Hi

[alankhoo92002]

Hi,
I'm Alan, now in New York City. I am happy that Soulforce is having an on-line forum. I am concerned with the seemingly growing homophobic influence of the religious right in this country and in Asia. A forum like this would help like-minded people to network with each other.

Originally from Asia, I am particularly concerned of the development of LGBT rights in Asia. Over the past few years, some homophobic "reparative therapy/transformation ministries" have been spreading in Asia, capitalising on ignorance (about LGBT issues) and homophobic environment in some of the countries. It is still a commonly propaged misconception that "homosexuality is a Western culture", "that all religions are against homosexuality" and that "acceptance of homosexuality is not consistent with "Eastern values"".

On the other hand, people are now getting more critical about violence associated with religion. This would be an opportune time to spread the message of non-violence and to combat spiritual violence against LGBT people.

I hope this forum would help the work for freedom for LGBT people to spread through the world.

Sincerely,

Alan