Gay Romania Blog: DarkQ.net

Same sex relationships in Romania were illegal until Article 200 of the penal code was passed. The government fought diligently to have Article 200 abolished. Strong opposition came from the government, the mayor, law enforcement and even the church. Under the pressure of international scrutiny, the president of Romania relented, and the article was amended. International organizations like the European Council on Human Rights and Amnesty International encouraged Romania to adopt a more tolerant and liberal viewpoint toward gays in Romania.

A major concern of the international groups was the police brutality and discrimination against the gay population. Most of the support for gay rights had more to do with pleasing the various international groups than a heartfelt commitment to eliminating discrimination against gays. Despite strong opposition, the first Gay Pride Event was held in 2005.

Since homosexuality was legalized in Romania, conditions for gays has somewhat improved. The gay community in Romania is growing everyday, but many gays remain in the closet because of the purist mentality of mainstream Romania. There is still widespread discrimination in ever aspect of gay life. Police brutality is still a prevalent concern for gays. Discrimination against gays is still occurring in the health care and public education systems. A gay man won the first sexual harassment case in Romania because of discriminating actions by co-workers in his workplace.

Gays living in Romania do not openly socialized because of widespread intolerance of gays. The internet and some public places is use to socialize and connect with other gays. There isn't many public venues in Romania where gays can meet and feel accepted. Although gay and lesbian establishments became legal in December of 2001, many public venues such as bars and disco's suffers from a low turnout. Some gays are uncomfortable being associated with these types of gay establishments.

The majority of gays still believe that remaining underground with their sexual orientation is the best road to take. In challenging times, such as the current economic climate in Romania, people tend to be less tolerant toward sexual preferences that are not considered normal.

Just like in same sex relationships, gays in Romania are very diverse in their preferences. Some gays find it a challenge to be monogamous and engage in a series of shot term relationships or one night stands. Other gay men enjoy the closeness and security of a long term relationship with one special partner. Opposition to the gay lifestyle is fueled by the media stereotypes that gays are promiscuous, and is only interested in seeking instant carnal pleasures.

Religion plays an important part in Romanians refusal to accept the lifestyles of gays. Most Romanians belong to the Orthodox Church, which believe homosexuality isn't moral in the eyes of God. The Orthodox Church rallied against amending Article 200. The church believes that being gay is a sin against social, moral and family values.

Gradually attitudes are slowly changing regarding the acceptance of gays in Romania. To most people, Romania treatment of denying gays their basic human rights is totally unacceptable. Many gays tend to led two separate lives because of Romania intolerance of the gay lifestyle. The organization, Accept Romania, has done a tremendous job in fighting for gay rights. Romania is adopting a new philosophy for normality. They want the population of Romania to believe that "normality means the ability to accept diversity, even if you don't agree."

Check out the main Gay Romania blog: darkQ.net for more infos.