Freedom of speech, not bigotry

It is never my intention to upset or raise anyone’s blood pressure with my letters, but I feel miffed when someone labels me a bigoted homophobe simply by reading my short letter to the editor. The only way to characterise a person as such is to meet face to face and discuss different opinions. The Nation has my permission to pass my e-mail address to both Paul and Brent so that we can get together for a chat if they wish.

Owing to the nature of my work, I’ve made the acquaintance of literally hundreds of gay men during my 32 years living in Bangkok. Despite Brent’s doubts, many of these I consider good friends. I do still opine, however, that the overly flamboyant gays, transvestites and transgenders we see, not just in parades, but anywhere in Thailand, do not help the GLBT cause. This is my opinion and you have your opinions, freedom of speech and all that, but I don’t think that makes me a bigot or homophobe. In fact, some friends, both gay and heterosexual, have voiced support for my views.

Just a couple of points gleaned from your letters: 

Brent, I’ve never been married. I don’t believe in the institution in any shape or form in this day and age. I’ve seen too many of my married chums head down the path to ruination due to the abundant temptations this city has to offer. And Paul, I don’t condone heterosexuals kissing in public but I fail to see your point about keeping family photos on office desks.

If you read Khun Paisarn’s special report on homophobia and learn of the murder, yes murder, of young girls who preferred to befriend members of their own sex (the most innocuous of your GLBT community), then I think you’ll agree the perpetrators of such horror are the real bigots in our midst, not folk like me.

Extremely proud heterosexual,

John L Sheppard

Bangkok