Sexual Orientation or Gender Roles - Lucia Gravel
In comparing sexual orientation in Morocco and the United States, there is a huge difference in the level of social acceptance and legal recognition of LGBTQ+ people. In the United States, discrimination definitely still exists, but there are legal protections in place including the right to marry, adopt, and live openly. In Morocco, however, homosexuality is criminalized, which can lead to imprisonment. Public expression of queer identity is not only socially ‘incorrect’ but also legally dangerous.
As someone who identifies as LGBTQ+, this was a constant consideration of mine as we traveled through the country. I thought about how difficult it must be to always have to hide such a fundamental part of yourself to stay safe. Not being able to have queer communities or celebrate love openly is something I do not think I could live with. It made me reflect on the privilege of living in a place where, even if full acceptance isn't always present, people at least have the right to exist openly. The simple act of being around others of your community can mean a lot, and its something ive missed over these last few weeks.
In the U.S., there are many places to escape within the country that are fully acceptive of LGBTQ+ people, where as the most acceptive place we visited in Morocco was likely Marrakesh or Casablanca. Even in these places, everyone was pretty conservative. When leading others from countries such as Morocco, it is important to make it clear they are accepted and not at risk of any kind of persecution for their sexual orientation. This way they can be comfortable being themselves and being vulnerable, therefore contributing to a more meaningful relationship and experience.
As someone who identifies as LGBTQ+, this was a constant consideration of mine as we traveled through the country. I thought about how difficult it must be to always have to hide such a fundamental part of yourself to stay safe. Not being able to have queer communities or celebrate love openly is something I do not think I could live with. It made me reflect on the privilege of living in a place where, even if full acceptance isn't always present, people at least have the right to exist openly. The simple act of being around others of your community can mean a lot, and its something ive missed over these last few weeks.
In the U.S., there are many places to escape within the country that are fully acceptive of LGBTQ+ people, where as the most acceptive place we visited in Morocco was likely Marrakesh or Casablanca. Even in these places, everyone was pretty conservative. When leading others from countries such as Morocco, it is important to make it clear they are accepted and not at risk of any kind of persecution for their sexual orientation. This way they can be comfortable being themselves and being vulnerable, therefore contributing to a more meaningful relationship and experience.
"LGBT Rights in Morocco." Equaldex, https://www.equaldex.com/region/morocco. Accessed 25 May 2025.
This was definitely jarring to realize once in-country in Morocco. Letting go of your identity, or at least concealing it temporarily, can do so much damage to one's mental state. It would be interesting to see how LGBTQ+ individuals in Morocco have to mask or hide their identity to survive and stay accepted by society. I also find it interesting that this has persisted in the U.S. in Muslim-American communities with a lack of acceptance for LGBTQ+ identities, stemming from the same Islamic principles that have resulted in Moroccan law.
ReplyDeleteLucia, your reflection really stuck with me, especially how you described the emotional weight of having to hide a part of yourself just to feel safe. Like Laya mentioned, it’s painful to think about how concealing your own identity affects mental health,...it should be important for everyone to reflect on the strength takes to live like that every day. It also reminded me how important it is, especially in leadership roles, to create spaces where people feel seen and safe to be themselves.
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