“There are lots of happy and fulfilled gay/bi people out here… and when you get out of Nastytown and move on to a more welcoming environment … you’ll start meeting them.
I got the snot beat out of me in high school some 30 years ago because I was a “fag.” Problem was, I wasn’t gay (not then, not now) but when you’re dealing with the small minds of high school bigot bullies, classmates who look the other way and teachers/administrators who don’t want to deal with the issue of fag bashing (or any other kind of bashing for that matter), I agree with Dan. Bide your time, hang in as best you can, stay as safe as possible, then get the hell out of there as far away as possible and get yourself in a community of people who aren’t mired in that microcosmic idiocy of high school.
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Kids, their advice is right on. It’s hard to feel—really feel in your gut—that there is a whole big planet out there beyond your high school/hometown where people think and act differently and gays live happy and healthy lives. But the good news is: there is.
In the meantime, if you are feeling isolated, alone, and at the end of your rope, consider reaching out for support to one of the gay-supportive organizations that most likely exist in whatever larger city is closest to you. You can search the Web and contact them online or by phone.
CU2 reflects Chicago’s jazz heritage with a hip, relaxed environment and a commitment to the up-and-coming contemporary jazz scene in the city. This commitment birthed the Close Up 2 smooth jazz outdoor festival held one week before the Taste of Chicago. The second annual event will be held June 20-22 at Pritzker Park, the only city park on State Street. CU2 cordially invites you and your readers to experience the exciting future of contemporary jazz.
Comment on the Reader’s online archive of stories on Barack Obama, including Hank De Zutter’s 1995 profile (chicagoreader.com/obama)
Poop Is Everywhere …
