Hi, my name is Montanna

[Montanna]

I'm new here and not quite sure what to say. I was raised Southern Baptist. I drifted away. After coming out in 1975, I never considered joining a church. They didn't want "my kind". Spiritual violence is so painful. I live in California now. Four years ago I found a Presbyterian Church where I feel comfortable. Although I've been out for a long time, I only told the pastor of my orientation. I just let everyone else get to know me first. My pastor told me about Soulforce. Your a blessing! This is enough for now. Glad you are all here.

[Emproph]

Originally Posted by Montanna

...Four years ago I found a Presbyterian Church where I feel comfortable...I only told the pastor of my orientation...My pastor told me about Soulforce. Your a blessing! This is enough for now. Glad you are all here.

We're glad you're here too , and kudos to your pastor!

[schoolboi]

So glad you found us! Welcome!

[keltic63]

Hey Montanna, welcome to soulforce. how cool that your pastor recommended us!

[Zerbie]

Hello Montanna, welcome! I'm also glad you found us! I hope you'll feel at home here.

It's great you have a supportive pastor - what a difference that makes.

Welcome.

[awediot]

Hi Montanna

Always glad for new perspectives and input. Glad to see someone from out west. I've noticed how many of the folks here are easterners. Wonder why that is? Either way, happy your here.

[mixed_luv_89]

Hey Montanna,
My name's frankie and i'n pretty new here too. I was raised first baptist and i've been somewhat out for five years now. I haven't been to church since because it's a small town and anyone in the church who knows has condemnded me for it. I commend you for being open about it, i know first-hand how hard it is to be that vulnerable. Hit me up if you wanna talk bout nething. Welcome!

[Zerbie]

Holy &%*, you came out when you were eleven??!! (Read your profile).

Wow!

I came out to my mom when I was about 8 or 9, and after her reaction I went back IN again and didn't try coming out again til I was 25.

[Montanna]

Thanks to all of you for the welcome messages. I wasn't 11 years old, Zerbie, I was more like 30 years old when I came out. Yeah, I'm getting up there in the years department. Maybe you meant that comment for Frankie. I'm not sure how this site works yet. I was lucky to be in an area with a large gay and lesbian population. Support is essential. Being in a large city helped. Small towns can be frightening. I think you're the brave one, Frankie. Just remember, the people who condem you have a problem. It's their problem, not your problem. That thought has helped me get through. But, when condemnation is all around you, it sure feels like your problem. This is a great thing. To be able to communicate this way to people all over the country is a little overwhelming. I visited Colorodo once, a long time ago. Big Mama Rag (a Lesbian newspaper) was being published there. I don't even know if it is still being published. I've been hiding in the mountains for the past 20 years with my partner (no longer together). When I moved to town, I found things had changed as far as the general level of acceptance of GLBT folks. We still aren't all free to be, but we're getting their. Have a great day. Blessings to all.

[Zerbie]

Hey Montanna, yes, that comment was for Frankie. (See the little title line above, I titled it off-topic, to Frankie).

Anyway, you're so right about having support. Being isolated can feel awfully dismal. And I too am amazed at how many people we can chat at via internet - pretty great, but with it's downside too.

[BruceChris]

Welcome to our site. I know that you can be treated very differently, from one community to another. I can remember my years in Madison, Wisconsin, when all of the good dance floors were in the gay bars. On a popular night, you could go to a gay bar, and still be in the minority.
But it was a place where you could always be yourself. And you can very much do that here.

[Montanna]

Thanks for the welcome. Looking for places to be who you are is a search sometimes. I'm so glad Soulfource is doing this. I had an opportunity to go on a tour of the West Coast, Southwest, and East with a Lesbian poet. The readings were set up thru contacts is gay and lesbian communities. The trip took a long time but it was worth it. We went to so many communities, all different. In one, people had to keep a very low presence. You had to have a key to a private club to go to a bar. Other places were wide open and free. And a whole bunch of others inbetween. Despite all the daily struggles everyone faced across the country, they still gave us everything we needed while we were there and made us feel welcomed. The only thing that was similar were the opressive acts people suffered. With support and loving care for each other we survived and thrived. It's a powerful thing.

Zerbie - Thanks for the info about OT in the title line.