Discrimination of gays and lesbians<\/p>\n
I am writing in reference to the recent attack on an AIDS
\nawareness forum held in Kaliurang, Yogyakarta on Nov. 11, 2000
\nand I would like to state the following:<\/p>\n
1. The bottom line is the attack was directed at gays,
\nlesbians and transgenders as they formed a significant number of
\nattendees at the discussion. Unfortunately, this was not properly
\nexposed by the media and I am curious to know why. Even The
\nJakarta Post, as a reliable media and one I had expected would
\nraise the issue, hardly said anything on it.<\/p>\n
2. The attack obviously shows that gays, lesbians and
\ntransgender members of the community are still vulnerable. They
\nare discriminated and under constant threat by the mainstream
\nregardless of the fact that these particular members of the
\ncommunity are just as human and have contributed to the well-
\nbeing of the society in general. In fact, gays, lesbians and
\ntransgenders also contribute academically, professionally,
\nfinancially and religiously as they are found in all walks of
\nlife.<\/p>\n
3. The attack plainly shows how weak our law is. The authority
\ndid nothing to protect the civilians from this attack. Instead of
\ntaking stern measures against the mob, the police in Yogyakarta
\nreleased them. I saw no reason why the police could not arrest
\nthe barbaric mob.<\/p>\n
4. Shame on the mob and its mastermind as they only manipulate
\nfallacies and myths on gays and lesbians to attack them and
\njustify their barbaric acts. If they think being gay or lesbian
\nis sinful or shameless, they could channel views through
\ndiscussions and debates.<\/p>\n
5. In order to prevent similar incidents in the future, the
\nauthorities should be consistent in imposing the law, educators
\nshould add gay, lesbian and transgender issues in their
\ncurriculum and religious leaders should advice their followers
\nnot to be manipulated by evil people.<\/p>\n
6. Acting God solves nothing in this case. Instead of naively
\nbelieving that homosexuality is against God's will, I strongly
\nchallenge the mainstream to embrace gays and lesbians to show
\ntheir love of God. Will they be able to do so? Through our
\nperversion and imperfections (if this were so), then the glory
\nand perfections of the Divine Providence shall be revealed.<\/p>\n
7. To my gay, lesbian and transgender brothers and sisters,
\nallow me to encourage you not to be afraid or disheartened. Let's
\ntake this as an opportunity to defend ourselves with compassion,
\ndignity and pride. Read and learn a lot so that we could defend
\nour rights in a more dignified way. Be proud of your decision to
\nbe gay or lesbian. Be thankful to God for endowing us with this
\nvery special grace. Being gay or lesbian is our very right and
\ngrace. Even God would say nothing to your choice made of your own
\nfree will. Do not let others dictate you. Instead, let's educate
\nand enlighten them. Let's make the world and God smile.<\/p>\n
REGINALD Y. RIADI<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/discrimination-of-gays-and-lesbians-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }