IDAHO

Today is International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia.
Even though it seems we in the western world can live a free open outed gay life, every year we count the victims of homophobic and transphobic crimes, rapes, tortures, killings. 
Although many politicians in high spots recently brought the cause of LGBT Rights to the public, remember Hillary Clintons Speech, the UN Secretaries acceptance of LGBT concerns around the globe, and Obamas support for Marriage Equality, LGBT Rights are still not protected by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The UN is constantly facing the boycott of dozens of countries as soon as LGBT topics are being brought up. Over 80 countries criminalize homosexuality by law and in over 10 countries homosexual behavior is punishable with the death penalty. Still homophobic and transphobic killings can be justified by “homosexual and transexual panic”, we need more Hate Crime and Legislation around the world, as well as a ban of LGBT-related Hate Speech, which happens everyday, everywhere, in every country, also in countries where Anti-Discrimination Legislation has passed. For societies to accept LGBT causes and smash homophobia and transphobia, our politicians need to lead the way, as history shows, people follow the opinions of popular figures. 
Do not forget the many cases of closeted gay politicians, struggling with their internalized homophobia, that harm our community by voting against every possible LGBT Rights Legislation, just to point out their pseudo-heterosexuality. In the words of Harvey Milk “You must come out,…But once and for all, break down the myths, destroy the lies and distortions. For your sake. For their sake.”

Not too rarely did I hear gay friends talking about how the “prides” and gay lifestyle is completely unnecessary in todays time, and how we should not exclude ourselves from society or stand out too much. Gay people harrasing effeminate men or masculine women, other LGBT people who live the typical klishes, or even disapprove gay marriage or military equality. Seriously, I don’t f***** care, straight and lgbt people both have to be more tolerant towards everyone, if we don’t support our gay community and everyone in it, then how do we expect anyone else to. Let everyone live the way they are, you are not a better gay person because you are “straight-acting” or you blend into straight society. I have more respect for someone walking in the streets with high-heels, facing homophobic slurs from almost everyone in the streets, and we do know everyone will turn around and say something, sadly especially other gay people.

Mark IDAHO by remembering the too many victims of Homophobia and Transphobia, in memory of Roxanne Ellis, Michelle Abdill, Daniel Zamudio, Paul Broussard, Gwen Amber Rose Araujo, Matthew Shepard, Fred Frederica C. Martinez, Ali A., Sakia Gunn, Rebecca Wright, Lawrence King, Ahmed Khalil, Ronnie Antonio Paris, Charlotte Wetzel, Billy Jack Gaither, Mahmoud Asgari and Ayaz Marhoni, Octavia Acuna, and the many more victims of Homophobia and Transphobia.

comingoutjournal:

May 17 - International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia
(IDAHO) - Official Global Video

Speak out against homophobia and transphobia today! Spread the word!

Check out May 17th events around the world here: www.dayagainsthomophobia.org/-May-17th-around-the-world,89-

Learn more here:
www.dayagainsthomophobia.org

realite-iran:

As many countries prepare to mark the International Day against Homophobia on May 17, Iranian homosexuals continue to be persecuted and harassed by the state. Just a few days ago it was reported that four Iranian men were due to be executed for sodomy after their verdict was approved by high court judges. Last month, a senior Iranian cleric spoke against homosexuals and legalizing gay rights in the West, claiming that homosexuals and pro-gay politicians are inferior to animals.

"I specialize in male nudes. I’ve done many more males than females. I like to do females too, but they’re sort of harder to come by in a way. And they don’t generally pose as well as men. They have a tendency to faint. I think—and I don’t know whether this is just my own idea—that men are vainer than women in that they work harder at their posing. Maybe women think that they’re so lovely that they don’t have to pose well, I’m not sure."

- Paul Cadmus (via thepursuivant)