Opinion
By Andreas Karamitas*
A lawyer friend recently shared with me the story of Mr. George, a 72-year-old Cypriot. George, a retired teacher, spent his entire life concealing his sexual identity. When he finally found the courage to reveal his truth, the small community where he lived turned its back on him. He went from being a respected teacher to being labeled "abnormal" and cast aside. I can't share more details out of respect for his memory, and because I'm not sure if he would have wanted that. George is not alone. His story is a microcosm of the reality in Cyprus, where LGBTQI+ people—especially older individuals—remain marginalized. This exclusion often goes unnoticed, but it forces us to question not only the legislation, but also the cultural and social attitudes towards LGBTQI+ people in Cyprus.
Cyprus at the Crossroads of Equality: Progress or Illusion?
Cyprus has made strides in promoting LGBTQI+ rights, such as legalizing civil partnerships and criminalizing hate speech. However, the statistics show deep inequalities. Only 30% of Cypriots support marriage equality, while 367,000 Cypriots still consider homosexuality "unnatural" (Eurobarometer, 2023). Additionally, 65% of older LGBTQI+ people report feeling socially isolated, and 80% do not receive support from their families (Institute for Mediterranean Studies, 2023).
These figures are more than just numbers; they represent the silent struggles of people who are excluded from social and family life. Mr. George, for example, only asked for respect, but his community rejected him based on their own narrow definitions of "morality." What we are seeing in Cyprus is a society in turmoil. While laws may be evolving, social perceptions remain stagnant with little hope for progress.
Greece: A Conflicting Story of Progress
Greece presents a similar duality: On the one hand, legal progress is notable, especially after Prime Minister Mitsotakis chose to support marriage equality, making Greece the first Orthodox country to recognize same-sex marriage in 2024. However, social inequalities persist. In fact, 25% of LGBTQI+ people in Greece are at risk of poverty, 45% of older trans individuals live in precarious housing, and 28% of violence incidents against LGBTQI+ people occur in public services like hospitals and police stations (ILGA-Europe, 2023).
This contradiction—a society adopting progressive laws without accompanying social change—reflects a broader issue in both Greece and Cyprus. Progress is often superficial, confined to legal frameworks that fail to bring about true cultural acceptance.
The Need for Psychological Support for LGBTQI+ People
Psychological support for LGBTQI+ people is essential, but in Cyprus, the available services are inadequate. Only 3% of psychologists in Cyprus are trained in LGBTQI+ issues—a stark contrast to countries like Canada, where 85% of psychologists are trained in this area. This lack of training isn't just a numerical issue; as one psychologist friend explained, “Without national guidelines, LGBTQI+ therapists are at the mercy of each specialist’s personal approach." This inconsistency leaves many LGBTQI+ people without the support they need. For individuals like Mr. George, who face age-related challenges, the impact is even more severe.
Psychologists play a crucial role, but they can only make a difference if they are unified in their approach. In Greece, mental health professionals helped facilitate public debates on legalization with a scientific and rational voice. In Cyprus, however, no such scientific consensus exists to provide citizens with the guidance they need. It’s unfortunate that the Cyprus Psychologists Association, in a recent statement, pledged to defend the interests of the profession without addressing the need to help heal a divided society. It would be far more beneficial for the association to focus on promoting policies that will heal the psychological rifts in Cypriot society.
Immigration of LGBTQI+ People: A Geographic Shift of the Problem
Many LGBTQI+ individuals from Greece and Cyprus seek better opportunities abroad, but the trauma they experienced at home often follows them. According to recent data, 60% of LGBTQI+ immigrants report that their families do not accept them, and 30% experience psychological issues related to stigma and rejection. This shows that immigration does not always resolve the issues they faced at home—it merely relocates their trauma to new places.
Are We Part of the Change or the Stagnation?
Mr. George's story challenges us to reflect: How do we create a society that accepts diversity? What is the balance between individual freedom and collective morality? The statistics are a mirror of reality, but philosophy can guide us toward the answers. True acceptance is not about laws; it’s about culture. Culture changes when fear is replaced by understanding.
Mr. George, like thousands of others, struggles to exist in a world that tells him his difference is unwelcome. But the question is not about George; it’s about all of us. Will we remain passive observers, or will we become part of a society where equality is not a privilege but a right? The journey toward change begins with the decision to see the other person not as different, but as equal. That is the challenge we all must face.
*Andreas Karamitas is a Political Scientist and Active Citizenship Trainer and Member of the DISY LGBTI Policy Production Team
[This op-ed was translated from its Greek original]
