GLBT community is one that I have never talked about in any Palestine/Israeli context. Both the "open House' and the other organizations we have links so show that there is another identity that is wanting its voice heard. There have been different identities struggling over the years and now as this voice is coming together, it will definably join the mix. It is interesting how the GLBT, in their fight for their rights, that it is an issue that crosses the typical identity divide. That is, the Palestinian/Israeli divide, since there are members of the GLBT community on both sides.
I would like to know more about what is happening with the Israeli government on GLBT issues, and also more about how these organizations, like the Open House, are received or not received by the communities.
I got the feeling from Elinor that while there is some interaction between the Israeli and Palestinian GLBT community that it does not automatically make them 'peacemakers' or that they are open to the other side. It was very powerful today that she mentioned it is easier to be a gay Israeli in Jerusalem then a Palestinian.
ReplyDeleteI also thought it was very interesting that she said legally the government does not discriminate but there are many small ways they make life harder for the GLBT community.