carolinascribbler

Hmm...didn't work for me either. Try this one: http://www.ship.edu/~cgboeree/maslow.html

Humans are fallible creatures. On our very best days, we still make mistakes and fall short of someone's vision of what we should be. Would it be easier for younger members of the lgbt community if they had role models? Certainly. I have to add that it would benefit ALL members and not just the younger folks. But, isn't it a little selfish say, 'You owe me'? I'm not one to wave flags or wear t-shirts with cute messages, or have bumper stickers on my car, or march in PRIDE parades. I have pride in who I am without rainbows. Does this make me any less of a member of the lgbt community? I would argue no. Is someone who does wear the t-shirts, marches in the parades, or waves the flag anymore of a member of the lgbt community? Again, I would argue no. By talking to our friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors, we can change attitudes and views just as much (and maybe more so) than any sticker or flag or parade ever can. That's just my opinion, of course. By living our lives as best we can, trying to be good, decent, honest, caring, trusting individuals is the very best way I can think of to be role models. You know those two old guys who have lived together for 35 years or those two old women who have been "roommates" forever?(And most of us know a couple like this) Chances are, they are gay. Sure, they might not be 'out-n-proud' or 'in your face' but they are probably gay. They might not speak to gay youth groups or march in parades or go to the local gay clubs, but chances are...they are gay. Are they any less members of the lgbt community? Are they any less of a model of what two gay people should be simply because they aren't easily recognizable as being gay? Older people, and I include all of us over 30-something, were raised in a different time. Most remember when homosexuality wasn't discussed at all and actually coming out meant getting beaten up or worse. That was a fact. That was simply the way it was. Like some of my peers have said, there weren't ANY good gay role models PERIOD. Over the past twenty or so years, great strides have been made. Barriers and walls meant to divide have been knocked down and bridges have been built to bring about understanding and acceptance. Anyone who tries to make things better for everyone in the lgbt community is an ally, a friend. Society is slow to change. It's hard to accept things we don't understand. But by being the very best we can be, WE ALL can be role models to everyone. Codey, I am very sorry for what happened to you at that school. It was wrong and I'm sure it left a very bad impression on your friend but by you and Champ just being the best you can be and by thinking about the consequences before you act on something, you can be great role models yourselves. The Mail Crew was mentioned earlier and I have to say this clearly, the guys in The Mail Crew are GREAT ROLE MODELS. That's right, they are role models for all, not just other gay boys. They are hard-working, responsible, thoughtful young men who don't let their sexuality dictate their lives. Oh, it IS a part who they are, no doubt, but it isn't all they are. I'm 38 and these boys(young men) are MY role model. I've told them that in private and now, I'm saying it for all to know. Let me back up a bit and touch on something else. I don't find fault with anyone who is closeted, either completely or partially. We all have our own crosses to bear and we all know our individual situations far better than anyone else. I'm thankful for guys like Lugnutz(Jeff), Drake, Graeme, Dewey, Blue and so many others. Like some of them, I too, didn't come to terms with my sexuality until later. Are we outcasts because of that? Should our voices by silenced? We are trying to do right by ourselves and in the process, we're also trying to share our knowledge of life and guide those who are just beginning their own journey through life. I cannot find fault with that. Part of being a role model is knowing that one has a responsiblity to reach out to others who have a need and to direct them in a positive manner. Part of being a role model is simply doing whatever one can to positively influence others to help further a cause. Equal rights, justice, tolerance and acceptance for the lgbt community won't happen overnight. It has been a long, hard struggle and the fight will continue. It has gotten easier and will continue to get easier. In my opinion, the greatest thing ANY of us can do is to just live life the best we can and continue to positively influence those around us. I know that most of what I've said has already been said by others, and they've said it better too, but I felt I needed to weigh in on this thread. All in my humble opinion. Best wishes to all, Johnny :D

Thanks Blue!

ditto

The ending sort of surprised me, pleasantly though. Great job again, Graeme! :D

Very informative thread. The "its" vs. "it's" thing still confuses me though. 8)

*Big Hugs bro* I'm glad you're starting to feel better and come out of your shell a little more. -Johnny

blue wrote: But the good news is, society is growing more accepting.

I'd like to second that, Paul. Great job, Ryan!

Ooops! Sorry, the above post by "Guest" was actually me. I forgot to log on.

It's been both a privilege and an honor for me to converse with The Mail Crew gang for the past several months. They are a remarkable bunch of young guys. Ryan, author of Kayden and One Life is one cool guy too, with a flair for writing. These young folks are our future, and it's looking brighter and better all the time. -Johnny