EU survey reveals many gays live in fear

[DonViejo]

Source: AP

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Across Europe, gay couples are scared of publicly engaging in even the most basic expression of their affection: Holding hands.

Released Friday, the largest ever EU survey of hate crime and discrimination targeting members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in the 27-nation bloc and Croatia showed many of them live in fear and conceal their sexual identity.

Two-thirds of the 93,000 people who filled in the anonymous online questionnaire said they were afraid of holding hands in public with a same sex partner — the figure rose to 75 percent for gay and bisexual men.

Austrian European lawmaker Ulrike Lunacek, said she has seen improvements in attitudes since she came out as a lesbian 30 years ago, but wasn’t surprised at the fear of holding hands.

Read more: http://www.salon.com/2013/05/17/eu_survey_reveals_many_gays_live_in_fear/

[RKP5637]

1. Same is true in many parts of the US too! n/t

[SoapBox]

2. Well...

DUH!

No shit Sherlock.

[socialsecurityisAAA]

3. I was scared to let people know until I grew up.

I used to be tall and lanky, now I'm muscular.;; After I thickened my confidence level went through the roof. Whether or not it was because I felt more physically capable or peoples reactions changed I will never know.

[Fearless]

4. Look at the violence as a result of IDAHOT Day and you'll see why

For instance... http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/05/17/georgia-idahot-rally-attacked-by-thousands-of-violent-protesters/