What gives you hope?

Annasopra

Soldering_Iorn wrote: »

This is an amazing video. Although I disagree with same-sex parents and would never see myself as one, this video really makes you think! The guy with the two mothers was the nicest part IMO!

I'm sure my opinions will change, seemingly that tends to happen a lot! :rolleyes:

mr.anonymous wrote: »

I'm all in favour of same sex marriage, but not so sure about same sex parents. People give as good as they get, so it's important that kids have a loving environment when growing up. They would get that with same sex parents, but I think they need the roles of mother and father / male and female carers and authority figures when growing up.

I can't see myself as a parent either. I'm only 20, so that might change in time.

I really really don't understand why some lgbt people side with conservatives in opposing same sex couples parenting.

The academic evidence and studies have shown overwhelmingly that children parented by same sex couples are happy, healthy and sane. As well as that those opposed to same sex parenting completely sideline single parents.

These give me hope

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CM2oPz_rslc&feature=youtube_gdata_player

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVzJnTBr4uY&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Soldering_Iorn

mango salsa wrote: »

I really really don't understand why some lgbt people side with conservatives in opposing same sex couples parenting.

The academic evidence and studies have shown overwhelmingly that children parented by same sex couples are happy, healthy and sane. As well as that those opposed to same sex parenting completely sideline single parents.

These give me hope

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CM2oPz_rslc&feature=youtube_gdata_player

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVzJnTBr4uY&feature=youtube_gdata_player

IMO same sex relationships/parenting are very very different!
Briefly, people argue that same sex relationships/marriage is unnatural but I disagree with this, as I feel love between two people is a natural thing and it happens. On the contrary, the case of a child having same sex parents is totally unnatural. IMO a child should have a mother and a father and it all boils down to what is morally right, nothing religious or the likes.

But hey, opinions are opinions... we all have them! :rolleyes:

scullersky

Right I think I will give my opinion on this :-)

As some of the posters have already said, same sex relationships/marrige is ok as you cant help who you fall in love with.. There really isnt any problem there..

Now do I think same sex couples should be allowed parent a child - yes

Do I think this is unnatural? No

Fair enough it might be a little different than a hetrosexual couple parenting a child in the sence that when the child is old enough to realise that both their parents are the same sex and other people have a mom and dad..

Will this impact them? Im my opinion No.

Once a child is brought up and in.a loving and happy enviornment I can't see what difference it makes.

To be honest I dont think the child as they grow up will see any difference either once they start growing up and underatand. Yes they probably will have.questions as there growing up but by then they will understand that they wete brought up in a happy and loving enviornment and should be used to the situation..

I am only 22 but if you asked me a year ago if I wanted kids I would have said no. If you ask me now yes I really really want to have/parent kids with whatever partner I will have in time..d

I want that right as I think every couole should have same sex partners or not.

At the end of the day I KNOW that myself and my partner whoever that might be when that time comes WILL and CAN bring up happy child in a supportive, happy, loving enviornment as good as any hetrosexual couple can.

This gives me hope :-)

Tommy

Daith

I wonder if things were different and a single person couldn't adopt by themselves would I think differently. Possibly but that's not the reality in Ireland.

Do I think it's wrong that a single straight person can adopt a child? No. Do I think it's wrong that a single gay person can adopt a child. No. There's no difference.

However I think it's preferable in both situations that there are two parents instead of one. So I can't see any reason why I would not be in favour of giving a child two parents with full legal rights.

Annasopra

Great quote yesterday

http://fbcdn-photos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/379316_10151192827912377_803813467_n.jpg

DazMarz

For everything he's done from healthcare to civil rights, and despite what some of the minority of eejits in America might think, surely he will go down as one of the greatest US Presidents. I remember back in 2008, I was following the run up to the election really closely. I stayed up all night watching the results coming in (despite having an early start for college the next day). I had tears in my eyes as so many states started turning Blue.

The words that came up: "Barack Obama Elected" made me so happy.

He is truly trying to do his best. People say he's not doing enough, but his hands are tied as the Democrats do not hold a majority in the Congress. If only the Democrats had a majority in the House and the Senate as well as the Presidency... man, the world could be so much better.

But for the time being, Obama is doing his best. I think he is a great man, and time and history will judge him to be that.

Annasopra

Sadie gives me hope

http://transgriot.blogspot.ie/2013/01/sadies-dream-for-world.html

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/01/23/11-year-old-trans-girl-writes-to-obama-about-inclusion-in-inaugural-speech/

Soldering_Iorn

A friend shared this, this morning. Its fantastic!

Same Love

kingfisherdove

About time

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlVBg7_08n0

L.Jenkins

I think the House and Senate will be re-elected half way through his second term, so if there is a Democratic majority in his final 2 years, he should be able to get an awful lot done for that Country. The least he has done in the last 4 years is restore my faith in humanity.

cartell_best

What gives you hope?

Knowing that, when you least expect it...a certain person says "don't worry lad, you're grand" ....and that's what someone says to me when they're after seeing me throw shapes on a dance floor and just have nothing but respect, even after 5 years. I can never find the words to say what I actually mean...

eviltwin

What gives me hope?

I'm not gay but I'm the parent of a gay teen so I hope its okay to add my two cents

What gives me hope is my 16 yr old can be open about who she is and no one cares. People in the family who would have said the most disgusting things about gay people when I was that age have done a total 360 in their views and just accept her as she is.

I think the fact its not an issue and is just accepted in a "yeah whatever" kind of way gives me hope that things are changing.

There are bigots out there sadly and its not easy but there is a growing change and an acceptance that treating gay people as different is no longer okay and that gives me great hope for the future.

I have total faith that my 3 yr old will grow up and look back at the David Quinns of this world and be shocked anyone ever felt that way.

cartell_best

eviltwin wrote: »

What gives me hope?

I'm not gay but I'm the parent of a gay teen so I hope its okay to add my two cents

What gives me hope is my 16 yr old can be open about who she is and no one cares. People in the family who would have said the most disgusting things about gay people when I was that age have done a total 360 in their views and just accept her as she is.

I think the fact its not an issue and is just accepted in a "yeah whatever" kind of way gives me hope that things are changing.

There are bigots out there sadly and its not easy but there is a growing change and an acceptance that treating gay people as different is no longer okay and that gives me great hope for the future.

I have total faith that my 3 yr old will grow up and look back at the David Quinns of this world and be shocked anyone ever felt that way.

Thank you... absolutely brilliant post x

KDII

People like you give all of us hope. By creating a safe space for your daughter in her own home you have made an amazing difference.

eviltwin

KDII wrote: »

People like you give all of us hope. By creating a safe space for your daughter in her own hope you have made an amazing difference.

Thank you both I was thinking about this last night, how far we have come in even the last 5 - 10 years and think another reason for hope is that gay rights are no longer just a gay issue, its great to see people who have no connection to anyone who is gay fight for this issue for no other reason than they think its the right thing to do. Its now mainstream and thats the biggest hope of all I think.

The anti gay brigade are a loud bunch but I think thats to convince us their numbers are large when really its the same voices over and over again. Most people are on your side and not just supporting you but fighting alongside you and we'll get there, don't ever doubt that.

Soldering_Iorn

eviltwin wrote: »

Thank you both I was thinking about this last night, how far we have come in even the last 5 - 10 years and think another reason for hope is that gay rights are no longer just a gay issue, its great to see people who have no connection to anyone who is gay fight for this issue for no other reason than they think its the right thing to do. Its now mainstream and thats the biggest hope of all I think.

The anti gay brigade are a loud bunch but I think thats to convince us their numbers are large when really its the same voices over and over again. Most people are on your side and not just supporting you but fighting alongside you and we'll get there, don't ever doubt that.

Can you be my Mammy too? ...pleeeease, I'll be good - promise! :P

Cosmic Maybe

A bit of good news amongst all the burgers and promissory notes....

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-21346220

lemon_sherbert

Cosmic Maybe wrote: »

A bit of good news amongst all the burgers and promissory notes....

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-21346220

Here's hoping we're not too far behind

baby and crumble

I dunno if this fits in here, but today is my 9th anniversary with my girlfriend.

:cool::cool::cool:

Apparently she was coming on to me for weeks before (I'm a bit dim like that ) , and suddenly I realised she might like me. 9 years, countless silly fights, 3 years long distance, coming out to family and one ridiculous proposal with an upside down ring and her thinking I was going to break up with her later, here we are.

And we didn't meet on the scene- we met doing charity work for the SVP!

So for all of you whipper snappers out there who don't think they'll ever find someone, or for those who doubt that gay relationships last as long or are as serious as straight ones... well, here we are! And I couldn't be happier.

:D:D

KDII

This thread gives me warm fuzzy feelings

mr.anonymous

baby and crumble wrote: »

So for all of you whipper snappers out there who don't think they'll ever find someone, or for those who doubt that gay relationships last as long or are as serious as straight ones... well, here we are! And I couldn't be happier.

:D:D

That's so nice. I needed to hear that for a while. Congrats to ye both

Cosmic Maybe

Frank Ocean performing Forrest Gump live at the at the Grammys gives me hope.

And this makes me smile.....

Adele seen shouting at Chris Brown at Grammys



And fyi Macklemore Same Love is no. 1 in Australia

Tainor

Hope: when all is lost, Hope is left.

I hope for a bright future, where people would not need to “come-out”. A world where being gay is not an “issue”, where gay rights, are simply human rights and where we stand not for same-sex love, but for love itself.

I hope for a time where young people will not feel the pressure of society to fit within a stereotype, or take their own lives because of whom they are. But most of all, I hope that we learn from our mistakes and accept each individual for who they are.
Yes I hope, yes I am just a single person, but that has never stopped me, for hope is a weapon that never breaks.

Hope, it stood by me, through thick and thin, good and bad, joys and pain.
Hope, I seek for a future, where brightness of life shines. Hope the weapon of choice for the deathless, where words are tougher than the mightiest of swords and with words and hope, the faith of many is weaved.

Hope, the endless sensation in the darkest day, and endless nights…standing firm and never giving-out!

lottpaul

Tainor wrote: »

Hope: when all is lost, Hope is left.


I hope for a time where young people will not feel the pressure of society to fit within a stereotype, or take their own lives because of whom they are. But most of all, I hope that we learn from our mistakes and accept each individual for who they are.
Yes I hope, yes I am just a single person, but that has never stopped me, for hope is a weapon that never breaks.

Really really nice. Many thanks for this.

ashers22

http://www.rte.ie/player/ie/show/10110133/

stopped in to see my mam after work who just happened to be watching this, it sparked an interesting discussion and left me with a sense of hope.

Soldering_Iorn

Came out to my parents on Sunday night.

My mother (from a very catholic 11 children family, weekly mass go-er etc.) ensured that I realise how the 'stigma' attatched to being gay is not what it used to be, to live life to the fullest and be who you are!

THIS gives me hope!




_

Cosmic Maybe

DazMarz

Robbie Rogers, a 25 year old professional footballer, came out earlier this month. Only hearing about it today.

While it is so good to see someone in a relatively high-profile position to have the strength to come out, there is a slight negative aspect to it; he has retired from professional football.

It would have done so much to help quell homophobia in football (one particular area of modern society that is still trapped in the 1950's in regards sexuality, racism and other issues) to have a young player coming out as gay and saying to the football world "Don't judge me, love me!" (or something to that effect).

On the other hand, one can hugely sympathise with his position. I'm a die-hard football fan, so I know of whence I speak.

The difficulties he would have faced had he continued to play would have been enormous. The first problem would have been the fans; particularly opposition fans. The goading and the harassment would have been almost non-stop from the away end.

The second, and perhaps worse problem, would have come from his fellow players and his own teammates. Would they accept him, or would they (stupidly) refuse to be in the changing room with him after matches or such rubbish? You can talk about equal rights and civil liberties all you want, but football is still a pretty intolerant game towards anything that is different and not 'short-back-and-sides'.

While I'd hope he will continue to ply his trade as a footballer, maybe next season when everything has calmed down, I think it is wonderful to see someone in the game come out. It can only be a good thing, and can only pave the way to help more players who are undoubtedly fearful of coming out.

In Germany, there is a group being set up to help gay footballers. And even one of the top German footballers, Mario Gómez, has said that he is totally for gay rights and hopes players will some day no longer be fearful.

Considering how long it is still taking to get racism out of football, homophobia is still there for the long haul. But it won't be there forever. And that should give those frightened few who are sadly trapped some hope for the future.

Annasopra

What a lovely letter

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/child-of-gay-parents-sends-protest-to-mp-8498147.html

Ash885

Not really sure if this has been posted yet, but my twitter feed got absolutely bombarded about this, and it really did something for me. Thought I'd spread the joy!

Even reading the youtube comments; support there is immense. Trolls must be under their bridges or something...

Annasopra

aaaaaawwww

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/28/we-found-our-son-in-the-subway/?smid=tw-share

Cosmic Maybe

Ash885 wrote: »

Not really sure if this has been posted yet, but my twitter feed got absolutely bombarded about this, and it really did something for me. Thought I'd spread the joy!

Even reading the youtube comments; support there is immense. Trolls must be under their bridges or something...

Just came across this in the guardian.

Same love; different lyrics

A riposte to homophobia from the poppy end of hip-hop may be the most profound song either genre has produced

DazMarz

mango salsa wrote: »

aaaaaawwww

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/28/we-found-our-son-in-the-subway/?smid=tw-share

I think I have something in my eye...

Caiseoipe19

Ash885 wrote: »

Not really sure if this has been posted yet, but my twitter feed got absolutely bombarded about this, and it really did something for me. Thought I'd spread the joy!

Even reading the youtube comments; support there is immense. Trolls must be under their bridges or something...

Aye, it has been posted but sure what harm, the more publicity, the better! Strangely enough, it's actually one of my least favourite songs of that album, although that's probably from listening to it too much! Macklemore has some great songs that you'd actually listen to the lyrics. Came across this video from him the last night as well...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8vRARNv4Nc

cartell_best

In spite of all the badness and destruction we see on TV from around the Globe, I know and have seen the good that people are capable of. Gay or straight, black or white... at the end of the day, we are all the same. We all "well, most of us", love to listen to music, our feet will tap or our hearts will beat, with music playing in the background, no matter what the situation is.

What gives me hope and with all that is good, gives me hope is that we all come from something that is a unique path, designed just for YOU. A final product that has the power to influence not only the love our parent embraced us with from the day we were born, but a love that we inherit from them. Sometimes that love requires a wee bit of work and tweaking. It is up to us and only us, to offer that love, even at times when it is thrown in our faces or to the basis that the empathy, love, compassion and more importantly, unconditional love that we give to everyone, not only our partner, but any person that we may be indulgent to be dismissive of but yet give the benefit of the doubt.

Life isn't about finding the perfect partner, finding that ultimate love, or that ever eluding fulfilment. It's about just being happy, its about being happy about who you are. Its about the excitement or worry about what tomorrow is going to bring. Whether you're jealous, if you're sad, if you feel incomplete... don't worry ... as time goes by, like a jigsaw and with enough wonder, it'll all fall in to place. Peace and Love xx sound

DazMarz

http://gawker.com/5990745/dad-overhears-sons-plans-to-come-out-assuages-his-fears-with-heartwarming-letter-of-acceptance

You cannot help but smile at this. What a heroic dad for that guy to have.

lazorgirl

My five year old niece asking me yesterday when will i be getting married to M? then quickly advising me not to as i wont have time if i'm married to bring her to fun places then changing her mind a few seconds later to say its ok if i get married to M as she is really good fun and can come along too!!

Cosmic Maybe

Fourth Grader's Gay Marriage Essay Goes Viral

mr.anonymous

Cosmic Maybe

Any bit of progress is good, even if it's only a gimic at the Eurovision:

http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/thats-so-2003-finlands-eurovision-entrant-krista-to-kiss-female-backing-singer-on-stage-29272739.html

IT’S been a decade since Russian lesbian pop group TATU represented their country, tantalising the media with the possibility of the first ever same sex kiss on a Eurovision stage.

However the girl group didn’t seal the deal, after organisers at the time warned them the Eurovision was a family show and such a move could see them disqualified.

However it looks like this year’s Finnish entry called ‘Marry me’ by singer Krista could be about to make history.

As part of her performance of the up-tempo pop song she will kiss a female backing singer at the end of the track.

Although attitudes have changed drastically in most European countries over the last decade, the move is expected to provoke outrage in more socially conservative Eastern European countries.

Krista has said the kiss will be statement in support of marriage equality, as she is against discrimination which exists in many European countries.

However organisers have this year not banned the kiss as part of the performance, and it is expected it will feature as part of the Finnish performance in tonight’s semi final.

cnn27

This gives me hope..seems like more and more countries/US states are legalizing gay marriage, even just in the past week there's been good news from France, Brazil and Minnesota in the US

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/french-council-rules-gay-marriage-law-is-constitutional-1st-marriages-expected-by-mays-end/2013/05/17/e115beba-bf0a-11e2-b537-ab47f0325f7c_story.html

http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1766552/Brazil-clears-way-for-gay-marriage

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/may/15/minnesota-governor-makes-gay-marriage-legal


Also, this video gives me hope, great to see a young straight male celebritiy coming out in support for gay people
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PI1oIDmGAXs

bitburger

this thread really is awesome, cant add much except this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikzQmC3S-mE

wonderfulname

DazMarz wrote: »

Robbie Rogers, a 25 year old professional footballer, came out earlier this month. Only hearing about it today.

While it is so good to see someone in a relatively high-profile position to have the strength to come out, there is a slight negative aspect to it; he has retired from professional football.

It would have done so much to help quell homophobia in football (one particular area of modern society that is still trapped in the 1950's in regards sexuality, racism and other issues) to have a young player coming out as gay and saying to the football world "Don't judge me, love me!" (or something to that effect).

On the other hand, one can hugely sympathise with his position. I'm a die-hard football fan, so I know of whence I speak.

The difficulties he would have faced had he continued to play would have been enormous. The first problem would have been the fans; particularly opposition fans. The goading and the harassment would have been almost non-stop from the away end.

The second, and perhaps worse problem, would have come from his fellow players and his own teammates. Would they accept him, or would they (stupidly) refuse to be in the changing room with him after matches or such rubbish? You can talk about equal rights and civil liberties all you want, but football is still a pretty intolerant game towards anything that is different and not 'short-back-and-sides'.

While I'd hope he will continue to ply his trade as a footballer, maybe next season when everything has calmed down, I think it is wonderful to see someone in the game come out. It can only be a good thing, and can only pave the way to help more players who are undoubtedly fearful of coming out.

In Germany, there is a group being set up to help gay footballers. And even one of the top German footballers, Mario Gómez, has said that he is totally for gay rights and hopes players will some day no longer be fearful.

Considering how long it is still taking to get racism out of football, homophobia is still there for the long haul. But it won't be there forever. And that should give those frightened few who are sadly trapped some hope for the future.

Robbie Rogers has just signed for LA Galaxy, he'll be the first openly gay guy in a major US sport.

http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/1110/major-league-soccer/2013/05/25/4004458/la-galaxy-acquire-robbie-rogers-from-chicago-for-mike-magee

DazMarz

Robbie Rogers (the 25 year old footballer who retired just after he came out) has come out (excuse the pun) of retirement and has signed for LA Galaxy.

Delighted for him!

wonderfulname

Awh, I was hoping to give you the good news!

DazMarz

wonderfulname wrote: »

Robbie Rogers has just signed for LA Galaxy, he'll be the first openly gay guy in a major US sport.

http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/1110/major-league-soccer/2013/05/25/4004458/la-galaxy-acquire-robbie-rogers-from-chicago-for-mike-magee

Just to nitpick on your post slightly... an NBA player recently came out too. So Robbie will be the second openly gay guy in a major US sport.

Sorry to nitpick...

wonderfulname

Damn you're right, my bad. Second pro in major team sports it is...

DazMarz

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/23/transgender-teenage-couple-arin-andrews-katie-hill_n_3639220.html

I didn't know what thread to put this in, or if I should start a new thread, but this seemed the appropriate area. When I first saw the photo, I wondered what was so earth-shattering. Then I read the article. Wow. If that doesn't lift your spirits, I don't know what will!

Rick_

Lovely to read that they found each other whilst also finding themselves. Happy for them both.

123 LC

love this article/aengus macgrianna! :L

http://www.dailyedge.ie/aengus-macgrianna-alpaca-farm-rte-guide-1004895-Jul2013/