Hi closetcougar: The thread was in response to the tone of the forums lately in light of the Equality Rides, no one in particular. But, while I am at it- welcome!!! Glad you are here with us.
After I started the thread, another joy that I realized is this: I do a lot of training on LGBTQ issues, and I was doing some presenting at a training for the ALLY group here on my college campus. Part of the process was that I told part of my personal coming out journey, and my life with my family today. One student, who is an officer of the group, and a lesbian woman with a partner, came up to me at the end, and told me that I described many of the things she wants for her life- home, kids, love..... and, she told me that I was a ROLE MODEL for her. That blew me away, and almost left me speechless. To me, that is a great deal of what it is about. WHen I see a person change their mind/attitude based on getting to know me just a little bit better, when my pastor greets me each Sunday, as well as the rest of my family, with love and admiration- that is joy and bliss.
Another joy, corny as it may be, is this website and the forums. You have all become a blessing to me.
Please, keep posting, I am so excited with the results so far!!!!
Peace and love all, Vanessa
