 |
____________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
Go to the Index Page of
Felix's Writings and Recommended Readings
Go to the Home Page of this Website:
Other Sheep Exec Site
Felix's Writings and Recommended Readings
Go to the Home Page of this Website:
Other Sheep Exec Site
______________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________
From: Felix of Southeast Asia
To: Stephen Parelli <sparelli2002@yahoo.com>
Sent: Mon, October 12, 2009
Subject: Re: Other Sheep in Singapore
Dear Steve,
If my observation is correct, Singapore seems to be more homophobic than Malaysia. In spite of
the Muslim majority in Malaysia, gays (Muslims, Christians and Buddhists alike) seem to be less closeted.
Maybe it's just an assumption from my limited knowledge of the gay community here. Singapore
government (Chinese majority) is very homophobic and many gays in Singapore hold important
positions in government. I personally know two of them. They are afraid of losing their jobs. Chinese
families don't talk about such things and so there's no occasion that calls for a "coming out".
Malaysian gays in government are probably in the same boat. Most of my gay friends are not in
government hence no problem of coming out.
Section 377 (a relic of Victorian colonial days) is still on the books in both countries although rarely
enforced. I guess it's difficult if not impossible for this generation to get over homophobia. That's the
sentiment among many thinking people today. Anyway, a seed sown today will bring a harvest someday.
So keep sowing!
Peace, love and joy,
Felix
To: Stephen Parelli <sparelli2002@yahoo.com>
Sent: Mon, October 12, 2009
Subject: Re: Other Sheep in Singapore
Dear Steve,
If my observation is correct, Singapore seems to be more homophobic than Malaysia. In spite of
the Muslim majority in Malaysia, gays (Muslims, Christians and Buddhists alike) seem to be less closeted.
Maybe it's just an assumption from my limited knowledge of the gay community here. Singapore
government (Chinese majority) is very homophobic and many gays in Singapore hold important
positions in government. I personally know two of them. They are afraid of losing their jobs. Chinese
families don't talk about such things and so there's no occasion that calls for a "coming out".
Malaysian gays in government are probably in the same boat. Most of my gay friends are not in
government hence no problem of coming out.
Section 377 (a relic of Victorian colonial days) is still on the books in both countries although rarely
enforced. I guess it's difficult if not impossible for this generation to get over homophobia. That's the
sentiment among many thinking people today. Anyway, a seed sown today will bring a harvest someday.
So keep sowing!
Peace, love and joy,
Felix
| "Singapore seems to be more homophobic than Malaysia" A casual email from Felix of Southeast Asia |
| This webpage was built the week of January 3, 2010, in the Bronx, NY, and was published January 8, 2010. Visitors to this page since January 8, 2010. |
| This is an Other Sheep webpage |
Email:
othersheepfelix@yahoo.com
othersheepfelix@yahoo.com
| You can email Felix of Southeast Asia at othersheepfelix@yahoo.com |
| Photo by Steve Parelli |