At 4pm on Saturday, September 26th, gays and lesbians came together in 13 cities across France for the Kiss-in Against Homophobia--a very hot event where people publicly exchanged kisses to make a statement.
The Kiss-in has just recently established itself as a radically fun new way to speak out against homophobia in France. It took root in June 2009 when a Facebook group called "Kiss-in contre l’homophobie" (lit. "Kiss-in against Homophobia") posted a message (in French) saying,
"Why is it that the only time we can see gay people kiss on the street, except for in Le Marais (the gay area of Paris), is during the gay pride? Why is it that only hetero couples can make out in public without embarrassing anybody? If you think this isn’t normal, then join in for some guerrilla kissing!! ”
Following the invitation, gay, lesbian, queer and queer-friendly hetero couples all headed out to designated spots in 13 French cities on September 26th and started kissing all at once at 4pm!!
(Photos provided by: Gayclic.com)
※Just a few pictures from the Kiss-in in Paris. Great to see so many cute queer couples!! In the picture to the lower right is Judy Minx (glasses), a queer feminist, sex activist, performance artist, and leading figure in France's dyke-queer underground scene.
Incidentally, over one hundred queer couples locked lips at the Paris Kiss-in, held at the very popular multi-storey shopping center, Le Forum des Halles. According to France's own gay culture & news blog site, Gayclic.com, while there was some audible booing from bystanders, overall the guerrilla kissing went well and closed with a warm round of applause.
But don't take our word for it. Check out Gayclic's incredible video of the Kiss-in for yourself.
As one of the Kiss-in's coordinators, Arthur, states at the end of the video, the next kiss-in is being planned for December 12th (details will be announced later). And next time around, they will have simultaneous kiss-ins in other countries too. Queer folks in Europe should definitely head out and get involved!
Photo provided by: Kiss-in contre l'homophobie!
