When is a man – a man?

Much prejudice against homosexual women and men comes from obsolete attributions. We’re often told what a “real man” has to be, and how a “true woman” has to behave. The family, the media and society produce stereotypes, such as: boys don’t cry, girls don’t play with cars, boys don’t play with dolls, girls don’t become mechanics, men don’t show their feelings in public, women can’t park, “no man would do that!”, “act like a woman!”, and so on.

However, these are nothing but clichés. Even stereotypes change; societies develop just like the people that live in them. Today, there are many women in “typically” male jobs. Fathers take leave from work to stay at home with children, as their mothers work. Years ago, men with long hair and earrings were considered gay. Since David Beckham we know that a heterosexual man can appear as we imagine a gay man to be. Many qualities ascribed to women are also find in men, which means that it is not the gender that should be in the foreground, but rather the persons themselves.

Gay and lesbian people are not recognizable at first sight – they live completely “normal” lives. The media often transport clichés of lesbians and gays. In doing so, they create stereotypes and confirm prejudices. However, there are lesbian and gay teachers, salespeople, taxi drivers; they work in banks, post offices, courts – just like heterosexuals.