Watch How People In Jerusalem React To This Gay Couple Holding Hands
With a reputation as an sanctuary for displaced and persecuted queer individuals, and some of the most comprehensive anti-discriminatory legislation on the books, Israel is known as the most LGBT-friendly place in the middle east (we also hear the beach disco parties in Tel Aviv are fly AF). But, even with all that good stuff going on, have cultural attitudes actually kept up with the law?
A video captured by local news outlet YNet confirmed that anti-LGBT prejudice is still alive and well. In the clip, two men are harassed for doing something many couples take for granted: holding hands while walking down the street.
Coming on the heels of the death of 16-year-old Shira Banki, who was stabbed to death at a Pride event in Jerusalem, the reactions from locals -- which ranged from obvious staring to out-right slurs -- aren't all that surprising. And, according to a poll by The Times of Israel, while 70 percent of the country supports "equal rights" for its LGBT residents, there's still opposition among the ultra-Orthodox communities (only 8 percent believed in expanded and/or equal rights for LGBT people).
Israel first lifted the ban on LGBT relationships in 1988 and -- through the work of activists and the Aguda (The Israeli National LGBT Task Force)-- has consistently added to the protections and rights of LGBT individuals over the years, including those who seek asylum there from less hospitable countries. Israel has allowed LGBT people to serve openly in the military since 1993, passed anti-discrimination laws to protect people seeking employment (1992) and passed laws to protect students in schools (2014.)
It still hurts our heart-guts to see the hate thrown at these two men for doing something as innocent as holding hands -- that's some everyday intimacy that seems just so natural. But it's an important reminder that even as we see more and more equality legislation become law, there's still plenty of work to be done when it comes to changing hearts and minds.
For More Information On Anti-LGBT Bias, Visit LookDifferent.org.
