Don, at one point in my life I was just like those people your talking about. Honestly I'm ashamed to omit it but I feel your pain. Over the years I've learned to ignore the teachings of old and go with the times. Today most of my best friends are gay and I wouldn't give them up for the world. I remember once when I was talking with my brother Gary about the first time I went into a gay club with him and he said this wasn't the first time. He said remember when we were growing up we went too so and so. I said yes he then said it was a gay bar. I had no idea. When I think of it now it was some of the best times it had.

I guess my point to this rambling is, when people experience what I will call invincible ignorance, where in their hearts, there is a barrier or wall that exists that can not be destroyed or foster new ideals. This type of ignorance can be found in religion and social circles inclusive. Also, another way I can explain this is, this is how peoples consciences are formed from childhood. I would tend to believe people that are hateful and blatantly homophobic suffer from this type of ignorance.

I don't know all the answers. However with all the gay awareness, media etc. that has been happening over the recent years, I think is a good thing. Slowly people are accepting the gay community as real people and not as freaks. I can't sit here and say I know how you feel, but I too can see there is a long road ahead to total acceptance.

From an ex-homophobe. I love you Don and all my gay friends. You guys rock.


CA