Space travel - episode 2

So following on from Mike's previous message, the Planetarium did lack somewhat but it was air-conditioned so we stayed for a while. My main interest focused on Malaysia's first astronaut in 2007 - Sheikh Muszaphar Shukar - a young professor - part time model who was chosen out of 10000 applicants, I'm sure winning had nothing to do with his looks! So where am I going with this? After discussions with Lynn, our tour leader, it turned out that he is gay (my radar is still working fine), so what, I hear you ask? Malaysia is a Muslim country where homosexuality is illegal and punishment is imprisonment or death (apparently they would be thrown from the tallest building in the town, not that I'm planning relocation but I would chose a small town with only bungalows if this is true).
He is still alive and well and not only deemed a National hero but also as a gay icon, I'd imagine that there are a few exceptions to the rule (if you are lucky to be in the TV /film industry) but being born Muslim and Gay must be very difficult to cope with as families would either disown you or possibly arrange for your disappearance- a real eye opener and I'm very grateful for being born in a time and place that makes me feel equal and not persecuted for whom I choose to love.