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Raffi Wartanian

Raffi Wartanian

Raffi Wartanian’s work has appeared in The Baltimore Sun, The Huffington Post, and World Policy Journal.

14 Comments

  1. This is one of the most powerful, well reasoned, and persuasive articles I’ve ever read in the Weekly. Bravo for speaking out and doing so in such an articulate manner. Well done!

  2. Well, here in the US, we largely accept homosexuals and try not to impose any special burden on them. They can live their lives.

    But what people object to are things such as homosexual education in the lower grades (yes, its’s true), and allowing males who “identify” as females (while still acting and dressing as men) to use female facilities such as public restrooms and shower rooms in high schools, something that is allowed now, is happening, and that most people object to.

  3. This article is fundamentally erroneous. This idea that somehow homosexuality is part of the acceptance of the “expanding of Armenian identity” is not just incorrect, it’s dangerous. Homosexuality did not enter the Armenian identity yesterday, 10 years ago, or in the 1800s. Homosexuality has been part of the Armenian identity for as long as there have been Armenians, just as it has been part of humanity for as long as there have been humans. The acceptance of LGBTQ Armenians is not a matter of liberal perspectives trying to outshine religious orthodoxy. In fact, the reason why LGBTQ Armenians are not seen as “Armenians” is precisely because ARMENIANS THINK THAT THEIR RELIGIOUS IS A NECESSARY ELEMENT OF THEIR CULTURE, and just like everywhere else, religious leadership imposes its autocracy on the people by imposing moral conformity.

    The moment the majority of Armenians realize that being Christian has nothing to do with being Armenian – in fact, that one can make an argument that the only true Armenian is a pagan Armenian – THAT is when we will become an inclusive society – not by expanding our definition of Armenian identity, but by re-discovering our true identities as people who once worshiped the sun and the womb, but not kiss golden rings on fat fingers and think they’re blessed for it.

  4. Thank you SO much for this piece!! It’s hard to reconcile being Armenian with our beliefs that aren’t inscribed in religion. Being secular, queer or an ally, none of these things fit in with what some Armenians say is the only and traditional way of being Armenian. I’m so over it.

  5. Bravo this is one of the most intelligent and powerful text I have read since a long time about Armenian identity

  6. After centuries of rise western civilization has been in decline in recent times. What’s more troubling is that it is dragging many other nations around the world down with it…

  7. This went over my head. So, tell me clearly, WHAT is the link between being victims of genocide and being homophobic? The only hint I got was that the church took care of many Armenian “communities facing political and military displacement [after the genocide],” and as a result got to spread its views. Is that it?

  8. What an absurdity! Shame on the author for manipulating the advocacy of Armenian genocide and push homosexual propaganda. Please restrain your “free fall flaming ” imagination.
    Elthon Jon is respected for his enormous talent and hard work , for his humanitarian efforts and not for his privet personal sexual orientation and practice , which is his right ! We all are thankful and appreciate his
    jesture and good deed , but that for sure doesn’t give you the right to barter , manipulate and trade with it .
    You and sexuality centered and consumed ( possessed ?) others like you see and perceive the world trough that limited and very much distorted lenses of sexual orientation. This notion that Armenian society , church and nation in general is somehow homophobic and intallerant is absolutely false and outdated . Look for your issues inside you . All Armenians of all pacularities , “shapes and forms ” are relevant , accepted and welcomed when they have eagerness and will to contribute no matter what sexual, social , economic (etc.) qualities and veriations shape their individual private lives .
    It is regrettable that the author is misusing and abusing a good deed by Mr. Elthon Jon to advocate a perceived and artificial “problem”.
    Let’s keep our sexualities private and in our bedrooms , may they be hetro 0r homo sexuality.
    Being an Armenian and contributing to all things Armenian is honor and great service to humanity …

  9. This is not the first time that an attempt is made on these pages to link the unlinkable. In some other thread a poster attempted to liken the generally negative attitude of most Armenians worldwide towards homosexual propaganda to Turkish atrocities during the genocide. I’m sorry to say, but I think AW editors have to take their share of the blame for publishing such “articles”, to put it mildly, in which homosexuality is somehow linked to the Armenian genocide. The title is despicable, as is the content. What does the sexual orientation of an entertainer have to do with recognition and retribution for the Armenian genocide? Sir Elton John came up as a talented musician, a world-renowned entertainer, and I extend my thanks to him for making the cause known to the wider audience. I could care less about what he thinks or does in the privacy of his bedroom.

  10. Folks, the main problem that I have noticed is the fundamental problem with the ARF and it’s tendencies to align with various ideologies and groups in order to benefit it’s own political party. It has worked with the Nazis, Soviets and the CIA. This is open information and is something that Armenians whether in the Diaspora or in the Homeland should be aware of. We can commend the work of the ANCA which is also an ARF organization masked as an Armenian-American grassroots institution for Genocide recognition, however, that is simply the bait to dominate the Diaspora. We are seeing the ARF work with the Left (as it’s a socialist institution) to promote Leftist ideology and one such ideology is the promotion of homosexuality. As if the Armenian family worldwide is not battered enough, we need to add an extra layer of blow to the sacred family institution. This is a Globalist agenda to destroy the family, an institution that the Turks weren’t even able to destroy. The 21st century is a dangerous era for the Armenians, we must guard ourselves from these ideals and return to our faith in Christ. Be careful of such articles and publications, as it only serves the Globalists agenda to destroy culture, family and the Christian faith.

    I have also noticed that it’s the Leftist Angeleno Armenians who are more active in pursuing such ideals as the people writing these articles are primarily from Los Angeles/California or Leftists.

  11. Congrats to former student Rafi Vartanian for remarkable and generous thoughts. We here at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs remember Rafi as a talented, creative and caring student–who carries forward the school’s mission of communication, knowledge and tolerance.

  12. An epic article about human rights. For those who continue to choose to ignore the connection, I suggest you educate yourself into the 21st century. Well done Raffi.

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