tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834596026525717264.post8403218993250907496..comments2023-12-14T13:49:25.768-08:00Comments on This Gay Relationship: Perfect as You AreRick Modienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157314737543591048noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834596026525717264.post-41904174618966546192011-05-04T08:49:00.928-07:002011-05-04T08:49:00.928-07:00By way of update, Lorna, I submitted the above (wi...By way of update, Lorna, I submitted the above (with a few edits) to PFLAG Canada today. I truly hope it helps someone who reads it, both here and on the PFLAG website.<br />Thanks for suggesting I submit it.Rick Modienhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02157314737543591048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834596026525717264.post-23065750324956929812011-04-27T08:21:59.388-07:002011-04-27T08:21:59.388-07:00Lorna, I'm so happy to hear from you, and to r...Lorna, I'm so happy to hear from you, and to read that you believe my "shoulder grabbing heartfelt comments" could work. I believe they could, too. I really think if someone had said them to me, especially early on, they would have made an enormous difference in how I felt about myself and how I processed all the bullying I took. In that sense, they would have shaped my future so much for the better, which was the whole point why I wrote them--to help someone else going through the same things I did.<br /><br />I'll be sure to thank Heather for making you aware of my blog, and I will certainly consider contributing in some way to PFLAG Canada "My Stories." That's a great idea I hadn't considered.<br /><br />Many thanks for stopping by and for leaving a wonderful comment. I hope to have an on-going conversation with you for some time to come. And thank you so much for your support. I really appreciate it.Rick Modienhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02157314737543591048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834596026525717264.post-87539497525470697152011-04-26T06:04:36.182-07:002011-04-26T06:04:36.182-07:00Hi, I'm here by way of Heather Chomos. I love...Hi, I'm here by way of Heather Chomos. I loved reading your shoulder-grabbing heartfelt comments. My son, who is now 43, was unceasingly bullied because he is dyslexic---not really a comparison to your case---but by some wild chance, I thought to tell him the things you're saying now, and as an anti-bullying technique, I can affirm that it works. <br /><br />Like you, I've been moved to tears by some of the It Gets Better video. That promise of hope must be life-changing for some people, and the medium is wonderful, graphic and heartstring-grabbing. I've yet to read the book, but I know I will, and can imagine that for some people books are a more useful medium. I'm a booklover of some repute, so it pains me to say I haven't read the book yet, but I feel so uplifted by the videos, so hopeful that change---real change---is coming that I proselytize about the videos to anybody that will listen.<br /><br />I wish you would post this blog to PFLAG Canada "My Stories". It is truly inspiring and the obvious next step in positive action.<br /><br />And I'll be back.Lornahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08976144449873569523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834596026525717264.post-4492608604038830442011-04-25T22:13:00.855-07:002011-04-25T22:13:00.855-07:00So good to hear from you again, Sarah. (And I sho...So good to hear from you again, Sarah. (And I should have said this in my previous comment--I missed you, too. A lot.)<br /><br />When Dan came out with his Project, I watched a number of the videos and was deeply moved by them. What a wonderful way to reach out to so many LGBTQ youth and to attempt to support them at a time when they need it most.<br /><br />But I guess I'm a little old school. Initially, I asked myself why Dan captured some of the videos in a book when videos are more graphic and immediate, but I see why now. <br /><br />I've really enjoyed the connection between the book in my hands and reading what people have to say about their experiences being bullied, in many cases attempting suicide, and surviving to realize how much better their lives get. I LOVE books anyway. They have been more faithful friends to me than many, many human beings I've known.<br /><br />Your last line above really hits home. And, of course, that's exactly why I wrote this post. Every last one of those kids needs to know he or she is worthy. I pray I've written something here that will be all the proof someone needs to believe that, to get through the hell of school, and to look forward to a brighter future.<br /><br />Once again, my sincere thanks for your comment. It's great to resume our conversation.Rick Modienhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02157314737543591048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834596026525717264.post-25580404085480598882011-04-25T19:46:32.134-07:002011-04-25T19:46:32.134-07:00I love this book, but I think the videos are what ...I love this book, but I think the videos are what are so powerful. I think they did the book for kids who may have access to it at a library, but not have internet (is that possible these days? I guess in some families, computers are pretty closely monitored....) I know he's gotten a few emails from kids who've said that the videos are a life line, because they live in families where they tried to come out, and were basically told to deny it or be kicked out. It's hard to believe that any parent would do that to their own child, but obviously it's still happening in places in the States, so maybe this is what will get them through that period of time. I agree, it's tough to say, "wait it out," but sadly, some kids live in families or communities where that's the only choice. But yeah, if you could find every one of those kids and say, "you are worthy," wouldn't that be great?Sarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07590889190847673743noreply@blogger.com