How a Gay Rights Maverick Helped Topple Iceland's Government

[xchrom]

http://www.nationofchange.org/how-gay-rights-maverick-helped-topple-iceland-s-govt-1344349088




By the time the political climate in Iceland was ripe for the Cutlery Revolution, Hörður Torfason was already well practiced at stirring things up.

“I’ve been doing this all my life,” he told IPS in an interview.

In 1975, Torfason stepped forward as the first openly gay man in Iceland, to much public discontent. After escaping an attempt on his life, Torfason moved to Copenhagen where he lived in exile for many years. However, he continued to fight for gay rights from abroad using his art to spread the message.

“The role of the artist, to me, is to defy the misuse of power in our society, and I’ve been doing that all my life,” said Torfason.

[William769]

1. I love stories like this.

Last edited Wed Aug 8, 2012, 12:02 PM - Edit history (1)