The Royal House of Oricci is the name of a worldwide royal vogue house, which Arsen represents. While living in Russia, he was the “father” and founder of the southern kiki house, which has a vibrant party scene for younger generations, in addition to organizing vogue balls and judging them. Although he does not call himself a star, he was prominent and influential in his professional environment. 

An independent reporter sat down with Arsen to talk about what it is like to be an openly gay man in Armenia who has been targeted twice, and why, despite that, he does not want to leave. 

While still in Krasnodar, the Russian city where he was born and raised, Arsen realized that he wanted to dance professionally. Although at first it turned out terribly, he wanted to win dance battles at camp, where he went every year as a child, so much so that he gave up boxing and plunged headlong into dancing. 

Arsen Oricci: Of course, boxing helped me realize that I am not weak and can defend my body and spirit, and it gave me strength to act. But I am not the kind of person who, even within the world of sports, likes causing or feeling pain. And dancing gives you the opportunity to feel special, to understand that you create art with your body. With that, you can inspire people, change their lives and give them self-confidence. It’s incredibly inspiring. 

In a world where for most of your life, others instill in you a sense of worthlessness, saying that you will not succeed and you do not deserve anything, dancing and creativity restore self-confidence. Through work and creation, I realized that I am not worthless, my efforts are not in vain and I am capable of something. It gave me inner strength, and with it came calmness. I became kinder, understood how to give, love, protect and create. Dancing gave me energy and the feeling that I could conquer the world.

Question: And how did your family react to the fact that their son is engaged in dancing, not boxing? Did they have suspicions that you’re gay? 

Actually, I have a great family. For all their disadvantages, they have the most important parental advantage: They really sincerely love their children. When I told my mom that I was gay, I had a lot of other problems in my life. 

My family has never been particularly involved in my life. I have always lived separately, I am a loner and solve my problems myself. But one day, [my]mom wanted to be closer to me, and she showed interest in my life. Then I dumped everything on her all at once. I told her about my problems with drugs, my personal life and inner insecurity, and the cherry on top was that I was also gay. And for mom, the most shocking thing was not that I am gay, because before that conversation, I had already been dancing, and sometimes dad would wake up in the morning and ask mom in the kitchen: “Whose heels are these?” Mom said they were Arsen’s, and he was like, “Oh, I see.” They already understood everything perfectly: Both the fact that this comes from a sense of creativity and the fact that I am not like most other people. 

They were more concerned about if I would do something in this life and if I would be happy. And the fact that I had an occupation, I worked and created something, was enough for them just to love me, be proud of me and accept me without asking unnecessary questions. For that I am grateful. It helps me a lot, they’re great. 

Arsen teaches and dances vogue, one of the most popular modern dance styles with a rich and dramatic history. Having originated in the 1960s, vogue became an outlet for queer people of color in New York City, who found it extremely difficult to survive amid widespread intolerance toward LGBTQ+ people. Unable to express themselves in everyday life, they began to organize so-called balls (hence the concept of the vogue ball), where participants could express themselves as they wanted. They could dress up as women, dress up in crazy costumes and parody supermodels and movie stars. These people really lived a ball, where they could be themselves. 

Question: How did your journey of organizing vogue balls in Russia begin?

It all started in Krasnodar, where my friend and I wanted somehow to promote vogue culture. We, in the south of Russia, had large vogue balls, but then many organizers moved to Moscow, and so I had the opportunity to move in. 

We saw that in Krasnodar, where a lot of famous and professional bloggers came from, large and cool vogue balls were not taking place as often. There was simply no one to hold them, and my friend and I decided to hold these events ourselves, so that our contribution to the culture would be remembered and to give something to other people. Because it’s one thing when you go to the balls and support the culture simply by participating, but it’s another thing when your balls are the start for many bloggers and dancers, where they fulfill their talents and ambitions. So you are putting a lot more into the culture than just your participation and support. 

Since vogue culture developed around and through the LGBTQ+ community, initially people rejected by society rallied into “houses,” akin to a family that the dancers could choose for themselves. The houses provided comfort, coziness and complete freedom of creativity and self-expression, as well as like-minded relatives. Often, the vogue family becomes much closer to a real one. And, as in every family, there is a “father” and a “mother” in the house. And it’s up to the fathers and mothers to accept “children” into their houses. Arsen belongs to the worldwide royal house of Oricci, which has legendary status. 

Question: What does it take to get into a house? 

Each house has many different criteria. There is also a certain probation period when you join a house. Among other things, you must be approved by all the fathers and mothers. For example, I have one main father in New York, a European father or mother and a Russian father or mother. 

And in each chapter, local fathers and mothers are looking for new members. They communicate with a person to understand whether this one is close in spirit to the house. And the participant himself must be active in the ballroom scene, organizing, going to battles, winning and bringing trophies to their house. 

And that’s why parents choose candidates, consider them and discuss them with each other, and then it all goes to the main fathers and mothers in New

York. And after that, if you are approved by all the parents, you choose a ball together with your family, where you are announced as a representative of the house of Oricci. 

Question: Considering that vogue balls are a part of queer culture. Was it difficult to organize them in Russia? 

It was not difficult at all, because vogue culture in Russia exists separately from the broader LGBTQ+ community. And there were no difficulties there because vogue culture has existed in Russia for a very long time. It is more than 10 years old, and everyone has already gotten used to it. There is a structure to the balls, there are Telegram channels with a schedule for the year ahead and you have everything so that you can calmly organize and engage in the scene. 

And the most important thing is that people know what vogue is because there were dance shows like Dances on the TNT television channel. Organizing balls in Russia is 10 times easier, cheaper and simpler than in Armenia. 

Despite the fact that Arsen was successful in Russia, and the organizational aspects were much easier than in Armenia, he says he does not regret that he moved and does not plan to return. 

Question: What was it like for you to close your kiki house and leave everything and everyone? 

It had to be done. I would have done it anyway. Back in 2021, I had an obsession — to come to Armenia as a volunteer and do something for this country, because I was acutely worried about the 2020 war here. I have always had an attachment to my small homeland, and this is very valuable to me. 

In many families in Armenia, love for their homeland is imposed, but it was not imposed on me, nor was the language or cultural training. I’ve always liked Armenia, I’ve always wanted to come here at least for a short stay. And when the events of 2022 took place (Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine – ed.), I had no choice where I would go. Of course, this decision was difficult for me, but it was also connected to my political views.

The last straw was that the vogue community in Russia ignored everything, from the war to the adoption of discriminatory laws. And it became clear to me that it would be very difficult for me to build a future in Russia morally. 

Question: And how do you live in Armenia? 

Here I have a very important and necessary mission — to make sure that Armenia has its own vogue ballroom. I also want large vogue balls to be held here, and for people to have that safe space that at one time greatly helped the queer community in New York, across America and in other countries around the world. 

And we have already managed to organize several vogue parties and two major vogue balls in Armenia, to which people from six countries came: Turkey, Georgia, Russia, Cyprus, Iran and the United States. 

Question: You’re talking about the need for a safe space. How safe is Armenia for the community now? 

It all depends, actually. Safety is a fairly subjective feeling. It’s not that I don’t feel safe because I’m gay or a member of the queer community, but I don’t even feel safe in general. The world is not safe at all. That’s why we are working to increase the percentage of people who can feel safe and reduce the percentage of people who commit suicide here, because they are so severely bullied and driven into the mindset that they are not worth love, life and existence. This is unacceptable. 

And if they realize that there are people like them in Armenia who are going through the same difficulties and that they have a community that supports them, it will benefit both the community and the country as a whole, as well as the country’s attractiveness for the Armenian diaspora. The latter, for example, write to me and thank me for holding vogue balls here, because they understand their importance. And this encourages many to come back. After all, the more developed and modern a country is, the more it will attract people. 

It is important for me that the ethnic Armenians in the diaspora come and create something and that they feel comfortable being here. I want to see more educated, tolerant and peace-loving people here.

Question: You were physically assaulted in Yerevan last year, but you still go all in, openly declaring that you are gay. Why? 

Well, I’ve been hunted down twice. It was amusing. Have they announced a hunt for me in Russia? Sure. What is the interest of a gay man’s life in Russia or in Armenia? It’s about the same thing: You’re used to fighting with everyone, being stressed and rejected. It’s a part of your life. 

I don’t give in to this fear. I go into confrontations and by my example I give people the opportunity not to be afraid because if you want changes, you have to take risks. You can, of course, go to Amsterdam and hold balls there, and, of course, not risk anything. But if you’re doing it in a homophobic country, then be prepared. That’s the way. And if we really want to change something, we cannot be cowardly. Unfortunately, the world is not pure, not kind and not soft. 

Of course, being beaten is unpleasant. I walked around with a swollen face for a week and thought, why do I need all this? And that’s fine. There is nothing that no one is afraid of. I’m scared out of my mind too. I don’t want to be attacked. Unfortunately, this is the reality. 

But on the other hand, it’s also a little flattering. After all, if a conservative society felt that it was completely dominant here, it would not react so sharply. And then they realize that there is the threat of bringing new values to Armenia, respect for each other and the rights and freedoms of minorities. This triggers them very much and gives us an incentive to continue working on a common front. 

Question: Is it difficult to organize balls in Armenia? 

It’s difficult to communicate. Again, due to the fact that everyone is quarreling, everything is boiling over. The difference between the queer community in Armenia and Russia is obvious because Armenians do not hush up the problems that occur in this country. They are more open to dialogue. But at the same time, in order to connect all the queers here, you need to go through scandals and intrigues. People are ready to be in conflict, and in this, I see a very good basis for the future development of Armenia because it prevents monopolization. But at the same time, people here are less obliging and efficient. Unfortunately, this is typical of countries of the region and small societies.

Among other things, Yerevan is a very expensive city — for example, our supplies for the ball are several times higher than in Russia, and the premises and prizes are smaller. That is, you spend more resources, but less exhaust than in Europe or the United States, where huge venues are given for balls, there are sponsors and investors ready to hold these events. In Armenia, it is already difficult to find people who will simply support the ball, let alone sponsors. So, yes, it’s difficult, but it’s possible. 

Question: How can balls be useful for Armenia? 

The general attractiveness of the country and development of democracy. I have already said that people from six countries came to our first vogue ball. They spent money here, bought tickets here, and paid for hotels here. That is, it’s all a small contribution to the economy. If you actually give figures or make a long-term business plan out of the queer community, it will be very profitable, because creative people who are part of the queer community make a very big contribution to the economy of every country. 

Among other things, the more open a society is, the more open its people as a whole become to new things and begin to act accordingly. Even straight people, who also feel restricted and have complexes, will stop being ashamed to talk about their feelings, and, feeling safe, they will realize that they can also escape from stereotypical behaviors and thereby give more to this country and society. Everything is made up of little things. 

Unlike Russia, which has fallen back into old ways, in Armenia people have the opportunity to become more civilized. I feel and see this in my lessons, when at the very beginning, I had only Russians, and now there are both Armenian women and Armenian men. People are gradually beginning to allow themselves to come to vogue and not be afraid of it. 

Question: And despite all these difficulties, do you plan to stay in Armenia? 

Yes, because I am principled and mischievous. I told myself that I cannot even think about moving somewhere until the Cascade is completed (a major public infrastructure project in Armenia that has been delayed for decades – ed.) and Armenia becomes a queer-friendly country. I would not want all my efforts to be in vain, because if I just leave when ballroom culture is forming, it will be a big loss for myself.

It is difficult to live here and earn money, but it is possible. The other thing is that if you want something to change, you have to give a personal example. And I want, in addition to working with the queer community, to show Armenians who left and live outside their country that I was able to return, stay in Armenia and achieve my goals here. 

Question: How has Armenia changed you? 

Any step I take here gives me peace of mind and a feeling that I am doing something right because I am doing it in my homeland with my people. Everyone should have their own foundation. For me, it’s family and where I’m from. Many people refuse this foundation for various reasons. 

Yes, I can also leave and, doing something in another country, feel good. I will have a higher social standing, no one will discriminate against me and it will be easier for me to live. But that cannot give me the feeling of spiritual uplift from the fact that I live and create here, because I pay for tea in Armenia. 

Here I feel calm, I breathe deeply. And despite all the difficulties, when I go down from Arabkir to Kentron (two neighborhoods of Yerevan – ed.) and see Ararat (a mountain holy to Armenians – ed.), I am inspired. I have seen quite a lot of architectural and natural beauties as well. There is nothing better for me than the feeling that I am at home, looking at my city and seeing its beauty. This is my meditation, which I’ve never had before, and it’s incredible. 

Question: What would you like to say to the Armenian queer community? 

That they can do anything. And they deserve to have everything. I want them to have an inner core and strength that would allow them to solve their problems, shine and shimmer. It’s very important, they deserve it. They have very difficult destinies. 

Again, what is the difference between queers in Armenia and outside of Armenia? Here I see a lot of personality and individuality in everyone. And that’s fine. But at the same time, I realize what brought them to the point where they are so conflicted. This is a wild pain, these are problems and difficulties in which they live every day, into which they often plunge and do not always come out. It is important to me that they feel that any difficulties can be overcome and that they, having become the best version of themselves,

respect and love themselves. And I will try to convey it all to them by my actions, examples, and even conversations. 

Question: And what would you like to say to the cisgender, heterosexual people of Armenia? 

Again, I would like somehow to help them to have the strength inside to love and accept themselves and to be happy, and only after that, all the problems with homophobia can be solved. As soon as all heterosexual, cisgender people in Armenia become happy, educated and live their lives in peace, they will be able to love everyone else. They will go about their lives. Only unhappiness, stupidity, lack of education, aggression, self-dislike and suppression hinder them. 

And I see how they drown in this aggression, how difficult it is for them. I see their weakness and the fact that few people can afford to stand up for gays. Not because they don’t want to, but because they are afraid of condemnation from the outside. They are afraid to be real. But all people can love, just not everyone has the strength to do it. 

Question: And the last question, Arsen. What makes you charismatic? 

By the way, I’ve always been shy about compliments, but I think the point is that I’m not lying to myself. And even when I danced vogue, it was very caricatured and strange at first, but everyone told me one very important thing: you dance like Arsen, you dance like yourself. 

I never wanted to be like anyone else. I didn’t create idols for myself. I just felt what I felt and broadcast it through dance. And therefore, I think that what I am saying now emotionally and not lying to myself is because I am partly real. Although it is also a very difficult question, you know, what is realness and whether you really know yourself. But it seems to me that I am close to that.

The views expressed in guest submissions do not represent the views of Glimpse from the Globe or its editorial team.

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In the midst of all this new legislation, why has Canada taken up the mantle to defend the LGBTQ+ community, not just in the United States, but around the world as well? The answer has to do with their domestic push for queer rights and the strong culture it fostered within the country.

Canada has a strong record of LGBTQ+ protections, with the country ranking sixth in the world for LGBTQ+ equality. While still going through waves of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, such as previous bans against same-sex marriage, Canada is often regarded as one of the safest countries for queer people. This is due to a combination of legal protections and an accepting culture of queer identities. From a legal perspective, Canada has passed legislation that grants LGBTQ+ people protection against discrimination and access to adoption, as well as incorporating efforts to ban conversion therapy. Culturally, Canadian cities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal host frequent Pride events, such as Pride Week, and also boast several LGBTQ+-friendly stores.

Canada even offers asylum for persecuted LGBTQ+ people through government and private sponsored refugee programs. Programs such as the Rainbow Refugee Assistance Partnership allow both the government and Canadian citizens to help refugees and provide them with the necessary resources to establish themselves in Canada. 

In order to gain asylum in Canada, LGBTQ+ individuals are required to undergo a lengthy screening process to determine eligibility, and there are country-specific barriers that can either aid in or inhibit one’s ability to obtain asylum. For countries like Uganda that are located far from Canada geographically, extracting refugees can generate a greater economic burden and therefore create additional barriers to escape due to the distance. On the other hand, obtaining asylum in Canada as an American citizen is extremely difficult, as the United States is considered a “safe place” in the eyes of the Canadian legal system. As such, LGBTQ+ U.S. citizens seeking asylum in Canada are often rejected– for many, this has prompted a push to change Canadian law.

Although the protections in place make Canada a generally safe place for LGBTQ+ people, the country is not entirely free from homophobia. Blaine Higgs, the premier of the New Brunswick province, recently established laws mirroring anti-LGBTQ+ legislation such as requiring parent consent for queer children under 16 years to use different names and pronouns. Saskatchewan has also passed laws attacking LGBTQ+ rights. Despite these issues, Canada as a whole has made it clear that it wants to serve as both a safe haven for the LGBTQ+ community and an advocate for their rights. 

Canada’s domestic efforts to establish and defend queer rights actively plays a role within their foreign presence as well, such as their relationship with their biggest ally, the United States. Within the United States, over 417 new laws have been passed, taking away rights from LGBTQ+ individuals from children and adults alike. These laws include the restriction on discussion about sexual orientation and gender in schools, restrictions on gender affirming care for minors and forced outing to parents.

In response to this harmful new legislation, the Human Rights Campaign, the biggest LGBTQ+ resource organization in the United States, announced a national state of emergency, ultimately prompting Canada’s updated travel advisory. The advisory update has a dual purpose: to ward Canadian citizens who are traveling of possible discrimination, while also making a public announcement of Canada’s disapproval towards the new laws. While the U.S. Embassy in Canada has yet to officially comment on the situation, they did show support for the 2023 Capital Pride Festival, juxtaposing the recent U.S. policies.

The United States is not the only country to have a LGBTQ+ travel advisory warning placed, but it is noteworthy due to their shared regional and historical ties. For instance, Canadian travelers receive government warnings when traveling to Uganda, a country which recently passed their “Anti-Homosexuality Act;” however, the warnings placed on Uganda are more severe than the ones that have been placed on the United States due to how serious the situation there is for LGBTQ+ people. Many countries with policies similar to those of Uganda in regards to the LGBTQ+ community have legal punishments for homosexuality ranging from ten years in prison to the death sentence, which is currently a source of continual concern for queer and human rights activists.

Canada has taken a firm stand in the defense of the LGBTQ+ community, both domestically and internationally. In regards to Uganda’s 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly publically denounces the law and calls for Uganda to reverse their policy on the grounds of being a violation of human rights. 

Whereas Canada has taken a public stance against Uganda’s human rights abuses of the LGBTQ+ community, its government has yet to make a comment on the state of LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. This could be due to the difference in severity of punishment between Ugandan anti-LGBTQ+ legislation as compared to that of the United States or an attempt on the part of the Canadian government to protect United States/Canada relations. Whatever the reason, the steps Canada has taken to show its support of the LGBTQ+ community through its travel advisory on the U.S. are significant.

Within a huge wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation being passed around the world, it is easy for the LGBTQ+ community to feel hopeless. Despite this, there are still countries like Canada that will fight for their rights. To protect all of their citizens, countries should follow in Canada’s lead to protect their LGBTQ+ citizens’ rights such as with a simple change to a travel advisory.

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The vague wording of this bill allows for a broad interpretation and implementation that threatens the LGBTQ+ community at large. The law prohibits “male or female impersonators” from performing in front of children or within 1,000 feet of public parks, schools and places of worship. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Tennessee has characterized the law as a “subtle and sinister way to further criminalize just being transgender.” The ACLU is concerned that officials could “abuse the law” to further censor individuals based on their subjective perception of what they deem appropriate, raising additional concerns about the law’s potential impact on freedom of expression. 

Violators of this law are subject to a fine of up to $2500 and six years of jail time with possible felony charges for repeat offenders. Similar bills are being introduced in many other states nationwide. The Human Rights Campaign’s State Equality Index found that in 2022, 315 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced across the country. Since the start of 2023, the group has tracked about 750 anti-LGBTQ bill introductions nationwide. The rapid increase of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation signals a stark shift in political tolerance in the United States.

Political tolerance is defined as the willingness to extend civil and political rights and liberties to individuals and groups someone may dislike or disagree with. It refers to the ability to tolerate, respect and accept the opinions and actions of others, even if they are unpopular or challenging to one’s personal beliefs. Political tolerance is important because it promotes open and constructive dialogue between people with different views. It allows individuals to engage in political discourse without fear of retaliation or persecution, which is necessary for the functioning of a healthy democracy. Moreover, political tolerance is critical for protecting the rights of minority groups. When individuals tolerate those with different beliefs and identities, they are less likely to discriminate against them and more likely to support policies that promote equality and justice.

In American society, political tolerance is closely tied to First Amendment rights, which protect freedom of speech, expression, press, assembly, religion and the right to petition the government. In the United States, individuals are socialized to believe in and support these rights from a very young age. Whether it’s saying the Pledge of Allegiance every day, learning about the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence or the U.S. Constitution, the American education system places a particular emphasis on civil rights and freedoms. Most Americans hold these beliefs abstractly; however, some falter in defending these rights in practice when their animosity toward certain groups overrides their adherence to these democratic norms. 

The Tennessee ‘Drag Ban’ raises important questions about the limits of political tolerance and freedoms in the United States.

Understanding the concept of political tolerance in the United States requires recognizing the psychology of cognitive dissonance. Cognitive dissonance occurs when people hold conflicting beliefs or attitudes, which creates a state of mental discomfort. To reduce this discomfort, people may change their beliefs or behaviors to align with their attitudes. So, when lawmakers believe that all U.S. citizens deserve First Amendment rights but have a negative image or personal values that conflict with a particular group, they experience cognitive dissonance. This discomfort can motivate them to change their beliefs or behaviors to align with their attitudes toward that group. For instance, due to their personal beliefs toward the LGBTQ+ community or gender nonconformity, some conservative lawmakers view drag shows as morally objectionable. This cognitive dissonance may prompt them to implement legislation that reflects their beliefs, like banning drag shows in Tennessee and limiting the freedom of speech and expression of the LGBTQ+ community nationwide.

Lawmakers allow their personal values to override their belief in the First Amendment due to threat perception. When individuals experience cognitive dissonance, they are more vulnerable to what is known as the framing effect. The framing effect is a cognitive bias that skews the ability to evaluate information objectively. In short, information can be presented with positive or negative connotations, which bias decision-making. When drag shows are described as ways to “groom” children or influence their gender identity or sexual orientation, individuals are more likely to view drag as a threat, regardless of the accuracy of these claims. 

An individual’s level of political tolerance has a strong direct relationship with their perception of threats. Once individuals hold a negative view of a particular group and see that group as threatening, they are much less likely to be politically tolerant of that group. So, when lawmakers hold values that lead them to view drag shows and the LGBTQ+ community as morally objectionable, and they are exposed to information that frames these groups as threatening, this can override their support for the First Amendment rights of the LGBTQ+ community. 

It has been shown that conservatives often have a strong natural predisposition to perceive environmental threats and are much more responsive to these political “threats.” Studies of children show that childhood personality characteristics predict future political ideologies. Preschool children characterized as vulnerable, fearful, and rigid were much more likely to self-identify as politically conservative later in life.

The widely studied ‘theory of conservatism’ states that genetic and environmental influences shape feelings of uncertainty and insecurity that predispose individuals to feel more easily threatened. Consequently, these natural predispositions lead individuals to identify with the conservative ideology that favors traditionalism, stability and order. Furthermore, research has consistently demonstrated that conservatives are less politically tolerant of groups they dislike than their liberal counterparts.

Political tolerance is important for protecting minority groups, and education is the key to increasing it. Education exposes individuals to civil libertarian norms which promote fundamental freedoms and tolerance of others. In addition, it fosters an appreciation for diverse perspectives and cultivates empathy and constructive dialogue among individuals. These qualities make individuals more politically tolerant and enable them to engage more actively in politics.

What’s next for Tennessee?

Fortunately, a few hours before the ‘Drag Ban’ implementation on April 1, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Parker issued a temporary 14-day injunction delaying enforcement of the law while he investigates its constitutionality. 

The injunction came after a Memphis drag theater troupe, ‘Friends of George’s,’ challenged the law. The troupe filed a lawsuit on the grounds that the Tennessee ‘Drag Ban’ is a direct violation of the First Amendment rights of drag performers. Their attorney, Brice Timmons, stated that the law seriously threatens drag performers and core American ideals. He also regarded the law as a “warning sign about the state of American democracy and a telling indicator of what uber-conservative politicians would like to accomplish in the near future.”

In his injunction statement, Judge Thomas wrote that Tennessee “missed the mark” in providing “a compelling government interest” for the heavy regulation of drag performances. He also wrote, “If Tennessee wishes to exercise its police power in restricting speech it considers obscene, it must do so within the constraints and framework of the United States Constitution.” The LGBTQ+ community and its advocates remain optimistic the ‘Drag Ban’ will be considered unconstitutional and that future efforts to curtail their rights will be rejected at the federal level.

The First and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution were created to explicitly safeguard the rights of minorities and ensure that all citizens are afforded equal protection under federal law. Political tolerance promotes acceptance of these fundamental rights that our nation was founded upon. Suppressing the rights of individuals based on disagreement undermines these values and poses a significant threat to our democracy. The surge of  anti-LGBTQ+ legislation nationwide is indicative of a decline in political tolerance among lawmakers. Citizens must recognize that political tolerance is essential to preserving a robust democracy and fight against legislation that promotes intolerance.

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While homosexuality has long been illegal in places around the world, what is notably worrisome is the recent increased divisiveness around this topic, seen through legislation in countries globally. As some places around the world pass legislation that increases freedoms for LGBTQ people, other countries, almost in retaliation, tighten their laws, limiting the community’s freedoms. It is a phenomenon in which progress seems to be driving polarization — as LGBTQ people become more visible and accepted at the international level, those with more “traditional” and discriminatory views are more likely to react with strict anti-LGBTQ laws. 

One example of stricter legislation is Uganda’s recent anti-LGBTQ bill. While homosexuality was already illegal in Uganda, the new proposal targets the community with amplified intensity. This proposal criminalizes identifying as a member of the LGBTQ community, even imposing the death penalty in some extreme cases. 

The new Ugandan legislation prohibits a wide range of activities, targeting anyone with any ties to homosexuality or the LGBTQ community, including individuals, family members, organizations, media outlets and property owners. The bill was proposed with the stated intention of protecting Ugandan culture and traditional family values from the promotion of “sexual promiscuity.” However, critics argue the government should focus more on preventing  abuse, both hetero and homosexual, rather than implementing the kind of regulations imposed in the bill. 

The lawmakers who proposed the ruling have been criticized for targeting the LGBTQ community simply for political attention and to cover up shortcomings in their administrations. Advocates in the region say passing the bill would most likely lead to mass arrests of LGBTQ people, further violence and discrimination and possible blackmail threats to turn others in as LGBTQ. 

This is an example of a country, regardless of where it previously stood on homosexuality, taking steps to further criminalize and inhibit the LGBTQ commmunity in the name of traditionalism. It is the use of this issue as a political strategy to cater to those who feel safer in what they know, at the expense of the freedom of others. 

Another example of anti-LGBTQ legislation is the recent laws targeting the education of LGBTQ topics in schools. For instance, in 2021, Hungary passed a Child’s Protection Law that contains a clause prohibiting depictions of homosexuality and gender reassignment in media content or educational material designed for audiences under 18 years of age. 

There has been great backlash surrounding this ruling, though Hungarian officials have argued the government has the right to protect their children how they see fit. The criticism over the legislation has presented the banning of these topics as an infringement on the rights of the LGBTQ community, and the law has also come under fire for seemingly comparing homosexuality to pedophilia, as the stated purpose of the bill was to strengthen the protection of children against sex offenders. 

As a result, 15 EU countries have joined a legal case against this legislation, and will act as third parties to the lawsuit already filed by the European Commission. Hungary has refused to yield and remains steadfast in its decision. The distribution of countries who joined the case against Hungary reflects the historic gap between eastern and western European countries when it comes to the protection of LGBTQ rights, as the majority of the countries on the suit are western European. 

Another similar domestic example is the case of Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law, or the Parental Rights in Education Act, which was signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2022. Its stated purpose is to prohibit classroom discussion of sexual orientation or gender identity from kindergarten to the third grade, or in a manner that is not age-appropriate. The educators themselves would be the ones to face the consequences of discussions, not schools or districts. Faculty could even be punished for not reporting their peers. 

However, the law doesn’t specify what exactly qualifies as classroom discussion or what is considered age-appropriate. The vague wording, which is likely intentional, leaves a lot up to interpretation and raises many questions, such as: is it just the instruction of these issues that is banned or any discussion at all? Will LGBTQ educators or students with LGBTQ parents be banned from discussing their families?

Again, these two examples from Hungary and Florida show steps taken to limit LGBTQ rights and their presence in society in the name of family values and tradition. Like the Ugandan law, the stated purpose (to protect children or people from inappropriate material or abuse) is a vessel in which to place homophobic legislation and discriminatory measures. If the stated reasons were true, there are much more direct and effective ways to protect people. 

As LGBTQ people and communities become increasingly visible around the world, in media and on social media, so do negative sentiments from people who want to make them invisible again. Progress drives polarization as people become more strongly rooted in traditional and often hateful mindsets, as change uproots what they once knew. As the law in Uganda passes, so does the recent ruling in Spain that validates trangender teenage rights and makes IVF treatment more accessible. As Hungary poses limits on LGBTQ discussion, Finland abolishes harmful requirements for transgender people before they are able to have their gender recognized. 

Another component that operates in conjunction with reciprocal polarization is the increased presence of nationalist or far right movements globally. As populations are unsettled by social evolution, far right movements give people a group of like-minded individuals who cling to traditionality. 

The growth of these groups has both been a result of social movements and simultaneously helped to spur them on. The LGBTQ community and topic is one targeted by politicians as a tactic, as members of political parties are often impassioned and feel strongly about it. 

This is seen in the Ugandan ruling, proposed in order to harness the public’s personal emotions to generate good will toward failing politicians. It’s seen with the Republican party in the United States, with the “Don’t Say Gay” law in Florida and other proposed legislation across the country. In a cyclical motion, then, leaders spur and affirm their supporters, further dividing global sentiments. Such negative public discourse by politicians on LGBTQ communities impacts social attitudes. 

So, while it is encouraging to see positive progress occur so rapidly over the last decade, it is also important to remain aware that rights for LGBTQ communities around the world are still in grave jeopardy. There is much work to be done not only to bring up already repressed groups of the community, but to also prevent the further regression of rights around the world. It is unfortunately still an uphill battle to establish basic human rights for people who just want to love one another in peace. 

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Turn off the main strip and enter one of many narrow streets sloping upwards with lively music spilling out from every direction. You would hardly know it without taking a closer look, but this steep alleyway is South Korea’s only gay neighborhood. Dubbed “Homo Hill” by locals and expats, the collection of gay bars and clubs is a unique refuge in a country where LGBTQ+ topics are considered taboo. The South Korean judicial system has rejected same-sex marriage and legal protections for discrimination based on LGBT status. In January 2022, a court in Seoul declined to allow a same-sex couple spousal insurance benefits, reaffirming the Republic of Korea’s strictly heteronormative culture. 

South Korean society largely maintains a position of ignorance regarding the rights and status of LGBTQ+ citizens. For the most part, it isn’t a household topic of conversation or a fiercely debated issue by politicians. Historical precedence of the Confucian family model and the spread of Christianity across the Korean Peninsula since the 17th century have manifested in the strictly traditional society seen today. This lack of acceptance has very real implications for LGBTQ+ youth in South Korea, with a survey finding that 45% of under-18s who identify as gay have attempted suicide. Despite such social and legislative apathy, the South still seems a tolerant environment compared to countless nations actively and violently persecuting their LGBTQ+ citizens. 

LGBTQ+ Rights Around the World 

In the United States, both public acceptance and legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals have seemingly improved over the past 20 years. The landmark Obergefell v. Hodges civil rights case gave same-sex couples the right to marry in 2015 and marked a federal victory for gay citizens to enjoy more equal rights and benefits. However, the striking down of Roe v. Wade symbolizes how social progress in America is not moving in a single direction. Many in the LGBTQ+ community are bracing for a rollback after comments made in the concurring opinion by Justice Clarence Thomas suggested that established rights to both gay marriage and contraception should be reconsidered. The US is a unique case where tolerance and equality seem to shift constantly, often depending upon the state.  

There is arguably no continent with more widespread LGBTQ+ acceptance than Europe, especially Western EU member states. In an NBC ranking of the top 15 most gay-friendly countries, ten are located in Europe. The perspective in many EU nations on LGBTQ+ acceptance and equality is resolute, with countries like the Netherlands and Belgium being the first to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001 and 2003, respectively. Additionally, in 1985, the Netherlands passed some of the earliest legislation allowing transgender people to change their registered gender. The European Parliament has taken steps to solidify the Union’s position by declaring itself an “LGBTQ+ Freedom Zone” in response to Poland’s resolutions to create “LGBTQ+ Free Zones.” These resolutions were meant to publicize a rejection of “LGBT Ideology” in Poland and ban equality marches. While the declarations were primarily symbolic, they illustrate the Polish conservative government’s commitment to suppressing “LGBT propaganda” and denying same-sex couples the legal right to marriage. Even in the most progressive coalition of countries, basic equality for non-heterosexual people fails to be standard. 

Many regions fall into a middle ground where same-sex relations aren’t criminalized, but there remains heavy social pressure to stay in the closet. Most countries in Latin America and the Indian subcontinent would typically fall under this category. Then, there is a somewhat concentrated pattern of staunchly anti-LGBTQ+ nations in Africa and the Middle East. Many correlate Islamic governments with strict persecution of any non-heteronormative identity, but this is not a comprehensive reality. Countries like Iran punish homosexual acts between men with the death penalty. However, trans citizens can have their gender identity recognized by the law. Incredibly, the Iranian government goes beyond allowing gender reassignment surgery; it’s also subsidized. A mere five countries in the Middle East allow same-sex relations, with Israel being the only one to recognize homosexual civil unions. Africa follows a similar makeup, with Amnesty International noting an almost ubiquitous increase in homophobia. Homosexuality remains legal in just 19 out of 54 countries on the African continent. 

Asia probably has the greatest variety of LGBTQ+ tolerance from country to country. Places such as Thailand offer a more open environment to different sexualities and gender identities; consequently, neighboring Myanmar maintains a hostile policy. Most Asian societies prefer not to acknowledge the existence of LGBTQ+ citizens, as seen in the South Korean example. There have been strides, such as in May 2019, when Taiwan became the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage. Overall, tolerance in Asia is mostly stagnant with small advancements in western influenced nations. 

 The global picture remains grim for a vast majority of LGBTQ+ identifying individuals. Outside a handful of highly developed Western countries, equal rights don’t exist and legal protections are sorely lacking. If gay and trans people aren’t being actively persecuted by their governments, they likely have to contend with social ostracization and discrimination from their communities. Understanding the global reality of LGBTQ+ status is essential for finding how to best support change. In most intolerant countries, even peaceful advocacy for gay rights is met with dramatic and sometimes violent consequences. That is why supporting international entities is essential; Organizations like OutRight Action International, which fights for international LGBTQ+ rights and maintains a presence in the UN, and Rainbow Railroad, a small non-profit helping gay survivors relocate to friendly countries, are two examples. Pride Month is undeniably a time to celebrate identity if you live in a place where it’s possible. Such a celebration must go in hand with the acknowledgment that not everyone around the world is so lucky. 

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Since the disputed August 9 election, a massive public movement erupted and thousands of citizens across the Eastern European country cried out for the end of Lukashenko’s 26-year-long presidency. The world has watched as Belarus’ citizens, notably led by women, have protested in the streets and faced state-sanctioned violence from militarized special police, known as the OMON. 

Country-wide demonstrations have been held in support of opposition candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who ran symbolically in the place of her husband, popular blogger and Youtuber Sergei Tikhanovskaya, who was prevented from registering as a candidate and arrested for causing public unrest. Svetlana was forced to flee the country after the election, but has become a rallying call this election as the person to end Lukeshenko’s presidency.

The LGBTQ community in Belarus is protesting, facing police brutality in the hopes of ending the current dictatorship and making progress against deep-rooted anti-queer sentiments. On the frontlines, community members are being beaten and detained everyday, a critical, and overlooked, component of the demonstrations.

A History of Homophobia

Belarus has notoriously persecuted its queer population. Same-sex relations have been legal since 1994, when a Nazi-era law used to criminalize and kill gay men was repealed. However, there has been a distinct lack of legal protections or rights, leaving hate crimes rampant, with courts rarely recognizing homophobia and a hostile government that only fuels the violence. In 2012, Lukeshenko notoriously responded to the claim by a German minister that he was “Europe’s last dictator” that it was “better to be a dictator than gay.”

In 2013, Belarus had its most recent LBGT-related legal battle, as gay activists pushed for the registration of a public LGBTQ association that was denied by Belarus’ Department of Justice and Supreme Court. Mikhail Pischevsky, the leading architect of the proposed association was attacked the next year in Minsk outside of a gay nightclub and called a pidor, Belarusian for “faggot,” by his assailant. Doctors remove 20% of his brain in attempt to  save his life, but he died 17 months later. Belarus’ courts decided that the attack had no homophobic motive. 

In August of 2019, gay filmmaker Nikolai Kuprich and his two friends were assailed in Minsk as the attacker used homophbic slurs. Courts ruled that there was no homophobic motive, until Minsk recognized the crime has hate-motivated in December.

The post-Soviet state is marred by legal, social, and institutional homophobia. In 2016, Lukeshenko signed a law into effect banning information that “encourages habits contradicting the development of a healthy lifestyle” or “that discredits the institution of the family and marriage.” 

This modeled neighboring Russia’s infamous 2013 gay propaganda law, and provides for the targeting and infringement of human rights for queer people in Belarus. The Russian law threatens affirming education and support services and essentially bans resourceful and positive LGBTQ information for minors. Human Rights Watch called the law “a classic example of political homophobia.”

Meanwhile, the government has called same-sex relations “fake” and stated that “the overwhelming majority of Belarusians adhere to traditional family values,” in response to the British embassy flying the Pride flag in 2018.

“Pidor”

In Belarus there is no meaning to the word “queer” like in Western Europe or the United States. There is only pidor, a word that has been derogatorily charged against gay people as well as against Lukashenko in recent protests.

Belarus’ “pidor family” have joined the protests against Lukeshenko, and in doing so, risked their own personal lives and safety. Police abuse detainees, and activists say that for members of the LGBTQ community, this violence is routine. Officers call them “pidors” and say that “people like [them]need to be killed.” Activists who are arrested and released then have the threat of their personal information being published or leaked, which can destroy lives.

When recalling the scene at a riot, queer activist Andrei Zavalei told Politico: “When I think of this very moment, recalling the fear, shock and terror I faced, it doesn’t feel like an exceptional experience for me. I’ve had the same feeling of insecurity and oppression many times before.”

As first hand reports of police violence and abuse against protesters and detainees are being published, it is clear that the Belarus security forces employed tactics to terrorize citizens. One man told Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty his account of being raped with a truncheon by police while detained in August. 

There is an undercurrent of violent homophobia entrenched in Belarus’ culture and history that these divides have manifested in the volatile situation between the government and protesters. Recently, a popular Belarusian rock band reversed the special forces “OMON” to read “HOMO.” In the streets, police attack demonstrators, shouting, “on your knees, pidor,” while protestors have painted “go away, pidor,” calling for Lukeshenko to resign. Mocking one’s sexual identity has become a tool of verbal violence for both sides.

While visibility is a strength, it comes at a price. Some protestors openly bearing the rainbow Pride flag face retaliation from within the anti-Lukashenko movement, who do not welcome them. Meanwhile, bearing Pride flags gives potential fuel for the government to denounce the protests as Western-backed, delegitimizing the movement.

“We needed to document the participation of LGBTQ people in the revolution,” said Anna Bredova, an activist and organizer in Belarus. “We wanted to show that we also support the revolution and we’re also taking part in the protests.” 

Yet, even Svetlana appears not to be the saving grace for the community, stating on gay marriage: “I’m totally fine with same-sex relations and think any love is wonderful, but perhaps our country isn’t ready for a decision on this just yet.” 

Visible or not, the pidor family has been on the front lines, facing tear gas, stun grenades, and rubber bullets from police. They did not start their fight in August, and the fight will not end after the result of this election. Still, the possibility of a new president brings hope for a better future. 

“In a country with such depressing and frustrating conditions for LGBTQ people, we are determined to be patient and creative,” Zavalei said.

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