Graeme

Really nice. Good character development for Chris, Blake, and Ben, and already lots of interest. I'm not a great fan of alternating first person narratives, but so far you've got the story to carry it off. Well done!

Thank you!

That's something I have to bow to you. I've never seen or encountered much in the way of outright homophobia. Homophobic comments, yes, but nothing to the degree that I believe you've experienced. I was wandering the streets of Wellington, New Zealand, before Christmas (it was a pleasant weekend and I went for a walk), and a couple of men, probably late thirties, ran past me. One chasing the other. The leading guy allowed himself to be caught not too far in front of me...and then they kissed. In public, in the capital of New Zealand, in the middle of the day. That's my experiences when it comes to seeing openly gay people. I'll admit that I still give a double-look when I see two young guys holding hands while walking down Chapel Street in Melbourne (it's not that common, but I've seen it more than once), but there's no one screaming or pointing. I accept that that isn't the case everywhere, but while I know that intellectually, I don't know it or understand it emotionally.

I think the original author is looking at things differently to James. These are messages to a gay son. They are trying to be goals and hopes, not restrictions and boundaries. James is correct that things are not rosey, but the original author is also correct in that their (hypothetical?) gay son should not be bound by what others think. As he said in point #2:

That line of dancing Irishmen (leprechauns?) is one of the cutest set of emoticons I've ever seen. Thanks, Mike!

There's no obvious reason for Ty to be putting on accents, but it wouldn't be too much of a stretch to assume he's been watching some old WW2 movies recently

If I hadn't read your other stories, I would've thought that was a piece of well-written fiction. I know enough to realise that it's not fiction... Stories based on real-life are, to me, more powerful and more emotional than those made up. Knowing how the larger story 'ends', there were parts in there that gave me a lump in the throat. Take care, Jimmy

I think the major comments I could've made have already been said One thing I liked was that not everything was wrapped up. There were still mysteries from the past that were for another day. There are strong emotions in this story. Some of it was dry and distant -- as befitting someone trying to separate themselves from the past -- but others were immediate and confronting, despite the wishes of the protagonist. Well done!

I spotted Roger's interest from the start. The story said that Brian couldn't help be effeminate. Roger's flirting seemed obvious, but I can appreciate that from within the story it was a different thing. It doesn't matter how much you're sure about something, a little doubt can stop you from following through A lovely tale with two endings, depending on whether Brian took the suggestion from his future self or not. Thank you! Less of a full circle and more of a mobius strip through time, but that's just the geek in me

I wonder how much of Frank's apologetic behaviour is due to Sarah. I noticed she gave Tim a hug as soon as she met him. Also, when Frank explained the terms of his loan (keeping touch with Tim and paying some small amounts, and it would be forgiven), she assumed he had done what he was told. I had the impression she was shocked by his silence. The style of the story, with the flashbacks, was very well done. They worked really well, providing background information at just the right time in the story. Well done!

Beautiful! A love story with a chase scene...

I could just picture him, and how he couldn't help look at the boys. What has me wondering, though, is who is the narrator? The poem is in first person, so there is someone noticing what he daydreams about. Is it really that obvious, or is the narrator seeing more than others (and maybe more than is really there?) Is the narrator a girl who sighs at what won't be, or a boy who sees a wish fulfilment? Or, hopefully, a boy who sees a future? Thanks, Dolores! I'm not usually good with poetry, but I like this one

*sigh* Now I've got more stories to read, so I can get the history on these two lovely characters.... Thank you! A wonderful little tale.

A well written but disturbing story. Alex and Derek have a basis for a relationship, but I can't help feeling it's built on a quagmire. Derek isn't ready, and may never be ready, for another relationship. Alex is forcing things, even if if he doesn't realise. What Derek needs is people around him. Maria, unfortunately, is right when she says that Derek probably can't consent to what Alex has been doing. One line really got to me. When my father died, my mother mentioned some time later that nights were the worse. When Derek reflected on the same, it brought back the memory of what my mother said. Thanks, Cassie. A very thought-provoking piece.

Life is a complex tapestry of interactions. An event, almost forgotten by one participant, changes the life of another, and, in turn, comes full circle to save the first when he needed it. Thank you!

When it come to technical detail, there are few better than C James This is definitely a story to read!

The brat is developing into a really decent human being. The sort of person he should've been originally if he hadn't had a distorted upbringing. As for Neil and Liam, yes, I think you could say that their 'relationship' is at about rock bottom. Whether it goes up from here, or how far up it goes, that remains to be seen.

Honestly, did you really expect a different reaction from Neil?

Thanks, Maarten! I can't say too much, but there's still lots of the story to go....

Paul and Ollie were both in the house when Liam faced Neil. The story shows the start and the end, but not what happened in the middle. I think it's reasonable to assume that they know what's happened. As for the rest, I can't say much. You've given a pretty good synopsis as to the current situation and some probably outcomes. We'll just have to wait to see what happens next....

Todd smiled as he shook Bruce Bellweather’s hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.” “Please, call me Bruce.” His eyes flicked towards Liam. “Though, I’m not sure why it’s a pleasure, given my son’s actions.” Todd frowned, uncertain as to how to continue. “Maybe if you gave me a summary of what Liam’s done, we can compare notes?” Bruce chuckled at the look on Liam’s face. “Someone doesn’t seem too happy with that suggestion, which tells me it’s a good idea. Take a seat, and I’ll start. Liam,

I've never been able to watch ET without getting tears when ET is dying....

I can't really comment on anyone else's stories (I tend to go for the romances, rather than the comedies), but here's a collection of my short stories you might like: A Week on the Farm Afternoon Tea (especially if you like the British comedy Keeping Up Appearances) Gay Whales Georgie Wants to Make Friends (from the 2007 Fairytale anthology) Letters (trilogy of short stories) My Roommate's Gay Odds-on Favourite Show Time! When the Cat's Away My novels tend to be more romance/drama, but there are certainly light-hearted moments in them. Falls Creek Lessons is probably the closest to what you're looking for, though The Price of Friendship is another possibility. Hopefully that helps!

The stories on GA are tagged. Try checking out the stories tagged as light-hearted Another option would be to check the stories listed as being in the Comedy genre.

Very nice! I seem to recall there was a Kzin in one of the books whose name was Speaker to Animals. His job was talking to other races, so Healer of Animals is certainly a reasonable name for someone who treats humans