I grew up in Nazareth, the city where Jesus was born, peace be upon him, in a Muslim family committed to doing all religious duties. I love the Islamic religion and Christianity very much, so it was very difficult to accept myself as gay, how Siqublni society is where I live. Especially that it is community east of the river.
Since my childhood I felt the difference. It was strange as I did not like football, while all the children of the same generation loved this sport. I knew I was not bold, strong, and I’m afraid of violence and fighting.
At the age of 14 years, I knew that being gay would create a dilemma. In terms of society being against me and against my thoughts, and religion does not approve either. I stayed in a struggle with myself until I was 17 when I joined the Palestinian Association called “Alqaws” and that made me young and more self-confident.
When I was 18, I achieved a great achievement. I told my family I was gay. It was very difficult because I have a very close family. I decided to break the news in a new way. My family loved to read so I took advantage of it and I told them through an article explaining the subject of homosexuality scientifically.
Praise be to God, my family was understanding about me being gay. This is helping me as I do not feel I’m alone, especially in a society that does not accept different sexual orientations.
I am so happy for you! The area of the world you live in is the epi-center of so many religions. But so many religions do not recognize that homosexuality exists in all cultures and all places on the planet. I am happy for the love you found within your own family!
Wow! I’m so glad your family accepts you. I was bracing for a sad ending.
Thank you so much for sharing your story.
I’m very happy to hear that you had the courage to come out to your family, and that you found yourself a second family through Al-Qaws, which is really a bless in Palestine-Israel.
Wishing you all the best,
Amit