!! Wow, everybody's having such similar experiences to me! I know I haven't been on in a while but the Pride Month thread is always one of my favorite things. In terms of my gender, I think I use all pronouns but I'm still trying to find out what fits me best, and I think it changes from day to day. My school has both a GSA and a TNBA (Trans/ Non-Binary Alliance) and today TNBA had its last meeting with all the seniors.
One of the seniors said to us that something she hopes we take away from her time in the club is that it is possible to be happy and trans, and that by choosing to have a good time, you can, and everything will be ok. I know it's not that easy for everyone, depending on your family/friends/location situation, but I hope you all know that things will be okay and that you can be happy. It's allowed, and it's possible.
0
submitted by Applejaguar, Wisteria (June 5, 2020 - 1:30 pm)
Happy pride, everyone <3 Making a reappearance here because this event means a lot to me and I'm glad to see this thread topped, and that newer CBers can find a place here to be comfortable and themselves!
Just a couple of reminders as we head into pride 2020!
- There is absolutely no rush to figure out who you are, what your labels will be, and whether you want to use labels at all. I've been in the LGBTQ+ community since I was twelve years old (four years!) and I'm still learning new things about myself and exploring my identity. While it may not feel like it, you do not need a label, and you don't always have to know who you are. It's okay and natural to be questioning, and it's not something that should be rushed.
- There is no pressure to come out. Ever. You are under no obligation to tell anyone what you identify as, for any reason. Coming out is not a requirement for being LGBTQ+. People put a lot of stake into coming out, into telling your friends and family, and that's for a reason; it's often an important and monumental endeavor in your life. But this leads to people thinking they have to come out, which is not true at all! If you are in an environment where you would be unsafe, if you're still uncertain about your labels, if you're just not ready - that is fine. There is no pressure. If you come out, do it when you want to, not when you feel you "should."
- Be proud of yourself! You are all wonderful people are your identity does not take anything away from who you are or who you will become. You are the way you are; you can't change that, you can't control it. You are perfect and beautiful as you are right now, and I love and support you one hundred percent. <3
Happy pride!
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submitted by St.Owl, I use all pronouns now! (June 5, 2020 - 12:54 am)
Wow I'm so happy this thread is still here! Happy pride everyone!
I went to pride fest for the first time last year and it was so fun, for those of you who haven't gone yet I strongly suggest. For next year. There were drag queens and kings and cool makeup and fun activities and it was just a great atmosphere and I just felt like I belonged. I went with seven of my friends. Remember, you are completely valid and loved. Don't hide who you are just because of fear caused by the people who suppress you. The biggest stand you can take is being yourself and not letting anyone push you down. Love is love <3
It makes me happy to see everyone open up like this. It was a very different environment involving LGBTQIA+ stuff when I was growing up, and I'm glad to see that people are more accepting for you guys. <3
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submitted by Claaws, Dancin on a rainbow (June 5, 2020 - 2:25 am)
Happy pride month to all! It's so great to see all of Viola?'s old rainbows again. There's an idea floating around inside my head that I might be ace, though this is the first time I'm saying it. Anyways, I think you're all wonderful and beautiful and you deserve the best. <33
0
submitted by Luna-Starr, age 27 eons, Existential Ponderment (June 5, 2020 - 8:32 am)
Always remember: you are valid and deserve to love and be loved no matter the way in which you do so. No one can take that away from you. Have a great pride month everyone, and maybe I'll see you next Valentines Day. :)
Kate, Chatterbox limits talk of romance and CBers own sexuality.
Admin
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submitted by Kate-the-Great (June 6, 2020 - 3:01 am)
Ok I just wanted to say that I will never judge people for their gender or sexuality. Stay proud of yourself because you are always loved. everyone's equal in God's eyes and all that so ya luv yall
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submitted by cerinthe, age 13 (June 6, 2020 - 4:07 pm)
I owe a lot to the CB on the subject of LGBTQ+. When I joined the CB in the middle of 7th grade, I barely knew what LGBTQ+ was and just thought it was weird. I don't think my parents are homophobic, they're just not exactly open about many subjects, just like school.
Thanks to the CB, I understand that being LGBTQ+ is perfectly normal. It's not a choice, it's something you are born with. Homophobia is not okay, and it will never be okay. People are born LGBTQ+, just like people are with darker skin, or with blue eyes.
Unfornuately, the CB has also shown me that people are not as accepting as is morally right. They were taught to hate, taught that loving you love is a sin. One of their agruments is that yeah, being gay is not a choice but acting on those feelings is a choice. That's a horrible thing to say. No one should pushed into a box, forced to love who they don't love just because their love is "against" your religion.
I say a cool quote that is; "Saying someone else's love is against your religion is like getting angry at someone for eating a donut when you're on a diet."
Love is love. This world has enough hate and horrors without people trying to stamp out the love.
I don't know what my romantic feelings are, and I'm not in a hurry to find out. No matter who I love, I will continue to fight to stop homophobia. Because it's not okay. Love is love.
~Bluebell/Leo <3<3<3
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submitted by Bluebell/Leo (June 8, 2020 - 9:02 am)
First of all before I say anything, I would like to say that I'm NOT trying to sabotage this thread at all. I wish not to create any harmful feelings, or create any arguements whatsoever. And I'm sorry if this does.
Hi Leo, first of all I would like to apologize in advance. I am sorry if that is the way I'm interpreting your comments in a way you were not meaning it.
I feel a need to address this because I don't think it's right to generalize that those here on the CB who don't agree, means that they hate LGTBQ+ people.
I'll admit it, I do not hold the same beliefs as you, because I have my own beliefs and it is what I have been taught.
BUT, I feel a need to establish this: I do NOT hate anyone else in any way because of it. And you're so right Leo, homophobia is wrong.
I'm understanding more and more that although I may not agree, It is not my right to judge, and although I don't completely understand everything about LGBTQ+ things, I'm really trying to. Truly. Ask Ashlee and Claaws if you don't believe me. I'm understanding more that pride month is not a month that those who are LGBTQ+ are trying to share their ideas with people who don't agree, but I'm understanding that pride month is more a month for those who are LGBTQ+ to say that 'hey we're people too, don't hate us just because you don't agree!'
My exposure to this kind of thing is not that big because of the circles I am in, but I have an uncle who deals with this, and I do not hate him in any way at all. I used to feel uncomfortable around those who are LGBTQ+, but I know that I'm not going to hate them. I'm going to see them as children of God, and NOT hate them.
I'm sorry if I personally have made you, or anyone else here feel that we hate you in any way because they are LGBTQ+.
So I will choose not to hate those who identify as LGBTQ+. I will choose to continue to understand them, and be a friend to them. And I see them as who they are: children of God, whether they believe in God or not.
Happy Pride Month. :)
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submitted by Joan B. of Arc, age 17 1/2, Camelot (June 8, 2020 - 1:28 pm)
First of all, I would like to say thank you to Joan B. of Arc for being so respectful of LGBTQ people. I know that many people brought up with similar beliefs as you seem to have been are homophobic and don't want to understand people different from them, and possibly even hate them. So the fact that you do try to understand them and be a friend to them made me very happy when I read this, because I thought it might be a homophobic post, and it wasn't. Although I do agree with Leo, I get that everyone is taught different things and as long as we can still respect and truly understand each other even people with different beliefs can be friends. So yeah, thanks.
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submitted by DoodleGirl, age 13 , Earth (June 8, 2020 - 2:31 pm)
This wasn't directed at me, but I'm going to put in my two cents anyway!
First off, hi Joan, it's good to see you. Second, I honestly think there is nothing in your comment that you have to apologize for. You are more than entitled to your own beliefs and opinions, and just the fact that you're trying to learn more is amazing. The way you worded this is really respectful, so I'd like to applaud you for that. I know I've had conversations on this and similar topics that were uncomfortable because of different views, so I really, deeply appreciate the way you said this. It means so much, at least to me and probably to others.
I'm kind of rambling now, but moral of the story, this was really sweet and respectful and great, thank you for sharing <3 I'm so happy that we can all coexist, even with our different opinions, and all remain friends.
This post didn't really have anything to do with me, at all, but I'm going to write my thoughts on it anyways because I thought it was beautifully written.
It warms my heart to see you trying to understand this sort of thing. LGBTQ is misunderstood and hated by many, yet many refuse to even see where LGBTQ people are coming from. I was raised in full support of LGBTQ, for which I am thankful. I am lucky to have been raised being taught to see the good in all people, and taught that there is no reason for anyone to discriminate against anyone--religious reasons or otherwise.
I don't think there's anything in the post you need to apologize for. While our beliefs may not align, you were very respectful and kind and I didn't feel hurt or offended in the slightest. I'm thankful that, even if you don't agree, you are trying your best to understand and be kind.
I myself admit that I do not understand much about the anti-LGBTQ religious beliefs. I know that I should try to do a better job of understanding where people who believe that sort of thing come from. After all, it is best to understand both sides of an issue, even if you only believe in one. I wasn't exposed to very much religion growing up--neither of my parents were very religious, nor was really anyone in my family. But even if I don't believe in most religious theories and such, I feel that it is important I try to understand those beliefs, at the very least.
Well, that was an obnoxiously long way to say 'thanks for not being mean'. Oops.
0
submitted by Sybill, age ????, Not Kyngdom (June 8, 2020 - 9:37 pm)
!! Wow, everybody's having such similar experiences to me! I know I haven't been on in a while but the Pride Month thread is always one of my favorite things. In terms of my gender, I think I use all pronouns but I'm still trying to find out what fits me best, and I think it changes from day to day. My school has both a GSA and a TNBA (Trans/ Non-Binary Alliance) and today TNBA had its last meeting with all the seniors.
One of the seniors said to us that something she hopes we take away from her time in the club is that it is possible to be happy and trans, and that by choosing to have a good time, you can, and everything will be ok. I know it's not that easy for everyone, depending on your family/friends/location situation, but I hope you all know that things will be okay and that you can be happy. It's allowed, and it's possible.
(June 5, 2020 - 1:30 pm)
Somebody has traumatized my AE by leaving their 'I's uncapitalized. Just a polite reminder to capitalize when you can before.......
I HAD NO IDEA PRIDE MONTH EXISTED THIS IS GRAND!
Okay, okay, calm down....
Yeah. No idea.
*suddenly thinks of something we will not mention here*
Well goodbye. I'm short on cash, so no rainbow confetti.
(June 4, 2020 - 6:41 am)
Happy pride, everyone <3 Making a reappearance here because this event means a lot to me and I'm glad to see this thread topped, and that newer CBers can find a place here to be comfortable and themselves!
Just a couple of reminders as we head into pride 2020!
- There is absolutely no rush to figure out who you are, what your labels will be, and whether you want to use labels at all. I've been in the LGBTQ+ community since I was twelve years old (four years!) and I'm still learning new things about myself and exploring my identity. While it may not feel like it, you do not need a label, and you don't always have to know who you are. It's okay and natural to be questioning, and it's not something that should be rushed.
- There is no pressure to come out. Ever. You are under no obligation to tell anyone what you identify as, for any reason. Coming out is not a requirement for being LGBTQ+. People put a lot of stake into coming out, into telling your friends and family, and that's for a reason; it's often an important and monumental endeavor in your life. But this leads to people thinking they have to come out, which is not true at all! If you are in an environment where you would be unsafe, if you're still uncertain about your labels, if you're just not ready - that is fine. There is no pressure. If you come out, do it when you want to, not when you feel you "should."
- Be proud of yourself! You are all wonderful people are your identity does not take anything away from who you are or who you will become. You are the way you are; you can't change that, you can't control it. You are perfect and beautiful as you are right now, and I love and support you one hundred percent. <3
Happy pride!
(June 5, 2020 - 12:54 am)
Wow I'm so happy this thread is still here! Happy pride everyone!
(June 5, 2020 - 2:25 am)
Happy pride month to all! It's so great to see all of Viola?'s old rainbows again. There's an idea floating around inside my head that I might be ace, though this is the first time I'm saying it. Anyways, I think you're all wonderful and beautiful and you deserve the best. <33
(June 5, 2020 - 8:32 am)
Heyy probably not many people remember me (im an old CBer) . Just wanted to say Happy Pride Month!!
Cardinal says "uifii". Interesting...
(June 5, 2020 - 1:38 pm)
Always remember: you are valid and deserve to love and be loved no matter the way in which you do so. No one can take that away from you. Have a great pride month everyone, and maybe I'll see you next Valentines Day. :)
Kate, Chatterbox limits talk of romance and CBers own sexuality.
Admin
(June 6, 2020 - 3:01 am)
Happy Pride month everyone! Remember you are loved <3
(June 5, 2020 - 6:44 pm)
Ok I just wanted to say that I will never judge people for their gender or sexuality. Stay proud of yourself because you are always loved. everyone's equal in God's eyes and all that
so ya luv yall
(June 6, 2020 - 4:07 pm)
Happy Pride Month, everyone!
(June 6, 2020 - 7:23 pm)
Yay, happy Pride month!
I owe a lot to the CB on the subject of LGBTQ+. When I joined the CB in the middle of 7th grade, I barely knew what LGBTQ+ was and just thought it was weird. I don't think my parents are homophobic, they're just not exactly open about many subjects, just like school.
Thanks to the CB, I understand that being LGBTQ+ is perfectly normal. It's not a choice, it's something you are born with. Homophobia is not okay, and it will never be okay. People are born LGBTQ+, just like people are with darker skin, or with blue eyes.
Unfornuately, the CB has also shown me that people are not as accepting as is morally right. They were taught to hate, taught that loving you love is a sin. One of their agruments is that yeah, being gay is not a choice but acting on those feelings is a choice. That's a horrible thing to say. No one should pushed into a box, forced to love who they don't love just because their love is "against" your religion.
I say a cool quote that is; "Saying someone else's love is against your religion is like getting angry at someone for eating a donut when you're on a diet."
Love is love. This world has enough hate and horrors without people trying to stamp out the love.
I don't know what my romantic feelings are, and I'm not in a hurry to find out. No matter who I love, I will continue to fight to stop homophobia. Because it's not okay. Love is love.
~Bluebell/Leo <3<3<3
(June 8, 2020 - 9:02 am)
First of all before I say anything, I would like to say that I'm NOT trying to sabotage this thread at all. I wish not to create any harmful feelings, or create any arguements whatsoever. And I'm sorry if this does.
Hi Leo, first of all I would like to apologize in advance. I am sorry if that is the way I'm interpreting your comments in a way you were not meaning it.
I feel a need to address this because I don't think it's right to generalize that those here on the CB who don't agree, means that they hate LGTBQ+ people.
I'll admit it, I do not hold the same beliefs as you, because I have my own beliefs and it is what I have been taught.
BUT, I feel a need to establish this: I do NOT hate anyone else in any way because of it. And you're so right Leo, homophobia is wrong.
I'm understanding more and more that although I may not agree, It is not my right to judge, and although I don't completely understand everything about LGBTQ+ things, I'm really trying to. Truly. Ask Ashlee and Claaws if you don't believe me. I'm understanding more that pride month is not a month that those who are LGBTQ+ are trying to share their ideas with people who don't agree, but I'm understanding that pride month is more a month for those who are LGBTQ+ to say that 'hey we're people too, don't hate us just because you don't agree!'
My exposure to this kind of thing is not that big because of the circles I am in, but I have an uncle who deals with this, and I do not hate him in any way at all. I used to feel uncomfortable around those who are LGBTQ+, but I know that I'm not going to hate them. I'm going to see them as children of God, and NOT hate them.
I'm sorry if I personally have made you, or anyone else here feel that we hate you in any way because they are LGBTQ+.
So I will choose not to hate those who identify as LGBTQ+. I will choose to continue to understand them, and be a friend to them. And I see them as who they are: children of God, whether they believe in God or not.
Happy Pride Month. :)
(June 8, 2020 - 1:28 pm)
First of all, I would like to say thank you to Joan B. of Arc for being so respectful of LGBTQ people. I know that many people brought up with similar beliefs as you seem to have been are homophobic and don't want to understand people different from them, and possibly even hate them. So the fact that you do try to understand them and be a friend to them made me very happy when I read this, because I thought it might be a homophobic post, and it wasn't. Although I do agree with Leo, I get that everyone is taught different things and as long as we can still respect and truly understand each other even people with different beliefs can be friends. So yeah, thanks.
(June 8, 2020 - 2:31 pm)
This wasn't directed at me, but I'm going to put in my two cents anyway!
First off, hi Joan, it's good to see you. Second, I honestly think there is nothing in your comment that you have to apologize for. You are more than entitled to your own beliefs and opinions, and just the fact that you're trying to learn more is amazing. The way you worded this is really respectful, so I'd like to applaud you for that. I know I've had conversations on this and similar topics that were uncomfortable because of different views, so I really, deeply appreciate the way you said this. It means so much, at least to me and probably to others.
I'm kind of rambling now, but moral of the story, this was really sweet and respectful and great, thank you for sharing <3 I'm so happy that we can all coexist, even with our different opinions, and all remain friends.
Happy Pride to you too :)
(June 8, 2020 - 6:01 pm)
This post didn't really have anything to do with me, at all, but I'm going to write my thoughts on it anyways because I thought it was beautifully written.
It warms my heart to see you trying to understand this sort of thing. LGBTQ is misunderstood and hated by many, yet many refuse to even see where LGBTQ people are coming from. I was raised in full support of LGBTQ, for which I am thankful. I am lucky to have been raised being taught to see the good in all people, and taught that there is no reason for anyone to discriminate against anyone--religious reasons or otherwise.
I don't think there's anything in the post you need to apologize for. While our beliefs may not align, you were very respectful and kind and I didn't feel hurt or offended in the slightest. I'm thankful that, even if you don't agree, you are trying your best to understand and be kind.
I myself admit that I do not understand much about the anti-LGBTQ religious beliefs. I know that I should try to do a better job of understanding where people who believe that sort of thing come from. After all, it is best to understand both sides of an issue, even if you only believe in one. I wasn't exposed to very much religion growing up--neither of my parents were very religious, nor was really anyone in my family. But even if I don't believe in most religious theories and such, I feel that it is important I try to understand those beliefs, at the very least.
Well, that was an obnoxiously long way to say 'thanks for not being mean'. Oops.
(June 8, 2020 - 9:37 pm)