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MisterTao |
Outreach?
Dec 10 2008, 11:17 PM EST
I was wondering if there was anyone or any group doing outreach to communities that are not supportive of us? I'm thinking of something along the lines of soulforce's american family outing: A non-threatening visit to an unaccepting church. But am certainly open to any idea or suggestions.
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jaysays |
1. RE: Outreach?
Dec 10 2008, 11:51 PM EST
"I was wondering if there was anyone or any group doing outreach to communities that are not supportive of us? I'm thinking of something along the lines of soulforce's american family outing: A non-threatening visit to an unaccepting church. But am certainly open to any idea or suggestions."I'm not sure of any groups doing this sort of thing, but I've been contacting companies regarding their policies for some time now. I think an outreach group would be an amazing and brave gesture, although I wonder if it would be effective when dealing with an "unaccepting church" as their arguments are irrational - how do you reason with them? Do you find this valuable? |
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Knottrek |
2. RE: Outreach?
Dec 11 2008, 12:46 AM EST
I've been working with liberal and moderate church members in Seattle. Haven't had the nerve to go to a Christian extremist church yet.
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SableKitty |
3. RE: Outreach?
Dec 11 2008, 1:00 AM EST
I think the best way to reach out is to support Gay Pride Parades in cities where Gay Pride is not as well received as the traditional urban centers. Instead of spending millions on the San Francisco Pride Festival, why not divert some resources to Stockton, Fresno, Bakersfield? I'm describing California, but my point is thus: Gay Parades are fun. Everyone loves a parade - colorful floats, funky music, big hair, bad-ass motorcycles. Let the straights see us for who we are: fun, good hearted people with a sense of humor and mischief. Some will lock themselves down in their houses for the weekend. But some will come to the festival. Those who do will have a great time. They'll get to know us and learn there's no reason to be afraid of us. 3 out of 3 found this valuable. Do you? |
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MisterTao |
4. RE: Outreach?
Dec 11 2008, 8:49 AM EST
"I'm not sure of any groups doing this sort of thing, but I've been contacting companies regarding their policies for some time now. I think an outreach group would be an amazing and brave gesture, although I wonder if it would be effective when dealing with an "unaccepting church" as their arguments are irrational - how do you reason with them?"You can't use reason with people who are irrational. My experience is that you build relationships, and give people experiences that counter their beliefs. For example, seeing a gay couple with kids, and seeing how they interact with them, can counter beliefs that we're child molesters. Do you find this valuable? |
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MisterTao |
5. RE: Outreach?
Dec 11 2008, 8:51 AM EST
How has that outreach been going? Do you talk to the pastors or sit in on a service? What's your general plan?
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Russ_and_Robert |
6. RE: certainly open to any idea or suggestions.
Dec 11 2008, 9:30 AM EST
"I was wondering if there was anyone or any group doing outreach to communities that are not supportive of us? I'm thinking of something along the lines of soulforce's american family outing: A non-threatening visit to an unaccepting church. But am certainly open to any idea or suggestions."What were you doing in the past? Maybe you can adjust what you normally do ...and add on to something you don't normally do? Do you find this valuable? |
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Knottrek |
7. RE: Outreach?
Dec 11 2008, 10:14 PM EST
"How has that outreach been going? Do you talk to the pastors or sit in on a service? What's your general plan?"I talk to interested groups. Small ones, that want to listen to me. So really I'm doing what would be considered small potatoes. I don't get confrontational and I don't argue. I tell my story briefly and then open up questions and answers. Do you find this valuable? |
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MisterTao |
8. RE: Outreach?
Dec 14 2008, 12:48 AM EST
"I talk to interested groups. Small ones, that want to listen to me. So really I'm doing what would be considered small potatoes. I don't get confrontational and I don't argue. I tell my story briefly and then open up questions and answers. "No, I think it's important and don't know of any big potatoes ; ) I'd agree that avoiding confrontation and argument are the way to go. What kind of questions do they ask? Do you find this valuable? |
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ShariS |
9. RE: Outreach?
Dec 14 2008, 10:53 AM EST
"So really I'm doing what would be considered small potatoes. I don't get confrontational and I don't argue. I tell my story briefly and then open up questions and answers. "I don't know how you could call what you're doing small potatoes. It's the interpersonal connections that have the greatest degree of success is opening people's hearts and minds. I also think it's a great idea to move out of our comfort zones and make efforts in cities where we need to change minds. Originally from Fresno, I know that there is an extremely active liberal and gay community (they even have a parade & gay film festival each year), but their numbers were trumped by the religious right. Getting some support there would help bolster the ongoing efforts. It's kind of like a national election. San Francisco (like California for Obama) was a done deal. Let's determine what the "battleground" counties are & go to work there, and then shift onto the counties strongly on the other side. 1 out of 1 found this valuable. Do you? |
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Knottrek |
10. RE: Outreach?
Dec 14 2008, 12:21 PM EST
"No, I think it's important and don't know of any big potatoes ; ) I'd agree that avoiding confrontation and argument are the way to go. What kind of questions do they ask?"They ask questions or make comments that point out some very basic (and wrong) assumptions. Mind you, these are people who are not hostile. Yet they assume things that would make you cringe. The most upsetting comment so far was made by a very nice person who said they personally had no problem with gay marriage, but if it were legal some straight people might get married to the same sex just so they could get health insurance. So, therefore gay marriage can't be allowed. That one had my brain in an uproar and rendered me speechless. If I have a mission, I think it's educating people. Even those who support us are carrying assumptions and "facts" that are completely wrong. (and they support us anyway, which points out what incredibly strong allies they can be if they learn more!) 1 out of 1 found this valuable. Do you? |