Blog Post 3: A rare sight

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 This beautiful picture captures the essence of Morocco and its hospitality. Our guide was very eager to show Eric the kitchen where the food was being prepped. He took his hand and guided him all the way to the destination. This type of touch is uncommon for men in the United States or at least in my local community. This simple touch hold great value of friendship, reverence, and love. During our time in Morocco, it became noticeable that the Moroccan people love physical touch. There were several times where pairs of men would be holding hands, have locked elbows, or be holding on by the shoulders. The connection seemed natural and accepted. 

This connection makes me think of gender roles in terms of acceptable behavior of said gender. In the United States men are surrounded by the stereotype of what it means to be masculine, which I believe persist everywhere to some degree. However, it was interesting to see the difference of masculinity between the States and Morocco. If men were as free to accept and give friendly touches like this in America they would be mocked and called gay. This insinuates that being apart of the LGBTQ+ community carries a negative connotation. Does this thought cross the minds of the Moroccan people? or no, because being LGBTQ+ is criminal?

Homosexual acts are illegal and may put you into prison for up to three years. LGBTQ+ Travel Guide to Morocco. Because this is law, Moroccan authorities continuously block any attempt of an organization that supports and advocates for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. Even though there are no official public organizations there are still advocates, allies, and underground movements. OUTRIGHT International. As many have mentioned in their own blog post, how isolating, exhausting, and terrifying it must feel to be forced to hide behind a mask and live in the shadows. 

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