In July 2021, I was detained by police officers for practising homosexuality. I believed my future had ended and that my parents would be left with only shame. The officers offered to release me in exchange for a bribe. I had no money. No hope. My only possession was my phone, I handed it over. Under my country's law, Section ***, homosexuality carries a penalty of death or up to 30 years imprisonment. I could not risk either outcome. I consider myself fortunate that it was police officers and not religious vigilantes who detained me. The latter have been known to use lethal violence that I can not imagine to myself. This transaction — exchanging personal property for safety — is a common survival strategy for gay men in my community, but not everyone is lucky enough, I was lucky enough. I did take down my profile picture and alter my name for safety.

Don’t be afraid to show your true colors 🏳️‍🌈

Are you struggling with figuring out who you are when you go to workout? I’ve created a short field guide to help you navigate (with a little help from Claude). Happy Friday! https://claude.ai/public/artifacts/630ed130-0acb-4345-b4e3-574cbce602ef

Either we can do a Hot Seat Session where 3 members get 20min each to share their matter and get some feedback from the group Or we can talk about - How not to turn into a lonely bitter Betty (what to do about it) If you want a 20min Hot Seat, comment below with your matter and reserve your spot. If no one wants a hot seat we’ll talk about the bitter Betty! 😎 Talk to you guys soon!

I have a share I feel inspired to bring here to the whole group. I think being part of this group and participating since its inception has really strengthened me in some ways, specifically in my gay identity. I notice I feel more at ease around gay men than I did before. (Not that I felt uncomfortable before…it’s just like more at ease). I am experiencing some sense of gay belonging in this group that I didn’t before….and honestly, I feel so moved by that that I am getting teary-eyed just writing this. Also, I feel more confident than I ever have in my life, which I believe is independent of this group…but, this container also has been supportive for me to feel included, share myself, and connect with other gay men in a non-instrumentalizing way. I am so grateful. To Frederik. To the group alchemy. To each of you. Thanks for your contributions. With a full heart. Your Gay Brother from Another Mutthha, Noor