Hello Again (Been Gone for a while)

[SolApollo]

Hello everyone,
I am Josh and was one of the early members of this site. Due to closet issues, I did not post on the forum or get involved out of fear and perhaps a little paranoia. Years later, I am much better & more confident. Currently working on becoming an accredited special education teacher (May 2010), a writer for Child of God Online (www.beacog.com) allowed much freedom to write as desired (usually), and active in political activism through my open and affirming church within the United Church of Christ (www.ucc.org).

Personally, I'm dating a sweet Catholic man of the same age (only been 2 weeks, but so far, so good). I love life and thank you Mel for writing Stranger at the Gate - you have helped many of us when closeted and living in fundamentalist Christian families. My family basically knows I'm gay and said they love me no matter (although they dislike it, but accept me).

Peace & Blessings,
Josh

[BenL]

Josh,

Glad to hear of your progress and the shape your journey has taken. And I'm especially happy that you found your way back to the Soulforce forums. Please join the conversations and share with us the benefit of your insights.

[Gennee]

Hi Josh. It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm glad that your life is moving along well.

Gennee

[SolApollo]

Thanks everyone for the welcome back & currently excited as I begin student teaching in a few days to complete my degree/licensure by May 2010.

[Pablo Rafael]

Hi Josh,

It is good to hear from you again. It has been quite a long time, but I remember you from when I first joined the forums at the end of 2006.

My family is overflowing with teachers and a good number of them special education teachers. It is a noble profession. I think someday I may go back into teaching. After getting fired from my school for being gay, I think I need some time away from it. I wish you the best of luck.

Also I hope that your new relationship goes well. A relationship with someone certainly enriches life.

It is interesting that in out tiny town of 377 people that our UCC church is the biggest one in town. The UCC was a pioneer in gay right even before we Episcopalians embraced the issue.

I also owe a huge debt of thanks to Mel White for writing Stranger at the Gate. It is an amazing story from an amazing man who has helped so many of us.

God's blessing, my friend.

Pablo

[SolApollo]

Pablo, I'm sorry that happened to you. Special education is in demand and perhaps you could an opening in your field when ready. Surprisingly, I live in a rural area, and no LGBT were fired to my knowledge in those school districts (there was an openly lesbian teacher that taught there for 30 years & just retired last year).

Thank you regarding the relationship and hope it prospers too.

The UCC is a great religious denomination & glad to have you in the wider church family. Blessings to you!

[SolApollo]

Relationships are so complicated. The guy I was dating only wants to be friends and afraid of committments due to a previous bad experience. I've met many bad apples & still dating... Can't wait to find my Mr. Right as dating is confusing and insane at times, lol.