Watershed year for gay rights
29/07/2011
Submitted by
ILGA-Europe
Original article: http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/is...ershed_year_for_gay_rights_1_3625048
TWENTY years ago consenting men who had sex with each other could, potentially, have found themselves in court and possibly jail.
The Isle of Man was on a potential constitutional collision course with the UK, which feared the European Court of Human Rights would force it to legislate over Tynwald’s head to decriminalise gay sex.
In 1992 Manx politicians changed the law themselves. Westminster didn’t have to force them.
And in the years that have passed, predictions that the Isle of Man would become the 21st century version of Sodom or Gomorrah have not come to pass.
Indeed, this year has been something of a watershed for lesbian and gay rights in the island.
The relationships of gay men and lesbians were recognised by the law from April when the civil partnerships were legalised, seven years after a similar law was passed in the UK.
It means that gay and lesbian couples can have the same rights as married heterosexual couples over such things as inheritance, next-of-kin issues, tax and work permits.
Earlier this year, the rainbow flag – the symbol of gay and lesbian groups worldwide – flew over the island’s main police stations on IDAHO (International Day Against Homophobia) Day.
And on Saturday 120 people went to an LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) ball held at the Empress Hotel in Douglas.
Lee Clarke, chairman of the island’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LBGT) group, said: ‘The island has come a long way in the last 20 years.
‘We owe a great debt of gratitude to the men and women who fought for our rights then and earlier.
‘Those people stood against some formidable forces and entrenched attitudes and stood up for what was right. They have made life for me and my generation much easier.’
The gay ball on Saturday took place without any real controversy. Rainbow flags flew outside the Empress. The room was full of same-sex couples and transgendered people.
A lot of their heterosexual friends and family also enjoyed the evening, which included a near-the-knuckle act by drag queen Kitty Litter.
Douglas had never seen anything like it before. It would certainly have not been possible until recently.
‘Members of our community do still have problems with a few bigots but for most of society there has been a real change in attitudes,’ said Lee, whose parents attended the ball. ‘It’s not even tolerance any more. It’s simple acceptance.
‘Most people accept that some people are gay, bisexual or lesbian and that’s that. In addition, some people are born into the wrong gender. Almost everyone these days agrees that they should be helped by the health service and society in general to change sex and live a happier, more fulfilling life.
‘While society has moved on a lot, for some it can still be difficult for men and women to accept their sexualities. There can still be a stigma attached even after we have made so much progress.
‘That’s why we have a group. It’s not just a social group. We want to develop so that we can help with education about LGBT issues, physical health and to reach out to people who feel isolated or vulnerable to give them social support.’
The money raised at the ball is still being counted. It will go to Carrey/Friend, a Manx LGBT charity set up to counsel and befriend in 1991.
TWENTY years ago consenting men who had sex with each other could, potentially, have found themselves in court and possibly jail.
The Isle of Man was on a potential constitutional collision course with the UK, which feared the European Court of Human Rights would force it to legislate over Tynwald’s head to decriminalise gay sex.
In 1992 Manx politicians changed the law themselves. Westminster didn’t have to force them.
And in the years that have passed, predictions that the Isle of Man would become the 21st century version of Sodom or Gomorrah have not come to pass.
Indeed, this year has been something of a watershed for lesbian and gay rights in the island.
The relationships of gay men and lesbians were recognised by the law from April when the civil partnerships were legalised, seven years after a similar law was passed in the UK.
It means that gay and lesbian couples can have the same rights as married heterosexual couples over such things as inheritance, next-of-kin issues, tax and work permits.
Earlier this year, the rainbow flag – the symbol of gay and lesbian groups worldwide – flew over the island’s main police stations on IDAHO (International Day Against Homophobia) Day.
And on Saturday 120 people went to an LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) ball held at the Empress Hotel in Douglas.
Lee Clarke, chairman of the island’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LBGT) group, said: ‘The island has come a long way in the last 20 years.
‘We owe a great debt of gratitude to the men and women who fought for our rights then and earlier.
‘Those people stood against some formidable forces and entrenched attitudes and stood up for what was right. They have made life for me and my generation much easier.’
The gay ball on Saturday took place without any real controversy. Rainbow flags flew outside the Empress. The room was full of same-sex couples and transgendered people.
A lot of their heterosexual friends and family also enjoyed the evening, which included a near-the-knuckle act by drag queen Kitty Litter.
Douglas had never seen anything like it before. It would certainly have not been possible until recently.
‘Members of our community do still have problems with a few bigots but for most of society there has been a real change in attitudes,’ said Lee, whose parents attended the ball. ‘It’s not even tolerance any more. It’s simple acceptance.
‘Most people accept that some people are gay, bisexual or lesbian and that’s that. In addition, some people are born into the wrong gender. Almost everyone these days agrees that they should be helped by the health service and society in general to change sex and live a happier, more fulfilling life.
‘While society has moved on a lot, for some it can still be difficult for men and women to accept their sexualities. There can still be a stigma attached even after we have made so much progress.
‘That’s why we have a group. It’s not just a social group. We want to develop so that we can help with education about LGBT issues, physical health and to reach out to people who feel isolated or vulnerable to give them social support.’
The money raised at the ball is still being counted. It will go to Carrey/Friend, a Manx LGBT charity set up to counsel and befriend in 1991.
