Sometimes it's easy to forget what we have as gay people in America. We are very fortunate, although it seems tough being gay and being out. But today, I realize that we are far better than the LGBT community in Iraq.
To be gay there, is almost a death sentence. There is no true support or effective outlet that can help them through their development. It is like they are a plague and people have no problems doing whatever to get rid of it.
In an U.N. report on Human Rights, there was a statement that haunts me. "Militias are reportedly threatening families of men believed to be homosexual, stating that they will begin killing family members unless the men are handed over or killed by the family."
Other statements were mentioned in this CNN article.
One man said he considers gays no different from "criminals and terrorists." Another claimed homosexuality was "illegal under Islamic law, and they [gays] should be punished by law like criminals."
People here feel the same way, but I feel in Iraq these beliefs can become actions of horror. My heart goes out to our fellow LGBT community in Iraq. I hope peace will find you.
I suppose the fact that I can blog about the day to day things a gay man sees, experiences and laughs at is a blessing in and of itself. Sobering read, your blog was ... you know, I think we can all have something to gripe about in this country, and most of us jump at the opportunity to do so. But in the end, you're right ... our issues pale in comparison.
ReplyDeleteWow - this is horrible.
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ReplyDeleteYou are quite right. We are fortunate to live in the first world. In my country, Spain, gays can marry and adopt children. These marriages are as valid as hetero marriages. But we had to fight hard to secure these rights, so we must never forget our brothers who live in countries like Iraq or Saudi.
ReplyDeleteA kiss