A New Memember Have Arrived ;P

[Sokrates]

Hi,

Name's Christian. I've never been good at these introductions, but I always tend to give it a try anyhow. *Smiles* Lets see, I didnt know this site excisted until last night when I was watching TV. Im from Sweden, and there was this Swedish show named "45 Minutes" wich happened to be about the opression against gay's. And they brought up this site.

Personaly, I haven been gay for that long. Its going on to about 6½ months now since I "found out" about my sexuality. At that time, I was having a brawl with my father and socail services relocated me to another home for about a week. Wich is just what I needed to find my real self.

Ever since I was a small boy, my parents have always said that homsexuality is wrong. And that its good to be straight and so on and so forth. So, I guess I never started to think my own way until I go out of the house. And Im so glad I did. About 4 days at the other home, I met my current boyfriend, him and I have been together for 6 months the 20:th of Oct. Wich is very soon.

Anyway, my boyfriend lives in France. So, we are quite the distance away from eachother. though we've met once so far. And I´ve never been this happy before. *Smiles*

And I guess something about myself as a person as well. Hmmm... I love to read and write. And Im very interested in History. I love looking at art as well. My taste in music is VERY variated. Just an example, I can listen to System of a Down, and Korn on full volume. As well as I can enjoy some Mozart, Beethoven or Bach. And if you want to get to know me better, my MSN adress is diablo2_fantasten@hotmail.com .

Well, I found this site. And thought that it would be a good idéa to join in and meet more people online.

I guess I´ll just have to see how it goes. And I hope this was a good enough intro to start with.

See you all around then. I´ll check up on this topic every now and then.

Bye.

//Christian AKA: Sokrates

[Steven E. Webster]

Dear Christian,

I love the Einstein quote in your sign-off. I'm guessing there should be an apostrophe and "s" after "human race" as in "the human race's stupidity." Einstein was a great advocate for world peace, and an admirer of Gandhi (one of the Soulforce heroes). My spouse, Jim, has designed a holiday card for Soulforce that uses another Einstein quote that refers to Gandhi.

It is wonderful to see so many people from all over the world join this forum! Speaking of my spouse--Jim and I crossed the border from the U.S. into Canada last month to be legally married (we reside in Wisconsin--a very Norwegian and German state in the cold north of the U.S.--Jim and I are Norwegian, German and English in ancestry). How does Sweden treat same gender couples in terms of marriage or domestic partnership laws?

It's really exciting to hear about your self-discovery. Everyone must get a little distance from their parents sometimes to discover who they are! Good luck with the boyfriend! Again, welcome to the Soulforce forums!

Steven Webster

[Sokrates]

First I want to say, thank you so much for the warm welcome. It means alot. And about the same gender marriges, its compleatly legal to marry one of the same sex here in Sweden. Wich is why that small church, cant seem to remember the name now, have out up a website named "godhatessweden.com". Where they basicly say that all Swedes will go to hell for it. *Smiles* Wich I think is rather hillarious. Anyway. Its comlpeatly legal here. There was some fuzz about adoption and such a while back, but that has blown over.

Its a bit ironic that Sweden is actually a country that is quite opposed against same sex relations, alot of homophobic activity. Still, they voted "yes" for letting same sex marriges be legal. But hey, its just a plus for me.

And also, for me, it was a good thing to get away from my family. To be able to think myself for once, and not listen to what my father thinks. And I actually told him about me and my boyfriend about 2 weeks ago now. Sadly, I had to do it over Email. But, I cant talk to him about such matters face to face. Plus, im much better at expressing myself through writing. (Still, there might be some misspelled words here and there. ;) )

Again, thank you for the warm welcome. I hope to find some nice people here to talk to.

//Christian

[Emproph]

Hey Sokrates,

I love your Einstein quote too, that made me cackle.

I think you can officially say you’re good at introductions. I very much enjoyed all you had to share. It’s good to know that awareness of Soulforce stretches beyond our borders.

Good to have you.

-Patrick

P.S. And yes I'm copying your use of ~squiglies~ in my signature line.. Before it just said No Fear. I think ~No Fear~ looks much better, and strangely less intimidating... Thanks. :tup:

[Sokrates]

I looked up how many was watching the show "45 Minutes" yesterday in Sweden. And it was actually a staggering 800,000 people. And on a population of 9milj. Thats quite good. So, I hope I wont be alone to join this forum from Sweden. Have you had any Swedes here before if I may ask?

//Christian

PS:
Well, its good to know that Im not as much rubbish on introductions as I thought I was. Cheers.

[Zerbie]

Hello. Welcome!

I too enjoyed reading your introduction.

No. . .I don't think we've had anyone from Sweden on here before.

My goodness! - if that many people from all over the world are reading this, I'd better think a lot more about what I say - :eek: - !!!!!

Well Sokrates, happy welcome. :D

[Sokrates]

Thank you Zerbie. Appriciate it. And actually, about 1/3 of the show was about Soulforce and a demonstration they held, cant remember the city name though, and I can sadly not remember the name of the organisation the protest was directed against. It had "Family" in their name though. And it was that organisations headquarters.

//Christian

[Emproph]

I know Canada, Australia, parts of Russia, Poland, I don't recall Swedes per se though. But that's a good point, I wonder how the others found out about us. That sounds like a thread...hmm.

I know that the media is responsible for a lot of visitors though, especially when there are Soulforce events/actions going on.

[Zerbie]

And actually, about 1/3 of the show was about Soulforce and a demonstration they held, cant remember the city name though, and I can sadly not remember the name of the organisation the protest was directed against. It had "Family" in their name though. And it was that organisations headquarters.

//Christian

Ah ha! That must be demonstration in July at the headquarters of Focus on the Family.

FOF is an organization that has promulgated terrible misinformation and outright lies about gay people for many years. Sadly, they have a great deal of social and political power and impact in the US.

[Sokrates]

Yeah, thats the name. Focus on the Family. The TV show´s reporter was there with them. He´s homosexual too. In the beginning of the show he told the viewers about what happened to him before. He got severely beaten, and now has to waer sunglases when he goes outside to shield his eyes. A terrible thing. They also took up the murder of someone, wich I cant remember the name of eaither. (Me and my memory.) But they said that its the most known hate-crime against a homosexual person in the US.

[Zerbie]

Yeah, thats the name. Focus on the Family. The TV show´s reporter was there with them. He´s homosexual too. In the beginning of the show he told the viewers about what happened to him before. He got severely beaten, and now has to waer sunglases when he goes outside to shield his eyes. A terrible thing. They also took up the murder of someone, wich I cant remember the name of eaither. (Me and my memory.) But they said that its the most known hate-crime against a homosexual person in the US.

That poor reporter. :'( These kinds of crimes are too common. :mad: Where did it happen? In Sweden? Or in the US?

The murder victim you are thinking of was probably Matthew Shephard. Sadly, there have been many many murders similar to his.

[Sokrates]

It happened in Sweden. Atleast the reporter getting beaten up. And, yeah, thats the guy they talked about last night. The most "famous" one in Sweden, hate-crime that is, was a guy lureing a gay guy that he was gay as well. Then when they started to fool around at a school yard, the bad guy pulled a butcher knife and severed his head. Then stuck his body into a sewege canal... *Sighs*

Its so horrible that these things happen. I didnt know about it until I watched the TV show. And afterwards, I felt like I was going to explode when I heard what he had done. Gladly, he got a life sentence.

[Sokrates]

I think I might have said something wrong. :(

[Steven E. Webster]

Sokrates,

No, you didn't say anything wrong. Maybe not perfect English, but none of us is that good:)

It has been observed that the assaults and murders of lesbian, gay and transgender persons are often unusually brutal. Often the murders are carried out by young men in their upper teens or younger twenties. All too often, in the U.S., these young men think that religion justifies their actions. That is one of the reasons Soulforce exists. We believe that churches too often preach and practice some form of "spiritual violence" against gay people that can lead to actual acts of violence by some persons. When churches discriminate against and demean lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people, they are using spiritual authority to harm them unjustly--this is spiritual violence.

Just as shocking, some of these young murderers believe that the police will let them get away with this crime. There is a history in the U.S. of police and courts justifying these murders by saying that it is only "natural" for a straight man to go into a rage and beat the crap out of another man if he is approached sexually. This is not so true anymore, but I can remember when this was not an unusual attitude by police and courts.

Can you imagine what it would be like if women could get away with beating the crap out of men who make unwanted sexual advances? Interesting thought. However the screwy attitude in our culture is that it is "only natural" for men to sexually harass women--so that's o.k. That's another attitude that we have been rethinking in this country, but that still exists.

Steven Webster

[Sokrates]

Steven, (Sorry had to copy. *Smiles*)

Im not sure what to write as an awnser, but I´ll start off with saying that I really enjoyed reading your reply. And yeah, my english might not be the best, but atleast you understand what im writing. (I hope.)

Anyway, yeah, I can imagine how it would be if the world looked like that. Alot of straight guys would come home with serious bruises. And really, at times, I really think that the women should give the guys a proper beating. Just to get them on other thoughts. It might help, who knows. *Smiles*

And why is the abuse against LGBT people so harsh? I have a personal thought on this matter. And in my oppinion, people are more destructive against LGBT people, cause its like the unknown. People fear the unknown, and thats a fact. And when someone fears something, they tend to do anything to get away from it.

Well, lets say I know it quite well from living in a small town with only 5000 inhabitants. There is alot of homophobia around here, and there is really almost no LGBT people around. I just know about me and one other guy who is Bi. And thats about it. If it were to spread that I liked people of the same sex as me, I dont think anyone would be talking to me. And the others in my age would probably harass me as soon as they spotted me.

And I belive that this is cause most people here have NEVER met someone who is LGB or T. Maybe they have, but not knowing about it. I mean, how am I supposed to know what the guy or girl in the register prefer sexually? I also like looking back into time, to Greece and Rome. Where there was alot of gay activity before. (Were talking Ceasar time now.) And Im just confused why others cant accept it now, if they could about a thouseand years ago.

//Sokrates

PS:
Might have skidded off the point there a few times, and the post was much longer then I thought. I just hope you can see where im trying to go with this.

[Zerbie]

Hi Sokrates,

You haven't said anything wrong! A lot of us have gotten really busy - many members who used to post 5 times a day don't even get to read every thread anymore, and for whatever reason that has happened with a lot of us all at the same time. I barely have time to read this forum anymore. :(

I agree with all the observations that hate crimes against LGBTs tend to be particularly blood thirsy and have always wondered what it is about gay people that brings out so much cruelty in others. I never thought of it in terms of the "unknown" before, but you may be on to something there!

Your English is very, very good. We understand you easily.

:)

[Sokrates]

Thanks. I was a bit worried about my language skills there for a while. Since there is a guy who has been picking on me about them for some reason, telling em everything is spelled wrong. And im kinda insecure, wich means I take to what others say quite easy.

//Christian AKA: Sokrates

[Zerbie]

Ignore others when they say stupid or mean things.

Your English is impressively good. I WISH I had such a skill level in other languages besides my own. We have no difficulty understanding you. Keep writing with us, and you'll get even better!

How long did you study English?

[Sokrates]

Im sorry for taking so long to reply. I´ve had a bunch of issues with my family.

And, I´ve studied english since I was around 7-8 years old. When I was younger I had a tendency to get stuck infront of the TV, and during the day they usually aired different english shows. Wich made me learn. And at times, my father would sit down with me and translate what they said.

So you could pretty much say that I´ve grown up with it. And also, I'm a constant user of the computer and different consoles like Xbox and such. Plus, I read alot of english books and see alot of movies.

I guess it just stuck.

[zimnah]

Sokrates:
Welcome!!!
Everyone here is correct..your English is fine. It's wonderful that we can see your phrasing in your English translation. I speak a few languages, and you are doing much better than I could in a few of them. Relax!!
I also am glad to hear that you have gotten time away from family to find yourself. You are very lucky. I hope that you find much friendship and support here.
Again, Welcommen...I look forward to reading your posts.
--Dawn :love:

[marutidas]

Namaste, Sokrates
My name is Marutidas. From what I have seen of Sweden it is very Beautiful.
I am glad you came to be with us on the forums, I am always glad to meet someone with a new perspective.

I know everythings going to get better, it sometime take longer fo people to change than it does to change policy.
:pray: With closed palms I bow to the divinity within you.
Hope to read your posts on the forums.

[Daniel]

Sokrates,

Welcome!

I found your observation about Swede's being homophobic- while voting for gay marriage- very interesting. As you know, the USA is a very religious nation. Perhaps the difference between our two countries- and why more progress is possible for gay rights in your country- is because Sweden doesn't have the same degreee of religious based oppression of gay people. What do you think?

And by the way, your English is more than fine. It's good.

[scott snedeker]

Welcome Sokrates! I'm Glad to meet you on soulforce. I admire your courage! You have the heart of a Lion!
Always Remember that You are a man with the soul of a man. When you make love to another man, you please God with the afffirmation of your true nature. It is a holy encounter. The more you love, The closer you are in connection with the spirit that knows your soul. This is why It feels good! God created you gay so that you can love another of his Gay children. There is no verse in the Bible that can leap off the page and harm you. The only harm comes from what some one or you yourself might do to you in the name of their God. Violence in spirit or material form is not God's will. If a verse causes you to feel badly, then you are misinterpreting it as it was not put there to harm you. You are just not ready at this time to understand it. Select another verse that does make you feel good for this is God's message that you are ready to understand. God wishes you to love another man so that he can share in your joy!

Love Scotty :cowboy:

[Sokrates]

First of all, thank you for the welcomes. Didnt expect a boost that quickly. *Smiles* And about the religious activity here in Sweden... well, there is atleast some activity. But not too many are interested in it. Sweden were one of the last nations in the old world to accept Christianity. Wich might be one of the reasons why not that many are interested. Im baptised myself, and my grandmother taught me alot about God when I was younger. Still, I belive myself to be an atheist. Though, the past weeks I´ve started to think about that, since I still pray for my mother and grandfather at night. Though, Im going to go and talk to a priest this tuseday, since I havent done that for a while. Just trying to find where I stand with religion myself.

And as I said, you might be right about the religious devotion. I dont think its as big here in Sweden as it is in the US.

Thank you alot for the post Scott.

//Christian

[scott snedeker]

Hi Christian:)

You said that you may be an atheist. belief in God is really semantics. The order of the universe is incomprehensible to us. So we use a model to make an understanding that helps us to function. The question cannot be who's concept of God is most accurate because we are all still infinitely unable to perceive the exact order of the universe.

Since God is a model of the order of the universe made tangiable for our limited intellect. Then choose the model that makes you feel the best and thus improves your ability to function. Understand that like other models it must be useful. A model that condems you is a bad choice beccause it causes you to fight yourself. Your emotions are the best guide. A model that makes you feel special is good because it builds your self esteem.

For me Pan is a historial representation of an ancient god worshipped for 4000 years. He was playful, very sexual, creative, made love to men and women and he was protective. He was worshipped long before the Olympians. His only negative trait was that he reportedly did smell like a goat:lol: Man to man love pleased him. The symbol on my profile is his sigil which I also have tattooed below my navel.

Now do i really believe that the creator of the universe dances on goat hooves while playing pipes and seducing young shepherds? No of course not! But It does make the order of the universe appear playful and funny and is not measurably further from the truth than any other model.:lol:

love Scotty:cowboy: