Gender

and
Activism
Lesson Objectives

1.Discuss heteronormativity and its

manifestations
2.Appreciate the contribution of activism
in social change
What is activism?
It is a collective efforts to shape and transform political,
sociocultural, and other environmental status.
Activism is a doctrine or practice that emphasizes direct
vigorous action especially in support of or opposition to one side of
a controversial issue. It consists of efforts to promote, impede, direct,
or intervene in social, political, economic, or environmental reform
with the desire to make changes in society toward a perceived
greater good. Activism can be used to create awareness, lobby for
change, or give support for a cause, political movement,
organization, or belief.
Introduction

Our society is now advocating towards equal rights for everyone

through the Universal Declaration of Human Rights or the so called
UDHR which was drafted in 1948 by all countries who are members of
the United Nations.
Understanding Heteronormativity

Heteronormativity means “ of relating to, or based

on the attitude that heterosexuality is the only normal
and natural expression of sexuality” (Meeriam-Webster
Dictionary). Put more simply, it is when we assume that
everyone is heterosexual or straight and that it is the
standard for everyone.
One example of heteronormative violence is the
murder of LGBT men and women during the NAZI
holocaust.
The Holocaust, also known as the Shoah, was
a systematic genocide orchestrated by Nazi
Germany and its collaborators during World War II.
Between 1941 and 1945, approximately six million
Jews were systematically murdered across German-
occupied Europe.
This horrifying event constituted around two-thirds of
Europe’s Jewish population
Before 1933, male homosexual acts were illegal in Germany under
Paragraph 175 of the German Criminal Code. Despite this, a
thriving gay culture existed in major German cities. However, after
the Nazi takeover in 1933, the first homosexual movement’s
infrastructure of clubs, organizations, and publications was shut
down. The persecution of homosexuals became a priority for the
Nazi police state after the Röhm purge in 1934. A 1935 revision of
Paragraph 175 made it easier to bring criminal charges for
homosexual acts, leading to a large increase in arrests and
convictions. Persecution peaked in the years prior to World War II
and extended to areas annexed by Germany, including Austria, the
Czech lands, and Alsace–Lorraine.
The Nazi regime’s persecution of homosexuals is considered the
most severe episode in a long history of discrimination and violence
targeting sexual minorities.
Challenging Heteronormative through Activism

Heteronormativity is a social construct and history has proven

society’s changing attitudes on homosexuality. History showed us the
egalitarian acceptance of homosexuality in the ancient hunter-gatherer
civilizations, the violent erasure of the gender deviants, and
condemnations of homosexuality with the spread of Abrahamic Religion
(Jews, Christians, Muslims, and other religions who believe in one God;
the god of Abraham).
LGBT activism have had various social movements to advocate for
LGBT people’s equal rights (2000s), liberation 1960s-1970s), and self-
acceptance through the homophile movement (1950s). These social
movements engaged in political and social activism through street
rallies, pride marches. Law lobbying, engaging the media, arts,
research, and many other activities that empower the LGBT
community.
Dissent is so powerful. It can make significant changes in our society.
Breaking the culture of silence on the daily heteronormative violence
that are committed and condoned by society is the first step towards
social change. You can start by refusing to participate violence towards
the LGBT and participating in various events for the LGBT Community .
• May 17 – International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia –
IDAHOT
• May 31 - International Transgender Day of Visibility
• November 20 – Transgender day of Remembrance
• June – June Pride Month
Summary

Heteronormative, as a social construct can be undone through

activism. Social change may not be something that happens right
away, but decades of LGBT struggle has proven that change can
happen. You do not have to be an LGBT to fight for equal rights. You
just have to be a human being who believes in freedom and equality
for all.
Activity #6
Answer the following in a comprehensive explanation.
1. Do you think it is important for the youth to continuously engage in
nation-building and making reforms or changes in how things are
done in our country right now? Explain your answer.
2. Do you think the youth has power to shape how gender is viewed
in the modern world? Why do you think so?