... through getting to know gay people. Where I live, I have seen a very distinct change in the last 15 years from a pretty homopohobic culture to one which is a lot safer for gays and bis (GBLT's). What has changed? More younger people know people who have come out. All it takes is the realization that gays and straights are no different than other folks to make a dent in (at least overt) homophobia. Where I teach, nearly everyone under 21 believes that people should be able to love whomever they choose, including having the state support that love.
Naturally, people aren't going to change it they are insecure or homophobic and don't want to take the chance to acknowledge that sexuality is a complex continuum (for which there is lots of evidence, BTW) and that trying to force gays to be straight works no better than forcing any of us never to let ourselves feel or act on sexuality.
I think (and hope) that bigotry on this issue is changing for the better. We'll see.
In the meantime, Alex, as another (American) professor in your age bracket, but who came with a ton of work and family, I can't comment much on the social scence. Do feel free to send me a private message if anything about fac life here needs additional clarification. I'm not going to be here in Doha for much longer, however. This has been my sabbatical.
... through getting to know gay people. Where I live, I have seen a very distinct change in the last 15 years from a pretty homopohobic culture to one which is a lot safer for gays and bis (GBLT's). What has changed? More younger people know people who have come out. All it takes is the realization that gays and straights are no different than other folks to make a dent in (at least overt) homophobia. Where I teach, nearly everyone under 21 believes that people should be able to love whomever they choose, including having the state support that love.
Naturally, people aren't going to change it they are insecure or homophobic and don't want to take the chance to acknowledge that sexuality is a complex continuum (for which there is lots of evidence, BTW) and that trying to force gays to be straight works no better than forcing any of us never to let ourselves feel or act on sexuality.
I think (and hope) that bigotry on this issue is changing for the better. We'll see.
In the meantime, Alex, as another (American) professor in your age bracket, but who came with a ton of work and family, I can't comment much on the social scence. Do feel free to send me a private message if anything about fac life here needs additional clarification. I'm not going to be here in Doha for much longer, however. This has been my sabbatical.
Good luck having a nice 3 years here!