Marginalization of sexual minorities in the Republic of Croatia

Ovim radom se nastoji obuhvatiti položaj seksualnih manjina tijekom povijesti, njihova borba za jednak položaj u društvu te njihov trenutni položaj. Povijesni dio obuhvaća prvi pokret za prava seksualnih manjina u SAD-u, kao i njegov utjecaj na pokretanje nacionalne rasprave o pravima manjine. Posebni osvrt na Hrvatsku obuhvaća utjecaj tradicionalnih vrijednosti i Katoličke Crkve na povijesni i trenutni položaj seksualnih manjina. Sklonost hrvatskog društva prema negativnim stavovima je vidljiva kroz nejednaki položaj manjine u pravnom sustavu i diskriminacijske odredbe. LGBTIQ+ zajednice su u postupku zalaganja za jednaka prava potaknule javnu raspravu o svojem položaju u društvu. Nedostatak edukativnih programa u obrazovnom sustavu umanjuje šanse za razvoj tolerancije prema manjini. Pripadnici manjine tijekom odrastanja skrivaju svoju seksualnost kako bi se uklopile u heteronormativno društvo. Osobe koje su otvorene prema vlastitoj seksualnosti češće doživljavaju diskriminaciju i nasilje koje rijetko prijavljuju zbog nepovjerenja u sustav. Socijalnu podršku pronalaze u LGBTIQ udrugama gdje se kolektivno bore za ravnopravni status građana u društvu.This work covers the position of sexual minorities throughout history, their battles for equality and their current position in society. The historical section covers the first movement for the rights of sexual minorities in the US, as well as its influence in the national debate regarding their rights. Sections regarding Croatia include the influence of traditional values ​​and the Catholic Church on the historical and current position of sexual minorities. Croatian society's tendency towards negative attitudes is visible through the unequal position of minorities in the legal system and discriminatory provisions. In the process of advocating for equal rights, LGBTIQ+ communities have encouraged a public debate about their position in society. The lack of educational programs in the educational system reduces the chances of increasing tolerance towards the minority. Members of the minority hide their sexuality to fit into a heteronormative society. People who are open about their sexuality often experience discrimination and violence which they rarely report due to distrust in the system. They find social support in LGBTIQ associations where they collectively fight for the equal status of citizens in society