Homosexuality

[imsunny]

I do not think it is exclusively a mutation in our genetic makeup that makes people gay. Yes there are animals that are homosexual and perform acts of homosexuality, but to say that it is not their choice is making a very large claim. We do not know how and why animals do many of the things they do even to this day. So to say they perform homosexual acts purely because of a genetic defect is a bit absurd (to me).

[ravi]

raminder said:

Anyway back to the topic:

The Indo-Canadian community, being a rather traditionalist/conservative community I would think that the percentage would be far less.

I personally disagree with this. With the Indo-Canadian community - or all Indian communities for that matter - being so traditional and conservative, it makes it harder for people to "come out of the closet" but I don't think that necessarily means fewer Indian gay people. It's just more "hush-hush".

[sharon.k™]

rr said:

raminder said:

Anyway back to the topic:

The Indo-Canadian community, being a rather traditionalist/conservative community I would think that the percentage would be far less.

I personally disagree with this. With the Indo-Canadian community - or all Indian communities for that matter - being so traditional and conservative, it makes it harder for people to "come out of the closet" but I don't think that necessarily means fewer Indian gay people. It's just more "hush-hush".

That is a very good point, Ravi.

I dono, maybe it's just me, but so far it seems we have only been talking about "Indian" homosexuals, culturally speaking... but what about a Sikh being homosexual?... I mean, someone who was born and raised in a Sikh family (or not), took amrit... that person, with a dastaar on their head... realizes they are gay (or just hid it for a very long time)... do you think it would be even harder for that individual to "come out of the closet" ?

[aman]

Good point Sharon. Hmmm... I think it would be harder for a Sikh to come out of the closet, well because (i'm not 100% sure), in order for them to come out they would probably want some support - perhaps a same sex partner, but since that is so rare in the Indo-Canadian culture, it's probably even more rare in the Sikhs. But hmm.... I'm not sure how many amritdhari gay sikhs there really are... ?

[sharon.k™]

aman said:

Good point Sharon. Hmmm... I think it would be harder for a Sikh to come out of the closet, well because (i'm not 100% sure), in order for them to come out they would probably want some support - perhaps a same sex partner, but since that is so rare in the Indo-Canadian culture, it's probably even more rare in the Sikhs. But hmm.... I'm not sure how many amritdhari gay sikhs there really are... ?

That's the whole point... how do we know that there are less Amritdhari homosexual Sikhs? We don't. For all we know, there could be soooo many... but that's exactly the point. It's probably so much harder for them and so few that actually "come out." I think that's too bad, if we preach equality...we should be more accepting of not just anyone coming out, but our fellow GurSikhs as well.

**And please forgive me for using the word "accepting"... I'm using the word "accept" for the lack of a better word...that's not the right word to use... its like saying, well this is the right way (heterosexual norms) and whatever you're doing is the "other way," therefore we should "accept" you because we're just nice ppl.

[imsunny]

You know all this talk about the feelings of these homosexuals, that haven't come out yet because they are afraid...but if you think about it, some if not most of them in our community will be married. So if they did come out now...how would their families feel, their kids, their wives...no matter how much you talk about how accepting our religion says we should be...people are not very accepting...

[sharon.k™]

imsunny said:

no matter how much you talk about how accepting our religion says we should be...people are not very accepting...

and that's the sad part.
But with that mentality, there can be no change. A change is needed in our community, and it starts with ppl like me and you.

[imsunny]

I would accept it if someone were gay...its their choice...but even if we start now...its gonna take a LONG...a very LONG...a very very LONG time for our community to be accepting...Actually I don't see this issue ever being resolved...if history has taught us anything it is that the human race is not very accepting of anything out of the ordinary.

[Mez]

Whether someone is gay or not would not change my perception of that person, but you're right Sunny as you wrote that the community itself will probably take a long time to become accepting of that, because as it stands right now, there is probably not many (if at all) religious leaders that would accept it.

[singhisking]

this conversation doesnt sound right. if u guys want to accept gay ppl i dont care accept them but dont write stuff like "its cool to be gay these days"

[Pally]

SinghisKing,

This discussion was started to get ideas of how Sikhism views Homosexuality. Yes, the discussion has stepped away from the original topic. However, please don't just pick on "SFU Students" for their opinions. I kind of feel that you are attacking us SFU Students for our views, as if we have nothing else to do but just sit and knit-pick. I started this topic to see what Sikhi said about Homosexuality.

Further, no one said it was cool to be "gay". The only person that said anything close to that was Sunny, who (if you read her post clearly) was discussing how more people are coming out with their sexuality but there are also more people who are somewhat "confused" (Lack of words here, didn't know how else to say it, so apologies). Other people have also experienced their peers "coming out" in this manner. Thus, it appears as though societal views have changed enough for such individuals to feel more comfortable with their sexuality.

This forum isn't limited to just SFU students, it is for the entire community and I feel that we did get a good reflection of how our society sees homosexuality. If you feel that someone was out of line, please post to them and ask them to elaborate their post. This is how we learn from each other. It is difficult at times to describe your opinions through writing sometimes.

Pally