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Old 09-06-2008, 06:53 PM
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ocaptain ocaptain is offline
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Location: Born and raised in Iowa. Now live in CA
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Default Life's too short to be afraid.....

Hello, my name is Bill. Found my way here after watching "For the Bible Tells Me So". The courage of all those who took a stand in the name of love was inspiring and reassuring. I have come out to all of my friends and co-workers. I haven't made it official with my family, but that day will happen this Oct. 11. They know, but I've never found the courage to actually say something. It's understood but never a topic at holiday gatherings. That is what I want to change in my life....clearing the last hurdle of acknowledging who I am. At this point in my life, the benefits far out-weigh the risks.

I spent several years in the Air Force before "don't ask, don't tell" and there were actual "witch hunts". They even made it criminal if you were straight and didn't report someone you knew to be gay. I survived the "Friends of Dorothy" era and even had a long term relationship with a fellow airmen. Military members have been evolving since but it's time to stand up for our men and women who continue to serve despite the transparent closet the Pentagon has put them in. I encourage everyone who is struggling to find faith, courage and acceptance to slowly invite your family, friends and the rest of the world into your closet. When it becomes too full you may find that you have the unexpected support to leave your doubt and fears behind and enjoy the rest of your life, secure in who you are and happy to find real faith in yourself and mankind. Don't underestimate those you love.

Peace and Love,

Bill
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"I went to the woods because I wanted to live deliberately....
I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life!
To put to rout all that was not life....and not,
when I came to die, discover that I had not lived."

Henry David Thoreau

http://www.myspace.com/o__captain
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Old 09-06-2008, 07:36 PM
Matt Algren Matt Algren is offline
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Default

Welcome, Bill! I'd always assumed that my family knew, and I was surprised to find out that it wasn't always so. Denial and all.

Good luck to you!
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Old 09-06-2008, 10:10 PM
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tdogg tdogg is offline
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Default Welcome Bill!

I believe that someday, probably soon, we'll see the end to the mindless DADT. It's just a game, meant to save face for those hard-ass military people, while simultaneously ruining innocent lives and destroying families.

Anyways, I'm glad you found your way here. Soulforce forums is an awesome place where you'll find friendship and great discussion. Welcome!

Tdogg
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Old 09-06-2008, 10:47 PM
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Daniel Daniel is offline
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Default Oct 11th

Quote:
Originally Posted by ocaptain View Post
I encourage everyone who is struggling to find faith, courage and acceptance to slowly invite your family, friends and the rest of the world into your closet. When it becomes too full you may find that you have the unexpected support to leave your doubt and fears behind and enjoy the rest of your life, secure in who you are and happy to find real faith in yourself and mankind. Don't underestimate those you love.l
Nicely said! What a great post!

So you plan on coming out to your family on National Coming Out Day?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Coming_Out_Day

I salute you sir! That's really great. Please let us know how things go.
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Old 09-07-2008, 10:59 AM
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labguy22 labguy22 is offline
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Default “A life lived in fear...”

If I may be so gay as to quote a line from Strictly Ballroom: “A life lived in fear is a life half lived.”
Glad you found us and welcome.
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“ There is no need for temples, no need for complicated philosophies. My brain and my heart are my temples; my philosophy is kindness.”
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