Need for the gay rights movement

Joseph M. Cachia questions (August 18) why there is still a need for the Malta Gay Rights Movement and feels that our existence and ever increasing visibility and self-affirmation is a threat to heterosexuals. He confuses our demand for equal rights and treatment, at par with heterosexuals, to one that seeks to deprive them of such rights and privileges. He fails to distinguish the difference between our claim to an end to heterosexism and not heterosexuality.

We celebrate our sexual orientation because for a long time being homosexual was defined as unnatural and a disease or mental illness as well as a cause for ridicule, harassment and discrimination. Something to be hidden and kept in the closet. Our sexual orientation has an impact on the whole of our lives because despite the great strides that have been made in the acceptance and integration of homosexuals we continue to live in a predominantly heterosexist society.

Heterosexism is the assumption that everyone is heterosexual and if they are not they should be and that heterosexual relationships are normal, natural and universal and should therefore be privileged. It is the belief that this is the bedrock of society, the blueprint for all interpersonal relations, the norm.

Heterosexism makes heterosexuality compulsory through the practices and attitudes of society's institutions that single out the heterosexual couple as the social norm. Anyone falling outside this norm becomes either invisible or is relegated to the realm of the deviant. Does our government, our health system, our social service agencies, our educational institutions, or our workplaces acknowledge, respect and treat with dignity all people whatever their sexual orientation or gender identity?

Until the answer continues to be in the negative the need for an organisation such as MGRM will continue to be felt. Heterosexism is prevalent in government policies concerning same-sex relationships, housing services, legal protection, educational and health services. Yet we continue to contribute to our communities, pay our taxes and live as law-abiding citizens.

Heterosexuality is not under threat because neither heterosexuality nor homosexuality can be "caught". No research indicates that sexual orientation can be learned or unlearned. Research indicates that sexual orientation cannot be changed through psychotherapy although it does show that such attempts do have very damaging effects: it perpetuates the feeling of guilt and shame associated with being "different" and it interferes with attempts of families to accept their lesbian and gay children.

MGRM does not challenge the value and worth of heterosexual love. Most of us come from families where such love is celebrated through a number of family rituals, wedding anniversaries and other occasions. The sexual identity of heterosexuals is not denied but taken for granted. The sexual prejudice engendered by heterosexism is rooted deep within the customs and traditions of society and is the stimulus by which the lives of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgendered people are demeaned. It makes it that much harder for them to meet, live, love themselves and find acceptance.

Meaningful and loving relationships are what give purpose to most people's lives irrespective of whether they are heterosexual or homosexual. Refusing equal treatment and protection to homosexual relationships and families is discriminatory and often justification for the intolerance and hatred that Mr Cachia denies.