October 11 is National Coming Out Day. For years, I’ve made a joke of this on social media. “Hey, friends, guess what?” Or, “Surprise!” There’s a sort of forgetting when you’ve been “out” for nearly 2/3 of your life. But I have recently reawakened to a powerful truth. Coming out, even today, is risking your life. A few years ago, I was working in a summer program for high school students, and a boy came to class with his face bruised and swollen. An adolescent fight? No. Gay bashing by other young people? No. His father beat him because he was gay. His father . Other teenagers become homeless, hence the need for homeless shelters dedicated to the care of LGBTQIA+ youth. Drug addiction is rampant among LGBTQIA+ as a result of this violence, shame, and isolation. And last but most important, dozens of transwomen, gay men, and lesbians are maimed and murdered each year. In such an environment you may wonder, why come out? First, it is hard to be two people—to show one...
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I won't give up the dream yet. I won't!
And Mrs. G., you're absolutely right. George W. Bush wasn't labeled as the world's biggest asshole until long after he became president. At least he was given a chance!
I heart Tina Fey.
I am in agreement with Poet on the Obama fascination. Makes me a bit wary too.
Love the quote, though!
Heidi
Anyways - who wants to go in with me on making the t-shirts that say Bitch is the new black - those oughta make us some money!
You can say all the negitive crap you like about Bill Clinton.Just remember he gave the bush white house a ballanced budget and little or no debt to speak of. So what happened in the last 7 years,we owe more money that can be posssibly paid off in our lifetime,hell maybe be in ouir childrens life time as well our greandchildren will still be paying off the deficite.