Gender equality

What causes gender inequality

Gender stereotypes have a significant negative impact on the perception of non-heterosexual people - do not admit their existence and shape the amount of prejudice and hatred (homophobia). They create the impression that all people are either masculine men or feminine women. They do not tolerate caring, sensitive men engaged in "feminine" professions, nor the women who are not interested in beauty contests, but like male sports, or employment. Furthermore they reject non-heterosexual people. Such a vision of femininity and masculinity is also called heteronormativity. More information about heteronormativity:Annex 4

The way of life, desires and relationships of all those, who do not fulfil the roles of "masculinity" and "femininity", especially in intimate areas of life, demonstrate the fact that masculinity and femininity are forms into which no one fits in every moment of their life. Thus, these forms do not create freedom in life, in society, in relationships, but on the contrary, they limit it.

In order to promote the rights of non-heterosexual people, to reject prejudice against them (homophobia) and to point out that public spaces, civil and human rights and protection of dignity belong to them as well. In Slovakia - as in other countries – the campaigns and activities of many human rights organizations draw attention. The most famous are the pride marches - “Pride”. Their goal is to point out that non-heterosexual people are usually denied the respect and support of concrete political regulations (the decriminalization of homosexuality, the right to family life, a ban on homophobic violence, the right to information and services for non-heterosexual people, etc.)

Therefore "pride" is a warning that due to their non-heterosexual desires people are exposed to attacks on personal integrity, a reduction of their human dignity and have their self-confidence undermined.

Task

• What organizations supporting the rights of non-heterosexual people in your country do you know?
• Is Pride organized in your country?
• What are the requests formulated by the rights activists of non-heterosexual people in your country?
• Do same-sex couples have the opportunity to get married in your country?
• Compare the rights of heterosexuals and non-heterosexuals in your country.