Causes and Trends of Homophobia in Middle East - Essay Example

?Causes and Trends of Homophobia in Middle East Introduction There has been a heightened homophobia crisis in the world and more specifically in the Middle East region. Hardly a day passes without news of brutal and aggressive behavior against the increasing number of homosexual groups coming out in the open. It is really an escalating tug of war between the homophobic society, human rights activists, and homosexual oriented persons. Undeniably, the Middle East society has been adamant in supporting lesbians, gay bisexual and transsexual (LGBT) groups since time immemorial. What is the status of homophobia In Middle East? This paper addresses the current issues of homophobia in Middle East by trying to answer the following important questions. What are the current trends of homophobia in Middle East? What are the main causes of homophobia in this region? Current Trends of Homophobia in Middle East Homophobia refers to the outraged fear and expression of anger towards homosexuals or simply to people who express sexuality that differs from the normally accepted heterosexual behavior or identity. Since time immemorial, the general society has always recognized and appreciated the heterosexual type of orientation towards sexual identity. However, few societies have identified and developed their own sexuality identity. Middle East has been in particular very resistant towards any persons or group of people deviating from heterosexuality. For the last few years, increased homophobia has been observed in Middle East. It is claimed “In parts of Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and elsewhere it is still very dangerous to be gay. People are being executed. Homophobic attacks, rapes, and murders happen all too frequently” (Dehgan, 2011, p. 1). Homophobia has always been suppressed by various societal structures such as the law, traditions, and religion. Most Middle East countries have laws that prohibit marriage between homosexuals or any other form of sexuality besides heterosexuality. For instance, “More than two dozen men were arrested at what police called a “mass homosexual wedding” in the United Arab Emirates” (The Advocates, 2006, p. 37). However, as the society becomes more revolutionized more homosexuals come out in the opens and begin fighting for their rights. This is arguably the main cause of homophobia in this region and the rest of the world as well. Many people are coming up in the open to form groups that help them express their concerns on how the society treats them due to sexual orientation. The media plays a very important role in shaping the discourse of issues affecting the society. In the Middle East, media influence is a great force that cannot be ignored. Arguably, it has given the two opposing camps a fair playground in expressing their feelings and opinions. Homosexual groups come out in the media and openly express their stand towards sexuality. Internet and television has been one of the most widely used media in which homosexuals use to either express their sexuality or express their outrage against groups fighting them. Middle East countries are mostly Islamic. This implies that there is high degree of homophobia in this region than any other region in the world. Islam religion strictly prohibits homosexuality and has stern disciplinary measures and actions against homosexuals. Koran prohibits this type of sexuality and as such, Muslims in this region use it as a source of authority to discredit homosexuality. Politicians play a role in shaping the societal fabric. Politicians have been known to follow the current trends and demands of the population to achieve their political ambitions. Arguably, the politicians have been instrumental in quenching the homophobia crisis by advocating for equal rights to people of all types of sexual orientation. It has enabled the society to accept the homosexuals and their sexual orientation rather than fighting them. Indeed, there is a slight increase in countries accommodating homosexuality. Habib agrees that “homosexual forms of behavior in Islamic societies may be socially tolerated or at least present without being persecuted” (Habib, 2010, p. 88). Causes of Homophobia in Middle East There are many causes of homophobia among various communities in the world. However, some causes are more prevalent in Middle East. For instance, a homophobia report written by The Independent newspaper claimed that “Amnesty said the murders appear to have been carried out by militiamen and relatives of the victims, after being incited by religious leaders” (Morris, 2011, p. 1). Religious belief is arguably the most predominant cause of homophobia. It is argued that people who have strong religious affiliation are more homophobic and resistive. The highest population in Middle East belongs to Muslim. Muslim religious beliefs have a strong stand against homosexuality and as such, Muslims grow up detesting this type of sexuality. In fact “the many religions that define homosexuality negatively also predispose groups and individuals to assume the same view” (Bauer & Crooks, 2010, p. 262) It can be argued that resistance to homosexuals has always existed but due to the current upsurge in democracy and revolution, more people are gaining strength and courage to support and express their sexuality. The openness causes mass homophobia as people try to resist the change. Massive protests and fights for human rights and democracy have characterized the 21st century. In northern Africa, several leaders have been ousted out of power as people fight for their rights. Similarly, homophobia has caught Middle East region since the society is adamant to accept the wave of change. The more homosexual groups emerge and go to the streets, the more the degree of homophobia within the society. Every society has tradition values that are strongly rooted in the society. Through years of practice this traditions have become part of the society. Sears and Williams reckon “the nation of Islam has consistently demonstrated high-profile homophobic rhetoric” (Sears & Williams, 1997, p. 122). Any deviation from these traditions is always taken with a lot of resistance. Gender traditions in Middle East advocate for heterosexual oriented sexuality. Undeniably, people who are deeply rooted in these gender role stereotypes find it extremely difficult to accommodate people of different sexual orientation from what the traditions permit. This causes heightened homophobia in these societies. It is claimed “individuals who hold traditional gender-role stereotypes tend to have more negative feelings about homosexuality than do others” (Bauer & Crooks, 2010, p. 262). Although lack of self-acceptance might not be a very big cause of homophobia, it contributes to individual homophobic behavior. Particular people in the society who have a homosexual orientation but refuse to accept their sexuality often tend to be resistive towards homosexuals. Despite the homophobia looming in Middle East, many groups are emerging up in support of homosexual sexuality. Human right activists are greatly supporting all types of sexual orientations. Some government officials and politicians are also advocating for equal and fair consideration of all sexual orientations. Additionally, religious affiliated organizations have expressed some degree of acceptance of sexual orientations. Conclusion Different societies respond differently to issues of sexuality. In Middle East region, homophobia is a prevalent issue affecting the structures of the society. More groups that are homosexual are coming out in the open and expressing their sexuality. On the other hand, the society reacts by being violent and aggressive towards them. As discussed, the main causes of homophobia in Middle East include religious beliefs, sexual tradition stereotyping, resistance to societal change, and lack of self-acceptance. Despite the homophobia looming in this region, many groups are emerging up in support of homosexual sexuality. It is the high time the modern society recognized the need to embrace all sexual affiliations and not keep fighting them. References Bauer, K & Crooks, R. (2010). Our Sexuality. London: Cengage Learning. Dehgan, K. (2011). Africa and Middle East in spotlight as group launched to tackle homophobia. Retrieved from http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/sep/12/kaleidoscope-tackles-homophobic-violence Habib, S. (2010). Islam and homosexuality, Volume 1. Canada: ABC-CLIO. Morris, N. (2011). Iraqi leaders attacked over spate of homophobic murders. Retrieved from http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/iraqi-leaders-attacked-over-spate-of-homophobic-murders-1668013.html Sears, J & Williams, W. (1997). Overcoming heterosexism and homophobia: strategies that work. Columbia: Columbia University Press The Advocates. (2006). The Advocate is a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) monthly newsmagazine. No. 955: ISSN 0001-8996. Read More