Sexual Orientation or Gender Roles

By

 During my visit to Morocco, I noticed that there was not a heavy presence or representation for minority groups such as homosexual couples. In the United States, we have themed months for gay couples and for other minority groups such as African Americans in June, known as Juneteenth. In Morocco, there seemed to be a much more homogenous feel when it comes to identity and orientation. The men and women tend to fill more traditional roles and do not stray much from the nuclear family the way that some do in the United States. I learned that being gay or participating in such activities is a crime punishable by jail in Morocco.

 

From outside research, I have learned that there are different standards for tourists and those that are famous/working in the art industry vs. everyday Moroccans when it comes to being gay. “While LGBTQ presence and tolerance in Morocco once felt imported, nowadays it is more deeply rooted. Modern art and literature includes queer figures such as lesbian writer Fatima Zahra Amzkar and gay writer and filmmaker Abdellah Taïa, whose award-winning novels Salvation Army and My Morocco, among others, describe his youth as a gay man confronting Morocco’s homophobia. There are also non-queer artists, such as Moroccan filmmaker Maryam Touzani, who features LGBTQ characters and themes in her work” (Graham, 2023).

It seems that those who are famous or living in more urban areas are more likely to be accepted than the everyday citizen living in a more rural area. Being gay in a tourist city such as Marrakech seems to be more widely accepted as there are hotels and other places that tourists would frequent that are accepting. However, most businesses and people that are not well-acquainted with tourists or focused on arts do not accept the idea of being gay or those that are. “Despite Morocco’s rich queer culture, past and present, the country’s laws suggest otherwise. Homosexuality in the Islamic state—even same-sex kissing—remains illegal and punishable by fines and up to three years in prison. In 2020, dozens of gay men were outed in a country-wide Grindr leak, leading to an uptick in bullying, stigmatization, arrests, violence, and blackmailing. Yet in parts of the country, particularly its more progressive cities, queerness feels not only tolerated but accepted. What does this mean for travelers?” (Graham, 2023)

 

The more urban areas and the art industry seem to be ahead of the government in terms of acceptance. Those that are famous have more freedom to have different orientations and mindsets than those that are not. In addition,  the Moroccan government still seems to be heavily intertwined with religious ideals that prohibit more free ways of thinking.

Graham, A. H. (2023, June 9). Is Morocco becoming a more Queer-Friendly destination? - AFAR. AFAR Media. https://www.afar.com/magazine/is-morocco-becoming-a-more-queer-friendly-destination

Comments

  1. Ally WayneJune 21, 2024 at 8:57 AM

    Arianna,
    I thought that your observations and insights from our time in Morocco were very interesting. It's clear that there's a significant contrast between the experiences of LGBTQ individuals in urban versus rural areas, as well as between tourists and locals. This difference highlights the complex interplay between cultural, social, and legal factors in shaping the acceptance of minority groups. Promoting education and awareness about LGBTQ issues through community programs and media representation could be key in fostering a more inclusive society. Collaboration with local leaders and influencers might help in gradually shifting attitudes and reducing stigma in more conservative areas. What steps do you think could be taken to bridge the acceptance gap between urban and rural areas, ensuring that tolerance and understanding extend beyond the more progressive cities?

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Who Am I? Think Again. Exploring Authentic Identities

By
Image
This video is part of the  TED Talks  series.  TED  (Technology, Entertainment and Design) is a nonprofit devoted to disseminating "ideas worth spreading." I thought the idea of  creating authentic identity through failed imitation  was a great theme to begin the course as well as the blog. My hope is that you will step outside of the  status quo  and use your creative nature to complete the assignments and explore identity in a global context throughout this semester. What are your thoughts about Hetain Patel's presentation?
Read more

Culture: Young Entrepreneurs in Morocco

By
Image
     Cruising through Morocco's bustling streets, I encountered something remarkable: young children, barely school-aged, hustling to make ends meet. As a supporter of instilling a strong work ethic in children, these encounters made me reflect on the societal dynamics at play. Unlike the lemonade stands or school fundraisers I'm used to back home, these children weren't just seeking pocket money; they were often selling goods to survive and working to support their families.      This reality raised questions about education policies in Morocco.  According to a report by Human Rights Watch, although Moroccan law prohibits children under 15 from working, exceptions are made for those engaged in economic activity. The report highlights that approximately 1.2 million children in Morocco are engaged in economic activity, with 372,000 of them being under the age of twelve. This statistic highlights the frequency of child labor in the country and the challenges it poses to educa
Read more

Blog Post 1

By
Image
       During our first tour of The Hassan II Mosque, I asked our tour guide about the headscarves most women wore. She informed me that the hijab, donned by numerous Muslim women in Morocco, is deeply ingrained in religious teachings, symbolizing modesty and adherence to Islamic principles. The meaning of “hijab” means “to conceal” in Arabic. It is the idea of covering yourself to honor God, and not draw sexual attention. Quranic verses and Hadith literature underscore the importance of modest attire, urging both genders to cover themselves and preserve modesty.      For Moroccan Muslim women, wearing the hijab transcends cultural tradition; it's a religious duty, showcasing their commitment to Islamic values. Serving as a tangible expression of faith, the hijab signifies submission to divine commandments and dedication to upholding religious ideals in daily life. Beyond its physical manifestation, the hijab carries spiritual significance, embodying a woman's inner modesty, di
Read more