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websites for LGBT Africa: http://www.mask.org.za/index2.html
Also
see:
Gay
Ethiopians
Gay
Ethiopian Yahoo Group
Ethiopian News http://nazret.com/
2 We are gay and Ethiopian 1/05
3
Being Young, Ethiopian-American and Homeless 6/05 (story
followed by many hostile and supportive replies from
readers, many of whom are Ethiopian)
4 Surviving on the streets: Sexuality and HIV/AIDS among male street youth in Dessie, Ethiopia 7/05
From
Behind the Mask
http://www.mask.org.za/SECTIONS/AfricaPerCountry/ABC/ethiopia/ethiopia_4.htm
1
Beware
the gays
May 27, 2003
Sources in Addis Ababa report that local government officials recently called meetings in the various suburbs and villages of Addis Ababa to warn parents about the hazards of homosexuality. Concerned that homosexuality is becoming more visible in the city local authorities are reacting to a recent spate of people coming out as gay or lesbian in the city.
In
some areas of the city, such as at Bole International Airport and at
various cinemas and theatres in the city, gays have begun to gather
in the evenings to socialise. One young person reported that after
the meeting his parents accused him of being gay because of his "different"
appearance and behaviour.
Officials at the meetings warned that from time to time there is an
increase in the occurrence of homosexuality and that parents should
watch out for warning signs. They also warned that the recent rise in
homosexuality is due to parents not looking after their children
properly.
The meetings have sparked debate among parents and other residents in
Addis Ababa leading to an atmosphere of fear and apprehension among
the city's gay population. The current debate is drawing more interest
than ever before to the subject of homosexuality and people's behaviour,
adding to the feeling of apprehension among the gay community.
From:
Behind the Mask: Ethiopians in an online group
http://www.mask.org.za/SECTIONS/AfricaPerCountry/ABC/ethiopia/ethiopia_index.html
January
7, 2005
2
We are gay and Ethiopian
By Ephraim
Discussions among Ethiopians in an online group have
recently centred on whether or not being gay is Ethiopian.
Melakam
Yegena Bale argues that one can be both and that civil rights for
gays could benefit straights too.
In the struggle for gay equality, it's important to at least get
others to listen to what we have to say. Not because we have to get
a majority
of people on our side: civil rights does not (or more accurately,
isn't supposed to) depend on majority approval.
We need people to listen to us so that we can explain to them why
allowing the government to limit the civil rights of gays is dangerous
to the
civil rights of straights as well.
Abandoning our history and heritage and telling others "We're
Gays! We're not Ethiopians!" is not conducive to get the other
side to listen. Demanding equality and later abandoning the struggle
whenever we are challenged by the oppressor is not only pointless,
it's downright dangerous. People don't need much of a reason to
continue to discriminate, and being disrespectful to our heritage
and background
is giving them that ammunition.
Identifying ourselves merely based on our sexual orientation makes
homophobia easy. If we just focus on our sexuality and
ignore our other identities, what kind of message are we sending? Who can blame
straight
people for thinking gay men are nothing more than sex-crazed perverts?
Why are we blaming guys for telling us being gay is not Ethiopian
if we abandon our heritage upon learning our attraction for the same
gender?
Are we not fulfilling prejudicial stereotypical assumptions? Is this
not self- defeating?
Self-defeating behaviour and actions can only be stopped by the one
who is performing them. Straights can't stop gay Ethiopians from
behaving in ways that put people on the defensive and therefore less
inclined
to listen to what their advocates are saying.
We must stop those behaviours ourselves. We must take back control
of our lives. We must help ourselves. Until we learn how to fight
oppression systematically, all we can really do is to both sit idly
by and say
Hey!
Wake up! Look at what you're doing to yourself!
Posted
on: Nazret.com Ethiopian News Portal
University of Washington
http://thedaily.washington.edu/features.lasso?-database=DailyWebSQL&-table=Articles&-response=featurespage.lasso&-keyField=Record_ID&-keyValue=13519&-search
June
29, 2005
3
Being Young, Ethiopian-American and Homeless (story
followed by many hostile and supportive replies from readers)
Trevor Klein / The Daily
Senior Leoule Goshu has overcome many obstacles in life. Having
left his abusive parents for a life on the streets, he is now
a full-time
student at the UW and was director of the GBLTC.
Leoule Goshu endured depression, domestic violence and homelessness
- all before he turned 22
By Blythe Lawrence
The invitation said 9:37 p.m., but at 10 the spacious apartment was
still almost empty. "
I hate gay people," Leoule Goshu said dramatically, rolling his
big brown eyes. But he can't help but smile, his despairing tone
quickly melting into a high-pitched giggle.
"
I just want it to be quiet and not too obnoxious," he said of
the impending birthday party. Alcohol is not allowed in the building
where Leoule lives, so guests have been warned not to bring anything
tucked into a brown paper bag.
In the living room, a handful of guests are seated on cushions and
couches around a small coffee table laden with lemon cakes and potato
chips, breaking the ice by sharing stories of their strangest dreams
and answering "would you rather" questions read off a deck
of cards. "
Would you rather your mother was a well-known prostitute or a murderess
and only you knew about it?" a girl asked. Leoule blanches, even
though the question is not addressed to him. He's played "would
you rather" on his birthday before -- specifically, one night
two years ago when he decided he'd rather live on the streets than
face his abusive parents again.
Domestic violence: A family affair
Originally from Austin, TX, the former UW Gay, Bisexual, Lesbian
and Transgender Commission (GBLTC) director grew up in a household
where
domestic violence was a family affair. His parents were from Ethiopia,
where Leoule's grandfather was a government official.
His parents moved to Austin before he was born, and his father attended
the University of Texas at Austin, where he received a PhD in psychology.
Although it is not uncommon for Ethiopian men to hit their wives,
Leoule said his father decided to give up the practice after studying
the
effects of spousal abuse. But the damage had already been done. Instead
of growing up in a household where the father was the dominant abusive
figure, by the time the family had moved from Austin to Tacoma, his
mother had taken to hitting his father. Violence was "all around," he
said. As a child, he thought kids in every household were treated
that way.
"
I was a bully in preschool," he said, laughing. "My parents
used to pinch me, so I pinched other kids. I thought it was the norm."
An excuse for anger
His parents noticed his high voice when he was young and knew he
was "different."
"
Apparently they knew I was gay before I did," Leoule said, but
doesn't show the smile that so frequently appears when he interacts
with others.
He doesn't think his sexuality altered his childhood, or that his
parents picked on him because he was gay. Rather, his sexuality became
an excuse
for their anger. "[There would have been] domestic violence whether
I was gay or straight," he said.
As he grew older, the attacks got progressively worse. "
My father threatened to take my life," Leoule said emotionlessally,
staring far away into the darkness of the night. "My mother
threatened to kill me with an ax."
It's a story he's told many times before.
The young and the homeless
When Leoule was 18, he enrolled at the UW, commuting from home for
two years. His parents wouldn't apply for financial aid, even though
Leoule says his family would have qualified. "For them, it was
a matter of control."
One night, Leoule's mother hit his sister in the face with a wine
glass. The injury landed her in the emergency room. For Leoule, it
was a wake-up
call: his mother was capable of carrying out her threats. He realized
he might be next.
So like many children who come from homes of domestic violence, Leoule
decided he was safer on the streets. He split the night he turned
20. "
There's a rule among street kids that if you don't have interaction
with a social worker during your first 90 days of being homeless, it's
hard to get help and get off the streets," Leoule said. He was
lucky -- after making contact with a social worker, he was placed
in one of Seattle's transitional housing facilities
Because he was black, gay and homeless, the odds were against him.
According to a report by the Seattle Commission on Children and Youth,
approximately 40 percent of homeless youth identify as gay, lesbian
or bisexual. Half say their parents reject them because of their
sexual orientation, and 25 percent are forced to leave home because
of it.
When Leoule began seeking out ways to get back in school, he discovered
he was still technically enrolled at the UW. "It was one of the
greatest days of my life," he said.
But there was still depression to overcome. At the transitional home,
youths move out when they feel they have gotten a handle on their
lives. The continuous exodus and influx of new people at the shelter
was too
much for Leoule to deal with. Depression and suicide are common issues,
he said. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports
that suicide is the leading cause of death among gay and lesbian
youth.
"
Here in the U-District, people have the privilege of staying in shelters," Leoule
said. "There was no stability in my life. People would enter
and leave every three months."
A fetish for being included
The men in the room fit no stereotype and belong to several ethnic
groups. Party guests have moved on from playing "would you rather" to
describing their fetishes.
" Soccer men."
" Swimmer boys."
" Being tied up with the entire U.S. men's gymnastics team."
For Leoule, it's a welcome change.
Even among gay youth, Leoule said he often felt excluded because of
his skin color. "White gay males, their circles are very white," he
said. His awareness that his skin color made him different from other
gay men made him painfully shy. "I would meet guys on the internet
for sex," he said. "But I could never interact with them
in person."
Fighting for his rights
Leoule still battles post-traumatic stress. But he's also moved on.
As director of the UW GBLTC, he was responsible for generating a
storm of publicity about gay rights on campus. He lobbied for gay
marriage
and helped organize a drag talent competition in the HUB that was
so popular it filled the auditorium to capacity and students were
turned
away.
His job has become so popular that although Leoule applied for the
position next year, he was not chosen for it. "It was weird, moving
from a place where I had no power, to a really powerful position," he
said. "People love me or they hate me. Nobody wanted the job
last year, and now so many people want [it], I've done my job."
Moving on
Leoule's apartment, the biggest in his building, is spotless. The
room is lit only by one lamp, with bulbs sprouting in every direction,
making
it look like an exotic tree. Alongside movie posters, pages featuring
GBLTC events from The Daily are tacked to the wall. Music pulsates
from someone's laptop, a grounding, driving beat. The guests are
eating, drinking, engaged in animated conversations. Every now and
then the
door opens and someone new walks in to shouted greetings and hugs.
Leoule stands at the center of the room, reveling in it all. Later,
when everyone who wants to be is good and buzzed, there will be dancing
at Neighbors, a popular gay club on Capitol Hill. Finals, the past
and the future can wait -- right now, Leoule Goshu is just another
college senior enjoying his 22nd birthday party.
Leoule shame on yourself.
The bible said homos will not enter the kingdom of heaven.change
your way! Or you will burn in HELL.
p.s. Leoule, nobody had perfect childhood
= Comment from: Ethiolove [Visitor]
What a sad story in every direction!
6/22/05 @ 10:28
= Comment from: cool Dude [Visitor]
Leoule you are a brother. but not Realy!
06/22/05 @ 11:05
= Comment from: queenofsheba [Visitor]
Dear Leoule,
I think that it is very brave of you to come out. This ignorant
habash society we have is what is keeping us apart from being a
more civil
society. I have many gay friends even though i have not met Ethiopians
that are gay, i feel we all need to love people not because of
their sexuality but because of their heart. Don't listen to this
people
that are telling you that you are going to burn in hell because
they are
certinaly not without sin. And as far as domestic violence i know
that it happens in our households because it happened in mine.
I hope that
all is well with you and keep on working hard, If you care to e-mail
me some time please do so at queenofsheba21@hotmail.com and perhaps
we can chat. P.S i live in toronto canada.
your sister in love.
06/22/05 @ 11:25
= Comment from: Berehe [Visitor]
Shame on you Leoule.Bisbis bushtie.
06/22/05 @ 12:17
= Comment from: Abraham [Member]
Dear Leoule,
Keep the hope alive and forget the past, big up your journey to
the future, do not forget who you are, your roots is the foundation
of
forgiveness.
Peace out,
06/22/05 @ 12:20
= Comment from: Saddened [Visitor]
I send my condolences to the Goshu family. And I say ditto to Berehe.
06/22/05 @ 12:57
=
Comment from: Ezana [Visitor]
Leoule,
I must say you are one brave brother. Coming out of our community,
which is very traditional and culturally sensitive, it isn't easy
to be you. Even the so called educated and liberal in our community
wouldn't
tolerate your orientation. In our community we talk about Democracy,
human right all that bull. But when it comes to the reality we
fail to live up to the very principle we claim to fight and die
for: INDIVIDUAL
RIGHT. I think it takes sometime before we come to respect your
individual right. I must say as open as I am trying to be, I am
still a little
bit homophobic. I am sure you would understand why. Move on brother!!06/22/05
@ 13:12
=
Comment from: kormaa finfinee [Visitor]
leoule. Do not take on your parents. for that of your own desire.
you did called your parents abusives. but they
did lived together for long until you faget ass moved out.and they
are still together.too much of afreedom and culturelessness will
lead you to distruction of life style .if you dont fully understand
what
freedom stands for. i donot care what you do for your group of
devils.you are still ignored,
isolated black gay. please hide your pic becouse we dont need another
sick Ethiopian any more.
and it seems to me ,that you are that school just to explore your
sexuality not for any thing else.
All your roads to the hell faget.
06/22/05 @ 13:13
=
Comment from: Adey [Visitor]
Hi Leoule,
In the end, all that matters is your relationship with God. Unlike
people who judge you at face value, God knows everything about
you and loves you unconditionally. Do not worry about what people
say
or think because it doesn't matter! I'm sorry about your abusive
past
but I'm proud that you took action to do what's right for yourself.
May God continue to be with you and best wishes in everything you
do! It takes courage to be open and honest like you have been and
although
it exposes you to stupid comments from people like the ones above,
I hope it will also be a healing process for you.
06/22/05 @ 13:14
I recommend 7 days at Shenkora tsebel. The devil that possessed
you and is making you have unnatural desires will go off
you like a smoke.
(sigh) Just a suggestion.
06/22/05 @ 13:36
=
Comment from: Demeke [Visitor]
Leoul, don't think that you are the only one facing problems in
this world. It is the world of problems. Look Africa the
land of all misery,
the Palestine the land of hatred and war, Europe the land
of discrimination and others. So when you are living here don't
expect to live in
a absolute perfection. The objective of it is to straggle
and
win. . This is the
spice of life. That is how you taste it. But what ever
you do you can't win by your self. You have to get help. Help from
your family,
neighbors,
teachers, friends, colleagues, wife, etc. These all helps
are not perfect. They all depend on their interest. If they don't
get
what
they expect
from you, they will turn off their relationship and help.
That is
why you face the problems you mention. The perfect help
is
always
from
almighty GOD. So to get help and succeed in your life,
believe in GOD. Believing in GOD is doing what he ordered us to do
or living in him.
I think you know how HE destroys the two cities in the
Bible.
Think how this world is going on. It is not by doing what we
all feel
inside.
Sometimes we refrain from our feeling to be in line with
the norm of the society. If otherwise, the world will destroy it
self.
Stop
and
think twice. Don't simply follow your feeling sometimes
refer it to the norm so as to keep yourself with your neighbor. If
you ignore
the
neighbors the neighbors will do the some. If you respect
their feeling they will do the some. Don’t exaggerate your
problem. Think of the others who live in war, drought, disaster,
ignorance,
darkness
and so on. You really don't know what life is elsewhere.
That is why
you are thinking this. Before time goes off, think twice.06/22/05
@ 13:54
=
Comment from: Bizu [Visitor]
You still have hope with God. Repent and return from your evil
ways. the devil is deciving you, he is taking your life
to the hell, so
please seek the face of Jesus, he will heal you completly.
he will give you
Eternal life
06/22/05 @ 14:01
=
Comment from: waqjirra [Visitor]
Leoule Goshu
i am sad with your past story.
but if you want to continue as a gay man that is your business.That
is your choice. i admire you are smart guy. i know it is
not accepteble in our country Ethiopia in public but we how many gay
and lesbian
specially in Addis. Because that is the way we live cheating,hiding....
Have a good one Leoule
best wishes
06/22/05 @ 14:13
=
Comment from: Meron [Visitor]
I feel sorry for what happen to. I blame your parents for not giving
you guidance to life. No matter we're poor, rich, abused
and all that, one thing we Ethiopians have is moral. Where is your
Moral.
you still
have a chance to change your life. Is there Ethiopian a
church around your area? please go and talk to somebody. You're life
style
is not
acceptable to anyone. Grow up, LIBE GIZA. I recommend 7
day Tsbel too.
06/22/05 @ 14:38
=
Comment from: Sara [Visitor]
Disgusting Story. I feel so Disgusted reading it. I never seen
gay Habesha.
06/22/05 @ 14:42
=
Comment from: Arat kilo [Visitor]
Leul,
I went through your story. Here in Addis, there are people with
that orientation of yours. However, Leul, being a gay,
is a blind alley.
You will never get the love and satisfaction you aspire
in this life. Besides, you will not be getting approval from your
heavenly father.
You are young, strong and have ample time to come back
,
respect your Ethiopian values and strike the "straight" sexuality
deal.
God Bless
Aratkilo
06/22/05 @ 15:02
=
Comment from: bOLE [Visitor]
It is a very sad story. I know people who goes to your school(UW);
non of them mention about you, I don't think you consider
yourself Ethiopian. Devil has power but much less than God's will.
It is
not too late. I think you are possessed by davil and your
parents noticed
that but faild. I have seen Tsebel (Holy water) cure all
this devels work in Ethiopia. Again it is not too late. you get your
happines.
I pray for you and your family.
06/22/05 @ 15:11
=
Comment from: Ezana [Visitor]
Here we Go Again!!
I must say this forum is a micro sample of the hatred in our communities,
be it Ethiopian, Eritrean or any society on this earth.
Instead of rationalize our problems; we jump to the word of violence.
This, in fact is nothing new, especially coming from Habesha
communities. Our
life, since our time in the cradles, starts with violence,
we grow
in violence, we die in violence. At home, one is being
pinched,
suffocated
with paper smoke, face a string made out of a bull's dick.
All this is in the name of discipline. You go to school, every
class has such
strings or similar or sometimes a belt. All this is again
in the name of discipline. That of course doesn’t stop at
the child. A father can do the same to a mother. Or a father and
a mother
can come together
and jump their own children, talk about lynching!! This
is
a type of society we came out. No wonder we believe violence
is the
only
solution
for our problem. Look at how our politicians solve their
problems. The recent killing of our student is nothing new. It
is that
violence that grew to this level. That little naughty boy grew
to be a university
student; and the father who used to use a belt too grows
to use gun. We are full of violence. We have so many problems in
our
community
to talk. Leaoul is not our problem. We are his problems.
Leave the
poor man alone!!
06/22/05 @ 15:18
=
Comment from: Nas_2 [Visitor]
LEOULE, UR STORY SHOWS HOW GREAT YOU ARE. DON'T EVER GIVE UP TO
ACCOMPLISH YOUR GOAL.
AND ALSO U DON'T HAVE TO ASHAMED FOR BEING GAY, I AM ETHIOPIAN
GAY. I START PRACTICING IT SINCE I WAS 10 IN BACK HOME.
NOW I DON'T ASHAMED
OF BEING GAY. I AM PROUD OF WHAT I AM. I have many gay
friends. you can join us if you want. here is my e-mail address : masterrace_2@yahoo.com.
Hope see you.
06/22/05 @ 15:25
=
Comment from: mesi [Visitor]
Leoule:
You are one damn Knucklehead! Go NATURAL boy!! What is the matter
with you? Seek help!! Your ass is meant for elimination!!!
06/22/05 @ 15:32
=
Comment from: jalo kejela [Visitor]
It is hard thing to swallo. I advis you to look back and open your
hart to god,that will clenth your heart and forgive your
sin,that only one way no ather way around god belles you.
06/22/05 @ 16:11
=
Comment from: bOLE [Visitor]
queenofsheba and others, please help this gay guy. Find him a Tsebbel
(holy water),in the mean time, and send it to him; if you
really care about him. In the long run we can facilitate to send him
for
a month
back to Ethiopia. He is posesed by devil. Pray and I hope
God will lead you the way.
06/22/05 @ 16:17
=
Comment from: ermias [Visitor]
What a sick story .we Ethiopians are not godless people. we are
either christians or muslims .we all respect the will of
god particularly in this regard.We have respect for our culture.So
we do not want
hear your ....We all have problems while growing up. That
has nothing to
do with your sexuality.
So if you are willing to come back and be normal ,the almighty
God we forgive you. Otherwise get your gay ass out of our
site .we have
a lot of problems to talk about not your trashy act.06/22/05
@ 16:18
=
Comment from: sellout [Visitor]
sorry to hear this. Another sad Ethiopian story. When will we really
stretch our hand to god and he will really respond????????
06/22/05 @ 16:19
=
Comment from: lili [Visitor]
Leoule: You are not smart you just want to be the first Ethiopian
gay you just want noticed. go to hill.
06/22/05 @ 16:19
=
Comment from: Muhammed [Visitor]
Hi Leoule:
I am sadden and ashamed by your sad story. I know for sure God
loves you. I am certain that if you pray and give your
life to God, you
will overcome these problems. You are the victim of society
in crisis. Please
forgive to your parents and forget the past, so that you
may have peace in your heart.
In the past being a lesbian was unheard of and being a gay, a homosexual,
BUSHTI or a FNAFIENT was unacceptable. And those who came
out of the callosities were condemned by their parents and stoned to
death
by
the public. However, since Melese and the Woyanes took
power by force, being Homosexual is acceptable
by the government.The government, not only encouraged society to
accept them, but also allowed them to have high ranking
government positions
in Ethiopia and overseas as Diplomats. It is believed most
Woyane officials including Prime Minister Melese have a double life.
A case in point, Allula Hidarru, Alem Habtu, Abdul Muhammed, Abdul
Abaa Borra, Abbdul Mejide, Endrias Eshate, and Mulu Kestela
are some of the high ranking gay officials in the current government.
These
guys are closely associated with the CIA and were in involved
in
the Constitution draft ting. They all like to hang out
with Jewish Gays
and Lesbians. These guys have no national pride and they
are lost and confused. For example, Endrias Eshate is the president
of Addis
Ababa
University and he was responsible for the death of 40 innocent
students and hundreds wounded and thousands of imprisoned
citizens. Endrias
have no child by birth. Perhaps that was the reason why
he was not sympathetic to those innocent students and their parents.
Since the Woyane took power the HIV/AIDS case has increased tremendously.
Thousands and Millions of Ethiopians are being infected
every day and over 10 million Ethiopians have died. Why increase in
HIV/AIDS
case
? I would like to leave this question to Medical Researchers
and Policy Makers.
May God Save Ethiopia and It's Children.
06/22/05 @ 16:22
=
Comment from: senait [Visitor]
Unlike my frends here I would stay neutral on this matter. I would
rather talk about real Ethiopian issues!!!!!!!!!
06/22/05 @ 16:40
=
Comment from: fekade [Visitor]
shame on you.we Ethiopians and the whole human race ashemed of
you.you are humulatied us.don't call your self I am Ethiopian.your
place
is hell.it is not too late .you still have time to be a
human being.
06/22/05 @ 16:41
= Comment from: Ke Hagere Menilike Ze Shoa [Visitor]
It is great to see real Ethiopian Like You, Leoule .Please leave
these fanatic and guregna habeshas. May I tell you something
Ethiopia is
full of under cover gays. I know there are many gay Government
officials, Scholars ,Artists ,Business men, students and
to your surprise I
know many Orthodox church priests/Monks/ and Pentecostal
church Pastors and singers.
Specially in Monasteries there are many gays but we don't want
accept it. Leoule God is not like Human being He Loves
you! and care about
you!
To your information there are many married men/bisexual/ who are
having sex with men here in Addis. If you come in Addis
I will show you.
Due to the cultural influence many gay people are forced to marry
here but they are having an affairs still. To be gay is
not western culture
it is how we created. When I had a this feeling I tried
so many things to get healing. I was baptized many times, I was fasting
almost all
our orthodox fasting, I tried everything as I could to
do. I suffered
a lot until recently I had no partner. I was raped by My
dad and mom/nebis abate/.
When I was 15 yrs old my mom and dad were in USA to visit
my sister. He was the one who come home and slept at night.
He
is now Abune/pope/
in Addis. My parents don’t know about it, I wish I
can kill this priest .It is my painful secret. Tears are
dropping
from
my eyes when
I write this.....
Thanks God no one can identify me as gay here in Addis
b/c I’m
very masculine and having athletic body. To your information
I’m
23 and now working and studding my master’s degree
in AAU.
Anybody who reads this comment just thinks about your dad, brother,
uncle, friend and Church minister/Sheiks in Mosque/ do
you know they can be gay in closet?
06/22/05 @ 17:10
= Comment from: mt [Visitor]
He aint using your uss…live him alone…
06/22/05 @ 17:36
= Comment from: Muesik [Visitor]
Selam Leoule,
We are proud on you... You are one living example where the abused
and the discriminated say enough is enough. There are many
gay Ethiopians who would love to come out and free themselves. But
they still live
in hiding fearing rejections from family and loved ones.
I am gay Ethiopian and I know many gay Ethiopians who are out, in most
cases
they have
a good relationship with their families. The one thing
what people who posted hateful messages here don't realize is that,
they have
family members,cousins or best friends who are gay.
So, Leoule, keep up the good work, remember there are good and
gay friendly Ethiopians around you.
06/22/05 @ 17:44
=
Comment from: Yohannes [Visitor]
Its really hard to think about, Gay or whatever kind of Ethiopian,
This is one of a disappointing story told by this bullshiter.
First of all Loul this is a sign of sickness about you. If you
are a real man and strong you wouldn't be on the street,
But you are
bullshite and you think that way, I am not suprise that
you paretnt kick you
out your bat, becacuse you was action like bat bull.
Look, Miss, what is my advice for you is, this Right now if you
can get up your bat and enroll in U.S Army, and they will
teach your
bat how to be a man. And you will feel about being man.
Otherwise no matter
what you did, you are a busted man.
Bullshite, Dont mention even if you are Ethiopian.
Cool!! alright cool.
06/22/05 @ 18:11
=
Comment from: Lealem [Visitor]
Leoule, there is what we call Society’s Norm And Value in the
world we’re living in to which we all abide to. If
I want to run around naked on the street, so long as it
is with in the society’s
norm and value, it won’t offend anybody and I can
do that. But I know it is out of the norm and value society
has built for ages,
so I respectfully avoid such negative actions that embarrass
the society I’m living in.
Why do you think thieves are chased and imprisoned, it’s just
because they have defaulted or performed an action out
of the society’s
norm. The Gypsy society has accepted stilling as part of
the society’s
norm and for that particular society it is an accepted
action, but a Gypsy thief will be arrested if he or she
stills in
our normal
society.
Some individuals like you, Leoule, do go-out wild like
cancer cells, and try to live outside of the society’s
norm, giving all sorts of excuses to achieve their goal.
In Ethiopia, being a gay is out of
the society’s norm and value. So if you have understood
my meaning, let’s leave it at that.06/22/05 @ 18:32
=
Comment from: Queer_Abesha [Visitor]
LEOULE –
I COMMEND YOU FOR BEING WHO YOU ARE AND STANDING UP FOR YOURSELF.
YOU MAY NOT UNDERSTAND HOW HOMOPHOBIC MOST ETHIOPIANS ARE
BECAUSE YOU ARE
BORN IN THE STATES BUT AS A GAY ETHIOPIAN, YOU MAKE ME
PROUD. FUCK THE CRAZY NUTTY FREAKS WHO THINK THEY HAVE A GOD GIVEN
RIGHT TO
TELL EVERYONE HOW TO LIVE THEIR LIVES! THEY ARE ALL ASS
BACKWARDS! THIS
IS ABOUT BEING TRUE TO WHO YOU ARE AND LIVING YOUR LIFE
AS YOU FIT!
QUEER ABESHA
06/22/05 @ 19:18
=
Comment from: Daniel [Visitor]
Leuol-you are just one brave and courageous man! Keep up the sprit,
be yourself, and proud!!
I am proud of you and your story realy inspired me. You are not
alone on this.
Daniel
06/22/05 @ 19:52
=
Comment from: Alem [Visitor]
Stop giving excuses and go to church,pray talk to professional,get
help believe in God God bless,
06/22/05 @ 19:53
=
Comment from: Daniel Meta ! [Visitor]
Someone once said, Ignorance is the greatest evil on earth.
And judging from the absolutely and insanely ridiculous responses
the article on Leoule has garnered, I now know for certain,
that Ignorance
indeed is the greatest evil. If those people who posted those insidious
and outrages messages were not ignorant, they would know
that, there
are GAY ETHIOPIANS ALL OVER THE WORLD!!!! I am one of them!
And there is nothing wrong with us, we are just like everyone
else,
and you
know what, we are damn proud to be Ethiopians and Gay!
No amount of "tsebel" or "praying" is
going to change that, stop preaching your hate!!!
So, get over it! Leave Leoule alone! He is a courages young man
who has gone through a lot, and deserves every encouragement
he gets.
I can also tell that he is a man who is strong enough to
not let these
crazy homophobic and judgmental Ethiopians get to him!
I say Bravo to you my friend, you stood up for who you are, and there
is nothing
more in life that's important than that!
Thank you for being an inspiration to many of us, keep up the good
work.
D.
06/22/05 @ 20:00
=
Comment from: Rahel [Visitor]
Leoule you are truly an inspiration to so many different communities,
including our own: habesha, American, poc, gay habesha
(yes there IS a strong and active community of gay habeshas who are
doctors
and lawyers
and artists and students and everything else). Your strength
and courage to leave an abusive situation and continue to be successful
and positive,
and to help others is truly amazing. Although a few ignorant,
negative
and clearly unhappy individuals have chosen to post trashy,
hateful comments, know that there are many many others gay (habesha
and
not) and straight (habesha and not)who are truly proud
and inspired by
you. Thank you for sharing your story. -Rahel
06/22/05 @ 20:16
=
Comment from: Deb [Visitor]
Leoule, I will tell you the same thing I told my son when he came
in tears at 22 to tell me he was gay. God loves you where
you are. It
is your responsiblity to be moral. That means you do not
sleep around, just as I say hetrosexual sleeping around is wrong. Respect
yourself
and I pray you find the special someone as my son has who
truely
loves and respects him. Life is hard enough without the
problems that gay
life brings. I can not imagine anyone choosing this. You
were born feeling these feelings. Pax (Peace)
06/22/05 @ 20:52
=
Comment from: Zulu [Visitor]
I did not know a lot of gay Ethiopians are out there. How come
you give support for such a crazy person who is going public
with the
most disgusting stories ever told in our community. By
the way, opposing gays is not a sign of uncivilization as some of
you
trying to tell
us. I am praying to God not to bring face to face with
this man,
on
the street of Washington, dressing like a woman with a
big breast on his chest. Every year people like him parade on Washington
street acting
like fools. A man kissing another mans lips. Forgive me
folks
I can't stand this. This story reminded me another story I
heard recently.
An Ethiopian man approches two girls on the street of Washington.
He kind of liked one of them. No sooner than he started
talking to them
one of them said to the man:"we are lesbiains we do
not date".
He should have kept this storty between him and his boy
friends.
06/22/05 @ 20:55
=
Comment from: ffx24 [Visitor]
Leoule, I am most proud by the way you handled your life as a kid.
Most of all Congratulations for staying in school despite
luck of support system from home. Please ignore those who are telling
you
to fit in
their narrow thinking. Some are diagnosing you, others
are condemn
you, all in the name of religion and culture. What people
forget is that they are jugging you, which is a sin on its own. What
people
need
to understand is that sexuality is not chosen. IT is a
natural occurrence; as long as people believe in God, remember that
God
created all of
us; and as a religious person one should never judge others
... only God can do that. Stop cheating on your wifes and husbands,
stop lying,
stop taking bribe, stop cheating, stop flirting, stop having
sex
before marriage, stop desiring someone else, etc etc...
sounds familier ?
all in the bible. We are all sinners.....But unlike all
of the things I mentioned above, being gay, is a natural occurrence,
and
to try
to stop it will be to work against Gods will. God bless
all and stop hating...
06/22/05 @ 21:10
=
Comment from: ggkd [Visitor]
I am surprised to see such discussions in an Ethiopian websites.
Shame on you nazret.com people for letting this happen.
Do you want a demonic
western influence affect our way of life.
What a shame !!!
06/22/05 @ 21:32
=
Comment from: To Zulu ! [Visitor]
To Zulu, what you posted was simply ignorant and abhorrent. First
of all, yes, there are this many GAY ETHIOPIANS out there,
in fact, all
over the world we have support groups, meetings, and parties!
SO, get over it. Second, you said something about walking on
the streets
of
Washington and seeing Ethiopians "dressed like a woman
with breast on" that right there shows how uneducated
you are, not all gay people do that... and if they did,
that would
be
their right,
if
you don't like to see them kissing, then turn around and
look elsewhere, how dare you impose your backward way of
thinking
on others? how
very
pretentious?
Once again, people have the right to be who they are, and
there is absolutely nothing you or every other homophobic
Ethiopian
out there
can do about it. Did you say "The Most disgusting
story ever told??" I'll
tell you what the most disgusting ever told is, the fact
that 14.5 Million Ethiopians who are starving to death
as I write
this, or
perhaps the over 2 million children living with HIV, not
to mention twice as
many HIV positiv Adults, or maybe the fact that the Ethiopian
government puts a bullet in the heads of people who dare
stand up to its corruption???
Now that's something you should be disgusted about, and
not someone else's sexuality. Gay and Ethiopian,
Fikru.
Kan any normal person imagine a man fucking another man, oh
disgusting! just to think and talk about it.
Even animals, be it wild or tame, do not show such abnormal
relationship. So how on earth do you people live a life
down lower than the animals
world. Animals at least can not think, and yet proved
to have a better and normal life than these fools who
at least have the ability
to
think and follow logic.
06/22/05 @ 22:44
=
Comment from: teddy [Visitor]
hi my bro well done, you are the son fo true. ignorance
Ethiopian hope your time is up go to hell with your 7th
century mind. now
is 21st
century a time of civilization, dignity and individual
human right. even if our mother Ethiopia never provide
us this freedom still
we are free with our Socond citizenship. hope next is
my tern......hihihihi....
06/22/05 @ 22:48
Actually, there have been many studied cases of homosexuality
within the animal kingdom. If you were somewhat well-read
and educated
you would have known that. But instead you choose to
show your ignorance
by making stupid comments like that! Obviously you have
some serious issues with your own sexuality, because
if you were comfortable
with who you are, you wouldn't be so offended by those
who are different
than you.
Love your neighbour, don't judge.
peace.
06/22/05 @ 22:49
=
Comment from: Madebo [Visitor]
Mr Fikru, first of all, do not question my education.
I think you are the boy friend. I am sorry if I offended
you. But that was
my comment
and, I will stand by it. I advice you to stop recruiting
more Ethiopians for your party. You can be what ever
you want. Do not you know
that you are solely responsible for half of the HIV cases
in the world?
06/22/05 @ 22:57
=
Comment from: essa-2 [Visitor]
Damn, did I just read that? well I did and read everyone
else's comment. God save us all from all this wicked
things going around
us God bless
you brother and I hope that you will see the light. P.S,
Habesha females fine and they taste better than any wine,
so why thake
that route,
our women are too good so why be gay, try some and then
tell that you are gay. Peace out and we still love you
brother.
06/22/05 @ 22:58
=
Comment from: andi [Visitor]
Well boys, I think Woyane laughing to death at this time
to see Ethiopians arguing about sombody’s ass.They
were not comfortable when the good and strong Ethiopian
boys talk
poletics. Please
get another
topic and argue. The ass belongs to him only and
you all are trying to be
Oprah/Dr Phil.06/22/05 @ 23:13
=
Comment from: To ALL [Visitor]
check this out... http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gayEthiopians/
There are more than what you think. just find out this
thru my gay brother.
06/22/05 @ 23:27
=
Comment from: Endeber [Visitor]
Send him to debre libanos and get in and out under water
7 times ,if did not work right away please cont'd to
do that till EPRDF
go away
and we will take you to lake Tand ,that will wash your
caracter of non-Ethiopian sitizen.
06/22/05 @ 23:27
=
Comment from: Disappointed Ethiopian. [Visitor]
How came a man become WOMAN?? How came a man kiss a man
with mastashe?. This is not about being civilized or
being educated this is about
a Question of WHO are You?. Ask yourself who am I? whats
my natural character
and what Im suppose to do?. Peopel this a moral question.
And its your obligation to take respostibilty about yourslef.
This is lazyness
and
carless about yourself. For sake of God your guys disgusting
sickness, bring, a diesease which human bing never seen
befor on earth. You
bring chaos for poor nation to be suffer and die, becasue
you. You guys are
in Charge of for Killing my Mother, becasue of the Disease
you brought it. CAN'T YOU GET IT, What is this all about??
I know HIV/AIDS
is
the main epedmic clear in your bullshite community, I
hope that will destroy
you, With your sick MIND.
06/22/05 @ 23:34
=
Comment from: EthioGay [Visitor]
Well done brother Leo and for those of you who question
his natural sexual preference can you try wacth your
own steps rather seeing
somebody else life and points out your toxic thoughts.
You guys who ignor ones
individual right and cry to have so many democracy right
don't make fundamental errors by condeming human beings
basic rights.
Leo hope
God will give u the courage and guidance to survive in
this world. Peoples who question the validity of homosexuality
in Ethiopia
pls wake up and smell your coffee. We are plenty and
too cute to be straight
as well.
06/22/05 @ 23:38
=
Comment from: Alem [Visitor]
I hate when liberals argue and ask people to be "Open Minded".
Being "Open Minded" does not mean, you
can not tell wrong from right. I see everything in
terms
of wrong
or right,
and make
my judgments based on my moral values, which is based
on my Ethiopian culture and faith, Christianity.
The Bible unequivocally says homosexuality is SIN.
For me, that is the end of story. It is SIN and against
Nature.
My
message
to faggots
is keep your business to yourself and don't try to
push your gay agenda by making it seem you are born
that way.
How could
you have
ex-gay
people. This is a lifestyle choice made by wicked
people. Some white frat boys in college start it
as "fun" and
become gay. And some get raped in jail. Unfortunately
with so many Ethiopians born
in foreign culture, you will hear more and more about
weird Ethiopians in the future and damage our culture.
But if they come to Ethiopia
and try to be "activist", throw them to
jail. The penal code in Ethiopia is 10 years in jail.
DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE ETHIOPIAN PEOPLE DISGUST
with such wicked behavior. Be it Moslem or Christian,
our
culture is
totally against
it and will remain so. The idiot above mentioned
homosexuality exists in animals, get a life man.
Read your bible
or Koran. Unless you
are communist or atheist, every religious person
knows homosexuality is
SIN. Even Hindus, Buddhism all condemn it. My message
to Leoul and all other faggots, seek God’s help
and you will be cured of your wicked ways.
06/22/05 @ 23:53
=
Comment from: EthioGay [Visitor]
Alem Bible says Lies are SIN so can u stop lying from
today on??? There is no greater or lesser sins on Jugdment
day.
06/22/05 @ 23:58
= Comment
from: Endale [Visitor]
Sorry leoule, i wish if you could understand what the reality is before
any one gonna tell you. be what ever you want to be, but figure out
what the truth is. i don't think you should worry about being a sinner,
but how do you feel when you sleep with a man and mess your respected
private with that nasty sh.....t. please, after you slept, smell
it. what do you feel? nobody shouldn't advice you because you can
make your own decision. if you still love it, keep up, but i don't
think. i know we Ethiopian have problem with domestic abuse. today
my mind doesn't function properly because i had been abused badly.
you still young you can make a difference. think about it leoule.
06/23/05 @ 00:04
= Comment
from: Doodo [Visitor]
Dear L,
Have your parents ever visited a psychiatrist? If not, please send
them a note to do so.
06/23/05 @ 01:27
=
Comment from: Dutch [Visitor]
More power to brother Leoule, We Habesha orgin GAYS are deeply touched
and at the same time very proud with your achievement. WE once again
HABESAH GAYS are everywhere(Ethio-Eri and the globe), to set things
straight we are not sorry creatures, we are asserative and more in
tune with nature and sprituality than most of your frozen idiots.
Our so called Habesha and religious upbringing caused lots of the catlicies
for Leo.'s problem with his parent. And for theoes of you who are using
the religious and cultural manter as bases for your argument pls. be
advice some of us are Athist/Agnostiics.
06/23/05 @ 01:40
=
Comment from: To all [Visitor]
I am trying to figure this out... for those who are saying gay people
are responsble for HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia/World does that mean the husbands
and wifes of those with the virus closted GAY guys ? or are those wifes
and husbands infected by the virus by cheated on their spouses with
a gay person..... but then if a gay person does not sleep with the
opposite sex then how did it make the jump to the straight world?
Note: that HIV is transmited mainly through sexual contact...
One way or another saying HIV is a Gay disease does not support what
some of you are trying to preach.
06/23/05 @ 01:56
=
Comment from: Alem [Visitor]
To All
When HIV first surfaced, it was in the early 80's in San Francisco
among gay people. So it did originate among gays. But then there are
those so called bisexual people who mess with both sexes and transferred
the virus to hetrosexual people, now you get it. But the White Man
wants you to belive that it originated in Africa with Monkey sex when
in fact it was first surfaced in Fagburg USA (i.e San Francisco) among
gay white men. Repent and you will be cured of this wicked disease.
There are many gays who were cured of this disease.
06/23/05 @ 02:11
=
Comment from: titi [Visitor]
Leul:
Wat a touchy story! your abusive parents are waiting a hell lotta questions
up above for makin' your life this miserable. But man,unless this dirty
stuff is sth. u wanna do, there are many kids out there on the street
tryin' to build a normal life N' be someone someday.
So,boy! Wake up! pray for watever has happend N' do sth. for your soul
coz' it's never too late.
Just know that "IF THERE IS A WILL, THERE IS A WAY"
Blessing!
06/23/05 @ 03:40
=
Comment from: love ethio [Visitor]
Dear Leoule. There is nothing great like kissing ur boyfrend.I am proud
of who u are.Please forget these fanatic and guregna habeshas. Our
culture and religion tought us GURENYNET and ASMESAYENET for many years,,,,While
we are the poorest country in the world. We should learn who we are
and work on our identity rather FISHCA BEDIHINET. God creates u to
be handsome gay, that's one of the blessing from God. I admire recognizing
ur sexuality at the early age. I have seen many Ethiopian identify
their sexuality after they got marred and finally they end up divorce.
That's one of the main reason increasing divorce rate among Ethiopian.
Dear brother. Look those who are higly educated and strong gay Ethiopian
in us and ethio. Ignore those who are Wegenya abesah.
06/23/05 @ 04:16
=
Comment from: Genet [Visitor]
Hero Leoil, You are a model for many of Ethioian who are in the closit.More
than 60% Ethiopian are lisbian and gay. Enjoy life with us. Well come
to the club!
06/23/05 @ 04:23
Comment from: Idris [Visitor]
Dear Leul:
I am very sorry that you and your siblings, like many other young people
grew up in an unhealthy family environment. You as well as your parents
should be proud of your academic achievement.
In the end, what matters most is whether you are a good, caring, honest,
and loving human being. God equally loves all his children.
06/23/05 @ 04:45
=
Comment from: liya [Visitor]
look dude ,this the first time i have heard habesha admitting he is
gay and must say it was a shock, Look we are no body to judge u but
as another habesha let me say something get some help, pray,do what
ever it takes cause on the bible GOD condems this type of behavoir,
we all sins but repent is what GOD wants,u were born in the states
so maybe u are caught up in this "gay thing" when u don't
fell normal, so please put ur past behind and get ur life staright,and
ia don't think u were born gay cause in my opinion GOD won't create
u like that and condem u. nobody has a perfect child hood trust me
there are ppl out there who have seen more than u have but am really
glad that u are still in school hope u make it
06/23/05 @ 05:40
=
Comment from: Lealem [Visitor]
To the visitor who refreshed my memory on animals homosexuality.
Thanks.
It is true to say an abundance of animals exhibit behavior that in
humans would be called gay, but one thing you have to understand is
evolution tends to weed out traits that discourage reproduction. This
is not a theory but a fact that all gay species have to face this consequence
sooner or later. Meaning just being wiped out without leaving an offspring,
unless and otherwise they copulate with an opposite sex.
Due to the fact that sexual deviants are being granted an ever-increasing
intellectual backing for their barbarous lifestyle, some of these individuals
have gone too far. Don’t be surprised if I tell you in Sweden
recent statistics collected have already shown that bestiality (meaning
sex between human and animals) is on an increase. Don’t also be
surprised if one day such individuals build-up groups and come out
on the streets to have sexual intercourse right with their dogs, pigs,
donkeys etc. It is reasonable to believe that the same holds true for
other sexually liberal countries.
Is this what you wish to our country too?
So please watch out. Would you rather guide and teach your children
such mishap form of life or that of God's will? God is present and
one day what has happened to Sodom & Gomorra shall happen again,
just be honest to yourself and others.06/23/05 @ 06:58
=
Comment from: Abereham [Visitor]
u back ward by everything. each and every ppl here may be your young
brother or sister or your elder one is gay or lesbian, may he or she
is living under cover scaring your ugly mind and mouth....apparentlly
with out any safe sax he or she lost her life because of luck of safe
sax information from profationals.... may be he or she comitted socide
because of luck of psicological help... you don't know whats happen
in your familly, but you JOUGE JOUGE allwayes every where, but stilll
you are back ward... look your self not other person. are u solition
maker or Distractive? are u living with the reality or with logic?
if u say with logic "Codom is UNBIBLE" but the reality is
2 Million ETHIOPIAN children are orpan cus of AIDS. BIBLICAL ETHIOPIA
is number 3 with AIDS, number 1 with poverty... but still we are in
Strotype... shame on you!!!!those who open your BIG mouth for JOUGE
everywhere and allways...
06/23/05 @ 07:06
=
Comment from: Bedada Gemeda [Visitor]
Is this the grandson of Goshu wolde. If yes no wonder. What else do
we expect from a family raised by Goshu Wolde,the foriegn minister
of DERG.
4
Surviving on the streets: Sexuality and HIV/AIDS among male street youth in
Dessie, Ethiopia
By
Getnet Tadele
This
study in Dessie, a provincial town in Ethiopia, is part of the research
findings
of my ongoing PhD project titled “Ethnography of Sex: An Exploration
of the Socio-economic and Cultural Context of Sexuality and HIV/AIDS
among Ethiopian Youth”.
Three focus group discussions (FGDs) with a total of 30 street children were conducted, and a lot of informal talks and discussions were held during the entire fieldwork period that took place between October 2001-February 2002.
The study revealed that street children and youth gain very little from their daily activities. They feel bored and frustrated with life because they cannot engage in gainful employment through which they could earn money.
Given their preoccupation with unemployment and lack of money, the problem of HIV/AIDS was not raised in discussions about difficulties and worries in their daily life. Their knowledge about HIV/AIDS was fragmented, but they were aware of the necessity to use condoms.
Contrary to popular beliefs, the informants remarked that it is safer to have sex with prostitutes than with 'ordinary' girls or female students, because the former are more careful and insist on the use of condoms. The paper argues that the context should be specified in order to claim that prostitutes consistently use condoms.
Key words: sexuality, HIV/AIDS, street children, adolescents, Ethiopia