After the release of the Disney/Pixar movie Lightyear earlier this month, controversy stirred in major Muslim-populated countries. A momentary kiss between a lesbian couple caused the entire movie to be off-limits in much of the Muslim world. Although most Muslims are strictly against same-sex relationships, this movie–and many more movies promoting the LGBTQ+ community to come–should still be played in these regions. Here’s why.
Although it’s hard to determine straightforward policies about same-sex marriage for followers of Islam, Muslim countries still go so far as to criminalize the behavior. However, because of the vast number of Muslims in the world, there is a wide spectrum of opinions on the LGBTQ+ community, ranging from generally welcoming to extreme detest. Since the first legalization of same-sex marriage in the Netherlands during 2000, gay relationships have been more normalized in countries around Europe and the Americas. Nonetheless, many countries still have laws in place to criminalize these relationships, whether it is due to religion/faith or simply being close-minded.
Censoring scenes with same-sex relationships only alienates these relationships further. If these scenes are seen more often in major movies and television shows, it could influence younger generations to think in a more open-minded and inclusive fashion. Continuing to cover up homosexual relationships will only enforce the idea of homophobia. In order to make social progress in the world, different countries and religions must learn to accept each and every person, no matter their sexual orientation. Just because one isn’t part of the LGBTQ+ community themselves doesn’t mean one can’t support people who are. The censorship in these countries isn’t just one less movie or show for people to see. It’s a drawback to the progression of the world becoming a more inclusive and accepting place.
What about the flip side? What about members of the LGBTQ+ community who have to deal with the censorship of many shows and books including characters they could possibly relate to? They could be prone to hiding themselves from society after seeing a lack of representation in the media. It could affect their mental health due to alienation and discrimination. Not having something or someone to relate to can make a person feel lonely or outcasted.
Though some might argue that the reason for same-sex censorship in many of these countries is due to religion and certain rules in their faith, there is no central governing body in Islam, and there are no clear rule restricting same-sex relationships. This means it’s impossible to completely blame religion entirely for this issue. Blatant censorship of real-life, queer relationships will only shield younger children from being educated on this topic, then slowing the social progression of the world into a welcoming, open place.
Although it’s hard to determine straightforward policies about same-sex marriage for followers of Islam, Muslim countries still go so far as to criminalize the behavior. However, because of the vast number of Muslims in the world, there is a wide spectrum of opinions on the LGBTQ+ community, ranging from generally welcoming to extreme detest. Since the first legalization of same-sex marriage in the Netherlands during 2000, gay relationships have been more normalized in countries around Europe and the Americas. Nonetheless, many countries still have laws in place to criminalize these relationships, whether it is due to religion/faith or simply being close-minded.
Censoring scenes with same-sex relationships only alienates these relationships further. If these scenes are seen more often in major movies and television shows, it could influence younger generations to think in a more open-minded and inclusive fashion. Continuing to cover up homosexual relationships will only enforce the idea of homophobia. In order to make social progress in the world, different countries and religions must learn to accept each and every person, no matter their sexual orientation. Just because one isn’t part of the LGBTQ+ community themselves doesn’t mean one can’t support people who are. The censorship in these countries isn’t just one less movie or show for people to see. It’s a drawback to the progression of the world becoming a more inclusive and accepting place.
What about the flip side? What about members of the LGBTQ+ community who have to deal with the censorship of many shows and books including characters they could possibly relate to? They could be prone to hiding themselves from society after seeing a lack of representation in the media. It could affect their mental health due to alienation and discrimination. Not having something or someone to relate to can make a person feel lonely or outcasted.
Though some might argue that the reason for same-sex censorship in many of these countries is due to religion and certain rules in their faith, there is no central governing body in Islam, and there are no clear rule restricting same-sex relationships. This means it’s impossible to completely blame religion entirely for this issue. Blatant censorship of real-life, queer relationships will only shield younger children from being educated on this topic, then slowing the social progression of the world into a welcoming, open place.
