International Day Against Homophobia
Celebrating the day, on 17th May 1990, when the World Health Organisation finally took homosexuality off their list of mental illnesses.
This means that for almost 18 years "the World" classed me as sick because I am attracted to men!
Any straight people out there? Try to imagine the damage that can be done to a child's psyche over that length of time by enforcing these views upon them:
You are wrong because of how you feel.
You are wrong because you LOVE the wrong person.
You are just wrong (which has been said to me on several occasions).
No wonder so many teenagers commit or attempt to commit suicide. I know, I tried.
Everyone needs to be aware of the impact of their words and actions, especially on children. Whether they be gay, lesbian, bi, trans, curious or straight, bring them up to accept people for who they are and not who they are attracted to. Bring them up to be interested in other people's relationships but not to judge people solely by this. Bring them up to have respect.
A big deal is made whenever two guys or two girls walk down the street holding hands. And, god forbid they kiss in public. Snide looks and heckling often ensue. Yet straight people are "allowed" to do it all the time, without fear of reprisals. The imbalance of acceptance is still tilted too far to one side and we all need to address this. There is still a lot of work that needs to be done, to eradicate homophobia from our civilization and that is why days like today, the International Day Against HOmophobia, need to be in place to help facilitate that change.
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