That’s me, back in 1969 or so. Twelve years old. One important thing in my life happened right about then, and a second important thing didn’t. I wrote about the first thing in a blog posted to Tulare County Atheists some time ago. This blog is about the second thing, the one that didn’t happen. At least not for another 25 years.
I had a “girlfriend” when I was 5 years old. We attended the same kindergarten class in Tacoma. I remember calling her my girlfriend, and I think she called me her boyfriend, but I’m not sure either of us really thought much of the designation. For me, it might have been more something my father suggested. She and I only interacted in school, since we didn’t live close to each other. We didn’t really play that much together, and other than the status of “girlfriend”, I really don’t recall much about her. I think her name was the same as my sister’s, Sherry, but I could be mis-remembering that. We moved after the end of the school year, and I never saw her again. I don’t recall being upset about that. Maybe that was the first clue?
That was it for girlfriends up until my senior year in high school. Second clue? Perhaps.
I should have figured out the second thing right about the same time I figured out the first. But there was a big difference between being OK about being an atheist, and being OK about being gay.
The United States Senate today passed a stand alone bill to repeal the mis-named “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Don’t Pursue” law enacted in 1994. In a 65-31 vote, eight Republicans and one Independent voted with the Democratic majority to finally pass the legislation. It now goes to President Obama to sign into law, which the White House says will happen next week. While the President’s signature will, finally, kill this discriminatory policy as law, … Read More
Kathy at Canyonwalker Connections has written an insightful commentary on the top ten lies told about gays and lesbians by conservative hate groups. Spurred by the recent addition of several right wing “values” groups to the Southern Poverty Law Center’s hate group list, and their resultant indignation about being labeled hate groups, Kathy posted her thoughts on the entire sad drama. Here, in her opinion, are the top ten lies told by these gro … Read More
Although this day of observance and education was originally started in the UK, it has spread to be a global phenomenon. You can click on the image below to check out their website. You can also click here for a great overview of some of the major AIDS and HIV related news and highlights in 2010. … Read More
I don't often post things from religious sites. Most of the time what they say is 180 degrees from what I consider to be the truth, or at the very least the humane thing to say or do. This opinion piece from Religion Dispatches is different. This article speaks the truth, and is worth your time. Why Anti-Gay Bullying is a Theological Issue By Cody J. Sanders And the moral imperative of anti-bullying preaching, teaching, and activism [caption i … Read More
In honor of GLBT History Month, sponsored in part by Equality Forum, we have placed a link to glbthistorymonth.com on each of our metropolitan area blogs. We currently host and manage 12 local blogs in 5 different states and we're excited to lend a hand to such a great project! We hope to continue and leverage even more of our resources for GLBT History Month … Read More
Saturday, October 9 · 6:00pm – 8:00pm Corner of Mooney Blvd and Walnut, Visalia CA From Brock Neeley: We have all been rocked by the recent announcements of so many young gay people who have committed suicide as a result of anti-gay bullying. I am devastated and angry, and I believe many of you are, too. National Organizations including Marriage Equality USA, the Gay Student Network, "It Gets Better," and others have joined together to call for a … Read More
Dan Savage responds to a Christian woman taking him to task about comments regarding gay children committing suicide:
I’m sorry your feelings were hurt by my comments.
No, wait. I’m not. Gay kids are dying. So let’s try to keep things in perspective: fuck your feelings.
From Slog: A Christian woman takes Dan Savage to task for his recent comments about Christians bullying gay teens, some who commit suicide. I was listening to the radio yesterday morning and I heard your interview with Beth McDonald. I have been thinking about it a lot since then and I feel compelled to share my thoughts with you. I was saddened and frustrated with your comments regarding people of faith and their perpetuation of bulling. As some … Read More
I’m a bit disappointed in him right now. The alternative isn’t acceptable, so I’m sure I’ll vote for him again, but he’s not living up to his promises.
He promised to be a “fierce advocate”. He’s claimed he’s a “fierce advocate”. If he doesn’t step up and start actually delivering on his “fierce advocacy”, he may be a one-term “advocate”. The Obama Administration’s Justice Department filing regarding the recent court ruling that “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Don’t Pursue” is unconstitutional, here. In short, they’re saying the ruling can only apply to the people involved in the suit, and not to th … Read More
Random thoughts, occasional rants, illuminating commentary, and an odd story now and then from the world of 9-1-1 dispatching. All this and more from a gay liberal atheist living in California’s Bible belt. Some names have been omitted to protect the innocent, but the guilty will be hung out to dry!
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email me at jim.visalia@gmail.com
JimmieJoe 
When I Should Have Known
February 24, 2011
Jim Reeves commentary, Gay, Personal atheist, being out, coming out, Gay, gays in visalia, Jim Reeves 3 Comments
I had a “girlfriend” when I was 5 years old. We attended the same kindergarten class in Tacoma. I remember calling her my girlfriend, and I think she called me her boyfriend, but I’m not sure either of us really thought much of the designation. For me, it might have been more something my father suggested. She and I only interacted in school, since we didn’t live close to each other. We didn’t really play that much together, and other than the status of “girlfriend”, I really don’t recall much about her. I think her name was the same as my sister’s, Sherry, but I could be mis-remembering that. We moved after the end of the school year, and I never saw her again. I don’t recall being upset about that. Maybe that was the first clue?
That was it for girlfriends up until my senior year in high school. Second clue? Perhaps.
I should have figured out the second thing right about the same time I figured out the first. But there was a big difference between being OK about being an atheist, and being OK about being gay.
More
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