Tolerance in the gay community for Greek Australians is still lagging behind the Hellenic Republic says a spokesperson for the Greek and Gay Support Network. Even though society has become more tolerant than it was when the support network first began some 18 years ago, the spokesperson said there are still issues for gay people coming out to their family within the Greek community, more so for the older members of the network.
Speaking to Neos Kosmos before today’s Greek and Gay Support Network Paniyiri, the spokesperson said the network is “hearing instances where people are struggling and not prepared to come out because of the stigma it creates within the family” and added that in some cases, it was better for them not to come out and identify as gay.
“A lot of people feel that way,” they tell Neos Kosmos.
“They feel that the pressure is such that even if they hint at it to their parents or their families just don’t want to know and change the subject.”
They said that in most cases the mother tends to know that their child is gay or has a “gut feeling” about it.
“There are a lot more exceptions these days with kids coming out at a younger age, they are no longer concerned about stigma, they’re more secure within themselves, education has helped them in that respect, schools have their own gay friendly societies these days or tolerance groups.”
The network first began nearly 20 years ago, and would meet twice a month to provide support for gay people coming out or rediscovering themselves, having issues and as a way of meeting other people. And every year, they celebrate the birthday of the network.
“It was pretty vital in the early years when there was nowhere else to go to,” explains the spokesperson.
“I was able to meet up with other people with similar experiences; back then it was critical and is still,” adding this week a new member approached the network who, due to his mature age, is struggling with their sexuality and heritage.
The spokesperson said it was vital that the gay community still expressed their cultural heritage and take part in events such a Antipodes and the Greek Film Festival. At Pride March this year, the network did a gay marriage theme. Along with a background of Greek music, the 25-30 marchers and said “ke sta thika mas” and handed out bombonieres to fellow marchers.
“We are really popular , people like our events, they like to listen to Greek music even if they aren’t Greek.
“It’s important for our members to feel its okay to have a paniyiri with music and dance, two guys can dance together and two girls can dance together without everyone looking. It gives you that freedom to relax and not stress about everyone watching you if you have that concern.”