Let's not sensationalise Orlando tragedy

The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has claimed responsibility for the mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida ("Orlando shooting: US anti-terror, gun control policies under scrutiny"; Tuesday).

Alleged shooter Omar Mateen pledged allegiance to ISIS during a 911 call as he began his attack.

First, the suspect was described as a homophobe. Then, we were informed that he was a regular at the same nightspot ("Who was Omar Mateen? / Homophobe or closet gay?"; yesterday).

The first impression led to the faulty conclusion that those who oppose the gay agenda are haters and out to draw blood. It is no wonder that unnecessary fear has been sown in the hearts of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

The fact is that none of us is guaranteed of safety wherever we are, whatever our inclinations. Terrorism is an attack on the human race.

Just before the Orlando shooting, a Christian celebrity singer was shot dead in the same state. Innocent people were killed by terrorists in schools, churches, and so on, in other countries.

We do not know why Omar shot at the gay nightclub, but he could have struck anywhere.

It is unfortunate that Facebook user Bryan Lim's comment was flamed out of context. His comment was made one week before the Orlando mass shooting, but police reports were made only after the shooting.

Mr Lim certainly should have exercised self-restraint in his words and actions, but it is intolerant of the LGBT community to dig out his personal details and exert pressure on his livelihood.

He has apologised ("S'pore netizen apologises over 'open fire' comment"; yesterday). As Singaporeans, let us learn to be gracious by forgiving others, because everyone makes mistakes.

Minister for Home Affairs and Law K. Shanmugam said that the Government will protect all from the threat of violence ("Govt 'will protect all from threat of violence'"; yesterday). The LGBT community has lived and worked here all these years. Disagreement of opinion does not mean that threat of violence abounds.

I respectfully disagree with the minister that the gay community was likely targeted in the Orlando massacre, since terrorism can happen to anyone, anywhere, regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation.

Nonetheless, I stand with our Government on its family policies. If, for that, I am called a homophobe, despite my many attempts to cultivate goodwill towards the LGBT community, so be it.

Finally, I grieve over every life lost because each life is precious. The humane thing is not to sensationalise or politicise any agenda on the tragic deaths of innocent people in Orlando.

http://www.straitstimes.com/forum/letters-in-print/lets-not-sensationalise-orlando-tragedy

Pink Dot rally contributes to rise in HIV infection

This letter was sent to ST Forum but was not published.

Despite much public education on HIV/Aids, there were 232 new HIV cases among homosexuals last year, a 27.5 per cent increase from 2014 ("New HIV/Aids cases among gays highest in seven years"; 3 Jun). 

I mourn the death of 1,816 people, out of 7,140 who are HIV-infected as of end-2015. 

According to the update by Ministry of Health (MOH), sexual intercourse is the main mode of transmission, of which 51% is from homosexual transmission and 8% from bisexual transmission. A very small population of people leading such a lifestyle contributes to more than half of the HIV cases. 

It is bewildering that MOH reiterates year after year that the most effective way to prevent HIV infection "is to remain faithful to one's spouse or partner and to avoid casual sex or sex with sex workers". This public advisory seems to be targeted to the majority of Singaporeans with heterosexual orientation yet heterosexual transmission accounts for only 38% of the HIV cases. While it is a sound advice to be faithful to one's spouse, it does not arrest the continuing rise in HIV infection among men having sex with men.

According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), condoms provide some protection but anal intercourse is too dangerous to practise. Condoms may be more likely to break during anal intercourse because of the greater amount of friction and other stresses involved. Tissue in the rectum can tear and bleed, allowing disease germs to pass from one partner to the other.

Why then is Pink Dot allowed to promote and encourage a lifestyle that contributes to the rise in HIV infection? HIV infection is highly preventable. If Singapore is to prosper as a nation, we cannot afford to have our children think that it is alright to engage in such high-risk sexual behaviour. It is no wonder that Pink Dot rally attracts the young because of the funding, support and influence from multinationals like Google, Facebook, JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, Apple etc ("MHA says foreign sponsors not allowed for Pink Dot, or other events, at Speakers' Corner"; 7 Jun).  

Singapore would do well without foreign intervention in our domestic issues. We certainly can make our own political, social and moral choices for ourselves.  

Pink Dot day = Mourning day

The build-up to Pink Dot rally on 4 Jun this year was tough. For the past two years, I wore white with some conviction and ignorance. This year, I wore my sackcloth, black and white, to signify mourning.
True enough, on that day, I started crying in the train on the way to church.
I looked at the people around me. Who is wearing pink, who is wearing white? Since when are people differentiated by shirt colours? I cannot express how pathetic I felt, on how things have developed. I understand all the reasons for wearing white but I cannot agree with this way of dealing with a serious matter. Throughout worship till end of service, I kept crying and went for prayer. I saw a vision of a huge (God?) plucking out people from Pink Dot, one by one. True enough, this 8th year of Pink Dot is the beginning of the dwindle. Numbers are dropping.
Why can't people be united to show God's love, like what 3:16 church is doing? They produced 2 testimonies of people coming face-to-face with same-sex attraction. They are convinced by God to overcome temptation rather than succumb to it. Why can't the churches unite to produce such videos, to support more people with same-sex attraction?
Because this year was my first time choosing not to wear white, I admit I am sensitive to what people say. I don't agree does not mean I don't stand with God. Standing with church does not always mean I stand with God. I even took offence with people easily yesterday. I believe it is also spiritual attack because we were praying against Pink Dot.
Plainly speaking, this wear white movement divides the already divided church unnecessarily. What would Jesus say to once a year unity? Is this what Jesus want us to do?
Unity depends on the issues.
Don't wear white doesn't mean anything.
The posture in wearing white is not right.
Just because any one person is a person of position does not mean that the careless words she say are always right.
After church, I saw groups of people wearing pink and they look at me, thinking I am the white.
It was a tough weekend.
But it's a learning experience. Persevere on!

Acceptance of special needs kids must start in the womb

As a woman with a physical disability, it is disappointing to learn that Singaporeans are tolerant towards, rather than accepting of, people with special needs ("S'poreans 'don't walk the talk' on special needs kids"; Tuesday). On the other hand, I am not surprised by the findings, because before birth, a child with a disability is already not accorded the same value as other unborn children.

The Guidelines on Termination of Pregnancy state that "the contents of pre-abortion counselling may be adapted for women diagnosed with foetal abnormalities".

The selective abortion of unborn children with medical defects is an indication of how people can fail to recognise the inherent dignity and value of people with special needs.

If an unborn child with a disability is denied the right to live before birth, new laws to promote the rights of these children after birth seem hypocritical.

Parents expecting a child with special needs are bound to have concerns and fears. What is critical is how the Government, non-profit organisations and the community pool their resources together to support every parent whose child has special needs. Abortion of any child, with or without disability, is the easy way out.

Lack of meaningful interactions causes the public to have misconceptions and fears towards people with special needs, and vice versa.

When I go out, I face stares and nasty remarks from schoolchildren. As an educator, I make it my goal to educate my own students on how they should relate to one another.

I do know of mainstream schools which seek to include children with special needs. However, there is not enough support given, and some parents instruct their children to stay away from those with special needs because of "violent tendencies".

In promoting inclusion, it is of paramount importance that schools and parents are informed in advance of any disruptive behaviour, to avoid any frustration on both sides.

I have benefited tremendously from being in mainstream schools and desire the same for other children with special needs.

While I have my fair share of obstacles to overcome, I learn to respond better to people who may not understand my condition.

I grow in confidence as I look beyond my own predicament and believe that as we become more open in sharing our challenges, the community will unite.

http://www.straitstimes.com/forum/letters-in-print/acceptance-of-special-needs-kids-must-start-in-the-womb