As a teenager, I secretly was a homophobic. It’s not because
I hated them, but I didn’t understand love between same sex. Easy to say, the
doctrine of Islam got to me. Homosexuals are forbidden and there is no room for
questions.
I didn’t give it much thought until I came a cross my
genetics class in college. The lecturer explained about all these genetic
mutations that occurs naturally. Some mutations involve male and female genes,
creating a transition between gender. Some females have the Y-chromosome, some
males have extra X-chromosome, and so on. It also made a bridge between feminine and masculine traits, which probably also affect sexual preference. It was the ‘Malinjo’ of sexes. It made
me think, if God created mutation, what was his plan? Why is he making life a
little more ‘interesting’ for humans?
By this time, I’ve come to accept that difference is amongst
us, down to our genes. Some people were born to be different, whether they like
it or not. We can’t understand the occurrence of mutations just yet. Sure we can say it’s all
these carcinogenic substances, the degradation of our nature, and our way of
life. But, what actually triggers a gene to just rebel is still a mystery, like
volcano eruptions, earthquakes, or cravings (I still consider them a mystery). They
just do. And although I’ve become more accepting to the gay community in these terms, I still
resisted a bit.
‘It’s a no no from God’ I say to myself.
I think it was my visit to the Sydney Mardi Gras that finally
made me see how the gay community really is full of love. They were a happy
bunch of people with rainbow flags waving amongst their half naked bodies,
marching down the streets. It was a huge party, which I later learned came from a very sad and sorrow time; a time of living in the shadows (and some are
still are). No wonder it was such a huge celebration. It was a day they could
be proud and about. That day, I trusted that the gay community to be survivors
of their own war, at least to come out of the closet. I trusted the gay
community to be more human as they have been and will still be emotionally challenged. I wouldn’t know what gay people go through, since I don’t have that challenge, as I like the
opposite sex. I can only imagine.
But even though it is said that homosexuality is against my
religions rules, I can’t help the feeling that it’s not supposed to be. Finding
love is hard. Being single and still am to a point I never thought I would
still be, I figured that it must be some relief to find someone. It’s always
heart warming to see people that do. And if that person happens to be of the
same sex, then be it. It’s just important to find that person that makes you a
better person. We need more ‘better people’ in this world. Love is a blessing
from God and only She knows why some are bestowed amongst the same kind, whether Islam approves or not.
I have learned to embrace those that have chosen for the
same love.
Picture from here.
Which brings me to the trigger of this post. I cried
watching the video clip of ‘Same Love’ by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. I’ve
always been teary every time I see this video but I finally cried after seeing
it again a few days ago. It was tear of happiness for those that have found someone especially after the trials and tribulations. Some how, the lyrics, the melody, the rapping, and the
video had a flawless combination for me. Gays are not overly exposed as in
other video clips. It’s humble, it’s simple, and it’s warm. It's how love should be about. I love it.
Here’s the link.
