Paul MacAlindin: “We’re fighting a war not on love, but with love” - Gay Times
In this section
24/07/16 19:41
▼
Paul MacAlindin: “We’re fighting a war not on love, but with love” 17:48 17th June 2016 by GT Comments
LIFE > OPINION © Paul MacAlindin
Paul MacAlindin, former conductor of the National Youth Orchestra of Iraq, explains why solidarity between LGBT and Muslim communities is essential in the aftermath of the Orlando gay nightclub shootings. We are at war. It started with the 2003 invasion to cripple Iraq, gain control of oil, and strengthen our Middle Eastern intel. The trouble is, we were so successful that our current enemy, the so-called ‘Islamic State’, has installed an entire ideology and war machine on the back of it. The effects of the recent mass murder in Orlando which claimed 49 innocent lives have been felt by the LGBT community worldwide. And yet, on that same day, Iraq Body Count reported 97 Iraqis killed by violence, such a common occurrence that it’s no longer deemed newsworthy. As one of my Iraqi translators said, ‘The terrorists don’t care who they kill; they just want to destroy as much as possible’. As a community, we are a minority with all the wisdom and experience that entails. Many of us have survived a personal arc from fear and persecution to pride and equality. We have lessons to share with Muslim minority communities, whose hands have been marked with our blood spilled by an act of hatred from one mass murderer. Remember how our toughest opponents used AIDS as a smear strategy to bring down our battle for equality? Those of us who survived have learnt a lot. If we allow https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/life/40049/paul-macalindin-orlando-fighting-war-not-love-love/
Page 1 of 6
Paul MacAlindin: “We’re fighting a war not on love, but with love” - Gay Times
24/07/16 19:41
ourselves to be divided against our Muslim communities, then we shut out any possible dialogue and break down the democratic society that protects all our rights to debate respectfully or fiercely, and non-violently. We may not share the same blood, but we are united by it. Working with the National Youth Orchestra of Iraq taught me that reconciliation isn’t a pre-packaged workshop: it’s messy, ungrateful, inefficient and exhausting. But if we don’t continually engage, then we end up with racism, paranoia and homophobia. Institutions like Pride and the Notting Hill Carnival know this. However, we don’t always need grand gestures to heal rifts: a meal, a smile, a song, or a helping hand can work wonders, as no minority can integrate without the help of others. If we are weak, if our hate does the talking, then we are joining the ‘Islamic State’ in their very precise strategy to divide our wonderful society, and turn us against each other. The husband of recently murdered MP, Jo Cox, said: “Jo believed in a better world… She would want us to unite to fight against the hatred that killed her. Hate doesn’t have a creed, race or religion, it is poisonous.” So let’s reach out to other minorities we would normally ignore, try and understand what being LGBT and Muslim must feel like right now, and remember we’re fighting a war not on love, but with love.
Paul MacAlindin’s new book Upbeat: The Story Of The National Youth Orchestra Of Iraq is released on 18 August, and is available to pre-order on Amazon now.
Want more brilliant interviews, features and news? Download the latest issue of GT, or sign up to receive GT Extra Newsletter.
Comments
1 Comment
Sort by Oldest
Add a comment...
Darlene Mcghee Check who viewed your Facebook profile >>>> https://www.facebook.com/Who.../app/193976131002302/... Like · Reply ·
1 · 17 June 2016 09:55
Facebook Comments Plugin
From the web .
Sponsored Links by Taboola
10 Delicious Fall Superfoods You Should Try Vegetarian Plate
30 Great Cars That Nobody Buys | Buzzdrives.com BuzzDrives
Find out why more than 20 million people can't stop playing this game Pirates: Free Online Game
Challenge yourself to our Time to Stop distracted driving experience! Motors.co.uk
https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/life/40049/paul-macalindin-orlando-fighting-war-not-love-love/
Page 2 of 6
Paul MacAlindin: “We’re fighting a war not on love, but with love” - Gay Times
24/07/16 19:41
15 Photos Wife Donald Trump Spectacular rechingon.com
15 Amazing Places You Must Visit Pixte.com
Everything You Wanted to Know About Indian Food American Expert
10 Good – And Bad – Things From The First Half Of The NHL Season SportsBreak.com
QUIZ: Can You Identify These Historic British Icons? Topix Offbeat
10 Most Amazing Vacation Spots In Europe Traveler Almanac
Shopping
What’s Hot Michelle Obama and Missy Elliott get their freak on for Carpool Karaoke
California becomes first US state to teach LGBT history in schools
Feel good Friday: Team GB divers head to Rio for Olympic Games
Adam Lambert blasts Donald Trump for using Queen’s music
Sponsored aussieBum raise the bar on swimwear with new LUXE collection
https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/life/40049/paul-macalindin-orlando-fighting-war-not-love-love/
Page 3 of 6
Paul MacAlindin: “We’re fighting a war not on love, but with love” - Gay Times
24/07/16 19:41
Join Future Blossom, London’s evolution in safer gay dating
Ku Group launch 20th Pride celebrations – And you’re all invited
Take Me Home Projects Launch Pride in London Charity Event
Jessica Ennis-Hill Vitality Ambassador
More
TRAVEL > DESTINATIONS
STYLE > GROOMING
CULTURE > MUSIC
Lausanne – this hidden Swiss gem has something for everyone
Neroli: The sweet scent of summer
5 things you need to know about Bibi Bourelly
12:00 24th July 2016
11:00 24th July 2016
10:30 24th July 2016
CULTURE > THEATRE
CULTURE > MUSIC
STYLE > FASHION
Review: Jesus Christ Superstar at
GT meets the cast of The
Shady bitch: 8 Sunnies to buy
https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/life/40049/paul-macalindin-orlando-fighting-war-not-love-love/
Page 4 of 6
Paul MacAlindin: “We’re fighting a war not on love, but with love” - Gay Times
24/07/16 19:41
the Regent’s Park Open Air
Bodyguard musical
now
Theatre
13:57 23rd July 2016
12:00 23rd July 2016
14:03 23rd July 2016 TRAVEL > CITIES
It’s time for an Amsterdam adventure… 10:30 23rd July 2016
NEWS CULTURE > MOVIES
Man set on fire in alleged homophobic attack in Stockton
Four magical Studio Ghibli moments
14:48 22nd July 2016
11:30 23rd July 2016 LIFE > FAMILY
Dads talk about their transgender kids in heartwarming video 13:12 22nd July 2016
CULTURE > TV STYLE > GROOMING
Hold onto your fishnets, there’s a new Rocky Horror trailer
Fragrance Friday: Jo Malone’s Black Cedarwood & Juniper
13:10 22nd July 2016
13:44 22nd July 2016 CULTURE > TV
Luke Cage tears up Comic-Con 11:59 22nd July 2016
NEWS NEWS
Israeli PM makes speech in memory of teen murdered at Jerusalem Pride 12:43 22nd July 2016
Donald Trump promises to “protect LGBTQ citizens from violence” CULTURE > THEATRE
11:54 22nd July 2016
Review: The Bodyguard 11:36 22nd July 2016
NEWS CULTURE > TV
https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/life/40049/paul-macalindin-orlando-fighting-war-not-love-love/
Zachary Quinto compares Donald Page 5 of 6
Paul MacAlindin: “We’re fighting a war not on love, but with love” - Gay Times
24/07/16 19:41
Iron Fist finally has a trailer
Trump to Star Trek villain
11:37 22nd July 2016
10:56 22nd July 2016
CULTURE > MUSIC
Is Britney Spears planning a duet with Selena Gomez? 8:30 22nd July 2016 NEWS
NBA pulls All-Star game from North Carolina over anti-LGBT law 9:49 22nd July 2016
https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/life/40049/paul-macalindin-orlando-fighting-war-not-love-love/
Page 6 of 6