botoni's tags:
Yesterday as I surfed through various blogs I stumbled on a few where various people were expressing their thoughts about gays.  It made me think that I may need to apologize to some.
 
No apology will come from me for being gay.  I certainly understand and have heard the diversity of pros and cons.  In my heart of hearts I dont want to upset anyone.  I dont have a need to enter into discussion about what is viewed as right or wrong.  There will always be disention on that issue.  It is obvious that people will have opinions, evven things they believe to be absolute fact.  That is their total right!  No problem there as far as I am concerned. 
 
My concern instead is about offending others.  If I have been to blatant about my sexuality I apologize.  Perhaps, for me, it is a part of who I am and I dont choose to hide or conceal that part of me.  If others are uncomfortable about that fact I am very sorry.  It is not my intent to be 'in your face'.  My intent is just to be who I am.
 
Being gay is just one facet of who I am.  Beyond my sexuality I am many things.  Human and subject to failure.  Sincere.  Caring.  Generous.  Kind.  Content.  Comfortable.  Proud. Selfish at times.  Considerate at other times.  These are all words that those who know me would use to describe me.  My feelings, my emotions, are no different than others.  My standards, my morals, my life style are very similiar to most other people.  The only difference is that I sexually respond to members of the same sex.  If that fact disturbs you, if you are uncomfortable about it I apologize.  If you find my being disconcerting simply deal with it by blocking me.  Make it easy for yourself....dont read my posts and block me from responding to yours. 
 
Those of you who are not disturbed by my sexuality, or who see me as more than just gay, stay around.  I value you.  I appreciate you.  I enjoy you. 


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Comments

  • silverwhisper said on Mar 16, 2007....
    ah, botoni, if people are offended by your mere presence, to heck w/ 'em, i say. :>

    ed
  • dailyachesandpains said on Mar 16, 2007....
    Botoni!!!  Do I have to apologize for being straight?  NOPE!  Neither do you, as far as I'm concerned!  We are who we are...PEOPLE!
     
    I look at you as a person.  I enjoy your posts and comments! 
     
    {{{hugs}}}
    Daily
  • gingersoul said on Mar 16, 2007....

    Bot....dont you dare to have a second thought about your right to be here because of your sexuality.....if some are offended ...well...the Internet is a wide world isnt'it? They can go and find another more suited place to  blah around....or they remain but stay out of your way.... 

    I cant believe you are the one who is apologizing for being here .....this really shows how nice and considerate you are...

    and you are right.....i wouldn't engage in any discussion with any of these people as well.......they wouldn't change their opionions anyway.......so why should you waste your time with them?.

     {{{{{hugs}}}}}

  • dailyachesandpains said on Mar 16, 2007....
    Bye the way...I was going to ask you for another challenge on "FLAKE" lol!  I'm STILL searching around to find more, but there's not much there!  I did find foreclosures there though, cheap stuff!  I was wondering about the rents though.  If I (my Husband, lol) did buy something there, to save it for another day, who the hell would rent it from me.  My Husband is an investor on the side and he thinks that I'm completely mental over "Flake" LOL!
     
    Daily
  • missunderstood1162 said on Mar 16, 2007....
    Botoni-  I haven't been on soulcast long but A. I didn't realize you were gay (haven't read enough) and honestly I'm so happy that you know who you are and what you love and are comfortable with that.  I give you so much credit for that.  Really.  It's so difficult to do that in this world sometimes.  Gay or Straight.  Life is really short and it's your right to enjoy life to the fullest no matter what you do in the privacy of your own bedroom.  It may not be my choice personally to be with another woman, but who am I to ever EVER judge what you choose to do.  Bless you for thinking of others.  Don't apologize for who you are.  If you ever need to write anything and don't want to write it here I have an email and you are welcome to write to me.  If you want it just let me know.  I have great listening shoulders!
     
     
  • secretlife said on Mar 16, 2007....

    botoni:  no need to apologize for being who you are. 

    i find you refreshing and honestly i never think of it when i read you because as you point out, you are sooooooooooo much more than gay.  why do we have to be defined by our sexual orientation?

     

  • botoni said on Mar 16, 2007....
    THANK YOU!  EVERYONE OF YOU!
     
    Daily....I m ROFLMAO....Imagine someone investing in Flake!  There are likely a few nice homes available there.  Even a few that have been built in the last 10 years or so.  I cant imagine anyone wanting rent there though.  Rent would certainly be cheap.  Check my next post.  It ll give you an idea of what s left there. 
  • wombat said on Mar 16, 2007....
    Just saw this, so please include me, too.  I enjoy talking with you.  Your sense of humor is in sync with mine.
  • kruuyai said on Mar 16, 2007....
    botoni:  I love having you here, and I'm sure that every person here has offended somebody else here simply by being who we are.  It's unavoidable, straight, gay or indifferent, liberal, conservative or wishy-washy, vegetarian, carnivore or omnivore.  It just can't be helped.  SC is a microcosm of the world, and you'll find all kinds here.  You have nothing to apologize for.  Being yourself is what you do best, and I wouldn't want you to change a thing.
  • MissMimi said on Mar 16, 2007....
    What, you want me to come run you down with my new turbo wheelchair? You don't owe anyone an apology for being who you are, any more than I would apologize for being disabled. You're thoroughly charming just the way you are.
  • MissMimi said on Mar 16, 2007....
    Botoni, I just re-read my comment. I could have phrased it a bit better. I didn't mean to imply that being gay is a disability. Way to go, Mimi.
  • husbandhater said on Mar 16, 2007....
    Botoni for some this is a sore issue for others a non issue. Haven't known you long but from what i've seen I like you(Bot the individual). The gay thing is secondary(non issue). You have carried your self well and have never been blatant or in your face as a matter of fact the only way I knew you were gay was your profile.lol I enjoy reading you and hope you enjoy reading me. I am sorry if I have come to offend you personally in some way or form(not my intention). We all have issues with somethings but that is our hang ups and our bs to deal with.
     
    NEVER feel as if you need to apologize for who you are. Opinions are like assholes everyone has 1 and I am very opionated so maybe I have 2.lmao.
    Hope I made you smile, we'll all move on and have a chuckle.
  • Morden said on Mar 16, 2007....
    Ditto what everybody else have said. Why should you apologise for being who you are? It's not as if it hurts anybody.

    Good to have you here.
  • boyzmom said on Mar 16, 2007....
    I agree with Kruu- I think people will get offended for some reason or another regardless of the situation and it's best not to worry about it.
  • beyondtheveil said on Mar 16, 2007....
    Doesn't bother me a bit, nor should it you.
  • mom said on Mar 16, 2007....
    hi Botoni,
    I have a feeling you read what i wrote.  I always knew you were gay and we had some fun times bantering back and forth. I think you are a wonderful person.  My opinions on the subject has no bearing on if I like you or not.  This is a topic that people have strong opinions about and very seldom will you get either side to give an inch.    I agree with HH, you are a nice guy and your being gay doesn't mean that I am going to think otherwise.  So forgive me if something I said hurt your feelings.  If you want to discuss this further let me know.  I enjoy conversing with you. :)
  • momsrock said on Mar 16, 2007....
    You don't have to apologize as far as I'm concerned. I'm not sure that I am aware of what posts you are talking about but I have not ever felt you were throwing your sexuality all over the place.
  • Cagney said on Mar 16, 2007....
    Gosh, I guess I should apologize too.  I am a Twin and if my being a twin has offended anyone in any way, I am sorry.  I do not mean to offend anyone buy being honest about the fact that I am a twin.  I am sorry if I have been too blatant about my twindom......

    Kind of rediculous to apologize for being a twin isn't it?

    Well, I think it is rediculous to apologize for being gay.  You being gay is no different than me being a twin.  It is what it is but it doens't define our entire existence.  It is just a small part of who we are, and we can either deny it or embrace it, and since I hate denial, I think we should both embrace it.

    I know you are not apologizing for being gay, you are actually apologizing for being too blatant about it, but I don't think you need to apologize at all.  If someone doesn't like how blatant you are then they can move on.  No one forces them to read your posts.

    Be loud, be obnoxious, be blatant, be truthful...but don't put restrictions on yourself.  Your blantancy is just as much as part of you as being gay is.  Ignore the naysayers and be yoruself, blatancy and all.
  • skald said on Mar 16, 2007....
    Botoni. I like you as a person. Whether you are gay or not it is not my busyness. You told us on your profile that you are  and I accept it. I don't know any gay men but what the f.hoe this word is not to coarse . You never know when you speak a foreign  language.   We are human beings and I like you. what has our sexuality to do with that? You don't have to apologize for anything. Hope I come thought to you. I always fear that I´m saying the wrong thing. ♥♥♥
    cagney. My father was a twin
  • mobil said on Mar 16, 2007....
    Botoni; I know the post you are referring too, and it was me who said some
    things that were not at all nice about gays.
     
    It wasn't my intent to hurt anyone with my comments. I read what you write
    and I enjoy it very much.
     
    Sometimes it seems when having a conversation here, I behave as if I am
    talking to just those talking or arguing a point.
     
    I don't want to hurt anyone, yet it must have been hurtful to read what I
    wrote. For that I am truly sorry Botoni.
     
    Life has changed and I have not changed with it. I get tired of hearing about
    gays and lesbians.
     
    I don't like change Botoni, it's the change that I am angry with. I like to see the
    world as an orderly and wholesome place.
     
    I have nothing against you Botoni, NOTHING, I don't blame you if you chose
    to not forgive me. I was pretty rough. Once I know someone, I can't be
    rough. I feel like I know you, that we share common values and beliefs.
     
    I won't lie and say I am pro gay or that I like the whole gay thing. I don't, but
    that's my business.
     
    Gay or not, I like you and I am very sorry for offending you.
  • botoni said on Mar 16, 2007....
    Mobil....thanks for the apology....its very kind of you and I appreciate it more than you may realize.  There really isnt a need to apologize.  I wasnt hurt or even offended. 
    I sign up with you in that I m not tremendously fond of change myself.  As for 'tired of hearing about gays and lesbians' I am with you entirely.  All the hype created by the media and by militant gays/lesbians is way over the top as far as I am concerned.  I wish I could take 'my people' in a different direction.  A gentler direction, a less flamboyant and a less confrontational direction.  Equally I dislike the vehemence I see from those who detest gays/lesbians.  There is nothing wrong with disagreeing.  Golly I disagree with lots of things.  (And lots of times I have changed my mind about what I disagree on.)
    I get frightened when I see gay men beaten and/or killed just because they re gay.  I ache for those who hate so much that they are driven into a frenzy of zealotry because of something so insignificant. 
     
    Mobil, I respect you.  I appreciate you.  You ve won another gold star in my opinion on this topic. 
     
    Mom.....Thank you too.  No I m not hurt or even offended.  I really do appreciate your ability to see me as a person and as someone you like.  Feels good.
     
    Silver, Daily, Missunderstood, Ginger, Secret......thanks....sweet words that make me very comfortable here.
     
    HH......giggles....I m trying to figure out where the second one goes!.....
     
    Kruuyai.............Promise!  I wont change a thing.
     
    Wombie.......that sense of humor we have gets me in more trouble..........
     
    MissMimi......naw....didnt see an implication there at all.  I do have a handicap myself though.  Permanent and terminal 'hoof IN mouth disease'.  It seems to be incurable.
     
    Morden....I ve just started reading your posts.  Thanks for the support.  You have a terrific talent.  Somewhere around here I ve wandered on about my own nordic heritages.  I have no idea how to spell this but I ll try it phonetically.  Tuskhullaha!
     
    Boyzmom....Your right!  There s always someone around to tick off somehow. 
     
    Beyond and Momsrock.....right on!
     
    Cagney.....OMG dont offer me to be obnoxious and blatant.  I can really get that genre going.....hehehehe.
     
    Skald.....Glad I m the first gay man you know you know.  (A little secret though...I ll bet you know some who you dont know you know.  You know?)
  • mom said on Mar 16, 2007....
    Thanks Bot, glad that we got that out and now we can move on and have some FUN!
  • lambovet said on Mar 16, 2007....
    B- offend? Why hell yes I'm offensive. Jeez, have you read any of my blogs? I've offended 60% of the worlds population and They deserve it. Apologize? Never. If ignorance is bliss then we have a lot of happy people out there. You are a human bean just like the rest of us. Hang in there. My life is my religion-"Develop Good Character."
  • Morden said on Mar 16, 2007....
    Hei Botoni, bare hyggelig :)
  • botoni said on Mar 16, 2007....
    OMG....the only norweigan I remember from being a 3 year old.  Now on to the lutefisk!
     
  • hotaka said on Mar 16, 2007....

    Hi botoni. I don't care if you feel sexually attracted to penguins, so long as they are consenting adult penguins you are interested in. Your sexuality has no bearing on my opinion of you. The only thing I wonder is this: gay people seem to really like to say that they are gay. Is that because it was very hard for some of them to admit it to themselves that once they do they feel they have to tell everyone? You said it is a part of who you are and you listed several other adjectives to describe yourself. Why aren't those words in your self description? Why is it so fashionable to announce being gay? I don't feel I have to announce that I am heterosexual. I didn't even feel I had to announce whether I was single or married, male or female, human or gastropod. I figured that would all come out in my blogs.

    It's not that I find it offensive or that I have a problem with it. It just seems peculiar to me that some people prefer to be known for their sexual orientation up front rather than for their other attributes. In the end I think the kind of person you are is more important than who you want to sleep with. So why do so many gays feel they have to announce that they are gay? Does it have something to do with being free to do so and not being as socially repressed as homosexuality was before (like when it was illegal to be gay in Canada for example)?

  • mom said on Mar 16, 2007....
    hotaka I thought you were a woman for a long time. LOL
  • lambovet said on Mar 16, 2007....
    h- I can't help myself,\\\How much blog could a gastropod blog if a gastropod could blog blog. Well, a gastropod could blog as much as a blogged gastropod blogs if a gastropod blog was blogged. I'm sorry, I must be very tired. I was just thinking that if a gastropod hogged a blog and in a fog the hog was blogged.....
  • glitzNglam said on Mar 16, 2007....
    geez, i dont think i should comment, i agree with everyone!  you do not need to apologize!  Its sad that some people are so judgemental...and if they judge you for being gay...fuck em!  I'm pretty sure you are a wonderful person and it's other peoples lost if they cant see past your orientation.
  • RollingC said on Mar 16, 2007....
    You are who you are....a human being. If you behave in a way that tries not to offend anyone then you are a kind human being. If people don't like you for what you do that's really their problem but they'll try to put it on you anyway to make themselves look good. As long you respect me for what I am I will respect you for what you are... a human being.
    Peace
    Rc
  • Zayda said on Mar 16, 2007....
    Botoni--There's absolutely no need to apologize for who you are.
  • BlueHotRage said on Mar 16, 2007....
    Ditto. Follow your bliss, as Campbell put it.
  • moonriver said on Mar 16, 2007....
    botoni -- you're a gay man and proud of it, that's great. sc needs more gay people imho. and those sc bloggers who are into gay-bashing, let's ask them to try and reach deeper into their feminine sides. if not into their secret closets. they might find out more than they are willing to admit here.

  • petitepapillon said on Mar 16, 2007....

    Ditto what everyone else has said. There is no need to apologize for being who you are.

    I like you just the way you are and enjoying your posts, botoni. Keep on posting and just being you, my dear! : )

  • botoni said on Mar 16, 2007....
    Hotka.....You re right!  Sometimes gay folks seem to feel it s necessary to announce.  I think you re onto something when you ask if has to do with repression that was felt in the path of self acknowledgement and something to do with just not having to be concerned with being arrested or sent to a sanitorium for the insane which is a part of our heritage.  It wasnt many years ago we were being 'cured' with shock therapy.  As for my need to announce....hmmm....I had some concern because I sometimes comment on posts from a gay perspective and in so doing didnt want to tread where treading isnt welcome.
     
    Needless to say the attitude of all these replies certainly tells me to relax and enjoy myself.  I almost feel like I ve caused the tempest in my own teapot here.  Penguins you say?  Know any nice single ones?  Naw...never mind they re likely frigid.
  • anonymous said on Mar 17, 2007....
    One's sexuality does not bother me at all.  In other words, I am not offended by what your sexual desire is.
  • polarheart said on Mar 17, 2007....
    Botoni, I just want to say that I will never judge you.  None of us here have the right to judge each other.  I am a debt collector, should I apologise for that?  No, because I do an honest work and I treat everyone of the debtors with respect and dignity.  I do not hurt, intimidate or threaten anybody.  And I do not judge the debtors either.  I know there are many people who disagree with what I do, but I am the one that has made that decision and I live with it. 
     
    You are the one who knows and understands what is going on in your life, and you are the one who has to be at peace in your heart of hearts.  At the end of our lives we will each stand alone to give account (this is my belief).
  • FaithfulDisciple said on Mar 17, 2007....
    Sexual preference was never an issue here at Soulcast.  What is not tolerated here is disrespect for others and discrimination.  Respect begets respect.  Come as you are here, Christian or atheist, gay or straight is never a qualification. 

    What matters is how you relate to others as a person.  The Soulcast community enjoy and appreciate the conversation and company of others as they spontaneously interact.  I don't pass judgment on others so why should they.

    "Judge not lest you be judged."  The measure by which you judge others will be the same measure of yardstick by which you shall also be judged.  Don't worry Botoni, you're alright by me.
  • botoni said on Mar 17, 2007....
    Thanks polar.......Wow...you re a debt collector!  Your expression of how you do your work is most impressive to me.   Its pretty easy for me to understand that we need to have debt collectors, easy to understand that there are people who end up in collection with the best of intentions gone awry, equally easy to know that there are bounders out there who end up in collecitons with malicious intent as well.  Debt collectors are a necessity and if you do the work with dignity all the more power to you!
    Now a question since you might know the answer.  I ll set up the situation.  Someone living in Canada utilizes and maxes a credit card (one of the majors) right to its limit.  Then that someone moves to the USA and stops paying.  Will the credit card company pursue to the USA and/or will that non-payment show up on the persons credit record in the USA.  Amount....$5,000.00.
    Before you ask....no its not me.  However the person lived in my home and I am receiving the collection calls.
  • polarheart said on Mar 17, 2007....
    Bot, I am really sorry, but I cannot answer your question, as much as I'd like to help.  Firstly, I am in the UK and Secondly, I do not deal with the paperwork at all.  I work from home and receive a list of the debtors in the mail, how much they owe and to whom.  My role is to go and see them and negotiate how they can start settling their debt.  I have no record of any of the paperwork that preceeds my visits.
     
    The best advise I can give you is to get a Company name and address of each of the people who call you and then to write to each one individually and advise them that so-and-so no longer stays there.  The problem I find is that usually these people have lots of debts and all the companies use different agents to collect their debts, that probably why you have had so many calls.  But this is my best advice to you.  Did you read my the Police Woke us the Morning blog recently?  That is why you should do everything to let them know that the old person is gone!
     
    Polar x
  • Azzura said on Mar 17, 2007....
    Gay? you know,
  • hotaka said on Mar 17, 2007....
    @mom - even when I said I would pinch your butt?
  • hotaka said on Mar 17, 2007....
    botoni, it seems you have a lot of friends here who don't care about your sexual orientation. Maybe it's because you're from Flake we already expect something to be different.
  • jen01 said on Mar 17, 2007....
    hi botoni..actually also read some blogs that related to gay. I did find some intresting facts n it made me sad n realized how lucky I am to be normal. lots of them never wish to be that way but it comes to them naturally and some ofthem did pray for " forgive me dear God although I come with lots of weaknesses" that's really touched my heart...
  • froggie49 said on Mar 17, 2007....

    I personally dont have anything against "Gays" They choose their lifestyle and ultimate  Destiny.

    All I ask is why did you put the word Moral in your message?

  • skald said on Mar 17, 2007....
    Botoni.I think you are right.And I remembered that i know two boys who are vaguely. they both are very nice people.       
  • lioneljay said on Mar 17, 2007....
    Botoni, I must have missed the memo where you said whatever it is that you think may have offended someone. Next time that it becomes an offense to breathe, though, I'll be sure to let you know.

    Some people are wound up so tightly in their own fragile ego-shells that they fail to realize the beauty of the world around them. And so they paint it in anger and doubt and fear. I pity them more than anything else.
  • Morden said on Mar 17, 2007....
    Botoni: If you're moving on to the lutefisk, you're going on your own... That stuff is awful.

    Oh and btw, froggie: Nice of you to delete my last comment and then block me. That'll teach me to argue with closeminded people :>
  • botoni said on Mar 17, 2007....

    Morden.......lutefisk was a mandatory serving on Christmas Eve in my childhood.  I vote with you.  It s awful stuff.  I always thought scandinavian women made it so they had an excuse to replace the drapes and carpet every year......the odor lingers forever!

     

  • mom said on Mar 17, 2007....
    Hotaka- I think I realized that you were a guy before you threatened to pinch my butt. :)
  • botoni said on Mar 17, 2007....

    Azzura......yup, I know.....lol.

    Hottie.....growing up in Flake certainly could make some folks suspicious that something is amiss!  lol.

    jen01......This is a bit of 'politically correct' and not meant to offend.  I find being gay to be quite normal.  And with that statement I ve probably opened a whole new can of worms. 

    froggie49....Huh!....Never even thought about my use of the word 'moral' as being out of the ordinary.  I consider myself to have pretty good morals.  I dont steal, kill, hate,lie.  I pay my taxes and live a completely normal life.  It just happens that I sleep with my own gender.  I personally dont find that to be immoral.  I m certainly aware that lots do. 

    skald.....I love that thought of being 'vaguely gay'.....hehehe to me it matches with 'a little bit pregnant'.

    Lioneljay.....I ll be holding my breath in anticipation!.....hehehe

    mom.....how come you get all the best pinches?  I m considering a sexual discrimination complaint here if I dont start getting a few!

  • MissMimi said on Mar 17, 2007....
    [pinches botoni's cute little cheeks]
  • botoni said on Mar 17, 2007....
    Lol MissMimi!.....cute I ll go for!  Little! ........ uh...maybe not so much!..hehehe
  • skald said on Mar 17, 2007....
    Can't get the broad letters off. Oh my dear Botoni. I meant I know them vaguely  hahah ha. ♥♥♥lol how stupidly I said this.
  • Morden said on Mar 17, 2007....
    Smelly? I always thought that was the one good thing about lutefisk - it doesn't smell anything.
    Probably because of regional differences in the recipe I guess :)
  • botoni said on Mar 17, 2007....

    skald......I loved the way you said that!...hehehehe

    Morden.....the stuff that we buy from the store already prepared and simply heat it up is pretty much odorless.  The stuff made from scratch has its own foul odor.  Uh.....my error.....it has its own fish odor!

  • botoni said on Mar 17, 2007....
    Polor....thanks for the advice.  As each call has come I ve asked to speak to a supervisor and had my number removed from their call list.  They ve all been tremendously co-operative on that issue.  I think as the debts begin going to collection agencies the results may be different.....some collection agencies are very persistent.  Certainly not all are as kind as you.
  • Morden said on Mar 17, 2007....
    Ah, the smell of the soaking. Thankfully, my grandmother takes care of that :)
  • botoni said on Mar 17, 2007....

    morden....thank God for grandmothers!.....hehehehe

     

  • boyzmom said on Mar 17, 2007....
    Bot- I have a question for you, If you were approached by someone who did have a problem with you being gay and you had to deal with these people for a short time, would you change how you acted or talked or anything? I just wonder because I know people who want to say something to their daughter's teacher, who is gay, about how they believe it is wrong to be gay much less open about his gayness. Do you think people have the right to tell someone they are uncomfortable with another person, should they just drop it or if it really bothers them I think they should put the kid in another class, what do you think?
  • truthsayer said on Mar 17, 2007....

    You said:

    As for 'tired of hearing about gays and lesbians' I am with you entirely.  All the hype created by the media and by militant gays/lesbians is way over the top as far as I am concerned.  I wish I could take 'my people' in a different direction.  A gentler direction, a less flamboyant and a less confrontational direction.  Equally I dislike the vehemence I see from those who detest gays/lesbians.

    Me too.  I don't read sexual posts written by anyone, so no problem here.  I get tired of all the sex everywhere!

    Take good care botoni. 

    truthsayer

     

  • botoni said on Mar 17, 2007....

    Boyzmom......a very interesting question.  Before I even begin to answer I have to tell you this is just my opinion.  There ll be a million others I m sure.  I m ok with that too.

    I ll tell you a little bit about me first so you have an understanding of why I come to this answer.  I work as a care provider with mentally challenged adults.  There are currently two such clients living in my home.  The present clients are their own gaurdians and as such make their own decisions.  One of my clients knew me, and knew I was gay before he approached me and asked if I would consider being his 'Supported Roommate'.  Thats the term used to define my job title.

    He was comfortable with me but he also knew me as a person not just a gay man.  The second client came through placement via the agency I work under.  My agency is aware of my sexuality.  In the initial processes there are screening situations in which the proposed client meets me.  Usually there is a gaurdian or attending family member also.  I have negotiated with the agency that no client will be placed in my home with out first being aware of my sexuality.  I do this upfront because I dont want it to become an issue in the future.  If it is problematic for anyone involved they and I have the choice to opt for a different situation.  Yes, there have been situations where either a client or his support person were uncomfortable.  I ve found no reason to be offended over that.  Its just a reality of life.

    That said....the situation is slightly different for your friend.  Most likely the teachers sexuality wasnt presented before hand.  Depending on where you live there could be issues involving discrimination around all this.  In some jurorsdictions there are laws regarding the handling of these situations.  I would advise your friends to first discuss their concerns with the principal with a view to finding out what policies are in place.  It can get dicey and I m not proud of that fact.

    This can be a bit related to the famous 'Dont tell.....' of the American Armed Forces.  I dont think the classroom is a legitimate platform for the teacher to hhtress his sexuality.  Inversely I dont think the mere fact that he is gay should be the deciding factor.  (Contrary to some strange opinions our agenda is not to recruit.)  If the situation is simply that the teacher has not hidden the fact of gayness maybe it is a lesser thing than if he/she is actually stressing that fact and making it a part of his discussions etc.

    All those things aside.  There are lots of people who have very strong reasons for believing that being gay is wrong.  I might ask them to consider some other issues first.  The may feel that being racist is wrong.  If the teacher was racist would they remove their child?  They might be evangelical Christians and the teacher a Jehovah Witness or a Morman.  Would they remove their child?  Would they remove their child if the teacher was an athiest or maybe dressed like a goth or was heavily tattooed?

    As people we have beliefs.  We are sure our beliefs are the right ones.  When we get to the reality though our beliefs are really just opinions.  Their OPINION is that it is wrong to be gay.  My OPINION is that it is not wrong to be gay.  There are those who will argue on religious principal that gay is wrong.   People dont like to hear that there is a religious opposition to that teaching.  In my head it comes down to we disagree.  For me its ok to disagree.

    What I d like to see happen in the situation you describe is this.  The parents, the principal and the teacher all sit down with an attitude geared towards finding a comfortable ground for everyone.  It might be that the parents will feel more comfortable if the see the teacher as a human being just like themselves.  It might be that the teacher is able to offer them some assurances that influencing their child regarding sexuality is not in his plan.  Maybe the teacher isnt aware of the affect his being gay and open is having in his class.

    Good grief!  I m sorry.....I didnt plan on wandering and babbling that long.  Sorry, but I hope I ve offered some light.

    Back to your initial question.  I would not hide my gayness from those people.  I am certainly more than willing to be discrete about my gayness.  As an example look at this.  I have a heterosexual friend.  I know that his/her parents are very uncomfortyable about the gay thing.  If I meet those parents I ll never bring it up nor would I introduce it as a topic.  If it came up in casual conversation I would just let it go by without commenting.  I KNOW where THAT conversations is going to go.  I know I m not going to change them.  Way better to treat them as the kind and wonderful people they are on every other issue.  Why stir the pot?

  • mom said on Mar 17, 2007....

    Botoni- I admire you.  I want to address a few things that you have brought up.  When I was in 4th grade I had a teacher that was very cruel, I ended up with a peptic ulcer and soon turned to bleeding ulcers.  When I left the 4th grade and found out who I was going to have for 5th grade, I was terrified.  The 5th grade teacher was a big German woman, she was very manly, and she had a reputation for being mean.  I felt I had the cards stacked against me once again.  To say that I was a nervous wreck is understatement.  To this day I don't know how I didn't end up in the hospital. It didn't take long to find out that she was the best teacher, she yelled at everyone BUT her class, her students were the cream of the crop.  She took pride in each and every one of them.  We use to kind of giggle cause she was more man than woman.  At that time we didn't know what gay was.  I found out a few years later,that she was lesbian.  When the school found out they kicked her out of the school and she was not allowed to teach.  I was very upset cause the real witch was allowed to stay on but the good teacher was removed.  She never did or said anything that was inaapropriate with her students.  She never discussed her personal life.  She was our teacher, she taught us and she was good at it.  Believe me after what i went through the year before, I was pleased to have a teacher that was kind.  She was never allowed to teach again.  This has always saddened me.

    You brought up the different types of people that might teach such as Goth, racist, etc.  There would be no way for anyone to know what a person was or was not if that teacher didn't make it a topic for conversation.  I probably would remove my child from a Goths persons' classroom if that teacher dressed like that to school.  I think that there is an appropriate way to be with children.  In my sons high school there are teachers of all kinds and we have one that believes in communism.  As long as that teacher can leave his/her personal life at home and not influence my children with it then I don't care what they do.  In high school a child is better to handle things more than elementary or junior high children.  I am sensitive to what my children are being taught.  There have been racist teachers, I don't care but if their racist attitude is affecting the students, then I have a real problem.  So it goes with other topics also.

    Botoni- I am Mormon and I know what it is like to be treated unfairly because of my beliefs but my decision is mine and it is what I believe just as anyone else.  I think in order to have harmony with people we sometimes have to agree to disagree and respect each other and sometimes love each other inspite of or because of our differences.  We are all Gods' children and brothers and sisters in this journey called life.

  • dailyachesandpains said on Mar 17, 2007....
    Botoni:  This post just had me thinking since you posted it.  I was thinking about my cousin.  He moved to the middle of the country.  We see him once every summer when he comes up this way for the annual family reunion.  Sometimes, he'll come up for Christmas, but that's rare to see him twice in a year. 
     
    My stupid aunt commented on one of his shirts during his summer visit, she's a little loopy, FYI. 
    "What a pretty rainbow!" 
    THEN, Christmas time came and he was there and she commented again on his turtle neck that had a small rainbow at the top of it,
    "You just love those rainbow's, don't you?  Isn't that so sweet!" 
    I told my Mother, someone's GOT to tell her he's gay, she needs to stop looking like such an idiot.  My Mother FLIPPED out on me and insisted that he's not gay!  She said "If he likes rainbow's you leave it alone, it's not funny,!!! He's still a kid at heart that believes in his pot of gold at the end!" 
     
    What do we even say to these old folks...lol!
     
    Daily
  • mom said on Mar 17, 2007....
    LOLOLOLOLOL Daily that is so funny.  Let them sit and believe otherwise.
  • dailyachesandpains said on Mar 17, 2007....

    Mom:  they're just dense!!!  You should see them when they're ALL together at the same time (Aunts and Uncles). 

    This SAME Aunt was VERY upset at our other cousins wake, we all were.  She came running up toward me, balling.  I gave her a hug and said the usual "It's okay, it's fine, just cry.  It's a loss for you too!"  She looked at me with a death stare and said (referring to her husband that's living in their diningroom after a major stroke) "It's not a loss to me, Daily, HE'S STILL ALIVE!"  Then, I had to go on and on to explain to her that my cousin, her Nephew that was laying in the coffin was who I was talking about!!!  Then she went about her crying again. She didn't just cry, it was the dramatic scene causing "WHYYYYYYY"! 

    Daily

  • botoni said on Mar 17, 2007....

    daily!!!!!!   Down on the floor here rolling with laughs and tears and two dogs that think I ve lost my mind!

    I SO want to send rainbow pins for Auntie and Mom!  If you re of a mind to see what familys can get up to...Go find a movie titled 'Sordid Lives'  Beau Bridges, Olivia Newton-John, Delta Burke, Bonnie Bedelia & Leslie Jordan.  It s hilarious but its got a lot of reality.

  • botoni said on Mar 17, 2007....
    daily, daily, daily.......I really really really hope your dear Auntie was bawling rather than balling!  If she was balling at a funeral she s got us all beat!.....LOLOLLOL
  • botoni said on Mar 17, 2007....

    mom....wonderful response!  Thank you.  I m very much with you.  As a parent I was tremendously protective of my children.  At the same time their mother and I both worked diligently at teaching them tolerance.

    My middle daughter made me exceptionally proud a few years ago.  I was entering into a relationship with a man much younger than myself and of a very different ethnic background.  My daughter is a born again evangelical Christian....all this is very much in opposition to her beliefs and those of her husband.  A few weeks after meeting my partner she and I were talking.  I expressed how much I appreciated how well all of my children and their spouses treated my new partner.  She said:  "You know dad, I said to my husband, honey dad has supported us in everything we ve ever done.  We need to support him in this."  And they did.

    In another blog you spoke of your struggles with that awful teacher, then and now, I just get really angry!  The injustice of firing a teacher because of her sexual orientation is rediculous to me.  Judge her as a teacher!

     

     

  • dailyachesandpains said on Mar 17, 2007....

    HEY MISTER, lol!  I don't use spell check and even if I did I would have missed it!  I'm almost always medicated too, so that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it, lol!  Don't forget, I have a Boston accent and sometimes I type with one too, lmao!

    Daily

     

     

  • dailyachesandpains said on Mar 18, 2007....

    Oh Bot, I'm working in reverse right now, sorry!  LOL, I'm still doing my "OH JESUS!!!!" from the stupid aunt and mother!  I will look for that movie.  I could write a book on my Irish Catholic messed up family. 

    They are BIG TIME holy rollers.  My Mother still doesn't believe he's gay (it's against her religion, lol).  I have to give her some back-up here...he's never come out of the closet (verbally)!  We all know the aunts and uncles are stupid and my cousin knows.  I'm sure the shirts he's worn was his way of "coming out" to his cousins without hearing it from the way too Catholic aunts and uncles.  I can see why he'd tell us that way, there's over a hundred of us cousins and spouses.

    I'm going to email him, now that we're talking about him, lol!

    Daily

  • MissMimi said on Mar 18, 2007....
    when my father and my brother learned that my youngest brother is gay, the you know what really hit the fan. To this day, my youngest brother excludes himself from a lot of family activities because it's just so uncomfortable for him. It's very sad. And frankly it makes me think less of my dad and my other brother.
  • mom said on Mar 18, 2007....
    Mimi- There are so many things that can split up a family if we choose to let it.  My nephew is gay.  His brothers and sisters shunned him.  He is so incredibly handsome but very effeminate.  His mom/ my sister has tried to keep in touch but he won't have anything to do with any of us.  It is sad, I used to write to him all the time and he never wrote back.    So in these instances it does draw lines.  There is always common ground on which to keep the bonds of family strong.
  • wombat said on Mar 18, 2007....

    botoni:  Gay?  I thought you said you were "grey"-- and me lovin' all this silver hair I had in my mind......

    Loves ya', anyway.  What color is your hair, if you have any?  Just so I can keep the image going.......

    {and hugs from silly wombat}

  • mom said on Mar 18, 2007....

    lol Wombat- wow you sound chipper tonight, you are doing much better I take it.  YOu are getting to be a spry little thing.

    Maybe Bot is gay and grey anbd loving it.

  • wombat said on Mar 18, 2007....
    mom:  Well, if he looks anything close to STEELMAN minus the finger up the eye "socket" I would be interested myself.  I love silver hair.
  • mom said on Mar 18, 2007....
    lol finger up the eye.  Are you sure that is his finger?
  • wombat said on Mar 18, 2007....
    mom:  I'm still spazzing over that whole photo.  It freaks me out.  But if it's not his finger, then, I guess I am really interested..
  • mom said on Mar 18, 2007....
    lol, yeah me too but it sure looks odd and I want to ask him how he came to this miserable existance and give him a quarter or something
  • botoni said on Mar 18, 2007....

    Daily.......I make a smart ass crack about your spelling and what follows?  At least two in my next response.......duh!

    I m picturing your family.  I see the whole crew from My Big Fat Greek Wedding.  I know I know .....Italian not Greek...but the idea is there.....

    When you email 'cuz'....tell him about Sordid Lives.....he ll love it.

    Mimi and Mom......Total truth!  Families get split up on this stuff a lot. 

    A little piece you dont know yet.  Historically I have been both an Exec Director of an AIDS house and paliative care project as well as a minister.  Thats right a man of the cloth.  The first person who says man of the rag gets a wet fish. 

    In my last year as  a minister I conducted over 50 AIDS related funerals.  The hundreds of hours of counselling I ve done with families who only found their regrets post mortem is appalling to me.  Ever wonder why I had Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?

    Wombie........hehehe.....Gay and grey....you got me!  Really its more like fringe around the perifery.....I should have been a monk.  Since I m able to grow copious quantities of hair everywhere but my head I ve been referred to more than once as.....The furry with the fringe on top.

    For the record......I shave the fringe off and go for the chrome dome shine.....way more face to wash but man do I save on hair cuts!

  • botoni said on Mar 18, 2007....
    Wombie........didnt complete that answer.......The original version was dark auborn and curls.
  • botoni said on Mar 18, 2007....
    Wombie........didnt complete that answer.......The original version was dark auborn and curls.
  • wombat said on Mar 18, 2007....
    mom:  Sorry.  Missed that one.  Lines off the edge on SC, you know, and me not knowing about the "him a quarter or something".  Maybe I need to back up?
  • wombat said on Mar 18, 2007....
    botoni:  My hubby says "When there's snow on the roof, there's fire in the fireplace,"  Or something to that effect.  Keep in mind, that he also says something about no grass on the playground...
     
  • wombat said on Mar 18, 2007....
    botoni:  Dark auburn curls sound nice, too......
  • mom said on Mar 18, 2007....
    Botoni-  I have thought about what if one of my children came to me and told me they were gay.  It is something I would not hope for and I may not be happy about it or accept their lifestyle but right or wrong, they are my children and I love them regardless.  Nothing could destroy that except a lobotome and total amnesia :)
  • wombat said on Mar 18, 2007....
    mom: As long as a child doesn't come and tell you failed as a mother, then it's all good.  I haven't heard that yet, and pray I never do!
  • mom said on Mar 18, 2007....
    My son did that to me at one.  He was my first born and there were circumstances surrounding why he said that.  Someday I will blog about it.  It was due to my 3rd marriage.  He wrote me a 16 page hate letter.  It nearly destroyed me, I don't think I have felt so much pain.  Things are different now but it took away some of what we had.  I hope you never feel that pain.
  • botoni said on Mar 18, 2007....
    wombie and mom.......how we sometimes wish we could eat our words!  I ve said many that are pretty hard chewing now.  Yet as I look back there are words that I said and words that I heard that ripped out souls and hearts at the time.  Somehow a few times those harsh and bitter words have been the thng that opened up new understanding and drew us closer.  Time and perspective have a way of changing things.
  • wombat said on Mar 18, 2007....

    mom:  Oh, God, mom, did not know that.  I have no words to back up and erase that. All I can say is that there are people who know the difference, and he just hasn't (or hadn't) at that point understood.  Communication is the key, maybe.  I feel like shit for bringing this pain on you and will not forgive myself for that one.  When the time is right, and the one's you wish to talk to are right, I wish you the best. I am so sorry for reminding you or anyone of a hurt.  Just kind of happened naturally as it usually does on here.

    {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{tripple hugs}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

  • mom said on Mar 18, 2007....
    I agree, I know I have said things.  I am much more careful about what I say, words stay with us and you can't take them back.
  • wombat said on Mar 18, 2007....
    botoni:  You are right on about the time and perspective thing.  It just took me longer to get there than it did the one I was so worried about.
  • mom said on Mar 18, 2007....
    Wombat- you didn't do anything dear. You have to stop worrying about saying the wrong thing.  LOL  I was just sharing that with you.  My children have said and done many wonderful things  for me, but there have been bad times too.  It is ok.  I don't want you to feel you have to walk on eggshells around me cause then I will be afraid to say anything to you.  You did not offend me.  :)  Stop worrying so much you little worry wart.  If i had known you  would have taken that personally I wouldn't have said anything.
  • wombat said on Mar 18, 2007....
    mom:  Glad to have a few extra seconds to say I am glad you aren't upset.  We will have to talk later when I can.  Till then, be well and happy.  I just go with what I see and feel....
  • mom said on Mar 18, 2007....
    I am well and happy :) hit your head on the headboard a couple times for me, ok.  Say "this ones for the Momster"
  • boyzmom said on Mar 18, 2007....
    I think the principle has already said withdraw her from that class if they choose to and doesn't know that he does bring his sexuality up in class and it is uncomfortable for the students. There probably are also some non-discrimination rules but the daughter says that he spends class time talking to particular students about how great it would be if they would come out of the closet and admit they are gay. So you see, he does give the impression that he is trying to "recruit". I don't think he is a bad teacher otherwise, but their daughter usually gets good grades and she is getting low grades in his class and they think it is because of him. I think she needs to study harder or get a tutor because a distraction during classtime or not, she still has to study at home.
  • botoni said on Mar 18, 2007....
    Boyzmom......Ah Hah!   I think the action of removing the girl from the class is the right thing to do now that I ve got a little more information.  The class room isnt the platform for the issues the teacher is discussing in my opinion.  I dont think it s necessarily wrong for him to express his point of view.  I just think that he is in the wrong place and the wrong position to do that.  Its one thing if a child seeks information....but that child should be referred to a counsellor in my opinion.  If the teacher is introducing the topic he s way out of line.  I d feel the same way about a teacher proseletizing with religious views.  The classroom is the wrong venue.
  • dailyachesandpains said on Mar 18, 2007....

    Botoni:  I can't WAIT for the summer!  I hope he comes up wearing rainbow shorts or something!  I do NOT know why I always end up standing next to this particular aunt all the time.  I know I can't take a sip of anything if she's talking! 

    She called my Mother during the last snow storm to tell her the roads were horrible, not to drive, the worst she's ever seen...blah, blah blah!  SO, my Mom called me to tell me the same thing.  I looked out my window "Mom, it's not even snowing yet" and she said it was snowing over my aunts house.  Driving from my house hers is between here and my mothers house.  Then I thought for a minute...my Aunt doesn't even drive, doesn't even have a license anymore.  I had mentioned it to my mother and she had a laugh at herself.  Called Aunt and called me back.  She said my Aunt said SHE HAD A DREAM that it was snowing and that she drove in it!!!  My Aunt is like that, if she dreams or thinks up something, she tells it as fact!  Her daughters are constantly humiliated by her!

    Daily

  • wombat said on Mar 18, 2007....
    botoni:  Dreamed I called you on the phone last night!  You had a nice voice and kept laughing softly at my silly comments.  I finally got embarrased and told you that you shouldn't have posted your phone number if you didn't want people calling you--then I hung up.  
     
    This weird world of SC strikes again!
  • botoni said on Mar 18, 2007....

    daily......I LOVE your Aunt!  That is as long as she s your aunt and not mine.  Hehehehe.

    You ll have me totally bent out of shape if I dont get a report on the summer fashion statement. 

    Your aunt is not alone in the world of people who report things that happen only in their heads as absolute truth. 

    Wombie.....LOL.....I ll remove my phone number from the dream post immediately!  You bring up an intersting thought though.   We ve been discussing our views of what we all loook like, which has turned up some discussion of what we sound like.  Maybe I ll get to doing a post around our voices......the sound of my voice, sight unseen, has let me into some strange waters.............

     

  • dailyachesandpains said on Mar 18, 2007....

    Botoni:  I promise, you would go crazy if the wind hit her and blew in your direction.  She'll tell all the sisters and brothers that her husband only has days left, they'll all go over and he's asking for a beer.  She's a little needy.  It's actually gotten so bad with her dramatic ways that one of the sisters will call my sister at work to ask her daughter that works at the same company of the situation...FOLLOW THAT?  LOL!

    daily

  • botoni said on Mar 18, 2007....

    daily......I did follow that!  Ok I ll admit I had to re-read it to be sure though.  I m loving her more every minute.  She s a total Drama Queen!  A few people I know are exactly like your description of her.  Something clicks on for me when I m around them.  I feed off them and see how far I get them to run with whatever it is they re on about.  Meanwhile everyone is watching and 'getting' what I m doing.  I m baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad!

  • isthisit said on Mar 19, 2007....
    holy crap you guys are funny. I got on here to agree and was going to leave this Awesome comment, and then after reading everyone elses I was laughing so hard I was crying and completely forgot what the heck I was gonna say in the first place!
  • pickersplock said on Mar 19, 2007....
    Just me, Pickers, popping in to say, "Hi!"
  • botoni said on Mar 19, 2007....
    Drop in anytime pickers!  Love your blogging too.
  • pickersplock said on Mar 20, 2007....
    Thanks! Sorry I haven't been around more often, but as you probably already
    know, I'm having computer trouble.
  • Cinda1900 said on Apr 02, 2007....
    My best friend - no actually, he's more than that, he's a soul mate of sorts - is gay, and your posting reminds me very much of what he would say. You have every right in the world to be who you are, no apologies. I was brought up in a very straight-laced family, with two homophobic brothers (they don't intend to be harmful, they, like our father, just have a tough time seeing past the nose on their faces). I'll never understand the choice to be ignorant and choose to discriminate against any one. We are born to be who we are meant to be. That makes us unique, and in that diversity, there is great beauty. You are beautiful. It is I who want to apologize to you for any pain ignorance may have caused. Best wishes. 
  • FoundYouLostMyself said on Apr 19, 2007....
    :) You are loved.
     
    Never apologize for being who YOU are.
  • cotteralladams3 said on May 09, 2007....
    I have nothing against gays and same-sex marriage.  Doesn't bother me, got bigger issues.  Let them adopt and raise kids.  I don't think we're a better example of how to live.  Parenting is not about gender or sexuality.  It is about personality.
  • gentlepie said on Jun 17, 2007....
    "Beyond my sexuality I am many things."
                                                 -botoni
     
    wow. this surely is a quotable botoni quote! love this entry.
  • botoni said on Jun 17, 2007....
    Cinda.....Thanks for sharing about your friend/soul mate. Sometimes the homophobic folks come around. It often happens when they get to know someone who is gay andthey cant help liking him anyway....lol.
    Cotter.....Good words! Thanks for the back up!
    Gentlepie.....What a lovely sweetthing for you to say. (I didnt mention the 'many' things I am......hehhehehe jk)
    Found....Thats great advice for everyone! Thanks.
  • gentlepie said on Jun 17, 2007....
    haha. i fear your "many" things. they might be a mouthful to take. :) 
  • botoni said on Jun 17, 2007....
    LOL gentle!
  • MissMimi said on Jun 17, 2007....
    Hi botty!  [waving]  Happy Father's Day!
  • botoni said on Jun 18, 2007....
    Hey there MissMimi! Thanks! Its been a very extraordinary Fathers Day. Hope you and your enjoyed it too..........
  • cotteralladams3 said on Jun 20, 2007....
    I suspect a lot of people 'pretend' they are self-righteously tolerant and superior in their tolerance towards others than most out of political correctness, the disease that plagues us all. I hate homophobia but am not particularly interested in the gay community. Live and let live. I just think there is real homophobia out there and a lot of people on the surface pretend to be tolerant because it's fashionable. It starts with lecturing and making demands and insistence on being the most tolerant person in the room. How fake. I serve gay couples all the time, make no issue of it and treat them the same. I have had gay friends and didn't make an issue out of it.

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