Jim Nabors Weds Male Partner

[jackz]

SHAZAMMMMMMMMM.....

Actor Jim Nabors marries male partner in Seattle - Yahoo! TV (http://tv.yahoo.com/news/actor-jim-nabors-marries-male-partner-seattle-070211861.html)

[tainsley]

Well...gah-ah-ly!

[quirky3]

Good for them! I bet he thought it would never happen in his lifetime!

[OldDave]

38 years. Wow, talk about your long engagement. He always seemed like a truly kind man. Too bad he had to wait so long.

[Taltarzac725]

SHAZAMMMMMMMMM.....

Actor Jim Nabors marries male partner in Seattle - Yahoo! TV (http://tv.yahoo.com/news/actor-jim-nabors-marries-male-partner-seattle-070211861.html)

Good for them. I once partied with the Oakland Chorus while dating a fellow Information Access Company employee Kathleen M. whose hobby was as an operatic singer. We were the only straight people at this Thanksgiving dinner. The people there seemed extremely nice if very gay. You cannot help whom you fall in love with.

The U of MN also had a lot of gays/lesbians while I was there. Just people.

[gocubsgo]

Citizens Arrest!!!!

[quirky3]

Jim Nabors has a beautiful singing voice too

[villagerjack]

Personally, I believe marriage is between a man and a women.

[jane032657]

I married people in Seattle, wish I had been able to perform their ceremony!

[Taltarzac725]

Same Bible, Different Verdict On Gay Marriage : NPR (http://www.npr.org/2012/05/11/152466134/same-bible-different-verdict-on-gay-marriage)

[villagerjack]

same bible, different verdict on gay marriage : Npr (http://www.npr.org/2012/05/11/152466134/same-bible-different-verdict-on-gay-marriage)

npr?

[graciegirl]

Let's not get all ugly. Everyone has their own opinions and no one is going to change anyone elses. You will just cause hard feelings and make someone mad.

They didn't invite me to the wedding. William and Kate didn't either.

I am still pouting.

[Taltarzac725]

Let's not get all ugly. Everyone has their own opinions and no one is going to change anyone elses. You will just cause hard feelings and make someone mad.

They didn't invite me to the wedding. William and Kate didn't either.

I am still pouting.

Well said, Graciegirl.

[billethkid]

I am a constructive, non-conformist, traditionalist.

It has been a man and a woman for centuries all over the world....there must be a reason for that! May have something to do with the natural process of pro creation......there would be none in the other types of marriages.....a higher order must have had a design intent!!!

btk

[Taltarzac725]

I am a constructive, non-conformist, traditionalist.

It has been a man and a woman for centuries all over the world....there must be a reason for that! May have something to do with the natural process of pro creation......there would be none in the other types of marriages.....a higher order must have had a design intent!!!

btk

63 Interesting Facts about Marriage (http://facts.randomhistory.com/interesting-facts-about-marriage.html)

[jackz]

I am a constructive, non-conformist, traditionalist.

It has been a man and a woman for centuries all over the world....there must be a reason for that! May have something to do with the natural process of pro creation......there would be none in the other types of marriages.....a higher order must have had a design intent!!!

btk

So basically what you are saying is that it is Adam and Eve and not Adam and Steve? (Just adding some levity to this discussion)

[2BNTV]

Scheezzz Zammmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Taltarzac725]

Jim Nabors Official Website (http://www.jimnabors.com/)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Nabors

[villagerjack]

Rosie is on her third wife. Must be real confusing for the older kids with six potential mothers when most of your peers have one mom and one dad, both of whom were responsible for your conception and birth. We never consider possible collateral damage as politics seems to overwhelm the thought process, to say nothing about traditional marriage and the breakdown of the traditional family.

[villagerjack]

Let's not get all ugly. Everyone has their own opinions and no one is going to change anyone elses. You will just cause hard feelings and make someone mad.

They didn't invite me to the wedding. William and Kate didn't either.

I am still pouting.

Fir my edification, who got ugly?

[graciegirl]

Fir my edification, who got ugly?

No one. Just holding my breath. The truth is that both sides of this potential debate feel very strongly about their views.

[skyguy79]

Fir my edification, who got ugly?I don't think Graciegirl was saying anyone got ugly... yet! I think she was saying let's not start getting ugly and respect each others point of view by not attacking another's beliefs or opinions when it does not match ones own opinion. In other words, respect is a two way street!

[Golfingnut]

Citizens Arrest!!!!

Kirk Douglas Kirk Douglas. I loved the characters he played.

[Taltarzac725]

I don't think Graciegirl was saying anyone got ugly... yet! I think she was saying let's not start getting ugly and respect each others point of view by not attacking another's beliefs or opinions when it does not match ones own opinion. In other words, respect is a two way street!

Nice thought, Skyguy.

As to another poster's take on Rosie--

"Rosie is on her third wife. Must be real confusing for the older kids with six potential mothers when most of your peers have one mom and one dad, both of whom were responsible for your conception and birth. We never consider possible collateral damage as politics seems to overwhelm the thought process, to say nothing about traditional marriage and the breakdown of the traditional family."



True. Not sure if Rosie O'Donnell's private life resembles that of some gay couple you might meet in the Villages. Many of these gay/lesbian "marriages" last decades. Rosie O'Donnell - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosie_O'Donnell)

I would not point at the Brad Pitt/Angelina Jolie marriage as being a model for straight couples, either.

Celebrities have the means to make all kind of decisions that the rest of us cannot. They also have all kinds of temptations as well.

[Golfingnut]

Personally, I believe marriage is between a man and a women.

I believe marriage is between two people that love each other and wish to commit the rest of their life to each other.

I would find it very weird for a gay man to marry a heterosexual women.

[OldDave]

I certainly think we're getting close to ugly. And I should point out that Nabors has been with his partner 38 years!

[villagerjack]

I certainly think we're getting close to ugly. And I should point out that Nabors has been with his partner 38 years!

Who is we? I see a polite discourse.

[ilovetv]

I think what gets traditional marriage believers upset is the redefinition of both Judeo-Christian and civil "marriage" as it's existed for thousands of years, by supplanting it with varied pairings/couplings.

I and many other people think that when the civil rights and obligations of civil marriage are what the homosexual couple is seeking, then if legally sanctioned, the union ought to take on a separate license and definition such as "civil union" or "domestic partnership", and leave what God ordained thru the ages as it stands.

I would hope this could be discussed without getting nasty.

[Golfingnut]

I think what gets traditional marriage believers upset is the redefinition of both Judeo-Christian and civil "marriage" as it's existed for thousands of years, by supplanting it with varied pairings/couplings.

I and many other people think that when the civil rights and obligations of civil marriage are what the homosexual couple is seeking, then if legally sanctioned, the union ought to take on a separate license and definition such as "civil union" or "domestic partnership", and leave what God ordained thru the ages as it stands.

I would hope this could be discussed without getting nasty.

I agree with what you say in principal as my concern is for all the legal provisions lost to same sex couples. If the principal party, Gay and Lesbian individuals would be fine with that then it would be settled. BUT, I SAY BUT, it the interfering of folks that seem to have personal interest in the debate wishing to take freedom and liberty from those not in the same little box that they live in. We all should have freedom to make the decision on a matter so serious and simply does not hurt anyone in my opinion.

[NotGolfer]

I was just wondering...for the stand-point of marriage and the idea that it's a man and a women who come together and have children. Just thinking if everyone decided to marry someone of the same sex....eventually there wouldn't be any humans populating the world! This is hypothetical of course....but just another angle to the discussion.

[OldDave]

OK, I'll take a shot at a civil answer, because I like the way you asked. I did write a personal response to Jack, but decided that wasn't appropriate as encouraged by the Admin the other day, so I didn't send it.

Certainly this is a subject that generates strong feelings. And as Gracie said, with religion and politics (and this is both) you really cannot change other people's beliefs.

I don't have a dog in this fight. My wife and I have been married for 40 years.

So with that background let me say a couple of things. Yes Rosie has a bad marriage track record, but does that somehow speak to all gay marriages? As I pointed out Nabors and his partner have been together as long as me and my wife. I will never forget the coverage of New Hampshire when they change their laws. The first couple married were two of the sweetest looking ladies who had been together for more than 50 and were both successful professional people. How can their union hurt anyone. The truth is gay people are just a good, just as bad, as the rest of us.

As to the church marriage vs. civil union argument. It seems on the surface logical. The problem is what if the gay couple are just as committed to their religous beliefs are you are? They don't want a civil union, they want the same marriage you had. More and more churches are accepting this. They want the same rights. So it it's OK with their church, I don't see how someone in another church can object. And I"m not sure looking at the history of marriage really works too well. In the bible you get into multiple partners, taking your dead brother's wife, and one of the yuckier parts of the bible, not allowing seed to be spilled and getting your daughters involved. Marriage is an ever changing institution.

This country was founded on religious freedom, and it is critical to a free society. We seem to have forgotten this a bit in the last couple of decades as some groups want to force their religious beliefs not only on other people, but into law. The only way freedom of religion can work is to have freedom from religion too. That would be Religion with a capital R as in middle ages in Europe when the church was the goverment. That doesn't work too well as I recall.

Bottom line, ask yourself how two old men in Hawaii that obviously care very much for each other, getting married, hurts you. The voters of Washington State decided this was OK. That's how this country works.

[Golfingnut]

OK, I'll take a shot at a civil answer, because I like the way you asked. I did write a personal response to Jack, but decided that wasn't appropriate as encouraged by the Admin the other day, so I didn't send it.

Certainly this is a subject that generates strong feelings. And as Gracie said, with religion and politics (and this is both) you really cannot change other people's beliefs.

I don't have a dog in this fight. My wife and I have been married for 40 years.

So with that background let me say a couple of things. Yes Rosie has a bad marriage track record, but does that somehow speak to all gay marriages? As I pointed out Nabors and his partner have been together as long as me and my wife. I will never forget the coverage of New Hampshire when they change their laws. The first couple married were two of the sweetest looking ladies who had been together for more than 50 and were both successful professional people. How can their union hurt anyone. The truth is gay people are just a good, just as bad, as the rest of us.

As to the church marriage vs. civil union argument. It seems on the surface logical. The problem is what if the gay couple are just as committed to their religous beliefs are you are? They don't want a civil union, they want the same marriage you had. More and more churches are accepting this. They want the same rights. So it it's OK with their church, I don't see how someone in another church can object. And I"m not sure looking at the history of marriage really works too well. In the bible you get into multiple partners, taking your dead brother's wife, and one of the yuckier parts of the bible, not allowing seed to be spilled and getting your daughters involved. Marriage is an ever changing institution.

This country was founded on religious freedom, and it is critical to a free society. We seem to have forgotten this a bit in the last couple of decades as some groups want to force their religious beliefs not only on other people, but into law. The only way freedom of religion can work is to have freedom from religion too. That would be Religion with a capital R as in middle ages in Europe when the church was the goverment. That doesn't work too well as I recall.

Bottom line, ask yourself how two old men in Hawaii that obviously care very much for each other, getting married, hurts you. The voters of Washington State decided this was OK. That's how this country works.

You remind me of a carpenter like Jesus. They say measure twice and cut once. Well, you must have thought at least twice to put down this sensible well thought out response. Thank you.
:beer3:

[OldDave]

Thank you for the kind words, Golf. I appreciate it.

[ilovetv]

Understood. But I differ with this: "Bottom line, ask yourself how two old men in Hawaii that obviously care very much for each other, getting married, hurts you. The voters of Washington State decided this was OK. That's how this country works."

This is based on feelings of a minority group (as in WA voters are a minority among 50 states in the Union). "That's how this country works"......I don't think so. How our country works, I think, is forming our laws and systems toward what is not only good for the individual, but what is good for the whole nation's social and legal fabric being strongly woven and not easily torn nor worn threadbare.

What if the voters in WA decided it "doesn't hurt anybody" for first cousins or brothers-sisters or mother-sons to get married?

It may not hurt anybody individually nor in their community, but over time if it became norm, this would have a damaging effect on the whole nation's social fabric....and health.

[OldDave]

U.S. law holds that marriage is a state's right issue. And just like our NRA discussion a couple of weeks ago, the "well if they do this, then they will do this" just doesn't hold water. I recall some pretty horrible predictions: if we gave women the right to vote, if minorities were allowed in baseball or in the armed forces, and on and on.

These changes in state laws did not happen over night. They have been the result of decades of debate. And to paraphrase some of the ruder posters on this site, if you don't like the laws in Washington State, I wouldn't move there.

[ilovetv]

U.S. law holds that marriage is a state's right issue. And just like our NRA discussion a couple of weeks ago, the "well if they do this, then they will do this" just doesn't hold water. I recall some pretty horrible predictions if we gave women the right to vote, if minorities were allowed in baseball or in the armed forces, and on and on.

These changes in state laws did not happen over night. They have been the result of decades of debate. And to paraphrase some of the ruder posters on this site, if you don't like the laws in Washington State, I wouldn't move there.

Regarding "the "well if they do this, then they will do this" just doesn't hold water."......

I did not put the example of cousins, siblings or parent/child hypothetically marrying in order to say that "if they do homosexual marrying, then they will do incestuous marrying". I put it as an example of how a group's feelings of acceptability and goodness for the rest of society is not exactly "how this country works".

[Cantwaittoarrive]

Personally, I believe marriage is between a man and a women.

:agree:

[Cantwaittoarrive]

OK, I'll take a shot at a civil answer, because I like the way you asked. I did write a personal response to Jack, but decided that wasn't appropriate as encouraged by the Admin the other day, so I didn't send it.

Certainly this is a subject that generates strong feelings. And as Gracie said, with religion and politics (and this is both) you really cannot change other people's beliefs.

I don't have a dog in this fight. My wife and I have been married for 40 years.

So with that background let me say a couple of things. Yes Rosie has a bad marriage track record, but does that somehow speak to all gay marriages? As I pointed out Nabors and his partner have been together as long as me and my wife. I will never forget the coverage of New Hampshire when they change their laws. The first couple married were two of the sweetest looking ladies who had been together for more than 50 and were both successful professional people. How can their union hurt anyone. The truth is gay people are just a good, just as bad, as the rest of us.

As to the church marriage vs. civil union argument. It seems on the surface logical. The problem is what if the gay couple are just as committed to their religous beliefs are you are? They don't want a civil union, they want the same marriage you had. More and more churches are accepting this. They want the same rights. So it it's OK with their church, I don't see how someone in another church can object. And I"m not sure looking at the history of marriage really works too well. In the bible you get into multiple partners, taking your dead brother's wife, and one of the yuckier parts of the bible, not allowing seed to be spilled and getting your daughters involved. Marriage is an ever changing institution.

This country was founded on religious freedom, and it is critical to a free society. We seem to have forgotten this a bit in the last couple of decades as some groups want to force their religious beliefs not only on other people, but into law. The only way freedom of religion can work is to have freedom from religion too. That would be Religion with a capital R as in middle ages in Europe when the church was the goverment. That doesn't work too well as I recall.

Bottom line, ask yourself how two old men in Hawaii that obviously care very much for each other, getting married, hurts you. The voters of Washington State decided this was OK. That's how this country works.

I don't think your statements on laws and religion are acurate. Many of the laws on the books today have their roots in English common law, much of the common laws roots come from religions beliefs, some biblical, some church so I think to try to totaly seperate religion from law is flawed. That's like saying we can't have a law against murder because the ten commandments say you shouldn't commit murder. Freedom of religion has more to do with not legislating what religion you must believe in, not what the law says per se. For example at the time of the founding fathers if you lived in England the Church of England was the government sponsored religion

[NIPAS K-9]

Personally, I believe marriage is between a man and a women.

I AGREE.....................:beer3:

[mac9]

I remember in my lifetime that inter-racial marriages were illegal. Marriage is the commitment of two people to unify. Just that.

[lanabanana73]

I am thrilled for Jim and his partner. My youngest son came out when he was 16. I was devastated! I had to go through an entire grieving process, grieving those dreams I had for my son that would not come to pass. I also made a point of finding as many gay men as possible and hearing their stories, because I wanted to understand. That changed my heart. I came to the realization that gays/lesbians are not awful people, as I had been taught......a danger to the traditional family. They are just like you and me! Gay/lesian couples lead boring lives just like us heterosexual couples!

A change of heart came to my husband one day when he had been through a particularly trying experience and when he had a chance to slip away and call me, as soon as he heard my voice, he broke down and cried....telling me of his day. He said that on his way home he was pondering what it meant to him to have me in his life.....a person with whom he knew he could share EVERYTHING, knowing he was safe. He had an epiphany and realized that all humans deserve to have someone in their lives with whom they feel so safe and that he wanted that kind of relationship for all of his children, including his gay son!

Marriage builds strong family units. I see no reason to deny gay people the opportunity to build family units. That makes for a stronger society and benefits all of us. More casseroles at the neighborhood pot lucks!

Just my two cents.......

[quirky3]

I am thrilled for Jim and his partner. My youngest son came out when he was 16. I was devastated! I had to go through an entire grieving process, grieving those dreams I had for my son that would not come to pass. I also made a point of finding as many gay men as possible and hearing their stories, because I wanted to understand. That changed my heart. I came to the realization that gays/lesbians are not awful people, as I had been taught......a danger to the traditional family. They are just like you and me! Gay/lesian couples lead boring lives just like us heterosexual couples!

A change of heart came to my husband one day when he had been through a particularly trying experience and when he had a chance to slip away and call me, as soon as he heard my voice, he broke down and cried....telling me of his day. He said that on his way home he was pondering what it meant to him to have me in his life.....a person with whom he knew he could share EVERYTHING, knowing he was safe. He had an epiphany and realized that all humans deserve to have someone in their lives with whom they feel so safe and that he wanted that kind of relationship for all of his children, including his gay son!

Marriage builds strong family units. I see no reason to deny gay people the opportunity to build family units. That makes for a stronger society and benefits all of us. More casseroles at the neighborhood pot lucks!

Just my two cents.......

That's beautiful, LanaB! Thanks for sharing!

[In awe of TV]

I am thrilled for Jim and his partner. My youngest son came out when he was 16. I was devastated! I had to go through an entire grieving process, grieving those dreams I had for my son that would not come to pass. I also made a point of finding as many gay men as possible and hearing their stories, because I wanted to understand. That changed my heart. I came to the realization that gays/lesbians are not awful people, as I had been taught......a danger to the traditional family. They are just like you and me! Gay/lesian couples lead boring lives just like us heterosexual couples!

A change of heart came to my husband one day when he had been through a particularly trying experience and when he had a chance to slip away and call me, as soon as he heard my voice, he broke down and cried....telling me of his day. He said that on his way home he was pondering what it meant to him to have me in his life.....a person with whom he knew he could share EVERYTHING, knowing he was safe. He had an epiphany and realized that all humans deserve to have someone in their lives with whom they feel so safe and that he wanted that kind of relationship for all of his children, including his gay son!

Marriage builds strong family units. I see no reason to deny gay people the opportunity to build family units. That makes for a stronger society and benefits all of us. More casseroles at the neighborhood pot lucks!

Just my two cents.......


Absolutely perfect - so well said! We are only here for a short time. It is not easy to find someone to love, someone to spend your life with. I've been divorced for almost a decade and would really cherish someone in my life, who is deserving that is. I wish a life of bliss to everyone, regardless of their body preference.

[2BNTV]

Did anyone notice that Jim is almost 82 years old? Why wait any longer to find more happiness that he wanted with his partner.

Like "Golden Pond" paraphrased: "he is going to be 82 years old, when do you expect this friendship to begin". Everyone is entitled to happiness.

[duffysmom]

I am thrilled for Jim and his partner. My youngest son came out when he was 16. I was devastated! I had to go through an entire grieving process, grieving those dreams I had for my son that would not come to pass. I also made a point of finding as many gay men as possible and hearing their stories, because I wanted to understand. That changed my heart. I came to the realization that gays/lesbians are not awful people, as I had been taught......a danger to the traditional family. They are just like you and me! Gay/lesian couples lead boring lives just like us heterosexual couples!

A change of heart came to my husband one day when he had been through a particularly trying experience and when he had a chance to slip away and call me, as soon as he heard my voice, he broke down and cried....telling me of his day. He said that on his way home he was pondering what it meant to him to have me in his life.....a person with whom he knew he could share EVERYTHING, knowing he was safe. He had an epiphany and realized that all humans deserve to have someone in their lives with whom they feel so safe and that he wanted that kind of relationship for all of his children, including his gay son!

Marriage builds strong family units. I see no reason to deny gay people the opportunity to build family units. That makes for a stronger society and benefits all of us. More casseroles at the neighborhood pot lucks!

Just my two cents.......

Beautifully said Lana and I'm happy that your son has two parents who have accepted and love him.

[gatherer47]

EVERYONE is entitled to happiness.Therefore if this makes them happy then fine.How people can get worked up over something like this is beyond me.Live and let live.For the naysayers,if it doesn't affect your life,what do you care for?Get over it!

[janmcn]

In another generation this will be a non-issue, just like women voting and inter-racial marriage. Everyone is entitled to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" whatever that may be.

[Cantwaittoarrive]

=gatherer47;618155]EVERYONE is entitled to happiness.Therefore if this makes them happy then fine.How people can get worked up over something like this is beyond me.Live and let live.For the naysayers,if it doesn't affect your life,what do you care for?Get over it!



In another generation this will be a non-issue, just like women voting and inter-racial marriage. Everyone is entitled to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" whatever that may be.

If this is the case why not allow plual marriage? why not allow drug use of your choice? why not allow public nudity? after all if it makes the person happy and none of this really hurts anyone else as long as you don't drive under the influence.

[Rags123]

If this is the case why not allow plual marriage? why not allow drug use of your choice? why not allow public nudity? after all if it makes the person happy and none of this really hurts anyone else as long as you don't drive under the influence.

The legal drugs have already begun in two states. Plural marriage is being tested in a few areas.

Soon, do what you want.....I just KNOW that most times when people say it "does not hurt anyone", it really does when done in bulk.

[janmcn]

If this is the case why not allow plual marriage? why not allow drug use of your choice? why not allow public nudity? after all if it makes the person happy and none of this really hurts anyone else as long as you don't drive under the influence.

Because all of the things you mention are against the law, same-sex marriage is the law in some states. This country is a democracy, where the majority rules, and a country of laws and order.

[Taltarzac725]

The Case for Same-Sex Marriage | Psychology Today (http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/therapy-matters/201107/the-case-same-sex-marriage)

[Golfingnut]

So many wonderful posts on this issue. I know now that we are one more step out of the cave of superstition and bigotry. Very inspiring thread. Thanks to all that posted in a positive way.

Lou

[Quixote]

I am thrilled for Jim and his partner. My youngest son came out when he was 16. I was devastated! I had to go through an entire grieving process, grieving those dreams I had for my son that would not come to pass. I also made a point of finding as many gay men as possible and hearing their stories, because I wanted to understand. That changed my heart. I came to the realization that gays/lesbians are not awful people, as I had been taught......a danger to the traditional family. They are just like you and me! Gay/lesian couples lead boring lives just like us heterosexual couples! ....

Marriage builds strong family units. I see no reason to deny gay people the opportunity to build family units. That makes for a stronger society and benefits all of us....

How true! Congratulations to Jim Nabors and his partner! I cannot be anything but happy for any two people who obviously love each other, especially those who have been together for so long. Hopefully one day the prejudice and bigotry against gays and lesbians will go the way of the dinosaurs....

[Parker]

You can't say he rushed into it.

[JoeC1947]

Who really cares anymore?

[Portia]

I married people in Seattle, wish I had been able to perform their ceremony!

I married Ronnie in Connecticut and wish YOU had performed the ceremony!!!

[Trish Crocker]

Let's not get all ugly. Everyone has their own opinions and no one is going to change anyone elses. You will just cause hard feelings and make someone mad.

They didn't invite me to the wedding. William and Kate didn't either.

I am still pouting.

Gracie, you were invited. As I stood in the receiving line Kate leaned over and asked where you were. We determined that the invite must have been lost in the mail...she was quite upset (I think this may actually be behind all of the morning sickness issues she is dealing with)

[Barefoot]

I am thrilled for Jim and his partner. My youngest son came out when he was 16. I was devastated! I had to go through an entire grieving process, grieving those dreams I had for my son that would not come to pass. I also made a point of finding as many gay men as possible and hearing their stories, because I wanted to understand. That changed my heart. I came to the realization that gays/lesbians are not awful people, as I had been taught......a danger to the traditional family. They are just like you and me! Gay/lesian couples lead boring lives just like us heterosexual couples!

A change of heart came to my husband one day when he had been through a particularly trying experience and when he had a chance to slip away and call me, as soon as he heard my voice, he broke down and cried....telling me of his day. He said that on his way home he was pondering what it meant to him to have me in his life.....a person with whom he knew he could share EVERYTHING, knowing he was safe. He had an epiphany and realized that all humans deserve to have someone in their lives with whom they feel so safe and that he wanted that kind of relationship for all of his children, including his gay son!

Marriage builds strong family units. I see no reason to deny gay people the opportunity to build family units. That makes for a stronger society and benefits all of us. More casseroles at the neighborhood pot lucks!

I agree with this well written and evocative post.

[Portia]

when Jim and I lived in Connecticut, We knew a young man of 18 years old.. that had a very hard time dealing with being gay .. when he finally excepted it, he told his parents.. his father beat the living crap out of him.. the following week this beautiful young man HUNG HIMSELF.. END OF STORY!!!

[Taltarzac725]

when Jim and I lived in Connecticut, We knew a young man of 18 years old.. that had a very hard time dealing with being gay .. when he finally excepted it, he told his parents.. his father beat the living crap out of him.. the following week this beautiful young man HUNG HIMSELF.. END OF STORY!!!

It seems that you are wired by genetics and early life experiences to be attracted to a certain sex or sexes. Very sad tale your friend's. I do not remember the gays when I grew up in Reno--in high school anyway-- facing much tolerance.

[2BNTV]

when Jim and I lived in Connecticut, We knew a young man of 18 years old.. that had a very hard time dealing with being gay .. when he finally excepted it, he told his parents.. his father beat the living crap out of him.. the following week this beautiful young man HUNG HIMSELF.. END OF STORY!!!

How sad.

[Russ_Boston]

I would find it very weird for a gay man to marry a heterosexual women.

I knew such a man. He had 3 kids and at age 48 came out to his family. They were understanding (the kids were young adults by then). But he never lost the guilt and killed himself 3 years later. Sad, but true. Too bad society wasn't more tolerant back then (25 years ago).

I personally don't understand anyone who has issues with two people (or more) loving each other and spending their joys, and sorrows together for the rest of their lives. I don't understand how it hurts me or society. I my 55 years on this earth I've seen a lot more damage done by single parent households. Give me 2 gay men or women raising a child over that any day. I like the odds better with 2 parents.

(and please don't post something like "I know a single mom who did great...". Of course you do, we all do. But a 2 parent household has a higher likelihood of success IMHO.)

[Portia]

It is just how society is we are all raised to think one way..and when somthing different gets tossed in the mix ..there are those few who cannot handle the change.. be it narrow minded or just plain ignorance they will never change ..as for me being Gay is who I am.. and those around me ..will except it or not, Im here to stay whether you like it or not..I do not push my way of life on anyone and expect the same treatment for myself..At this stage of life I dont need the DRAMA !!

[eweissenbach]

It is just how society is we are all raised to think one way..and when somthing different gets tossed in the mix ..there are those few who cannot handle the change.. be it narrow minded or just plain ignorance they will never change ..as for me being Gay is who I am.. and those around me ..will except it or not, Im here to stay whether you like it or not..I do not push my way of life on anyone and expect the same treatment for myself..At this stage of life I dont need the DRAMA !!

Bravo. :BigApplause:

[gatherer47]

Russ Boston-you said it sooooooooo well!

[Barefoot]

I personally don't understand anyone who has issues with two people (or more) loving each other and spending their joys, and sorrows together for the rest of their lives. I don't understand how it hurts me or society.

As usual, I agree with Russ. Thank heavens that today we live in an enlightened society where most of us can accept loving relationships, whatever the race or sex.

[duffysmom]

In my next life I want to be raised by two gay men. They are some of the most creative and humorous people on the planet. You have to develop a sense of humor if you're gay. Loved La Cage aux folles. No flames please(-:

[janmcn]

This will be such a non-issue for the next generation. My great nephews, ages 7 and 9, best friends are twins being raised by their two fathers in New York City.

[Shirleevee]

It is just how society is we are all raised to think one way..and when somthing different gets tossed in the mix ..there are those few who cannot handle the change.. be it narrow minded or just plain ignorance they will never change ..as for me being Gay is who I am.. and those around me ..will except it or not, Im here to stay whether you like it or not..I do not push my way of life on anyone and expect the same treatment for myself..At this stage of life I dont need the DRAMA !!

Ignorance, religious intolerance and yes, not being able to understand something different. My husband and I have a lesbian best friend for the last 50 + years, and many old and new gay friends....to us they are JUST our friends.....:sing:

[scottiee]

I believe in leaving people alone.

[OldDave]

Hi folks. Been gone a few days. And YES, I've missed you all.

I just have to say how impressed I am by all the thoughtful and loving posts on this thread. Sure there were a couple of intolerant ones, but nearly all of them are really cool to read.

Thanks,

Dave