BY MICHAEL TUMWESGIGYE
For about the last 50 years, the world has experienced and is experiencing a gender revolution. The gender agenda has brought new order, approaches and perceptions regarding sexuality and gender. With the gender revolution, it’s believed that whatever a man does, a woman can do as well. Concepts in the vein of gender equality and equity, women’s emancipation, same-sex marriages and changes in gender roles and participation have emerged and gained great attention. It is further believed that gender is determined by culture but one can decide his or her sex; for example, a boy can decide to become a girl and vice versa. This has resulted in an emergency situation for a group of sexual minorities known as the LGBTQ community, that is, Lesbians, Gay Men, Bisexuals, Transgender people and “questioning” or “queer” people.
Bisexuals are people who are attracted to either males or females; transgenders are people who change their gender from male to female or female to male; and questioners are those who still don’t understand their sexual attractions. The LGBTQ community is symbolized by a
rainbow flag, first sewn by an artist and activist by the name of Gilbert Baker and every colour has a meaning attached to it. Formerly, they were 8 colours but later, hot pink and green were removed to remain with 6 colours, these were adopted in 1994.
Many questions regarding same- sex relationships remain unanswered by current research. It’s not clear whether same-sex relationships are
natural or nurtured. There is generally misinformation about LGBTQ people worldwide, which seems to divide the society. Some countries like Kenya and Uganda recently launched a crackdown on what is described as the infiltration of the LGBTQ agenda in schools. There is a general fear that because of misinformation, same-sex relationships may be made a subject taught in schools. In Uganda, like many other African
countries, gay and lesbian relationships conflict with the cultural and religious values expected of an individual and it’s regarded as an erosion and diversion of the African heritage.
This is why it’s considered illegal to be involved in such sexual relationships. People who believe that a same-sex relationship is biological or natural have accepted it differently than those who believe that it’s nurtured. The dimensions of doing “what makes one happy” or “upholding human rights” all seem not to provide answers to why LGBTQ practices are being promoted in educational institutions. Following the new gender agenda, it’s believed that there is no “right way” to be male or female, masculine or feminine and that all people are entitled to autonomy over their bodies, gender identity and gender expression.
In certain situations where political and religious leaders stand firm to preserve their constituencies, cultural and religious value systems concerning heterosexual marriages as opposed to single-sex marriages, they have been referred to as people promoting bigotry or chauvinism that dehumanize persons based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Many stories have come up in Uganda alleging that the LGBTQ community and its associated practices are being promoted in schools and some children have alleged and narrated their ordeals regarding gay/lesbian practices and how their lives have been ruined. In the Bible, Leviticus listed homosexuality among other sexual behaviors considered “detestable,” and Jesus defined marriage as a union between a man and a woman.
Paul, who was a former Pharisee, described homosexuality’s acts as “shameful” and practicing homosexuals as unable to inherit the kingdom of God. Although same-sex relationships and attraction are today not considered a mental illness by the major mental health organizations, including the APA, it’s clear that they’re associated with mental disorders. For example, many experts today recognize that members of the gay community are at greater risk for mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, suicidality, and poor self-esteem, among other concerns.
Aggravated homosexuality, HIV/AIDS and other psychological challenges, besides moral and value erosion, are all associated with the current gender revolution. Parents and caregivers have a noble responsibility to protect children by all means. In the first place, there must be a clear national legal and policy framework concerning same-sex relationships that is in line with the country’s religion and cultural heritage. Children should be provided with guidance at family, community and national levels about the negative consequences of gender agendas.
Ideally, the current gender revolution has some goodness in it in line with women’s empowerment, but our children should be well guided on certain components regarding their sexuality.
At family level, besides transmission of faith, it’s important for parents to talk freely to their children and encourage them to open up on many issues that affect them, including sexuality challenges both at home and school.
