Gay and lesbian adults more into blogs than heterosexuals (survey)

According to a recent national [US] survey conducted by Harris Interactive^®, gay and lesbian adults online are reading more blogs than their heterosexual counterparts. When asked, just over half (51 percent) of the gay and lesbian respondents reported reading some type of blog, compared to 36 percent of heterosexual adults. A similar question on blog readership also was asked in November 2006, and at that time 32 percent of gay and lesbian adults then reported reading blogs. [...]

Gay and lesbian adults are also more active in and connected to the blog medium. When asked to choose from a list of online activities, 27 percent of gay and lesbian adults reported posting a comment on a blog in the last month, compared to 13 percent of heterosexuals. Also, more than one out of five (21%) gay and lesbian respondents said they had written a personal blog in the last month, compared to 7 percent of heterosexuals.

Regarding the varied interests of blogs, the survey found 28 percent of gay and lesbian adults reported reading news and current issue blogs, compared to 19 percent of heterosexuals. More than a quarter (26%) of gay and lesbian adults also read entertainment and pop culture blogs, compared to 11 percent of heterosexuals. Given the heightened interest in this year’s electoral contests, a significant number, nearly one-quarter (23%), of gay and lesbian adults also read political blogs. In comparison, only 14 percent of heterosexual adults reported reading political blogs. [...]

Apart from blogs, gay and lesbian adults also participate in other online activities more than heterosexuals. Half (50%) of gay and lesbian adults say they have sent instant messages (IMs) in the last month, compared to just one third (34%) of heterosexual adults. When asked overall, in a typical month, how often they send instant messages to friends or other people, for reasons other than work-related tasks, 25 percent of gay adult men responded that they send instant messages at least once a day. In comparison, only 15 percent of heterosexual adult men said they did.

A similar trend can also be seen in online communities and dating websites. A majority (57%) of gay adult men online declare they are a member of a social networking web site, compared to 37 percent of heterosexual men. Also, two out of five (42 %) gay and lesbian adults have visited an online social community or network in the last month, compared with roughly a third (32%) of heterosexuals. Just over one-quarter (26%) of gay adult men reported visiting a dating or match-up site in the last month, compared to 9 percent of heterosexual male adults.

*source; /emphasis mine/

Opposition "Chorrord Ishkhanutyun" newspaper must stop using homophobic references in its attacks on Armenia PM Tigran Sargsyan

Around and immediately after his appointment, I read here and there occasional comments attacking newly appointed PM Tigran Sargsyan with homophobic references for his presumed or perceived homosexuality. I do not care whether our newly appointed PM is gay or not. What I do care is no one has the right to attack others for their sexual orientation, perceived or real. Totally unacceptable tactic, from whatever side it comes. And very, very cheap, aimed at the lowest possible instincts among ‘ordinary’ citizens taking into account widespread homophobia in our society. Ironically, homophobic references and bigotry are becoming a favoured mean for some within the both sides of Armenia’s current political stand-off to make an attention grabbing headlines. This can only be a sign of lack of proper arguments and sensationalism preferred by some, be that individual, blogger, established politician or newspaper.

I was wondering where this ‘gay storyline’ came from. Publications by the opposition “Chorrord Ishkhanutyun” newspaper (CHI) made things clearer (reader of my blogs pointed me out to this). I suppose that its role played also non-macho (cliché) image of PM Tigran Sargsyan.

So what’s the buzz all about?

“In a search for blue dreams”, “Great achievements from the blue side of the horizon” – under these heading & sub-heading CHI published its main article (9 April 2008, online reference, no direct link, you may find it under ‘archive’) in relation to the appointment of the head of Central Bank Tigran Sargsyan as Prime Minister of Armenia. ["Blue" is a ‘coloured’ reference to gays in post-Soviet states, normally having negative connotations.]

Apparently, there was a “scandal” in Armenian parliament back in May 2006 when MP Victor Dallakyan “publicly” referred to the then head of Central Bank Tigran Sargsyan as “sexual minority”.

Back in May 2006, during parliamentary debates, speaking of “excessive” expenses of the Central Bank of Armenia, MP Dallakyan declared that even cleaners in the Central Bank have higher salaries than MPs. [Imagine the level of ‘debates’] In response to that, in an interview with the opposition “Haykakan Zhamanak” daily, Sargsyan “invited MPs to work as cleaners” in the Central Bank: “No, our cleaners receive less than MPs. But if they [MPs] wish, they could come to work with us”. [I clearly remember this incident but I did not remember the existence of a ‘gay storyline’ there until I read this piece by CHI] Reacting to this “invitation”, Dallakyan “publicly” demanded an apology from Tigran Sargsyan: “He should come here and say “Sorry!” to us. Yesterday he was speaking here about minorities. Of course, I am not referring to sexual minorities, we do not judge sexual minorities, that is him”. After that he stood up and added: “Son of a bitch”. [You lost my respect, Mr. Dallakyan.]

CHI continues that back then Tigran Sargsyan did not say “Sorry!”, and MPs “did not have strength to defend their reputation and swallowed it”.

When asked by CHI correspondent about “sexual minority” reference made by Dallakyan in relation to the newly appointed PM Tigran Sargsyan, MP from the ruling Republican party Rafik Petrosyan instead “mainly” wondered as to “how Dallakyan could prove it”, states CHI, clearly unsatisfied with Petrosyan’s reaction.

At least twice (April 11 and April 15, online reference) after this publication CHI again used gay references to PM Sargsyan, directly or indirectly, in an apparent negative connotation.

Unless CHI stops these cheap tactics and campaign, it risks losing any credibility and joining a growing list of potentially boycotted enterprises, with a very clear “yellow” colour sticking on it. I hope that ordinary to higher level opposition representatives who have influence on this newspaper will pass this message to the CHI. Nothing could be more damaging to the opposition movement than having bigotry associated with it.

*photo - via RFE/RL

Gay Armenian in LA committed suicide after being forced into marriage

I am very angered and very saddened. News on suicide committed by young gay Armenian guy in LA (Los Angeles, US) after being forced into marriage proves once more that Armenian society - whether in Armenia or Diaspora - with its ‘traditional values’, intolerance and homophobia is responsible for his death.

Thanks to his friend, we learned about this story. How many similar cases pass hidden?!

I ask Armenian bloggers, media representatives, anyone who has links with local (both in Armenia and Diaspora) and international media to disseminate this story as widely as possible. Time to speak up. Enough is enough! We should prevent similar tragedies from happening in future.

I tried to summarise what is known so far about this guy based on PINK Armenia press release and comments in Yesoudo: LGBT discussion group.

A few days ago a young gay Armenian in LA committed suicide... He was 22 years old. The stress of being gay was too hard for him to handle. He was forced to get married with an Armenian girl to cover up his sexuality... He came out to his family and they forced him to marry a girl to keep up appearances... and sadly 3 months into the marriage . . . he couldn’t take it anymore... he was under a lot of stress from his family and the general stress that the Armenian community brings to the table about homosexuality...

Here is what his friend has to say:

[He was] an amazing friend of mine… we loved him dearly... he was young, smart and handsome... god I’m going to miss him...
REST IN PEACE MY GOOD FRIEND WE WILL MISS YOU.

What is wrong with Armenians how can we keep letting this happen! This isn’t right, this isn’t fair! The sad part is no one mentions that he did it because he was gay! He even wrote it in his suicide note and no one mentions it! How many Armenians are we going to lose like this!

Below are few comments expressed so far in response to this news:

“As for doing something once again it comes down to his family issues. It’s not so simple coming out and saying btw you pushed your gay son to that point! How do you put it "fact that you have a gay dead son is your fault"
***

“It`s a tragedy what`s happened but it`ll be even worse if the truth stays hidden. In closed minded communities such as the Armenian one (sadly) things don’t just change like that, usually something big, something drastic and unfortunately something tragic has to happen for people to start reconsidering their views and mentality. So now u have this opportunity to at least use this poor guys tragedy to make something good come out of it and if I just stay silent and let it go, that`ll be even more tragic.

I`m sure that any mom, even an Armenian mom will rather have a gay son alive than a dead one. So if u can get it touch with some news papers or some media and tell the truth, that`ll maybe prevent tragedies like this from happening again in future. I`m sure if an Armenian mom that has a son read the real sorry, hear the real story she`ll think twice before driver her son to suicide. So u should gather his friends and write a huge article about him, about the truth and if u guys are afraid about your own families finding out about you, you can do it anonymously. U can ask the newspaper to do it anonymously, but u shouldn`t let this go by. Just give his family some time 2 morn and then do something, either something on TV news, in news papers or even a video of him with his pics with the real story and put it on Youtube in memory of him. But do something!”
***

“Well, this is a story of a typical Armenian gay, which is of course very sad, one of the ways is the solidarity among gays, especially Armenians, we need to support each other, because the only way to fight against the violence, somebody may call it traditions/customs, is to be strong, to make your character stronger, and WE ALL have to do that, to support each other, even if it may cost something to us. The fact of suicide of that gay is a big shame for his parents and at the same [time] big loss and pain for all of us. Rest him in peace...”
***

“It is depressing indeed. I would not thinking of who is to blame in the whole story. I dare say not even the family of the young gay man, who has chosen this solution out of the situation. They are victims of their society as well this way or another. What we could do is to voice out the case and perhaps try to forward the message to mass media both in Armenia and abroad. Showing devil a mirror could be a best way to fight it.”
***

“Parents like this are just idiots and they have no right to show up themselves in public anymore unless they start being activists in gay parental associations to buy themselves out! some Armenians even in America live in Stone age. What you can do? LA gays should be more visible and more activist!”

Is this art???

It is very difficult to shock me with controversial projects in art. I like controversy in art. But this one seems too bizarre to me to accept as “art project”. Being firmly "pro-choice" in relation to abortion, the way it is handled here kind of horrified me.

Queerty reports referring to Yale Daily News:

Beginning next Tuesday, [Aliza] Shvarts will be displaying her senior art project, a documentation of a nine-month process during which she artificially inseminated herself “as often as possible” while periodically taking abortifacient drugs to induce miscarriages. Her exhibition will feature video recordings of these forced miscarriages as well as preserved collections of the blood from the process.

In original news article, this art student provides with the following aim of her project:

The goal in creating the art exhibition, Shvarts said, was to spark conversation and debate on the relationship between art and the human body.

Live underwear models

I spotted them today (Thursday) after work when walking down Regent street, London. They were behind the window display of Armani Exchange (A/X) store. Any routine walk in London could turn into something unexpected and entertaining ;)

Turkey: End Harassment of Gay Rights Groups

Human Rights Watch

(Istanbul, April 16, 2008) – A police raid on a Turkish human rights organization is the latest incident in an escalating pattern of harassment of gay rights groups, Human Rights Watch said today. In a letter to Turkish Minister of Interior Beºir Atalay, Human Rights Watch called on the government to cease official harassment of groups working on sexual orientation and gender identity issues, and to ensure training of all criminal-justice officials in human rights principles.

On April 7, 2008, approximately 12 police in plainclothes entered the headquarters of the Lambda Istanbul Cultural Center, which defends the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people. Their warrant cited suspicion that Lambda “facilitates prostitution, acts as a go-between [and] provides a place for [prostitution],” criminalized under Article 227 of Turkey’s Penal Code. The raid took place 10 days before an April 17 court hearing in a case against Lambda Istanbul brought by the Istanbul Governor’s Office, accusing the group of violating Turkish “moral values and its family structure.”

“What’s really immoral is the Istanbul authorities’ campaign against Lambda Istanbul for protecting the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people,” said Scott Long, director of the LGBT Rights Program at Human Rights Watch. “The government should reform laws that allow officials to harass groups like Lambda Istanbul in order to guarantee everyone’s human rights.”

After a two-hour search the officers took a list of Lambda Istanbul’s members, along with records of its decisions and other documents. The organization’s property has still not been returned. Lambda Istanbul’s attorney told Human Rights Watch that prosecutors informed him the group had been under surveillance since March 2008.

Lambda Istanbul has suffered harassment by the Turkish authorities since 2007, when the Istanbul Governor’s Office demanded its closure, arguing the name and objectives of the group were offensive to Turkish “moral values and its family structure.” The Prosecutor’s Office rejected the complaint in July 2007, but the governor’s office pursued the case to a higher court. After four hearings, the case is still pending.

Under human rights law, including the European Convention on Human Rights, which applies in Turkey, the Turkish authorities must guarantee freedom of association to all, without discrimination.

Best independent and arthouse cinema in Yerevan - National Gallery of Armenia

This is the best place for independent and arthouse cinema in Yerevan, from Pasolini to Fassbinder and other gems of cinematorgraphy, with regular Q&A sessions, thematic screenings, restrospectives, festivals. A rare pleasure. Highly recommend it! Screenings are normally held over weekends, but check out the programme from the National Gallery to get the full listings. You may also wish to enjoy permanent and temporary exhibitions at the Gallery.

When I was back in Yerevan over the New Year holidays few months ago, this cinema at the National Gallery of Armenia was one of the biggest discoveries for me. Imagine my shock (a pleasant shock!) when I saw their programme which included a screening of Pasolini's Salo. Salo is considered as one of the most controversial films ever made. It is still banned in many countries, and only recently has been released uncut in the UK. Although I've seen Salo few times, I decided that I have to experience it in Armenia, which seemed kind of surreal for me. Unfortunately, due to technical reasons (broken movie projector) they had to cancel the screening.

Melik Karapetyan, head of Film Programs Department at the National Gallery of Armenia is doing fantastic job and deserves our support. His programming could rival the best independent cinemas worldwide.

Current programme includes:

• Great Women Artists / Artists of the 20th Century
• Regional Silent Film Festival 4th Edition
• Jan Svankmajer’s Film Retrospective
• German Classic Cinema and Fassbinder’s Films
  

For up-to-date listings, check out ArmeniaInfo's "Calendar of Events". However, to make sure you do not miss anything, I'd rather suggest picking up a programme from the Gallery (artfully made). 

 

*photo via National Gallery of Armenia

Armenia Gay Guide update

After a while (last review was in August 2007), I managed to find time to update Armenia Gay Guide which now includes more up-to-date information on gay and gay-friendly venues in Armenian capital Yerevan, as well as additions to various sections, including art, NGOs etc.

Armenia Gay Guide will be updated regularly as/when new info is available.

If you think that the info or listings in this Guide are incorrect, please let me know your additions based on reliable sources. If you are aware of other gay or gay-friendly venues and attractions in Armenia or any other info which you think may be of interest or relevance to LGBT people who live in or visit Armenia, please let me know so that I will update this Guide.

Armenia Gay Guide

Yerevan Experimental Theatre (NPAK): Slaughterhouse (play)

Sounds interesting.

*via Facebook

Date: Thursday, April 17, 2008
Time: 7:00pm - 10:40pm
Location: Armenian Center for Contemporary Experimental Art (NPAK)
Street: Pavstos Buizand Blvd., 1/3
City: Yerevan, Armenia

Description:

A human is sentenced to loneliness. He has failed to love, to be loved. He has been alienated from surrounding world, has been put in opposition with fake and dishonest relations, and theatricised behaviorism. He is lonely. “Poor white craw”. This woman, with her torturous monologue unmasks human evil. But nobody needs it. She is target of society repentance. The sacrifice offered at the slaughterhouse.

LGBT Rights in the World (Map)

International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) launched the 2008 version of its map on LGBTI rights in the world on occasion of the federation’s 30th anniversary (previous version of the map - here).

According to the map, in South Caucasus (as well as in a broader region, including Russia, Turkey and Iran), only Georgia has introduced legislation which specifically outlaws discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. Armenia, Russia, Turkey and Azerbaijan do not provide similar provisions. However, this map does not specify the level and comprehensiveness of that protection, which varies. Particularly, in Georgia antidiscriminatory provisions cover only employment: since May 2006, as part of the new Labour Code, discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is illegal in employment. This by no means implies that the situation with LGBT people and gay rights is particularly better in Georgia than say in Turkey. However, it is a step forward in a right direction.

Among our neighbours, the most appalling situation is certainly in Iran which is one of only 7 countries worldwide where death penalty for same-sex acts is still in place and acted upon.

Below I provide a brief summary statistics on LGBT rights in the world, as of January 2008, taken from the map:

Persecution

• death penalty: 7 countries
• imprisonment: 76 countries and 6 entities

Protection

• antidiscrimination laws: 49 countries and 33 entities

Recognition

• recognition and registration for same-sex unions: 19 countries and 14 entities

According to PinkNews, ILGA is now preparing the 2008 version of State-sponsored Homophobia Report which will be ready for 17 May, International Day Against Homophobia.

Karabakh women defend their rights for “gender self-determination”

A rare article by ArmeniaNow on gender equality and women rights in Karabakh. I post here my favourite extracts under the subheadings I created. Article in full is available here

Male Minister of Education fighting “morality war” and losing it
At the beginning of this school year principles in Stepanakert received a very strange order from Minister of Education Vadik Khachatryan forbidding female teachers from wearing trousers to work. The minister explained his oral instruction by a wish to ensure the teachers’ appropriate moral image.

But the teachers did not share the minister’s views on morality and declared that they are not going to follow his instructions. The order raised noisy protest and almost turned into scandal. The minister was taken aback and trying to justify himself said that he did not mean trousers, but meant provocative clothing.

It has never been clear what the minister intended, but it sure that he did not base his judgment on contemporary thought. Women in Karabakh have changed, having survived war, famine, bitterness of losses and equally shared all the hardships of post-war years with men.

Power women
Working as a business woman in Karabakh is no more a surprise to anybody. The National Assembly has 33 deputies, 4 of which are women. Two out of 11 minister’s chairs belong to women- Narine Azatyan is the Minister of Social Affairs, Narine Narimanyan is the Minister of Justice. About half of the judges are women.

Gender equality ≈ development of household appliances
Some people think that gender equality in any country depends on the development of household appliances.

“I used to waste all my free time from work on housework. I had to clean, cook, do the laundry by hand. My husband and I constantly argued. Now I have an electric meat grinder, washing machine, dish-washing machine. In other words, the same work that would take me my whole evening, takes me an hour now. I have spare time for fitness, Internet, and my husband and I even go out for a walk sometimes,” tells a nurse, Aida Adamyan.

Women rights NGO
In 2004 in Shushi Harmony NGO was founded. The founder Julietta Arustamyan says that the main goals of the organization is struggle for peace and women’s rights, Artsakh women’s spiritual and professional improvement, as well as organization of cultural leisure.

“We have a dream to open our own women’s center in Shushi where women could spend nice and useful time. It will be possible to get free psychological and legal consultation there, attend, say fitness club or dancing class, needlework class etc. Many of our women could have jobs at our center,” says Arustamyan.

“Given a desire” (I think “desire” is the key word here)
Svetlana Petrosyan has been heading a state institution in Stepanakert for many years.

“I have a family, but I can assure you that there are no barriers for women in Karabakh. Any woman is free to have a career, given a desire,” Petrosyan says.

"Gender Trouble" - The Exhibition

As mentioned in my previous post, the exhibition of feminist art “Gender Trouble” opened on 7 April in Armenia’s capital Yerevan to coincide with the “Motherhood and Beauty Day” - “the second official holiday dedicated to women” (after 8 March) . It is not surprising therefore that one of the main messages of this exhibition, according to Shushan Harutyunyan, local journalist and good friend of mine, was that the real meaning of 8 March (International Women’s Day) has been erased from people’s memories. Instead, we keep reminded daily on a society level of the notion of women as “the fair sex” or “weaker sex”…


S.H.: “I liked the exhibition, it was rather creative exhibition. Mainly, video art was displayed there. Artists’ works were controversial. They presented with the different approaches to the subject matter. As a result, their work varied, from depicting the process of plastic surgery to grandmother at boxing training. Perceptions are subjective, of course.”






All photos from the exhibition – by Shushan Harutyunyan. Many thanks, Shushan!

Yerevan, Armenia: "Gender Trouble" exhibition

Day: Monday, April 7, 2008
Time: 7:00pm
Location: "Academia" Gallery, Baghramyan 24, Yerevan, Armenia

Description:

...Is it possible to talk about feminist art in the context of Armenia when the majority of women artists who take part in such thematic shows and who really employ feminist strategies in their works are not associated with feminist movements outside the scope of their art? It is indisputable fact that feminist orientations must be recognized as program and ideology which then have to be codified in art forms. Today we have the state of growing self-awareness about the incompleteness, uncertainly but also femininity (as a socio-cultural phenomenon) of the representational works. At the same time, there is the state of growing understanding of the notion of the aesthetical - when the feminine is able to identify, form and defend itself against the background of the Power and the hardening shapes of the predictability of this Power. Without this it is impossible to either form art strategies, or conceptualize and describe these strategies from the position of gender theory. It may sound paradoxical, but in spite of the absence of consistency and clear positions in feminist issues in Armenia art context, the topic itself remains open. Feminism is not uninteresting for Armenian artists and this is much better than the silence...
Susanna Gyulamiryan "Gender Trouble"

"The name "Gender Trouble" is taken from the title of the book by American philosopher Judith Butler ("Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity" 1990). Judith Butler can be defined as a post-structuralist thinker. Feminism is one of the major subjects of her works."

*event descriptions and photo - via Facebook

Gay rights advocate will chair OSCE

Taking into account that Armenia, as well as other post-Soviet countries are members of the OSCE, the appointment of gay rights advocate Alexander Stubb as Foreign Minister in Finland, which is currently chairing OSCE, would hopefully have a positive impact on putting forward equality agenda in member states.

“Priorities of the 2008 Finnish OSCE Chairmanship include progress towards resolving the region's protracted conflicts, enhancing engagement with Afghanistan as well as co-operation on maritime and inland waterways, combating trafficking in human beings, promoting tolerance and non-discrimination and gender equality.”

PinkNews provides additional details:

Members of the European Parliament have welcomed the appointment of Alexander Stubb as Finland's Minister of Foreign Affairs.He has been one of the Parliament's leading gay and lesbian rights campaigners and Vice President of the LGBT Intergroup.

"The Intergroup is thrilled for Alexander and sends him our warmest greetings," said British MEP Michael Cashman, President of the Intergroup. "It has been a great pleasure working with Alexander. Finland has made a great choice."

Mr Stubb was appointed on Tuesday, his 40th birthday. "When your country calls, the answer is unequivocally yes," he said of his decision to return to national politics, according to Helsingin Sanomat. He has been an MEP since 2004 and is a member of the National Coalition Party, which is centre-right but pro-Europe.Former

Foreign Minister Ilkka Kanerva resigned after he was embroiled in a scandal involving text messages he sent to a female dancer.

Mr Stubb, who is married with three children, previously worked as an aide to Romani Prodi, the former President of the European Commission.

"The Parliamentary group of the National Coalition Party described Stubb as surprising and courageous, adding that "he puts a smile on one's face," reported Helsingin Sanomat. "Stubb is widely regarded as a competent figure, and is known to be a firm advocate of Finnish NATO membership."

"It has been exciting working side by side with Alexander on protecting rights of LGBT people in Europe and beyond," Sophie in 't Veld, Vice-President of the Intergroup. "It is sad he leaves us at the Intergroup but I wish him all the best in his new position."Lissy Gröner, Vice-President of the Intergroup for the PSE added, "Alexander has been such a nice colleague in the Intergroup."I want to thank him for the contribution he has made for the rights of LGBT people."

*photo via OSCE - Finland's new Foreign Minister and OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Alexander Stubb, speaks at a press conference following his appointment, Helsinki, 4 April 2008. (Finnish MFA/Raino Heinonen)

Euroflirt: Sirusho (Armenia) and Dima Bilan (Russia) in a ‘flirty’ photoshoot session in Moscow ahead of Eurovision 2008 song contest

Top European mayors invited to Moscow Gay Pride

GayRussia reports that three of Europe’s leading mayors, two of them openly gay, have been invited to attend this year’s Moscow Pride.

Mayors Bertrand Delanoë (Paris), Ken Livingstone (London) and Klaus Wowereit (Berlin) have all been invited to the Gay Pride and associated conference being held in the Russian capital on May 30 and 31. Organisers are confident their presence will have an important symbolic influence.

“You always support the fundamental right of homosexual people to openly manifest and to publicly express themselves,” they say in their letter to the city halls.

“All of you also regularly take part in Gay Pride parades in your own cities.”

“Taking into account the bans of the public Pride events in the Russian capital in 2006 and 2007, we are not sure that Mayor Luzhkov will permit Gay Pride manifestation this year,” they point out.

“Please take part in our conference and rally,” the organisers ask.

It is not known whether they accepted an invitation or would be able to attend. It would have been superb to see them directly joining Russia’s gay community in their fight for equality. However, I expect that politics and diplomacy via ‘technical’ difficulties will make it impossible. In case of London mayor, I suppose, the situation is complicated by mayoral elections scheduled on 1 May ( In fact, it features openly gay candidate Brian Paddick, one of London’s former police chiefs, although the latest poll showed him on the 3rd place). In any case, it’s a good PR move from Russian gay activists. Well done!

In past, these European mayors voiced their support for Gay Pride organisers in Moscow and condemned Moscow mayor Luzhkov’s decision to ban Gay Pride celebrations. Luzhkov is known for his extreme homophobic rhetoric. He once called Gay Pride “a satanic gathering”.

*photo by GayRussia

Gay Kurds in Turkey unfold rainbow flag and demand not only political freedom

A Diyarbakir “Outing”: “What are Gays Doing at Newroz?”

Bianet reports

A group of gay and lesbian Kurds in Diyarbakir decided that this year’s Newroz would not only be a call for political freedom, but also an honest declaration of their sexual identity.

Newroz is a political arena in Diyarbakir, the predominantly Kurdish city in the southeast of Turkey. We, a group of gays and lesbians of Diyarbakir, used to go as heterosexuals, shout our conflicting demands for freedom, dance, and celebrate with our heterosexual friends, saying “Newroz piroz be,” “Happy Newroz.”

In our heads there was always the question, “why, when everyone is demanding freedom, does my most basic right to life seem so frightening to people?”

Rainbow flag at Newroz


…This year, a lot changed in Diyarbakir.

Like everyone else, we were very excited about this year’s Newroz. Why? Because our group of gays decided to go to the celebrations as Piramid GL Diyarbakir. Although we would not be shouting slogans, we would unfold our rainbow flag in front of such a big crowd for the first time.

Worrying about some people’s reactions, we went to the Newroz site. And among the surprised looks of people around us, we also shouted for freedom, and we also waved our flag.

Surprise and heckling
…We started dancing, and as we got more excited, some of the surprised looks turned to attitudes of ridicule.

As time went on, more and more people noticed our flag and we became the focus of attention.

One person said aloud, “That’s the gay flag, what is that doing here?” While we were dancing, we overheard someone near us warn his friends “not to join those guys.” Others said things like, “Diyarbakir has become spoilt,” or “We should throw you into that Newroz fire,” and “Why are you here?”

Positive reactions
On the other hand, we also had positive experiences, like the people congratulating us and those telling us insistently “how much we respect you.”
Even if some people were made uncomfortable by our visibility, this time we transformed those negative attitudes into a positive energy, we danced and thus asked for freedom for ourselves.

We knew that we were only a handful of homosexuals in a crowd of hundreds of thousands, but we felt like a crowd, too.

We left the Newroz site with great honour and smiles on our face, having represented the gay and lesbian community of Diyarbakir. Newroz piroz be.

*photo via Bianet

Greek bloggers against discrimination

Unzipped: Gay Armenia expresses its support and solidarity with Greek bloggers in their fight against discrimination

A few weeks ago the Greek Ministry of Justice has announced their intention to present a new bill in Parliament that will introduce a domestic partnership contract exclusively for unmarried heterosexual couples. This discriminatory project has been widely denounced not just by the LGBT community, but also Greek citizens from all walks of life who believe that it violates the Equality clause enshrined in our constitution, as well as the country’s European commitments.

As a reaction to the proposed bill the association OLKE (Homosexual and Lesbian Community of Greece) has announced its intention to pursue the country’s first same-sex civil wedding, noting that the current law does not refer to the sex of the participants. A female couple will present themselves to the town-hall of Kesariani (a municipality adjoining Athens) and ask the mayor to officialise their union. The mayor of Kesariani has declared that he will go on with the wedding provided he gets a favourable ruling from the State Legal Council. In Thessaloniki a male couple will try to do the same.

On Monday the 17th of March a blogger initiative under the collective title “Greek Bloggers Against Discrimination” has started its own campaign against the proposed legislation with the coordinated publication of an online protest entitled “A domestic partnership that discriminates? No Thanks”. Below you can read the full text of this online protest in English. For a full list of the 200 weblogs that have signed on this initiative, you can visit here.


- A DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP THAT DISCRIMINATES?
- NO, THANKS!

In Greece gays, lesbians and transexuals know about discrimination. They face it daily from their families, in their social lives and in the professional field.

But sometimes, all it takes is a single straw to break the camel's back.

According to press reports, the greek government is preparing to introduce a domestic partnership 'contract' EXCLUSIVELY for unmarried heterosexual couples. We do not believe that a mere 'contract' can resolve the issues same-sex couples face or ensure their fair treatment under the law. However this discriminatory proposal is a direct contravention of the greek Constitution, as well as european human rights treaties. Especially since same-sex couples already enjoy legal rights in 18 european nations.

The aim of this intervention is to make sure that european institutions, human rights organisations, websites and weblogs from around the world learn about these proposals. What we ask for is equal rights for all. Nothing more and nothing less.

This time around we will not sit idly by. This time around we will not keep silent.

GREEK BLOGGERS AGAINST DISCRIMINATION

AGLA NY Calls on Armenian Government to Account for March Events

New York City
March 13th, 2008

AGLA NY, the New York Armenian Gay and Lesbian Association, calls on the Armenian government to restore complete freedom of the press and expression in Armenia.

The troubling events in Armenia, as well as indications that this month's elections may not reflect the will of the people, are of great concern to us.

The deaths of 8 individuals in clashes related to the post-election demonstrations in Republic Square has worried and shocked Armenians around the world. We ask for an accurate account of the events in post-election Armenia.

We, the grandchildren of those who suffered the torments of the Armenian Genocide, call on the Government of Armenia to rule in a fair and democratic way befitting a modern, secular, democratic state and to build an open and free society that Armenians around the world can be proud of.


NB: AGLA NY's goal is to provide a forum for Armenian LGBT people to meet and express themselves freely, as well as to fight for the human rights of Armenian and non-Armenian LGBT people everywhere. AGLA NY is part of a worldwide network of Armenian LGBT associations that include Boston, Los Angeles, Montreal, Paris, San Francisco, Sydney and Toronto. Please visit our web site at www.aglany.org and our blog at: aglany.wordpress.com

Discrimination against gay Armenians: US State Department Human Rights Report 2007

The US State Department issued its annual Human Rights Report for 2007(http://www.state.gov/) today, March 11, 2008.

Although concerning Armenia (http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2007/100546.htm) the report is limited to last year, and does not include the most recent developments, the report's findings are significant:

WASHINGTON, March 11, 2008 -- Armenia's record on human rights remained poor during 2007, according to the U.S. State Department's annual report on human rights around the world. First, the document said, parliamentary elections last spring didn't meet world standards. The report, issued today, also says security forces sometimes beat those they had arrested, and some arrests were made arbitrarily. The government also imposed restrictions on privacy, religious expression, the news media and freedom of assembly, the document says. Meanwhile, the report says, the Armenian government didn't enforce laws against violence against women, human trafficking and harassment of homosexuals.

R. G.

Below is an extract from the Report describing specifically discrimination against LGBT people in Armenia.

Other Societal Abuses and Discrimination

Persons who were openly gay were exempted from military service, purportedly because of concerns that they would be abused by fellow servicemen. However, the legal pretext for this exemption is predicated on a medical finding of gays possessing a mental disorder, which is stamped in their passports and can affect their future. Local observers noted that unlike in previous years, there were no reported cases of police harassment of homosexuals through blackmail, extortion, or violence. Nevertheless, societal attitudes and harassment towards homosexuality remained severe, and hampered homosexuals' access to medical care.

Many employers reportedly discriminated against potential employees by age, most commonly requiring that job applicants be between the ages of 18 and 30. After the age of 40, workers, particularly women, had little chance of finding jobs that were appropriate to their education or skills.