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Other Sheep Kenya conducts Nakuru PFLAG Seminar - 32Participantes Attendby Rev. John Makokha, Nairobi, Kenya, February 21, 2010Other Sheep East Africa Reports  Above photo published with permission  Other Sheep Kenya held seminar for parents, friends of lesbian and gay (PFLAG)
The participants were drawn from Muslim, Seventh Day Adventist, Supkem, United Methodist Church, Friends church, Reconciling Ministries Network, Family Hope, Human Rights Network, Mid Rift Human rights Network, God’s Family Church, Africa Independent Pentecostal church, Catholic church, Integrity, Changing Attitude, Kinship International, Home Vision Kenya, St. Joseph Youth Center, Brahma Kumaris, Kenya Youth Alliance, Teachers, Thairira widows, and Anglican church. Rev. Michael Kimindu, Other Sheep East Africa Coordinator said that what happened in coastal town of Mombasa, Mtwapa where gay rights were attacked was a result of homophobia and transphobia catapulted by religious dogma. He said “Let us respect sexuality and human rights and focus on God who is love”. He said that Jesus Christ welcomed the marginalized and discriminated persons in the Jewish culture such as Gentiles, Samaritans, women, children and lepers. This was the voice of inclusion filled with compassion that we should emulate. He said that the Anti-Homosexuality Bill being debated in Uganda if it becomes law then life will be tough for all people. Other Sheep wishes that this draft does not see the rise of sunshine. Rev. John Makokha, Other Sheep Kenya Coordinator said that throughout history of mankind, religion has been used to spearhead oppression, racism, patriarchy, slavery and ignorance. He told religious leaders of Abrahamic faiths such as Christianity and Islam to study beyond the holy books, the new researched knowledge such as psychology, psychiatry and anthropology on matters of sexuality. Theology should also grow like any other discipline. He said that homosexuality is very African and LGBTI are our brothers, sisters and friends. He said “It is un African to hate your neighbor or kill your neighbor because of his sexual orientation”. He advised religious leaders and community organizations to come up with MSM/WSW HIV/AIDS Initiatives in order to effectively prevent the spread of HIV, and care and treatment of infected partners. He said “Kenya National AIDS strategic plan (KNASP 111) recognizes an outreach to MSM. The men who have sex with men are considered the most-at-risk population. However, there is a contradiction when homosexuality is still outlawed in Kenya. He said that sexual orientation is never chosen but discovered. The Committee of Experts on Constitutional review should ensure that the rights of LGBTI and asexual persons are protected just like heterosexuals. It is social injustice for the rights of sexual minorities to be ignored in our religious institutions in our independent nation. Anne Baraza, Other Sheep Kenya Counselor said that religious leaders and community organizations need to enhance LGBTI peer counseling and education. She said that research by reputable institutions has shown that being gay is not mental illness. She said most counselors in Africa do not know how to handle LGBTI persons who seek their professional services. They are also homophobic. She stressed that it was frustrating for an LGBTI client to face a homophobic counselor, pastor or Imam. She advised parents to be close to their children so that these children can open up and even be free to share with them issues affecting them like sexual orientation. She lamented that parents are ‘very busy’ that they don’t have time to know their children better. When they come to learn about their children’s sexual orientation they then rush to any counselor with the notion of changing this ‘queer behavior.’ Unfortunately these counselors start on the exodus journey which ends up in futility. Pastor Jackson, Other Sheep Kenya Rift Valley Coordinator and SDA minister said that research has shown that gays are intelligent and people of integrity. They are doing excellent work in various careers and professions in our nation. He said “They are contributing towards the national building just like heterosexuals”. Peter Wanyama, Other Sheep Kenya treasurer talking about the challenges facing the gay community noted the gay unfriendly medical providers such as VCT and clinical treatment. He said one doctor screamed when the patient explained to him about his anal sexual intercourse. The seminar participants made the following observations:
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| Last Updated on Tuesday, 23 March 2010 21:17 |
