Discrimination of gays and lesbians

Discrimination of gays and lesbians

I am writing in reference to the recent attack on an AIDS
awareness forum held in Kaliurang, Yogyakarta on Nov. 11, 2000
and I would like to state the following:

1. The bottom line is the attack was directed at gays,
lesbians and transgenders as they formed a significant number of
attendees at the discussion. Unfortunately, this was not properly
exposed by the media and I am curious to know why. Even The
Jakarta Post, as a reliable media and one I had expected would
raise the issue, hardly said anything on it.

2. The attack obviously shows that gays, lesbians and
transgender members of the community are still vulnerable. They
are discriminated and under constant threat by the mainstream
regardless of the fact that these particular members of the
community are just as human and have contributed to the well-
being of the society in general. In fact, gays, lesbians and
transgenders also contribute academically, professionally,
financially and religiously as they are found in all walks of
life.

3. The attack plainly shows how weak our law is. The authority
did nothing to protect the civilians from this attack. Instead of
taking stern measures against the mob, the police in Yogyakarta
released them. I saw no reason why the police could not arrest
the barbaric mob.

4. Shame on the mob and its mastermind as they only manipulate
fallacies and myths on gays and lesbians to attack them and
justify their barbaric acts. If they think being gay or lesbian
is sinful or shameless, they could channel views through
discussions and debates.

5. In order to prevent similar incidents in the future, the
authorities should be consistent in imposing the law, educators
should add gay, lesbian and transgender issues in their
curriculum and religious leaders should advice their followers
not to be manipulated by evil people.

6. Acting God solves nothing in this case. Instead of naively
believing that homosexuality is against God's will, I strongly
challenge the mainstream to embrace gays and lesbians to show
their love of God. Will they be able to do so? Through our
perversion and imperfections (if this were so), then the glory
and perfections of the Divine Providence shall be revealed.

7. To my gay, lesbian and transgender brothers and sisters,
allow me to encourage you not to be afraid or disheartened. Let's
take this as an opportunity to defend ourselves with compassion,
dignity and pride. Read and learn a lot so that we could defend
our rights in a more dignified way. Be proud of your decision to
be gay or lesbian. Be thankful to God for endowing us with this
very special grace. Being gay or lesbian is our very right and
grace. Even God would say nothing to your choice made of your own
free will. Do not let others dictate you. Instead, let's educate
and enlighten them. Let's make the world and God smile.

REGINALD Y. RIADI

Jakarta