[Crimson Dynamo]

Originally Posted by LemonJam

when I was younger I used to do dancing and I really enjoyed it. Was quite good at it as well, but I kept it secret because I didn't want any homophobic abuse. Once people found out I quit immediately. I really, really regret it and often wonder if my life would be different if I didn't succumb to peer pressure.

So my advice is to keep being you and don't let people get to you because those people aren't the people that matter. What do people with narrow minded attitudes do for you? Nothing. Focus on the people that love and accept you for who you are and to quote many successful people, "**** the haters"

essentially you are Billy Elliot redux?

[Wizard.]

Trumpet it's not like I wear eyeshadow and lipstick, but that's not the point and even if i wanted to i could.

[Livia]

Everyone is judged on the way they look... everyone. If you are not "the norm" less intelligent people are going to single you out. It's the way it is. As much as Trumpet is a little blunt, he is quite near the truth. If you don't want attention, don't be different. If you want to be different you have to take a certain about of singling out by stupid people.

Things are changing. Half a century ago you could go to prison for being gay. One of our greatest heroes, Alan Turing, had his whole life destroyed by the establishment because he was gay, despite virtually saving this country during the way. Now gay people have equal right, they can marry... the short-sighed jibes from dickheads is merely the death-throes of homophobia which I feel sure will not exist in a few generations. Hope so anyway.

[lostalex]

I've never experienced any direct homophobia against me personally.

the worst i've seen is just people expressing homophobic opinions around me (not knowing i was gay) or the odd homophobic joke.

I've definitely seen other's experience it, but no one has ever said anything homophobic to me directly, or attacked me personally for being gay.

I'm definitely grateful to have lived a life in the time (1982-now) and place (America) to have never suffered any direct abuse.

I definitely am outraged by the people that have though, it makes me sick to my stomach, and grateful for the life that i have.


that being said. i've definitely experienced indirect homophobia. thinking of myself as a second class citizen, thinking of myself as repulsive, and even damned. thinking of myself as mentally diseased or broken in some way. Those thoughts creep into every gay person because of the indirect homophobia. and of course the worst consequence of indirect homophobia... fear.

no one has ever called me a ****** to my face. maybe because i'm male and because of my size, but honestly, i still fear it. and i don't know how i'd react if it did happen.

[Amy Jade]

I'm not shocked about Manchester, my friend got hit on a night out in Tiger Tiger. All my friends say it was unprovoked and I believe them, he's a pretty shy person and he's the sort to talk away.

It really disgusts me that people want to attack another human being just because of who they are. I hope it NEVER happens in Liverpool or ever again to you. Keep the make up on babe don't let anyone change you!

[Amy Jade]

I disagree with you LT, I like my boobs and I like wearing tops to show a bit of cleavage sometimes and I should be able to do so without and disgusting comments or nasty looks.

Riley should be able to hold his boyfriends hand and wear whatever he wasn't and not expect negativity.

[Mystic Mock]

Originally Posted by Amy Jade

I disagree with you LT, I like my boobs and I like wearing tops to show a bit of cleavage sometimes and I should be able to do so without and disgusting comments or nasty looks.

Riley should be able to hold his boyfriends hand and wear whatever he wasn't and not expect negativity.

I like boobs and girls showing a bit of cleavage too.

And I agree with you on all fronts, imo people should be allowed to walk out in just their underwear if they want to.

[Wizard.]

Thanks guys <3