How did the LGBTQIA+ community become marginalised and persecuted throughout history? How did they resist and survive in the face of oppression and violence? In this episode, we dive into the ancient and modern roots of homophobia and transphobia and the stories that inspire us to have pride and continue to protest today and every day. Love is Love, and it always has been.

In this episode, we will:

• Trace the origins of queerphobia in ancient civilisations such as Mesopotamia and Rome and how they influenced the later attitudes and laws of Christianity and Islam.
• Examine the role of religion in shaping the social and legal norms that discriminated against and criminalised the LGBTQIA+ community, such as the Inquisition, the sodomy laws, and the death penalty.
• Reflect on the tragic events that shocked and galvanised the queer community, such as the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida, and the persecution of LGBTQIA+ people by ISIS in Iraq and Syria.

Don’t forget to leave us a review and share this podcast with your friends. If you want to get in touch and share your thoughts, email us at PlainlyQueer@gmail.com.

Thanks for listening!

If you found anything distressing in today's episode, please do reach out to supports. Below is a list of resources that may be of help to anyone listening:

Queer affirming counselling and psychotherapy services: https://www.insightmatters.ie/

LGBTQ+ community support in Ireland: https://lgbt.ie/

LGBTQ+ Youth Support in Ireland: https://www.belongto.org/

Transgender Equality Network Ireland: https://teni.ie/

The Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org/ireland/samaritans-ireland/