The acceptance of LGBTQ in Indonesia
“Because one believes in oneself, one doesn’t try to convince others. Because one is content with oneself, one doesn’t need others’ approval. Because one accepts oneself, the whole world accepts him or her.”
― Lao Tzu
LGBT is an initialism that stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. In use since the 1990s, the initialism, as well as some of its common variants, functions as an umbrella term for sexuality and gender identity (Wikipedia.org). LGBT or LGBTQ is a pro and cons problem that is happening in this world right now. Many people accept that community, but not little also can’t accept that the fact some people can’t figure out their identity sexuality and gender identity. Some countries allowed and opened up about LGBTQ. Same-sex marriage is legally performed and recognized (nationwide or in some parts) in the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Uruguay. In Switzerland, same-sex marriage will be performed from 1 July 2022. (Wikipedia.org). LGBTQ has been connected to every part of this world right now. Those people in the community are looking for their rights. They wanted people and nations to accept them for who they are.
Recently, I’ve been reading news about some countries that don’t allow some movies that have a same-sex marriage element on the screen. I’m from Indonesia, and up until now, Indonesia is still banned same-sex marriage. LGBTQ rights in Indonesia are still questionable and the people in Indonesia can’t still accept them. LGBT individuals in Indonesia suffer legal obstacles and biases that non-LGBT people do not. Homosexuality and transitioning are frowned upon by traditional values, which has an impact on public policy. Same-sex couples in Indonesia, as well as households headed by same-sex couples, are not entitled to any of the legal protections enjoyed by opposite-sex married couples. Even though most parts of Indonesia lack a sodomy statute and do not now penalize private, non-commercial gay actions between consenting adults, there is no special Indonesian law protecting the LGBT population from discrimination and hate crimes. In July 2015, Indonesia’s Minister of Religious Affairs stated that legalizing same-sex marriage would be difficult due to deeply ingrained religious standards that strongly oppose it. The importance of social cohesion in Indonesia leads to a focus on duties rather than rights, implying that human rights, especially LGBT rights, are extremely fragile. Despite Indonesia’s reputation as a relatively moderate Muslim country, sharia-supporting fundamentalist Muslim organizations have grown in popularity in the twenty-first century. As a result, there has been an increase in hatred and intolerance toward LGBT persons, including violence and discrimination.
From my point of view, as an International student and Indonesian citizen, I think it’s okay for people to come out as who they are. I don’t oppose LGBTQ, each human in this world has equal rights and I believe everyone in the LGBTQ community too. Despite the that Indonesia is an Islamic and traditional country, I think the people should have an open-minded mind. If it’s not their problem, then don’t assault or hate other people. As for the government, I hope they lighten some rules according to rights because every people deserve equal rights and sexuality is not the thing that the government can interfere with.
“Understanding is the first step to acceptance, and only with acceptance can there be recovery.”
― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
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