History of LGBT Pride
Ancient Greece (The Land of Philosophy!)

For many, ancient Greece is considered to be the dawning of modern (Western) society. It's boundaries are marked historically as the birthplace of philosophy (such as Plato, Socrates and Aristotle). In this age homosexuality as well as many contained with in the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans) community where not only accepted but also institutionalised. Although the idea (by modern standards) is considered barbaric, it was caused more by the imprisoning of women to protect family lineage. Although covered in a veil of secrecy, it is feasible that women also indulged in Lesbianism as a means of sexual expression. (With the only contact from the 'outside' being female)

Women where considered to be child bearers and sexual deviants so they where highly guarded by their 'male protectors' to make sure that the family's blood line remained 'pure'. Because of this automatic repression of sexuality, a precedent was set that would eventually cause problems with later generations in different cultures.

Aristocrats in Crete adopted formal pederastic (meaning homosexuality between a man and a boy) relations between adult princes and adolescent boys, with the double aim to educate the youths and curb population growth. Pederasty spread through ancient Greece, influencing sports, literature, politics, philosophy, art and warfare, and causing, according to some, a flowering of culture; it was associated with gymnasia and athletic nudity. This was culturally due to the need for sexuality within society. (Make love not war!)

Plato spoke up against the decadence into which traditional Athenian pederasty sank, blamed pederasty for promoting civil strife and driving many to their wits' end, and recommended the prohibition of sexual intercourse with boys, laying out a path whereby this may be accomplished.

Around this time Sappho of Lesbos wrote her famous love poems to women, providing the eventual inspiration for the word lesbian and the Sacred Band of Thebes, an undefeated elite battalion made up of one hundred and fifty pederastic couples, was destroyed by the forces of Philip II of Macedon who stated his regret of their loss and praised their honour.

Next Section (Pre Christian Roman Empire)