Experiences

This page shows a selection of experiences of discrimination, violence or harassment that respondents shared via the online survey.

“I have experienced humiliation, beatings, and insults from people I know and from people I do not know, but I wanted people in my surroundings to learn that I am a human like any other, and that my sexual orientation does not make me different from them! I am a human.” (29, transgender)

“It is generally easier to hide your true sexual orientation, here in [my country], than to deal with the consequences.” (25 bisexual woman)

 “Having experienced sudden violence on the street, I tend to become both cautious and aware of the environment in which I am with my lover when holding hands - which often spoils the fun, and the intimacy of that gesture.”  (52,  gay)

“I'm seriously considering moving to another EU country to have a feeling of acceptance from the society. I wouldn’t say that society in [my country] is outwardly hostile – people need time to learn and adapt to new paradigms, but sometimes I feel that I don't want to wait that long.” (24, gay)

 “I have only a few experiences of discrimination and these are not that important. But I believe that I don't have more experiences because I am not open about being alesbian to all my friends, my family, the society.” (21,  lesbian)

“I think the main reason why I did not experience any discrimination is not many people know I'm gay and certainly when walking the streets people just won't know.” (54, gay)

“A couple of facts that make me feel discriminated against: 1) Gay men are prohibited from donating blood. 2) Same-sex couples cannot adopt children. 3) Same-sex couples can enter a registered partnership but do not get any of the   tax-benefits a married man and woman receive. This is discrimination, discrimination by law.” (22, gay)

“I worked in a bank for 24 years and I was constantly discriminated against by directors who felt that, being honest about my sexuality, I should not be promoted, because I could not command respect. Once a new employee asked to have his desk placed at "a reasonable distance" from mine, because he feared that I might assault him sexually. His request was considered reasonable and my desk was moved. When I was finally promoted, I was ordered to be secretive about my sexuality.” (53, gay)

“My fear of prejudice stems mainly from having been bullied at school for being perceived as gay before puberty. This has led me to draw a line between my private and my professional life. As a result, my behaviour at work involves a lot of self-censorship and a certain guarded manner. I believe that secondary school is the crucible in which attitudes to diversity and sexual orientation are moulded. If we  want to ingrain acceptance and tolerance in our  societies, we should start with  fostering  positive attitudes in schools” (31, gay)

Photos from flickr.com @Circuit Tsunami, @Fayez Closed Account, @.donata