text: Maia Popa

illustration: Cristina Rădoaica

 

For centuries, this topic has been taboo around the world, despite the fact that the LGBTQ community has existed since the beginning of time, whether people like to believe it or not. In Romania, this community is still not fully accepted, regardless of the laws and the progress made to support it.

In ancient times, same-sex relationships were seen much differently than they are now. They were not seen as something strange, but rather as something normal, part of their everyday life. However, this changed under the rulers of Romania, when, despite the fact that same-sex relationships still existed, they were discouraged and punished. In the 17th century, punishments for "sodomy," as it was then called, included imprisonment, fines, and beatings, even if they were milder here compared to others in Europe.

In the interwar period, when some began to assert themselves, this topic created scandals in the press. Such scandals were directed at Petre Comarnescu and Panait Istrati, and cultural prejudices were also questioned in the works of Alexandru Macedonski and Mateiu Caragiale. In 1936, homosexuality was first discussed by Parliament under the term "sexual inversion". Article 431 criminalized such relationships with up to two years in prison. The arrival of the reign of Charles II and fascism in Romania led to a depressed Orthodox nationalism, and homosexuals were labeled as degenerates and were often "exiled" from society.

The article was revised in 1968, under Ceaușescu's communist regime, when article 200 was introduced. Thus, for the first time in Romania's history, same-sex relationships were clearly recognized under the term "homosexuality". This notorious article saw the LGBTQ+ community as capitalists and threats to the regime. After all, how could they be both communists and homosexuals? Evidence could be easily fabricated, so anyone who opposed the regime, including heterosexuals, could be convicted. In those days, members of the community committed their "illicit" acts in parks and on the Black Sea coast, where there were fewer authorities.

Unfortunately, those who were caught could either turn against their community and provide the regime with information about members of their community, or end up in prison. Ion Negoițescu, literary critic, was accused of homosexuality after his lover had to give his name to the authorities. A year after his death, his autobiography, Dragon Guard, was published. The tumultuous novel shocked the communist society, which encouraged people to perceive the LGBTQ+ community as more humane.

The 90s did not bring the desired change, although small signs of progress were made. Same-sex relationships were legalized, and although homosexuals still had no rights, they were no longer as afraid as before. In 1996, transgender people were allowed to change their gender; however, most were hesitant to do so because there were a multitude of institutionalized obstacles that made this extremely difficult.

In 2001, with the new anti-discrimination law, the LGBTQ community finally gained rights and was protected in most areas of social life. However, the decriminalization of homosexuality in Romania did not come as a result of a change in mentality, but rather as a necessity to become part of the EU.

Since then, the LGBTQ community has faced many more obstacles and continued to become more and more accepted in society. From Mariana Cetiner being the last person in Romania to be imprisoned for homosexuality, to hosting the first Pride Month March in 2004 and celebrating the first LGBTQ History Month in 2011, the world and the community have progressed side by side, becoming stronger.

Currently, there are no restrictions on self-expression, legal gender change or military service, but recognition of same-sex relationships and adoption are not yet accepted in Romania. However, the world is in constant transformation, so we hope that our country will catch up with the rest of Europe and become more inclusive.

Happy Pride Month everyone! Remember to take care, stay safe and never lose your voice no matter what others say.