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| Panel Discussion - Diversity in Sexuality |
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| Eric Ellefson has lived and travelled all over
the world and believes gay rights need to be strengthened |
How would you react to a family member being homosexual
or trans-gendered? This was one of the various questions tackled during
the panel discussion on 'Diversity in Sexuality'. Four panellists,
comprising two guest speakers and two Peace Boat staff, spoke openly
to an attentive audience on issues that usually remain taboo, especially
in Japanese society. The objective of the session was to try and break
down stereotypes and prejudicial attitudes towards people based on
their sexual orientation. Just as important was to make people realise
that gay, lesbian and bisexual people are ordinary members of the
community too. Twenty four year old Eric Ellefson, who coordinates
the interpreting and translating team onboard the ship, explained
that he did not tell his father that he was gay until last year but
'came out' first of all to his mother, when he was just sixteen. He
highlighted the difficulties associated with having to 'explain yourself'
each time you meet someone new, due to the constant assumption that
everyone is 'straight'. According to Eric, what is clearly not appreciated
is when someone starts to treat you differently once they've found
out that you're gay. Brazilian guest and HIV/AIDS activist, Jos・Araujo,
told of his early marriage to a woman prior to acknowledging that
he was gay. Although Carnaval festivities give the impression that
Brazilian society is liberal and progressive, Jos・spoke regretfully
of the number of violent hate crimes that have been committed in recent
years against homosexuals in Brazil. He called for an attitude of
acceptance and understanding towards people who do not conform to
the heterosexual norm. |
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| Dana Rubin is a lesbian and feminist from Tel
Aviv who is opposed to the Occupation of Palestine |
Dana Rubin from Israel, is just 22 years old, but
already heavily involved with the gay rights community in Tel Aviv.
The gay and lesbian activist group 'Black Laundry' includes Israelis
and Palestinians who are 'against the occupation and for social justice.'
Dana then explained how minorities, namely gays and lesbians, feminists,
and those who refuse to serve in the army, are especially oppressed
in Israel's militaristic society. English teacher from Canada, Debbra
McClintock, spoke about growing up in a conservative Christian environment
and the outright condemnation faced by gays and lesbians in her peer
group. 'By instilling a fear of homosexuality being sinful or evil,
all channels of communication shut down and ignorance festers. As
a result, not only does the person grow up confused and ashamed, but
those around them act out in fear against this unknown evil. Several
cases of hate crimes have lead to attacks on and even murder of gays
in North America.' Debbra elaborated further on her own experience
of growing up in a Christian home and her constant battle of defining
her own bisexuality. Without doubt, there is a genuine need throughout
the world to break down the pervasive culture of fear that is bred
through misunderstanding, bigotry and narrow-mindedness when it comes
to how we treat people based on their sexual orientation. In seeking
to create a culture of peace and understanding, it is important that
we open our minds up to alternative ideas and lifestyles and accept
them, even if they do not necessarily appeal to us personally. The
reaction from the mostly Japanese audience was extremely positive
and receptive, and people of various ages made comments and asked
questions that helped reaffirm the value of holding a panel discussion
to combat discrimination. |
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| Cafe Latino - Rosana Velasquez and Melissa Ramirez - |
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| Cafe Latino dancers in full swing with teachers
Meli and Rosy |
Spanish teachers Rosy and Meli have been showing
Peace Boat participants how to shake their hips Shakira-style and
croon a la Ricky Martin with their daily dose of Cafe Latino. The two
exuberant Latino chicas have been teaching Latin rhythms, including
the Merengue, Salsa, Cumbia, Vallenato and Bachata to any willing
participants on the rear outdoor deck every day since Peace Boat started
sailing towards South America in mid January. The ladies' Venezuelan
and Colombian roots have surfaced with full 'pasiones' as the catchy
pop music of Spanish band Las Ketchup's 'Asereje, or the folky sounds
of Pablo Milanes draws a crowd around the two vibrant instructors.
Teaching the lyrics to songs such as 'La Bamba', 'Besame Mucho' and
'Se Va El Caiman' are great ways for the Japanese participants to
become familiar with the main language of Latin America. Although
a large number of participants shook their booties to Latino tunes
in some of Santiago's popular clubs during Peace Boat's overnight
port of call visit to Chile, we are all eagerly awaiting the fiesta
performance that Cafe Latino's talented members will be giving before
the end of the 40th cruise. |
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| Peace Boat's
40th Voyage index |
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PEACE BOAT is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. |
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