As a lesbian in today's world, I am obviously up to date with everything that is happening with regard to gay rights and equality across the globe.
I have watched over the past few years as this theme became the centre of a social and political storm. I have read the articles, the studies, seen the pictures, watched the videos. Most of this observation was done with tears in my eyes or a lump in my throat. I am not a member of the gay community who goes to parades or fights for rights, the reason I avoid these things is because they make me nervous.
It is shocking that in this day and age people are being tortured, discriminated against and even beaten to within an inch of their lives because of their sexuality. How is that in an age where we have come so far in terms of technology, science, medicine and even education that we are so socially and morally corrupt. I do realise that there are so many open minded and accepting people but for one of these people there is another who is abusive, homophobic and dangerous.
Today we have made the world a rather microscopic place, travel is so common, people move from place to place and there are many different types of people. Religions, ethnicities and cultures have been mixed to create so many unique and beautiful new experiences which are shared so easily throughout the world.
Yet, homophobia is alive and well and homosexuals have become the prey.
I was delighted to see so many countries shed their conservative overcoats and free themselves of the laws which were holding their societies back, however with this joy came sadness as I watched and saw so many protest against growth and equality.
The world watched as America passed the law allowing same-sex marriage and so many rejoiced thinking that this would help the world, that the rest might follow suit. Months later we are watching as young gay teens in Russia fear for their lives and are living in hell just because they love somebody of the same sex. It feels so ridiculous to see those words typed as I cannot comprehend how they can make sense in the twenty-first century.
My wife and I got married last year in Mexico City. It was the most beautiful day of my life and one that I will cherish with all my heart for as long as I live. I felt proud to be standing in front of a judge as she spoke of the commitment we were making and how lucky we were to have found each other. The love in the room as we said 'I do' was overwhelming. Being surrounded by people who shared our happiness and supported our love was a powerful experience. I have read about many gay people, both celebrity and not, who have made the choice not to get married until it is legal for same sex couples across the globe to do so. I was not of this mid set, not because I am a selfish person but simply because if every same sex couple held off on their right we would be keeping the naysayers happy.
Since coming back to this tiny island I have felt rather differently about being a lesbian in today's society.
Mexico is a third world country, the majority of the people are severely impoverished, inadequately educated and also they are good and holy Catholics. You now have an image of the Mexican people as being perhaps a little closed mined, correct? This is absolutely not the case! Same sex marriage has been legal in Mexico City since 2009. The gay community is alive and well in Pink Zone and it is not uncommon to see same sex couples walking down the street, holding hands, kissing, going about their lives unscathed!
Now picture this, my home land, a first world country, people live middle class lives, the majority are generally well educated and the number of good and holy Catholics is starting to dwindle. You are picturing people who are a little more open minded, correct? Once again this is not the case. Two weeks ago as I stepped off the Luas holding the hand of my beautiful wife I was horrified and really very upset to hear an a voice behind us shout out 'What's this, two fucking lesbians!!' I didn't turn around, neither did she, instead we picked up the pace and walked silently, no longer holding hands, all the way to our destination. I cannot lie, I had to fight back the tears, not solely because I was saddened, although I was, but because I was scared. For the first time in my life I felt scared and intimidated because of my sexuality. The reason neither of us turned around was because we were not sure what was going to come at us. I am not attacking Ireand, definitely not, there is a large gay community here too but I feel that homosexuality is something which is not completely accepted here yet.
I am not afraid to be who I know I am, I am not afraid to show my love for my wife but some people, and indeed institutions, are absolutely terrified by the entire of concept of homosexuality. As a result these people and institutions are making life a living hell for homosexuals in some parts of the world. When did this become okay?
Did we learn nothing from people like Nelson Mandela in his fight for equality? Have we begun to suffer from a sudden bout of amnesia and forgotten about World War Two and the horrific consequences suffered at the hands of inequality?
Each time that we, as a human race have struggled with the idea of equality and human rights the person, or people, who start the revolution are those who are not afraid to face their fears to overcome their oppressor.
Consider this post my way of standing up for myself, for my wife and for the rest of the homosexual community. It is at times like these that society has to stand tall, shoulder to shoulder, heart to heart and simply fight for the cause.
D.M
By Danielle Mc Mahon
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