ST Online Forum: Homosexuals should know that change is possible (Nov 6)

Nov 6, 2007
Homosexuals should know that change is possible

I REFER to the letter, 'SMU students launch booklet, event on gays' (ST, Oct 31), where a booklet containing stories of young gays, lesbians and bisexuals was highlighted. The sadness and desperation portrayed by 'Fairus' in one of the stories has prompted me to respond.

While Mr Leonard Ng encourages more gays and lesbians to come out, he fails to understand that some of them, like Fairus, just do not want to remain gay. As someone who has had my fair share of sexual confusion, I fully empathise with Fairus and those like him, who do not want to remain gay, lesbian or bisexual.

I want to tell Fairus, and others like him, that change is possible for homosexuals. However, the degree of change depends on the motivation of the one seeking help, and the support that is given to him/her.

In Singapore, recovery support groups, such as CHOICES, do exist to help homosexuals and lesbians in overcoming unwanted sexual desires and behaviour. Although no one chooses to be a homosexual, one can certainly choose not to remain one. Unfortunately, very few people know that change is possible, but it is.

Shawn Tay Liam Yaw