I was surprised by the degree of intolerance and prejudice that still exists. Shocked at times even by the profanities and, literally, shit thrown at gays and lesbians as they attempt to march under heavy protection of the police. The situation was so severe during the first event in 2005 that they had to, like in the Middle Ages when people were facing persecution, seek refuge in a church.
But the documentary on Latvia's gay rights movement of the past five years or so shows how behind the country is compared to other parts of the world, yet also shows the promises of little steps of progress that are being made.
Barely a year after joining he European Union, the bloc which champions liberties, human rights and the protection of minorities, Latvia's first pride event would unveil a deep, deep divide in society. The opposing voices and opinions are like everywhere else: staunch supporters of traditional family values pitted against gays and lesbians who simply want to be accepted and recognised as equal members of the same society. A secular State by name, it is hinted, is perhaps not so secular after all, when the cardinal and priests attend political rallies.
One scene that was extremely moving was the marriage between a couple. Their love looks so genuine, their vows are the same sworn by any other couple before God. Yet, there are many who will quickly jump up and condemn their despicable 'behaviour'. Who has the right to come between two people and sour their relationship by denying them the right to be together? Why does it matter what one does in the privacy of their own homes and private lives? Fundamentally, why does it matter to anyone who you love, even if it is a person of the same sex? Yet, somehow, even in this day there are so many who cannot accept, cannot tolerate difference.
The struggle of the LGBT movement reveals an interesting social and political phenomenon, especially for a little nation where, having emerged from the clout of Communism and the Soviet Union two decades ago, national unity and identity building is still very much a predominant political agenda.
Yet, having overcome the threat from the "East", the political elite and clergy to drum up fears of national division by depicting homosexuality as an evil spreading in from the "West". Playing on people's ignorance and strong hold to tradition, homosexuality is portrayed as an ideology,the tide of which if not stemmed, will with the support of the European Union and its older, more liberal (and predominantly western) members, infiltrate and threaten to corrupt Latvian family values, social cohesion and children. The words that come out of anti-gay protesters are vile, coarse, and full of prejudice. To which gay activists and marchers respond by spreading happy greetings and love. Which will ultimately triumph in the end...?
The struggles of the gay community in Latvia are the the only ones in the world, for there are many places, in Asia, in Africa, and even in communities of supposed advanced and developed democracies of North America and Europe, where homosexuals must live in hiding or in shame. A member of the audience, a spokesperson of sorts who originally hails from Cameroon, gave a moving and inspiring speech... Love, be proud, celebrate, and remember. Think of those who day in, and day out, do not enjoy the same privileges and benefits of being able to openly love, of being proud of who they are, and who must deny an intrinsic sense of their humanity.
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