While many European countries managed to embrace the LGBTQ+ community, Greece hasn’t been so open. Members of the community have struggled to make a place for themselves in Greek society. They are often met with hatred, violence and resistance. This resentment spawns mostly from the ultra-conservative Orthodox Church.
It wasn’t until 2015, when the government enacted same sex-marriage legislation, that members of the community gained some sense of recognition, a crumb of equality. Because of this, the drag scene erupted, Athens being the hub of all drag activity.
Despite reform, homophobia still runs rampant in Greece, it’s a disease. Specially appointed leaders of the Orthodox Church make homophobic orders. Ambrosios: the Orthodox bishop told followers to “spit on” gay people. The Church claims, too, that legislation for trans people would “destroy human beings”. There are several artists who are actively trying to fight this blatant, merciless homophobia. Many queer artists are forced to conceal their identities, fearing violent outbursts and attacks.
In 2018, a 33-year-old LGBTQ+ activist and drag performer was murdered in Athens. Zak Kostopoulos was trapped in a jewelry store. He attempted to break free, but was ambushed by several men. They kicked him, leaving his body bruised, bloody, and unconscious. Zak was carried out on a stretcher, and was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Some believe Zak was attempting to rob the store. However, many assert that he was merely seeking shelter after a brawl erupted in a nearby cafe. No matter his true intention, Zak’s death shook the entire LGBTQ+ community.
Zak Kostopoulos was a well known for his work. He raised awareness for HIV, being HIV-positive himself. He was also a popular drag queen, he was called “Zackie Oh!”. His involvement in the drag, his sexuality, and his diligent activism lead many people to believe that this was a targeted attack. His friends share their thoughts:
Myrot Tsilimpounidi stated, “Despite all the attacks and the fear, she never stopped. That pissed off many different groups, especially the fascists. Zackie Oh! was always saying ‘Fuck you!’ and that’s why we’re going to miss her.”
On Zak’s memorial page, activist Emmanouil Athanasiou writes, “Today Zak Kostopoulos was buried in his parents village in Greece. Unfortunately, the hate, the violence & the intolerance of the Greek society did not die with him,” illustrating the incessant hatred spewed by the Greek community. When will it stop?
Because of this horrific event, fellow activists and members of the LGBTQ+ community are left angered, saddened, and eager to protest for change.
Activist group Ieries Tou Eshous declared, “Listen up Greeks: Our queerness never dies. You’d better be afraid of us.”
Many were inspired and decided to hold memorial events for Zak. The drag community at BeQueer held a fundraiser called Tsipouraki with Zackie. BeQueer opened in November 2017. Since then, the venue has established itself as the city’s first permanent space for the LGBTQ+ community.
DJ and promoter Irini Karaoglou, the co-founder of the club night Strap-on Unicorns, held an event for Zak too. Back in 2016, as a new wave of drag exploded in Athens, Zak became Strap-on Unicorns’ first resident drag queen.
Karaoglou states, “our society has rigid norms and boundaries, but once you depart from that space, everything is queer…” she continues, “it’s sad that someone has to die so that others can be visible, to live…we want to be safe, so we close ourselves off , and that fear too easily becomes hate. But without ways to open ourselves up to others, we will remain afraid and alone.”
While hatred and violence reign over the LGBTQ+ community in Greece, several brave artists find ways to carry on, to share their art, and to promote change.
Kangela Tromokratisch is regarded as one of Athens’ most accomplished queer performers. She’s also the alter-ego of Angelos Torticollis. Angelos spends much of his time at Communitism: an activist-run community space. Communitism also hosts Kangela’s Kabaret, a drag night featuring political satire and social commentary. After spending some time in the UK, escaping the toxic community in Greece, he returned to in 2016. He now carried the desire to reinvent the arts scene, hopefully introducing queer energy and gender politics.
“The crisis has actually been the best thing to happen to this country because Greeks have woken up. People in Athens are thirsty for change,” Kangela admits. “It’s empowering to become this strong character and say whatever I want, It has made me fearless. I think there’s a huge need for that, not just in our community, but all over the world. We’re being fed so much fear all the time. I know it’s not for everyone, but I’ve found my voice. I’m not scared anymore and it feels amazing.”
Konstantinos Menelaou, filmmaker and activist, longed to escaped the country too, hoping to find an accepting environment. In London, he founded the Queer Archive, a platform that celebrates LGBTQ+ culture, it brings the community together. He hopes to uplift other queer artists, encouraging them to persist through the hatred and fear. In 2018, Menelaou released a film, which he wrote and directed, called He Loves Me. The story captures two lovers, struggling to keep their relationship afloat.
DJ and Promoter, Giorgis Benias, introduced Power Dance Club, a sex positive club event. Benias mentions how growing up queer in Athens was tough, and very dangerous. He wants to create a safe space, a place that allows expression and growth.
Hatred, violence, and tragedy struck the LGBTQ+ community in Greece, and continues to strike. But, the community is fighting back. Many actively advocate for equality, expression, and self-love. The change is gradual, but it is evident.
References:
Comments