What role does homophobia play in today's world?
Many queers agree that a lot has happened over time with regard to the desired equality. At the same time, however, it is also clear that there are still many construction sites in this area.
A major problem is especially the fact that, for example, many gays and lesbians have to be afraid to hold hands or kiss on the street. The day against trans- and homophobia, which is celebrated every year in the middle of May, was once again drawn attention to this important issue.
Nevertheless, it is frightening that many people in some parts of the world even have to fear for their lives just because they are attracted to the same sex.
What is the current situation in the different countries?
No question: in terms of equality and acceptance, many countries have managed to take many and far-reaching steps. However, by no stretch of the imagination does this mean that everything is "perfect". On the contrary! In almost 70 countries it is still forbidden to be queer. Even in Germany, which is comparatively open here compared to many other countries on earth, it has only been officially allowed to love someone of the same sex since the mid-1990s.
The introduction of marriage for all certainly represented a special turning point in this context. In the meantime, many people have at least one homosexual couple in their extended circle of acquaintances who have married. Many have even adopted a child and live together as a happy rainbow family.
Many homosexuals suffer from discrimination of various kinds
"But be happy! You can get married! What do you actually want?"There are certainly few queers who have not heard this sentence at least once in the past.
The fact is, however, that many of them are discriminated against in everyday life - sometimes "only" with words, sometimes physically.
According to studies, there are differences in the exact number of victims between gays and lesbians and trans people. The latter are particularly often the victims of verbal and physical attacks.
One question that virtually everyone affected asks in this context is: What can I do?
After all, there is often also the fear that the whole situation will only get worse if help is actively sought. However, it would also be wrong not to defend oneself and let one's everyday life be further restricted.
Particularly in large cities, there are many support services aimed at people who are being bullied in various ways. Depending on the extent and how much the affected person suffers from the attacks, it may also make sense to seek psychological help.
Germany compared to other countries
In Germany, it is allowed to marry one's same-sex partner. In other parts of the world, for example in Poland, there are LGBTQ-free zones, because many people here think that this kind of love would endanger the classic family image.
In the meantime, the EU Parliament is also increasingly standing up for the rights of the community. However, the fact that, for example, a Russian participant in the ESC receives death and violence threats because she stands up for the rights of minorities shows how deeply rooted the hatred is in some people. Accordingly, it could still take a little while before everyone can openly stand by their feelings - not only (as in Germany, for example) by law, but also in the minds of their fellow human beings.
Heard already? Austrian Justice Minister Alma Zadić apologizes for homosexual persecution!