Letter by IRA prisoner about homosexuality (1991)

Bottle_of_Smoke

INVISIBLE COMRADES: GAYS AND LESBIANS IN THE STRUGGLE
by Brendi McClenaghan

(Currently a Prisoner of War in Long Kesh aka Maze Prison)
taken from 'The Captive Voice'/'An Glor Gafa
the Voice of Irish Republican Prisoners of War
Winter 1991
**********

Gay men and lesbian women have been involved in the struggle for national liberation and independence as long as any other section of our people. You might claim that you have never known nor met a gay man or lesbian woman, but you have met one or more--today, last week, last year, 22 years ago--for they have been among us, in struggle alongside you. The primary
reason you have not noticed them is that the prevailing culture in our society in relation to sexuality in general, and homosexuality in particular, compels gays/lesbians to conform, thus their sexuality becomes invisible.

Women as a whole were also once virtually invisible in the national struggle. In recent years, however, that have argued forcefully that women's liberation must be an integral part of that struggle. In order that the concept of women's liberation be recognized and accepted as an equal, valid component, women comrades confronted their male counterparts with the contradictions of sexist words and actions. While there is still a long way to go to overcome male chauvinism and sexism, at least today women have succeeded in putting feminist issues on the agenda of the anti-imperialist fight.

It is now time, indeed long past time, to open up debate among republicans on the issue of gay and lesbians, our oppression and its causes, and on our right to be visible equal partners. I believe that national liberation by its very nature incorporates gay/lesbian liberation as an integral part, and it is only through open debate leading to an understanding of gay/lesbian
experience that our equality in struggle can be made a reality.

Social and economic oppression is something the people in the whole of Ireland have suffered, and in the North of Ireland the weight of British occupation is an added burden. As gays/lesbians we are doubly oppressed for we had to endure further repression within our families, local communities and within the Republican Movement because of our sexuality. This manifests itself in many ways and affects every part of our lives.

The state's laws deny equality in marriage, education, social welfare, employment, adoption, life insurance...the list is endless. The state denies gay/lesbian relationships the same recognition as heterosexual relationships under the civil law. While British law allows for consensual relationships between men over 21, the position in the 26 Counties {Southern Ireland}
remains that gay men of any age are liable to imprisonment because of their sexuality--and this in spite of the fact that the Dublin government has accepted, in theory, the ruling by the European Court of Human Rights that present legislation is in breach of the rights of gay men. Both the British and Irish states have appalling records in the area of gay/lesbian rights, especially when compared to other countries in Europe. The legal age of consent, for example, is 16 in Portugal, Switzerland and Holland.

The legal status of gays/ lesbians reflects attitudes in the wider society. All the Churches promote traditional, stereotypical views in relations to matters like contraception, abortion, sex education for young people and the rights of women in marriage. The Catholic Church in particular seeks to maintain its control over our lives and our sexuality. and it has spawned organizations such as Family Solidarity whose views on homosexuality range from the patronizing to the downright chilling:
"If homosexual acts are legalized, the likelihood is that this will be interpreted as a major reversal in social policy, and as recognition by society that for those who are so inclined, engaging in these unnatural, unhealthy and immoral acts is now to be seen as a right...{Legislative reform} would send shock waves through every part of society, the structure of marriage and the family would be interfered with, the rights of children and their parents violated and the freedom and autonomy of religious institutions and schools would be seriously breached." (Family Solidarity News, Spring, 1991.)

In short, the end of civilization as we know it because of men loving men and women loving women. Such attitudes, which are based on intolerance, misinformation and fear, serve only to deionize gays and lesbians in the minds of the Irish people, evoking images of us as depraved men and women wreaking havoc throughout society.

While oppression from the state and the institutions of society adversely affects the quality of life for gays/lesbians, there are other forms of oppression which are as much, if not more, detrimental. Gays and lesbians face oppression daily from family, comrades, neighbors and friends due to the irrational fear of and of deep prejudice against homosexuality.

The most direct expressions of such homophobia are insults, derision and threatened or actual violence. Indirect expressions are sometimes harder to pin down but are nonetheless just as offensive: the pressures to "be what you are but keep it secret and don't rock the boat". This is nothing short of moral blackmail as it is usually accompanied by comments like "What will the family think?", or "It will harm the Movement/struggle". Thus gays/lesbians are forced into invisibility within both the community and the Republican Movement, and consequently within the struggle.

This is a situation which must be confronted not only by gays and lesbians but by everyone who espouses the ideals of republicanism. "We declare that we desire our country to be ruled in accordance with the principles of liberty, equality and justice for all," states the 1919 Democratic Programme of the Dail Eireann {Irish Parliament}. Republicans who have always been to the fore on issue of justice and equality must begin to recognize the oppression of gays/lesbians and to identify with their needs. Republicans must acknowledge and resolve the contradictions in their attitude and behavior which add to that
oppression.

Our participation in the national liberation struggle is not a detraction; on the contrary, out involvement is a reinforcement that the struggle is indeed about the freedom and equality of all who are oppressed. No one should feel excluded. Gay men and lesbian women, especially gay/lesbian comrades within the Republican Movement, must begin the process of full integration and acceptance into the struggle by becoming more visible and making our voices heard on issues that affect us. The prejudices of others can be resolved only by confronting them and by exposing the oppression that those prejudices give
rise to, with the resultant fear, isolation and violence. The experience of such feelings is not imaginary; they are a daily reality for gays and lesbians in the Bogside, Falls, Monaghan, Dungannon, Arydoyne, Ballymun, Crossmaglen and every other town and village in Ireland.

They key to gay/lesbian liberation lies in the success of the national liberation struggle. Gays and lesbians must be a visible part of that struggle so that everyone will recognize that we fought to end the oppression of all. The vital necessity is stressed by those involved in other wars of liberation.

Simon Nkoli. a gay activist involved in the Delmas treason trial in South Africa in 1986, has this to say: "There are lots of gay activists involved in political organizations, but because of the pressure put upon the gay and lesbian community we are
afraid to come out. 'What will people think if they know I am a gay person? I'd better fight against apartheid in a hidden way.' The danger of that is that when South Africa is liberated we as gay people will seem never to have taken part in liberating our people. What will we say if people ask, 'What did you do to bring about change in this country, where were you during the battle?' We'd have to come back to them and say 'We were with you but we didn't want you to
know we were there.' That would be a foolish answer."

Gays and lesbians need to seek out the strength and support of each other, and of those around us who are receptive to the cause of our liberation. There is a need for gay/lesbian comrades to discuss together the issues that affect our lives and which retard participation in the national liberation struggle. In isolation we stand alone and remain invisible, continuing to be
oppressed not only by the state but within our own communities.

Through mutual reinforcement and support we can break down the isolation that each feels and discard the cloak of invisibility that has for too long made a misery of, and destroyed, the lives of gays and lesbians. Together we can articulate the relevance of gay/lesbian liberation, confront the homophobia that faces us and attempt to resolve it through dialogue and discussion. This can only be based on logic and facts, not on the myths and mis-truths deliberately fed to out people by those who seek to maintain control over every aspect of our lives: social, political, cultural, economic and sexual.

Everyone has a role to play in the struggle to end all oppression. Those who are themselves oppressed have an obligation to ensure that they do not contribute in any way to the oppression of others. To do otherwise is to deny the essence of the struggle for 'liberty, equality and justice for all'.

Bit of a long read but I thought it was very good, particularly from someone from a generally religious wider community. I think the bit I've highlighted still rings true today in relation to gay marriage.

Z Brannigan

Very good letter.

The Sinn Féin book/coffee shop is ready for the Gay Pride march and I think them, Labour and the Greens are all taking part too.

Annasopra

Reminds me of a term that I came across recently - homonationalism

Bottle_of_Smoke

Johnnymcg wrote: »

Reminds me of a term that I came across recently - homonationalism

What is that?

door

Where were Sinn Fein during the toughest struggle for gay people? They are no different to FF, accepting when it suits them to try and get votes and support, when gay people already have done the tough work. Republicans are notoriously homophobic, believing that Roger Casement couldn't possibly be gay and that his diaries were forged British propaganda. Its because of the fight against the British, that this country got an even worse ruler and that was Catholicism, the greatest enemy of homosexuality in the worlds history.

Dr. Baltar

Bottle_of_Smoke wrote: »

What is that?

The battle for Queer rights has gone to two directions.
Integrationalist and Separatist.

Integrationalists like myself and most of us here want to remain a minority in our respective states and strive for equality within our own countries. We strive for equal rights such as queer marriage, the ability to donate blood and to adopt.
Our end goal would be the ability to walk down a rural street, holding our partner's hand and having nobody bat an eyelid.

Separatists however, believe that from past dealings with heterosexuals this is either impossible or pointless. The moderate separatist would be someone who purposefully has no straight friends and only hangs out on gay nights ect.
The extreme separatist would be someone who doesn't believe in gay marriage (because that's a heterosexual custom) and an even more extreme version would be someone who believes in Queer Nationalism which is essentially the belief that we should go the way of the Jews and set up our own country to protect ourselves from the oppressive straight people! :rolleyes:

For more of their heterophobic attitudes you should check out:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gay_shame

Thankfully these people are in a minority!

Annasopra

Bottle_of_Smoke wrote: »

What is that?

It's a very academic term and Im not entirely sure myself but I think this may explain it

2. Homonationalism? This was the first time I’ve ever encountered this word and theory. From watching the video and doing a little bit of internet research I have this very basic understanding of homonationalism. Butler, and SUSPECT (the organization that sponsors the blog) make clear that homonationalism is basically what it sounds like…GLTBQ organizations and individuals who perpetuate any ideas of white superiority specifically within the gay community. Nationalism with rainbows…it seems that Butler is emphasizing the way that LGBTQ persons and communities of color are purposefully excluded and marginalized.
While the idea of white gay communities perpetuating racism and exclusion isn’t a new one (this has long been a critique of LGBTQ and feminist movements), I have not heard this label applied. Simplified, the primary point that Butler comes back to is this; queer fights against oppression cannot be separated from the battles against racism, anti-immigrant sentiments, or other forms of oppression.

http://feministsforchoice.com/bulter-protests-homonationalism.htm

dlofnep

door wrote: »

Republicans are notoriously homophobic

I'd appreciate if you didn't try to dictate what the views on homosexuality are on a broad collective of people. Ógra Shinn Féin for example has engaged in the support of the Gay community for years.

Who are these 'Republicans' that you speak of? I've yet to meet a homophobic Republican.

Dr. Baltar

door wrote: »

Republicans are notoriously homophobic.

I'm not a Republican but I'm calling bull****. If anything, Republicans in the past were a lot more radical and a lot more liberal than the conservative, catholic society that they operated within.

Even in recent years, SF has probably been the most supportive of the LGBT community on the ground after Labour. I'm not saying all republicans are like this of course, but to say "Republicans are notoriously homophobic" is a highly generalized statement.

Bottle_of_Smoke

door wrote: »

Where were Sinn Fein during the toughest struggle for gay people? They are no different to FF, accepting when it suits them to try and get votes and support, when gay people already have done the tough work. Republicans are notoriously homophobic, believing that Roger Casement couldn't possibly be gay and that his diaries were forged British propaganda. Its because of the fight against the British, that this country got an even worse ruler and that was Catholicism, the greatest enemy of homosexuality in the worlds history.

Well I think this prisoner was actually echoing what you're saying a bit, in that the general theme of the letter is him calling on the republican movement to recognise how illogical it is to be homophobic, and even the name "invisible comrades"

Also, very specifically criticises the republican movement here:

The most direct expressions of such homophobia are insults, derision and threatened or actual violence. Indirect expressions are sometimes harder to pin down but are nonetheless just as offensive: the pressures to "be what you are but keep it secret and don't rock the boat". This is nothing short of moral blackmail as it is usually accompanied by comments like "What will the family think?", or "It will harm the Movement/struggle". Thus gays/lesbians are forced into invisibility within both the community and the Republican Movement, and consequently within the struggle.

I think you would be surprised by current attitudes to homophobia amongst republicans if you knew more. I don't know if you can access this page but it was a topic on a republican site a while ago. All but one or two exceptions were very anti-homophobic on the thread. Its a pretty radical site too. Attached is a poll showing 82% of 123 people said they have no issues with homosexuality.

http://www.irishrepublican.net/forum/showthread.php?61163-Homophobia

So whilst I agree there has most likely been homophobia in the past, I would say SF have always been more progressive than the conventional view of the general public. Because the conflict was portrayed as a Catholic vs Protestant thing, people get the idea the IRA/INLA were very papist and therefore automatically homophobic.

The Roger Casemont thing, I think that's covered by what Brendi said about the "it will harm the movement" meme. Have to remember it would have been used against them, think of the "save ulster from sodomy" campaign. I've noticed a recent thing is people are more likely to say "so what" when Casemont's sexuality is mentioned rather than "thats a british lie"

Yahew

door wrote: »

Where were Sinn Fein during the toughest struggle for gay people? They are no different to FF, accepting when it suits them to try and get votes and support, when gay people already have done the tough work. Republicans are notoriously homophobic, believing that Roger Casement couldn't possibly be gay and that his diaries were forged British propaganda. Its because of the fight against the British, that this country got an even worse ruler and that was Catholicism, the greatest enemy of homosexuality in the worlds history.

Is that true? Compared to Islam? Evangelical protestantism? Other native religions? Homosexuality was made illegal in Britain during the reformation for instance, not before. Anti-homosexual laws were often used to close down the monasteries.

Annasopra

Well SOME (and I emphasise that) have been notoriously homophobic. I don't you can make sweeping statements to say that all republicans are either entire gay or gay friendly - examples that spring to mind are Gerry McGeough of Hibernia magazine and death threats to David Norris. I think modern Sinn Fein are actually very very progressive on gay rights generally. My point is broad sweeping generalizations are completely untrue

Bottle_of_Smoke

mango salsa wrote: »

Well SOME (and I emphasise that) have been notoriously homophobic. I don't you can make sweeping statements to say that all republicans are either entire gay or gay friendly - examples that spring to mind are Gerry McGeough of Hibernia magazine and death threats to David Norris. I think modern Sinn Fein are actually very very progressive on gay rights generally. My point is broad sweeping generalizations are completely untrue

McGeough is very homophobic alright.

What were the Norris threats about?

Annasopra

Bottle_of_Smoke wrote: »

McGeough is very homophobic alright.

What were the Norris threats about?

Not sure what they were about really - more here

cedarlounge.wordpress.com/2010/05/11/the-norris-presidential-campaign-kicks-off/

Dr. Baltar

I'm sure that threats against Norris may well have been more about the fact that he wants to rejoin the Commonwealth and has a "West Brit" attitude about him rather than the fact that he's gay.

Bottle_of_Smoke

mango salsa wrote: »

Not sure what they were about really - more here

cedarlounge.wordpress.com/2010/05/11/the-norris-presidential-campaign-kicks-off/

Interesting. I wonder was there any official codeword or anything. Seems far more likely some anti-gay nut decided a death threat would have more oomph if it was signed P O'Neill.

I just cannot see why they would benefit from killing him. Even having a west brit attitude seems like a very minor reason for going to the trouble of killing a senator, and therefore taking the risk that operation could damage their public support

Dr. Baltar

Bottle_of_Smoke wrote: »

Interesting. I wonder was there any official codeword or anything. Seems far more likely some anti-gay nut decided a death threat would have more oomph if it was signed P O'Neill.

I just cannot see why they would benefit from killing him. Even having a west brit attitude seems like a very minor reason for going to the trouble of killing a senator, and therefore taking the risk that operation could damage their public support

Norris would be very pro-British. Wanting to re-join the commonwealth ect.
I can't understand the IRA either...

Azure_sky

If Sinn Fein make it transparently clear they also support trans (no pun intended) rights I'll seriously consider voting for them in the next election. Their electoral demograph is comprised of the socially marginalised. How often do you hear of a conservative who belongs to an oppressed minority group?

dlofnep

Azure_sky wrote: »

If Sinn Fein make it transparently clear they also support trans (no pun intended) rights I'll seriously consider voting for them in the next election.

Are you referring to transgender rights? I don't see why they wouldn't support it. Is there anything you have read that would lead you to believe otherwise? If you want, I can get clarification for you and get back to you - but I don't see the party not supporting such an issue. My understanding is that anywhere civil liberty is curbed, it infringes upon civil rights - and as such, Sinn Féin would oppose such anything that impacts on civil rights.

Just let me know if you want clarification.

Sir Ophiuchus

Dr. Baltar wrote: »

The battle for Queer rights has gone to two directions.
Integrationalist and Separatist.

Integrationalists like myself and most of us here want to remain a minority in our respective states and strive for equality within our own countries. We strive for equal rights such as queer marriage, the ability to donate blood and to adopt.
Our end goal would be the ability to walk down a rural street, holding our partner's hand and having nobody bat an eyelid.

Separatists however, believe that from past dealings with heterosexuals this is either impossible or pointless. The moderate separatist would be someone who purposefully has no straight friends and only hangs out on gay nights ect.
The extreme separatist would be someone who doesn't believe in gay marriage (because that's a heterosexual custom) and an even more extreme version would be someone who believes in Queer Nationalism which is essentially the belief that we should go the way of the Jews and set up our own country to protect ourselves from the oppressive straight people! :rolleyes:

For more of their heterophobic attitudes you should check out:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gay_shame

Thankfully these people are in a minority!

I have to take issue with some of this - you're caricaturing one side of a more complex issue.

It would be more fair to say that assimilationists (another word for integrationists) see queer identities as being fundamentally the same as straight ones, save for their partnerships/gender expression/etc. Separationists, on the other hand, consider queer identities as having a fundamental difference from straight ones. That doesn't necessarily mean that they eschew straight people in their lives or practice heterophobia.

I don't want to derail this thread, which is really interesting, but I'd like to talk with Dr. Baltar about this more at some point.

rainbow kirby

Sir Ophiuchus wrote: »

I don't want to derail this thread, which is really interesting, but I'd like to talk with Dr. Baltar about this more at some point.

Might be worth starting a new thread then.

Azure_sky

dlofnep wrote: »

Are you referring to transgender rights? I don't see why they wouldn't support it. Is there anything you have read that would lead you to believe otherwise? If you want, I can get clarification for you and get back to you - but I don't see the party not supporting such an issue. My understanding is that anywhere civil liberty is curbed, it infringes upon civil rights - and as such, Sinn Féin would oppose such anything that impacts on civil rights.

Just let me know if you want clarification.

I think I remember someone saying that on their website, during the election, that they support LGB. There was no T though. I wonder can anyone clarify Sinn Feins position on this.

Dr. Baltar

Sir Ophiuchus wrote: »

I have to take issue with some of this - you're caricaturing one side of a more complex issue.

It would be more fair to say that assimilationists (another word for integrationists) see queer identities as being fundamentally the same as straight ones, save for their partnerships/gender expression/etc. Separationists, on the other hand, consider queer identities as having a fundamental difference from straight ones. That doesn't necessarily mean that they eschew straight people in their lives or practice heterophobia.

I don't want to derail this thread, which is really interesting, but I'd like to talk with Dr. Baltar about this more at some point.

I'd definitely like to have a discussion with you and others on the subject. Please go ahead and make a thread (albeit I'm a bit busy at the moment with a new job).
I accept and agree that my comments are indeed very biased as I have little time for separationists.

dlofnep

Azure_sky wrote: »

I think I remember someone saying that on their website, during the election, that they support LGB. There was no T though. I wonder can anyone clarify Sinn Feins position on this.

Leave it with me, I'll get back to you with an answer. I'm sure they do - But I'll confirm.

dlofnep

Sinn Féin support trans-gender rights, and favour gender recognition legislation. Confirmed.