I am feeling that, as necessary as the discussions are that are going on in this main forum, that I am feeling disheartened at the inability for there to be any consistent, mutual understanding. So, since I tend to be the eternal optimist, I would like to dedicate this thread to contributions from all of us here at Soulforce, that describe or tell the story of our bliss, or joyful moments, at being LGBTQ persons. Sure, there are many stories of angst and pain and sadness and despair, and I am so grateful for those that share those stories. BUt, it's time to hear the joy as well. The inner workings of our hearts that tell us that what we feel is so right and true.
Shall I begin?
When I first started dating my partner, we had already known each other through the gay community for about ten years, but never really got to know one another. I had broken up with my previous partner of eight years about nine months before, and had sustained a long and painful dating period. I was feeling completely discouraged and depressed, at the thought of not finding the person that was right for me. THen, my partner and I started talking on the phone, and the conversations lasted for hours. It seemed as if we had known each other our whole lives, and our souls had been separated for a period of time, only to reunite. I heard one of our love songs today, "Thank You", originally done by Led Zeppelin, and redone at least on one occasion by Torie Amos. We are still together, are raising an eight year old daughter, and just celebrated our ten year anniversary. SHe is my joy, my bliss. I have never, ever, felt for another person in my life the intense love I feel for her. I picture us as old women rocking in chairs next to one another in thirty years, and caring for each other always. Our hearts and souls are entwined, til death do us part.
Please, all, lets put our love stories and joys and bliss out there for others to read, and maybe understand. PEACE ALL,

Vanessa