A couple days ago, I was reading a great DailyKos diary written by a longtime Kossack BFSkinner. In the diary, BFSkinner opened up "the floor" for questions. So what were the questions you ask? Well, to explain briefly -- the diary was written so that Kossacks could ask questions about gay life, interests, and other fun things. I thought that diary was really interesting and useful because it promoted the chance to talk about matters that are often "swept under the rug by mainstream society" And that's one of the things that I often try to work on -- creating more opportunities for dialogue and socializing with teh gays. I hope this kind of diary can open those conversations. So this diary is both a recognition of BFSkinner's awesome diary (thanks buddy!), and also, it opens the door for more gay chit-chat and reflections. A personal story follows below the fold...
As a backstory, I'll explain a bit more about why I find this kind of diary useful. The thing is -- I want to open the dialogue about gay life because -- as a little kid, I always wanted to know more about my gay brothers and sisters, but was afraid to ask. My parents were really homophobic back then too, and it really drove me crazy. It almost caused me to run away from home because I was so fed up with silence, dread, and anger. I also thought about taking my own life, but never tried it. I had considered it, but realized ultimately -- that my parents' homophobia was the issue -- and that they would have to change -- not me. I wish no kid ever had to deal with that horrible situation. It's seriously like a slow, agonizing torture when your parents are homophobic and you're young. I wish my parents had had more positive (gay) role models when they were growing up -- I wish they had had family to teach them that being gay is okay and that it's a natural thing.
I also didn't see any gay role models when I was growing up, and that was one of the more frustrating things in life. It's really, really rough growing up as a little gay boy with only Ellen Degeneres as a role model! I'm not knocking Ellen -- don't get me wrong, because you know I love and respect her -- but seeing her on TV didn't solve all my problems, or help me to deal with the homophobes/bullies at school. I always was looking for people who could advise, or help, but there were only a few -- later in high school and then especially later. So, I hope this kind of diary allows people to ask questions that could someday help to save another gay kid's life. I know it's idealistic to hope that one little diary can spread the good-word, but I feel like that's what DailyKos is about -- making an impact one step at a time. So I urge you to ask questions & help out when you can.
So please share your questions and knowledge. I'd like to think of this diary as being something like the diaries of - Daily Kos University by plf515-- only much, much gayer :o)
On a side-note, if you're curious about resources for gay and lesbian youth who may be feeling lost or alone - consider visiting the Trevor Project's Website. They operate the only nation-wide crisis-help hotline at (866) 4-U-TREVOR -- or -- 866-488-7386. They also accept donations if you're interested.
And so here's a trivia question for you to start off the chit-chat...