"When did you decide to be straight?" is the motto of the Berlin demonstration to mark the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia. It is being organised by a private group of friends, as have various similar events in the past. Alfonso Pantisano is also taking part.
Alfonso, you have become an expert in queer activism in just a few months. Can actions like the "Rainbow Flame" during the Winter Olympics or demonstrations against a global problem like homophobia actually achieve anything?
This question can be answered very quickly and clearly: absolutely yes. We won't change any laws as a result. But we can raise awareness of this issue and get people to question their own prejudices and think about how they actually behave towards people who are not like themselves. If we manage to do that, we will have made great progress. Then we will also manage to get to the point where laws are changed and people are respected for who they are.
To set an example, I can take part in your demonstration on 17 May to mark the International Day against Homophobia. But how can I become active if I don't live in Berlin?
The first step is to look around you to see if you have friends and acquaintances who think like you. Get together and think about what you can organise. For example, organise a small demonstration in your marketplace. Maybe paint a banner, print flyers or get a rainbow flag - and tell people why you're there.
Do people in this country really still need to be educated about homosexuals?
Many people don't realise how we gays and lesbians feel. They have never thought about the fact that we can't just walk hand in hand on the street or even kiss in public without a care in the world. Many people think, for example, that we are allowed to get married in Germany. But that's a fallacy.
Even many homosexuals are of the opinion that there is no longer any reason to demonstrate because we supposedly already have the same rights as heterosexuals. You can do something about this grievance, the lack of knowledge about the real situation. Grab your friends and take to the streets.
Not everyone is cut out for this kind of street action.
You can also make a big difference online. Change your profile pictures! Put a Stop Homophobia logo on it, for example. Find out where campaigns are taking place in your area, invite your friends and acquaintances to join in or get in touch with associations and organisations that you can support with your voice.
The question is not: "Can I do something?", but: "Do I want to do something?" If I answer yes to that, everyone can get started.
We cannot reach the people in Ukraine or Uganda directly with demonstrations. So how can we help improve the situation there?
There are various ways of influencing the policies of other countries, for example to persuade them to revise an unacceptable law. Political diplomacy naturally plays a central role here. Politicians have a duty to engage with these countries and exert pressure using the means at their disposal. And if that doesn't lead to anything, I now also think it makes sense to freeze aid funds.
The situation for gays is currently particularly dangerous in Uganda, Singapore, Bangladesh, Russia and Iran. All very far removed from the reality of life in Germany.
We don't have to look to East Africa or Eastern Europe. Our own government still has work to do. The very first would be for all politicians to pick up the Basic Law again and read Article 3. Then they would realise that all people are equal and we would no longer have to take to the streets to demonstrate for our rights.
Thank you very much for the interview!
Interview: Axel Schock
More about the demo on 17 May in Berlin: http://open-your-mouth.eu/index.html
