“You opened up about being gay and Sikh, and I couldn't have been more disappointed”, read a letter that was received by a Sikh man, who recently in an interview with BBC talked about his sexual preferences.
The Bitish-Indian reality television star, Rav Bansal received severe backlash after he announced on the news network that he was a gay.
Bansal revealed the contents of the letter in a Twitter post claiming that the letter accused him of "lustful behavior" which was prohibited in Sikhism. The letter was written anonymously by someone who claimed to be a member of the Sikh community.
When I decided to come out publicly I expected to be faced with some negativity. For the most part I have been able to ignore it, but this letter cut me a bit deeper. Annoyingly, it upset me more than I should have allowed it to. Religion should never be used to justify hate 🏳️🌈 pic.twitter.com/oWnRCWG8TS
— Rav Bansal (@RavSBansal) September 26, 2019
The letter said: "I recently saw a clip of you on the BBC where you opened about being gay and Sikh, and I couldn't have been more disappointed in hearing this news.
I feel as though you are promoting a false image of being a person who can follow the religion, yet you promote a perverse lifestyle as if it is something you should be proud of. This is something that you should have kept to yourself. Sikhism explicitly says that lustful behaviour is prohibited and the fact that you went public with this concerns me, immensely.
Had a wonderful time attending my first drag cabaret & burlesque show at @TheLalitLondon last Friday, hosted by the very talented @MissVMary. 🥂🎉😆 pic.twitter.com/2YIV47gZd0
— Rav Bansal (@RavSBansal) July 9, 2019
I have two young children and I don't want them being exposed to this kind of inappropriate material. You are a public person and have a responsibility to behave in a way that won't cause offense to people who may have looked up to you.
I say that because I am deeply offended, as a Sikh myself, that you were no inconsiderate of the implication this would have on the wider community, which is why I was obligated to reach out.
Very rarely do us Sikhs see ourselves represented on the TV and many of us were so excited to see you excel in such a way. I feel as though you have thrown that of all away by being gay. With regret, I have to say that I will no longer be supporting if you continue to go down this path. I hope that one day you will get some clarity on this issue. Waheguruji Ka Khalsa Waheguruji Ki Fateh.”
In response to the letter, Bansal said: “When I decided to come out publicly I expected to be faced with some negativity. For the most part I have been able to ignore it, but this letter cut me a bit deeper. Annoyingly, it upset me more than I should have allowed it to. Religion should never be used to justify hate.”
Several on Twitter came out to support Bansal.
Oh Rav this is so grim and am sorry you had to read this. Sending lots of love xx
— Andrew Smyth (@cakesmyth) September 26, 2019
Not at all sure how saying you are gay is "lustful" behavior, while saying you are straight is not.
— David Birney (@DavidBirney) September 26, 2019
Oh, Rav. Truly heartbroken for you. Please know you’re a shining light and a true role model. Sending all of the gayest love your way 💙
— Michael Chakraverty (@mschakraverty) September 26, 2019
Love you Rav, have always be proud to be your friend and always will be.
— Thomas Gilliford ❄️ (@Tom_gilliford) September 26, 2019
You are a role model.
