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Summary of Question:	British Gay Sikh Organisation
Category:	Other
Date Posted:	Thursday, 3/01/2001 10:16 AM MST

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa

Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh
As I was going through posts on a discussion forum(www.ikonkar.com) I came across the following post and I do not how to respond to this. Is this organistion right or wrong and how would you advise them. There e-mail address is written in the post below if you feel the need to contact them personally.


"Hi everyone. Just wanted to let you know that we are setting up an organisation for lesbian, gay and bisexual Sikhs in the UK. The decision has been made to set such a group up now because the Sikh community has long been neglected of an organisation willing to care for the religious and social needs of gay Sikhs.

If you wish to know more about this group, or wish to become involved in anyway, please feel free to email us at the following address: [email protected]

We realise that there are many Sikhs out there who are completely sickened by the thought of gay Sikhs even existing. The only thing that we can say to that is that Guru Gobind Singh Ji proclaimed equality for all in his famous words "Manas ki Jat Sabhe Eke Pehchan Bo" (all human beings are equal and have one identity).

We hope to hear some positive responses from within the negative replies we are bound to receive.

Jazz and Devraj"

Waheguru ji ka khalsa, waheguru ji ki fateh


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REPLY
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Wahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa, Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fateh!

Dear One, it is a fact that there are people who are homosexual. Most will tell you they have felt as if they were born this way. Sikhi teaches us not to judge others, for there is only One DharamRaj. As they quoted above, Guru Gobind Singh indeed said "we are all One Khalsa." So who are we to tell someone that they cannot be Gursikhs because of their sexual orientation or because of the color of their skin, for that matter? It is not up to us to decide this, though I know this can be a divisive issue.

My own experience has taught me that outside of this different orientation, homosexuals are like the rest of us: they eat, sleep, love, and want a spiritual life/foundation. I do not personally see a problem with a support group such as this. Ask yourself this: what is mportant to me when I see a self-identified Sikh? Their sexual orientation (just one aspect of their life), or how they live as Sikhs? Do they identify as Sikh, identify with living righteously, serving others, and keeping their outward identity? Do they believe in making sincere effort to practice the Naam regularly?

I hope this helps you in your response.
God bless you!

-DKK