When Gays are Killed

The recent murders of gays (apologies for my politically incorrect collective term for lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgenders, transsexuals, intersexuals, neutrois, among many other sexual characteristics, gender identities and social categories) in the country and in several corners of the world are not only disturbing but also are catalyst for questions that are difficult to answer. They surely produce a chilling effect on the spine and a seeming siphoning of blood in the heart; yet more than those physical shivering, our minds keep on wandering (and wondering at the same time) to arrive at an elusive truth on the matter.

When gays are killed, an entire gay community and the society at large are alarmed. This is due to our deep-seated concern for humanity and the impregnable nonexistence of a justification for murder. So we ask: Are these murders simply a result of hatred for a certain group of humankind? Or do they just provide an evidence for humanity’s animalist tendencies and brutalities? Are we still safe here and there?

When gays are killed, the authorities should move their ass and not only sit on the fence. Whether they support or scorn the gay community, it is their moral obligation and civic duty to conduct an investigation with speed sans compromising accuracy and fairness. Do we need more legislative measures to ensure prevention of crimes and provision of justice? Can we still trust these people entrusted with power to deliver what is expected of them? If they claim to have the competence, do they have the character?

When gays are killed, the gays themselves should be wary. They should protect themselves by making sure that they only go with people who can be trusted, and as much as possible blend with likeminded (or perhaps likegendered) individuals. Isolation is dangerous,  this is especially true for gay people who are supposed to be standing by their mantra of being ‘happy and gay.’

Hate crimes for gay people remain underreported since reporting is tantamount for coming out. Is abstinence, zero love life or sex life key to safety for gays? Is this the time for them to go hiding, stop socializing and stay in the closet forever? Hyper-hypothetical it may sound but what is the essence of being a gay?

It is high time for society to confront this issue and to finally put an end to its animosity and cruelty. When gays are killed, we have so much to learn. Truth is learning can be very hard because it entails so much unlearning.

You may look at me as heretic or you may call me blasphemous, but are we not suppose to unlearn some lessons in Leviticus? Can we honestly believe commandments such as “If a man lies with a male as with a women, both of them shall be put to death for their abominable deed?” So when gays are killed, is God happy?