Homosexuality and homophobia were among the biggest subjects for discussion in Yerevan throughout May, perhaps second only to elections and post-election coalition dealings. It all started with the burning of the DIY pub on May 8, followed by a level of celebration of diversity \u2013 including that of gender orientation \u2013 unprecedented in Armenia.<\/p>\n
The events were organized within the framework of \u201cDiversity Week\u201d, put together by Public Information and Need of Knowledge Armenia (PINK Armenia) and Women\u2019s Resource Center NGOs. Their objective: to raise awareness about diversity and tolerance issues in Armenia, based on fundamental human rights enshrined within the Armenian Constitution.<\/p>\n
The homophobic and ultranationalist outpour was shocking, albeit not too surprising.<\/p>\n
Multiple attacks on the DIY pub were the subjects of the first major wave of public debate, which played out not just in the traditional media, but also \u2013 and perhaps more lively \u2013 in the online social networks. It turned out, everyone, even people who had never heard of or been to the pub itself, had an opinion on what had happened.<\/p>\n
As strong symbols of tolerance and openness, many believed that the pub and its owner Tsomak signified all that is wrong with the Armenian society: the plight of globalization, immorality, demographic crisis, and, I\u2019m sure, had they had it their way, they would blame Armenia\u2019s economic troubles on LGBT persons as well.<\/p>\n
Although the majority of these discussions happened online, mainstream media outlets played an important role in encouraging the outpour of homophobia and sudden patriotism. Yerkir Media was among the foremost outlets, having undertaken that mission. And although it rejected claims that it was intentionally inciting violence against LGBT<\/a> people, its editorial did somehow come up with a term<\/a> \u201cDIY grouping\u201d (DIY khembravorum) and denounced the public statements made by an \u201caggressive minority\u201d.<\/p>\n The outlet provided a platform to<\/a> \u2013 and thus, arguably legitimized the actions of \u2013 those having carried out the second attack against DIY (May 15), as well as held an amusing discussion with Karine Danielyan<\/a>, a biologist, who, in all seriousness, was making the argument that genetically modified foods might be the major \u201ccause\u201d behind the growing rates of homosexuality in the country.<\/p>\n