|
 A new website, Somali Gay Community, has been launched to serve the small gay Somali community in London – and beyond. It is believed to be the first of its kind in Somali history and culture anywhere in the world.
“Somalia is an Islamic country and, as they think that homosexuality is a Western illness, we do not exist in their eyes,” said Muraad, one of the Somali gays in London behind the website.
Muraad is the name used within the London gay Somali community.
“Though we live in the West, we still fear of our families and what the Somali community in general could do to us.”
“What our people think about us is one thing, but the thing that matters us the most is finding a way of helping and supporting each other through the most difficult times of our lives,” he said.
When the website became a reality seven days ago, it was a dream come true. And the dream started eight years ago.
That was when Muraad first ‘came out’ to his best friend – also a Somali.
“After a long discussion I told him that I will do something about making information available to all other gay Somalis,” he recalled.
“His reaction was that ‘you will only bring shame to your family [Muraad] – and by the way, how can you help others if you are in trouble yourself for doing something that is against our religion and culture’.
“At the time, if I knew that I was not ill and that I was not the only Somali gay person in the world, I would not have had suffered so much,” he said.
“For us – and I mean Somali gays, there are no gay role models to look up to and to identify yourself as gay, or Khaniis, which in Somali is a very bad insult. It is very hard,” he admitted.
The website itself was two years in the making.
“Our aim is to reach out to those who need us the most and help them,” Muraad continued.
“I am so proud to have found my mates. Their dedication and courageous efforts have made this project what it is now.
“Of course we fear the consequence, though in different degrees.
“But that will not stop us,” he insisted.
The Somali Gay Community website, which is still in its early development, is in English and Somali. [Click HERE for Somali language main page]
Already it contains helpful information for gay Somalis, ranging from health matters to support services.
There is an interesting page on “Homosexuality in Islam” and a message board where members can interact, supporting each other. Membership is free. http://www.somaligaycommunity.org
|
