The Gay Youth Corner - Ill met by Moonlight

Of course this was not an isolated event; the degree of brutality was such that the British press and media were quick to highlight this particular attack. This is one example of extreme homophobia that all gay men and women may face throughout their lives. For those gay men and women that are still coming to terms with their sexuality, and especially gay youth, such attacks insight fear and withdrawal. But these attacks should not stop any young gay person coming to terms with their sexuality.

This does not mean that we should ignore the realities of intolerance. Yes, societies are comparatively liberalised, and acceptance is being achieved and no doubt more will be achieved in the future. However, this considered it is always going to be near impossible to abolish personal prejudices.

There are obviously other considerations to take into account. It is not sensible for any individual to walk alone at night across a poorly lit area, as was the case with Jody Dobrowski. A heterosexual person is no safer alone at night than a homosexual person. It is when gay people are targeted because of their sexuality when we can see how difficult it can be to feel part of society when the very essence of who you are leads to persecution.

There is also the issue as to how the crime has been labelled a homophobic attack. Can we be sure that because a person may be gay, it is for this that they are murdered? Perhaps it is too easy for the police to label a crime, before they ascertain the real motive. This aside, it is still necessary to be observant and guard against putting yourself in unnecessary danger.

For any gay youth trying to accept what it is that makes them “different”, seeing or reading about intolerance can obviously be suffocating. However, there is so much to celebrate and enjoy about being gay that you shouldn’t be scared to deny yourself the truth of who you are. Indeed, throughout your life it is likely that you may meet those who judge you because of your choice of sexual partner, but remember being gay doesn’t stop you being the best you can be. Who you chose to sleep with will never need to limit your ambitions.

The key to success is to promote a feeling of normality. Understandably, and even more so in the past, many opinions of gay people were formed through irrelevant and totally wrong stereotypes promoted in the media. It is a better situation today, but still we are surrounded by certain “types” of gay men and women in the media and public eye. Obviously, no gay man or woman is to be seen as better than another, but it is true that certain elements of gay lifestyle are exploited to increase ratings or provide drama on television. This is then associated with all gay men, and prejudices are applied to one and all.

A Google search of homophobic crime generates a vast amount of websites dealing with the issue of homophobic abuse. Such abuse can be physical or verbal, and varies in the nature and method. However, all crime against minority groups is serious, and should be reported. If you are a victim of such abuse then please do talk to your local police. It is fear that that abusers live off of; aim never to be a victim. Remember, all crime is wrong and no person should suffer the narrow-mindedness of another.