The psychic
struggle and the LGBT struggle. While one might not at first see cause to link
the two, I believe that there are valid comparisons to be made between these
two groups, resulting in a connection from which, if strengthened, all could
benefit.
For
centuries, psychics and LGBTs have suffered discrimination. While the modern
West is undoubtedly more tolerant of both, being either psychic or LGBT can
still invite persecution today, and both groups face ridicule and attack from
psychophobes and homophobes respectively.
None of what
I am about to say should be misread to imply that psychics have endured the
same levels of prejudice as LGBTs. Although there are individual cases in which
that has indeed happened – and, in some countries, one could easily make the argument
that psychics do indeed suffer equal discrimination – in the West, overall,
LGBTs have had it tougher. Both, however, have been the targets of bigotry and
there comes a point when pedantry over which group has suffered more becomes
tiresome and redundant. I’m seeking to highlight the similarities between the
psychic and LGBT struggles and make a call for both parties to forge links and
lend one another support.
THE
SIMILARITIES
I would like
to acknowledge Craig Weiler’s role in drawing my attention to the common ground
between psychics and LGBTs in his blog post ‘Psychic People: The Last Quiet
Minority’, which can be read here. - https://weilerpsiblog.wordpress.com/2011/09/14/psychic-people-the-last-quiet-minority/
Gay people
and psychics both have the choice to hide their nature from others. Where
members of racial groups are easily identified by their complexion, psychics
and LGBTs have no such physical markers and other people only find out when the
psychic or gay person informs them.
Both historically
and in modern times, psychics and LGBTs have been accused of being “evil” or “sinful”
by extremist religious zealots. Psychics have also had to deal with secular
psychophobes casting aspersions upon their character and portraying them all as
inherently immoral.
Psychics and
gay people have both been identified as psychologically abnormal or mentally
ill. The American Psychiatric Association classified homosexuality as a
disorder until 1973. Today, you can often hear psychics declared to be “crazy”
or “mentally unwell.” Some people even advocate forcing psychics into
psychiatric hospitals.
In both
cases, there are bigots who ignore or disregard evidence that runs
contradictory to their prejudices. Some homophobes insist that homosexuality is
a “choice”, despite all the evidence to the contrary. Some psychophobes ignore
the scientific data that lends credence to psychic abilities.
FORGING
LINKS
In response to prejudice, both gay people and psychics have formed movements to stand up for themselves. Gay Pride events are numerous and the New Age movement created a space for psychics to interact with like-minded people and defend themselves. Other members of misunderstood religious or spiritual minorities have also formed ‘pride’ events, such as Pagan Pride.
In response to prejudice, both gay people and psychics have formed movements to stand up for themselves. Gay Pride events are numerous and the New Age movement created a space for psychics to interact with like-minded people and defend themselves. Other members of misunderstood religious or spiritual minorities have also formed ‘pride’ events, such as Pagan Pride.
Given the
common factors that unite gay and psychic people, I think it would be in the
interests of both parties to forge stronger connections and give support to the
other’s causes. My reasons being:
While many of those who support psychics also believe in gay rights, it is very uncommon to see the issue of psychic rights addressed by those who support LGBT equality. Many either don’t care, or, in some cases, are actively psychophobic themselves. For example, the belief system of humanists essentially prevents them from being friends to the psychic community, as they are mostly of the opinion that all psychics are either delusional or lying. While the website of the British Humanist Association does not contain any explicit psychophobic material itself, it’s not too much of a stretch to suggest that possibly a great deal of their members hold such views. Indeed, some of their prominent supporters have made psychophobic comments of their own – a notable example being Stephen Fry, who declared that all mediums were frauds.
While many of those who support psychics also believe in gay rights, it is very uncommon to see the issue of psychic rights addressed by those who support LGBT equality. Many either don’t care, or, in some cases, are actively psychophobic themselves. For example, the belief system of humanists essentially prevents them from being friends to the psychic community, as they are mostly of the opinion that all psychics are either delusional or lying. While the website of the British Humanist Association does not contain any explicit psychophobic material itself, it’s not too much of a stretch to suggest that possibly a great deal of their members hold such views. Indeed, some of their prominent supporters have made psychophobic comments of their own – a notable example being Stephen Fry, who declared that all mediums were frauds.
The
humanists also have ties to the organised sceptic movement, of which some
factions have a long history of behaving in a bullying and bigoted manner
towards psychics. Notably, the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (CSI) – formerly
known as CSICOP – and the JREF (James Randi Educational Foundation.) This is
also true of the New Atheist movement (many of whom are also humanists) –
which, when it comes to psychics, has often promoted prejudice and nastiness. A
lot of prominent New Atheists are also supportive of CSI and JREF.
So while the
issue of combatting anti-LGBT intolerance is on the cultural agenda, I don’t
think the same can be said of combatting anti-psychic prejudice. A lot of people
either don’t realise it’s an issue, don’t care, or are psychophobic themselves.
It seems clear to me that more needs to be done to raise awareness about the
importance of speaking out against psychophobic bigotry.
One way this
could be done is for psychic friendly groups to develop official relationships
with Gay Rights organisations. They could each draw attention to the work of
each other and officially support tolerance to each other. Imagine, for
example, a Gay Pride event in which they showed their assistance to the psychic
cause by inviting a couple of psychics to give readings to attendees. Or a
Psychic Pride event in which psychics also spoke out in favour of LGBT
equality. Or a joint Gay/Psychic Pride event.
Representatives
of gay rights organisations could attend psychic events and vice versa. Not
only would this bring greater publicity to the psychic cause, but the topic of
LGBT rights would receive another public voice. The message of both groups
would reach a wider audience.
I am not
suggesting an official connection between all psychic and LGBT groups, and not
all people would be in favour of such a link anyway. While the majority of
psychics believe in LGBT equality, there are a minority of homophobes in the
community, and I have personally interacted with gay people who I discovered
were psychophobes. But if only a few ties could be forged between a small
number of LGBT and psychic groups, I think the cause of each party would gain
further acceptance and benefit.
