Freerider

This story starts off great. The gay main character finds himself in a hetero dominated environment. He is living a normal life. But there is a drawback. His insecurities, fears and the complications for his sex life are buried, maybe even accepted up to a point. That is the way he survives in his world. The author has written a story that conveys the main characters feelings in an excellent way. The development of the characters is very true to life. No shortcuts. Really well written. At this point I would have given this story 6 out of 5 stars! However, towards the end of the story the author decided that extra drama was needed. In my opinion unnecessary and unfortunate. The 'reset button' could have been reached in a different way, more in line with the rest of the story. All in all an excellent story, which I wholeheartedly recommend!

Yes, it is working again. Thanks, Myr.

Hi, I want to change the title of an image in my gallery. Previously when I clicked on a picture in my gallery I had a dropdown titled 'Manage Image' with the option to edit the image data. Now I only see 1 option 'delete image'. What happened, or what did I do wrong?

I humbly apologise for calling you a heterosexual... oh... and a woman The rushed part could well be the editing. Because other parts were as I have come to expect of you. I agree that the focus on the relationship fits well. Maybe not so much in George his own character, but he knows his wife is happy that her son is at least in a relationship. Not being in one would be even more sinful than he already is. George will take this into account. But Billy is happy about this and that does not seem to fit. In my opinion any gay son would at least have problems with the focus on the relationship by a father. The doubt of acceptance will at least have had him think "So, you like Brett so much, but what about if he was not my bf? Would you and mum accept me too?" Normally such a thing is not missed by you. Hence my "suspicion" that a heterosexual (not in touch with this fundamental doubt) woman (a monogamous relationship is the holy grail) wrote this father/son part.

I am a big fan, but... ...I could swear this chapter was not written by @jkwsquirrel. More specifically, it seems like it was written by a straight female with heterosexual norms. Call me over sensitive, but why is there so much focus by George on Brett and Billy being in a loving relationship? Why is he not just proud of his son? Now he is saying it like he is proud of their relationship... more than of the persons they are. This focus on the relationship is so... not male, nor homosexual. Also the beginning seemed a bit rushed, not your usual style of writing. I know george is a good guy, that is not the point I am trying to make.

So now Joey is not going to tell? When I reasoned the same a few chapters ago, nobody took me seriously!

I don't know what to say, besides: Beautiful! It may be personal to you. If it is, I wish it is only temporary. But I am sure that this one is personal to many people!

No I seriously have never seen them/it.

I have no idea what you are saying here LOL

Wow, Jake made some progress here! How will the team react? Not too bad I hope, so he can concentrate on listening what Sam has to say about Andrew...

I love it! So many angles to this story

Yes, you left some things out. Unfortunately I can fill the parts in as we have heard stories like these far too often! And please remember that the price you are paying is the price for doing the right thing. Any bigot or religion telling you otherwise is simply wrong!

Discussion forum:

I totally agree with all the posts on what should be done to hypocritical, condemning people that think they have the moral high ground, because they believe in something very illogical and unproven. But I don't think that is what is the main issue here. Joey sees someone with destructive behaviour and it is hurting one of his friends (Brett). To the point where he sees his friend getting hurt. How can he not (verbally) attack Billy? Ok, assaulting is a bit too much, but I can see where he is coming from. But most of all: don't forget that Billy is telling us the story. It is his view and he is far from innocent. And it is also his view on Joey that we get to read. It does not have to be objectively true. Reading the responses that others gave Billy is very clarifying.

Thanks you for satisfying my unbridled curiosity. So, I guess he came out and was kicked out? I am sorry to hear of the troubles. I applaud you for having him live with your family, despite the difficulties! I guess when he turns 18 the parents have no saying over his life anymore and he is free to stay where he wants to stay? Hopefully things get easier then and he'll find a new sweet bf

Joey gave Billy a reality check. For the most part he was right with his assessment of Billy. Why is everybody angry with him? I know he is a hypocrite, but he is also just a boy going along with what his family expects of him. Most of his traits, like his arrogance, are just perceived by Billy because he hates him. What Billy did is unforgivable. Especially the way he did it. And he may have destroyed his relation with Brett, his parents and Justin in a very short period. To use Joey's words: Billy, you are so smart. But what are you doing with it?

Hi @SolarMaxx, I came across this thread and am very curious what has happened since then. How is your nephew now? Did he come out? Did you finally open up to him?

I see. I my opinion you are handling this well I suppose you have asked him what it is exactly that he is scared about?

It seems you have talked about this openly. Why not keep this going and explain to him how you see him? It is only a small step from there to explain that his words of doubt hurt you.

Wonderfully written! I could feel the rain and the rejection as I was reading. May I ask how tall you were/are?

Yeah, well Hamlet was wrong on this one...

Yes, well the underlying "math" is not really anything logical James Randi once did a nice experiment on astrology. If you are interested:

I don't use it. I don't want to offend you but you do know there is no real science behind that?

Ava will fix it!

That brought back a distant memory. I received a call like that. It was a guy that sounded much older to me. I was 12, maybe 13 at the time. He told me I was such a nice boy and asked me if I played with myself or with my friends... It freaked me out and I told my mom. I don't remember her reaction, but she probably told me to just end the call. It happened once more and I think he got the message I was not cooperative. No regrets over missed chances, I still think it was some weirdo...