it’s pretty upsetting how many white people are unaware that it was actually white imperialism that crushed lqbtq* folk’s rights and expression in poc countries
i see white lgbtq* folk going on and on about how poc cultures are heterosexist/cissexist etc and the worst thing is they don’t even KNOW that it was their own culture that created that mess
This is important to remember. Many indigenous cultures accept(ed) people who would in Western terms be defined as LGBT*. In places like Uganda where the “Kill the Gays” bill happened, the atmosphere of homophobia and transphobia are a direct result of outside religions coming in and asserting their cultural and moral beliefs over those of the native culture and moral schemas. The laws in places like Jamaica and Haiti against “buggery” were implemented by BRITISH AND FRENCH IMPERIALISTS and the campaign against it was so successful that heteronormativity (originally a tool of survival) has become a huge part of their cultures. There are so many examples, from Filipin@ bakla to Two Spirit people in some Native American tribes, that what is popularly referred to as LGBT* today, has always been a part of humanity and for some, at least, is in no way more unnatural than being cisgender or heterosexual. In fact, in many of these cultures, these people were given places of honor within their community’s social hierarchy. We were written into creation myths, instead of having them used as weapons against us. We were seen as gifts. Never forget that.
(via bmoburns)
