos in the video were supplied by the individuals in the photos and are published here with their consent. They did not, however, wish to have their faces visible in the video. The dialogue is in Armenian only.
***

"I'm the only trans Vika, I did not give any information to the paper Hraparak. I don't know who could've done something like this against me," said local Armenian cross-dresser Vika, commenting on a story published by local daily Hraparak in which a transvestite by the name of Vika threatened a businessman by the name of Hovik. The paper informed Epress.am that the story was prepared on the basis of a telephone conversation. The editors say that a transvestite named Vika called Hraparak and described the incident, which they subsequently published. [Unzipped: Gay Armenia - Տրանսվեստիտը սպառնում է բացահայտել իրեն սպառնացող գործարարին]

Visiting the editorial office of Epress.am along with two other gay cross-dressers, Vika Swarovski insists that he's the only known transvestite Vika in Armenia, and those sources who presented themselves as such aim to endanger him.

Epress.am spoke with Hraparak assistant editor Vahagn Tevosyan and asked him to comment on Vika's statement.

"I am officially saying, not only one, but also a few dozen Vika's can contact you and say that they're not the Vika who called you, but we don't insist, that's that trans Vika who contacted you," he said.

"Whoever wrote that, let them prove it; if there's been a phone conversation, let them tell us the number," said Vika, adding that if they don't reveal who did this, he is prepared to take Hraparak to court.

"If they don't clarify who did it, I'll take them to court. I'm ready to complain. The one who presented himself as Vika and the one who wrote the open letter [referring to another story published by Hraparak] are the same person. They invented it and wrote it," said Vika, visibly upset.

"Let him take us to court, but this is all so absurd. What is he going to say, he's going to say that he's not the Vika who called us, and then?" said Tevosyan.

Recall that on Dec. 7, Hraparak published an open letter signed by "a group of homosexuals," which, according to another trans sex worker Lorena Madonna Diva, couldn't have been written by them, since, for example, the Armenian word "hamaseramol" is used in the letter which is a derogatory term. [Uzipped: Gay Armenia - Միասեռականների բաց նամակը ՀՀ ոստիկանապետին]

Further, according to Lorena, the statement in the letter that trans sex workers pay $100 to local police in order to work in the Children's Park (near Yerevan City Hall) is untrue. Also, the license plate number of the police vehicle noted in the letter is unfamiliar to them. Note that the community of trans sex workers in Yerevan is quite small and it's unlikely for them not to know each other or that another group of "homosexuals" who also work in the park would have written the letter.

Upon Epress.am's request, Hraparak also commented on the open letter they published.

"The eighth page of our paper is called publication of free speech. There we reserve space for such anonymous open letters," said Tevosyan.

According to Lorena, a targeted campaign has launched against them in the press recently. "They can't cook up anything [new], it began with writing against the Jehovah's Witnesses, then the emos and now us," she said.

"Every day, pedestrians, people, come and assault us, in quite a perverse way, they want us, having an interest, they begin to hit us, drive over us with their cars. We go to the police, but they respond to the case of whoever they can get money from. There are incidents where they beat, they kill in front of the eyes of the police, and the police say, that's too little for you, they have to burn you, pour gasoline and burn you," said Lorena.

Speaking to the two stories published by Hraparak, Lorena denies that any one of them could have written the letter or called in the incident. "Definitely it wasn't one of us, it was those publishers, they improvised. And all this to our detriment, police will get agitated at us, they'll come and shoot us, they'll take us to special departments at the police station, they'll hit us so hard... I know many such cases. Don't I have a right in Armenia, in my country, to express myself freely? I've told the police a thousand times, let's be friends, let's understand each other. They don't want to understand," she said.

Speaking to Epress.am, PINK Armenia President Mamikon Hovsepyan explained the situation: "Perhaps someone called [Hraparak] and informed them, but the issue is you can't generalize and write on behalf of a group. That's unacceptable. With this, they want to create tension between the police and transvestites. By disseminating such inaccurate information and different false opinions, a tense situation is created among the public. Now they're trying to attune the public against transvestites, endangering the lives of the members of this vulnerable community."

Hovsepyan noted that the Human Rights Defender isn't engaged in such issues. "They cover up the complaints; they don't even include them in their annual reports. When incidents happen, they don't appeal to the Ombudsman — they've lost hope." [...]

L-day: «Համբուրի´ր ինձ, ես լեսբիանահայ եմ»

*via MediaLab.am

[...] Թրուին Հայաստանում մնաց երկու ամիս և, հետևելով իր հիմնական նախասիրություններին` միասեռականություն, արվեստ, հետզհետե ծանոթացավ կին և մեծ մասամբ քուիր (queer) արվեստագետների գործունեությանը:

«Ես լեսբուհի եմ ու ակտիվ եմ եղել կանանց և քուիր կանանց խմբերում դեռ 80-ականների սկզբից»,- ասում է Թրուին:

«Քուիր» եզրը Արևմուտքում կիրառվում է սեռական փոքրամասնությունների և գենդերային ինքնությունների առնչությամբ, այն սկսել է շրջանառվել նաև Հայաստանում: Օրինակ` իրենց քուիր են բնորոշում Querring Yerevan բլոգի արվեստագետները:

«Արևմուտքի շատ քուիրների համար պայքարն արդեն անցած փուլ է,- ասում է Թրուին,- մենք կարող ենք ամուսնանալ օրենքով, երեխաներ որդեգրել ու մեծացնել, ու ոչ մեկն աչքերը չի չռի, եթե ասես, որ պաշտոնական բիզնես-ընթրիքին բերելու ես քո ընկերուհուն»:

Այսպես Թրուիի մտքով անցավ գրել Հայաստանի քուիրների մասին: Ժամանակի ընթացքում «Հայկական ռապսոդիա» հոդվածը վերածվեց մշակութային հետազոտության:

«Մտադիր չէի համալսարանական մակարդակի գործ անել: Նպատակս էր ներկայացնել երկիրը ու ցուցադրել, թե ինչ ընտիր արվեստ են անում Հայաստանի մի քանի քուիր արվեստագետները, ուշադրություն հրավիրել նրանց աշխատանքի վրա, հետաքրքրացնել մարդկանց»,- ասում է Թրուին:

Նա չի տխրում, որ այդ արվեստագետներից ոմանք «տնկում են իրենց քթերը» և քննադատում Թրուիի ոչ պրոֆեսիոնալ մոտեցումները:

Անկախ ամեն ինչից` Թրուիի հետազոտությունը մի շատ յուրօրինակ Հայաստանի մասին է, անծանոթ նախևառաջ Հայաստանին:

Նա ցույց է տալիս մի այլ երկիր, որտեղ կանայք քաղաքականապես գիտակից են և առաջ են մղում ժամանակը:

Նոյեմբերի 17-ին Բելգիայի Գենտ քաղաքի L-day-ի (Lesbian day/week-լեսբիական օր/շաբաթ) շրջանակներում նա ներկայացրեց այդ հետազոտությունը` դասախոսություն-միջոցառում կազմակերպելով Հայաստանի և հայ քուիր կանանց/արվեստագետների մասին:

Միջոցառման ժամանակ մեծ ոգևորություն էր առաջացրել «Համբուրի´ր ինձ, ես լեսբիանահայ եմ» գրությամբ վերնաշապիկը, նաև երաժիշտ-արվեստագետ Ծոմակ Օգայի առցանց պերֆորմանսը:

L-day-ը նա համարում է մեծ ազգային միջոցառում: Այս տարի այնտեղ առաջին անգամ ցուցադրվում էին նաև կին արվեստագետների գործեր: Թրուին չորս լուսանկար էր տպել Հայաստանի քուիր արվեստագետների գործերից ու ցուցադրել օրվա ընթացքում:

«Կարծեմ` համակարգողներ չկային»,- տխրում է նա` գլխի չընկնելով, որ ինքն է այդ համակարգողը, քանի որ իր հետազոտության մեջ ներկայացնում է ութ արվեստագետների` Սոնա Աբգարյանին, Արփի Ադամյանին, Լուսինե Թալալյանին, Լուսինե Վայաչյանին, Սվետլանա Անտոնյանին, Մելինե Տեր-Մինասյանին, Շուշան Ավագյանին, Ծոմակ Օգային:

Թրուին Երևանում գտավ կանանց իրավունքների խնդրով ակտիվորեն զբաղվող մի խումբ արվեստագետների ու գնահատեց դա «ստաժավորի» դիրքերից:

Հաջորդ տարի նա Հայաստան կգա արդեն մոտոցիկլով` կտրելով 4416 կիլոմետր:

Քանի որ Թրուի-«հեքիաթասացը» ցանկանում է այցելել նաև Վրաստան և Ադրբեջան, հավանաբար նա կամբողջացնի տարածաշրջանի քուիր պատկերը:

Կարին Գրիգորյան