Fridae

Shahiran is fortunate to have made it to Canada. There are many more gay men living in Brunei. Years ago while working with AAL at LAX , I and a friend went on a trip to Greece. While in Rhodes we crossed paths with a couple from Brunei in a crowded restaurant. One was Malaysian and the other American. They were working for the government of Brunei and were shocked that we knew where Brunei was located. Actually, it was easy as the Sultan had been in the news for his wealth and travels to Europe. A year later we visited them in Bandar SeriBegawan, Brunei. We learned that everything and I mean everything even if a citizen pays for the item belongs to the Sultan. There were even house parties then for gay people as there were no bars. The Burneians were engaging and enjoyable. The country also has beaches which looked liked no human has ever touched or walked on them. We went to the longhouses across a large lake where indigenous people live. Ironically, one night there was a show put on behind a temple with female impersonators. Even then there was this power struggle between the Sultan and the religious sector. Sadly, it seems that the evil elements have grown and now politically are exerting influence over the Sultan. One day those who expound to Sharia Law will be judged for their lack of knowledge as to what it is to be different.