Comments by willinnyc
Page 1 of 1
Posted on July 22 at 9:40 a.m.
I applaud WarSuiGai's masterful and compelling response to BrooklynBabe on 07/21. Life in a self imposed closet sucks! It takes just as much effort to judge someone who is different from you than it does to make the attempt to try and understand the difference in question. Jim, my husband, is originally from Youngstown. HE is hesitant to move back to Youngstown because he always felt that people who live there are rigid in their beliefs and quite conformist. There is constant pressure to "fit in". Jim and I say, "Beat your own drum, guys"! Love, not tolerance, should be the primary motivator in our lives. Peace...
Posted on July 18 at 9:28 a.m.
"I made the choice to stay home and create my own opportunities...and I have never regretted that decision."
Robert,
This sentence from your response to me is of significant importance, the crux of why you make Youngstown "your home". It appears to me that you have been to the "gay meccas" here in the US and that you can make an informed decision on where you prefer to live. I find the underground/countercultural life that you describe in your Valley 24 blog appealing and intriguing. I get the impression that no matter what you do in life, you make the best of things. You find beauty in the flawed; you find excitement in the mundane. And you live in the backyard of Dennis Kucinich!
What Jim and I have serious concerns about is the Ohio constitution not only banning same sex marriage but any legal recognition of same-sex relationships.
What kind of discussion is generated on your blog regarding this draconian state legislation? How do you and your boyfriend respond to such blatant bigotry?
I understand from Jim that northeastern Ohio is historically very different -- more progressive -- than the rest of the state. Yet, you guys are discriminated against by state constitutional law.
I am pointing out this glaring reality to you not for the sake of argument but to make your readers aware that states like Vermont, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and California are indeed more friendly to lesbians and gays, especially those in same-sex relationships and who might have children.
This is our dilemma. For instance, my employer recognizes my marriage to Jim in Canada three years ago. I am able to get spousal health insurance as well as spousal life insurance for Jim. Forum Health and St. E's looked at me as if I had three heads when I inquired if they offered domestic partner health care benefits 3-4 years ago.
Consequently, we cannot live where we would like -- near Jim's family. We miss out on all of the familiy functions in Youngstown: weddings, birthday celebrations, funerals, Communion parties. YES WE ARE GAY AND VERY MUCH CATHOLIC!
Yes, grow where you are planted. Hundreds of thousands of Youngstown boomers and Gerations X&Yers, though, were forced to leave Mahoning County for lack of job opportunities. You have guts to want to flourish in Youngstown. You do not seem to be focused on Youngstown of the past but what this city can be in the present and future.
Posted on July 5 at 9:35 a.m.
Robert -- I just breezed through your previous blogs with relish and delight. You certainly received some interestng and entertaining responses! Is gay life in Youngstown relegated to blogs and quick, occasional trips to Cleveland or Pittsburg? Obviously, there is countercultural movement in Mahoning County. What else can Jim and I expect if we chuck our fast paced/never-a-dull moment lives in NYC for quiet, simpler Yo-Po?
Keep on writing! Any idea what your readership is in numbers?
Posted on June 29 at 7:25 a.m.
Robert -- Finally figured out this blog business. What's with the above comment about Jesus hating fat people? Negative comments about fat people seem to be acceptable in our culture. Live large, guys! HAPPY GAY PRIDE SUNDAY TO ALL OF YOU IN YOUNGSTOWN!
Page 1 of 1
Posted on October 4 at 9:57 a.m.
Hey, Rob!
It is good to see that your blog is up and running. Your readers have missed you over the past few months. Continue on the path of self-improvement and self-love. Be gentle with yourself. Remember that exercise/walking is great for the mind, spirit, heart and environment. You have my support here in NYC. Have a loving and productive fall season. Be well and happy...
On Fat Man Walking