Defending others can be a
fulfillment of purpose to save lives and promote human rights; Recently it has
become dangerous, risky, stigmatizing and discriminating….
Someone whom i thought should defend me even when the world turns
against me said to me; I won’t be surprise if I find out tomorrow you are gay,
because you are already beginning to act like it”. Only because I said whoever is
not comfortable with the work I do should give me alternatives or shut up!
The statement came as shock, not because I have not heard worse or had worse
experience more than just statements, but I was shocked because of whom it came
from. And no alternatives can be better than serving humanity.
Without self exemption, so many human rights defenders
have suffered and still suffering persecution, hate, stigma and discrimination
just because we speak for vulnerable and marginalized groups, worst of all LGBTI
(Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex). And I begin to wonder, what is so
special about being LGBTI or defending LGBTI. One major reason why there are so much activism around this area is because there are actions and bad laws
that violate people’s rights. The society use the opportunity to preach hate, blackmail,
crucify, persecute and discriminate loving people only because of their sexual
orientation. They use religion and culture as basis for argument. News flash!
LGBT persons are not aliens; they live among us, they hold reputable positions
in the world, they are politicians, celebrities, husbands, wives, parents, you
celebrate them, some are even your role models, they preach and pray on pulpit,
people fall under anointing when they speak and lead worship songs in church, they lead prayers in mosque, they represent family and friends you have. A saying
says; “when throwing a stone in the market, be careful because you don’t know
if it will hit one of yours”.
Coming back to defending others; I have had terrible
experiences just because I’m an activist saving lives and promoting human
rights. I have been arrested, I have lost friends and colleagues, I have heard
things and answered strange questions. People will ask me; “if you are not one
of them, why defending them?” Worst of all, my Mum once threaten to disown me
if I continue to defend the rights of LGBT. They say; “God is not happy with
me”.....Lol! the last time I checked, God has been my pillar and source.
There is no joy more than I’m fulfilled saving lives
and promoting human rights. I don’t have to be gay to defend LGBT rights. No
one ever asked me why I defend or address issues affecting other marginalized groups
such as; PwD (People with Disability, SW (Sex Workers), PLwHIV (People Living
with HIV/AIDS) and so on…. So why attach so much importance, hate and stigma to
sexual minorities.
By the way; who is the sinner and who is committing crime? Is it the person who is passionate, happy and in love with his/her life or the person that save lives and promote human rights or you that preach hate, condemn, judge and crucify others.
Only hypocrites think some group of people are less
human…..what makes you better?
