(Khatuna Samnidze – Chairman of the Republican Party)
Members of the government not only don’t work for the reduction of transphobia and homophobia, by increasing awareness, but in turn use LGBTQ community to their advantage. marginalized homophobic groups will always exist in our society but they should not be encouraged by the government. Our government often averts their gaze away from aggressive acts, attacks, and even strengthens these groups. That is why they dare to do all this.
I don’t think that in this society the homophobic issue is as prevalent and/or unsolvable as alt-right groups present it as. Even Though stereotypes are still very strong in this country, compared to previous years there is progress. In my own view, and every research also supports this, society isn’t inherently aggressive, but these marginalized groups stir up hatred and controversy in society.
This is used by political powers or politicians because they know that these themes arouse emotions and are connected to traditions. Distorted portrayal of LGBTQ topics is to cause aggression. This is how Russian propaganda works as well.
The Patriarchate also believes that preying on LGBT people strengthens the church. This is their view, but I don’t see it like that; faithful, church-going folk identify aggression from priests as a problem. God’s gospel or god’s love rejects any aggression or encouragement of aggression. They lost many people’s trust, the church lost its authority, but they continue on the same path because Russia’s power in the Patriarchate is strong. They need these groups to influence society with Russian thematics and methods. Their goal is to spread as much fear as possible to then manipulate people based on their interests. Unfortunately, it worked on a part of our society. Establishment of Family Sanctity day is this type of directed action.
I am in support of open meetings, being public, because we have to melt this ice between us. In my opinion, the aggression that was against LGBTQ people wont be there, because the climate has changed for the better. Additionally, the government must accept responsibility for peoples safety, but i’m not as hopeful for that. Maybe we can think of a form of gathering, with the consultation of LGBT people, to avoid violence.
In my opinion, the network of LGBT community supporters should be strengthened so that community members, especially people living in the regions, know that they are dignified, valuable people. No matter what others try to instill, and that they have supporters.
Children should be protected against violence in schools. Young people who discovered they were different should not have to stress about it, or become victims of violence because of it. We can protect these children with educational reform and I too must contribute to this goal.
