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BIGOTRY, HATRED AND FEAR

Oct 03, 2017 Editorial

One of the most important changes in the world today is the legalization of same sex marriage in the United States, Canada, Britain and several other countries. While many have accepted same sex relationships, Guyana and several other countries in the Caribbean with traditionally diverse and liberal societies have rejected them.
In these countries, there is an increasing level of homophobia and what is right or wrong. Their bigotry is deep-rooted and it is aimed at those whose sexuality is different from the norm in society. Members of the Lesbian, Bisexual, Gays and Transsexual (LBGT) society have spoken about the discrimination, pain, suffering and fear they have endured from those in society who see them as outcasts.
In some islands, especially in Jamaica, the musical lyrics that have become very popular, have been openly homophobic. They pour scorn on those who are gay or bisexual. They often incite violence against LBGTs.
LBGTs have often spoken of the difficulty of living in some of the islands and of maintaining close connections with family. It dates as far back to the time of the ancient Greeks. It appears that the advent of social media has given permission to all and sundry to heap abuse and to garner support for unfettered bigotry and hate towards LBGTs.
For decades, writers and artists from the Caribbean who because of their gay lifestyle have felt obliged to distance themselves from the public and go into voluntary exile because of the physical violence and humiliation against them. However, in more liberal societies such as the United States, Britain and Canada, it is no longer necessary for people of different sexual orientations to hide within cliques, whether these are religious or secular.
Many politicians have openly stated that they are in same-sex relationships. For example, in Ireland the Prime Minister lives with his gay male partner, who is a medical doctor.
On May 17, last, the world celebrated the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. The observance was meant to draw the attention of the public, decision-makers, and the media to the challenges faced by LGBT people. It was an opportunity to explore societal issues like discriminatory laws. This year’s theme focuses on the role of families and the well-being of LGBTI members. The revelation that a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity is at odds with cultural norms or religious teachings is distressing for many families.
In 2014, an online survey in the Caribbean found that three out of five LBGTs actually kept their sexuality a secret from their families, mainly because of rejection, being disowned, abused or being kicked out of their parents’ home.
In Latin America, 70 percent of transgender women and girls were thrown out from their homes. This year’s LBGT celebration is a reminder that we must also address these issues in our homes.
In 2012, the Jagdeo regime had publicly stated that Guyana was not ready for same sex marriage. Five years later, the Granger administration has decided to hold a referendum on the issue. But the harsh reality is that the bulk of society wants no part of legal homosexuality. Homosexual men on public display are still sources of humour because the society does not take them seriously. Homosexual women still evoke anger among their peers. The National Assembly passed a conscience vote on homosexuality but the then President Bharrat Jagdeo refused to assent to it because of pressure from the religious community. This had nothing to do with human rights especially since the religious community often touts the rights of the individual.
Its reluctance to stand up for what is right seems to be a disguise of their own homophobia.

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