Summary
In the fifth article of ILGA’s #TurnItOff campaign, Jürgen Lasavanne of Young Queerpreviously used as a derogatory term to refer to LGBT individuals in the English language – and still perceived as offensive by some - queer has been reclaimed by people who identify beyond traditional gender categories and heteronormative social norms. Although not universally accepted, it is often used as a catch-all to include many people within the larger community of people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and sex characteristics. More Alliance explain how a person’s committment to fight back against homophobiafear, unreasonable anger, intolerance or/and hatred directed towards people attracted to others of the same gender. More can find strength in being with other queer youths and learning of their struggles
This has been reflected through the eyes of others, perpetual mockery, and sometimes punches filled with hatred. Mustering my courage, I have decided to confront the Mauritian society by fighting against this homophobia on a personal level in my daily life, as well as helping others to stand-up with the creation of the Young Queer Alliance.
Being with other queer youths and learning of their struggles, as similar and as different as these could be, strengthened my resolve to continue this battle alongside my other comrades. At times helping with the administrative works, others with activism, and empowering young LGBT people – my efforts led me to being recognised by the organisation as a Queer leader and to lead on the organisation’s advocacy work during the 121st Human Rights Committee session in Geneva for the 5th periodic review of Mauritius to ensure that recommendations are made for the rights of LGBT people in Mauritius.
Homophobia is vibrant in Mauritius, nurtured from the very young college days, through religious sermons and hostile socio-cultural groups. Nonetheless, a gradual change of mindset is being felt during the past years, with access to uncensored information, advocacy, community gatherings and communication efforts. While public air stations are available only during events such as the IDAHOT and Pride, I believe that owning space through short webcasts online, trainings, outreach work, community strengthening and advocacy greatly helps in tackling homophobia. Changing laws and policies however will come only from a political level, not through mass mobilisation.
These efforts are not meaningful without support of allies, bringing in motivation that there exist people who believe in the work of young people and value our contributions.
Despite not being LGBT, you can support by being a voice for us, as being human is the sole prerequisite to have equal human rights.
Jürgen Lasavanne
Young Queer Alliance, Mauritius
This article is part of ILGA’s #TurnItOff campaign, where human rights defenders share their experiences and advice on how to speak up to silence the noise of LGBTI-phobia
Disclaimer: These articles are meant to offer a place for views, ideas and debate.
The views expressed by authors do not necessarily reflect the policy of ILGA, or the views of its board members or staff.
