Talking about different people even in the 21st century is taboo. There are many people in our society who spread hate to others for their race, sexual orientation or even skin color.
Therefore, today I will tell the story of a different person, a person who is interested in the same gender as she is. Her name is Simona and she is 22 years old. She now lives, works and studies in Vilnius. When she was younger and went to school in her hometown of Panevezys, Simona realized that she liked girls. From the moment she realized that she liked girls until today she has hidden her sexual orientation from her family because they are Christians and do not approve of gay couples. The main reason she didn’t tell her parents is that she is still financially dependent, and she knows that she would lose the relationship she has with her family. Simona is determined to keep it as long as possible because she loves her parents and doesn’t want to lose them.
Simona told me that she felt incompatible and different until she moved to Vilnius from Panevezys. According to Simona, people in Panevezys treated those who have a different sexual orientation with extensive prejudice, discrimination, and even violence. This is really scary and harsh. When Simona went to Vilnius and started studying at the university, things changed and she felt free and able to talk about it with her peers and colleagues. At the university, all her friends know and have never treated her differently because of her orientation. Besides, at the university, she sees the same people as she is.
Simona thinks that the laws are the most discriminating against the LGBT community. According to the law, Simona cannot give blood because of her homosexual label.Although she can’t legally donate blood, she's been giving her blood several times and maybe even saved someone. She’s been breaking the law by giving blood and perhaps helping others. The law in Lithuania does not allow homosexual couples to get married and that restricts human freedom, which in a free democratic country should not occur. Simona adds that if her partner would be in a hospital, she wouldn't be able to visit her because legally she can’t be a member of the family.
The LGBT community says this is a limitation of freedom, and when others assume we are free in this country, they can’t agree. They aren’t feeling very free about some aspects in this country. The fact that the religion in Lithuania is Christianity also contributes to the problem. So far, Simona is doing well because she is surrounded by people who are tolerant, loving and caring. My orientation does not express who I am. Make love not war.