If I could "Like" this reflection 100 times, I would do so!! As a 71 cisM, married, 5 children, 8 grandchildten fellow traveler, who approaches life with an open mind and a commitment to learning as a lifelong pursuit, I have tried to approach all people I encounter as individuals possessed of dignity, value, and the right to live their lives in a manner authentic to themselves. My 2+ decade long deconstruction from organized religion has been a complementary and mutually reinforcing factor in building my carefully-developed mature "interface" with humanity, encountered on a one-on-one basis. We are all in this one life together. Bigotry and shunning only make smaller the lives and poisons the path to joy of those choosing to engage in such antisocial, inhuman behavior. I am very happy to be alive now, fortunate to be immersed in the diverse and interesting world in which I am fortunate to share. Thanks Jack!
Hello Jack, I found your piece through CD, and your piece found me with a feeling that can be difficult for many queer people To Find in society today, Hopefulness. (For the moment I will use Queer in a broad sense)
I am a GenXer in the midwest usa and now in my 50s. Decades ago I found myself grappling with an elusive, undefinable, and dangerous series of questions about myself, and my gender. I could touch on many parts, but I’ll focus on the Identification.
Even queer people, Including ones who have Been queer for decades, have trouble navigating the application of language and how quickly the terminology changes, seemingly without us. Long before I could define my life, I sensed, I felt, the Incorrectness and distortion. Now, beyond my own basic needs, I strive to continue to Learn.
I generally avoid speaking for others, but I will presume to on this point, and I say this not solely to you, but to your readership:
All that we can ask is that other people have an open mind/heart, not to apply predetermined judgements, and understand that our differences are almost never insurmountable.
I thank you for your openness, and willingness to listen and learn, about our slight differences.
Thanks, Sydney. Are they "differences" or things that make us unique? I don't have the answer, of course, so I try not to judge those who don't judge me. I only have two rules here:
1) Treat others as you would wish others to treat you.
Thank you for this reflection. I don't understand all of the new terminology either, though in my process of learning, I meet fabulous people and understand more about myself - why me, a square peg, didn't fit into all expected round holes, only some of them.
I'm 48, cisF, never married, no children, always assumed hetero, but that doesn't fit so neatly anymore.
Thanks for posting that list of flags. Many are terms I already knew, a few are one's I can figure out, and I'm thinking I don't really want to know what "pony" is and that is OK.
Jack, I'm new here, but I really like your approach. I don't need you to be an expert either, and truthfully none of us are. It's refreshing to see someone admit their ignorance and still place respect and kindness at the forefront. Thanks for being cool.
If I could "Like" this reflection 100 times, I would do so!! As a 71 cisM, married, 5 children, 8 grandchildten fellow traveler, who approaches life with an open mind and a commitment to learning as a lifelong pursuit, I have tried to approach all people I encounter as individuals possessed of dignity, value, and the right to live their lives in a manner authentic to themselves. My 2+ decade long deconstruction from organized religion has been a complementary and mutually reinforcing factor in building my carefully-developed mature "interface" with humanity, encountered on a one-on-one basis. We are all in this one life together. Bigotry and shunning only make smaller the lives and poisons the path to joy of those choosing to engage in such antisocial, inhuman behavior. I am very happy to be alive now, fortunate to be immersed in the diverse and interesting world in which I am fortunate to share. Thanks Jack!
Thank you for the kind words, Rod! "We are all in this one life together." I couldn't have said it better myself. 🤗
Hello Jack, I found your piece through CD, and your piece found me with a feeling that can be difficult for many queer people To Find in society today, Hopefulness. (For the moment I will use Queer in a broad sense)
I am a GenXer in the midwest usa and now in my 50s. Decades ago I found myself grappling with an elusive, undefinable, and dangerous series of questions about myself, and my gender. I could touch on many parts, but I’ll focus on the Identification.
Even queer people, Including ones who have Been queer for decades, have trouble navigating the application of language and how quickly the terminology changes, seemingly without us. Long before I could define my life, I sensed, I felt, the Incorrectness and distortion. Now, beyond my own basic needs, I strive to continue to Learn.
I generally avoid speaking for others, but I will presume to on this point, and I say this not solely to you, but to your readership:
All that we can ask is that other people have an open mind/heart, not to apply predetermined judgements, and understand that our differences are almost never insurmountable.
I thank you for your openness, and willingness to listen and learn, about our slight differences.
Cheers!
Thanks, Sydney. Are they "differences" or things that make us unique? I don't have the answer, of course, so I try not to judge those who don't judge me. I only have two rules here:
1) Treat others as you would wish others to treat you.
2) Try not to be stupid.
Thank you for this reflection. I don't understand all of the new terminology either, though in my process of learning, I meet fabulous people and understand more about myself - why me, a square peg, didn't fit into all expected round holes, only some of them.
I'm 48, cisF, never married, no children, always assumed hetero, but that doesn't fit so neatly anymore.
Labels can be limiting. I know what I am, and if that fits a label, well, that's fine. But limits exist to be exceeded, no?
Thanks for posting that list of flags. Many are terms I already knew, a few are one's I can figure out, and I'm thinking I don't really want to know what "pony" is and that is OK.
The ironic thing is that, in posting it, there's every chance it's already obsolete. :-)
Jack, I'm new here, but I really like your approach. I don't need you to be an expert either, and truthfully none of us are. It's refreshing to see someone admit their ignorance and still place respect and kindness at the forefront. Thanks for being cool.