I’m not a ‘scene’ person but I do feel part of an LGB community – which to me means a sense of belonging (with the past as well as the present and future) within which I can be different without being ‘othered’.
Does be-longing mean we all long to be – to be ourselves, to be accepted for who we are? Do we all want to be unique individuals and yet feel we are part of a community too? It seems to me we do; what do others think?
That is a lovely take on be-longing. This site is making me really question what I think community is and whether it is something that I desire and/or need. I think foremost I want to have the right to be as I am and to meet with those I want to without fear of any form of reprisal or encounters that will suggest my choices are lesser, deviant or shameful in some way. I appreciate the fight for ‘marriage’ but more than this I want to be able to walk down the street holding my partner’s hand without feeling this is a brave act or something that marks me out as ‘different’.
Nick I know what you mean about walking down the street holding your partner’s hand. To me its the most important barometer of social acceptance. Even in London or Manchester its rare to see this going on outside a few choice streets. I wonder if this is something the community has simply gotten used to doing? A behavior memory passed down from ages past as la Desmond Morris? I don’t know about anyone else, but when I make the sign for ‘bill please’ in a busy restaurant I mime signing it, not punching in my pin number…..
I fear it’s too late for me, I would never feel comfortable walking down a street holding my partners hand. I have missed out on so much of my life by having to hide a big part of myself during my formative years,I am out and proud and active in the community and pleased to see the changes over the years so hopefully LGB&T people will not have to hide in the future.
Interesting, thanks for commenting!
Does be-longing mean we all long to be – to be ourselves, to be accepted for who we are? Do we all want to be unique individuals and yet feel we are part of a community too? It seems to me we do; what do others think?
That is a lovely take on be-longing. This site is making me really question what I think community is and whether it is something that I desire and/or need. I think foremost I want to have the right to be as I am and to meet with those I want to without fear of any form of reprisal or encounters that will suggest my choices are lesser, deviant or shameful in some way. I appreciate the fight for ‘marriage’ but more than this I want to be able to walk down the street holding my partner’s hand without feeling this is a brave act or something that marks me out as ‘different’.
Thanks for your thought-provoking comments Wanda and Nick!
Nick I know what you mean about walking down the street holding your partner’s hand. To me its the most important barometer of social acceptance. Even in London or Manchester its rare to see this going on outside a few choice streets. I wonder if this is something the community has simply gotten used to doing? A behavior memory passed down from ages past as la Desmond Morris? I don’t know about anyone else, but when I make the sign for ‘bill please’ in a busy restaurant I mime signing it, not punching in my pin number…..
Interesting, thanks Dan.
I fear it’s too late for me, I would never feel comfortable walking down a street holding my partners hand. I have missed out on so much of my life by having to hide a big part of myself during my formative years,I am out and proud and active in the community and pleased to see the changes over the years so hopefully LGB&T people will not have to hide in the future.