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The concept of Oneness is at the core of the Sikh tradition. Most commonly this is espoused as seeing everybody equally without discrimination. However when it comes to the issue of sexual preference, we find ourselves less accepting and instead we begin to draw lines in the sand in terms of what we feel is correct or incorrect. In reality Guru Nanak Dev Ji had a very different approach to humanity. The Guru introduced concept of Ik right at the beginning of Gurbani. To describe this concept as ‘equality’ does not do it justice. This is a much deeper understanding of what makes us alive, and what links each and every one of us. In essence, the Guru describes everything as One. Duality - the method through which we begin to divide the word into distinctions - is the root cause of ego and therefore the root cause of human suffering. To say that one person is separate to another is to misunderstand Ik. To say that you identify an individual based on their differing sexuality is to use one’s own dualistic intellect to override the very fundamentals of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s message. ...

I was contacted by a TV production company who are looking to explore relationships with diverse couples. More info follows: The series is about changing relationships in modern Britain and we’re looking to speak to interfaith and culturally diverse couples who are looking to get engaged but are worried about how their families may react. We’re particularly interested in representing the Sikh community as we feel that Sikhism has very often been underrepresented on the major UK channels. ...

This video is absolutely amazing. A very brave Birmingham based Gay Sikh records a conversation between himself and his mum in Punjabi about homosexuality. In the video she talks about unconditional love for her son, how God designed him in this way and how forced marriages are doomed to fail. If anyone needs help or advice about coming out and their parents speak Punjabi, please show this video. The message is so much more powerful when spoken in Punjabi. ...

Yesterday I had the privilege to attend a debate at Londons Southbank as part of an annual Alchemy Festival. The debate topic was “Can you be both LGBT and South Asian in Britain today?”. This topic is EXACTLY why this blog exists. So many people think being homosexual is a western thing, it’s a choice and if you’re Asian, you can’t be Gay. The panel consisted of five members (initialed to retain anonymity): ...

Today, a man named Jasvir Ginday was found guilty for murdering his wife of 6 months because she may expose his homosexuality. Full story here. No one made him commit this crime, he is completely responsible for his crime, however, I feel it’s important to dig down and see what lead him to kill his wife. I don’t even know where to begin, there is SO much wrong with this. Firstly, there’s the immense pressure his family must have put on him to ‘conform’. By them making him marry against his will, and him possibly believing he can ‘get over it’ drove him to murder! ...

A few weeks ago Aftab Ali, kindly invited me to write a piece for the Glasgow Journal outlining whether I think Asian LGBT are underrepresented in Britain. The short answer is a resounding YES, below’s my article: It seems there are many people who think being Asian and gay is not possible, so it is important to understand why this way of thinking exists. Looking at some of today’s gay role models, there is Tim Cook (CEO of Apple), K.D. Lang, Sir Elton John, Ellen and Sir Ian McKellen. But, what do they all have in common? They’re white. Is it surprising then that Asian parents today are ignorant to the idea of Asian gays when only a select few people are glorified in the media? ...

Mr Singh posted a comment on my Why Start This Blog? entry. He disagreed with homosexuality within Sikhism and used Charles Darwin’s theory of Evolution to prove his point. He also insinuated that the existence of the gay gene would result in “instant death”. I’ve decided to reply in form of a blog as there’s quite a lot to cover. Mr Singh, thank you for you comments. I really value your input and welcome your statements which I rather take as questions and assumptions. Each one of us is on a journey for learning, it’s evident that you have much more to learn. ...

So far this blog has been all about Homosexuality and Sikhism, I don’t usually post personal entries but feel this compliments the blog quite well. This is my coming out story. My mother and I used to have a very strong relationship whilst growing up, we were best friends. I’d always make jokes with her and we’d laugh constantly. I’d look forward to her picking me up from school or the weekends where we’d go and play in the park. Both my parents raised me very well, although I’d always had a stronger emotional bond with my mother. ...

The Asian World is a monthly magazine targeting South Asians living predominately in the Midlands. This magazine is read by over 150,000 people a month so you can imagine by delight when I was offered an opportunity to write an article! The brief I had was to write a short article outlining my coming out and reaction from the community. I had to avoid all religious references (which makes sense due to the vast readership) and instead focus more on the social acceptance side of things. Here’s what I wrote: ...

Yesterday I was a guest of Manni Mashi’s evening radio show where the discussion topic was Gay Marriage. You can download the MP3 here. Gurdial Singh was a representative from the Siri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara in Bristol who also featured on this show. Generally speaking, the outcome was positive. He reinforced that we, as Sikhs, do not discriminate and are accepting of everybody. When asked if a gay couple could get a blessing in his Gurdwara, he said it would be allowed! ...