Sun, Oct 24, 1999 page6

• Earthquake gives gays a chance

  • Mickey Chen
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  The organization of the "921 Comrade Disaster Relief Action Coalition" (921同志救災行動聯盟) by the gay and lesbian groups in Kaohsiung (the word "comrade" is used in Taiwan to refer to gays and lesbians) shows that, despite the unequal distribution of resources between north and south, comrades in the south are actually becoming more active. This move immediately received a positive response from the comrades in the north, and much positive attention from international gay and lesbian organizations.

  Taiwan's democratic achievements are made particularly evident by the mobilization of even these marginal groups in the midst of our nation's mourning. The beauty of Taiwan lies in its self-motivated popular mobilization, exemplified by the comrade movement, the aboriginal awakening, the Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation (慈濟功德會), and the Humanistic Education Foundation (人本教育基金會).

  The gays and lesbians have a unique sub-culture, which is nothing like the "isolated dark world" sometimes portrayed by mainstream society.

  The mobilization of comrades, as our country goes through social trauma, demonstrates Taiwan's high level of social integration. Through social involvement, these groups are clearing themselves of the accusation of being "rebellious children of the dark corners." The comrades are no different from other Taiwanese who, after shedding tears and agonizing over losses, are now rolling up their sleeves to rebuild our home.

  A straight attorney, Kenneth Chiu (邱晃泉), once said thoughtfully: "Friends in the US have told me it is better to be black than to be gay, because if you are black, you don't have to tell your mother."

  Have gays and lesbians who make up 5 to10 percent of Taiwan's population had a chance to speak out?Among the two thousand casualties of the earthquake, it is likely that 5 to 10 percent were gays and lesbians, simply as a matter of statistical probability. However, they may never have had the chance to tell their families about their sexual orientation.

  Even more importantly, if a homosexual couple organized a family, without family blessing and social recognition, and one of them passed away during the quake, the survivor would be unable to claim insurance funds or government compensation. The comrade organizations in Taiwan, isolated and lacking any real power, are unable to offer timely assistance. For these homosexual victims, we should provide a channel to voice their pain. In comparison, many cities in the West have "domestic partnership laws" which help gays and lesbians, as well as co-habiting heterosexual couples.

  What about the gay and lesbian teenagers who survived the quake? How could their foster families learn about their sexual orientation and offer the needed love and care? Even to their birth families, it would be hard to disclose their sexual orientation. Besides, gays and lesbians are not allowed to adopt children or provide foster care. Only heterosexual couples recognized by mainstream society may do so. A homosexual teenager who remains traumatized may have a complicated future.

  The 921 earthquake may be a turning point for an uncaring Taiwan. Hereafter, perhaps no social segments would be ignored and feel the need to hide their suffering.

  As the comrades look at the homeless orphans, they realize they can never adopt any child, no matter how much love they may have or how qualified they may be. As the compassionate comrades try to donate blood, they are stopped by a sign on the blood truck that says "No Homosexuals." The 921 earthquake has changed the outlook of many Taiwanese. The comrades are no exception.

  Homosexuals, as a minority group, must become more involved in mainstream society. Perhaps this is an opportunity for turning back discrimination.
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