These sites informing us on the LGBTQ organization in Jerusalem were neat to read about because it is easier to relate to something when the same thing is currently going on in our own country, and many other places globally. Mostly when I think about Jerusalem I think about the Israeli Palestinian conflict. I've never really put much thought into the other issues like the discrimination people face for being gay. It's an issue many people face in many countries and can actually help link people across boarders. It is also something that can help link some Palestinians and Israeli's, being that it's not based on religion or ethnicity.
Some people on the sites were talking about how this was a religious issue in Jerusalem, but it is actually a religious issue here as well. Those opposed to things like gay marriage or gay rights will use things like the Bible to justify their opposition just as some in Jerusalem are doing with the Torah. I found it interesting in the City of Borders documentary clip how he compared hiding their gay identity to Jews hiding their identity in Europe. When he puts it this way I would expect that people who have been forced to hide their own identity would be more open to others sharing their true identities, but it is actually something most people around the world have trouble accepting. I also found it interesting that some thought Palestinians were more accepting of Israeli's than gays, while the opposite is true of Israelis. I wondered why this was and couldn't seem to really find any definite answer, if there even is one.
They were interesting articles...and good point...it seems Israeli/Palestinian conflict is synonymous with 'Jerusalem.' Sometimes I think when we hear of different conflicts in different lands from our own, it brings home the realization that we are all very similar people with very similar differences, if we would but address this fact.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting and great that Israelis and Palestinians can come together for a common purpose, to openly discuss their problems and overcoming the discrimination against themselves for being gay. When I saw this, it reminded me about how music was able to be a common denominator for musicians in the same way. I think that with anything where people on both sides of the conflict can come together on common things like interests, problems, or anything, they relate to each other and take the time to learn and understand each other more. Hopefully, we will see more collaboration.
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