Homosexuality

• Atwood provides no excuse for Gilead’s harsh treatment of homosexuality seen in how they are punishable by death on the wall for ‘gender treachery’ and how moira states in chapter 38 that gender traitors are sent to the colonies.
• Moria is a lesbian, as we find out in chapter 28 that ‘she decided to prefer women’ and in many ways is a hero figure for offred due to her activeness and bravery.
• Attitudes towards homosexuality have varied greatly over history throughout different cultures.
• In ancient Greece, the love between a man and a boy was considered a higher form of expression.
• In ancient China, homosexual love was also commonly found.
• Places where Hebrew culture has dominated have condemned homosexuality.
• There is an ongoing dispute about attitudes to homosexuality.
• In some countries, homosexuality is legal and protected by human rights legislation.
• Some countries have legalised same sex marriage and civil partnership.
• In other countries, homosexuality is illegal and punishable by death.
• Even in countries where homosexuality is legal, there is wide disapproval and strong opposition, often based on religious views.