This law is abhorrent. An attack on the very children it seeks to protect. For all the children it will save from the clutches of same-sex attraction (likely zero: if you subscribe to modern scientific findings and first-hand testimonials from those who actually deal with the affliction) it will harm innumerable more.
And let me pause and expand on using affliction to describe same-sex attraction, because I had great trouble settling on the use of that word, but that’s ultimately what it is.
The shame, guilt, denial, and dread of discovering an unchangeable truth. That to experience one of life’s few meaningful joys – mutual romantic love – comes with the caveat of disappointment or rejection from family, friends, or basically anyone who doesn’t understand your situation but feels entitled to partake in the demeaning of your character.
It’s astounding to think that one of the great cyber-movements of human history, the “It gets better campaign” would now be deemed illegal in Russia. Offering hope to suffering, disenchanted youth apparently carries a minimum price tag of 4000 rubles.
Pointman’s point is that Russia is a different country and culture, subscribing to different belief systems, and we as outsiders have little idea about the inner-goings and why this law may be appropriate, considering it is supported by the majority of the population.
However, lost is the irony that it is a law that sequesters those that are different, and although the majority of Mighty Russia are outsiders to the inner-goings of the homosexual, feel entitled in their suppression.
So what about this Patch?
Or this boycott?
Are they necessary? Would they prove helpful in the war against intolerance and discrimination?
I honestly don’t know. But I think the discussion is important.
Recently the 40 maps to explain the world displayed this discomforting graphic:
Homosexuality is criminalized (including by death) in more countries than it is celebrated (in the form of recognizing same-sex unions).
Combine with this map, and the results are horrifying:
Obviously homosexuality is something that crosses all countries and borders, race and religions. It’s a human condition. Obviously it’s interpreted differently worldwide. The cause and effect.
But it’s something that the majority of the world still approaches in a negative light. So who’s to say we’re necessarily in the right? Again, I don’t know.
But here’s what I do know:
I didn’t want or choose to be gay. But I am. And am incredibly fortunate to be born in an area of the world and in a time where I’m accepted into society and awarded my human rights, regardless my orientation.
There is a child in Russia right now. Who didn’t want or choose to be gay. But he/she is. And now it will have to battle its inner turmoil completely internally. Because Russian society deems them to be different and they should be treated as such.
Affliction indeed.
I would love to see the day when that word no longer fits. When the realization of homosexuality is akin to the discovery of left handedness. But it’s a long way to go in many parts of the world. Kudos to Canada for its progressiveness on the issue. A leader in the healing process for those who were suffering. One patch at a time.