{"id":26795,"date":"2020-05-12T09:23:34","date_gmt":"2020-05-12T07:23:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ilgrandecolibri.com\/?p=26795"},"modified":"2020-05-12T09:36:53","modified_gmt":"2020-05-12T07:36:53","slug":"tunisia-fake-news-about-gay-weddings-feeds-homophobia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ilgrandecolibri.com\/en\/tunisia-fake-news-about-gay-weddings-feeds-homophobia\/","title":{"rendered":"Tunisia: “Fake news about gay weddings feeds homophobia”"},"content":{"rendered":"

An impressive number of Italian media and some international media reported some sensational news, spread by the well-known Shams association: Tunisia recognized for the first time a same-sex marriage celebrated in France! Il Grande Colibr\u00ec, like other organizations and media with a knowledge of the African country, immediately expressed some doubts<\/a>. We have reported the reconstruction of the story<\/a>, but we want to understand more. For this reason, we spoke to Karam<\/strong>, communication officer of the association Mawjoudin-We Exist<\/strong><\/a>.

<\/div>\n

It’s sad that a majority of international media reported the news without even asking<\/strong> the queer community here in Tunisia and the NGOs working in contact with the LGBTQI people…<\/p>\n

Read also: A History of the Criminalization of Homosexuality in Tunisia<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

What did really happen?<\/strong><\/p>\n

It was a mistake made by a municipality employee: in fact, in Tunisia homosexuality is criminalized<\/strong> under the article 230 of the penal code and the Tunisian government signed several conventions, even with France, not allowing the recognition of homosexual marriages celebrated between one of its citizens and a foreigner.<\/p>\n

In your opinion, why did Shams spread this fake news?<\/strong><\/p>\n

From its beginning, Shams hasn\u2019t been interested in caring about the safety of the queer community, so it\u2019s kind of a new opportunity for making a buzz<\/strong>. We, as Mawjoudin, know that Shams hasn\u2019t been actively working in helping queer people for a while and LGBTQIA people don\u2019t trust their methods anymore.<\/p>\n

\"vittoriaIn a statement<\/a> signed by dozens of associations, you also mentioned negative consequences of this fake news: homophobia, threats, violence … Can you tell us more details about what happened?<\/strong><\/p>\n

We\u2019ve already noticed a rising in queerphobic attacks<\/strong> online during the quarantine, and this kind of disinformation put LGBTQIA people again at risk of hate speeches, forced coming out, hacked Facebook and Instagram accounts, being kicked from the house. Every day we receive several calls for help, mostly related to psychological violence and harassment. And it\u2019s very difficult to help people during a quarantine… we try to do our best.<\/p>\n

Read also: A Giant Online Outing Campaign is Underway in Morocco<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

What is the Tunisian queer movement doing now? What are your goals?<\/strong><\/p>\n

We are mostly focused on two objectives. On one hand, we are giving financial and psychological help<\/strong> to queer people: we give food; we set up urgent shelter; we offer online and phone counselling… We are also very concerned for asylum seekers and migrants: we have been working on a project focused on them for a year, now. On the other hand, we are creating a virtual space for workshops and socializing, so that people don\u2019t feel alone and can share experiences.<\/p>\n

How do you see the Western media\u2019s attitude in documenting the queer community in Tunisia, its activities and its challenges?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I guess, on the average, media look for a buzz<\/strong> without being conscious of the challenges and risks in the regions. Still, some journalists are supportive and helpful when they try to do their investigation.<\/p>\n

Pier Cesare Notaro<\/strong>
\n\u00a92020 Il Grande Colibr\u00ec
\nimages: elaborations from\u00a0Pixabay<\/a> (CC0) \/ from\u00a0ouss94<\/a> (CC0)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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