Quick question : does anyone know if there are any recovery (or NA specificaly) LHBTI+ flyers available ?
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Never felt smaller, than yesterday evening.
Sometimes, when you push the “send” button, you know you started something that requires what Brené Brown labelled “a strong back and a soft front”. In other words, get ready for the storm you just released which you will have to face as vulnerable as you can get.
Read in a business meeting report that apparently “we” voted neutrally about the proposed NA folder on LGBTQ+.
In which “we” means, a handful of hetero males. After overthinking this for a day, I decided this was nót okay and I sent a text in the group app that I disagreed to that decision for in my opinion, a dedicated folder can help creating awareness and openness towards newbies as well as to the group themselves…
Of course I got questions and had to defend my point of view and since I started this myself, I did reply. And even literally posted in a reply, that this discussion was fár beyond my comfortzone, and that I actually felt really vulnerable and scared of the possible negative responses it would get.
And of course, once the Testosteron rexes got home from work, hell díd break loose. Some left the group, some threatened to leave and let’s say I’m not looking forward to the next meetring on monday.
With trembling hands and tears in my eyes I read some of the comments, feeling like that little school boy again that felt rejected once again.
But I am very grateful for some of the positive responses I got afterward by private message, of course mainly from the females.
Why do we anno 2022 still have to defend ourselves for who and what we are ?
“I don’t know how it must be for you” someone mentioned.
No indeed, you don’t. No one of us knows that for another unless we actually talk about it with each other.
For me, it’s the same as everywhere else - even in a room of NA, I’m amongst men and women. And I am fully aware I’ll never be part of neither of them. So I stay true to myself. Finally. No matter what storms it will raise.
Mixed feelings. Empowering experience, but also a saddening one.
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Remaining silent in any situation is being in agreement with the aggressors, the bigots, those people so damn scared that if they open their minds and hearts someone is going to come and take away their money, sex, pride, gender or identity.
Stay in the long grass I say. It’s much prettier when your heart is pure and light
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I promoted the Bad Gays podcast here a while ago. The makers did a book too and are on a promotion tour now. By coincidence I found out yesterday they were in Amsterdam tonight. I went. A night of firsts for me, my first book presentation ever, a first for me attending such a cultural gay event (however you should define that…). And my first book signed by the authors. Ever. I like.
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That is super cool!!! Looks like it was a popular reading!!
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I am new to this app and just now seeing this post and I am BALLING!!!
I never thought that this is what I felt 
Thank you for opening my eyes. And now I can finally talk to my loved ones (who support me of course.)
@anon27760155 Thank you so much for this. Much love 
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This phrase should be bronzed above my mantle. I’ve never heard it and it is so appropriate.
I admire your courage.
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Then you should read Cordelia Fine’ s book with that title !
It’s in pdf online :
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I absolutely will. Thank you!
This article should go in another thread really (LGBTQ+ & Sober: Coming Out Later In Life), but I find it useful to post it here as this is the most active LGBTQ+ on the forum.
I came out to my friends and family when I was about 30. But the process of coming out to myself, to truly accept and know myself as a gay guy, has really only just begun and started after I got clean and sober three years ago. I’m 56 and it’s an ongoing process. Lots of recovery/discovery work to do still. One day at a time. Articles like this help and move me. One love.
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Times are changing for sure, but never quickly enough. Make your happiness your priority. We are all dust at the end of the day, so be happy. 
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“This notion of someone wanting to be gay or becoming [gay] is ridiculous. I think there is nothing easier in this world than being straight."
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It’s pride week in Amsterdam. I’ll miss most of it as I’m working most days. it’s OK. I’m glad it’s celebrated. One love.
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Happy Pride week!
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Late to the party, but here’s this year’s balcony. I moved to a badass corner unit 7 floors up from my last unit 
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Nice work space!! 
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Just got home from work while in town the Canal Pride -after two years of absence- is happening. A bit too crowded for me. But happy there’s a good party going on. One love.
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Beautiful!! Crowded!
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