We are Albina and Anhelina – a lesbian couple living in Chisinau for almost a year now. As a consequence of how the media portrays LGBTQ+ people, you would probably think we are drug addicts, uneducated and toxic partners.

Oh well, we would have to disappoint you. Both of us have higher education diplomas and are employed. We have a healthy relationship and lifestyle. We go for walks and casually invite each other for unexpected dates. You can meet us in coffee shops, parks, and theaters around the city. We live, we laugh and we dance together. Our parents love us and encourage our relationship. In the future, we plan to have three cute kids, a cozy house, and a small garden. 

Do WE have the courage?

We have support and acceptance from our friends, family, and community, but we still look around before kissing or holding hands. It is a subconscious security action that is “sponsored” by school professors, TV channels, and grandparents that told us LGBTQ+ is a threat to society and physical violence is an acceptable tool towards them. 

Even if now, more and more people tolerate LGBTQ+ representatives, we are still scared to create a family in such a society.

Do YOU have the courage?

If you tell us you are not against LGBTQ+ representatives… do you think it would be enough?  Do you show support for them? Would you go to Pride to ask for their rights to be met?

If you tell us you would never aggress a person, just for being gay, do you think it’s enough? 

Would you have the courage to stand up for a gay that is being physically bullied?

OR would you teach your kids to not bully a classmate for having two moms (that would possibly be us)?

Cause we do not need your “I don’t care about the sexual orientation of any individual”, we need “we care, and we will show how much we care by words and actions”.

This text is part of a series initiated by The BangBang.md platform, when launching the social campaign “I’m here! Do you have the courage to see me?” in the context of the 31 years of independence of the Republic of Moldova. This event is an invitation to dialogue and aims to promote the idea of a safe space, where every member of society can feel loved, understood and accepted.

Author: Albina Ciuprin