Let’s take an example – geography. For many people, their local community is an important part of their identity. For others, such as myself, it’s non-existent. I live in Golders Green (suburban North London). Golders Green has a strong, vibrant community, which I rarely dip into as I’m too absorbed in my work/studying and the only time I’m ever in Golders Green is when I’m at home. So for me it’s not an important aspect of my life – but it is for many people who live their lives more locally.

Similarly, I’m sure there are people who experience same-sex attractions who do not see it as part of their identity. But the truth is that in the last 30-40 years a “gay” identity has emerged. It may not be entirely logical but it is there. So, whatever the rights or wrongs, there is a “gay” community. I would suggest that the cause of the development of this identity is a direct consequence of the hatred and discrimination that many such people have suffered.

Of course this does not have any bearing on the Islamic view of homosexuality which you articulate well. However, as co-citizens in a secular country I think we need to be able to have a healthy dialoge with the gay community and that cannot happen unless we recognise that they exist.