A generationI am studying at Georgian University and I am very cool. If I say my name and age publicly, I will face consequences. Violence.Since 2000 is Homosexual Legal in Georgia. Theoretically. But in practice, the government has not done much to protect ethnic minorities. Homophobic violence is everywhere in public places. Politicians, priests, religious leaders: They preach that we are evil. This is not true. We don’t hurt anyone. They make our lives difficult. So I am afraid of being recognized. Everyone knows my name. I will be logged off, or someone who wants to hurt me will find me. I am a student in Georgia.
In fact, our lives are not very different from those of Western European students. We have the same bachelor and master system as in Europe. Similar subjects. Also like this. Student life at Georgian University is not easy. Education funding is insufficient. For example, doctoral students can only receive 25 lari per hour. That’s about 6 euros. This funding is only indicative. But there is a bigger problem than income in Georgia: Queer is invisible. like me. Homosexuality has been legal in Georgia for more than 20 years. But in practice, the government has not done much to protect ethnic minorities.
Georgia’s society is very homophobic, and you can see this in everyday life. We have been attacked in both private and public circles. Our family is the best example: if you come out, you will soon face violence and neglect. We are seen as a shame. Parents often drive their queer children out of the house. What will you become? You become homeless. And work? It is very difficult for openly homosexuals. If your employer finds that you are gay, you will be fired. The influence of the Orthodox Church and conservative forces in Georgian society is too great. Also in the university. Because they are integrated into Georgian society. students. organization. government. Most of the time, she does not allow gay organizations. Also in my university. Although my study is actually very free.
We are invisible
At my university, the administration has no open hostility. I did not receive any attacks from the students. Both physically and verbally. However, I have to say that Georgia has no institutions suitable for homosexuals. This makes us invisible. Lack of social visibility encourages discrimination against people. I hope our needs are taken seriously. In a society that is homophobic and does not accept openly homosexuals, it is very difficult to organize. As a society, we are moving in a more progressive and freer direction, but this ends in homosexuality. Lack of acceptance of other life plans. Neither society nor universities want to know us.
But there is still hope. Movements like Pride of Georgia are often victims of anti-queer violence, but I believe that the younger generation of Georgians who walk with us on the streets are getting louder and louder. It mobilizes, shows unity, and continues to penetrate politics. I hope this will have an impact on the entire society. I hope.
I also hope that our society can cure this disease. Homophobia. We are part of this society. The Georgian queer community should be accepted and integrated. Everyone in this community should feel supported. There is a place in this country. And don’t tolerate anyone. We want to live in peace in Georgia. And it is visible. I want to open my heart.
Artur Wigant (26) He is currently completing his apprenticeship training at the German Journalism Academy in Munich. But he also spent a long time as a child and student in Kazakhstan, Georgia, Ukraine, Russia and Belarus. In the “Uni live” series, he occasionally writes records about the daily lives of Eastern European students.