My name is Kara :)

[yeskararocks]

Hello to all! I just want to share a couple things that I'm very excited about. I found this site through all the craziness of prop 8 passing, I live in California. It's a tad ironic, the prop passed and in doing so, I think has started a revolution of sorts and I am happily on board. How cool is it that through the hate, something positive is already springing to new life and growing?!

The resources on this site are of particular interest to me, I was raised in a christian family and have lived most of my life with guilt about my sexuality. I just placed an order for several of the books available and I'm sure I will buy the rest soon. I am a little embarrassed to say that I really don't have much knowledge of legal issues that affect our community. I guess I was too busy figuring out my own life and issues that I didn't realize how much I was missing. I am taking steps to change that and educate myself and others, I feel that is one of the most empowering and productive things I can do on an individual level.

I see there is not a local group in Cali. What's up with that?? If you are in So Cal, drop me a line. Let's get something started!!

Peace and love!!

Kara

[tdogg]

Hi Kara, welcome to the Soulforce forums! Glad you found us.

I'm in Sacramento, but frequently travel your way for work and to visit family. I too grew up in a Christian household (pentecostal ). The books are great, there are some videos too. I highly recommend Straight Parents, Gay Children (good for your folks after you read it) as well.

There is an organization, just starting in California and will be expanding to nationwide in the near future. I just had my first 'training' session tonight. Check it out: Equalityactionnow.org. This coming Saturday, there will be a rally at the state Capitol at 2pm. I know it's hard to travel up here, so if you can't make it, make sure you tell everyone you know. It's important to get the word out! Also, the organization is looking for volunteers in a variety of areas (we some some in my area too!), so check out the website and see what might interest you. There are people involved from all over the state.

I think you'll make many friends here. Hope you stay and share more of yourself.

Tdogg

[BruceChris]

We've got one Kara already, she's a moderator, there's always room for one more. Read our threads, meet our people, tell us what you think.

I'm not in SoCal, but welcome anyway.

Peace and Love, Bruce Chris

[cimmaronmax]

Hey there Kara,

I'm Steve (aka Cimmaronmax) and you left a greeting at my introduction post. I don't know if you read the whole thing which really was composed of a copy and paste transcript from another blog. It's pretty obviouis that my language in refering to gays/lesbians is way politically incorrect. I'm kind of surprised that no one has commented on it, although I did give a warning in my opening statement. My use of these invectives was not intended to hurt. Within the context of where I was using them (an extreme right wing evangelical blog) they had a purpose. Realizing that most people reading that blog were likely severly homophobic, I thought it more likely to get folks to at least consider the "reasonableness" of affording civil rights to everyone if I used descriptors that were politically incorrect. I also kind of like to operate out of any particular "box".

I live in a rural community in Oklahoma. Am I really a "Redneck"? About a year ago I commented to some local farmers that , "Hippies think I'm a Redneck and Rednecks think I'm a Hippie. I guess everybody get's the Steve they deserve..."

By the way, I looked at your picture. Cool Hat, Great Smile, Rock On!!!

Steve

[Gennee]

Welcome to the site, Kara. Seems like California has taken up the banner of activism to change things. I'm in full support. Be proud of your sexuality and who you are.

Gennee

[yeskararocks]

Hey Steve!

I did read it and I overlooked the particular language that is not quite 'pc' and really appreciated the context that surrounded it. It would be lame to cry about some of the terms and miss out on the open mindedness that was surrounding it.

Thanks for sharing your perspective and that of others, I found it enlightening.

Peace and love!