Matthew Ogston, the fiancé of London doctor Nazim Mahmood who committed suicide this year after coming out to his mother, has set up a foundation in honor of his partner of 13 years
Matthew Ogston, the fiancé of London doctor Nazim Mahmood who committed suicide last month after coming out to his mother, has set up a foundation in honor of his partner of 13 years, reports Pink News.
Mahmood threw himself off a balcony in July after his mother urged him to seek a “cure” for his homosexuality.
The Naz and Matt Foundation will support people struggling with religion and sexuality.
Religion can longer be used as an excuse for ignorance, bigotry, homophobia or backwardness. http://t.co/iIhVcVF0HR #love
— Matthew Ogston (@matthewogston) December 13, 2014
Ogston said:
“Naz was a very successful individual, he had a very good career. He was an example in society of an upstanding member of the community.
“We just strived to be good people, doing good things in life – everything Naz did was about seeing the happiness in other people.
“With the Naz and Matt Foundation, I'd like to continue that, to provide a support network and place to go for individuals struggling with their sexuality, and trying to come out.
“It's one of the hardest things for people from religious backgrounds to overcome if they aren't going to find acceptance in their community.
“The Naz and Matt Foundation is not particularly aimed at any religion. It's aimed at communities that are very closed in their perception. There's a lack of understanding.
“They need to realise that we are still the beautiful children they gave birth to – and they need to accept us for who they are.”
Speaking following the inquest into Mahmood's death, Ogston said:
“When [Naz] asked ‘why do I need to find a cure, there's nothing wrong with me, I'm just a good person trying to live a good life', that must have created such a sadness within Naz. I only wish I'd had longer to have spoken to Naz, to try and talk things through and just tell him it would be okay.”
Watch an interview with Ogston, AFTER THE JUMP…