Fortunately your beliefs and the truth are mutually exclusive. LOL

My beliefs and the truth are one in the same.

Oh crap, does this mean you are going to start stalking me like you do HewenttoJared about global warming?!

lake hefner, I respect your beliefs

but what you said IS offensive to many people and therefore you should expect some sort of a response in opposition to what you said. Please try to read completely before you respond, thanks. ...

If you look up the definition of bigot or racist, you will see that people on this forum actually did properly call you out - because you made such a negative and generalistic statement without any evidence, any facts, or any specific scenario regarding OKC's minority population and the 'behaviour' that you so detest. It is the same as if someone called out all 'mexicans' as illegals (which MANY people do in OK) - it's bigoted, that's a fact and if you truly believe what you wrote then you should accept the definition of your behavior.

For completeness, also look up the definition of 'troll' or 'trolling', and you might also find that you were properly called out again. So, you are offended when people call out your statement and behavior but you feel it is your right to call out a segment of the population based on your 'beliefs'. ....

Now, the truth is - we as a society should be accepting of people no matter their color, political beliefs, sexual orientation, race, creed, and economic status. Isn't that in our constitution and rules of ethics/society? For you to come out with your generalistic and condescending claim may be exercising your right to free speech but it is offensive and bigoted because you offer no evidence to support your claim as truth/fact.

And you probably didn't know that gay people do use this site - and would likely take offense to such a statement, as would a wide variety of people who are more accepting or socially outgoing.

Again, Im not trying to start a fight or agree with one side or another, Im just stating the obvious that you are not seeing - and then you're using free speach to justify your 'right' to make your offensive statement. On the contrary, I (personally) have my own beliefs about the subject - but you'd be hard pressed to know what they really are because I try to respect everyone and demand the same respect back ...

A better, more constructive, and non-offensive statement of your beliefs on the subject might read as "I'll be honest that I'm not at all familiar with the true 'gay' lifestyle or the population as a whole, but from what I assume of the behavior that might go on or have been told/rumor'd - I detest it as immoral and think we should not have a parade to celebrate that."

You voice your opinion, but it is not offensive to others and is actually quite factual (that you really are using an assumption to support you claim).

looking back, i probably shouldn't have trusted that this thread would stay on track. but anywho... this is thread is about an event on the weekend of the 24th. it is not a political discussion regarding homosexuality. if you guys want to discuss that, then make a thread in politics. let's get back to topic. -M

Lake Hefner Breeze, it is not so much that the LGBT's are "proud" as such for being what they sexually are, it is more that they are proud for WHOEVER it is that they are, or something like that. I understand where you are coming from and I'm not going to ridicule you for your beliefs and/or perceptions, and you may never change them. But maybe you will. I would suppose that thoughtful consideration, without rejecting the LGBT positions out of hand, would be seen by the group as a welcome thing, even if you come not to change your mind and/or beliefs. It is not an easy issue for many straight people. But, since you have so many fellow citizens would like to embrace you and you them, it might be worth considering ... just to think and consider. Some of those people may be your friends already, but you might not know what they have not made public.

I'm supposing that you are a Christian but if not you almost certainly accept the "Golden Rule" which derives from Christian teachings, and that would be something like this: One should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself.

Well said

Anyone on here wanna take this gay boy to the pride party? :-O


You sure as hell should not have a problem here!

"LOL"

You sure as hell should not have a problem here!

"LOL"

Is that an invitation?

Is that an invitation?

I think you need someone your age Thunder. You have a lot of life to live...go alone if need be--you will find companionship I am sure...

I think you need someone your age Thunder. You have a lot of life to live...go alone if need be--you will find companionship I am sure...

I'm not going alone. lolol Anything could happen to me there...

ok... i just deleted a bunch of posts that deviated from the topic after i expressly asked for us to get back there.

anybody else who wants to bicker, discuss politics or anything else besides the event itself is going to get a vacation from okctalk. -M

I'm not going alone. lolol Anything could happen to me there...

But if you're an uncharming, homely kind of guy, you have nothing to worry about as to something happening.

...

But if you're an uncharming, homely kind of guy, you have nothing to worry about as to something happening.

I don't understand what that mean. I've had guys trying to force me into certain action. That's why I need someone to go with. lolol Ya know what they say, always bring a friend or someone you know and trust.

I don't understand what that mean. I've had guys trying to force me into certain action. That's why I need someone to go with. lolol Ya know what they say, always bring a friend or someone you know and trust.

Hmm. Thunder, to you really think that you run the risk of being assaulted at the Parade?

I think I'd take my chances and go alone before I'd pick up a date from a forum. I wouldn't have a qualm about going alone myself and I might see some people I know. Probably would, actually.

risk of being assaulted

I've been to plenty of places where there were lots of gay people, even being the only straight person in the crowd (gay bars, assuming everyone else was gay), and I've never felt unsafe at any of them. Awkward the first time or two yes, but not afraid.

Never know, Penny. I'm just a kid. lol

DE, its not a date...

It's not a date

Okay!

I've been to plenty of places where there were lots of gay people, even being the only straight person in the crowd (gay bars, assuming everyone else was gay), and I've never felt unsafe at any of them. Awkward the first time or two yes, but not afraid.

Do you even have black friends--as well?

As big as you are, Thunder, I don't think anyone is gonna try to force you into ANYthing. But I do actually understand. About 40 years ago, a gay friend who had never gone to a gay bar asked me and my wife to go with him to a bar because another friend of his was doing his debut as a FI performer. After that he was cool to go alone.

Do you even have black friends--as well?


place/plās/
Noun: A particular position or point in space.

As big as you are, Thunder, I don't think anyone is gonna try to force you into ANYthing. But I do actually understand. About 40 years ago, a gay friend who had never gone to a gay bar asked me and my wife to go with him to a bar because another friend of his was doing his debut as a FI performer. After that he was cool to go alone.

I used to go down the street to a neighborhood bar in L.A. and play darts with "the boys" on Saturday afternoons...no big deal. They weren't any different than most other people. I was not one to gush and invite "one" to a party and then tell everyone--"oh lookee here...THIS is my friend who is gay!". Some were a little 'softer' than others--some were good to go with any street fight.

Many of my thoughts about leftists were shared by many--not all--of those guys.

place/plās/
Noun: A particular position or point in space.

And the point is?

Your reading comprehension is off? If I told you I spent time in Paris would you ask if I had Italian friends too?

Your reading comprehension is off?

Probably not...but never can be sure.

It was an analogy sort of thing...comprende?

I don't understand what that mean. I've had guys trying to force me into certain action. That's why I need someone to go with. lolol Ya know what they say, always bring a friend or someone you know and trust.

Wear a Harley-Davidson T-shirt...roll up a pack of Camels in the sleeve...

If you are over 5'10"...160 lbs.--no worries.

He is 6'5" but feels much bigger that that when standing next to him. The boy is HUGE, I tell ya.

feels much bigger that that when standing next to him. The boy is HUGE, I tell ya.

<whistling>

This has got to be one of the strangest threads ever.

This has got to be one of the strangest threads ever.

Let your imagination go wild, Pete. :-) You already know that I'm a super-tall-HUGE boy at 6' 5". Now, what do you think? lolol

This has got to be one of the strangest threads ever.

Some might call it queer. :Smiley259

Some might call it queer. :Smiley259
Well, that cuts it between you and me, lake hefner breeze. I made my best attempt to be courteous and respectful to you; that brought no positive response from you; and this thread has now, at least in part, deteriorated into what you may have intended to accomplish ... an "I'm right," "No, I'm right," kind of thing.

So, I'm done listening to you and reading what you post unless you should you eventually indicate an interest in discussion (that means a willingness to consider, let's talk about it), as opposed to debate (that means a polemic, I'm right, you're wrong). I regret that you didn't accept my invitation to discuss.

Doug, are you planning to attend? If you are, will you be taking pix or vid?

In other news about the parade, I'm pleased to report the following:

This is from a May 25 press release by the sponsoring organization:





OKC PRIDE TO MAKE HISTORY BY HONORING LGBT VETERANS

OKC Pride Board Votes Unanimously to Make LGBT Veterans Honorary Grand Marshals for the 24th Annual OKC Pride Parade

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (May 25, 2011) – In response to the federal repeal of 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' (DADT) last December, OKC Pride has declared all LGBT service veterans Honorary Grand Marshals during the 24th Annual OKC Pride Parade on June 26. Dozens of LGBT veterans from around the country will help lead the parade. The patriotic gesture makes OKC Pride 2011 one of the first organizations to honor LGBT veterans in such a way.

According to the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, 14,000 service men and women have been terminated from the military for being gay, lesbian, or bisexual since 1993. On December 22, 2010, President Obama signed legislation to repeal DADT. Five months later, the repeal still has not been fully enacted.

OKC Pride president, Kirk Martin, says “OKC Pride is extremely proud to honor LGBT veterans who have served our nation with respect and dignity. We look forward to the day – and it’s coming soon – when our nation will give all LGBT servicemembers the respect and dignity they so well deserve.”

Doug, are you planning to attend? If you are, will you be taking pix or vid?
Thunder, I hope to, but I have health issues that cause my attendance to be up in the air until the actual day of the parade. If I do go, I'll take photos but no video since I don't have a video camera (other than my cell phone which is pretty crappy in doing that). But, surely someone else will be doing that, at least I hope so.

Like others have already said, if you want to go to the events and/or parade, just go, and enjoy. If I can go, I will, but that's iffy.

My beliefs and the truth are one in the same.

Oh crap, does this mean you are going to start stalking me like you do HewenttoJared about global warming?!

No thank you. I've got much more important things to attend to. And I don't stalk HWTJ. I ignore most of his posts. I just like to tweek his nose every once in a while. LOL

Hmm. Thunder, to you really think that you run the risk of being assaulted at the Parade?

I thought he was in reference to some party, rather than a parade.

I found a picture of last years parade ... this is meant as a joke and not a slam in any way.
http://thechive.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/funny-photos-12.jpg?w=500&h=371

I will try to be there and take pics. At risk of straying into Politics, I will say the reason I will be there is I am an American and I support the American ideals of Equal Rights and Freedom and Justice for All. As long as certain groups of American citizens are denied freedoms, then I think we all should be concerned and supportive.

I've been to plenty of places where there were lots of gay people, even being the only straight person in the crowd (gay bars, assuming everyone else was gay), and I've never felt unsafe at any of them. Awkward the first time or two yes, but not afraid.

My surprise was that he was worried. Never crossed my mind that he would actually be assaulted and was confused as to why he was worried about whatever he was worried about.

Thunder, I hope to, but I have health issues that cause my attendance to be up in the air until the actual day of the parade. If I do go, I'll take photos but no video since I don't have a video camera (other than my cell phone which is pretty crappy in doing that). But, surely someone else will be doing that, at least I hope so.

Like others have already said, if you want to go to the events and/or parade, just go, and enjoy. If I can go, I will, but that's iffy.

Hope you feel better, Doug.

I found a picture of last years parade ... this is meant as a joke and not a slam in any way.
http://thechive.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/funny-photos-12.jpg?w=500&h=371

Is that the Shriners?

That building is not here in OKC, you silly faker. :dizzy:

That building is not here in OKC, you silly faker. :dizzy:

Looks like George Orwell's Oceania...or the Psychic Eye Bookstore on Ventura Blvd....

ya. looks like SF.

Well, that cuts it between you and me, lake hefner breeze. I made my best attempt to be courteous and respectful to you; that brought no positive response from you; and this thread has now, at least in part, deteriorated into what you may have intended to accomplish ... an "I'm right," "No, I'm right," kind of thing.

So, I'm done listening to you and reading what you post unless you should you eventually indicate an interest in discussion (that means a willingness to consider, let's talk about it), as opposed to debate (that means a polemic, I'm right, you're wrong). I regret that you didn't accept my invitation to discuss.

It was a play on the word "strange" that Pete used to describe this thread.

Ya know, as in something's queer.

I did post a further response to earlier statements in the politics section under "Homosexuality", because that's what we were instructed to do by the moderator. You can read it there.

It was a play on the word "strange" that Pete used to describe this thread.

Ya know, as in something's queer.

I did post a further response to earlier statements in the politics section under "Homosexuality", because that's what we were instructed to do by the moderator. You can read it there.

I got the joke. Some might legitimately take offense because it can be used a a slur but, to me, I thought you were just playing with the word to try to lighten things up.

Its official!!! Penny is taking me to the party!!! She'll be my "date." :-D

I got the joke. Some might legitimately take offense because it can be used a a slur but, to me, I thought you were just playing with the word to try to lighten things up.

Yep.

Its official!!! Penny is taking me to the party!!! She'll be my "date." :-D

Oh no, Thunder. You'd be pitied as just a boy toy. As was suggested, you need to find someone your own age. But I am sure I'd have a swell time.

Considering I stopped being a regular on gay.com (local OKC chat room) and only a few people I know that is either gay or know about me (they all busy), I'm out of luck. lololol

Anyone on here wanna take this gay boy to the pride party? :-O

LOL - Thunder - any time! Used to go dancing at Angles in my more spry days. Two of my sorta-step-sons are gay and my mom's roommate was a gay man I loved like a brother.

Bottom line - it doesn't matter what people do in the privacy of their homes and, to somewhat paraphrase Rev. Dr. Martin L. King - man should be judged by the content of his character and not the love in his heart.
Good thing I'm not a christian - I'm allowed to accept my LGBT friends just as they are without wanting to "save" them.

OMG! Your step-sons, are they both real brothers? :-O

Oh no, Thunder. You'd be pitied as just a boy toy. As was suggested, you need to find someone your own age. But I am sure I'd have a swell time.

Oh, come on, try being a f*g hag.

OMG! Your step-sons, are they both real brothers? :-O

Yes they are -of the three sons of my significant other - two are gay and one is straight. And one of their cousins is also gay. Genetics - ya think?
If the heat will diminish, I may go to parade. I understand historical significance but I sure wish Pride Week would be in September!

Yes they are -of the three sons of my significant other - two are gay and one is straight. And one of their cousins is also gay. Genetics - ya think?
If the heat will diminish, I may go to parade. I understand historical significance but I sure wish Pride Week would be in September!

Yeah, I have a gay step brother and our shared half brother is gay (they have the same mom and their maternal aunt was a lesbian). I figure there is a genetic component, sometimes. And Bunty, the *** hag term is sorta cute but I never liked either hag or *** due to the connotations. As I get older, hag may start looking a bit hipper to my set.

Yes they are -of the three sons of my significant other - two are gay and one is straight. And one of their cousins is also gay. Genetics - ya think?
If the heat will diminish, I may go to parade. I understand historical significance but I sure wish Pride Week would be in September!

That is totally amazing. I have tried to figure out if it was really genetic or not, but I could not determine anyone else in the family, both sides, to be gay. My brother, I'm sure he is at least Bisexual, but his actions been declaring him straight, especially with this bad girlfriend he has living with us now. Really wish mom had more kids... I would rather let one of them to come "out" to test the water, before I drop the huge bombshell.

Thunder, my dad was a man's man, hunter (until he decided he didn't want to kill, anymore), sports fan, beer drinker, you get the picture. He was stunned but supportive when his step son came out of the closet many decades ago. When my brother told him (like we didn't already know), my dad shocked him by being totally supportive of him and his partner at the time - his only request (and this makes this relevant to this post) is that my brother never march in a gay pride parade while he was living. My brother could have taken offense but he didn't. He just laughed and promised. Not only did he keep his word, but beginning the year after my dad was gone, he started marching every year. He felt like my dad would understand and get a laugh out of it. I think he would have, too. We had one of the good ones and neither he or my brothers let garbage get in the way of the love they had for each other.

I'll be at the parade! I just read this entire thread in one sitting and amazed at the support, and non-support that its received. I mainly follow the development posts here and decided to take a step into civic issues. This thread was first up and so glad it was.

First I loved Doug's article. Well researched and written.

2, Being from the 'right' politically I am an outcast to the LGBT community. The rare breed of gay republicans is not an accepted trait by most. I feel my job is to 'teach' the gay community that we have to accept each other before asking for others to accept who we are.

There are a lot of statements that were made that are very stereotypical but I must say 'hit the nail on the head'. Most dress for the weather (what anyone would do) others showing off (lady gaga lovers, yes I stereotype), drag queens, leather daddies and 'kinks' that were mentioned. I must say though that those 'crazy' outfits are few a far between.

If you don't support it fine, I respect your views. I ask that you respect mine. This event brings people in from all over the state and some from out of state to celebrate a time to be free and have a good time. It brings money to the great city and that is good for everyone. Denver had their celebration this weekend and hosted over 100k people who attended. I have been to 2 Dallas celebrations in the past and they are massive events. The parade can stretch on for 2-3 hours, thousands of people line the half-mile parade route and end at the park for booths, food, etc. Tulsa's was not at all good this year, lots of things to blame.

If you want to learn more about the history and world-wide issues there was a great documentary called "Beyond Gay: The Politics of Pride"

Maybe next year we can all join as float for the site and the 'haters' can pull the float? :)

Thunder, I used to know a man and his 2 sons, all 3 of whom were gay. It isn't common but it happens.

:-O @ USG :-O

mrktguy29, I'm a Republican, too!!!