Hundreds of religious leaders around the world have declared that LGBT+ people “are a precious part of creation” and called for a global ban on conversion therapy. The government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has funded a conference held Wednesday (16 December) to mark the launch of the Global Interfaith Commission on LGBT+ Lives.
Senior faith leaders call for global decriminalisation of LGBT+ people
India: “Sab Rab De Bande” first documentary on Queer Sikhs
India: “Sab Rab De Bande”, Meet Sukhdeep Singh.
India: ‘One can be queer & religious too’
UK: What I learned on my rocky road to coming out as gay to my Sikh family
I was born into a traditional, conservative Sikh family, where neither of my parents spoke English very well. My home was troubled. I discovered my sexuality at the age of 11 and at first I did not know what it was. I was afraid everyday due to the arguing and thought I would be disowned.
I almost ran away from home. The arguments, the pain, the guilt and shame were overwhelming. I lived abroad for many years, working for human rights organizations. In the end, my coming out to my parents over text message was the easiest coming out story imaginable. They were relieved their son was talking to them properly, he loved them and was only away due to his own shame and guilt. They said they would provide for me and love me no matter what. Such a shock to me!
The crux of my work is to empower, inspire and educate South Asian LGBTIs to be able to have an easier coming out process whilst living the life they always dreamed of. I do this through the principles of the law of attraction. Love and forgiveness are key ingredients along with gratitude and prayer. Read more via Gay Star News
What Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism really think of LGBTI people will surprise you
Think all religion is anti-LGBTI? Think again. While many know the arguments for and against equality from Christians, Muslims and Jews, have you considered the world’s other major religions? Journalist Harry Ess deconstructs the gender fluid deities, expressions of human desire, celibacy, and procreation prevalent in these major religions. Read More
Pope invites anti-gay hate group leader to ‘traditional marriage’ summit
The Pope has invited the head of listed anti-gay hate group the Family Research Council to his summit on ‘traditional marriage’.
Pope Francis will open the ‘Complementary of Man and Woman’ conference on November 17, which brings together religious leaders from across different faiths who oppose same-sex marriage.
As well as representatives from the Catholic Church and other forms of Christianity, speakers from 23 countries will purportedly represent the views of Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, Taoism and Sikhism.
However, Right Wing Watch reports that anti-gay activist Tony Perkins – whose group is listed as an active homophobic hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Centre – has been invited to the Pontiff’s gathering. Read more