Walking around and listening to the women of this city it is very obvious that being gay in the south is not an easy task. In fact, it seems that most of the women here don’t even tell their families. Women often share that it would hurt them if their family knew they were gay, and if they do, it’s not openly discussed. There are many countries, cities and towns on our little blue planet where we can live as proud lesbian women. We can be respected for our rights and choices as human beings.
Progress is slow, however, what are my fellow lesbians doing to break down barriers and educate their neighbors? Are we all working together to change this beautiful city into a rainbow friendly city or are we settling for fears and insecurities? What are the messages we are sending to our girls coming out? Are we being responsible with how we pave the way for our future queer women? Are we promoting and fostering gay businesses, artists, and professionals?
Columbia lesbians should shout their gay pride and fight for equal rights and opportunities. None of us should be afraid of losing our jobs, friends, respect, or chances because we love ladies (and yes, there are plenty of lovely ladies in this city to love)!
How are we going to build security with our partners, wives or girlfriends if we are scared or, worse, indifferent? It’s hard enough having a family, a relationship, a job, paying the bills, or raising kids without having to live in a goddamn cave or closet! We are a privileged minority in terms of being able to hide our homosexuality, and choose who we reveal ourselves to as well. That doesn’t mean we should hide behind that fact. Fear breeds fear, which means if you’re not proud of who you are, how can your children be proud of the different beautiful family they belong to? It is the differences that make us unique, not our similarities; therefore, the lesson should be to embrace our uniqueness, not run from it!
We have Equality Organizations; Centers for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people; and gay radio stations, among others, that represent the LGBT community, but need support to get the word out and do their jobs. If you want things to change (and fair enough if you’re happy the way you are!) you have to ask for what you want, need and want!
I am a proud lesbian mom residing in the beautiful city of Columbia, get up and roar with me!
Alex Karydi ~ The Lesbian Guru