Gay Rights in Bangladesh

In a country where it is the norm to see two men, even more, walk hand in hand down the streets, the prospect of gay rights or gay people in general ruffle quite the feathers. People prefering same-sex relations are of course plenty in Bangladesh, as elsewhere around the world. It is, afterall, quite normal to be attracted to your own sex and regardless of being hotly debated, scientists do claim of a gay gene. However, after all is said and done, non-gay people in Bangladesh squirm and wince at the thought of their next door neighbour, their cousin, or their friend being gay. 

In a country where women still have to fight for their rights, gay people are further marginalized. Hence, it is no surprise that when we hear of gay men, they are usually associated with the glam and glitz of the media world, where their behaviours are seen with a gentle sway of the head and a wry smile. However, as sexism is inherent in Bangladeshi men, I have noticed the innate dislike towards gay culture. Oftentimes, just as gays are negatively portrayed in foreign lands, Bangladeshi men consider gay men substantially inferior and open to mockery and degradation. 

Yet with the influx of western media upon Bangladeshi society and sensibility, one can dare to dream that the attitude towards gays and lesbians will be evolving as well. Afterall, without sounding cliched or trite, they aren't aberrations of nature, they are ordinary folks just like you and me. 

BRAC's Center for Gender, Sexuality, and HIV/AIDS is conducting a four-day workshop on a much needed issue such as gay rights and sexuality. Challenging as it may sound, gay rights and gay identity especially in regards to Bangladeshi men and women need to be showcased to the public at large. Why should ordinary tax-paying, law-abiding citizens be marginalized just because of their sexual orientations or predilections? Women, who have too often faced the brunt and bore the fetters of sexism, should wholly support and advocate for the rights of the lesbians, gays, transsexuals, and transgenders communities.