SEPTEMBER 2008

in our VIEW
Don’t ignore the fact that homosexuality
exists in our community
The gay issue in the Chaldean
community has been swept
under the rug for far too long.
Men and women who consider themselves
gay or know that they are gay
are forced to conceal their true sexual
orientation to a much larger extent
than in society in general.
There is no reason to
believe that the gay
Chaldean population is any
smaller than the population
as a whole. Yet very few
Chaldeans are “openly”
gay.
Chaldean culture and social
norms do not allow much sympathy
for the gay issue. To a large extent,
the subject is taboo and is not discussed
in serious ways at homes,
churches or social clubs. A gay son
or daughter seems to be a huge
source of embarrassment for families
and friends. This is unfortunate and
also unfair to gay Chaldeans who
would like to be true to themselves
and still be accepted by their family,
friends and community.
Often the result is loneliness,
despair and depression. Many gays
who feel shunned or embarrassed
turn to drugs and alcohol. They
know the shame that will come to
their families if they “come out.” The
pressure of not wanting to disappoint
their parents can be overbearing.
Regardless of one’s position on
the morality of gay behavior or of
being gay, one thing is eminently
clear: the Chaldean community as a
whole has been a dismal failure in
dealing with the challenge presented
by the gay issue. There is no open
discussion, no communication, no
acceptance and no reason for a gay
The Chaldean community as a whole has been
a dismal failure in dealing with the
challenge presented by the gay issue.
person to believe that he or she will
be treated fairly and with respect.
We are not suggesting that the
community needs to condone the gay
lifestyle. But, rather that the silence
borne from shame, pride and a false
sense of machismo gets put aside.
In its place, we call for open dialogue
premised on love and understanding
and an acknowledgement that we are
all God’s children. In the process,
hopefully some wounds will heal,
some families will be brought back
together and some individuals will
find inner peace and happiness.
Clarification
“A Father Shares His Anguish” (August
2008) contained an incomplete quote from
Yousif (Joe) Hermiz, whose son, Arvin,
was gunned down by Southfield Police on
September 27, 2007. The entire quote
reads, “Now I tell you with confidence and
the utmost certainty, I don’t trust any law
enforcement agency investigating a law
enforcement officer using lethal force
against an ordinary citizen.”
12 CHALDEAN NEWS SEPTEMBER 2008