How much do you relate with being GBLT?

When I find myself in a Situation where my being Gay is under attack I find that I feel Gayer than ever.... I connect with it and see it as part of my Identity. When I haven't had the chance to be around other GBLT I feel like I have it built up inside and I need to get it out...now that I found this Board however, I feel like my Gay is used up and I don't feel the need to express myself because it's no longer in question.. it is just accepted.... Am I the only one??.. I have a few Black friends that tell me they feel the same way about being Black,and they for the most part feel comfortable being around other Black Guys because then they feel like they are at Peace So is what we are, and how we see ourselves determined by adversity?? Are we for the most part normal, and only Gay when it's in question?? Is acceptance the ultimate way to Destroy Gay Culture??

I think you have it backwards. When being GLBT is accepted, then we are free to be ourselves. Being gay is, after all, only one part of who I am. When that is the only part of me that people see, then I am defensive and, as you put it, "gayer than ever". When people see it as just one aspect of who I am, it allows me to respond to them not just as a lesbian, but as a whole person.

lols, idk how to "act gay". how do lesbians "act gay"?? btw, are you guys coming to the nads meeting next month? i'm thinking i'm just going to ride over with anna since katie's gonna be working all day.

I use gay as a broad term to include all GLBT people. We may make it to the NADS meeting in Athens, it depends on how Dad is doing.

YOUR dad? what's wrong with him?

Morning Chicken... there are many layers to your question.... You know we have spent decades, saying..."We are just like you, we just sleep with different people" that is the only difference I love coming on this board, because I can say off color things with out getting flamed... I wish this board was more active...I see the members posting on other boards...so maybe being gay is only a portion of our life, not the whole pie....just a slice... Chat back lets see where this goes Russ

I agree with Russ, I too wish this board was more active! Maybe we all need to post more here, for me I think I go to the RNY board to post most of my stuff and come here for 'gay' issues...but maybe I should post other issues also...then we could get this board moving...

I don't think it's really a question of being somehow more gay when you are in predominantly straight company. It's more about being at home within your own community. When you are in a situation where you may be the only non-heterosexual present, of course you may well feel like you stand out. You do stand out, because people tend to notice differences. In a setting where you are surrounded by other LGBT folks, there isn't anyone standing out because of that particular issue - there is no difference to notice. Instead, people are free to discuss other issues, maybe notice some other sorts of differences. I don't think gay culture is at any risk of being destroyed. Co-opted, perhaps, but that's for a different discussion. Z

I tend to agree with Carolyn. I would also say that I have been lucky to be in a work place where I am the token gay person. There are two others I would guess at but they are not out at all. I have been given total acceptance at work. People ask about my partner like they would ask about someone else's husband or wife. It is just amazing. I do notice though that I have a need to be around other gay people regularly (like being on here). I need to get away from het privilege and sometimes from testosterone poisoning (sorry guys, no offense intended. None of my gay male friends have testosterone poisoning). I'd like this board to be more active too. I tend to answer more than post but I can make an effort. Connie

You know this weekend, I spent a couple days in NYC with a friend from work. She and I work in different schools, but we have the same job. She is a wonderful person... I really like her...and she really likes me.... However, at one point, I finally had to tell her... I am Daniel, your friend...who happens to be gay. I am not your gay friend Daniel. I identify myself simply as daniel. Gay is the same as eye color... it is simply a part...not the whole being. At one point during this time, she was getting her hair done...and of course (not to be stereotypical) but the hairdresser was gay. Hate to say it... I can't stand flamers... Be yourself not a stereotype...that is my opinion... We are no different...unless we are told we are different...