The worldwide LGBTQI+ community has become bigger and bigger over the years. Accordingly, there are now also many facts about queers and co. that are worth paying attention to. The exciting information can also help non-queers to better understand other sexual orientations and to broaden their own horizons.
In this context, it is particularly important to clear up misunderstandings.
Fact #1: Discrimination exists
"What do you actually want?", "You're already allowed to do everything!"These are phrases that are difficult for people who are exposed to discrimination every day to cope with. Often, it is seemingly "little things" like a wry look or a derogatory comment that hits those affected hard. Or in other words: it doesn't help to change laws if nothing changes in people's minds.
Fact #2: There are some very successful LGBTQI+ songs that are strongly connected to the community
Art has always played an important role in the life of the LGBTQI+ community. Over time, songs have been released that inevitably belong to the scene. The well-known "YMCA" is just one of many classics that stand for a mix of joie de vivre and tolerance.
In addition, there are also many artists, such as Lady Gaga, Dolly Parton, and Kylie Minogue, who are not queer themselves but have been able to generate a large queer fanbase.
Fact #3: Queer rights have been greatly expanded in Germany over time
As mentioned above, there is still a long way to go before we can speak of complete equality in Germany as well. But: for the sake of completeness, it should of course also be mentioned that a lot has happened over the years. For example, "marriage for all" has been permitted in Germany since 2017. In addition, same-sex couples are also allowed to adopt children and thus become a "rainbow family". BUT: queer couples are currently mostly "only" allowed to marry at the registry office and not in church.
However, it is possible to have one's partnership blessed by the church. However, the last word is probably far from being spoken here. The discussions around an expansion of the rights of queers in the context of a Christian or church everyday life is always up for debate.
The Protestant church in particular is considered a pioneer here.
Fact No. 4: Outings of celebrities can give courage
This effect has been further strengthened by social networks, among other things: outings by well-known people can encourage people to also come out to themselves. Especially when the people in question come from a field in which it is (still) less common to come out as queer (for example, in sports), the effect is often particularly intense.
In the comments columns under the outing videos in question, you can always find sentences à la "You have encouraged me to stand up for myself now. ". Beautiful!
Fact No. 5: Homosexuality is still punished by death in some countries (!)
The last fact is frightening but true: in many countries of the world homosexuality can still be punished by death. Among others, the situation is very dangerous for queers in Iran, Saudi Arabia and Chechnya. Many experts also advise against vacationing in Egypt as a member of the community.
If you want to be on the safe side, you should always check in advance how open (or homophobic) your chosen vacation destination is.
By the way, "Let's Love" starts on 25.10.2021