Topic: Culture
Interesting Events in Gay HistoryNov 12, 2007 |
In 1654 Sweden Queen Christine chooses to abdicate the crown because of her love for a woman.
In 1810 First homosexual acts between men on mutual consent, who reached the mature age, are legalized in France
In 1836 last death penalty for homosexuality took place, though the respective law was revoked in 1861.
In 1885 a new law was introduced for homosexuality punishment. Lesbians were not included, as Queen Victoria was not aware of such phenomenon.
On June 8 in 1934, 200 gays were executed in Germany. This was a starting point for genocide of those who were homosexual.
In 1941 head surgeon declares not to persecute gays, who serve in army, if they are not open about their orientation.
In 1944 Sweden repeals criminal liability for homosexuality.
In 1952 USA congress passes the law, which forbids gay’s and lesbian’s the country.
In 1953 Gays and lesbians are forbidden to work in USA federal institutions.
In 1962 In Britain are legalized homosexual acts between mature men, except for law and order workers and service men.
In 1973 American Psychiatric Association removes homosexuality from the list of mental illnesses
In 1988 Sweden grants the same legal and social benefits and tax remissions on homosexual couples as on heterosexual ones.
In 1996 South African Republic is the first country to register law against gay and lesbian’s discrimination.
In 1997 Independent researches in Great Britain and USA proved the fact, that children raised in a lesbian family have no deviations in their development.
Is It Good or Bad to be a Gay?Jul 31, 2007 |
Gays, unlike heterosexuals have different attitude towards their sexual orientation. Some of them are happy with their being gays while others are not. What are the main reasons for sorrow about being a gay?
It is a sin
Some gays suffer from feeling of guilt as, being persuaded by society they think that homosexuality is a sin. The story about Sodom that evoked God's anger is often associated with homosexuality. However, the Bible does not imply this: people in Sodom sinked into debauch and wanted to involve God's agents. This is why Sodom was chastened by God. Homosexuality has nothing to do with these events.
In fact, Apostles Moses and Paul condemned homosexuality. However, the main reason for this condemnation, as historians have proven, was fight with other religious faiths that were based on sacral sex that often was homosexual.
At the same time Christianity is not based on the list of sins. It is based on ideas of love and tolerance towards other people (that is why some churches perform wedding ceremonies for gays and lesbians).
Christianity forbids pointing out other people's sins as no one is saint. This should be kept in mind by those who condemn homosexuals.
This is abnormal
Some gays feel unhappy with their sexual orientation as it is considered abnormal. Many people think that a gay cannot be happy as he cannot have relationships with a woman like all other people. Also it is much more difficult for a gay to find a partner as there are more heterosexual people than gays. The choice is too small.
Look at the situation from another point of view. Don't you know that there are lots of lonely and unhappy heterosexual people? Among heterosexuals, whose wish to have love and family is considered normal there are lots of those who feel lonely or who are unhappy with their marriage. Happiness is not rained by haven like manna. must be searched and deserved, so both homosexuals and heterosexuals are equal in this aspect.
What to the common idea that relationships between a man and a woman is normal while relationships between two men are not, who set this norm? It is normal to love and to be happy, no matter with whom, with a man or with a woman.
Some gays do not worry about religion and being up to norms. Right they are. At the same time there are those who do think that being a gay is something that raises you higher than others.
Is homosexuality the sign of being exceptional?
Some gays think so since many famous people were gays: Russian composer Tchaikovsky, Oscar Wilde, Leonard Bernstein, Leonardo Da Vinci and many others. At the same time there are many famous heterosexual people who were not a bit less talented than gays. So the fact that you are a gay does not mean you are exceptional. Among gays there are lots of ordinary people, and you are likely to be one of them.
So is it good or bad to be a gay?
In fact it is neither good nor bad. On the one hand – intolerance of the society and many difficulties that you have to face, on the other hand you, like all others wish to be happy and you take a great deal of pains to get happiness, like all other people do. It is up to you to decide whether you are happy with your sexual orientation or not, but do keep in mind that to be or not to be happy is a matter of choice.
Wise people say that happiness is state of mind. Nothing can prevent you from being happy. Choose to be happy!
Top ten famous gaysDec 26, 2006 |
- Elton John
- Rupert Everett
- George Michael
- Jean-Paul Gaultier
- Boy George
- Neil Tennant
- Freddie Mercury
- Michael Stipe
- Stephen Fry
- Graham Norton
Elton John
Sir Elton John is one of the most successful musicians and pop singers. Elton John (original name Reginald Kenneth Dwight) was born on March 25, 1947, in Pinner, Middlesex, England.
From the early childhood he connected his life with music, playing piano in the Royal Academy of Music. In 70's he gained worldwide popularity and success and was said to be the most flamboyant and outstanding performer.
His well-known singles "Rocket man", "Saturday Night's Alright (for Fighting)", "Bennie and the Jets", "I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues", "I'm Still Standing" and many others appeared in Top 40 record charts for more than 30 years. Also founded AIDS organization contributing much to prevention and prejudice elimination against HIV/AIDS people.
In 1994 Elton John was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II. In May 2005 he announced, that he is planning to register his long partnership with filmmaker David Furnish.
His famous quote: There is nothing wrong with going to bed with someone of your own sex. People should be free with sex, they should draw the line at goats.
Rupert Everett
Rupert Everett became open about his homosexuality since 1989. Born in England in a well-being family in May 29, 1959, Everett discovered acting at the age of 15.
Making first steps in film acting he soon won audience recognition. He was honored by Drama Theatre Awards as Most Promising New Actor of 1980. His major films include: "Another country"(1984), "My best friend's wedding"(1997), "Shakespeare in love"(1998), "An Ideal Husband"(1999),"The importance of being earnest"(2002) and many others.
Though often acted as gay character, is well-known for other magnificent roles. Lately he has extended his talent in animation, like prince Charming voice in "Shreck 2".His decision to "come out" didn"t influenced his film career, on the contrary he proved that people are talented irrespective of their sex orientation.
His famous quote: Why would I wear pink trousers? It's hard enough being gay.
George Michael
George Michael (or Georgios Kyriakos Panagiotou) born on June 25, 1963 won his fame as a popular singer and songwriter. His early success came when he sang in "Wham", which he formed together with his best friend Andrew Ridgelev in the first half of 1980's.
Through his career he performed in a wide range of music styles from rap to solo ballads and funky dance music. Such worldwide singles as "Careless Whisper", "Last Christmas", "Freedom 90", "Fastlove", "Jesus To A Child", won him a true recognition as one of the best Male Singers.
His debut album "Faith" became number 1 all over the world more than once. After an incident at Beverly Hills Park in the rest room, where he was arrested for "engaging in lewd act" he became open as a gay.
His famous quote: You'll never find peace of mind until you listen to your heart.
Jean-Paul Gaultier
Jean-Paul Gaultier, probably the most eccentric and controversial fashion designer was named an "enfant terrible of French fashion". He was born on April 24, 1952 in Arqueil, France.
Indeed he didn't have any education as a designer, but from the early age was obsessed with the idea of becoming a famous fashion designer, sketching imaginary collections.
His talent didn't pass unnoticed and in 1970 he was hired by world-known stylist Pierre Cardin. Since he started his first collection, he shocked the audience and fashion word with his fanciful models. His legendary style is an incredible mixture of styles, cultures and traditions.
Public was astonished when he presented his men models wearing skirts or he broke all the traditional rules with the old and tattooed models. His outfits are worn by Madonna, Sting, Tom Cruise, Bruce Willis and many others. After the death of his love Francis Menuge of AIDS, he is contributing much to AIDS organizations.
His famous quote: A man does not wear his masculinity in his clothes.
Boy George
Boy George was born in London in on June 14 1961. Since he started to perform in 80's group Culture Club, Boy George soon became a pop idol in and outside London. His albums sell more than 33 million records and his everlasting hit "Do you really want to hurt me?" reached number one in GB.
Known also for his shocking outfit , make-up and bisexual looks he easily became a fashion ideal of 80's.Unfortunately his solo career was on decline when he admitted drug addiction and relationship with his drummer Jon Moss. Lately Boy George became one of the most prominent and popular DJ in UK and USA.
His autobiography "Take it like a man" became a bestseller. His soulful voice is still not fading and his music proves his talent over and over again.
His famous quote: Separation penetrates the disappearing person like a pigment and steeps him in gentle radiance.
Neil Tennant
Neil Tennant is a British singer of a famous group Pet Shop Boys. He was born on July 10, 1954 in North Shields, UK. Together with his colleague Chris Lower he formed their prominent group and made a successful career in Britain and all over the world.
Pet Shop Boys sound is a mixture of synthesized music, spoken words and Tennant's laconic singing. Popular hits, such as "It's a sin", "Can't take my eyes off you", "Always on my mind" and more than 13 albums made a history in pop music. More than twenty years Pet Shop Boys music proves its successful history.
In 1994 he declared his homosexuality and "came out". Since then he is a strong supporter of gay and lesbian rights, appearing at gay prides and other celebrations.
His famous quote: Because some people have sex with people of the same sex, an entire culture has been created, broadly speaking, out of oppression. Which in a rational world would not be an issue.
Freddie Mercury
Legendary Freddie Mercury was born on September 5, 1946 in small island of Zanzibar. In 1970's he formed Queen together with Taylor and Brian May and John Deacon, which at an early stage of its career was faced with hostile critics of Queen's and especially Freddie Mercury's queerness.
After the album of Queen II was released, world was conquered by their fabulous performances and music. An enormous number of hits, among which are “Show must go on”, "Bohemian Rhapsody", "Somebody to Love", "We Are the Champions" and more, captured the audience from the first sounds.
Freddie Mercury possessed a stunning voice with incredible power, wide range and magnetism, which made him a true music idol. For ten years the Queen released more than 60 million records and gathered huge stadiums.
Through his lifetime Freddie Mercury did’t stated his sexual orientation definitely, though it was inevitable to hide some facts of his life. After the separation with Mary Austin, he was living till his death with Jim Hutton. The day he declared he suffered from AIDS was a last until the world had to face the sad news about his death on November 24, 1991.
His famous quote: The most important thing, darling, is to live a fabulous life. As long as it's fabulous I don't care how long I live.
Michael Stipe
Michael Stipe is a well-known musician, who heads one of the most influential rock bands R.E.M. He was born on January 4, 1960 in Georgia, USA.
In the beginning of the 80's, when R.E.M has formed, their music was not in the mainstream, but later somber lyrics of R.E.M. songs became more and more popular and their albums "Out of Time" (1991), and "Automatic for the People" (1992) came in the forefront of music world.
Michael Stipe widens the horizons of his creativity, publishing his photo collections and making films. He came out in 2001, confirming he was in relationship for 3 years.
His famous quote: I've always felt that sexuality is a really slippery thing. In this day and age, it tends to get categorized and labeled, and I think labels are for food. Canned food.
Stephen Fry
Stephen Fry was born on August 24 in 1957 in England. A talented actor, comedian, novelist and TV presenter Stephen Fry always surprises others with his wit and humor as well as outstanding acting. His life underwent a real crisis, when he attempted suicide after he "came out", being 16 years old. Studying at Queen's College, Cambridge he met Hugh Laurie, with whom he unites in a writing partnership.
In 80's he works mainly on TV in comedy shows "A Bit of Fry & Laurie" and "Blackadder". In "Jeeves & Wooster" he gains popularity, acting a shrewd buttler character. In his writing career he released 3 bestsellers in 4 years. Much contribution he is making to Britain newspapers, such as Daily Telegraph.
His famous quote: My first words, as I was being born…I looked up at my mother and said «that’s the last time I'm going up one of those (Stephen Fry on being gay) 
Graham Norton
Born as Graham Wilson on April 4, 1963 in Ireland, Graham Norton is a magnificent TV presenter, well-known for his TV shows with celebrities in UK. His suggestive jokes won him a place in the list of the 50 Funniest persons in British comedy.
In his search to fulfill a dream of becoming a journalist, he finally joined the Central School of Speech and Drama in London, where he altered his name to Graham Norton, which was after his grandmother's maiden name.
He is open gay and his own shows So Graham Norton, V. Graham Norton and The Graham Norton Effect on Channel Four in Britain go with a great success. Graham Norton won a number of awards from BAFTA's (British Academy Awards) for Best Entertainment Performance.
His famous quote: My version of falling in love is borderline psychotic. Should be avoided at all costs. Get obsessed. Can't fall in love and function at the same time. All-consuming. Tunnel vision. Euphoric.
Gays and fashionDec 22, 2006 |
For centuries fashion has been a powerful art to express one's individuality. No wonder design, fashion and gays were not only connected, but also associated with each other.
1. Feminine style
In early twenty century gays stayed quite hidden and secluded. In order to identify other gays and express their identities gays took over a feminine style. For many gays this daring choice of a dress, which was meant for a woman was a way of pointing out their sex orientation.
Some used most obvious marking of feminine manners and features: lipstick, dyed hair, high-heeled shoes, and woman's outfit.
Though feminine style was rather dangerous, for many gays it was the only way to join a gay society.
Later clothing, which is associated with female gender, was adopted by "drag queens"- gay performers, who were participating at various gay events, such as gay prides, shows and celebrations.
2. Secret signs
Till the time gays became more open, they needed to use some codes to make their orientation non-obvious for gay-unfriendly society and clear for other gays. Often it was expressed through particular colors and accessory, like green cravats, which were worn in Paris, and green carnation in London.
Green color was believed to imply wearer's homosexuality since the ancient Rome and developed through the first part of twentieth century. By the 60's one of the well known worldwide secret signs were suede shoes.
3. Masculine style
1960-70's was a period when feminine style fades and most gays turn to a most traditional fashion. Such social events as gay liberation movement make gays change their appearance. In USA masculine dress becomes even more distinct. Gays keep to exaggerated masculinity by wearing cowboy outfit, or looking like a lumberman.
More and more gays are moving to the cities, were they became more overt and adopt this new masculine look: short haircut, moustaches, muscular body and clothes, which outline it.
Some develop "leather" style, associated with S&M, and apply symbols or "hanky codes". Back-pocket handkerchief of various colors denoted gay's sexual preferences and served as a particular form of communication.
