...It Ends?

Hi there everyone. Sadly this is my last blog post. I really hope you've enjoyed reading them as much as I've had writing them.

We have looked at numerous examples of the combinations of homosexuality and religion in the 21st century and we often come back to the conclusion that the majority of religions strongly condemn homosexuality. However, attitudes none-the-less do seem to be evolving despite the fact that religious figure-heads are standing strong on their views. The fact that there are several gay religious leaders now-a-days, as well as the fact that one candidate for Jonathan Sacks' predecessor has been ruled out for being "too Orthodox" does suggest that the match of religion and homosexuality is slowly becoming more acceptable.

In the next few years I imagine more countries will legalise gay marriage and I do generally think over-time homosexuality will be more accepted within religion. What do you think?

Gay Christian Bloggers

I know I've already posted today but I've just come across this tumblr account that I'd like to share with you. Tumblr is a micro-blogging site, where mainly images and quotes are posted. This particular account caught my eye because the posts are by "a regular 21 year old Gay Christian" who (despite the occasional internal dispute) comfortably matches his religion and his sexuality. One picture he chose that particularly captures this is;

I think this Tumblr is pretty inspiring, It's nice to see someone so young so comfortable with whom they are, especially when it comes to being both gay and religious. If you too are inspired by this, check out these blog posts of people in similar situations;

• http://twospirits.blogspot.co.uk/
• http://jesuslovesgay.blogspot.co.uk/
• http://gayspirituality.typepad.com/

Homosexuality In Sport

2012; the year of the Olympics! What a summer for sport! However, in such an arena of masculinity I want to question whether homosexuality has a place in sport today.

My search for answers unfortunately began by discovering a web page titled “A Recent History of Homophobia in Sports” containing 25 examples of homophobic sporting incidents. One example explains how the former "soccer team coach" of Nigeria kicked all of the "lesbian players" out of the team.This is particularly saddening because sport should unite people and shouldn’t be used as an arena for discrimination. 

Mitcham holding his gold medal in the 2008
Beijing Olympic Games.

Olympic diver, Matthew Mitcham, experienced discrimination regarding his sexuality after winning a gold medal in the 2008 Olympics. NBC infamously didn’t “mention Mitcham’s orientation.” This subsequently caused a huge back-lash. Mitcham, despite all critics, proved that gay athletes could compete just as well. Additionally, Mitcham is proud of who he is, his Twitter reading “Yes, I'm that gay, Olympic-gold-medal-winning diver dude.” This level of pride could have been the perfect opportunity to inspire kids who may have been in the same situation as he once was. 

However, I also believe the support Mitcham received helped raise the number of ‘out’ Olympic athletes for the 2012 games. Check them out if you’re interested; http://www.buzzfeed.com/jpmoore/the-14-openly-gay-athletes-of-the-2012-olympics. Finally, Mitcham continues to inspire people today through social media sites. Check these out;

-     Twitter: https://twitter.com/matthew_mitcham
-       Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/MatthewMitchamOlympian#!/MatthewMitchamOlympian

Gareth Thomas on the front cover
of gay magazine 'Attitude'.

During my research I also discovered numerous positive sporting ‘coming out’ stories. Perhaps the most famous example is Gareth Thomas. Here are two clips I would like you to watch; 

               -       http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3OnU_hNVrA
           -     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_2jR2qNIoY

For me, the most inspiring thing in these clips is how Thomas states “sport can change the world”. I agree. I also believe he has inspired numerous athletes (one of whom is Steven Davies, below) to accept who they are, as well as young kids to not give up on their dreams even if they are "different".

Here are a few more articles on sporting athletes 'coming out', if you're interested;

• Steven Davies

- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHJnil8dtoQ  

- http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/cricket/8351004/Steven-Davies-gay-coming-out-was-tougher-than-facing-Brett-Lee.html#

• Orlando Cruz

- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIfsadmP7BU

- http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/oct/04/orlando-cruz-boxer-announce-gay

• Rosie Jones

-       http://www.golftoday.co.uk/news/yeartodate/news04/jones.html

These clips and articles all emphasise pride. These athletes, like Thomas, want to inspire future generations to not be ashamed of whom they are, Cruz specifically saying he wants to be a “role model”.

What do you think? Do you agree with Gareth Thomas and that ‘sport can change the world’? Do you think this will encourage gay kids to get involved in sport? Or do you think that gay sports athletes make things too complicated?

Religious Responses Towards Same-Sex Marriages

It must be difficult for religious figureheads. Ultimately they are only following their religious law and this is admirable! Equally, with a growing number of people supporting same-sex marriages it must be hard to see the principles of their religion becoming increasingly rejected, especially in cases where it causes mass media hype such as Obama’s pro-gay marriage announcement. With this in mind I decided to look at how religious leaders are approaching the recent acceptance of homosexuality by looking at their views of gay marriage.

I first came across an article in the Guardian about Jonathan Sacks, the Chief Rabbi of Britain. The article discusses Sacks’ opinion that “Any attempt to redefine [marriage] would...undermine the concept.” However, surprisingly this caused a significant back-lash and as a result "“next year” when Sacks retires a more liberal Jew is to be his successor", one candidate being ruled out already for being "too Orthodox".  Does this suggest that religious attitudes towards same-sex marriages are changing?

2008 protest rally.

I next came across an article from the Pope expressing his  belief that gay marriage is a threat “to humanity itself”. This is because “children [need] proper "settings" and that "pride of place goes to the family, based on the marriage of a man and a woman.”” I remember when civil partnerships were first OK’d in Britain I asked my Mum, who is an atheist, what her opinions on gay marriage were. She told me that she ultimately didn’t agree because she believed marriage was about having kids which ultimately a gay couple can’t do. These views are very similar to those of the Pope, so it is clear that this opinion is a shared one with ordinary people too. However, personally I believe that as long as the child can have an influence of both sexes then the child can still be provided with "proper settings" even when raised by a same-sex couples. Whilst not knowing any gay couples myself I am certain that thousands of them (as long as they were stable and in love with each-other) would make fantastic parents! Additionally, I ultimately don’t believe this issue should even be paired with gay marriage as the Pope implies.

What do you think? Do you think that religious leaders’ opinions on gay marriage are outdated? Or do you agree that it would “undermine” the family unit.

Protestors for and against same-sex marriage. Protest in San Francisco, Monday, Jan. 11, 2010.

Civil Partnerships and Same Sex-Marriages

Connie Kopelov, 84, and Phyllis Siegel, 76, hold up their marriage certificate. They are Manhattan's first legally married gay couple.

Flicking through my blogs I realised that despite discussing same-sex marriages and civil partnerships I still wasn’t 100% sure on the official difference. So I began researching this and was surprised to discover that civil partnerships offer “the same legal rights as a married couple” but unsurprised to find out that the differences that do exist are “due to protests from religious groups about recognising same-sex couples...the same way.” Once again, I became disheartened that religion has such a massive impact over homosexual rights in the 21^st Century.

Following on from this I decided to research which countries have legalised gay marriage, these are:

- The Netherlands

(2001)

- Belgium

(2003)

- Spain

(2005)

- Canada

(2005)

- South Africa

(2006)

- Norway

(2009)

- Sweden

(2009)

- Portugal

(2010)

- Iceland

(2010)

- Argentina

(2010)

Who do you think will legalise gay marriage next? In one of my previous blogs I discussed how Obamabut ultimately the state itself must make the final decision. 9 American states have already legalised gay marriage (some before Obama’s announcement), these are:
        -          Connecticut
-     Iowa
-     Massachusetts
-     New Hampshire
-     Vermont
-     New York
-     Maine
-     Maryland
-     Washington

In my opinion 9 out of 50 states is a pretty good start and provides great hope that other states will follow, especially now their religious President has put forward his support. Or maybe Britain may be the next place to legalise gay marriage as this exciting clip of David Cameron hints;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCLF2ji0rZI

Do you think the legalising of gay marriage has been a positive thing so far? Would you like gay marriage to become legal where you live? What do you think the impact of this would be?

Newly-wed Canadian couple enjoy time together after the ceremony.

Gay and Religious...On The Web!

Taken from a gay Christian blog; http://jesuslovesgays.blogspot.co.uk/

I wanted to write on a cheerful subject today so have researched gay religious dating sites for this blog. As a concept I find this pretty inspirational. For people who are both gay and religious it would be easy to turn away from their faith but these sites have created a place where religious homosexuals can meet (and maybe fall in love with) people in the same religious predicament as themselves. Here are some dating sites for...

 Christian’s:

        - http://www.rainbowchristians.com/

        - http://mingle2.com/online-dating/georgia/gay/christian-dating

Muslim’s:

      - http://www.idating4you.com/gay-dating/muslim-gay-singles/

      - http://www.requestadate.com/gay_dating_category/muslim.html

Jew’s:

      - http://gayjewishdating.com/
 

There are also several gay religious chat rooms for...

Christian’s:

- http://christiangays.com/

Muslim’s:

      - https://christiangays.com/other/muslim.shtml

      - http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=972602

I would like to draw attention to the last link where a boy has created a post about his fears over the contradiction of his sexuality and religion. Several people have responded with genuine concern and a desire to help.

The 21^st Century is the age of the internet! I really believe that the internet has helped the acceptance of homosexuality within religion. It has given religious homosexuals a place to meet, it has given them a place to share their fears and concerns and it has given them a place to simply seek advice! What do you think? Do you think the internet has helped religious homosexuals? Or do you think it has caused further rifts as people are seeking advice from strangers rather than their religious leaders etc? 

Hate Crimes

Sad blog today. I have just come across this article. This emphasises the fact that homophobia is still very much alive in the 21^st Century and that the battle for acceptance still has a long way to go.

"Hang them", homophobic Ugandan 
magazine Rolling Stone suggests.

I remember last year there was a TV documentary called ‘Uganda: The World’s Most Homophobic Country’, discussing how homophobia came predominantly from religious groups. (I tried but couldn’t find it, so if you can please post it). This research led me to a saddening article about how Ugandan gay rights activist, David Kato, “has been beaten to death”. What makes this particularly disturbing is that he was “outed” by a newspaper which “published the photographs of several” homosexuals “with the headline "Hang them".” This article has affected me more than anything else I have come across so far! The newspaper actually hoped these men would be killed! Perhaps part of the reason I am so saddened is because I’ve taught in Uganda and I only have incredibly positive things to say about everyone I met, all of whom were Christian! 
If you want to read more on Ugandan homophobia, please follow this link to a BBC news article explaining how Ugandan churches and mosques state homosexuality isn’t “an inborn orientation, it's a behaviour learnt”.

Protests against the Iraqi gay and emo murders.

I found similar articles about gay murders in Iraq, another country where religious beliefs have impacted the homosexual community. There have been numerous recent murders of homosexuals which this BBC article puts mainly down to “Iraq’s conservative, religious culture”.

Check out these reports on it:
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kD0r6NDGSnU

     - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oK0WGDRYd_0

Normally I’d end my blog with a few questions but this time I’d like to end with a YouTube clip. These are all people who have been murdered for being gay and whilst some aren’t to do with religious reasons, a lot are. Please join me in remembering these men http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mw9zJq0QGl0.

...Fair Point?

Just found this image which made me laugh…

I am aware that whoever created this is specifically trying to find flaw in biblical beliefs in order to further homosexual rights BUT do you believe it raises a good point? It cleverly emphasises the fact that there are numerous biblical contradictions. Could religious views on homosexuality be just another contradiction or outdated belief as this image suggests?

Homosexuality in Politics

Religion and politics often go hand-in-hand, many politicians being religious themselves. So how does this affect laws on homosexuality?

Snapshot of the historic announcement.

President Barack Obama is a Christian and after having previously struggled with the issue of same sex-marriages has recently stated that he thinks “same-sex couples should be able to get married." Although the theme of his presidential election campaign was ‘change’ I don’t think anyone dared believe he would make such a massive impact on gay rights! Because America is such a world power this will hopefully inspire several other countries to follow suit.
Check the historic moment out; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0usiWHp_PI.

Prime Minister, Portia Simpson Miller, support gay rights
for the Jamaican Community.

This act of change led me next to Jamaican Prime Minister, Portia Simpson Miller, who (as this video-link shows) during her campaign stated she would “allow homosexuals in” her cabinet. In doing so she puts forward an evolutionary view unlike her opposing candidate. Truly leading the way and making a difference! This may not be on the same scale of Obama’s announcement but in my opinion is more commendable because Jamaica “is considered one of the most homophobic nations on earth”, so the fact that the country’s leader will allow homosexuals in political positions is a huge step forward for the heavily religious country. I think both leaders should be unbelievably proud of themselves the comments they have made are undoubtedly controversial but mean such a MASSIVE deal to millions of people!

Additionally, here in Britain Nick Clegg has angered “religious groups” by stating his belief that “two individuals who...want to show commitment to each other should” be able to marry. However, unlike the other two Clegg is an “atheist”. Do you think this could be a main factor in Clegg’s belief that SSM’s should be allowed?

Clegg telling BBC's Andrew Marr Show: "We are simply saying those who want to show
 a lifelong commitment to each other should  be able to do so."

Of course not all countries have made such a progression.  I was really surprised and saddened to discover that Australia had voted against SSM’s (as this clip shows http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovSfE1MZUAE.) Australia is famously a country that supports gay rights and a country that people look up to when it comes to issues of homosexuality. Does this then suggest that the political world isn’t moving forward with homosexual issues?

Heart-filled letter from 8 year old from Sophia Bailey-Klugh.

Parental Pride and Passion

Today I came across this really amusing yet poignant postcard on a modern-art website called Post Secret.  

I wanted to share this because it is the voice of an ordinary parent. The sheer amount of pride he exudes towards his gay son in just one simple sentence is really touching. Equally I believe it radiates an important message for parents to be proud of their children whoever they are, whether religious or not!

Inspiring LGBT Religious Leaders

My last blog got me questioning are there any gay religious leaders? Surprisingly; yes! I came across a web-page containing a slideshow of 42 ‘Inspiring LGBT Religious Leaders'. I’m going to look at two who stood out to me.


Rabbi Greenberg (left) with husband
Steve and adopted daughter, Amalia.

The first inspirational LGBT religious leader is Steven Greenberg who is “the first openly gay Orthodox rabbi”. I believe Greenberg is inspiring because the very ideas of Orthodoxy and homosexuality should contradict but not only has he found peace in the match of these opposing elements but has gone as far as to “suggest that coming out can be a religious experience. "It's about saying, 'I know that my truth isn't an ugly one', and that's a very religious sensibility.” This is a FASCINATING idea and undoubtedly highly comforting for gay Jews.

Manji speaking at the Clinton
School of Public Service.

The next inspirational leader is Irshad Manji.  Manji instead of allowing her sexuality as reason to turn away from her Islamic faith has instead claimed that “she is a reformist” which you can watch in the following clip from the Guardian, openly leading the way in Islamic homosexual issues. 

As well as her speeches and writings, Manji has also reached her supporters through social media.

• Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/irshadmanji
• Twitter page: https://twitter.com/IrshadManji
• Blog: https://www.irshadmanji.com/

      If you’re interested in the last two please also take a look at this article on Reverand Ouyang Wen Feng, Malaysia’s “only openly gay pastor”.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hzqGwJpxVvSSspwnyKk0AUeBwV3A?docId=CNG.acce424d93fc8a31839fc35f83f0dae3.481

  

      I completely agree that these religious leaders are ‘inspirational’. They have faced constant adversity and yet in doing so have helped thousands of people find peace in the match of their religion and sexuality. As Reverend Ouyang Wen Feng states in this last article they are simply “promoting honesty, love and justice”, something that is encouraging to the masses.

What do you think of all of this? Do you think these leaders are ‘inspirational’? Does this also suggest that religion is more accepting of homosexuality than it once was? Or do you think it is impossible to couple homosexuality with religion?

Key Religious Beliefs On Homosexuality

 Religious protestors on public pathway hold signs reproaching homosexuality.

In my first year of university I lived with a Christian and despite continuously telling me how exciting it was having “a gay flat-mate” she confessed that she wouldn't tell her church friends. This naturally made the Christmas Carols concert I was forced to go to very interesting! More importantly though, if even ‘modern Christians’ are demonstrating traditional views towards homosexuality then can society ever out-grow them?

Interested to where these views stem from, I Googled ‘bible quotes on homosexuality’. I was particularly shocked by the Corinthians verse condemning "homosexuals" alongside “adulterers” and “ thieves”. It stunned me that the Bible views homosexuality as sinful as these other things. Does this means if gay Christians give into their natural impulses they really won’t “inherit the kingdom of God”? I next came across a Pope Benedict XVI quote expressing his belief that homosexuality is “ordered to an intrinsic moral evil”. For gay Christians (actually, anyone gay) this is a really hard thing to read. Surely when you hear the word “evil” you think of murderers and rapists etc not homosexuals. As the Torah shares the same books as the Old Testament, Orthodox Jewish responses are similar.

Islam similarly condemns homosexuality, the Qur’an equally describing homosexuality as an “abomination” and “unnatural". This has been taken to the extreme by Islamic leader and previous President of Iran, Ali Khamenei, who claims that “homosexuality has become [an] unsolvable problem for the intellectuals in West”. This disturbing quote epitomises the religious attitudes that many have towards homosexuality. The fact that Khamenei is actually undermining Western leaders for not killing homosexuals is truly a distressing thing to read!

By this point of my research I was disheartened by religious attitudes towards homosexuality BUT then I fortunately ended by looking at Hinduism where I discovered that “Nowhere in the Hindu sacred texts is romantic love excluded to all but a man and woman, so there are no religious grounds to make a statement to the contrary.” YAAAY. I didn’t expect to come across any religion where there wasn't condemnation of homosexuality today, let alone a religion where there’s never really been. Admittedly, not all Hindus are pro-gay rights but I found this article from 2009 explaining how “The Hindu Council UK welcomed the Delhi High Court's historic judgement which decriminalised consensual homosexual relations and said Hinduism does not condemn gay people.”  

What do you think about all of this? Do you think Hinduism has got the right idea? Or do you think that if the key religious texts express arguments against homosexuality then people should stick to these beliefs?

  Protestor at The National Equality March on Washington, October 11, 2009.

...It starts!

Sharing your thoughts in cyberspace seems pretty scary! What if people know more than you? What if you are asked challenging questions and you don’t know the answers? What if people don’t find your really witty jokes amusing?! And yet, here I begin the writing of my blog; 'Religion, Homosexuality and the 21st Century'.

Being honest, as a gay man, I don’t pay enough attention to gay issues. However, this summer when watching a documentary on the questions surrounding same-sex marriages I became engrossed in a discussion with my aunt. She explained that despite having gay friends and believing homosexuals should have many of the same rights she is on the fence about this issue. As a moderate Catholic she believes marriage is a holy union that should only be shared between a man and a woman.

At first I believed this was a fair enough comment, it was only a week ago when my house-mate explained to me that civil partnerships don’t give gay couples the exact same rights as marriage that I started re-thinking my beliefs. I began to question if now in the 21st Century gay issues truly have progressed as far as people may believe.

What do you think? Do you believe gay rights have evolved sufficiently? Or do you think religious ideals are holding gay rights back?