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MollyMay
Joined: 15 Oct 2006 Posts: 3
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Posted: Sun Oct 15, 2006 8:33 pm Post subject: Teens in Kuwait |
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I've been offered a great package in Kuwait, but my teenage son is gay. Any perspectives on what it might be like for him if we go? Thanks! |
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scot47

Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343
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Posted: Mon Oct 16, 2006 5:39 am Post subject: |
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The dichotomy gay/straight is not commonly used in this part of the world. To label oneself as exclusively homosexual or heterosexual is just not done.
Tell your son he has to get back into the closet. And face a steep learning curve. Different cultures have different ways of coping with sexuality. |
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thrifty
Joined: 25 Apr 2006 Posts: 1665 Location: chip van
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Posted: Mon Oct 16, 2006 3:06 pm Post subject: Re: Teens in Kuwait |
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MollyMay wrote: |
I've been offered a great package in Kuwait, but my teenage son is gay. Any perspectives on what it might be like for him if we go? Thanks! |
Is this for real? |
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veiledsentiments

Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA
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Posted: Mon Oct 16, 2006 3:26 pm Post subject: |
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I suspect a troll... first post... provocative question...
VS |
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MollyMay
Joined: 15 Oct 2006 Posts: 3
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Posted: Mon Oct 16, 2006 4:42 pm Post subject: |
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It never occurred to me that this would raise red flags. I discovered this forum as I was looking for info to help me make my decision about the job offer. I found nothing dealing with the topic and it's a huge concern. At this point I've decided not to take the job. My son is the coolest kid ever and I'm very proud of him. I don't want any gov't to mess with his head. I am still interested in knowing how life is for gay people in Kuwait, if anyone has input, I'd appreciate it. |
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veiledsentiments

Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA
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Posted: Mon Oct 16, 2006 9:16 pm Post subject: |
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I think you made the best decision. Better not to take him into a culture that still pushes their homosexuals into the closet. Naturally it exists there, but since the government is not separate from the religion, the strong stigma of it being considered a sin controls the message. If he were an adult, he would find a welcoming sub-culture which maintains their lifestyle very privately. But, I would say that navigating adolescent sexuality is complicated enough - gay or straight - within your own culture. To add unknown cultural road blocks would not be a good idea... not to mention that homosexuality is officially illegal.
VS |
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MollyMay
Joined: 15 Oct 2006 Posts: 3
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Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2006 3:35 am Post subject: |
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I wasn't sure if it was illegal but gets no reaction, or illegal like prison and torture. You're right.....adolescence is hard enough and your feedback reassures me that I made the right decision. Certainly no job or amount of money is worth your child's health and well being but I just wasn't sure what the reality of the situation is over there. |
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15yearsinQ8
Joined: 17 Oct 2006 Posts: 462 Location: kuwait
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Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2006 5:51 am Post subject: |
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having taught at 6+? private schools, i can tell you from direct experience the more open your son is the more he will be harassed (some school student policies even hold this as grounds for suspension or expulsion)
having said that, there are gay and bi boys in schools - he will find friends , also a certain girls school has a rouring reputation for openness |
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