I can say that for myself, regardless of the age of the poster, I have had difficulty stirring up the courage at times to address anti-gay sentiment that finds its way here. I am definitely finding that easier as time goes by and I embrace myself in a more loving way.
However, this where I get stuck.
Because we are talking about virtual conversations here, I cannot always tell when a person is being ignorant to evolving in regard to the issues, really seeking support and awareness, and when someone is just being beligerent, attacking, and violent with their words. I really never thought of referring people elsewhere than within the forums here, but I think that is excellent feedback, to have the person read what Mel has written.
I admit, I do feel the need to mentor here at times, to offer support, "Yeah I been there too" kind of encouragement. Because that is what this place is about in part, correct?
I also appreciate what Austin posted, as far as not seeing the need for a separate place to offer those supports. I mean, if we are one, big community, then do we really need to offer our supports in a separate realm?
Probably not.
I also know it is true that the biggest, most powerful journey of the coming out process in the realization and answering to oneself. We do need to sit long, hard, and deeply at ourselves to truly become who we are meant to be, no matter what anyone else says.
But for those just beginning on the journey, either in terms of age or coming out process, is it fair to assume that they should just "get that" right away?
I guess I anticipated needing to offer that support, number one because I am a giver by nature and by trade, but also, because I feel like that is why many of us are here, to offer support to one another.
Isn't it?
