Dr. Strangelove, Tulsa (11/7/2009 7:28:00 AM)

Good information. Tulsa Reaches Out sounds like a great organization. My family has only been touched by suicide once, and it was a close friend who was gay. I'll never forget the funeral and how painful suicide is for the family and friends.

Few Clothes, America (11/7/2009 8:00:02 AM)

How many succeeded?

Few Clothes, America (11/7/2009 8:01:43 AM)

I'm not being catty, I just would like to know.

marine2.0, (11/7/2009 8:09:57 AM)

Shocking an abnormal behavior,homosexuality, follwed by another abnormal behavior,suicide. Would never have made that connection.
How about we ask any grade schooler, or anyone for that matter-have you ever experienced bullying or harassment? I can safely say without a scientific study being conducted that 100% of the population has experienced some form of bullying and harassment. I think the root cause has something to do with that little thing called HUMAN NATURE.
What's with the Q?
"He said he realized he was gay at age 13 and came out at age 15."
Barely culpable of committing a crime and distinguishing right from wrong at that age. Why is that the mental maturity is ageless when it comes to homosexuality? Thanks for exploiting this young man.

FIRE GUNDY, TULSA (11/7/2009 8:55:03 AM)

And the bigot of the day award goes to......

scooter2, (11/7/2009 9:09:09 AM)

They need to turn their lives over to Jesus Christ and be set free. I have to agree with alot of Marine2.0's comment. It is an unacceptable livestyle with God. That is sound Bible teaching.

redbeard, Stillwater (11/7/2009 10:33:16 AM)

Many churches look down on gay people as evidenced by some of the comments above.I have sat in churches where the minister openly called gays "abominations" and called for Christians to not associate with them.

I've wondered why gay people don't start their own churches where they can feel at home and accepted.

redbeard, Stillwater (11/7/2009 10:43:36 AM)

On a positive note,my 9th grader tells me that there are many students at her school that openly admit they are gay and that this is acceptable,or "kewl" as kids today put it. Those who harrass these gay kids are looked down on and this behavior is not tolerated by most teachers.Maybe our kids are turning the tables on this kind of behavior.

marine2.0, (11/7/2009 10:47:21 AM)

I never said unacceptable,I said abnormal. I also did not and do not predicate my beliefs on a religious doctrine. I was just showing that for political sake some things are made to look extreme when in respect and contrast they are not so.
I don't know why anyone is gay and niether does anyone else. I just know that it is not a normal behavior within the consideration that defines a norm. I could care less if one is lbgtq or whatever.I only argue the politics. Your choices are your choices.

okpaul, Tulsa County (11/7/2009 11:02:42 AM)

Redbeard, There are several predominantly LGBT churches, MCC (Metropolitan Community Churches) is a large denomination. Over 30 churches in the area are affirming and welcome LGBT members in their churches.

Scooter,
What you suggest is what leads to suicide. It doesn't work. You can't turn your life over to God and change race. God created them Gay and that is what they will remain. Reparative therapy is a LIE

scooter2, (11/7/2009 11:38:30 AM)

okpaul, What I suggested definately does not lead to suicide. What I suggested is the best thing they can do. Turn their life over to Jesus Christ and let Him help them. He's really the only one who can. And if they come with a sincere heart and desire He will help them. Even nature teaches us this is wrong. I don't see how anyone could see this as acceptable. Whether religious beliefs or not. Common sense tells you it is wrong.

marine2.0, (11/7/2009 11:41:21 AM)

okpaul, did you really suggest that race and homosexuality are comparable?

What leads to the suicide is that instead of the acceptance that they are abnormal to which is fine, you and others try to make them believe that the lack of acceptance by others is the abnormal behavior and against them personally.Its like someone saying to me that I hate cops and I don't even know that person.Bias is out here and it always will be but carry yourself with confidence and don't give so much credence to the ignorance. That is just human nature. It is fine to not be defined by the norm, everyone has their various differences and behaviors. Promote the confidence in who they are as a person and stop basing it solely on the sexuality.

tbgalileo, Tulsa (11/7/2009 11:41:39 AM)

Marine, you seem to be falling back on the good 'ol argument that if they "choose" to be gay, then they "choose" to endure discrimination and harassment. Personally, I can't believe that people continue to think that sexual orientation is some "choice" that people randomly make, and even if it were, that "normal" folk have some inherent right to spit on someone for being different.

As far as bullying being an innate human nature, I call bs on that. Prejudice is very much taught and socialized. It is not natural to hate someone who is absolutely no threat to you in any way, simply to pad your own ego. And yes, discrimination against gay people is very much rooted in religion, regarless of whether that is your personal motivation or not.

okpaul, Tulsa County (11/7/2009 12:48:30 PM)

Scooter What I refer to is churches who condemn gays and tell them God hates them...this leads to suicide.
Jesus already loves them and he is saddened when people like you condemn them.
Marine-Do you choose your race? No you are born a race. Just like you are born gay. There is no choice.

nucleardad, Tulsa (11/7/2009 12:48:35 PM)

How many heterosexuals have thought of committing suicide?

nucleardad, Tulsa (11/7/2009 12:53:24 PM)

If someone gave me a hard time about being heterosexual I don't think I'd ever consider suicide. How many black people consider suicide because of racisim? How many Jews have killed themselves because they couldn't deal with anti-semitism? Any statistics?

marine2.0, (11/7/2009 1:29:21 PM)

tbj, take off your blinders and stop relying on emotion as your foundation for arguement. I don't know whether it is a choice or not and neither do you. Where did you come up with someone stating that there is an inherent (I hope you know the definition)right to spit on someone for being different. Actions and thoughts are very seperate and should not be confused.
You can call bs on bullying not being human nature but only if you can show me world peace. You place the arguements of preference under the elements of right and wrong and fail to accept what is reality. What does ego have to do with it? Lost me there.

okpaul, prove it. Give me the emperical evidence that supports your claim. Not some anecdotal belief but some real scientific evidence. Mind you I am not saying that it is not a choice but I am also not saying that it is. Don't know!

WeThePeople, Tulsa (11/7/2009 1:53:01 PM)

There is something really sick about 9th graders thinking it is kewl to be gay. This shows me that being gay is a learned behavior. You cannot equate being gay to being a different race. The reason gays are committing suicide at such a high rate is because, as it says in the book of Romans, chapter 1: God is giving those who engage in homosexuality up to a debased mind. Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetedness, etc. Who knowing the judgement of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

So we know that this type of behavior is judged by God. To let our children think, or accept, that homosexuality is "normal" is doing them a grave spiritual injustice. The suicide rate is evidence that there are spiritual consequences.

aint missbehavin, .. (11/7/2009 2:18:54 PM)

Well,I know probably where Im headed.Thats ok with me,knowing that I was just as nice to the gay fella buyin cig.as I was to the Jahovah witness's that leave their plamplets,as I was to the woman with the big diamond rings,as I was to the woman with the dirty bellyshirt and a half doz.kids.Now,this religious stuff ya got goin on just aint right,I'll tell ya that....I believe in the goodness of the lord.I believe that through Jesus Christ,everyone has a chance to go before his father thy God,through this everyone is equal until that day comes....If'n I wrong,I only have one request.....Thats to hold the door for and to be the last one in there when he fires up the ole grill.....God's gonna getcha,,,,,actually...He's just gonna judge.

Atticus, (11/7/2009 2:26:33 PM)

I think marine2.0 is gay.
See you Big Boys at the 2010 Tulsa Naturals: A Bodybuilding Event featuring lean, tan hard bodies in tight, skimpy posing trunks!!!

aint missbehavin, .. (11/7/2009 2:52:18 PM)

Marine 2.0 is allowed to there opinion.Its rather a little matter of thats what ya can here.If not,then push that button.Thats my story and Im stickin to it.

okpaul, Tulsa County (11/7/2009 3:54:45 PM)

Marine2.0 You say you don't know....
ALL scientific evidence, studies, etc point to that is is NOT a choice. I can't give all the links here, but do some research.

psychedelikrelik, Tulsa (11/7/2009 6:35:21 PM)

Young people, gay, straight or undecided, listen up! Suicide is not the answer.

My first husband and father of my daughter committed suicide six years ago. It was the single most selfish act I can imagine.

Don't be like that, be like ME! I will never even consider suicide, because it's what "they" want! If you off yourself, they're off the hook, you are no longer their problem. Show "THEM" by staying alive and being a pain in their @ $ $ forever!

psychedelikrelik, Tulsa (11/7/2009 6:38:45 PM)

"Even nature teaches us this is wrong. I don't see how anyone could see this as acceptable. Whether religious beliefs or not. Common sense tells you it is wrong."

Statements like this are evidence of the lack of support for science education in our state.

former tulsan 808, kailua kona (11/7/2009 7:18:57 PM)

mr. gillean, miss hoffman and mr. johnson are doing a wonderful service to the tulsa glbt community.

FUTURE WORLD, Tulsa (11/7/2009 8:07:32 PM)

And I say, other peoples sexual orientation and desires are non of my business. I judge not the sexual preferences of my friends or family. They are making choices for themselves and those choices should be respected by all.

Astro1, (11/7/2009 9:15:39 PM)

First of all, stop calling homosexuality a "behavior" and a "lifestyle." It is an EMOTIONAL STATE OF BEING, regardless of whether or not the person in question acts out a homosexual behavior or not.

From the American Psychological Association:
"Sexual Orientation is an enduring emotional, romantic, sexual or affectional attraction to another person....Sexual orientation is different from sexual behavior because it refers to feelings and self-concept. Persons may or may not express their sexual orientation in their behaviors."

I realized that I was homosexual when I was 16. To be more specific, I realized that I was strongly attracted to men. This is something that runs in my family: I am one of 5 siblings, and 3 of us are attracted to men! However, no one ever gave my sisters a hard time about it. I AM NOT INFERIOR to my 2 sisters, or my 2 brothers for that matter, and DON'T TRY TO MAKE ME OR ANYONE ELSE FEEL LIKE WE ARE!

I realized my homosexuality, my emotional state of being, at 16, but I never had any sexual experiences ("behavior" as some of you call it) until I was 26. (Married or single, I say to you that virginity at the age of 26 is definitely not normal or natural.) Desperately trying to be straight, I had sex with someone that I was not attracted to (that's because it was a woman.) It was not at all enjoyable, and I finally decided to stop "banging my head against the wall."

I definitely did not decide to be homosexual, I decided to be heterosexual. But there was only one thing missing: attraction to the opposite sex. Just "doing it" does not make you heterosexual, as I learned.

J C OK, Tulsa County (11/7/2009 9:23:26 PM)

Being gay or sexually active in the 9th grade is not kewl, period.

Until one is an adult one needs to wait to really decide sexually preference.

My nephew is gay and I truly believe it was environment. His mother would have driven him to not like the female.

cowboyneok, Tulsa (11/7/2009 9:29:23 PM)

Just want all the LGBT kids to know your older LGBT members of the community value and love each and every one of you as our little brothers and sisters.

You are our future!

Also, we've got your back 110%...

I salute these teens for being open and honest about what they know is their sexual orientation.

For those responding negatively to this article, try putting yourselves in the shoes of these young people or imagine yourselves being their loving and supportive parents. How would you like reading comments trying to justify the taking of one's life by calling them "abnormal?" Then again, obviously you are incapable of putting yourselves in other's shoes or you wouldn't have written the comments in the first place, huh?

Silence Dogood, (11/7/2009 9:34:33 PM)

Tragic.

Astro1, (11/7/2009 9:50:10 PM)

I did not have any sexual experiences until I was 26. But all during that time, from the time I realized that I was gay at age 16, I was still a homosexual, because I was strongly attracted to other guys. This is the definition of homosexuality, the feelings of attraction to members of one's own sex, NOT what many here refer to as "behavior." By trying to reduce the issue to mere behavior (something which IS chosen) you ignore the complex emotions which are part of what makes us human, and in effect dehumanize homosexuals.

Marine 2.0: you said to tbgalileo, "stop relying on emotion" I would highly recommend that you try a little emotion, and I mean those higher, loving emotions that I would like to think that you are capable of. You COULD try to listen to someone who is gay and you COULD try to understand. It's easier though to point a finger, stand in judgement, and call them abnormal. That's a choice, by the way.

In regard to the definitions that I have given on sexual orientation and homosexuality, I would agree with your statement, "Actions and thoughts are very seperate and should not be confused."

Astro1, (11/7/2009 10:10:02 PM)

J C OK, you said, "Being gay or sexually active in the 9th grade is not kewl, period." Redbeard said that the his 9th grader said that there are many students at her school that "openly admit they are gay and that this is acceptable,
or "kewl" as kids today put it." Nowhere did it say that they are sexually active (though some might be,) they just said they were gay. There is a difference between just realizing that they are gay and being sexually active (see my definitions in previous posts.) Also, the kids' use of "kewl" or "cool" seems to mean "that's OK" or "acceptable" (as redbeard stated) not "COOL!" as if it was something great. Many probably think that it's kewl that those students "admit" (bad choice of word, because it implies guilt) that they are gay.

Astro1, (11/7/2009 10:24:39 PM)

WeThePeople, you said that you believe that "being gay is a learned behavior." Give me a break! I didn't "learn" to be attracted to other guys, I just had those feelings, and it was not a choice. Who do you think would have taught me to feel that way? I didn't even know anyone else that had those feelings.

J C OK, you believe that your nephew's mother probably drove him to not like the female. By that logic, my dad's behavior would have driven me not to like the male, but I guess that didn't work.

You people have to get past these outdated theories.

When I read judgemental comments about gays, I take it personally, even if, and especially if they are referring to young people. I was that young person once. I agree with cowboyneok. But forget about putting yourself in my shoes; if you haven't lived in my skin, experienced my life and my feelings, you have NO RIGHT to judge, criticize or condemn me, and you obviously don't care.

Astro1, (11/7/2009 10:37:29 PM)

And marine2.0: As for Ben, the young man in the article, I know his mother and have read a piece he wrote about his experience. Don't sell him short, he is a very intelligent young man and wants to help other young people who are going through the same things that he has. (They need a sympathetic and understanding voice from somewhere, because they certainly won't find it from some of the judgemental posters here.) Far from being exploited, he puts himself out there in articles like this for that reason, and his mother supports him. Wish I'd had that kind of support.

@ last, (11/7/2009 11:41:31 PM)

I'm a very tolerant person..but my God I hate the word kewl

Sanity, Broken Arrow (11/8/2009 1:21:33 AM)

I have heard it said that gays are not gay. It must be true.

I think the ideal relationship is one loving sex partner for life. Gays don't think that way.

FUTURE WORLD, Tulsa (11/8/2009 1:26:55 AM)

Sanity I don't really care. For me a persons sexual orientation is none of my business. Should it be yours?

godless, (11/8/2009 11:48:21 AM)

you said -
"If someone gave me a hard time about being heterosexual I don't think I'd ever consider suicide. How many black people consider suicide because of racisim? How many Jews have killed themselves because they couldn't deal with anti-semitism?"

Blacks and Jews don't have christians constantly saying things like "you are an abomination to God" or "You're going straight to hell for your lifestyle."
you said "Even nature teaches us this is wrong."

It does? Same-sex coupling occurs in the wild within many species.... what "nature" are you referring to?"

you said "I think the ideal relationship is one loving sex partner for life. Gays don't think that way."

They don't? Every gay or lesbian friend that I have has been in a committed relationship longer than most heterosexual friends that I have. The fact that gay or lesbian individuals might be seen as "bed hoppers" could be a result of the restrictions forced upon them by those who dislike their lifestyle - how many single heterosexuals do you know that remain with a partner outside of marriage for more than a few years? Single people date - and rarely devote their lives to a single partner until they commit to marriage.

Marriage between gays and lesbians, as we know, is fairly new to the community as an option.

Astro1, (11/8/2009 12:58:40 PM)

Thank you, godless, for your timely comments!(Hey, maybe there IS a God!) I have also known many same-gender couples in long term, committed relationships. Sanity's remark indicates what he or she WANTS to believe or what the anti-gay people want them to believe.

psychedelikrelik, Tulsa (11/8/2009 2:20:15 PM)

"I think the ideal relationship is one loving sex partner for life. Gays don't think that way."

Nuh-uh. Stop generalizing.

My sis-in-law was with her long-time life partner until death did them part. My bro-in-law and his partner have been together in an exclusive relationship for many years.

Sean Carlson, (11/8/2009 2:40:28 PM)

On the off chance that some LGBT youth in Tulsa, or anywhere else for that matter, is reading this:

There is nothing wrong with you. You are beautiful, and unique, and what you are feeling is completely normal. You don't have to answer to the rest of the world, and you are not alone.

Give it time, it gets SO much easier. It is not wrong, and you are not at fault. There is no shame in being who you are, and you don't need to be afraid.

Bullies will be bullies. But more often then not, they are the ones hurt most in the end.

Be strong. And read... there are countless others who have come before you who can guide you, even from your little corner of the world. You are not alone.

Denver918, (11/8/2009 3:14:21 PM)

Through the works of these people in the article the GLBT community in Tulsa grows stronger every day. Tulsa's community is now one of the largest in the region which is a testament to the hard work of its leaders.

Rayhawk, (11/8/2009 3:36:34 PM)

When I was growing up I never made a choice to be gay or straight. I was gay. I made the choice to be straight, to get married and to have children, and to be accepted by my community. I have children, but I am twice divorced. My choice to be straight was wrong and hurt everyone involved. Being normal and natural was right and I raised those two children with a loving same sex partner. My relationship with my partner has lasted longer than either of my marriages, we have never fought..honestly...never had a raised voice argument. Both my sons raised only by women, their fathers were never involved in their lives and their only male family a grand father and an uncle died early in their lives. They are both very masculine young men who are also very straight. Seems that being raised in a gay household did not cause them to be gay or effeminate, they are exactly how they were intended by nature to be because we never did enforce any type of identity or religion on them. They are both accepting of sexual identity and orientation, they both are registered to vote. They are the future...just like all the gay teens and their supportive friends. Stick around, it's hard being true to your own self in a world full of people who seem to think just because the majority of humans are attracted to the opposite sex this means it's normal.

One day you will be voting and you will make sure your children and grandchildren do not have to struggle the way you have. Be strong and be true to yourselves. If you are not causing harm to another living being or their personal property you are a good normal person and have much to be proud of.

Rayhawk, (11/8/2009 3:50:30 PM)

@Sean, Great words :) Very true. There are countless others who have indeed come before you and know and understand your struggles. Reach out, they can and will often be more than willing to support and guide you through these tough times. It does indeed get easier, suicide is a permanent fix for a temporary problem. If you are reaching that level, reach for help first. Someone can hold your hand for a little while and help you through the rough spots, really...you are not alone.

okie ridgerunner, Small Country Town State Line (11/8/2009 5:47:46 PM)

I disagree with and do not like the life style of gay people.I think it is wrong.But i do not hate them are wish them any harm because i disagree with them.
They treat me with respect and i will treat them with respect.we are all human even if we dont look and act the same.

cowboyneok, Tulsa (11/8/2009 9:26:49 PM)

First of all, there is no one gay "lifestyle." I rarely go to gay bars or any bars period. I'm a recovering drug addict / alcoholic and have been clean and sober from drugs and alcohol for six years, one month and twenty eight days. Back when I turned to drugs and alcohol that was a destructive "lifestyle."

Tonight, at my church, we celebrated one gay couple's 24th anniversary and a lesbian couple's 25th anniversary. For one to say we all have one "lifestyle" is like gays and lesbians trying to say every heterosexual lives the same kind of lifestyle.

How would it feel if your committed relationships were compared to, say, those heterosexual people who get married in Las Vegas and divorced in twenty four hours? Or how about comparing a committed gay or lesbian relationship of fifty years to a heterosexual "lifestyle" marriage of, say, around THREE divorces?

Being lesbian or gay is a sexual orientation. How we live our lives is a "lifestyle." We don't all live the same way. Calling our sexual orientation a "lifestyle" also is a deliberate attempt to stereotype and diminish our community as human beings. For instance, my gay "lifestyle" consists of helping my partner raise a kid while I focus on going to my progressive open church, and also attend twelve step meetings. I do not hang out in bars, or use drugs or alcohol. I'm done with that particular "lifestyle." I've been gay my entire life but I've lived RADICALLY different "lifestyles." The constructive "gay lifestyle" I live today is good for me and my community.

Don't get me wrong. I'm no saint, but I try to work daily on developing my spirituality and trying to give back to my community. I want to see the next generation of LGBT kids live in a more open, tolerant and equal society. I want to give those kids contemplating suicide a reason for hoping they have a future because, given the chance, they DO!

Shauna, (11/9/2009 5:24:40 AM)

@okpaul. Actually, the scientific evidence basically proves that being LGBT is genetic. A good starting point is the "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism," Vol 85, No 5.

Trust me when I say that this is not a choice. There is no way that I would choose to be transgendered. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy! Nevertheless, this is how I was created.

The stress and strain of being different is enough to drive anyone to consider suicide. No, it is not an answer, but you are not looking at it through the eyes of being LGBT. From our side, suicide can appear to be an escape.

Don't try to "change us. Don't try to "pray us straight." It doesn't work. All we want to do is live our lives. We're human, just like everyone reading this thread. We should be treated with the same dignity and respect that ALL humans deserve.

Dignity and respect are all we ask. We will settle for nothing less.

Thank you.

~ A transgendered public high school science teacher.

FIREHAWK, Tulsa (11/9/2009 7:54:00 AM)

marine....I doubt it.

FEW CLOTHES...if they were successful I seriously doubt they would be answering a poll question.

Tim Denver, Denver (11/9/2009 3:11:47 PM)

Let's see, you're a young person, gay, living in the bible belt, surrounding by homophobic, bible thumpers, feeling like you have nowhere else to go.....I think the numbers are probably inflated, however.

Being gay is not a choice. it is simply who you are. We have an obligation to ourselves and to society in general to accept people for who they are, and value humanlife equally, be it gay/straight or whatever.

The hateful comments being thrown around by homophobes is pathetic.

Anyway, Marine2.0, what leads you to believe being gay is a choice? What, when you were on the verge of reaching puberty did you get a packet of material from the U. S. Department of Sexual Orientation?

Rocketman, Tulsa (11/9/2009 3:31:28 PM)

Well, I have finally come to realize we need gay people. What would we do for interior decorators and hair stylist if we did not have gay men? Oh, and fashion designers and habadashers.

When I am shopping for clothes I always look for the most effeminate man in the store to help me. HGTV and TLC would have to drastically change their programing if they could not find enough gay men to dress up the ladies and do the interiors of homes.

We would not have many female stand up comics either or anyone to go see WNBA games or watch the LPGA.

Is there anyone I forgot to mention?

Shauna, (11/9/2009 5:53:35 PM)

@Tim Denver - Actually, my information suggests that the numbers are under reporting. A pole I ran suggest that upwards of 65% of the adult trans community has either tried to commit suicide or stopped just short. Teen suicide attempt rates are always higher than adults because they have not learned coping skills yet.

In terms of stereotypes, something to keep in mind that upwards of 50% of the adult trans community are former soldiers. I know one woman who trained Allied forces in arctic warfare before she transitioned. Another who retired from the Navy SEALS as a full chief. A third who flew Marine gunships in combat. From what I have been told, the Special Ops commander during Operation Desert Storm retired immediately after the war...and transitioned. Combat veterans all.

We are cops. Firefighters. EMT's. Search & Rescue workers. Scientists. Ministers. Doctors. Lawyers.

So, yeah, we do more than just color co-ordinate. We are everywhere.

Rocketman, Tulsa (11/9/2009 6:00:31 PM)

Shauna, you are kidding me right? I am going to closely inspect my wife tonight. What should I look for?

Thunder196, Tulsa (11/9/2009 7:04:38 PM)

What difference does it make if someone is or isn't gay. They have a right to their private life, as I feel I am entitled to mine. It is no else's business. People need to live their own lives and keep their noses out of other people's lives.

Shauna, (11/9/2009 7:43:37 PM)

@Rocketman. Not kidding. I'm giving it to you straight...

Assuming I still use the word "straight." ;-D

Mr. Brown, Kanagawa, Japan (11/9/2009 9:03:13 PM)

A female Navy Seal? Amazing.

Shauna, (11/9/2009 10:39:49 PM)

@Mr Brown. Before she transitioned, she was a he.

Elusive, the burbs (11/10/2009 1:18:53 AM)

I don't think a poll of 100 students is definitive proof of the risk of suicide although I can certainly understand that they would be at risk.

I think if you polled all high schools that you would find a large percentage of all students that have had thoughts of suicide. I think it is something nearly everyone has thought about especially in those difficult teen years.

I would like to see a national study on both heterosexual and homosexual teens and young adults.

fld11, (11/10/2009 9:11:51 AM)

Stating that suicide is a selfish act is simply a feeble attempt to place blame on the dead person. Everyone in the dead person's life was a part of the decision and it's disgusting to listen to the psychobabble of these people blaming the dead person exclusively. Put out the incense and get rid of the yoga and deal with reality for a change.

oklahomo, (11/10/2009 10:12:44 AM)

I have some advice for gay teenagers in Oklahoma. Don't have sex before you're able to support yourself. Do study; it's the best way to get of a bad situation. Don't trust any adult who is sexually interested in you; any worthwhile adult should only be interested in what's best for you and has no right to ANY kind of selfish interest in you. Do avoid the garden variety religious psychopaths and closet cases (Hi, Marine 2.0!) who tell you you're evil or abnormal. Do assert your rights to life and human dignity. Do value love more than sex.

Tedd, Tulsa (11/10/2009 11:10:31 PM)

Scooter, get a clue! What works for you does not work for everybody. Some of us have no interest in your mythology. If it works for you, super. And no, your beliefs are NOT universal truth, no matter how much you might like to think so.

DelawareSooner, Newark, DE (11/12/2009 1:50:35 PM)

Wow. This forum hasn't turned ridiculously hateful. What gives, folks?

I'm in agreement with the others who posted that, given the fact they're taking a survey, suicide didn't work out...

psychedelikrelik, Tulsa (11/12/2009 1:56:24 PM)

"...deal with reality for a change."

Listen, fld11, I HAVE been dealing with the reality for six years now! The reality of losing my partner of over 20 years. The reality of raising our daughter without her beloved daddy.

You need to take your hateful ignorance and shove it where the sun don't shine, buddy.

psychedelikrelik, Tulsa (11/12/2009 1:57:14 PM)

The VICTIMS are those left behind.

DelawareSooner, Newark, DE (11/12/2009 10:32:06 PM)

I stand corrected.

Jeff in Tulsey Town, (11/19/2009 2:34:07 PM)

Wow. The ignorance is staggering on this comment forum. I still think it's really interesting how any article on the TW site that has anything to do with sex or sexuality (typically homosexuality) will get more comments than seemingly anything else. Granted, those comments generally skew toward anti-gay rhetoric unfortunately. Still, they seem to be the most popular articles. Kind of queeer, don't you think? (had to misspell the q word to get it past the sensors)

I gotta stop reading these. I wouldn't stop on the street and listen to some stranger spew verbal bile at me. Why should I listen to it here?

Jeff in Tulsey Town, (11/19/2009 2:35:57 PM)

Wow. The ignorance is staggering on this comment forum. I still think it's really interesting how any article on the TW site that has anything to do with sex or sexuality (typically homosexuality) will get more comments than seemingly anything else. Granted, those comments generally skew toward anti-gay rhetoric unfortunately. Still, they seem to be the most popular articles. Kind of queeer, don't you think? (had to misspell the q word to get it past the sensors)

I gotta stop reading these. I wouldn't stop on the street and listen to some stranger spew verbal bile at me. Why should I listen to it here?

Jeff in Tulsey Town, (11/19/2009 2:36:52 PM)

Wow. The ignorance is staggering on this comment forum. I still think it's really interesting how any article on the TW site that has anything to do with sex or sexuality will get more comments than seemingly anything else. Granted, those comments generally skew toward anti-gay rhetoric unfortunately. Still, they seem to be the most popular articles. Kind of queeer, don't you think? (Sorry, I had to misspell the q word to get it past the sensors)

I gotta stop reading these. I wouldn't stop on the street and listen to some stranger spew verbal bile at me. Why should I listen to it here?

Jeff in Tulsey Town, (11/19/2009 2:37:04 PM)

Wow. The ignorance is staggering on this comment forum. I still think it's really interesting how any article on the TW site that has anything to do with sex or sexuality will get more comments than seemingly anything else. Granted, those comments generally skew toward anti-gay rhetoric unfortunately. Still, they seem to be the most popular articles. Kind of queeer, don't you think? (Sorry, I had to misspell the q word to get it past the sensors)

I gotta stop reading these. I wouldn't stop on the street and listen to some stranger spew verbal bile at me. Why should I listen to it here?

jsangirardi, Tulsa (11/19/2009 7:47:39 PM)

I think that these findings are startling and horrific. Sadly this problem cannot be fixed easily by even teaching people about gay people, because many if not most people would tern away from any information. I feel obligated though to address some issues.

When one discovers or realizes that they are not accepted by the society they live in their mind gives them two options. Acceptance of that fact(which can cause depression) or rebellion. If you go to places in the world where gays are just another part of society, you don't find them acting any differently then the majority, except for being with someone of the same sex.

So, for those who are indifferent towards gays but dislike/don't tolerate the flamboyant or butch ones, accept them.

If you want to see them have ONE partner and have long lasting relationships, accept them.

If you want them to not have such a high rate of drug abuse, accept them.

If you are a Christian and want to go to Heaven, abide by your own doctrine and let God do the judging. In the end, according to that doctrine, he created all of us and loves all of us, so accept gays.

If you are capable of compassion and can realize that you may not ever understand what it's like to be someone else, accept gays. (like if you are a man or woman and can't understand what it's like to be the opposite sex, or understand what it's like to be have different color skin)

If you are capable of the most human of emotions, unconditional love or your fellow Man, accept those who are different than you. Accept gays. Accept me.

And accept that no matter whether you understand or support who I am or not, whether you restrict my rights or protest against me, whether you pray for my guidance or yell at me on the streets, I will still love you unconditionally. Because I may be gay, but firstly, I'm human.

Thanks to those who read this. It means a lot.

myownguy, Tulsa (11/25/2009 7:49:40 PM)

Said: "dustyoutlaw, Tulsa (11/25/2009 12:30:55 PM) I have something to say to the gay people reading this thread.
I'm 63, a white heterosexual male. I grew up in Oklahoma in the 50's & 60's. At age 9 or 11 or whatever it was (memory fades) a gay male pedophile tried to abduct me off the street while I was walking home from the grocery store.
Clear up until I was nearly 30 gay males hit on me constantly.

This is hilarious. A great Oklahoma football star being hit on by gays 30-40 years ago. I doubt that. And if they did, I doubt that you just walked away from them.

And now we know why you like to talk about pedophiles so much. You must be very intrigued by them.

Either that dusty, or you make them up as you go along.

And I just bet all the gays at the flea market are really looking for a toothless wonder as their next score.