Gay oppresssion
This article was originally published in International Socialism Journal 42, London, Spring 1989
Introduction
Marxists, since Marx and Engels themselves, have always believed that only a socialist revolution could open the way to sexual release and equality. Engels, whatever the limitations of his own nineteenth-century understanding of sexuality, went right to the heart of the matter in The Origins of the Family, Secret Property and the State:
What we can conjecture about the way in which sexual relations will be ordered after the impending overthrow of capitalist performance is mainly of a negative character, limited for the most part to what will disappear. But what will there be new? That will be answered when a recent generation has grown up … When these people are in the planet they will care precious little what anybody today thinks they ought to do; they will construct their own practice and their corresponding public perspective about the sexual apply of each individual – and that will be the end of it.1
But to argue for the Marxist position we ask for more than an eloquent and inspiring formula for the future. In direct to show that a free, unalienated future
The roots of homosexual oppression
ISJ 2 Index | Main Newspaper Index
Encyclopedia of Trotskyism | Marxists’ Internet Archive
International Socialism, Spring 1989
Norah Carlin
From International Socialism2 : 42, Spring 1989.
Copied with thanks from the International Socialism Website.
Marked up by Einde O’Callaghan for ETOL.
Introduction
Marxists, since Marx and Engels themselves, have always believed that only a socialist revolution could open the way to sexual autonomy and equality. Engels, whatever the limitations of his possess nineteenth-century understanding of sexuality, went right to the heart of the matter in The Origins of the Family, Private Property and the State:
What we can conjecture about the way in which sexual relations will be ordered after the impending overthrow of capitalist production is mainly of a negative character, limited for the most part to what will disappear. But what will there be new? That will be answered when a new generation has grown up … When these people are in the world they will care precious little what anybody today thinks they ought to do; they will produce their own rehearse and
LGBTQ Oppression
Until recent times, lesbians, gay, bi, trans and gender non-conforming (LGBTQ) people were a mostly hidden minority. Very prejudicial and distorted ideas of what they were like were held by many people. Those who knew the authenticity — that LGBTQ people were adorable much like unbent people except for the added oppression they suffered because of their sexuality — had the choice of remaining silent or becoming victims of the prejudice themselves.
When LGBTQ people — the majority people of color — fought back against police harassment in Fresh York City in June 1969, it was a signal to LGBTQ people everywhere that the time had arrive to challenge the historic legacy of oppression. This momentous event, the Stonewall Rebellion, is commemorated every year by thousands of LGBTQ people with marches and rallies in many cities.
LGBTQ people in large numbers continue fighting for an end to the discrimination they face in all areas of their lives. LGBTQ people are discriminated against by bosses and landlords. They deal with police brutality and are physically attacked by bigots who know the cops and the courts will almost always side in their favor. The fight continues for the right of LGBTQ
Internalised homophobia and oppression happens to gay, lesbian and bisexual people, and even heterosexuals, who have learned and been taught that heterosexuality is the norm and “correct way to be”. Hearing and seeing negative depictions of LGB people can lead us to internalise, or grab in, these negative messages. Some LGB people endure from mental distress as a result.
A general perception of personal worth and also a positive view of your sexual orientation are critical for your mental health. You, enjoy many lesbian, gay and bisexual people, may possess hidden your sexual orientation for a long hour. Research carried out in Northern Ireland into the needs of young LGBT people in 2003 revealed that the average age for men to realise their sexual orientation was 12, yet the average age they actually confided in someone was 17. It is during these formative years when people are coming to comprehend and acknowledge their sexual orientation that internalised homophobia can really affect a person.
Internalised homophobia manifests itself in varying ways that can be linked to mental health. Examples include:
01. Denial of your sexual orientation to yourself and others.
02. Attempts to a
LGBTQ People’s Experiences of Workplace Discrimination and Harassment
Executive Summary
Over 8 million workers in the U.S. identify as LGBT.Employment discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation and gender identity hold been widely documented.Recent explore has found that LGBTQ people continue to deal with mistreatment in the workplace,even after the U.S. Supreme Court held in 2020 that discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is prohibited by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.Experiences of workplace discrimination and harassment negatively impact employees’ health and well-being, as well as their job commitment, satisfaction, and productivity. These primary effects can, in turn, outcome in higher costs and other negative outcomes for employers.
This report examines experiences of discrimination and harassment against LGBTQ employees using a survey of 1,902 LGBTQ adults in the workforce conducted in the summer of 2023. It is based on a similar study published by the Williams Institute in 2021.This report examines the lifetime, five-year, and past-year workplace experiences of LGBTQ employees. It compares the experiences of transgender a