Recent statistics have shown that those who engage in homosexual or bisexual relationships are the main contributors to the spread of HIV, said Islamic Development Department (Jakim) assistant director Izwan Md Yusof.

He said data collected by the Kuala Lumpur health department showed that 65 percent of infections were caused by homosexual or bisexual relationships, while 31 percent involved heterosexual relationships.

"We must help them...be involved in advocacy work. From an Islamic standpoint, we must prevent (the spread of HIV) from happening. We must be mindful of this," said Izwan (photo) during a forum on LGBT at Universiti Malaya last night.

The forum was attended by some 300 students and featured "reformed" transvestite Mohamed Bakri Abu Bakar and a "former lesbian" known as Rynn.

Mohamed Bakri urged those who try to preach to people who identify with LGBT to know the individuals first instead of preaching about "pahala" (reward) and "dosa" (sin).

"If possible, get to know them first before 'dakwah' (preaching). If the preachers are convincing, God willing, they (the target audience) can change.

"Don't say drastic things such as (changing) to earn a ticket to heaven. That is not right...Befriend them first before showing them the path to religion," he said.

Mohamed Bakri said Jakim appear to be changing their approach towards people who identify as LGBT and are no longer out to discriminate.

"In the past, raids (by state religious authorities) involve insults and ridicule. So they (the victims) are afraid and become spiteful of (religious authorities).

"This can push them away from religion," he said, while stressing that "middlemen" like himself are important to build the bridge between preachers and the LGBT community.