La homosexuality in Indonesia it is considered a taboo by society and the government

GAYLES.TV.- The church of Jakarta (Indonesia) has expressed support for the community LGTB + after discovering that many of its members had left the institution because they considered it homophobic. The initiative has received conflicting reactions. On the one hand it has become an inspiration for many followers LGTB + They have celebrated the opening. But it has also received harsh threats from the most conservative sector in the country.

A year ago Indonesian police arrested and cut the hair of twelve trans women. Also two men were condemned to be whipped in public for maintaining homosexual relations in 2017. The NGOs denounce an increase in repression against the community LGTB + en Indonesia since politicians have promoted homophobia. The homosexuality In the Asian country it is considered a taboo by society and the government.

That is why it is extraordinary that a group from 12 to 15 people meets every Friday in a house in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta to discuss issues related to gender and sexuality.

The meetings are organized by the Gereja Komunitas Anugerah (GKA), the first Christian church in Indonesia that openly receives community members LGBT +. "His interpretation of religion is neither conservative nor traditional. It is more progressive«. For the Pastor Suarbudaya RahadianIt was an opportunity to approach Christians who had never gone to church or stopped attending.

"The fundamental spirit of Christianity is that no one should be denied the love of God. If someone is denied this, then we have failed. It must be inclusive. The church must side with the weakest and help the most vulnerable groups in our community»Insists the Pastor.

Rahadian He admits that every time he has brought it up on social media, he has received harsh and angry comments. «I don't know why, but when it comes to sexual diversity, it's very easy for people to be triggered by anger. Now I avoid open discussion on social networks because it won't achieve anything", He says.

La gka church It has also been threatened by intransigent groups and has been the victim of false news, such as when it was falsely reported that the church performs same-sex marriages. As a result, it has been forced to introduce security protocols to ensure that it can act quickly in the event of an incident or attack during a service.

Despite the threats, the church mantra has inspired one of its members, Nico Pongmasangka, to create the Christian Community Rainbow Indonesia, an online platform to share news of events and open debates among minority groups in the country.