NORMAL LIFE: Gays Standing Up For Themselves

What a week is has been for gays. It starts with a protest in Moscow, during which right-wing and orthodox extremists clashed with gay rights activists. The Mayor of Moscow, who has in the past refered to us guys who like a good laugh and camp entertainment, 'Satanic'. The protest apparently 'degenerated into violence', reports the BBC, with a British veteran gay rights activist and lead singer from Right Said Fred both receiving bloody blows; it seems that neither of their attackers were detained. Opponents apparently chanted slogans such as 'Moscow is not sodom'. To illustrate how backward the people of Moscow really are, a journalist wearing an earing (and therefore assumed to be gay) got a good clobbering too. Oh, deary me!

On the other side of the world, in good old Australia, there's progress. In Kylie Minogue's hometown, Melbourne, an establishment has been granted the right to refuse entry to heterosexuals. The owner claims that the move will prevent heterosexuals from abusing gay people, highlighting that women, who often find gay men entertainment, dehumanise gays. Furthermore, the number of hen and stag nights parties held in gay pubs and clubs creates a poisonous atmosphere for the gay clientele, the owner claims. The bottom line is: homosexuals should be allowed to relax in places without fear of bullying or intimidation. I have to admit that I often get annoyed when groups of straight people go to gay bars. I mean, in Helsinki, there are hundreds of bars for the general population, yet only four gay bars so it's kind of wrong to kill the atmosphere of 'our' bars when they have countless options.

Back in Europe, the Poles are at it again, well and truly rearing their backward behaviour with a claim that Tinky Winky, the purple Tellytubby who regularly carries a handbag, promotes homosexual lifestyle (see here). An official has ordered an investigation to see if this is the case. If the Poles, perceived as backward and poor, have time to do this, then they surely have too many resources in all the wrong places. The outcome of the investigation will determine whether or not the Tellytubbies can be broadcast on public television. If the show entertains children (I know Americans and Finns who are so thankful for the many hours of stimulating distraction the Tellytubbies have provided their children), what do the officials care?

What a week, and it's only Wednesday!