For people routinely harassed and sometimes arrested by the Lebanese authorities, it was refreshing to be able to attend a public event without fear of being detained. But the gun-toting policemen standing outside the hotel were not there to carry out a raid against the dozens of people who had gathered inside for the press conference by the gay rights organization, Helem. Instead, the police were there to ensure the safety of the event.
The press conference part of a three-day event organized by Helem to coincide with International Day Against Homophobia, which marks the day in May 1990 on which the World Health Organization took homosexuality off its list of mental disorders. Source: [BBC]
Frankly, I never thought I would live to see the day when Arab homosexuals could organize a public event and talk about the fact that they do exist. But then again Lebanon is different. Perhaps this was bound to happen. My opinion: Good for them!
Meanwhile, Al Arabiya covered the event [Arabic] but alleged that the organizers of the parade were showing "porn movies." The head of the organization, Helem (‘Dream’ in Arabic), that put together the event denied the accusation, saying that what was shown were social movies about the status of homosexuals in Lebanon and the Arab world.
Ok guys, there is a big deferent between human rights and being homosexual and a gay !!! men shan allaah ya 3alam wakeup and stop doing like westerns .. لو دخلوا جحر ضب لدخلتموه STOP freedom is not being a gay!!!!!! I tell those people that they are really mogrefeen and to that gentleman who are defending them that IT IS REALLY “GARAF”
Batir,
Part of being “liberal” is having an open mind and, consequently, tolerance of different viewpoints (social, political, etc.) and different lifestyles, even if you don’t agree with them.
And, dm, I think you’re generalizing when you say that all homosexuals are born that way. It may be true that some are born that way, but some are either heavily influenced by their environment and some just make that choice. Either way, I agree with you that tolerance to the gay community is crucial for equal rights.
dm..thanks for your answer, well said. jareer…if u were born a homosexual i dont think that u will describe yourself as “garaf”…thats really very insensitive.
So, whats the fuss about this parade and homos ! Heck, this is shame; this is disgusting folks. Show libarilism and what comes with it? Gays, lez..isnt that “garaf.”
The road that basboos is referring to is the road to equal rights, tolerance, and the end of hatred and prejudice.
Batir, it’s fine that you do not tolerate homosexuality. That’s your choice and you’re entitled to it. But be happy that you HAVE that choice, because homosexuals do not have a choice as to whether or not they are homosexual. I do not know one homosexual who actually chose to be so, and who doesn’t wish that they were heterosexual and “normal”.
It’s a wonder that the suicide rate among the homosexual community is so high…
“It is the first step in a very long road”! To where is this road heading basbos? I really see no meaning for this and despite my liberal views I cannot tolerate homosexuality.
It’s possible in Lebanon, but Moscow authorities still treat their gay and lesbian community like total #@$%.
To the not-very-clever Freedom chap:
France is a secular society that prohibits wanton display of religion in its public offices. The analogy with this parade is a poor one. Perhaps if mosques were being burned by the authorities in France, you might have a point.
As for your comparison of homosexuality with beastiality and necrophilia, seems as though you’re merely uninformed and biased. Good luck.
point?!
natasha,,,i read that article on alarabiya last week and it was really refreshing to see this kind of courage..its about time peole in the ararb world start acknowledging this subject and discussing it in the open.
its the first step in a very long road, but at least its a start.
hopefully we will reach a day in tha arab world where we learn to accept and respect others and get out of this crazy homophobia….
SUPPORT FREEDOM!!
Next week events:
Necrophiliac Pride Day
Bestiality March for Freedom
Child Porn Lovers Week
…
But a woman in veils cannot go to public schools in France. Welcome to cultural relativism.