Hello from Matt

[Matt]

Hello everybody.

My name is Matt, and I'm very happy to have joined the Soulforce Forums. I'm here because I believe in the work that SF is doing on behalf of myself and my family, and I hope to engage in a dialogue about how the movement toward equality for LGBT people might not only be of great cultural and political significance, but also one of great spiritual opportunity for LGBT people.

Thanks to all of you who've come before me and shared your stories, and to those of you who are responsible for keeping these forums going. I'm honored to be among you, and I look forward to the conversation!

Sincerely,
Matt

[sjbouza]

Just wanted to say welcome to Soulforce Matt. I have enjoyed my time here and the people have helped me along in my life so very much. There are a GREAT group of people here!!! I am blessed to have found this site!

Take advantage of the wealth of information contained here. Draw from the wisdom of the people here.

Again, welcome and I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Peace,
Scott

[BenL]

Matt,

Welcome to the SF forums. It's a good community, with people who care about each other and learn from each other. Thanks for your kind words and for your music. Hop into the discussions. Let us know more about yourself and your family.

You're welcome here.

[Matt]

Thank you Scott and BenL, for making me feel welcome.

[Matt Algren]

Welcome, from one Matt to another.

Nice voice, by the way.

[tdogg]

Hi Matt! Welcome to Soulforce forums. Glad you found us. Looking forward to getting to know you better.

Tdogg

[Daniel]

Great to have you here. And thank you for using a different typeface. Small things matter, don't they?

Ya have a good set of pipes there. Bravo!

[Matt Algren]

Originally Posted by Daniel

Great to have you here. And thank you for using a different typeface. Small things matter, don't they?

As long as it's not Comic Sans.

[Daniel]

Originally Posted by Matt Algren

As long as it's not Comic Sans.

Whatever do you mean Matt?

[Matt]

Thanks, Matt.

[Zerbie]

Originally Posted by Matt

and I hope to engage in a dialogue about how the movement toward equality for LGBT people might not only be of great cultural and political significance, but also one of great spiritual opportunity for LGBT people.

Sincerely,
Matt

Not just for lgbt people, either.

[Matt]

Thanks Daniel and tdogg for the welcome, and thank you for the kind words. It looks like all of you are very active on the forums, and I look forward to your posts.

Matt

[Matt]

Zerbie,

Absolutely. I have a good friend who's working right now to develop a network of sympathetic straight folk that she can mobilize to create change within their communities and in local and federal government. She's focussing on people in churches who may not feel comfortable partnering with LGBT organizations, but who believe in the principles of equal rights for all citizens. For her, I think this is as much a spiritual calling as it is an ethical one.

Matt

[Zerbie]

Originally Posted by Matt

Zerbie,

Absolutely. I have a good friend who's working right now to develop a network of sympathetic straight folk that she can mobilize to create change within their communities and in local and federal government. She's focussing on people in churches who may not feel comfortable partnering with LGBT organizations, but who believe in the principles of equal rights for all citizens. For her, I think this is as much a spiritual calling as it is an ethical one.

Matt

Oh, I'm sure it is.
The people she is approaching will be among the key ones to moving equality forward. This IS a spiritual/moral issue as much as it is a civil rights issue. The amazing thing is that when civil equality is attained, we all retain our personal spiritual and intellectual freedom. That's a huge part of why this is all so important.

We're already seeing many more visible straight allies than even a decade ago. Their continued involvement and increasing numbers will really make the difference.

[Daniel]

Originally Posted by Matt

Zerbie,

Absolutely. I have a good friend who's working right now to develop a network of sympathetic straight folk that she can mobilize to create change within their communities and in local and federal government. .

if you ask me.

What I mean is this: there seems to be a groundswell of grass-roots organizing on many levels right now regarding gay rights, such as has not been seen since the 60's. And it's because of the internet and facebook etc. The big gay rights organizations? I think they have a role to play, but at the end of the day, I believe it is those like your friend who make the most impact. Truly.

[tdogg]

I agree. Yesterday, the Sacramento action was attended by more straight allies than GLBT (according to the 'applause' meter). Made the 20 or so folks across the street protesting our protest seem pretty bleak and useless. To have so many straight allies, standing up for and with us, was overwhelming to me. Yes, it's going to be these folks who tip the scales towards equality.

[Rick336]

Welcome Matt. Glad to have you join us. Join in the conversation anytime.

Rick

[Matt]

Originally Posted by Daniel

...I think they have a role to play, but at the end of the day, I believe it is those like your friend who make the most impact. Truly.

I think that you and tdogg are right. How do you think LGBT people can help straight allies in their efforts to change their communities? My friend is working at outreach within a largely homophobic community, with people who are not prepared to dialogue outside of their limited circles. What are LGBT people to do in the meantime?

[Matt]

Thanks, Rick. Glad to be here.

[Gennee]

Welcome to the forum, Matt. thank you for your wonderful post. This is a great site and wonderful people. We're happy that you are part of us.

Gennee