Belgrade Has Suffered Misery Caused By Tribal Hatred & Aggressive Nationalism, Stephen Fry Says

18. September, 2012 News, Society No comments

Stephen Fry Belgrade Pride Wild RoosterMisplaced religious prejudice and nationalism are often the root cause of misery, bigotry and violence inflicted on the LGBT community, best-selling author, actor and playwright Stephen Fry has said.

“We only have to look around the world to see how the twin evils of nationalism and distorted religion have focused on LGBT people as the target for their hate, just as the Jews were singled out in the 20s and 30s,’ he said.

“If that sounds hysterical and exaggerated – remember the words of Edmund Burke, that for evil to flourish all that is required is for good men to do nothing’.

Belgrade knows more than most cities how tribal hatred fostered by false religion and aggressive nationalism can cause death, disaster and misery.”

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

Stephen was speaking in a message of support to organisers and participants in Belgrade Pride 2012. He went on to describe the struggle and frustration that is faced by the LGBT community: “Sometimes it can seem that for every step forward the LGBT community makes in terms of acceptance and equality, we are sent two steps back by the forces of bigotry and intolerance.

“It can never be too much to ask people to accept love. When they call gay love ‘unnatural’ they should understand that homosexuality has been noted in hundreds of species of animal, but homophobia only exists in one: mankind. Knowing that, ask yourself who is truly unnatural?”

Stephen Fry, playwright, film director and acclaimed actor (Wilde, Alice in Wonderland, Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire, V for Vendetta and Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows) will soon be seen by international audiences in the set-to-be-massive film version of The Hobbit. The British bon viveur’s Twitter account is approaching five million followers.

Refuse to Accept Bullying and Hatred

As encouragement for those taking part in the week-long programme of activities that will make up Belgrade Pride 2012, Stephen said: “Open pride, sane insistent debate and a refusal to accept a culture of bullying, taunting and hatred are as necessary now as they have ever been.”

Unfortunately, Stephen’s schedule does not allow him to join events in Serbia. “Sending all my love and support to Belgrade Pride Parade this year,’ he told Wild Rooster. “Sorry I can’t be there but I’m sure it will be a fantastic event. All my love and best wishes to a brave and proud community in Belgrade.”

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