Written by: Miak Siew

The writer is a Pastor of Free Community Church.

The Health Promotion Board’s (HPB) FAQ on sexuality is too important to be removed because of pressure. It saves lives and helps families.

The FAQ addresses questions and concerns about sexuality and sexually-transmitted infections not only for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons but also their families.

In my experience providing pastoral counselling to them, the lack of such a resource has meant that they were often misinformed by sources that claim to be scientific but actually have a religious agenda.

Many parents I have encountered blamed themselves despite having done their best to raise their child. Many of them felt pressured to force their children to go for counselling, not realising that their rejection of their child’s sexuality can hurt.

Many LGBT persons suffer from depression and thoughts of self-harm because they are rejected by the most important people in their lives.

In recent years, many family members of LGBT persons have reached out to other such families, so that they can share their struggles and experiences.

Many of them no longer feel ashamed of their LGBT family member; their relationships have improved and healed. It is those who condemn and vilify LGBT persons who continue to harm and tear loving families apart.

I have lost LGBT friends to suicide. I hope that resources like the HPB’s FAQ continue to be made available, so that LGBT persons and their families can access the information and support they need, rather than bear more pain, loss and broken relationships.

Related:

SINGAPORE ISLAMIC SCHOLARS & RELIGIOUS TEACHERS RESPOND TO HPB'S FAQ ON SEXUALITY

PASTOR LAWRENCE KHONG: HPBS FAQ ON SEXUALITY UNDERMINES FAMILY