Family Values in Armenia and Wales

A Tale of Two Nations

Family values are central to both Armenian and Welsh societies, yet the way these people view and support LGBT families and individuals is very different from one another. The aim of this article is to explore how history, culture and religion shape family values and how these values are projected in LGBT people.

In Armenia, family values are considered as part of the cultural heritage. Traditional family structures, where extended family members often live close together, remain common, mostly outside of the big urban centres. This arrangement was more common in the past as Armenians lived under various empires (Persian, Ottoman, and Soviet). Another big component which has a direct influence on family values is the Armenian Apostolic Church. It has been a continuous presence since its adoption (301 AD) and more specifically after the loss of Armenian statehood(11th century) as the church replaced the role of the state. The country today is still very religious which has also contributed to conservative attitudes towards varied family structures, including LGBT families. For instance, only 9% of Armenians say they would feel comfortable with an LGBT neighbour.

Wales, in contrast, has seen significant changes in its family structures over time. While traditional patriarchal families are still the norm, LGBT families become increasingly common and accepted today. Notably, 1 in 4 adoptions in Wales are by same-sex couples, making LGBT families more visible there than in any other parts of the United Kingdom. Although Christianity has also influenced Welsh society, its role has diminished over time. The Industrial Revolution brought about a big change in perception of religion, which gradually became less central to everyday life in Wales. This shift has allowed for a more diverse understanding of what it meansto be Welsh, including greater acceptance of LGBT families.

In both Armenia and Wales, Christianity has been important for the society, but its influence has played out differently. In Armenia, the Armenian Apostolic Church has been guiding societal norms and family values for centuries. In Wales, however, the influence of Christianity has been more fluid and less centralised. As a result, Welsh society has become more open to diverse family structures, while Armenia remains more conservative. Besides religion, the societal development of both nations has been very different. Wales being part of the United Kingdom enjoys higher levels of education, democracy, rule of law and centuries-old tradition of governance. Whereas Armenia had to endure brutal occupation by the Persian, Ottoman and Russian Empires for hundreds of years. The independent state of Armenia is just 33 years old and concepts such as democracy, rule of law and human rights are still not anchored in society.

Because of this developmental disparity, legal recognition and societal acceptance of families and individuals is widely different. Wales has made remarkable progress in promoting diversity and inclusivity. LGBT families enjoy legal protections, and societal attitudes are generally supportive, especially in urban areas. Though, rural areas are still holding on to somewhat conservative attitudes which can create difficulties for LGBT families. However, legally LGBT families are recognised and have certain anti-discriminatory protections.

In Armenia, the situation is more challenging. Conservative attitudes, reinforced by religious beliefs, lack of interest in authority figures in the matters of LGBT people, as well as general homophobia make it difficult for LGBT families to gain acceptance. Despite this, young activists and community-based NGOs are working hard to change the perception in society. This is an uphill battle as the centuries-old, engraved beliefs are hard to change, especially without a state policy or support.

The societal change in Wales and the legal protections that LGBT families and individuals enjoy is a direct result of continued efforts of activists for decades or even a century. The fight for LGBT equality in Armenia is still young with its prospects of success dependent on many external factors. Sadly, we are still far away from any recognition for LGBT families however the journey to progress continues