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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Gay marriage and the fabric of society.
 

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

No one's personal life is our business!!!
 

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....

You can't say he rushed into it.

Who really cares anymore?

Married in Connecticut
 

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

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)

I agree with this well written and evocative post.

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.

How sad.

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.)

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:

Russ Boston-you said it sooooooooo well!

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.

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(-:

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.

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:

Who cares
 

I believe in leaving people alone.

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