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How do you find community? Ever feel like you're the only person you know who isn't straight? How do you deal with it? How do you meet other queer teens, whether you live in a large city with a gay/lesbian community center or a rural area with no visible presence? Do you feel isolated by your sexual orientation? How do you combat that?
------------------ Limes Are Sublime
Posts: 1101 | From: San Francisco | Registered: Jun 2000
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I kinda did. But then I was talking with a friend (now my g/f) who kinda forced me to come out (that sounds harsh, but there's no other way to put it). So then I didn't feel so left out cuz I knew about her (before we started going out) and she told me about some other people. But I don't go to clubs or anything, to answer your question.
Posts: 290 | From: Minneapolis | Registered: Feb 2001
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I used to but then a girl at my school came out. It was such an incredible relief, the feeling that you aren't alone is the best in the world. I would be willing to do anything to help someone else the way she helped me. Profound, isn't it?
Love--good schtuff!
Posts: 356 | From: Phoenix--name that plurally | Registered: Dec 2000
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I think it gets easier to find "community" (I won't rant about this term right now...) as you get older. I used to feel entirely alone, but now it's not even an issue. I don't feel that I need to seek out gay spaces, because so many of my friends happen to be gay/bi. It used to be miraculous to find out someone, anyone, even Smithers on the Simpsons, was gay. Now I don't bat an eyelash.
Of course, I am lucky enough to live in a big city, so I've never faced really intense stigma... but I'd say, even in more rural areas, I'm sure there are some open minded folks. They can't plead ignorance anymore, with the wide availablity of media...electronic revolution or whatever.
Anyway, I'm rambling. I guess I'm saying that in the future, I don't think this whole "community" idea will be so important. That's my hope anyway.
[This message has been edited by Rizzo (edited 02-24-2001).]
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