[andrewlittle]

Originally Posted by Vanessa White

I consider myself as a mentor, in my 3D life, and at times, here. It sounds like a good fit and a worthwhile endeavor.

I think, depending on the day, we could have a strong desire to be supportive and mentoring to those that come here for guidance and support. Maybe, some days, we simply don't have it in us. So maybe our responses to the youths, or others for that matter, sound not very reassuring or compassionate.

I'm guilty as charged on that count, Vanessa. I have been testy with one or two of the young ones here.

The cutting edge for me with all of this, I think, is one of the same reasons we wanted to create the Foyer. So that, Soulforce could remain safe for those of us whom find great comfort, support, guidance and inspiration here. However, it is also meant to be available to those who are still trying to sort it all out.

I think that a new thread would have to be prepared to encounter both possibilities, and anywhere in between.

So very true. It is a bit of a conundrum - trying to figure out how to do both. That was the reason for this inquiry - to see if a separate thread for dealing with the young (of heart) GLBT members' questions, but which can be avoided by those wishing to do so, could be effective.

It isn't quite like the foyer situation, although sometimes it is equally as full of anti-LGBT rhetoric (since that's what these younguns are hearing). The foyer, I thought, was meant to contain stuff that was inherently anti-GLBT. What we're talking about here is dealing with kids have internalized and have to vent or discuss anti-GLBT crap. It's the same, and yet different, I suppose.

To stay with the Foyer analogy, maybe as individuals who have been around for a bit of time have to try to figure out a way to leave out baggage on the doorstep? Or, just take out of the suitcase only what may be useful, rather than potentially damaging?

That isn't usually necessary in interacting with peers, but may be a bit of a necessity when talking about mentoring and advising young ones. This is, however, also a safe place to air out our baggage from time to time.

These are my thoughts on this, Andrew. Thanks for the idea.....

You're welcome - but the idea was sparked by someone else's concerns. I just thought I'd run it up the flagpole to see fi the breeze catches it (as the British say).