I know you guys are welcoming and I know it doesn't matter (only my hairdressr knows for sure! <-- dating myself, here), but my "guilt" (for lack of a better word) comes from the feeling that you guys should have a save haven. :p

I'll just shut up and post now. ;)

I hope it was clear that I wasn't taking issue with anything that you said, L.  It just got me to thinking, is all. 

And Mel, if I recall the tone correctly, it was kind of impatience on Al's part, like he couldn't stand not being sure what box to put him into.  I'm sure you have absolutely no experience of people wanting to know which category you fit.  ;)

Hey all:

We are happily accepting of enlightened individuals.

However, those that are 'Friends' of the LGBTQ Community, there are a few books on code, slang, and etiquette that are usually passed along as required reading...ha ha just kidding.

Regarding the bigotry against our own members in the LGBTQ Community, is something I don't quite understand why? Well, I understand that there are differences, including the straight vs. the gay mannerisms, individual gender self indentification being a separate process entirely from sexual orientation, and those attracted to the two or three sexes for companionship.

Alas, as discrimination itself is undeducated judging, it just never made sense with why or how someone identified as LGBTQ could in any way hate someone in their own community.

Hey again:

Per Bernie's question that began this topic, maybe we can ask if it is possible for the LGBTQ to be changed into a rainbow-colored font?

The pretty colors would definitely be catchy and noticed to anyone that visits the discussion forums.

Or, another idea is if it not possible to change the font colors, is then instead to add a pink triangle or rainbow pic to the left or right of our forum name (notice how 'I think' the chick lit has the lipstick and lips?).

Alas, I would love to hear any other ideas on how we could recruit, I mean attract, more men, I mean people, to our forum. 

8-) 

It's totally rad that many involved in this forum are both long-term members and are very active in PBS (unlike me, as I just learned of the site late last year).

Wow, I'm impressed with the hundreds of books many of you have swapped with others in our book community.

Anyway, to be more "official" on the request to PBS' Richard and Robert for an icon, I will be posting a "poll" for those that are involved in this forum to provide feedback.

Richard.

I would love to be more than a peeker if more was going on. I haven't seen much action. Are we to busy or just not wanting to make the time for FAMILY :) I know there so who waiting to ask and talk but are afraid to jump in.

So keep peeking and maybe we will get moving :)

I just noticed this forum because there's now a great big rainbow!  Very cool. 

I guess I'm a poster, and not just a peeker since this is the first time I've poked my head in the door.  (((WAVES)))

I peek more than post.  My son is gay and this is a good place for me to sort of check the pulse of the community, so to speak.

He lives in MI and I live in WA. He travels a lot so I don't hear from him very often. He's been living with his partner for almost 3 years now but we only found out last summer.

In fact, based on something he'd said in an email I just asked him one day, Are you gay? He laughed and said that's why he'd been calling so much, to tell us, but could never find the words.

Silly boy.  I've had gay/lesbian friends all his life. 

Anyway, no harm meant by my peeking.  I don't have much to add to the discussions.

Hiya Colleen.

I found the forum via the rainbow flag so it's definitely working! 

OMG, you people are gay??! Quick, I must find out what books any of you have sent me and disinfect them ... quickly ... before it's too late ... it could be catching ...

... Must resist urge to find hot woman to make out with ...

Ahem, just kidding (and being sarcastic; I'm good at that!) I just found this forum today. I hadn't looked at any genre-specific forums for awhile. I checked you out because I've long been interested in gay issues, particularly in the past few years, after one of my best friends "came out" as gay (and got married in Mass., no less!)

My biggest question for anyone in the LGBTQ community is ... what can we straight folks do to help?

It would help if folks weren't so scared of the LGBT people.  People vote against marriage and aren't overly keen on giving us equal rights.  The state legislatures mock us and present us as a group to be hated, especially for the transsexuals.

I am lucky in some ways, since my birth state does not recognize that transgendered and transsexuals exist, I can't legally change my sex on my birth certificate and thus I am a legally wedded gay boy with all the rights offered to heterosexual couples (since we are considered as such by state/federal).  Most LGBT people aren't so lucky.  I want them to be as protected as I am, if they choose to do it of course.

I also agree with Erin, get to know us for who we are.  Don't bother with stereotypes.  Don't insult us.  Most of us are average Joes or average Janes and you wouldn't really notice any difference if you met us on the street. 

Felicia - I would say just treat us like normal people!  The most refreshing thing for me was visiting my soon to be sister-in-law and her asking questions like "How are the wedding plans coming?"  "Did you get a dress?"  "What are your colors going to be?"  "Where did you register?" 

She didn't ask "Are your parents okay with it?"  "Will both of you wear dresses?"  etc etc. 

Just sneaking in here to say hey and that I have a lot of gay, lesbian friends and accept them and their significant others as friends.

My ex-boyfriend called me about a year after I got married to tell me he was gay. Then he apologized to me for treating me so bad when we were dating cause he was all confused about his sexuality. I told him that it did not matter to me and I wanted him to be happy.  The funny thing is during our conversation he said "well your husband won't have to worry about me making a pass at you anymore" to which I replied... "Yea, and you better keep your hands off my husband.". He about died laughing. We are still dear friends.

;)