Hello

[JHS]

My name is Michael. I only discovered Soulforce a few weeks ago and I think it's an amazing organization. I came out about six months ago.....what a relief.

My story is not at all uncommon. Conservative upbringing, years spent trying to change my sexual orientation, being angry at God and the list goes on and on and on. I really had no idea when I was growing up that there even was such a thing as a gay christian. Well, as I said I finally came out last year and life is so much better. Did I mention I was married (to a woman). Fortunately, we had a very peaceful divorce as she was and still is super supportive. I'm lucky. My parents, well that's another story.

I look forward to getting to know the folks on this forum.

M.

[Zerbie]

Hi Michael,

Warm welcome to ya, from another southwestern neighbor. (I'm in Phoenix.)

Thanks for your intro, and hope you will enjoy our discussions. Jump in whenever you want.

Zerbie

[Pablo Rafael]

I along with Zerbie will say, "Welcome neighbor". I see you live in Taos. (Just a stone's throw away by western standards. What's a few hundred miles or so?) I looked at your website. I might have to come visit your gallery when I am in Taos; it sounds interesting. Taos has to be one of the classiest towns in the United States; it is always fun to visit.

I know exactly what you mean when you said that you had never even heard of a gay Christian. That was how it was with me until recently. There are more of us than one might think. Through this website I have found many gay Christians plus many fine people of other beliefs.

I also see by your profile that you also like mountain biking. Aren't all the coolest people into mountain biking?

Please share your thoughts with us.

Tu Amigo, Pablo

[BruceChris]

It's good to hear that you have made it over the coming-out hump. Good things may happen to you yet in your life. A mountain biker, too? I used to own a bicycle shop. Tell us more about yourself.

I also am on good terms with my ex. I may go over to her place, and do some repairs on her roof, and then she feeds me well. (Silly girl, afraid to climb up in high places!) But we're still friends.

Peace and Love, Bruce Chris

[JHS]

I am really looking forward to participating in this forum. When I do it will probably have something to do with one of the four: art, religion, politics and sexuality. Basically the things you are NOT supposed to talk about in this society. Let the good times begin.

Ahhh! Mountain Biking. The snow is really throwing a hitch in my get-along as far as mountain biking is concerned. I basically become a slug in the winter time as I'm not a big fan of indoor exercising, with the exception of yoga which I would also prefer to do outside.

In other news: I just finished reading Holy the Firm by Annie Dillard. Amazing book and very short. I have just recently begun reading her work after meeting her at a monastery and spending a week absorbing her stories. When I met her I had no idea she was a pulitzer prize winning author; we just both happened to share a passion for cigarettes and black tea so it was a match made in heaven.

Anyway, thanks again for making me feel welcome.

Adios,

Michael