SolarMaxx

OK -- I can follow that reasoning. I don't think I've ever thought about it that way before. I've never been to a gay bar, but I have seen the youth-dynamic play out elsewhere -- mostly among guys! If I'm really honest about it, I may have even been guilty of it myself when I was still in college!

I'm not saying that superficial attributes SHOULD be a cultural imperative -- but the fact is, in the eyes of the vast majority living in most western-world societies -- they are! I'm not clear on why the importance varies between social sectors, but apparently it does! I agree that, by definition, when people fall in love surface qualities become less important -- and that's as it should be. But I have admit I personally wouldn't want to grapple with a twenty year age gap -- younger or older -- in a relationship. I honestly don't have a problem with couples who choose it, but I'm way too lazy and insecure to want it for myself -- it just sounds like a hatching-disaster! It would be a wonderful world if we could all value each other primarily for character, virtue and inner beauty. I hope someday humanity evolves into that -- say in the next 40 years or so, when I'm seventy and needing an edge!

I agree, age does matter in any society that places a premium on youth and beauty, for better or worse. But why would it matter "immensely" in the "gay world" as opposed to being equally as important in any other sector of society?

As usual, I saw this chapter posted and immediately dropped what I was doing to take a Billy Chase break! I really like the way your developing Billy's gradual insight into his father's motives and behaviors through introspection -- although it seems he has a ways to go, and some baggage to lose. And I hate to say it, but I'm feeling increasingly bad for Jimmy LaPlane now -- even though he helped engineer his own downfall through deceitful manipulation. So I'm a chump, what can I say -- I can relate to Jimmy's pain. But the tension is killing me! What will Jimmy say and do when he finds out Brandon's back in the picture? And how will Brandon react to Billy's bold message. I've got to stop reading these chapters before bedtime! Thanks for all your hard work -- it's always appreciated.

Hahaha -- I never thought about what percentage of members in my gym are gay! I wonder if I'm better off not knowing?

The original question used the term "MEDICAL PROCEDURE" instead of the word "PROCESS" -- I changed it to avoid offending anyone with the onerous implication that gay is a illness requiring a cure! I also left out the word "YOU". My ADHD must be kicking up again! There's a process for that too -- but I refuse to take the meds!

When I turned 14, I finally admitted to myself that I was attracted to both sexes -- and it terrified me! I grew up in a conservative community nestled among the corn fields and farms of the Midwest heartland -- and I knew, almost instinctively that same-sex attraction in any form was one of the lines that absolutely could not be crossed! I believed that being true to myself and admitting my feelings would mean social suicide and disgrace -- so I didn't admit it -- and I began the lonely process of living with a lie! But I had also been fervently taught that "you can't lie to God. . ." and I came to believe, in horror, that I would be spending my eternity in hell! I hated the isolation of being ostracized from my faith by something I didn't choose, and didn't want at that time! Since then I've matured in my spiritual and social beliefs and I see things much differently! Now I actually enjoy the ability to appreciate the sensuality of both sexes. Yes, It did take me a while to get there, and I still carry some psychological baggage! But when your 14 years old, and still figuring out your moral compass, conflict can be confusing and stressful. I wouldn't want to relive that aspect of my adolescence -- but I value the insight it provided -- because it gives me a special empathy for those struggling to find peace and balance while straddling two worlds. If the technology existed to allow people to chose their sexuality -- and I believe it will, someday soon -- I wouldn't want to judge someone for using it to reconcile their heartfelt convictions -- anymore than I would want to be judged for not using it to preserve mine.

Your right zaf89, using the term "medical" in the question could be interpreted badly. Someone asked me this question not to long ago, and that's how they structured the wording. It's not my impression that anything negative was intentionally being implied.

The question is not meant to imply anything negative! I've talked with a number of people who suffered badly in their teens, and even in adulthood because of religious and social pressure and biases brought to bear. Nobody is saying gay is better or worse than straight -- but gay does make the world a more complex and difficult maze to navigate for a lot of people -- and depending on where you live, it can be a lonely existence.

If there was a safe and easy process available that could change Gay to Straight -- would make a change?

They played this song during the closing credits of White House Down, and I can't lose it!

Congrats Fax -- you just keep getting better and better! This has got to be my favorite chapter so fare! I love how you've defined the characters! And Fiona is definitely my favorite -- possibly because she reminds me so much of a close friend I had in high school who was famous for tipping the room sideways by saying out load what everyone else was thinking! I really hope we see a lot more of Fiona in the future. She great! I also like the honest, playful interchange between Asher and Ben. A little humor -- a few awkward moments of discovery -- it really works well. Everyone should be so lucky as to find that kind of love in their teens. This is a perfect setting, with interesting dialog, and people I really enjoy caring about. Five stars on this one -- can't wait to see what happens next! I wanted to sprinkle some emoticons into this review, but my touch-screen is overheating from all red-hot paragraphs I just read -XD Maxx

WOW Comsie -- another great chapter! I've been addicted to this story and characters since paragraph one! Whenever a new chapter is posted, I drop whatever I'm doing and gobble it up like an addict after a fix! The passages where Billy considers Brandon's "blind devotion" are a warm and sensitive reflection -- and one of the most heartfelt I've ever read. I couldn't resist reading them back to myself again this morning! The sweet ache of love -- it's a thing of beauty! Thanks for pouring so much energy and passion into this story. Now I'm trapped! On one hand I can't wait to see how it ends -- one the other, when it does I'm going to suffer withdrawals! Maxx

Thanks Robert -- you've definitely given me some new things to think about. The "Punishing Parents..." angle never even occurred to me. I don't know how much of this thread you've read, but there's a lot of moving parts to the problem. For one thing, he's being open and honest with me and I'm basically lying to him! That's really starting to eat at me! I've thought about telling him about my own sexual identity in support, but I can't make myself do it. I honestly don't know why -- but that's my baggage to deal with, and he shouldn't have to. I think the big issue for him now is fear! I'm not sure how to properly say this, but he doesn't have the kind of personality or mannerisms that will make it easy for him to conceal being gay much longer. Somehow I guess I never really noticed it until this summer! There's already a lot of suspicion in the family. He doesn't want to talk about school much, so we don't -- and he's made it very clear he no interest in girls, period! So I'm not going to stick my hand in that fire again! He promises not to come out unless I'm there with him -- and definitely not until after the holidays. I won't lie, that prospect scares the living hell out of me! When I was fairly young I saw my dad beat my brother (his father) bloody with a piece of chair for much less! Anyway, getting involved with this site and talking with compassionate people like yourself has been great. It has really helped me through a dark time. And somehow, I'll figure this out -- I always do. Maxx

Welcome Linux -- I've only been here a few months myself but I'm already addicted! I never knew people like this existed -- smart, sensitive and caring -- some of the best people I've ever communicated with. I hope this experience is as rewarding for you. Maxx

As much as I appreciate succinct answers -- may I ask why? Maxx

Hahaha -- what a wonderful thought! I'll have to run some trials and get back to you. I might have a shot of writing under the influence -- but reading?

I was never a big fan of that show but my sister was. I tried to watching the behind-the-scenes movie but found it incredibly boring! I ended up turning it off after 30 minutes or so. Maxx

Yes -- I did it a couple of times when I was still in college. Both times it started out good -- but didn't last long. I think it depends on what caused the breakup. I hate to say it, but there's no getting around certain problems. I personally can't handle cheating! On the up side, I did manage to salvage a least one really good friendship that has lasted to this day. Some people are worth a second chance. Maxx

Thanks to everyone who took the time to wish me well -- wish I had seen this a little sooner -- my ADHD has been kicking my ass lately! Lots of amazing people here.

Thanks Fax -- I guess I missed this until now. It's been a crazy months, and somehow these birthdays are starting to pile up!

Chevy Knight -- He Met Her -- played during the closing credits of Whitehouse Down.

Camel spiders! Wicked!

I agree with Zombie -- It does seem common for writers to use ideas and themes originated by others to as a springboard to create new material. I would post the stories you finished as co-authored by both of you. It would be a great tribute to your friend. I have a thick folder of incomplete story ideas and I love the idea that someone I cared for might carry them to fruition if I couldn't. Maxx

Hi -- sort of new here myself, but I've already talked with a few cool people. Some of these stories are amazing too. This site is definitely worth the time.