hello

[Current_forever]

My name is Julie and I'm from Tampa area Florida. I've been out for over 10 years now. I was raised in a very conservative Southern Baptist family, and I was a missionary kid. I didn't even realize that other gay people existed until I entered a christian college at age 17. I was raised all my life with the belief that I was an abnormal abomination and underwent psychological treatment as well as an attempted exorcism to get rid of the "gayness" in me. I was even told at one point that I had Multiple Personality Disorder because I was filled with a male personality manifesting in me. After watching the Ellen coming out episode while at school, I realized the truth, and I"ve been out ever since. I moved to Florida when I was 18 and I live with my partner of over 2 years Danielle and our zoo of Animals, from cats to a snake. I'm looking for ways to get active in the community and through writing. My partner and I are both Religious study and philosophy majors, hers with a focus on women and gender studies and mine on biblical mis-interpretation and faith-based hatred based on misconceptions and lies by society's religion. Its good to be here.

[scorpiogirl]

Hello!

Welcome to the club!

Your partner Danielle and I have something in common since I am a Women and Gender Studies major.

[Emproph]

That was a rich intro, where to begin to respond?

Well I will say that I enjoy the intellectual banter here. I've found much insight and challenge, so I hope to see you around.

-Patrick

[Daniel]

Julie- welcome to the forum! And all I can say is- thank God for Ellen!

Hope to see you around the block. It's good to have you here.

[Current_forever]

thank you so much for making the newbie feel so welcome. I don't have a lot of time during the week since i'm working 60 hours a week now, but I'm slowly looking around and getting a feel for the place. Its nice to see so many people out supporting each other and really building up a sense of community! Its a rare find these days, and I for one greatly appreciate it. Thanks to all of you and i look forward to getting to know you.

[Zerbie]

Hi welcome Julie

What a story! Whoa.

Yeah, they kept telling me there is no such thing as a lesbian, which utterly confused me - ran into that one all the way through college.

Good grief that was an idiot who told you being gay was MPD!! (It's called D.I.D. now, btw). I can't think of how an educated person could make up a ridiculous claim like that. You probably had a malpractice suit if ya wanted, not that you would have wanted the additional trouble.

Well welcome to the forum, see ya around later.

[Vanessa White]

Great to have you here at the forums. MPD, huh? WOW. What an intense experience. So glad that you have emerged on the bright side of that and embraced who you really are. I am coming to your area in May. My parents live in Clearwater year round, and my sister is getting married on the beach down there on May 5. I am coming with my daughter for a visit and we are both in the wedding. Welcome to the forums!!! Peace, Vanessa

[tdogg]

Hi Julie - a big warm welcome to ya!

Sounds like you have been through a lot but prevailed - way to go!

Hope you stick around and share some more. Very glad to have you here.

Tdogg