Chuck Straight

Smarties, I have been attending Richard's employee parties for the past 3 years. I like his coworkers, and on their invitations, it always says to bring "Chuck" instead of just a "guest". They treat me very well, and actually ask where I am if I wasn't able to be there with Richard for some reason. It's a relief for Richard knowing that he doesn't have to keep secrets at work, and he relates better to everyone because he can actually talk about what he does afterhours and on the weekends without homogenizing his conversations. Some of the girls at his office have asked if they could come with Richard and I to the gay clubs. They say they like the music better and feel safer for some reason. I myself haven't been bashed even once (I don't count high school experiences), or did I witness extreme verbal bashing personally, and I never have witnessed any physical bashing. And believe me, I know how lucky I am not to have witnessed any. So far, the only real "bashing" I have had to contend with is from my ex-wife, who didn't bash gays until after I came out. But I'll give her a pass because I know this whole thing was traumatic... for now (there's a whole story there too for some later time). Smarties, the entertainment world is literally a bumper-crop of gay people. And here in Los Angeles, there was a very good radio talk show host I used to listen to. He became very ill (not from AIDS) and had to give up his show. Like your guy in the UK, you didn't know he was gay until after listening to him for weeks. And I'll be listening to the link you sent. Maybe today while I'm supposed to be "working". I do appreciate it very much.

Better late than never... here goes. My partner and I got into our usual heated debate about "coming out" on , oddly enough, National Coming Out Day. He's the type of gay guy who believes it isn't important to tell anyone you're gay, because straight people don't go around telling everyone they're straight (I really hate that argument). But, as I've told him before; you don't have to hold back and remain silent when you could be telling someone about: Your boyfriend. Who you think is attractive. Telling people your opinion on gay marriage, and why. Discussing your past relationships. On and on

Is your bark worse than your bite, Mr Beast?

I think one of the reasons I didn't put a description to my blog was because I didn't really know what to say. It's an emotional story for me, and hard to write sometimes. I've written chapters and deleted them, just because I didn't think I was ready to talk about it yet. I'm not making up an excuse here, but whatever I seemed to write as a description seemed lame. I'm the same way when choosing glasses for myself. I always have to have someone come with me. Without a lot of thought, I just left it blank and just stuck the link in there. If someone happened onto it, that was fine. I'm not very good a promoting myself. Maybe the surprise (or horror) of reading my story without introduction, would evoke more sensitivity. A thought: I would like to go to the movies one night expecting to see the newest Hollywood blockbuster, sit with my $30 worth popcorn and water, have the lights go out... and have the movie replaced with a low budget, independent film. Maybe I wouldn't be happy at first, and if I didn't walk out, maybe I would actually get my money's worth for a change. Maybe there should be a Mystery Theater. You would go in and sit down, without a clue about what you were about to see. You wouldn't know if you were going to see a comedy, drama, biography, horror, romance... not a clue. No suggestion at all of what you were about to see... until you sat through it. No prejudgments. No anticipation. I think I'd like that. Truly though, I didn't write an intro to the blog because I really didn't know what to say, or how to say it. Everyone now has been so supportive. You've given me lots of ideas of how to proceed, and I really, really appreciate it. I think I'll need some technical help though. Hope some of you can help.

Excellent Celia. I will do that.

Thank you very much once again. Your advice and suggestions are very helpful, and welcome.

Thank you so much MikeL. I will do some checking.

So as not to anger any closet conservatives ("the rules and the rules" on a gay, artistic site), I'm going to attempt to figure out how to build one here, but still maintain the evil, off-site one too. My blog is emotionally draining, and since it's an account of my life, it's already difficult to write at times. I've thought about discontinuing completely and just journal to myself instead. But it is strangely cathartic, so I guess I'll keep going for a while. I hate working through all of the technical stuff of a new blogging site though. Thanks for your support you guys!

I think I'm here for good.

Yes. That's it. Thanks for your support and encouragement.

One day a traveler came to a strange new town, In the hope of sharing the tales of his journey, And rest with the comfort of tales he might hear. But at the threshold of the strange new place, The traveler met a gatekeeper. A man of high position by his many braids of gold laid upon him. The traveler was hoping for guidance and friendship in this new place, But alas, the gatekeeper not caring about the tale to be told, But instead with the rules to be kept, said, "Spamming for an off-site blog?" The traveler was exhausted and dismayed by the gatekeeper. For he asked not to hear the tale, But instead was more angered by the traveler's intrusion, And he remained steadfast in his resolve to enforce the rules. Surely this man of the town was well accustomed to meeting many strangers with stories to be told. Nay, that needed to be told. Soon another man with many braids of gold upon him came quickly. Looked down upon the lowly, ignorant traveler, and said, "Where are the moderators when you need them?" The traveler was tired and looking for comfort, for he did have a story to tell. And was saddened once again that these great men, with the braids of gold upon them, Had no interest in hearing the tale, but to only respect and enforce the rules of their land. The tale not as important than the rules, to respect and enforce. The rules more important than the story to be told. The traveler was confused by these two stately men at the gate. Sure they were wise and knew the traveler was only seeking comfort and a place to tell his tale. But they only looked down upon the traveler, And did not inquire about the tale, Nor offer him comfort. Another gentleman, yea, a constable of the city appeared. Surely with his standing and many gold braids, Would offer comfort to the traveler. But the constable was moved only but slightly, and said, With a heavenward lilt at the end of his say, "I thought it might be spam at first, but it seems harmless. It's not advertising or another and doesn't seem disruptive." The traveler was saddened and disheartened, For he thought that this place, Of all places, Was a place where stories were meant to be told. And shared.