posted November 28, 2001 07:18 PM         

More power to your friend for being so secure in himself, that's something we all could use.

Anyway, I'm off.

posted November 29, 2001 01:13 AM         

However, as Angelique has said, it's hard to imagine myself being unafraid enough to come out to my peers, because I dont want to lose any of their respect. Being a teen is tough, seeing as the word "gay" is synonomous with the word "trash". Our culture has really gone down hill, I caught my little brother using it in a condescending tone the other day--he's only five! To be honest, I'm not flamboyant, but I'm not really masculine either. My chart is almost split in half between feminine placements and masculine placements. The main fear I have is that I will be labeled the former(feminine), and lose respect and love because of it.

I have read each and every one of your posts and have felt the love under each one, some even surprised me. I suppose I understimated the power of intuition, I thought that the internet was a great way to remain anonymous. I guess not, huh? How could I ever not consider you guys family? You guys are all that and more.

YIVster, I'm sorry about your brother. It's weird how me and you were like bro and sis even back at the endlesspath, a neat karmic bond if you ask me.

Take care all. I've been thinking about ALL of you all day. I can't believe I would ever have made friends like you guys, I am truly grateful
LOve

posted November 29, 2001 07:51 AM         

Nep, isn't the net world kind of like being in the 5th dimension?? BTW, I'm happy you came back. I have to say this is one site that truly is about Love and light. I can't imagine anyone here discriminating against you for your sexuality. You be yOu, and that's who we Love you for.

posted November 29, 2001 08:58 AM         

Nep .... there are practical concerns at such a young age. Are you still living with your parents? Perhaps it would be best to keep this knowledge to yourself until you are moved out, supporting yourself. This does not mean to deny who you are, or what you feel, but to realize that sometimes even parents need time to deal with things and sometimes LIVING in that tension would not be the best thing for you. Also, do you live in a small town? I do know that many of my gay friends (male and female) felt it was easier when they moved to a larger city. Not only in terms of acceptance, but in general support because of a larger gay community.

posted November 30, 2001 04:01 AM         

I will wait til I move out on my own. That's a very good idea Less stress and less hassle.

Seriously tho--how did you meet your first girlfriend? How did you know she was gay? It's hard, I get lost on that ALL the time.

And morning, thank you. I really appreciate what you have said.:love : (I also look forward to that book of yours, if I'm not mistaken )

posted November 30, 2001 11:39 AM         

That must be extra difficult for you with your family being Mormon. I go to the Mormon church, and most of the people are very closed-minded about sexuality. I take my friend to church activities with me and it took a few times before they stopped talking about it. My bishop even pulled me aside and asked me what my relationship was with him. I happily replied that I was thinking of marrying him, just for fun and shock value. Then I refused to discuss it with him further and told him I'd schedule and interview if I needed it. That was two years ago. I'm taking my friend to a semi-formal dinner party tonight at another member's house. They know him, now, and he will be treated as anyone else. I no longer torture them with flip words of our relationship, and they no longer ask stupid questions. It's easy for me to rub their noses in their ignorance, but my heart goes out to you for your situation.

posted November 30, 2001 04:34 PM         

Life's not easy, Nept, not for any of us. Always know you have my support, love, and understanding. If you'd like to talk I have MSN Messenger, or you can email me.

Auriel... you never cease to amaze me.

posted December 01, 2001 09:08 AM         

Basically, I fiqure everyone is as equally convinced emotionally of their position so I do not even try to get them to see my point anymore. Basically I just live my life and let people feel and think what they like. If I attack the ignorant, than I too am equally ignorant and close minded. So, this usually works for me, despite my actual feeling toward the person:

"I know that you have a very good heart, and I respect that we have very different views on what is right and what is wrong. Despite this, I sincerely hope that we can continue our relationship. As I will not advocate my position with you I also expect you to have the strength of character not to advocate with me. Perhaps we can help each other become stronger in character together. I would like that, to share that with you. "

posted December 01, 2001 05:27 PM         

if the environment around you becomes tense it is NOT your fault that it is so. It is the challenge of those people who are upset by it to overcome it. It is THEIR responsibility. And please remember that some people (probably the one closest to you) may feel hurt that they did not know this about you ... they may wonder if they know you at all. Maybe they will doubt their OWN judgement because they didnt suspect. Any number of things that HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH YOU. The few close friends that I did tell, I found it took about a year for them to be totally okay with it. They doubted themselves, in many ways. So, also, patience is good too. Please do not think that the anger of people that love you is BECAUSE of you. Ok?

posted December 02, 2001 02:22 AM         

I'm actually doin all right, and I have come to better terms with myself because of this thing. If anything, I am glad to have found people who know of my situation.

Oceanwench, thank you for your words of wisdom. I remember telling my closest friend and she was in shock for a while, she couldn't believe it--as you said, people begin to doubt whether they really know you or not.

I am very grateful for all of you taking the time to put your thoughts into this thread, it is wonderful learning new perspectives about this situation. Karmically speaking, this is one of the main situations in my life that will lead to my own enlightenment, I can feel it in my self. It really does fit the description of my birthdate on the eighteenth.

Thank you again
Love

P.S. Angelique, thanks for offering to correspond! Unfortunately I don't have MSN messsenger, but I have got your email. BTW, is your email address inspired by gundam, by any chance?

posted December 02, 2001 11:30 AM         

~Princess

posted December 02, 2001 05:42 PM         

Zechs was a mix of both men: the noble, wise, and peace-oriented Millardo Peacecraft, and the war-hardened, agressive fighter Zechs Merquise. I could really identify, that we weren't totally peaceful and totally bad. It's symbolic, in a sense.

I'm glad you're willing to correspond. I hope I can be of some help.

This posting, I don't regret. With friend like you all and support, and people who understand my place from experience.. you are all so incredible!