I DISAGREE with some of Mr Leo Hee Khian's assumptions ("Distinguish between helping gays and supporting an agenda"; yesterday).
He said that married homosexuals have a lower quality of life and die about 20 years younger than their heterosexual counterparts.
This is anecdotal evidence, but even if there is some truth in it, the phenomenon must be due to the stress homosexuals face in the rejection and discrimination by the conservative public.
Mr Leo also said there is a difference between accepting one's sexual orientation and pushing for same-sex marriage to be made legal. He added that some homosexuals are comfortable in their identities but are not pushing the same-sex marriage agenda.
However, sexual orientation and the expression of same-sex relationships leading to gay marriage are the identity of the gay lifestyle.
Likewise, heterosexual relationships between a man and a woman are the identity of the straight lifestyle.
Both lifestyles generally do not promote polygamy. They face the same problems of leading fulfilling and enriching lives.
Homosexuals are not trying to change the sexual lifestyles of straight people. However, heterosexuals are trying to insist that homosexuals, in accepting and living with their alternative sexual orientations, stay celibate.
This is indeed a sensitive issue that we should navigate holistically, factually and honestly.
Yap Kim Hao (Rev Dr)
