Imaginary ‘Invisible Girlfriends’ Available Soon (from Feb 14)
New US website Invisiblegirlfriend.com is launching a fake girlfriend service on Valentines Day, targeted at people in same-sex relationships who need to hide their sexuality from ‘disapproving relatives’ and friends and co-workers’.
“Are you dating someone? Invisible Girlfriend gives you an answer – along with believeable virtual and real world proof – so you can get back to living life on your own terms,” the site promises under the heading FINALLY.A GIRLFRIEND YOUR FAMILY CAN BELIEVE IN.
“Our initial research indicates there are people who might like to have a “fake” girlfriend they can point to,” they continue.
“We’re hoping to give them a reasonable story to tell others about a relationship, backed with credible virtual and real-world social proof. This might include — depending on the plan they choose — voicemails, text messages, social media interaction, cards, gifts and even flowers.”
The new service could prove popular in Nigeria where authorities this week approved new ‘Jail All The Gays’ laws, prompting cops to launch an immediate ‘witch hunt’ which lead to 38 suspected gay people being arrested and locked up. Suspects were then reportedly tortured into revealing the names of other suspected gay people, CBS news reported.
Religious leader Chairman Mustapha Baba Ilela of Bauchi state Shariah Commission said 11 suspected gay men had been arrested in his area so far after being ‘fished out’ by neighbours.168 more are now on their list.
“We are on the hunt for others,” he vowed.
People in Nigeria who don’t inform authorities of suspected gays also face five years in jail under the new laws.
Speaking about the new laws to the BBC last week, ‘Richard’ said gay people are now terrified of being identified and attacked by mobs.
“If you don’t become discreet and try to hide yourself, even the man on the street will want to also act on the bill because it has been passed,” he explained.
“If you’re walking on the street and he stones you, he knows the law would stand for him because the law is against you.” (BBC: http://bbc.in/1dgvHvp )
(Vice Magazine: Young & Gay in Putin’s Russia: ‘When Russian President Vladimir Putin banned gay “propaganda” in June last year, Russia’s LGBT community went from being a stigmatised fringe group to full-blown enemies of the state. Homophobia becoming legislation means it’s now not only accepted in Russia but actively encouraged, which has led to a depressing rise in homophobic attacks and murders . . . .’)
