I refer to ‘Our diversity, our asset’, (Sunday Star, Sept 18) that mentions on anything associated with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, (LGBT) is dangerous and so it is better to pretend that LGBT do not exist when the opposite is true.

In 2011, the annual Seksualiti Merdeka festival was banned because politics has a funny way of turning an otherwise informative, enlightening event filled with talks, forums, workshops, book launches, dance performance, art exhibition and film shows to something which is of fire and brimstone where the organisers and participants are accused of being less than rightful or less religious just because there is something in connection with LGBT.

Granted that there are some people, in order to gain political mileage and be seen as more conservative and religious, have accused some segments of LGBT of wanting the legalising of same sex marriages as accepted in certain western countries because it would allegedly lead to a decaying society.

But pretending that LGBT and its associated matters do not exist do little in solving the problems of this marginalised community when in fact any condemnation of anything relating to LGBT would drive the existing society underground and further into the closet.

Already this community is having a difficult time dealing with life itself and there is no need to add further complications by suppressing the sexuality problem. Instead there is a need to deal with their LGBT existence in a more positive manner.

What more if sexually transmitted and healthcare matters arising from underground LGBT activities remained unchecked? How about those already infected with HIV not seeking proper healthcare because of being LGBT?

It is simply wrong to turn a blind eye when the LGBT community is subjected to harsh criticism worthy of being shunned and punished.

It does not make matters better when there has been a mention of the Section 377A and 377B of the Penal Code which outlaws homosexuality and oral sex.

However, this law is archaic which is against human rights which need an outright abolishment as done in many countries. It is not a far fetched idea to call for the repealing of the 377 act in Malaysia since other acts such as the Internal Security Act (ISA) and the Banishment Act have been repealed.

The LGBT community will always exist and they consist of people, many of them ordinary people like taxpayers and voters. It is despicable and ungodly to insult, ridicule, harass, beat up, torture and kill a person just because of being LGBT.

Human rights also belong to LGBT where anyone be it a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender being subjected to abuse, criticism, ridicule and marginalisation would need to be protected under the law.

Not talking about LGBT matters means not dealing with a segment of society that will always exist when in fact, dialogue should be encouraged to ensure that there is no misunderstanding that LGBT is only full of sin. With the adverts of social media and the Internet, there is no more denying that LGBT do not exist.

There have been enough under researched blanket statements made about LGBT. Now is the time to face this community head on by accepting that LGBT exist in every society by acknowledging their presence and attention with proper understanding.

It does not hurt to show sympathy, compassion and tolerance toward having a beneficial communication with LGBT who are willing to share their views.