1

EVERYBODY HAS THE RIGHT TO GET OUT OF THE CLOSET

The Human Right for People to get out of the Closet and show their True Colors Andreas Nicolaou University of Nicosia

EVERYBODY HAS THE RIGHT TO GET OUT OF THE CLOSET

Abstract LGBT is an organization that stands for: lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender and it is used since the 1990s. This organization has become a mainstream as a self-designation and has been adopted by the majority of sexually and gender identity based community centers and media. It is now known all over the world. This kind of people frequently faces racism and often violence because of who they are. Not only that but the racism still continues on gay marriage whereas in many countries it is illegal and they dont allow them to be with who they love and want to spend the rest of their lives with. LGBT organization supports and helps these victims of society and gives them the opportunity to come out of the closet and be themselves next to the rest of the world

EVERYBODY HAS THE RIGHT TO GET OUT OF THE CLOSET

The Human Right for People to get out of the Closet and show their True Colors Until the sexual revolution of the '60s except from some derogatory characterizations against homosexuals there was no specific name that describes these people. After the Second World War people began to organize and assert their sexual rights and earn a name that characterizes them positive. Initially the first name used was '' homosexual'' but because it was considered as a negative hint was slowly replaced with the word gay. Later lesbians gained their own sexual identity. Then bisexuals and transgender followed demanding recognition in the society. In the 80s there was tendency not to accept bisexuals and transsexual because they considered them gays and lesbians who do not accept their sexuality. Only after the 90s it is common to refer to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people with equality and respect within the community. The rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons are no different or special. It's just human rights and human rights are universal and non-negotiable. However, we live in a homophobic society where discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is a routine. From 1948 until 1990 homosexuality was registered by the World Health Organization as a mental illness but on 17th May 1990, the General Assembly emphasized in resolution that homosexuality is not a mental disease, disorder or abnormality. Unfortunately these people still experience social exclusion in all aspects of their lives. Finally, religion has played an important role in non- acceptance of homosexuality. The conservative ideology offers specific therapeutic roles for husband and wife. Love-sex has the purpose of reproduction. In the era of globalization of the international economic system where the phenomenon of marginalization and exclusion of social groups is massive in both developed countries and also

EVERYBODY HAS THE RIGHT TO GET OUT OF THE CLOSET

developing, respect for diversity should be a form of expression of social solidarity which is essential to ensure future cohesion of societies. Therefore more than ever the importance of tolerance and respect for equal rights and particularly if they focus on sexual orientation, is gaining value. Today, the vast majority of experts believe that the gay man and lesbian woman must be considered in relation to heredity, in the environment where they live and of course the positive choices they make so as to accept their emotions. At the same time an interest in homosexuality as a social phenomenon seems to appear. Sociologists, anthropologists, historians and researchers have pointed out, among many others, how this has changed our view of homosexuality in relation to the past years and significant differences in tackling it from different cultures. So the debate on a taboo subject, such as homosexuality, takes a greater dimension than someone would expect in a world where the real problems (economic, political, ecological) are massive and pressing. However it is obvious, that in the consciousness of an average man the question of the characterization of the deviation from the general rule remains unanswered, but dramatically interesting. The question is who does not tolerate racism, exclusion, discrimination and visibility? Perhaps society, political parties, politicians, clergy, journalists and intellectuals in general should understand and respect homosexuality as a human right. They must find the courage to mention homosexuality when naming the various civil societies groups and count on their support. This should count in any political or religious faction where they belong. Today we know that the struggle for their own freedom has taken another form. Young gays have to fight racism, xenophobia, authoritarianism, repression, economic exclusion, religious intolerance, nationalism, fascism, the destruction of the environment, aesthetic

EVERYBODY HAS THE RIGHT TO GET OUT OF THE CLOSET

terrorism, the dull uniformity, the petty bourgeois values, fanaticism, mimicry and the ignorance of the others, the foreign, and the difference along with millions of other groups. The European Court of Human Rights published a summary of its decisions on matters related to sexual orientation. Specifically, the Executive Summary report on the issues of samesex marriage, adoption, the parents rights, labor, social rights and abuse homosexuality in prison. So there is a perception that the above issues to become broadly accepted must be provided a social and political cohesion. In recent years the interest of the increasing presence of LGBT, people in the media and in other areas of everyday life there is a significant progress and liberalization of morals, leading to homosexuality to become less taboo and LGBT acquire more rights. However the view of the Church in view of these developments remains thunderous. Everybody has the right to get out of the closet In conclusion the Society, the Church, the Media and can lay the foundation for the protection of LGBT rights worldwide through the correct education in schools. This project seeks to understand the issues of LGBT and labeling some of the major problems these people are facing in the society as well as some suggestions for addressing them. In this way the awareness of the common opinion for these taboos can be discussed and become clearer. In this way the world can be successfully informed for socially sensitive issues around issues pertaining to the wider social margin. Some taboos when illuminated are clearer and can become more easily for discussion and understanding. LGBT Community As it has already been mentioned the LGBT is facing serious problems of social exclusion. The more common is the denial of acceptance within their own society which leads to

EVERYBODY HAS THE RIGHT TO GET OUT OF THE CLOSET

gay bullying. Bullying is a form of abuse that includes three key forms: psychological, physical and verbal abuse. Nowadays the act of bullying and victimization through this continues to be an important issue among teenagers. Many children are subjected to this form of violence more frequently specially to children who are "different" according to society. More often this discrimination starts at school while 2 out of 3 homosexuals have their sexual orientation 'covered' because they are objective of negative comments or behavior. Also teenagers are victims of bullying two to three times more often than their heterosexual peers, while they are much less likely to harass with a result to become more vulnerable to both physically and mentally and are more prone to suicidal thoughts due to the continuous and repeated harassment. Also they accept anti-gay messages, derogatory characterizations and criticisms about their homosexuality, while in another survey about two thirds of gay students have suffered- through the school environment- the harassment and intimidation. According to a research almost everyone who had been harassed, received verbal attacks, 41% of them had received physical attacks and 17% had received threats for their lives. Also studies have shown that teenagers who identified themselves as homosexuals attempt suicide 3-6 times more frequently than their heterosexual peers, while the overall of 30% of suicide attempts is committed by these teenagers. These people find it difficult to express their sexuality because society makes them feel shame for what they are. They often fall into depression and have suicidal tendencies because they are not accepted by the society. The LGBT live in society caring the label of psychologically sick and abnormal. Fear, isolation and discrimination is a daily experience for LGBT and according to research carried out by the Agency of Fundamental Rights of the EU

EVERYBODY HAS THE RIGHT TO GET OUT OF THE CLOSET

in all its states, two out of three respondents surveyed responded that they feared to jointly appeared together in public . Also 30% of transgender people reported having been assaulted or threatened by violence. LGBT Community Sections Even in European countries which are considered '' tolerant '' some people feel that they get verbal abuse from other people. An important subject around the world is the marriage between homosexual couples . Another important aspect is their right to have children and whether homosexual living is functional for children growing up in this kind family environment. It is worth noting that many countries have been notified that the national legislation of European countries regulate in a positive way , mostly , the symbiotic relationship between homosexual people , either by providing the possibility to get married ( Belgium , France , Iceland , Netherlands , Norway , Portugal , Spain , Sweden , United Kingdom) or / and by providing the possibility to conclude a civil partnership (Andorra, France , Czech Republic , Denmark , Finland , Germany , Hungary , Ireland , Liechtenstein , Luxembourg , Slovenia , Switzerland ,Croatia) , with gradations and variations of ancillary rights .Only just in 2013 , France legislated gay marriages , although of the 90 regulated institutions are symbiotic relationships in the context of same-sex civil unions . . At the same time in countries where they have legalized gay marriage as he states they have suffered discrimination concerning access to services such as health , finding apartments, the social output , the contribution sports clubs or work in banks etc. The most influential reason against same-sex marriage is based on religion. Many people believe that procreation is the ideal reason for marriage. Their belief is that same-sex couples do not have the capability to produce

EVERYBODY HAS THE RIGHT TO GET OUT OF THE CLOSET

children which is the basis for marriage. The most influential reason against same-sex marriage is based on religion. Many people believe that procreation is the ideal reason for marriage. Their belief is that same-sex couples do not have the capability to produce children which is the basis for marriage. LGBT churchs point of view This policy of the Church towards homosexuality, particularly male, there is no way new. The roots of the homophobic attitude of the Church have their roots in extreme prohibitions of Judaism, many of which went verses in Christianity. Fathers of the Church, but many obscure bishops and elders considered homosexuality a mortal sin and fighting with tooth and nail to fight, often underestimating the classic sins, such as murder and theft. Even today many religions homosexuality mo be condemned and considered sin. The orthodox Christian teachings on marriage and sexuality firmly grounded in Scripture, 2,000 years of church tradition, emphasizing that marriage consists in the marital union of a man and a woman and that authentic marriage is blessed by God as a sacrament of the Church. As noted, the union between a man and a woman in the Sacrament of Marriage reflects the union between Christ and the Church, whereas the Orthodox Church cannot and will not bless same-sex

LGBT Marriage The most common religious argument against same-sex marriage revolves around scripture, which many faith communities believe came directly from the mouth of God, and they interpret scripture to forbid homosexuality, and by extension, same-sex marriage. For many religious groups, this is the beginning and the end of the discussion. Generally, the Judaic,

EVERYBODY HAS THE RIGHT TO GET OUT OF THE CLOSET

Christian and Islamic religion opposes based sacred texts homosexuality .The world's largest religions vary widely in their views on same-sex marriage. For example, among larger Christian denominations the Roman Catholic Church's official position is to oppose same-sex marriage, as does the Orthodox Church, some Protestant churches, a majority of Muslims, Hindu nationalists, and Orthodox Jews. In parts of the world partnership rights or marriage have been extended to same-sex couples. Advocates of same-sex marriage cite a range of benefits that are denied to people who cannot marry, including immigration, health care, inheritance and property rights, and other family obligations and protections, as reasons why marriage should be extended to same-sex couples. Opponents of same-sex marriage within the gay community argue that fighting to achieve these benefits by means of extending marriage rights to same-sex couples privatizes benefits (e.g., health care) that should be made available to people regardless of their relationship status. They further argue that the same-sex marriage movement within the gay community discriminates against families that are composed of three or more intimate partners. Opposition to the same-sex marriage movement from within the gay community should not be confused with opposition from outside that community. In parts of the world partnership rights or marriage have been extended to same-sex couples. Advocates of same-sex marriage cite a range of benefits that are denied to people who cannot marry, including immigration, health care, inheritance and property rights, and other family obligations and protections, as reasons why marriage should be extended to same-sex couples. Opponents of same-sex marriage within the gay community argue that fighting to achieve these benefits by means of extending marriage rights to same-sex couples privatizes

10

EVERYBODY HAS THE RIGHT TO GET OUT OF THE CLOSET

benefits (e.g., health care) that should be made available to people regardless of their relationship status. They further argue that the same-sex marriage movement within the gay community discriminates against families that are composed of three or more intimate partners. Opposition to the same-sex marriage movement from within the gay community should not be confused with opposition from outside that community. The debate over same-sex marriage will forever rage until it becomes legalized. Same-sex relationships have been a part of history since the ancient times. Not allowing same-sex marriage is discrimination. Couples are denied financial benefits heterosexual couples receive. Same-sex marriage should be legalized so couples will have the right to make decisions regarding their partners health and medical treatment as well as allowing them to adopt one anothers children. Designing the bill a certain way will enable to church to stay uninvolved, since religious reasons are the most common reason for people being against same-sex marriage. Legalizing same-sex marriages will create equality for all people in a relationship and defeat the injustice among same-sex couples. LGBT Parenting Among same-sex marriage another issue is parenting. Scientific literature indicates that parents' financial, psychological and physical well-being is enhanced by marriage and that children benefit from being raised by two parents within a legally recognized union (either a mixed-sex or same-sex union). As a result, professional scientific associations have argued for same-sex marriage to be legally recognized as it will be beneficial to the children of same-sex couples. Scientific research has been generally consistent in showing that lesbian and gay parents are as fit and capable as

11

EVERYBODY HAS THE RIGHT TO GET OUT OF THE CLOSET

heterosexual parents, and their children are as psychologically healthy and well-adjusted as children reared by heterosexual parents. According to scientific literature reviews, there is no evidence to the contrary. Most same-sex-marriage states allow the joint adoption of children by same-sex couples. (Portugal is a long-standing exception.) In addition, several states which do not have marriage equality nonetheless permit joint adoption by unmarried same-sex couples: The United Kingdom, Western Australia, New South Wales, and Tasmania within Australia, Coahuilla and Chihuahua in Mexico, a number of US states (Colorado, Indiana, Nevada, Oregon), and in at least a few cases, Israel. Several additional states allow second-parent ('step-child' or 'step-parent') adoption by unmarried same-sex couples. Gay couples can now adopt children in certain countries or may become pregnant if they can and of course they can grow . So far there are no studies which prove that the sexual orientation of the parents , and this determines who will get their children . The big question that arises is that while adults are clearly under free choice , not the case of course the same for children , which in fact ... cannot choose their parents ! Homosexual couples do not have special features for the quality of their personal relationship , which differentiates as to heterosexual . Loving relationships , cooperation , understanding , awareness task and whatever can characterize a successful heterosexual relationship that led to the complete family with having children , can equally well be there to homosexual couples . The problems are mainly to do with the interaction with the social environment , which is still moderate tolerance for families with homosexual parents .

12

EVERYBODY HAS THE RIGHT TO GET OUT OF THE CLOSET

This interaction and existing stereotypes that usually create tensions and difficulties for families with homosexual parents , who probably can influence and mainly psychological development of their children. Certainly a very bad tactic is introversion often adopt gay parents as a method of defense against non tolerant society and very easily transmitted to children . The children themselves , although they may have early familiar with the idea of "two moms " or "two dads " face great difficulties when they begin to socialize and particularly at school . There are confronted first with the diversity of their own family , in relation to families of the vast majority of their peers . So if finally created a problem for the families of gay parents are in poor psychological preparation and support of their children in order to successfully cope with and manage the diversity in their family circumstances, against other children . The psychological preparation should begin very early , especially with the guilt of their own homosexual parents due to their sexual orientation and then the counseling will have to do with their children . The important parameter of eliminating stigma caused by diversity , would certainly the most effective solution not only to the problems of families with homosexual parents , but also in a number of other conditions that activate stereotypes centuries . However, this requires other solutions , based mainly in education and society that certainly will not have an immediate or short-term results only in overtime and perhaps human generations

LGBT Legal Bounds Laws affecting LGBT people varies greatly from country to country or territory. Everything from legal recognition of same-sex marriage or other types of partnerships. In some

13

EVERYBODY HAS THE RIGHT TO GET OUT OF THE CLOSET

countries there is the death penalty as punishment for same-sex romantic/sexual activity or identity. LGBT rights are as same as human rights and civil rights. Six countries in the world still allow the death penalty to be used as a punishment for homosexuality and many others continue to imprisonment or fine their LGBT citizens. This info graphic maps legislation dealing with LGBT rights in countries across the globe as well as the current state of LGBT relationship recognition in the US. LGBT rights laws include, but are not limited to, the following: government recognition of same-sex relationships (such as via same-sex marriage or civil unions), LGBT adoption, recognition of LGBT parenting, anti-bullying legislation and student non-discrimination laws to protect LGBT children and/or students, immigration equality laws, anti-discrimination laws for employment and housing, hate crime laws providing enhanced criminal penalties for prejudicemotivated violence against LGBT people, equal age of consent laws, and laws related to sexual orientation and military service. Anti-LGBT laws include, but are not limited to, the following: sodomy laws penalizing consensual same-sex sexual activity with fines, jail terms, or the death penalty, anti-'lesbianism' laws, and higher ages of consent for same-sex activity. In 2011, the United Nations Human Rights Council passed its first resolution recognizing LGBT rights, which was followed up with a report from the UN Human Rights Commission documenting violations of the rights of LGBT people, including hate crime, criminalization of homosexuality, and discrimination. Following up on the report, the UN Human Rights Commission urged all countries which had not yet done so to enact laws protecting basic LGBT rights.

14

EVERYBODY HAS THE RIGHT TO GET OUT OF THE CLOSET

Today, formal lobbying groups such as the Human Rights Campaign, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, and thousands of local and state groups advocate for gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgendere d people. There are about 100 community centers offering support with youth groups, rap groups and a variety of other services. As with most civil rights movements, the translesbigay communities have struggled, sometimes taking two steps forward and three steps backward, but it is a movement that will persevere and eventually overcome the prejudice, bigotry, and hate of those who oppose freedom, tolerance, and love.

Conclusion Gay rights are an issue of concern for many and will continue to be so in the future. The cultural and religious opposition to gay rights present barriers to equality for the legal profession. Lawyers must not only litigate against homophobic legislation, but also confront opposition from the public. Although the future of gay rights throughout the world is unclear, legal professionals will continue to advocate on behalf of those desiring equality. Legal professionals must also begin to think outside their traditional role as a litigator and move towards being an advocate and educator. The fight for gay rights should be taken outside the courtroom. In order to progress into more equal society, legal professionals in Lebanon and abroad will continue to raise awareness about the necessity for equal human rights for everyone, regardless of sexuality or gender status.

15

EVERYBODY HAS THE RIGHT TO GET OUT OF THE CLOSET

References Almeida, Joanna, Johnson, Renee M., Corliss, Heather L., Molnar, Beth E. and Azrael, Deborah. Emotional distress among LGBT youth: The influence of perceived discrimination based on sexual orientation 2009 Archer, Bert. The End of Gay:(and the death of heterosexuality) 2012 22. Barclay, Scott, Bernstein, Mary and Marshall, Anna-Maria. Queer mobilizations: LGBT activists confront the law 2009 Crowley, Ellen T. Acronyms, Initialisms, and Abbreviations Dictionary. A Guide to Alphabetic Designations, Contractions, Acronyms, Initialisms, Abbreviations, and Similar Condensed Appellations. Vol. 1. 1976 Finnegan, Dana G., McNally, Emily B. Counseling lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender substance abusers: Dual identities 2002 Human Services, Gay and Lesbian Medical Association. Healthy people 2010: Companion document for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) health 2001 Prono, Luca. Encyclopedia of gay and lesbian popular culture 2008 Ross, E. W. The social studies curriculum: Purposes, problems, and possibilities 2006 Shankle, Michael. The Handbook of Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Public Health 2013 Tin, Louis-Georges, Michaud, Alice and Redburn, Marek. The dictionary of homophobia: a global history of gay & lesbian experience 2008