@Agent Winter, I’ve

Chatterbox: Down to Earth

@Agent Winter, I’ve

@Agent Winter, I’ve realized that Sebastian loves Reese, but as a best friend, not romantically.

Sebastian is gay. :) 

 

submitted by Artimerrx
(June 9, 2019 - 8:14 am)

That's not really how it works, sorry! You can't just choose not to be gay or trans. Then I'd ask you to choose not to be straight, and we could all get along better :)

submitted by Blue Moon, age 12, Here
(June 11, 2019 - 10:12 pm)

Hello Blue Moon. :)

I would like to start off by replying to you the same thing I told June: please refer to my 2nd reply/post to Hooded's message, beneath Leeli's post on the 2nd page of this post. 

I believe this will help you with more of what I think on this matter you refer back to on choosing to be straight vs. choosing to be gay or trans. 

Thank you for respectfully stating your opinion. I wish not to start any fights, so thank you again. 

submitted by Joan B. of Arc, age 16, Camelot
(June 12, 2019 - 12:16 pm)

That's awesome Sebastian! Diversity is so important and I'm so glad to see it on the CB!

Also I would like to politely add something to the conversation here.

Personally, I have noticed that whenever someone makes a thread like this, or this topic comes up into dicussion, there are always comments that say like "Sigh" or "Weary" and comments that are posted under annoymous names that say kinda rude things. It's really not cool so DON'T post it! If you don't have anything nice or supportive to say, don't say anything at all. It's really heartbreaking to me to see those kind of comments, so please don't post them! The CB is supposed to a kind and supportive and welcoming community and those comments are really making it the opposite of that. 

And yes, I completely understand that you may have different beliefs but that does not mean you have to share them! If you feel like your moral beliefs are being threatened, then just ignore the thread and don't post on it! You can still enjoy the CB, you don't have to leave! These threads are not meant to threaten anyone's belief's! They are sharing their beliefs in a positive way and just because they are different from yours, it does not mean you should put them down about it! 

And yeah, being gay or transgender or anything related to those, is not a decision. The people is born that way, it is not a choice. So just be open-minded and accept everyone even it they are different. 

@Joan: Yes, I get what you are saying, you have different beliefs and I'm totally fine with that. However "We, as the CBers DO accept people for who others are, but we don't support their decision", is not exactly true. I understand that, that applies to you and you are completely entitled to your opinions and beliefs. But, not every CB shares your beliefs and morals so please don't assume that they do.

@Hooded Midnight: I am so glad you are able to speak up for what you believe, and you are so right, it is so sad that so people cannot accept others for who they are. However,  people are entitled to their opinions. So, you go for standing up for your beliefs, but make sure you are also accepting of people who have different morals, even if you strongly disagree with them!

So really what I'm trying to say is accept everyone! Even if they are different or they disagree with your morals and have different beliefs, even if they don't accept you or others. We are all human, we are all special and amazing and we all deserve kindness, love, and support from one another. So accept everybody! Be nice, and supporting, and loving to everyone! EVERYONE! All of the time!!!!!!!

Ok sorry for my little rant! Again, you go Sebastian! I am so honored you felt like you could come to us and I am going to offer the most support that I can! 

Whoo, hoo! Pride Month!  <3

submitted by Leo
(June 11, 2019 - 7:55 pm)

If I posted something that went against what you believe in, would you want to stand by and read it without adding your opinion? If you would, that’s fine. But for me, when I see a thread that gives me a chance to stand up for my beliefs and add my two cents, I take that opportunity. I see a lot of LGBTQ related threads where no one ever posts from the other side of the argument. Maybe they just don’t want to get into it, or maybe they don’t have the nerve. And that’s fine. I usually just ignore threads I don’t agree with. But on this thread I want to see the other side represented too, because we often get mislabeled as being mean and unaccepting, and I want to explain what many of us really believe. When I have posted my opinions in the past, others have replied anonymously thanking me for standing up when no one else had the guts. 

I always try very hard, when posting my opinions about these things, to be kind in my disagreement. Posting a comment that disagrees with the thread isn’t automatically rude. If there’s anything you find rude in my posts, feel free to tell me. I’m sure it’s unintentional.

And y’know what? I probably won’t change anyone’s mind about these things. I might make people angry. They might get mad at me and say nasty things. And if they do, so be it. It’s worth that risk for me to be able to stand up for what I believe in, and help others that agree with me know that they aren’t alone in their opinions.  

submitted by Leeli
(June 12, 2019 - 9:17 am)

@Leeli: If you posted something the disagreed with what I believed in, I would read it, and probably at least mentally add my own opinion. I'm sure a lot people would. But even if our opinions don't match up, I will still continue to respect and accept you, even we disagree. 

And I agree, posting a comment that disagrees with a thread is doesn't make it rude. However, a lot of the time on LGBTQ+ related threads, I see comments that are really unnecessary. They are not even sharing opinions most of the time, there is no purpose to those comments and all they do is add negativity to the thread. I am not talking about any comments where someone is politely stating their opinion even if it is a little different. 

And yes, I get that it is important to stand for what you believe in, but I feel like a lot of the LGBTQ+ threads are about positivity and arguing against the topic makes the thread a little more negative. Stating your opinion politely is okay, but sometimes it's best to keep opinions to ones self.   

submitted by Leo
(June 12, 2019 - 9:10 pm)

Hello Leo. :)

I did not mean to overgeneralize when I said "most CBers." I knew that someone would probably make a point of that right after I posted my comment, so thank you for bringing this up. 

My intention was not to assume that every CBer shares the same opinion I do, because I know over the years that through other discussions such as this, not every CBer shares the same opinion. When I said "most CBers," I was referring to those that I knew have some same beliefs as I do; some of which who I'm closer to and who are part of my generation of CBers/who are older CBers. 

This is what I meant by "most CBers." I do not wish to put names though, which is why I said "most CBers." 

I completely understand that there are also many who do not share the same opinions and beliefs I do, which is why it was probably not the best use of words to say "most CBers." So again, thank you for bringing this up. 

Also, thank you for respectfully stating your opinion on this issue. I wish not to start any fights, and I am open to hearing many others opinions, although I may not agree. So thank you again for respectfully stating your own opinion. We should accept everyone by just being kind, no matter the decision made, or whether they disagree or are different. We should respect the choice made to act upon their feelings, and not degrade the person for that. 

Thank you again for respectfully posting your opinion(s).  

 

 

submitted by Joan B. of Arc, age 16, Camelot
(June 12, 2019 - 12:32 pm)

@Joan:

I understand what you meant now, thank you for politely explaining. And I totally get it, it is easy to generalize and also to find the right words. Just remember that everyone's opinions are always at the very least slighty different, so the surest way is to stick to your beliefs and not assume others's. I totally get that you were not trying to do that, and it is also a very easy mistake that I have to constantly remind not to do. 

Also thank you, for politely expressing your opinions, and listenly to other people opinions too. Thank to everyone on the thread who has done that. It is always a struggle not to retaliate when you feel like your beliefs are being threatened or not understood, (I know because of personal experience.) So thank you for being respectful and open-minded about other's opinions and ideas. Kindness is so important, you are so right. So thank you again!

<3 

submitted by Leo
(June 12, 2019 - 6:34 pm)

@Admins Forgive me for asking, but, what happened to my comment? 

 

The admins review each comment carefully, to ensure that none are hurtful or too harsh or too mature. This takes time, especially on such a sensitive issue where feelings can run high. Some posts are deleted as not appropriate for the CB, whatever the intentions of the author.   

submitted by June
(June 11, 2019 - 8:56 pm)

@Leo, you stated all of my thoughts perfectly. We need to find a balance between standing up for what we believe in but also respecting what everyone else's opinions are.

@HoodedMidnight, I agree with your beliefs, but please remember that you are fighting for accpeptance- let's accept those with other opinions!

@Joan of Arc, I can understand what you are saying, and I respect your opinion, but I would like to know the reasoning behind your beliefs- why not support this part of peoples' identities? 

It makes me a bit disappointed to see that we've truned this thread that was directed to one person into a battleground in a war of beliefs, but I can understand how important it is for people to let their opinions be heard. Please keep in mind though, that there is a time and place to share certain things. 

@Members of the LGBTQ+ community, just know that you have my support and acceptance and I think you're amazing! I think every single person who posts on this site is amazing, no matter who you are, what you look like, what your beliefs are, what race you are, what religion you are, what you identify as, all of it! You all have my love. <3

Happy pride month, everyone! 

submitted by Soren Infinity, age 27 eons , BeaconTown
(June 12, 2019 - 9:35 am)

Hello Soren. :)

Please refer back to my 2nd post/reply to Hooded's message on the 2nd page of this post. It starts with the words "I see where you're coming from too." 

I hope this will explain a little bit more of where I am coming from. 

If you have any other questions, or need more clarification, please ask and I will try to answer to my best of abilities without going all "preachy" or anything. I do not wish to force my opinons and beliefs on anyone, and I do not wish to start any fight. 

I do not believe that this is a fight/war on this topic, or in your words, "a battleground in a war of beliefs," but I see this as a peaceful and respectful discussion about each other's beliefs and views. Sadly, I've seen worse wars/fights and disagreements about topics such as this on the CB.

Thank you for stating your opinion and views/beliefs on this topic respectfully. Again, please refer to my second post/reply to Hooded's message on the 2nd page of this post. 

 

submitted by Joan B. of Arc, age 16, Camelot
(June 12, 2019 - 12:41 pm)

Thanks, Joan. Kudos to you for being completely respectful this whole time!

I understand what you're saying, and I believe that people have the right to state their beliefs too. It looks like we've both done just that, even though I doesn't look like we have the same opinion.  And I'm okay with that.

Ah, now that I look back on that, that "battleground" statement was rather over the top- I was trying to imply that this wasn't an invitation to butt in with a bunch of things to say. It surprised me how many comments popped up on this thread- I've never seen something that was directed to just one person with a small statment go this crazy before!

Honestly, I'm a little overwhelmed. I am only 12, after all, and still figuring out life and how to live it. Thanks for your kindness and respect Joan. I've always looked up to you, and this hasn't changed that- you're an amazing role model and an important part of the CB! 

 

submitted by Soren@Joan, love your name btw
(June 13, 2019 - 12:32 pm)

Oh...Oh my. Oh dear no. 

I didn't mean for that to sound mean.   

I didn't mean to offend you all. 

I was just trying to say. 

That everyone is equal. 

And there's no reason to not like someone because of who they love.  

submitted by HoodedMidnight, age ..., Tired
(June 12, 2019 - 12:29 pm)

I agree with you Hooded, there is no reason to not like someone because of what they do, look like, or are. 

In my opinion, the expression of "who we are" has unfortunately been a little twisted today. 

I understand now that you were not trying to be mean. You were also only expressing your opinion. So I'm sorry that it seems I was attacking your own opinion. I was only trying to express my opinions and beliefs also, as I disagreed with yours. I'm sorry if it seems as if I was trying to force my opinions on you-that was not my intention.

I admire a person who speaks their opinion and belief(s) despite criticsm, and no matter if they may have others who disagree. Thank you for speaking up your own opinion. I love hearing different views and opinions because it helps me understand other people and their opinions a little bit more.

So thank you again. For expressing your opinion so I can understand you, and understand your opinion a bit more also. 

submitted by Joan B. of Arc, age 16, Camelot
(June 12, 2019 - 3:08 pm)

Well, I may as well throw my two cents in here.

@Not even saying: I can't speak for anyone else except me, but of course I accept you. I disagree with your opinion, yes, but I respect you as a human being and will treat you with the same dignity and kindness as anyone else.

Since I do not know who you are, I do not know how you behave around people who disagree with you. I do not know how you treat LGBT people, or even if you've met any in real life. I do not no enough to pass any kind of judgement on you. I do know, though, that people who are gay, trans, etc. have the right to be wary of people who hold your beliefs. I do know that the murder rates are vastly higher for transgender people. I do know that 40% of homeless youth in the US are LGBT+, when only 7% of the wider population is.

I do know that your form of "disagreement" results in a lot more death, pain, and loss than mine does. 

I am of the opinion that LGBT+ rights are not a politial issue or a religious issue, but a human issue. It is an issue that is intensely personal, with long-lasting visceral implications. It exists beyond the scope of statistics on a page or words on a computer screen. It exists within the lives of real people.

I'm aware I probably won't be able to change your mind about this, so I'm not going to attempt that. I can't make everyone agree with me. I just hope you choose to treat people with the same unconditional respect that I believe every human being under God deserves.

I will, though, ask that you consider this: Perhaps when a thread pops up discussing this topic, you can just click out, move on, and let that space remain for who it is meant to remain for.

After all, the rest of the world is already for you. 

submitted by Abigail, age Old enough, Inside my head
(June 12, 2019 - 12:59 pm)

Yes, yes, yes, yes, and, in case you missed it the first four times, yes. This is what I wanted to say. Thank you so much for making this post, Abigail!

submitted by Kitten, Pondering
(June 13, 2019 - 12:37 pm)