Homosexuality in History

Résumé du document

In pre-Christian societies (from 600 before J-C to 300 after J-c) and more particularly in ancient Greece, and the Roman Empire, relationships between people of the same sex were accepted or even valorized, but within certain rules. The fact that homosexuality was accepted so well comes from a revalorization of women who are generally limited to procreation, and were thus not seen as valid partners, with whom one could bond deeply. We can observe the institutionalization of homosexuality in Greece through certain customs: In Ancient Greek civilization, adult men sought pre-pubescent boys, to whom they extended protection and knowledge, including sexually. Moreover, to be with a young boy brought certain notoriety to the adult. In Greece, as well as in Rome, the contempt still exists.

Extraits

[...] Moreover, since the beginning of the century, homosexuality is tolerated or affirmed in the artistic environments. Where the majority of people clam having different values than normal people. 1912-1921: out coming of a new literary topic, homosexuality (Death in Venice, The confusion of feelings, Corydon, if the grain doesn't die) 1945 homosexuals deported in the Nazis camps. The pink triangle that they wore on theirs chests during that repression, as well as the rainbow flag, became symbols rallying the gay community. [...]

[...] We can observe the institutionalization of homosexuality in Greece through certain customs: In Ancient Greek civilization, adult men sought young boys impubescent, they brought protection and knowledge to the child, including sexually. Moreover, to be with a young boy brought certain notoriety to the adult. In Greece, as well as in Rome, the contempt exists. Masculine relationships are very present in mythology. In Egypt, the Pharaohs had a harem of beautiful young men. In Japan, samurais didn't hide their homosexual relations. In the spirit of the ancient Greeks, marriage between a man and a woman had nothing to do with love, but were especially for political and religious issues. [...]

[...] The first edition of this day took place in 2005 and was relayed in 40 different countries In the rest of the world: It is necessary to distinguish homophobia in most of the western societies from the policies and the practice of repression, even persecution, present in some regions of the world. For example, in Cuba since 1961, Castro's regime systematically persecuted homosexuals of both sexes and continues to regard them as incompatible with many tasks which acquire responsibility. In Iran, the law condemns homosexuals to scourging (flagellation). It plans their execution in the case of three repeat offences. Homosexual acts are still liable to death penalty in seven countries nowadays: Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Nigeria, Mauritania, Sudan and Yemen. These legislations are actually applied. [...]

[...] They are also condemned by physical punishments, as well as prison in more than 27 countries in the world. Homosexuality is a personal matter, it should not influence any kind of discrimination or judgment. Although things are getting better, tolerance still needs to spread. Indicative bibliography - How to Do the History of Homosexuality de David M. Halperin (2004) - A History of Homosexuality de Lee Dode (2004) - Homosexual: Webster's Timeline History BC - 2007 de Icon Group International (2009) - Homosexuals in History: A Study of Ambivalence in Society, Literature and the Arts de A.L. [...]

[...] XVIth century Loves of Michel-Ange XVIe century Règne d'Henri III, dont les ‘mignons' The 18th and 19th century: During these two centuries, the world will be split in two, on one side the states which will improve the situation of homosexuals, and those who will stigmatize them even more. The actions in favor of homosexuality are however in majority. During this period, many literary works were published, generally promoting tolerance towards homosexuals, like Heinrich Hossli for example, author of “Love between men amongst Greeks” in Code Napoleon, homosexuality isn't considered as a crime anymore. [...]