The Benefits Of Gay Chat Lines

Thanks to modern technology, it has never been easier for homosexuals within the UK to meet new friends and acquaintances. Within the past few years, society has become less obtuse in regards to the social and personal lives of gay people, welcoming a wider range of dating services that cater specifically for the needs of young gay people. If you are single within the UK and are looking to meet a new potential mate, then registering with a gay chat line could be ideal for you.

Gay chat lines and online dating sites have become increasingly popular of late, providing single guys with a number of ways in which to meet new people. The main benefit of utilizing gay chat lines and sites is that you can meet hundreds of singles from across the country-not just from your local area. Not only can you increase your chances of meeting a new mate, but you can also make a number of new friends along the way. It can become increasingly tiresome relying on traditional methods of meeting new people, such as scoping out the local bars and if you fear rejection, this can cause you to shy away from attempting to strike up a conversation with someone you like in a face-to-face manner.

The beauty of gay chat lines is that you can be connected to all sorts of people who suit your set requirements. So, if you're looking for friendship, causal dating, a long term relationship, something more explicit or you simply wish to test the waters of gay chat lines; you are guaranteed to find someone who is looking for the same thing as you. Gay chat lines are just another aspect of dating and communication that have stemmed from modern technology. By combining the use of the web with your mobile or landline, you can chat and ultimately, meet hundreds of new men from the comfort of your own home. Gone is the worry of your appearance, what to wear and how to act as you can relax and chat away. In the event the conversation isn't going how you would like, you can simply end the conversation and search for a new potential connection. By browsing through the listings of members for your chosen gay chat line, you can get a grasp of each member's likes, dislikes, requirements and you may even get to catch a glimpse of what they look like! If you are looking to date or start a relationship, this can help you save valuable time and get you right back on that dating horse in quick speed!

In today's sometimes fickle world of dating, turning to gay chat lines can relieve some of the drama we can face from the field of dating. Opting to meet new people in a face-to-face scenario can often be successful but should you come home alone or without a simple smile from a cute guy, you can often be felt feeling somewhat disheartened. By looking into gay chat lines, you can learn all you would want to know about a potential partner before the sometimes nerve-wracking first time date. Knowing the sound of his voice, how he laughs and what he looks for in a man can be a great way to settle the nerves or simply enjoy a nice, relaxing night at home chatting to some of the gorgeous men who are joining gay chat lines today!

For more information please visit Gay Adult Chat

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Gay Dating Tips - How To Find The Gay Man You Want

Knowing what type of gay man you are looking for and is your type is one of the most important keys to successful and enjoyable gay dating. For example if you are a sports oriented gay guy who loves going to the gym and one of your favorite activities is sitting in front of the TV on Sunday afternoon to watch NFL football then obviously you are not going to be a match with a gay man who loves going to the museum and fine art. There is that old saying about opposites attract so I suppose there's a certain amount of room for leniency and maybe you're not looking for a guy who is exactly like you. These are questions you have to answer first before you go looking.

But knowing what type of relationship you desire as well as the type of gay guy you desire will save you a lot of hassles in the long run in your dating and singles pursuit. Many times people make the mistake of going strictly with their heart when looking for someone. When someone feels right they pursue it. But there's a world of difference between attraction and compatibility and it's important to know the difference. Don't let your heart even start to get involved until your head knows you are with a gay man who is the type of gay man you are looking for and fits the bill. Then when you know there's a pretty good chance of the relationship working out long-term full steam ahead.

The most important thing for all gay singles looking for love is first charge of your own happiness and place less emphasis on finding a relationship to make you whole. For all the gay singles out there hoping to find their next 'gay love', or the gay guys looking for their next date, I wish you a happy and successful gay dating journey and most important enjoy the process.

Two totally Free Gay Dating Sites:

Here are two totally in 100% free no strings attached fabulous gay dating sites that have tons of features in fact features most other paid gay dating sites don't have. Pride Free Gay Dating and Metrodate Free Gay Dating.

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Why Are Gay Men Attracted to Men in Uniform?

Most gay men get attracted to men in uniform. This state is actually one type of fetish, just the sight of certain male individuals wearing their work outfits may ignite another person's sexuality. Try imagining guys wearing suits of firemen, lumber jacks, police men, sailors, football players, coast guards, wait staff or butlers, navies, armies, doctors, flight attendants, or prisoners. They stand out in a crowd full of civilians, they attract attention, and are usually head turners. These types of clothing add excitement, enthusiasm, and incitement to gay men. When homosexuals spot these men in work suits, they often get giddy and start plotting on how to chase them.

There are few things that could break down the reasons behind this matter. One basis is it just might have something to do with the idea that most men in some forms of uniform are well groomed. Those clean cuts, shiny boots, perfectly ironed coordinated outfit, smelling clean, and looking neat plus a great mysterious smile and deep dimples. Who would not want to be intimate with a flawless hygienic looking person? Another is that the attire gives a hint of authority, strength, and professionalism. These characteristics would build up the idea of security. Usually, if not most, gay men tend to be feminine and tender, thus making men in work clothes more attractive. It is about the very masculine-protector image and the thought of stability. Men in their uniforms can exude power, sexiness, and manliness.

When it comes to sex, uniforms are the usual costumes used to portray a certain activity. The work clothes display that a man can be a 100% gentleman, but can be very intimate when the uniform is stripped down. It creates anticipation, thus the lust becomes more evident and stronger. The whole black tactical or assault look makes gay men strongly desire the uniformed men to submit themselves or to be submitted to. The naughtiness in bed will increase as both or either of them will take orders from each other. This is one of the most common fantasy they have. It may become extremely dreamy for gay uniform chasers to have sex with a man in work dress. Add to that a well defined body structure but not too muscular, and that will definitely illuminate the desire.

This has become a total turn on to homosexuals and has been very interesting since the early times. The things mentioned above are just a few of the many reasons why. There is no direct or exact explanation as to how or when it all started. All in all, gay men are drawn to men in uniform as a result of a combination of their idealism and fantasies.

Author: Roger Stewart
"Taste My Rainbow."

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Gay Dating Online - 7 Reasons Why Online Personal Ads for Meeting Gay Single Men Is Best

Here are 7 reasons why online personal ads are the best for meeting gay single men in your area

when it comes to meeting gay single men there is not a more cost-effective method than meeting gay singles online. Even if you pay for a gay dating site the cost is minimal, approximately $20 per month. There are a couple of totally free singles sites as good a quality as the paid dating sites and I will list them below
convenience - you can engage in your hunt for an eligible man anytime of the day or night that suits you. Not only that you can conduct your search wearing anything you wish or nothing at all and you won't be judged.
you can find out more about any single one guy in a matter of 20 or 30 seconds on an online personal ad than you ever could in even 10 or 15 minutes chatting with a guy face-to-face. So online gay dating personal ads act to compress time which saves you time
you can reject guilt free. If after reading up a little bit on a man's profiled you decide he is not what you are looking for you can move on without the discomfort to you of rejecting him and the feeling of rejection to him.
men cruising online personal ads tend to be in a much more receptive state of mind to meeting other guys since in the comfort of their own home they will be much more relaxed and much more themselves
most of the better gay personals and dating sites offer a variety and large number of ways to connect with and communicate with other men, from email, to instant message, to a variety of live chat mediums. You can choose the communication medium you are most comfortable with.
It is one of the most effective ways to meet other people. Every day thousands of gay and straight people connect online.
My Name is Shannon Sapperstein, a relationship counselor and therapist since 2002. I specialize in dating and relationship conflict such as divorce. Here are two totally FREE gay dating sites. Pride Gay Dating and Metrodate Gay Singles

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Free Gay Dating Website or Paid Gay Dating Site, Which Is Better For Meeting Men Online?

Although there are very few free gay dating websites on the Internet today one logical question a gay man would probably have is why should I pay for a dating service when I can easily get one for free?

In most cases a paid gay introductions service is going to be better than a free one for a variety of reasons. For one - if it is a paid dating site the owners of the site have a certain standard of site quality they have to maintain otherwise people will want their money back spread a bad word about that dating site and they will never build their dating business online. In other words if you are paying for it you have a right to be critical and complain and the website owners know this.

With a free gay singles service the person who is running the site may have another full-time job and they run that site on the side. So chances are the quality of the web programming will not be up to par, the number of members will be low, and there may even be a lot of fake profiles. Of course a notable exception to this, although it is not a gay site is a free single site, is plenty of fish. The owner of plenty of fish makes thousands of dollars every single day from Google advertising.

Instances in which a free gay dating site is better than a paid gay dating website

The one exception to this rule is quite often new singles sites will offer totally free membership for the first couple of years. The reason is to build up their membership base. The owners of these free sites that are the exception are very smart businessmen and they make sure that their free dating site is designed for total customer satisfaction in mind. They know that the free members being happy with that gay dating site will spread the word and build membership. At some later time that dating site will then start charging membership fees. A perfect example of this is match.com. Back around the year of 1999 to 2000 match.com was actually AOL's free dating service. It was one of the only dating services back then but they were totally free. They built their membership levels to respectable levels in and started charging.

There are at this time two totally free singles sites (gay) that are in this situation expressed in the paragraph above. They are relatively new, a couple of years old and their membership is growing exceptionally fast. At the rate both of these sites are growing chances are they are not going to be free forever.

(2) 100% free gay dating sites

The two totally free gay dating sites I am referring to are pride gay dating whose membership base has grown 3000% in just the last six months, and Metrodate free gay dating.

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The Best Places for Gay Dating in the UK

Brighton - Often referred to as the 'Gay Capital' of the UK, Brighton has been embraced by boys who love boys and girls who love girls. The bohemian and laid back feel of Brighton paired its student population with a loud fashion sense and anything goes attitude has attracted a huge following of those that are looking for a gay dating scene where they can be themselves and let loose. Brighton sees the most gay civil partnerships in the UK as well as hosting the UK's most popular Gay Pride Festival. While there is what is known as a 'Gay Quarter' in Brighton, the whole place is accepting of the gay population and everybody mixes in the same bars and clubs.

Newcastle - The gay capital of the north, Newcastle attracts almost a cult following of fellahs who flock to the 'Pink Triangle' looking for gay dating opportunities and fun. The Gay Village of Newcastle spans out from Central Station, down towards the Metro Radio Arena and clusters mostly around Times Square where the famous Powerhouse nightclub is. Newcastle's pink triangle ticks all the boxes for gay dating opportunities with everything from thumping dance clubs to relaxed pubs and classy bars as well as sauna houses and BDSM clubs.

Manchester - Manchester has been a magnet for those looking for gay dating since the seventies, and before that, in a more underground way. Those looking to join in the gay nightlife that Manchester has to offer should head to Canal Street or 'Anal Treet' as it known locally in an affectionate way. People flock from all over the world to join in the gay life in Manchester's Canal Street that was made famous by the TV sitcom 'Queer as Folk' which was filmed there.

Soho - Undeniably the UK's most renowned area for gay nightlife and gay dating, Soho has been a mainstay in the gay scene in London since Victorian times and probably well before then too. Many bar in Soho have a strict door code of no groups of women and no heterosexual couples allowed. Dark alley ways and connotations with the sex trade give Soho an unwarranted seedy reputation. Gay life in Soho centres around Old Compton Street and Dean Street where 'silly hours' are the norm. Silly Hour is like a happy hour but with ridiculously low prices on drinks that helps the crowds get well on their way for a good night and paves the way for plenty of gay dating opportunities.

Most cities and larger towns in the UK have some sort of gay quarter or village but most have nothing on the places listed above. Heading out to a larger town usually means that there are more gay friendly places to drink and less discrimination. Also, the bigger the city, the more people there are there and the more chance you will have in the gay dating game.

The author writes on social networking and community websites about gay dating and the use of gay tv to help chat services and gay interaction.

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Crohn's Disease Information

Crohn's Disease (also known as ulcerative colitis, granulomatous enteritis, regional enteritis, ileitis, or terminal ileitis) is an ongoing disorder that causes inflammation of the digestive tract (also known as the gastrointestinal tract). Crohn's Disease can affect any area of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus, however it most commonly affects the lower part of the small intestine, called the ileum. The swelling extends deep into the lining of the affected organ. The swelling can cause pain and can make the intestines empty frequently, resulting in diarrhea.

Crohn's Disease is an inflammatory bowel disease - the common name for diseases that cause swelling in the intestines. Because the symptoms of Crohn's Disease are similar to other intestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis, it can be difficult to diagnose. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and ulcers in the top layer of the lining of the large intestine. In Crohn's Disease, all layers of the intestine may be involved, and normal healthy bowel can be found between sections of diseased bowel.

The cause of Crohn's Disease is unknown. It is suspected that infection by certain bacteria, such as strains of mycobacterium, may be the cause of Crohn's Disease. However, there has been no conclusive evidence that the disease is caused by infection. Crohn's Disease is not contagious. Although diet may affect the symptoms in patients with Crohn's disease, it is not likely that diet is actually responsible for the onset of the disease.

The most common Crohn's Disease symptoms are abdominal pain, often in the lower right area, and diarrhea. Less common symptoms include poor appetite, fever, night sweats, rectal pain, and rectal bleeding, weight loss, arthritis, and skin problems, may also occur. Bleeding may be serious and persistent, leading to anemia. Children with Crohn's Disease may suffer delayed development and stunted growth. The range and severity of symptoms varies.

A thorough physical exam and a series of tests may be required to diagnose Crohn's Disease. Blood tests to check for anemia - which could indicate bleeding in the intestines. Blood tests may also uncover a high white blood cell count, which is a sign of inflammation somewhere in the body. By testing a stool sample, the doctor can tell if there is bleeding or infection in the intestines.

The most common complication is blockage of the intestine. Blockage occurs because the disease tends to thicken the intestinal wall with swelling and scar tissue, narrowing the passage. Crohn's Disease may also cause sores, or ulcers, that tunnel through the affected area into surrounding tissues, such as the bladder, vagina, or skin. The areas around the anus and rectum are often involved. The tunnels, called fistulas, are a common complication and often become infected. Sometimes fistulas can be treated with medicine, but in some cases they may require surgery. In addition to fistulas, small tears called fissures may develop in the lining of the mucus membrane of the anus.

Crohn's Disease affects both men and women and can run in some families. About 20 percent of people with Crohn's Disease have a blood relative with some form of inflammatory bowel disease, most often a brother or sister and sometimes a parent or child. Crohn's Disease can occur in people of all age groups, but it is more often diagnosed in people between the ages of 20 and 30. People of Jewish heritage have an increased risk of developing Crohn's disease, and African Americans are at decreased risk for developing Crohn's Disease.

Treatment for Crohn's Disease may include drugs, nutrition supplements, surgery, or a combination of these options. Treatment controls inflammation, corrects nutritional deficiencies, and relieves symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. Treatment can help control the disease by lowering the number of times a person experiences a recurrence - however - there is no cure. Treatment for Crohn's Disease depends on the location and severity of disease, complications, and the person's response to previous medical treatments when treated for reoccurring symptoms.

Some people have long periods of remission, sometimes years, when they are free of symptoms. However, the disease usually recurs at various times over a person's lifetime.

This changing pattern of the disease means you cannot always tell when a treatment has helped. It is not possible to predict when a remission may occur or when symptoms will return. A person with Crohn's Disease may need medical care for a long time, with regular doctor visits to monitor the condition.

Gay Redmile is the webmaster of numerous health and well being sites. For further important information and latest news on Crohn's Disease - visit her site at http://www.crohnsdisease.wellbeinginfosite.com or for a wealth of other well being information visit http://www.wellbeinginfosite.com

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Get Rid of Varicose Veins

Varicose Veins (or Spider Veins as they are sometimes referred to) are gnarled, enlarged veins. The word varicose comes from the Latin root varix, which means "twisted." The most commonly affected veins are in the legs and feet. The force of gravity, the pressure of body weight, and the task of carrying blood from the bottom of the body up to the heart make legs the primary location for varicose and spider veins.

The majority of people with varicose veins are mainly concerned about their appearance. Some are concerned about varicose veins because of aching pain and discomfort that they can cause. Sometimes this condition leads to more serious problems. Varicose veins may also be a sign of higher risk of other disorders of the circulatory system. Varicose veins is a common condition in the United States, affecting about 50 to 55% of American women and 40 to 45% of American men.

Cause of Varicose Veins: the heart pumps blood filled with oxygen and nutrients to the whole body. Arteries carry blood from the heart towards the body parts. Veins carry oxygen-poor blood from the body back to the heart. The squeezing of leg muscles pumps blood back to the heart from the lower body. Veins have valves that act as one-way flaps. These valves prevent the blood from flowing backwards as it moves up the legs. If the one-way valves become weak, blood can leak back into the vein and collect there. This is called venous insufficiency. Pooled blood enlarges the vein and it becomes varicose. Spider veins can also be caused by the backup of blood.

Factors which can increase the person's likelihood of developing varicose or spider veins include:

Increasing Age

Having family members with vein problems or being born with weak vein valves

Hormonal changes. These occur during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, and taking birth control pills and other medicines containing estrogen and progesterone. During pregnancy there is a huge increase in the amount of blood in the body. This can cause veins to enlarge. The expanding uterus also puts pressure on the veins.

Obesity, leg injury, prolonged standing and other things that weaken vein valves.

Sun exposure, which can cause spider veins on the cheeks or nose of fair-skinned people.
Varicose Vein symptoms include: aching pain; easily tired legs; leg heaviness; swelling in the legs; darkening of the skin (in severe cases); numbness in the legs; and itching or irritated rash in the legs.

Spider veins do not usually require medical treatment. However, varicose veins usually enlarge and worsen over time. Severe varicose veins can cause other health problems including:

Severe pooling of blood in the veins which slows the return of blood to the heart - this can cause blood clots and severe infections.

Sores or skin ulcers can occur on skin tissue around varicose veins.

Ongoing irritation, swelling and painful rashes of the legs.
Prevention of varicose veins and spider veins can include:

Wearing sunscreen to protect skin from the sun and to limit spider veins on the face.

Exercise regularly to improve leg strength, circulation, and vein strength.

Weight to avoid placing too much pressure on the legs.

Not crossing legs when sitting.

Elevating legs when resting.

Not standing or sitting for long periods of time.

Wearing elastic support stockings and avoiding tight clothing that constricts the waist, groin, or legs.

Eating a low-salt diet rich in high-fiber foods. Eating fiber reduces the chances of constipation which can contribute to varicose veins.
Varicose Veins Treatment - may include self-help measures, or procedures by a doctor to close or remove veins. Treatments include:

Sclerotherapy - This is a non-surgical procedure in which a solution is injected into the problem varicose veins or spider veins in order to cause its disappearance.

Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) -works by heating the inside of the vein, which causes it to seal shut and disappear. This treatment requires that a very thin laser fiber be inserted into the damaged underlying vein.

Radiofrequency Occlusion - this method treats the vein by heating them, causing the vein to contract and then close.

Ambulatory Phlebectomy - this involves making tiny punctures or incisions through which the varicose veins are removed. The incisions are so small no stitches are required.

Transilluminated Powered Phlebectomy (TIPP) - this treatment is a minimally invasive procedure for removing varicose veins that is performed using the TriVex® System.

Transillumination is a unique feature - much like a flashlight placed under the skin - that allows a surgeon to see, accurately target and remove varicose veins, then visually confirm the extraction.

Vein Ligation - vein surgery where incisions are made over the problem vein and the vein is tied off. This is done in order to cut off the flow of blood to the varicose vein, which in turn causes it to become less visible.

Vein Stripping - involves tying off of the upper end of a problem vein.

Laser surgery - sends very strong bursts of light onto the vein. This can makes the vein slowly fade and disappear. This treatment is popular as it does not use needles or incisions. Laser treatments last for 15 to 20 minutes. Depending on the severity of the veins, two to five treatments are generally needed to remove spider veins in the legs. Patients can return to normal activity right after treatment. For spider veins larger than 3 mm, laser therapy is not very practical.
Possible side effects of laser surgery include: redness or swelling of the skin after the treatment; discolored skin that will disappear within one to two months; occasionally
burns and scars result from poorly performed laser surgery.

Varicose Vein Creams: some creams can reduce the appearance of varicose and spider veins. These include: Lavender Oil; vitamins K, E, liposomes and aloe.
Gay Redmile is the webmaster of numerous health and well being sites. For all the latest information, news and articles regarding varicose veins - visit her site at: http://www.getridofvaricoseveins.com or for a wealth of information on other well being issues visit: http://www.wellbeinginfosite.com

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Fighting for Gay Rights - 16 Aphorisms to Win the Debate

The fight for gay rights is the latest in a long line of American social struggles. Even though public support for these rights is steadily growing, many people are still dragging their feet. You can help win them over by sharing these 16 aphorisms.

1) I am not sexually attracted to some women, those with particular physical traits. This is natural. Though I could have dated them, I would have always found them to be physically unappealing. Put differently, such pursuits would have been unnatural for me. We all make these "choices" when seeking a partner--and for a homosexual, the natural choice is never the unappealing member of the opposite sex.

2) Asking a homosexual to be heterosexual is like asking a dude who prefers beach babes to date only crippled, obese crones.

3) Even if homosexuality is a "choice," everyone has the freedom to choose their path in life--at least until the big government of the GOP interferes.

4) Many people are homophobic simply because any imagery of gay sex disgusts them. But I have a newsflash for each of these homophobes: imagery of you having sex disgusts a majority of Americans. Are you ready for us to vote on your sexual rights?

5) From the Revolutionary War through World War II, black soldiers served within segregated units. Opponents of integration maintained that many white soldiers would never live and fight beside black ones, that morale would suffer, and that the military should not be a tool for social experimentation. Now the newest generation of bigots is regurgitating the same idiocies to prevent the open integration of gay soldiers. Let us again assure Chicken Little and his fretful animal friends that the sky is not falling.

6) Actually, it is quite easy to implement the repeal of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy: simply discharge the homophobes who do not make the ordered lifestyle changes.

7) Until 1967, many states banned interracial marriages. One judge ruled that "Almighty God created the races white, black, yellow, malay and red, and he placed them on separate continents. And but for the interference with his arrangement there would be no cause for such marriages. The fact that he separated the races shows that he did not intend for the races to mix." This insane reasoning echoes now in the voices that argue to keep the ban on same-sex marriages. If President Obama will not condemn this discrimination, perhaps it would be proper for the government to prohibit his daughters from marrying outside their own race.

8) Religions often oppose same-sex marriages on the grounds that homosexual couples cannot procreate. How would we react if the same argument led religions to ban all marriages of infertile heterosexuals? Furthermore, would we permit the state to follow suit?

9) Bear in mind, even if we legalize same-sex marriages, a church is still free to decide which couples it will wed.

10) Divorce--not same-sex marriage--presents the gravest threat to conventional marriage. Maybe we should outlaw divorce.

11) By insisting that gay couples be as good as the typical straight couple is at parenting, one is setting an extremely low bar.

12) Though legalization of same-sex marriage cannot lead to people marrying objects, animals, or children--for they can never give consent--it could lead to the acceptance of polygamy. I see no problem with this: if more than two persons wish to share their marital "bliss" with one another, it is none of our business.

13) For centuries, Christians have persecuted differing peoples. As soon as it falls out of vogue to crucify one group, Christianity targets another. Its current victims are homosexuals. For good or evil, Christianity is America's main ethical engine--and the driving force behind anti-gay bigotry. Will Christians prove to be any better than Muslims are at policing their own terrorists?

14) Christians should embrace men who love other men rather than men who hate other men.

15) If God had truly wanted to discourage homosexuality, he probably should not have placed the male prostate next to the rectal wall--creating a G-spot. He completely screwed up that design.

16) The surest way for us to move our country past the persecution of homosexuals is to promptly give them equal rights. It is but a question of time before they get these rights; yet, until then--as we go on debating subjects like the "don't ask, don't tell" policy and same-sex marriage--emotions will remain intense. We must legally acknowledge homosexual equality, get this issue out of sight and out of mind, and begin societal assimilation.

With each victory we achieve in the civil rights arena, we lessen society's prejudices until there are no more. Hence, let us strive to win the fight for gay rights so decisively that it becomes the last of its kind.

Kenneth Rotar recently introduced his first book, Bricks of Truth, a collection of 1000 aphorisms. In 1965, when he was nine months old, he was diagnosed with a severe form of muscular dystrophy. Though it was unlikely that he would survive past his teen years, he has lived a full life. Throughout that time, he steadily lost most of his muscles and is now nearly paralyzed; nonetheless, he completed this book of philosophy at the age of 46.

Visit http://www.bricksoftruth.com to discover more of his insights.

Copyright © 2011 by Kenneth David Rotar

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Where To Find All The Gay Single Men For Dating

One of the biggest challenges to gay single guys is figuring out where to meet gay men. This is usually a question that a gay male living in a smaller town touring the country would ask. Usually the gay guys that live in or near cities know exactly where to go. This is of course understandable. The issue of where to meet gay guys is also asked by men who are not out of the closet yet.

The first and fastest way to find gay single men - open up your local phone book or Yellow Pages look under bars, or gay bars, or gay bookstores, or just start with the word gay in the Yellow Pages. You may be surprised and shocked to see what comes up. These are all places you can visit to meet other single gay man.

Gay bookstore - this is a great resource not only for meeting other gay single man but quite often these establishments give away what is called 'pink pages'. Pink pages are like yellow page is made specifically for the gay and lesbian community. Go to Google and type in 'pink pages' or 'pink pages' followed by your town and state name.

Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays - if you live in the United States you can find out where your local chapter is and find some great tips on coming out plus other tips as well. ( http://www.pflag.org )

Gay Dating Websites - in my personal opinion this is the absolute best way to meet other single guys because you are not limited to geographical handicaps. Gay dating websites tend to remove barriers of time and distance. You can do a search for single guys that live within 20 or 50 miles of you and most of the dating sites today let you get very specific and exact in terms of age and characteristics of the person you want to meet. Money is not an excuse or an issue because there are too very good and totally free gay dating sites you could visit immediately to get started meeting other single man living right near by you:

Free gay dating site #1 Pride Gay Dating Free gay dating site #2 Metrodate Gay Dating

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shannon_Sapperstein

Gay Marriage In Connecticut: Hazardous To Your Wealth?

You're gay. You live in Connecticut. You want to marry.

The question is, will you be treated financially in the same manner as heterosexual couples? The answer is yes and no.

The Connecticut Supreme Court recognized gay marriage in 2008 and the legislature codified it. Essentially, this made the state's laws on marriage and divorce gender and orientation neutral.

But the word 'essentially' is where the rub lies. Because the federal government and some states don't recognize same sex marriages, these couples face a number of challenges impacting the transfer of wealth upon marriage, divorce or death. Over 1,000 federal laws take marital status into account, often with negative consequences.

For example, on the federal level, the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) prevents. Same sex couples from:

• Filing joint tax returns;
• Obtaining Social Security Survivor benefits;
• Taking advantage of spousal transfer exemptions for estate planning purposes.

Take the example of the gay couple in Massachusetts who had been together for sixty years. They were officially married in 2004 shortly after it became legal to do so in Massachusetts. When one spouse died in 2008, the surviving spouse was blocked from receiving social security survivor benefits because the marriage, although recognized under state law, was not recognized under DOMA. While the monthly benefit amounted to only $700 per month, multiplied over the rest of the surviving spouses' lifetime it could have easily been worth $100,000.

And there are other complications. Case in point, getting married in Connecticut does not necessarily confer jurisdiction to be divorced in Connecticut. If a same sex couple travels to Connecticut to marry from a home state that does not recognize gay marriage - they may not be able to get divorced in their home state. The non-recognition of their marriage in their home state means they will not be able to take advantage of that state's divorce laws when dividing their financial assets, even if those terms are advantageous.

The Obama administration's recent decision not to defend DOMA in court will have little day-to-day impact for married gay couples. However, while those challenging DOMA in court - a costly and long process - may not face opposition from Obama Administration lawyers, they may suffer from the adverse consequences at the state level. Furthermore, federal agencies must still follow and enforce DOMA until such time it is overturned or repealed. Finally, the Obama administration's decision has no effect on state laws in states where gay marriage is not recognized.

Fortunately, most of the unfavorable aspects of non-recognition can be defeated through a well drafted pre-nuptial agreement. For example, a same sex couple can, in the event of a divorce, agree to submit themselves to the jurisdiction of Connecticut courts (and require physical relocation if necessary) in the event that they have relocated to a non-recognition state since becoming married.

http://www.TerbruschLaw.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Terbrusch

Coming Out to Your Friends As Lesbian, Gay or Bisexual

The words 'coming out' has different meaning for different people. For some men and women, identifying as a lesbian or gay means self acceptance, acknowledging that they are attracted to people of the same sex and want to develop sexual, romantic relationships with them. For others, it means, letting people they care about know that they are not heterosexual; that it is necessary to verbalize a word that lets them know you're different. Most importantly for most, it's because they want to be truthful with their friends and not hold any secrets. Whatever your reasons, identifying as a lesbian or gay man can be a liberating and even euphoric experience.

Coming out, can be a lengthy painful process, or a short, celebratory one, it really depends on your unique circumstances and your mindset. Most North American societies have laws that protect lesbians and gays however, many women and men still remain in the 'closet' mainly due to fears of how others will react.

These thoughts may be prevalent in your mind:

Will they stop being my friend?
Will they stop talking to me?
Will they tell everyone they know?
The following suggestions may help you come out to your friend:

Visualize

Thinking about all the possible scenarios and outcomes can be stressful and create a lot of anxiety. Begin to change your way of thinking from the negative to the positive. Visualize how you will come out to a friend and visualize their positive response to you. Do this often and until you feel comfortable and at ease with the notion of being out to your friend.

Engage Conversation

Engage your friend in a discussion about a lesbian or gay issue, for example: What do you think of Pride? How do you feel about lesbian/gay marriages becoming legal in NY (first lesbian couple to wed, Kitty Lambert and Cheryle Rudd).

Listen to your friend, accept whatever opinion he or she expresses to you, then add your opinion, making sure you express a favourable viewpoint. Do not over talk, change conversations if it starts getting heated. If not, and your friend shows a lot of acceptance in relation to the lesbian/gay theme of your discussion, than you know that your friend may accept you well.

Watch a Movie

Today there are many movies or TV shows, that have a gay/lesbian theme, Imagine Me and You (for women), Priest (for men). Ask your friend to see one with you. Later, over a coffee or tea talk about the movie, and specifically the gay/lesbian character. Make sure you do not judge your friend, and always present a positive view of the film and it's lesbian/gay content.

Once you start getting positive responses from your friend, you can start bringing the issue closer to home by initiating a discussion about someone you know that is lesbian or gay. Talk about this person in a positive way, referring to how others have accepted his or her's sexual orientation.

Come Out

One day, and do not plan the day, come out as a lesbian or gay man to your friend. Don't plan the day or the time, as this may create anxiety. However, make up your mind that you will be coming out to your friend when the opportunity presents itself. Make sure you're doing something fun, and that you're both in a good mood. The words you use to come out are entirely up to you, some like to say: "I'm a lesbian, I am gay" ` I now identify as lesbian, I now identify as gay", "I'm attracted to women,`` I am attracted to men" " I prefer to only date women/men" "I am a gay woman", "I am bisexual" and so forth. Whatever manner you choose, do it with confidence and with the certainty that you'll be accepted, most likely your friend will feel your positive energy and will accept you wholeheartedly.

Esmeralda Carvalho is a writer for Lesbian Moms Today, http://www.lesbianmomtoday.com/ a website for lesbian moms and their families to connect, talk about parenting, family, relationship, healthy living, films, travel and events.

She has an Honours BA in Sociology and Psychology, has founded a lesbian/gay association and has chaired various committees on lesbian/gay issues, parenting and health.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Esmeralda_Carvalho

What Gay Men Should Expect From Relationships

Some gay men put up with a lot in their relationships. Their long-term partners will aggressively flirt with other men in front of them, go home with a guy from the bar without any forewarning, sleep with ex-lovers without gaining consent from their current lover, or brag to their current boyfriends about the quality of their sex with strangers.

Ouch.

Here's what I find most concerning. Some gay men don't feel they have a right to be upset about these behaviors. They'll ask me why they feel so jealous and how can I help them let go of their jealousy. They think that the gay community believes in sexual freedom and it isn't cool or manly to object to their partner's sexual behavior.

In other words, they feel shame for experiencing hurt by the actions of their long-term partners.

Heterosexual couples get plenty of social support for treating their partners with respect when it comes to sex. Outrage is the typical social response when friends are told about poor relationship behavior among straight people. When gay men tell the same heartbreaking stories they are less likely to get a big response. Gay relationships are not given the same level of validity.

I'm not making an argument here for monogamy in gay men's long-term relationships. Men can have open relationships and still treat each other with great care and consideration. Gay men have led the way on redefining what defines a caring open relationship. Check out my blog entry entitled "Gay Men and Open Relationships: What Works?" for more on that position.

The point I am making is that if you feel jealous about your partner's sexual behaviors with other men, you need to validate those feelings. Those feelings are common and normal and deserve respect from both you and your partner.

There is plenty of research in psychology to back up the theory that an important reason we enter into relationships is to heal some of the old wounds we experienced in our earliest relationships with our parents, siblings, and peers. If your family had trouble providing you with emotional support as a child then one of the best ways you can heal from that loss is to experience deep emotional support from your adult partner. Most people are really hungry for this experience.

Couples that don't acknowledge that their relationship needs plenty of care, conversation, and consensus will hurt each other. Rather than helping to heal old wounds, these relationships just keep reinjuring. Psychotherapists call this "attachment wounding."

If your friends are telling you that you are putting up with too much from your boyfriend, it's often a sign that you are in a "codependent" position in your relationship. Codependence can be defined as compulsively taking care of other people rather than taking care of ourselves.

Here's the very least you should expect from your partner:

• Your partner should apologize when he discovers that he dropped you emotionally. Maybe not right away, but eventually.

• Your partner should not be harshly criticizing you, teasing you, or putting you down. If he does this occasionally he should be sincerely apologizing after each incident.

• Your partner should never hit you. Period.

• Being drunk is not an excuse for mean behavior.

• You deserve kindness from your partner. Not at every single moment, but on a regular weekly basis. This is really the whole point of being in a relationship.

If this topic resonated with you might want to check out the classic book on codependency: Codependent No More by Melody Beattie.

If you are tolerating unkind behavior then I urge you seriously reevaluate your relationship. Seek out individual or couples counseling if you need help in making the changes to create supportive, healthy relationships.

Adam D. Blum, MFT is a San Francisco psychotherapist specializing in relationship and self-esteem issues for gay men. He writes a blog on these topics at http://gaytherapist-sanfrancisco.com/blog. Adam can be reached at 415-255-4266 or on his website at http://www.gaytherapist-sanfrancisco.com.

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Gay Text Chat and Dating: Is It for You?

Dating in the 21st century is not what it used to be - whether you are gay, straight or bisexual. With more relationships than ever starting with the help of online chat and dating websites, it has never been easier to meet and test out a prospective partner without the need to even meet them face-to-face. With many of us looking to start that connection with a potential life partner, the use of gay text chat and dating can help us eliminate the time wasted dating the wrong men.

If you're contemplating registering with a gay text chat and dating service, there are a number of different sites for you to choose from. Most gay chat and dating sites are designed in a similar way, providing members with dating profiles of prospective men that includes minor personal information, their likes and dislikes, what the hope to gain from using the site and often, a photo or series of photos so you can get to know more about the men you are chatting with. These profiles can be extremely beneficial if you are new to gay text chat and dating sites as it allows you to meet and get to know new guys whilst being able to remain anonymous. These types of sites understand that some members may be slightly shy or unsure as to how to approach guys they like which is why text chat features are commonly implemented into these dating sites. This allows you to converse with other members without being obliged to show what you look like or sound like.

In addition to text chat and dating, many gay chat websites also provide video services which allow you to be a little more aggressive with your flirting efforts and engage in some face-to-face interaction in the comfort of your own home. Depending on what you hope to gain from gay text chat and dating, you can even opt to be a little naughty using these video chats which can help other members want to get to know you better or even meet up in person. This allows you to almost date for free, enjoying food and drink in your home without having to wear something especially dashing or even pick up the bill. By utilizing gay text chat, you can continue with your flirtations around the clock without the need to be sat in front of your computer and even take advantage of multi-dating, should you meet a number of guys you like via your dating site. In short, by investing in gay text chat and dating, you can meet a wide number of single gay guys who have similar interests to you which ultimately, could turn into a budding relationship or a long-lasting friendship.

Many new sites also implement news stories relating to the interests of the gay community or even well known gay celebrities. With many gay text chat and dating sites also adding forums onto their sites, you can learn more about some of the top places to meet up with new acquaintances from the site, or simply be kept up to date with some of the most popular events within the calendar.

If you're looking to meet someone new, whether for friendship, dating, a long term relationship or something a little saucier, gay text chat and dating sites could be ideal for you. Without having to make a prior commitment, you can browse through thousands of profiles and strike up a conversation with whomever takes your fancy. In today's technological world, it is the fastest and most convenient way in which to meet your new mate.

Click here for more information on gay text dating

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Guide To Gay LA - An LGBT Resource For The Los Angeles Gay Community

A comprehensive study done by UCLA in April 2011 said there are about 9-million people in the United States who identify themselves as an LGBT which means a lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans-gender person. The Los Angeles metropolitan area has an estimated amount of homosexuals being around 2.5 million making it the world's highest known gay population.

Homosexuals will find West Hollywood as one of the most active andfriendliest cities in the US. There is plenty to do with a wide assortment of LGBT bars, shops, social activities, clubs, hotels and sport's activities. Los Angeles is known to be the most actively, rich place for homosexuals to hang out and live. Some of the larger events are held in LA for Gay Pride, the Halloween Carnaval, and Outfest. For gay visitors visiting Los Angeles, West Hollywood is a good place to explore.

There are hundreds of Churches and faith related organizations that are (LGBT) homosexual-friendly all over the Los Angeles metropolitan area. There are plenty of online resources to help select a church or other faith related organization in the LA area. Churches are not only a place to continue to practice faith, but it is also a great place for LGBT support and resources too. One church which offers educational grants and resources for troubled LGBT youth is the Good Shepherd Church in Pasadena, CA, located 15 minutes from downtown Los Angeles in the San Gabriel Valley.

Gay bashing and how to prevent it has been an ongoing battle for many years. Unfortunately, gay bashing still exists. There are many organizations that offer help in the fight to end gay bashing. If you are experiencing harassment due to your sexual orientation, seek help immediately. Do not wait for an incident to occur which may have irreversible consequences. The resources are there. Use them.

The month of June is known as Pride Month for the LGBT community. Throughout the month of June during Pride Month, there are ongoing celebrations of events, exhibits, theatre, film, music, poetry, art exhibits and so much more. Christopher Street West, City of West Hollywood, partner organizations, supporters and sponsors all contribute to support and celebrate the June 28, 1969 anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion in New York City. Most historians consider it to be the anniversary of the LGBT Civil Rights movement. With millions of people showing up from all over the country, make Pride Month one of the biggest celebrated months of the year.

LGBT youth support centers and organizations are available in the LA area. A big support center for LGBT Americans is the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center or LAGLC. The LAGLC was found in 1971. It is an excellent resource to be involved with. They advocate for the rights of LGBT and help enrich their lives on many levels of support. They offer many services like free HIV/AIDS care and medications for those who need it. They also offer housing, clothing, food and any support for homeless youth.

There are a lot of services and support for those who are an LGBT living in Los Angeles area. The resources are available and can be found online. Being a homosexual living in Los Angeles happens to have more support, resources and entertainment than any other place in the United States including youth services and homeless prevention.

Visit a friendly gay church Pasadena residents call home in Los Angeles. The Good Shepherd Church in Pasadena offers support and assistance to the LGBT community. More than a gay church - it's a church for everyone.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patrick_Warren

What Is Gay Positive Therapy?

Gay positive therapy recognizes the natural expression of same-sex attraction in gay relationships. Also referred to as "gay-affirmative" or "gay-friendly" therapy, it counters the mistaken assumptions of previous efforts to change sexual orientation.

There is no scientific evidence for treatment or prevention of a gay sexual orientation. Attempts to change sexual orientation are based on misguided assumptions about the nature of sexual development. Efforts to change sexual orientation ("reparative therapy" or SOCE: Sexual Orientation Change Efforts) have been discredited by all the mental health professions (psychiatry, psychology, and clinical social work), plus the American Medical Association. And many religious concerns have been addressed by gays within their own religious traditions.

Starting with the refreshing assumption that it's "Okay to be gay" can be a great relief for many gay men seeking help for other issues they may be dealing with in their lives--whether it's anxiety and depression (often stemming from anti-gay attitudes from our families, churches, or anti-gay bullying), or the everyday conflicts that often arise in any relationship, gay or straight.

Therapy often involves making a connection between how you're feeling now, and what's happened to you in the past. Whatever difficulties you've had as a result of the homophobia you've experienced can be dealt with in an open and accepting manner. If you're feeling blocked, we question whether some of the assumptions and conclusions you made when you were younger still make sense as an adult.

It's helpful to think of the block, whatever it is, not as some internal enemy, but as a part of you that kept you safe in some way. It may be that as an adult, the conclusions you reached when you were younger no longer serve you.

Some people find themselves caught in the same pattern over and over again--like falling in love with someone who's not emotionally available. We look at where this pattern comes from: with this example, it may be an attempt to master a previous abandonment. Understanding this pattern doesn't necessarily mean you won't be attracted to unavailable partners, but you'll be able to make a more conscious choice about whether to pursue them.

Recovery from various addictions can also motivate you to seek gay positive therapy. When you stop using alcohol, drugs, sex, food, or debt to escape from not feeling good about yourself, your emotional life becomes much more accessible. You may feel worse before you feel better, so it helps to get re-acquainted with yourself in a gay-positive and accepting environment when you're no longer "self-medicating" to push feelings away.

Gay positive therapists can help you counter homophobic or other negative messages you may have internalized, and replace them with a more realistic and positive assessment of your true abilities. Gay affirmative therapy can help gay men who want to get a better grip on their lives, without being concerned they will be judged or told there's something wrong with them for being gay.

Gay Therapist Rik Isensee, LCSW is a licensed psychotherapist in San Francisco. For over thirty years, Rik has been helping gay men and gay couples: solve conflicts and feel more connected in gay relationships; recover from abuse and self-defeating behavior; and thrive in the face of life's transitions!

Rik is the author of three self-books for gay men: Love Between Men, a guide to solving conflicts in gay relationships; Reclaiming Your Life, a guide to recovery from homophobic abuse, addictions, and self-defeating behavior; and Are You Ready? the gay men's guide to thriving at midlife. He's also the author of The God Squad, a spoof on the so-called "ex-gay" movement, making fun of the ludicrous attempts to try and make lgbtq people go "straight." Get a free copy of "How to Approach Conflict--and Come Out Feeling Better on the Other Side!" at Rik's website: The Gay Therapist!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rik_Isensee

Gay Dating - How To Write A Fantastic And Appealing Gay Personal Ad

The first step is to join a gay dating singles sites. There are two great free ones if you don't want to spend any money. Once you become a member of one or two gay dating sites it's time to create your profile.

First off you have to think of you are gay personal ad as a business. The reason I say that is you are in competition with the dozens or hundreds or perhaps even thousands of other gay personal ads in your local area. Making yourself appealing on your own profile is both important and challenging. You want to make sure you attract the guys you are interested in but at the same time you want to make sure you repel the ones you won't be interested in.

So many singles profiles say something very generic like 'single gay guy looking for another gay guy'. Yea, that will work, it will get you tall dark-haired gay single men, it will get you short bald single guys, and everything in between. Hopefully you are a little more selective than that.

Know what you want - The first and most important tip is to know exactly what you're looking for. Imagine there is a magical gay genie standing before you and he will grant your relationship wish. You have to describe to him exactly who it is you are looking for. The more specific you can get the better. If you're having difficulty with this then think of what you definitely do not want.
Memorable screen name - this is pretty much the first thing another gay single at a dating site will see about you is your screen name. Make your screen name a combination of three or so words that you think would best describe you in three words. I know that may seem very difficult but do your best. Also to make your screen name easier to read and to make it stand out more make the first letter of each of those three words capitalized. So for example BodyBuildingHunk or HikingOutdoorGuy
Profile Pictures - One big mistake that many single gay guys make when uploading pictures to their profile is uploading nude or semi nude pictures of themselves. Is this really the first impression you want to make? Unless you're just looking for a one night hookup this gets guys interested in you for the wrong reasons. You're not going to find Mr. right with this kind of picture on your profile. The best pictures show your face clearly engaging in an activity that you are passionate about. If you're into hiking and have a good picture of you scaling the face of the mountain. When it comes to personal ads your screen name the next thing they see is your picture. When it comes to your dating profile of picture is worth a million words.
Profile Headline - this is another one of the first things other gay single man will see. Many times people will just scan a headline and decide to move on or read your profile based upon that. Think of your headline as an extension of your screen name except instead having to describe who you are in three words you now get about 10 to 15 words to do it. Try to use a headline that will create strong curiosity and compel the reader to click on your ad to read more about you.
Ad Text - if you've gotten somebody this far where they are actually reading your ads text you have done well so far. A big mistake many people make here is they describe physical attributes about themselves that are already listed in the profile details section, things like height, weight, eye color, hair color. Don't waste your text ad on this. Use your text ad to tell a story. That story should reveal who you are as a person, what is important to you, and delve more into your hobbies and interests. If you're having a little difficulty with this section a good idea is to look at other gay men's profiles and take note when one catches your attention. Figure out why that personal ad caught your attention and use that formula in your own gay dating profile.
Use these gay dating tips to create you are winning profile and if you have any questions I will be glad to answer them. Leave your questions in the form of a comment. And if you like this article please use the social buttons on this page to bookmark and share it.

The two Free gay dating singles websites...

Both of these gay dating sites are totally free and they have more features and options and tools than most paid gay dating sites. Pride gay dating and Metrodate gay dating.

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Supporting Our Gay Youth

Walking down the hallway back to the Vice Principal's office, again, for another detention I wonder will life ever be any different. Sitting staring at his lips wondering what he and his wife will do on the weekend (wanting to be anywhere else but here), he is delighted to give me another lecture on how thin I am and whether I will eat a candy bar with him. He fears that I have an eating disorder and is trying to trick me into getting fat.

Sitting in my office fifteen years later I feel relief those days are behind me. You could not pay me enough money to go back to high school or be a teenager. As far as Mr. Jones, well, he was right I had a sever eating disorder and I was not about to give in to anyone and eat that candy bar. After all it was the only thing I felt I had control over.

Most days I felt that I lived outside my body and was so very much alone, and it seemed that my father was the only person that could see through me. He would say, "You are different Alex and this world doesn't like those that are unlike them. Try not to be so different because I don't want you to suffer for it. I want you to have a good life."

I would lay in bed crying most nights hating the body I was in and the thoughts that raced through my head. I could not figure out what was different about me, except that every piece of me felt alien. I guess that is what being a teenager is all about.

It was around that time I knew I like girls but was too immature and honestly too tired from malnutrition to care. However, it didn't stop the fantasizing that went on in my head. I remember listen to my Boyz 2 Men album (I know, I am old as dirt!), imagining slow dancing with a woman and kissing her. It was that feeling that put me at ease, the only images that would relax me. I can't believe that now at thirty I am actually living my fantasy that my dream came true and I have my very own perfect love waiting for me at home.

It was not an easy journey. Coming out has been a difficult struggle and continues to be today, especially living in a southern state in the US. In today's society our LGBT youth have so much to overcome. Risks include gender conformity, lack of support, school dropout, family problems, victimization, homelessness, substance use, eating disorders, religious intolerance, negative sexual experiences, and suicide attempts (two to three times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual counterparts).

As recent news over the last couple of years has highlighted, LGBT youth are often bullied at school and unable to receive adequate education. They are shamed and targeted for abuse. They are more likely to skip school out of fear, threats and vandalism directed towards them. Twenty-eight percent of gay students will drop out of school. This is more than three times the national average for heterosexual students. Four out of five gay and lesbian students say they don't know one supportive adult at school.

So here are some things to consider and help you became self-empowered?

Know that being Gay or Lesbian is not a pathological condition (i.e. it is not a mental disease or disability)
The origin of sexual orientation is not completely known.
Gay and Lesbian individuals lead fulfilling and satisfying lives.
They are many ways you can choose to live an LGBTQ life.
Unless you have seek counseling to "change" your sexual orientation, a therapist should never coerce you into doing so (it's unethical and you should report them to the board of licensing.)
If you are a teen and living in a home where there is homophobia, here are some more steps you should take and ask yourself:

Is it safe to come out to your parents? SAFETY first, even as tempting as it may be if you think it may place you in danger hold off.
Will coming out jeopardize your home situation?
Are you safe physically, emotionally, and psychologically if you come out to your parents?
Do you have other available resources, such as money and emotional help if coming out changes your home situation?
Try and educate your parents on LGBT matters, often discrimination is triggered but ignorance and not understanding the unknown.
Get support and find people you can talk too that are safe. Being gay can be a lonely journey, but with the right company can make you stronger and wiser.
The ultimate goal of growing up and developing is finding humanity and breaking down the difference that separate us and isolate others to create a unity and a sense of oneness.

Alex Karydi~The Lesbian Guru

I am an Internationally Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor that has been trained in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender LGBT related issues. I write for the Examiner.com as their Lesbian Relationship Expert and am a featured writer on SexGenderBody.com. My intention is to start a movement towards a healthier and more supportive community! Where LGBTs can find each other, learn from one another, and build a stronger support system. I, myself, am on a personal quest in discovery for a healthier gay relationship and self-fulfillment.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please feel free to email me at TheLesbianGuru@Gmail.com with ExaminerQ as the title or you can follow me on my Blog http://TheLesbianGuru.com! Are just Join The Lesbian Revolution of Health & Love on http://Facebook.com/TheFemmeGuru

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Gay Teen Suicides Can Be Prevented With Help From An LGBT Church Or Support Group

Many of the gay teens are committing suicide now a days even though being gay is not a crime. Some of the major problems face by homosexual teens are feeling unloved, unsupported from their home environment, being isolated from groups, friends and families.

The incidents of suicide cases among gay teens are much more as compared to other cases. Many gay teens are often bullied and isolated by other people - also know as gay bashing. This in turn makes them feel lonely, isolated, desperate, etc. It has been noted that many gay teens with unresolved issues go on the wrong path and come under they prey of excessive alcohol, drugs, and other bad habits due to pressures on them.

In previous times gay teens use to hide their identity but now all of them are coming forward and fighting against all the injustice done to them, after all there is nothing wrong and all of them have the right to live.

How do you know you are homosexual? This is the most common question which is mostly asked by youth who are trying to understand their feelings. Just because you are not attracted to the opposite sex doesn't make you gay. Each and every race on earth has varying times for puberty. Some may gain at a very early stage and for some it may take time. For most gay people they start having crushes on people of their same sex orientation in their youth - it can be anyone, either friend, class mate, etc. and it's not your fault - it's merely sexual characteristics.

Homosexuality is not hereditary according to recent statistics - the ratio of gay men among hetero men is 1:10 so it's quite large in number. Homosexuality is not something to be feared or ashamed of, as no one can truly say the character of a man from his sexuality.

The most important and often asked question by many of gay teens are "How do you talk to your parents about being homosexual?" Talking to your parents about homosexuality is very tough task and it's almost near to impossible.

Most of the times gay youths run away from home in fear that their parents will disown them and some teens who go through with it and talk to parents are often isolated by parents and society. Most of the time there is a fight between parents and child which leads to break their relationship.

Many teens in this situation, after being isolated from family and friends just because of their gender base, try to commit suicide. The suicide cases in gay teens are three times more than hetero teens. My tip for gay teens are that things will change and are now changing slowly and steadily. The world is changing, gay teens were considered taboo in the past but now they are being accepted in each and every field.

Whatever you do, just do not lose hope and consider committing suicide because life is very precious. I know it's very difficult to face your parents but it can be done - just try to look straight forward in their eyes and start the topic about your being gay, firstly they would be astonished but try to convince them that it's not your fault - if they understand you they will accept you. Though it may take some time, it is possible to regain your parents' acceptance and love. You must be strong enough to love them and forgive them in the event that they have difficulties with your sexual orientation (this is a life lesson that will make you very strong as a person).

Another question that is asked often is "Why am I gay?" It's not in your control to be gay and neither is it your own fault according to scientists. High level of secretion of testosterone leads to the development of man while high levels of secretion of estrogen and progesterone leads to developing the brain of woman. The secretion of this hormone during prenatal stage may lead to form homosexual tendencies.

Historically, there were many acts against homosexuality in Christianity and many homosexuals were harassed and sentenced to death. But now times have changed, and now Christianity and Christian churches are accepting gay people and there are many a gay friendly church in Europe and the United States.

One of the cities where there is no discrimination is Johannesburg. There are many homosexual people who are open about their sexuality there. This is one place where gay people live a worry free life. There are many churches dedicated to homosexuality only. It's very important for homosexual people to find a support group of same type of peoples in a LGBT church because no one can live life alone. Everyone needs support, the people in LGBT churches are very friendly and will understand all your problems because all of them know what it's like. There is most likely a LGBT support group near you.

Visit a friendly LGBT Church in Los Angeles. The Good Shepherd Church in Pasadena offers support and assistance to the LGBT community. More than a gay friendly church - it's a church for everyone.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patrick_Warren

I'M Gay - Is That Okay?

For many men and women, confronted with their true sexuality for the first time, realization that they are Gay can be something of a heart-stopper. Brought up in a predominantly heterosexual world where everything is geared towards male-female relationships, the thought that they are different - to use one of the more harmless terms - is a fact which can be very difficult to come to terms with, especially when the thought of family and friends, acquaintances, work colleagues and their potential reactions to a Coming Out or, worse, an unwanted Outing are taken into account. Being Gay is, however, a fairly simple fact of life; it is everything which surrounds this fact that is complicated and, for many, extremely disturbing.

Firstly, there is nothing wrong with being Gay, nothing amiss with loving a person of the same gender. It is a perfectly normal biological fact and, as such, one which should not be relegated to the darker recesses of their mind or completely ignored. The worst thing that a person can do, once they realize that they are Gay, is to try and lead a so-called normal life by suppressing their true self, their feelings and emotions and pretending that nothing is out of the ordinary. While this idea may seem easy enough when set down on paper, real life is often not quite as one would wish and each individual has a different way of dealing with uncomfortable facts of life.

For many, coming to terms with their sexuality is the first step towards realizing that being Gay is an absolutely normal part of life. Coupled with the knowledge that they are not alone, that many, many thousands of others have gone through exactly the same process, the same thoughts and emotions, it is easy enough to find enough balanced and informative assistance. This is not to say that each individual should seek help or try to solve their predicament through advice from others, but the experiences of thousands of Gay people are readily available for anyone who wishes to see what sort of life is lead, what is expected of members of the Gay community and how they, as an individual, fit into the whole.

In essence there is nothing different between a Gay person and a heterosexual one, aside from their sexual preferences. All live their lives as best they can within their community: work and play are exactly the same, according to each person's interests; friendships are exactly the same, bearing in mind that some people are either prejudiced against Gay men and women and others merely cautious; Gay people have pets, interests, jobs, cars, a house and family exactly the same as most other people.

For many, when they first come to realize that they are - or may be - Gay, the hardest part of the whole is convincing themselves that what they are, what they feel, the way that they act is perfectly normal. It is not just a case of balancing personal preferences against the normal, accepted social standards which surround them, accepting a different sexual preference after a lifetime of heterosexual influences can be akin to beginning from scratch. Everything that has been taught them, all the mild taunts towards other people, general and more specific attitudes, the news reports of attacks, vilification, forced Outings, all these things make personal acceptance difficult and can appear to turn a well-ordered and settled life completely upon its head. And yet, walking down any street in any town, who can say which of those people seen are also Gay, or which have some other secret in their lives which we, as outsiders, are not privy to? Each one of them appears normal, exactly as we do. Is it all right to be Gay? Is it normal to be Gay? The answer to both questions is a resounding: Yes, it is perfectly normal to be Gay.

Viktoria Michaelis is an American student (born July 1992) currently resident in Germany on a Student Exchange Program Intensive Training Course in Property Management, Investment, Insolvency and Executive Management Skills prior to studying Business Studies and Economics at Bremen University. She regularly writes in her personal Blog at Viktoria Michaelis.

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Limping Marriages Create Complications in Gay Divorce

Members of the gay and lesbian community who jumped at the opportunity to take advantage of California's brief fling with gay marriage can rest assured that divorce is also an option for them. Unfortunately, the process may not be as simple as it for straight couples.

The most notable difficulty in gay divorce stems from a phenomenon known as limping marriages. This type of marriage occurs when a couple is married in one jurisdiction but then goes to another jurisdiction that does not recognize gay marriage. Hypothetically, Anna and Carley were married in California, but then move to Texas, where their marriage is not recognized. Anna and Carley will not gain any of the same benefits given to heterosexual couples in Texas. Furthermore, because their marriage is not recognized, Anna and Carley will not be granted the benefit of divorce.

Without divorce, Anna and Carley will not have the protection provided under divorce laws to secure the support they need to transition into their new lives. They lack the basic ability to legally divide assets and figure out support agreements recognized by the courts. And, although same-sex spouses have figured out other methods to obtain a divorce, they are legally complicated and difficult to implement, and they are not ideal for couples who cannot agree on the terms of the divorce.

One article in the L.A. Times noted that some couples have resorted to using ticks to push for a divorce:
"In Oklahoma, a judge unwittingly granted a divorce to two gay women who had married in Canada. The women had filed using just their first initials and last names. On discovering that both members of the couple were women, the judge revoked the divorce, on grounds that they had never been legally married."

Fortunately, for some couples who agree to the terms of a divorce, simply applying for a domestic partnership and then dissolving that can be an effective means of obtaining a divorce. For those couples who do not agree over the division of assets, one party could abuse the legal system by taking advantage of the legal confusion and depriving the other party of the rights they would have received if granted a divorce. In such cases, an experienced divorce lawyer is necessary to help the couple navigate the California legal system.

Finally, federal tax implications further complicate the confusion of gay marriage and divorce. Years ago, Congress passed legislation stating that alimony and assets passed during divorce would be tax exempt. Since this is a federally imposed exemption, even if a gay couple lives in a state that recognizes their marriage and/or divorce, and they transfer assets or alimony just like any other couple, the exemption still does not apply to them.

Thus far, the IRS hasn't made specific rules about this problem, but it has issued a "Chief Counsel Advisory" for same-sex couples living in community property states, such as California. In the Advisory, community property income would be treated as joint income for tax reporting purposes.

In all, one of the most important aspects of Federal and State recognition of marriage is the protections provided by the right of divorce, a predictable process by which property is divided, debts are appointed and custodial and support arrangements are made.

Diana P. Zitser is the sole proprietor of the Law Offices of Diana P. Zitser, APC. Ms. Zitser is Certified as a Legal Specialist in Family Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. Ms. Zitser is licensed to practice before all of the Courts of the State of California, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and the United States District Court for the Central District of California. Ms. Zitser has been consistently recognized for her expertise and excellence. Please contact her for a consultation today:
Phone: (818) 763 5274
10 Universal City Plaza, Ste. 1950
Universal City, CA
http://www.zitserlaw.com

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9 Halloween Costume Ideas For Gay Couples

Halloween is the time of the year that you want to dress in your favorite costumes. You get the chance for one day to show off to others the character or celebrity that you always want to be. During the Halloween party, it will be more fun if you dress up in a couples costume. It will give more life and laughs by dressing up as a couple. There are many costume ideas for couples to choose from like scary, funny, superhero, etc.

If you are a same sex couple then you don't need to feel being left out every time Halloween comes. Just like ordinary male and female couples, you and your partner can dress up as a couple and have fun. There are many costume ideas available for gay couples and below are some of them:

Ace & Gary
Often refered to as the 'Ambiguously Gay Duo', Ace and Gary are a parody of the comic superhero, Batman and Robin who are often accused of secretly having a relationship. Ace and Gary are mainstays of Saturday Night Live. They make a perfect costume idea for gay couples. Everyone will surely have fun at your Halloween party if you don these costumes.

Bert & Ernie
Everybody's favorite Sesame Street characters, Bert and Ernie is like your left and right hand. If one doesn't exist, there is just something missing. This makes a perfect gay couple costume idea.

Two Screws
Another funny gay couple costume idea that is a variation of the plug and plug costume. Instead of 2 plugs, use two screws for your costume which will definitely give a lot of laughs and giggles at your next Halloween party.

Dumb & Dumber
Sometimes we love to hate them but they just look so funny which makes them very adorable. Dumb and Dumber are like mirror images of each other. If you and your partner want to show the world that you are very much into each other then wearing this costume will tell subtly of your status.

Chip & Dale
This two chipmunks created by Walt Disney is another good costume idea for gay couples. You and your partner will surely have lots of fun dressing up as Chip and Dale. These chipmunks are known for their naughty disposition who are always pestering Donald Duck. Why not ask a friend to dress as Donald Duck to form a group costume.

Mario & Luigi
Who doesn't know of best pals Mario and Luigi from the Super Mario Bros. game which was very popular during the 80s. Dress up as this cute Italian plumber twins for lots of fun.

Batman and Robin
A classic gay couple costume idea. There is no better way to portray that you are a perfect couple than by dressing up as Batman and Robin. You and your partner will surely get giggles when you use dress up as the Dynamic Duo.

Wham!
Dress up as the British pop duo of the 80s. Become George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley at your next Halloween party. Wham! is one of the more popular pop bands of the 80s having sold over 25 million albums.

Peter Pan & Tinker Bell
Another costume idea that is a perfect fit for gay couples. You can be the boy from Neverland and your partner as the fairy, Tinker Bell If you prefer to portray a gentle character then dressing as Peter Pan and Tinker Bell is a good choice.

Wesley is blogger and editor at Halloween Costume Ideas For Couples. Costume Ideas For Couples is a website dedicated to provide you will the latest couples costume ideas.

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Dating Survival Tips for Gay Men

"I don't think there's enough passion between us", "I don't think we are a complete match", "I'm not feeling a click", "I don't think there's enough chemistry on my side", "We're not sexually compatible", "I'm not ready for a relationship", "It's not you; it's me", "I'd like for us to remain friends".

Oh...the perils of dating! We've all been on the giving or receiving end of these statements and it never feels good either way. Sometimes nothing is ever said, and the situation just fades away causing us even more confusion. Dating can be very difficult, especially in the online environments we often find ourselves.

So how do we take care of our personal well-being in dating situations?

Here are some dating survival tips to consider:

1). Date for dating's sake - Get rid of the expectation of finding "the one" and just date. Meet people with the intention of getting to know them and learning about who they are. Avoid getting emotionally caught up too soon. Release the pressure and expectation that this might be "the one" for the long-term.

2). Actions don't necessarily speak louder than words - We've all been told that "actions speak louder than words" but this isn't always so. Be wary of interpreting someone's actions as meaning that they are into you or that they actually want a relationship with you. Some guys may say sweet things, buy you flowers or gifts, treat you to dinner, introduce you to their friends and family or initiate sex as a part of their own dating rituals. These actions may hold no specific meaning to you whatsoever.

3). Have fun - Enjoy the process of dating. Put your best self forward and have fun. You cannot control another person's thoughts, feelings or behaviors. You also can't control the outcome of the experience. You can allow yourself to have fun! Be lighthearted about it all - stay in the moment, enjoy your dates and let go of your attachment to the outcome.

4). Stay focused on your life - Make time to plan activities apart from dating. Remember that dating is only one aspect of your life. Do other things that bring you pleasure and balance your dating life with other important life areas - having a rich full life makes you a very attractive person overall.

5). Learn how to handle rejection - It's never easy to be let down but don't personalize the rejection. Recognize that everyone has their own psychological issues and relationship histories that they bring into dating situations. If someone tells you they don't want to go forward don't make it about you. There can be any number of reasons that caused them to back out, and they probably have absolutely nothing to do with you. If you need to, you can talk about the experience with a friend, therapist or coach to help you to quickly move on.

6). Focus on your well-being - Take care of yourself every day by asking - What can I do to take care of myself today? Perhaps it's exercising, meditating, or going out with friends or family. Do whatever is meaningful to you. Make a commitment to yourself to do something each day that makes you feel good.

Finally, always remember what my grandmother used to say:

"Men are like buses, there is always another one coming"!

Paul is a certified life coach and a licensed therapist. He is a highly sought after coach and consultant within the behavioral healthcare industry, and works with numerous organizations, including Fortune 500, healthcare companies, small businesses, and non-profit organizations.

Paul has always been passionate about personal growth and development, and he loves to explore the possibilities! He enjoys inspiring others to discover their true selves, reach for their goals and dreams and create the life they truly desire.

Paul created and developed Life Solutions for Gay Men as a complete resource to support gay men in their quest for personal development.

Additionally, he also has an extensive background in the performing arts and has studied and applied various techniques throughout the years including Meditation, Progressive Relaxation, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and the Alexander Technique.

http://www.lifesolutionsforgaymen.com

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Gay Travel to Puerto Vallarta

When planning your vacation, if you have decided on Mexico, but want to stay in a smaller city, try Puerto Vallarta. A port city, yet also one with former agriculture as its biggest means of income, some of the reminders of that long gone era are still there. There are still the cobblestone streets in the main area of town, chickens in the streets as are commonly seen all over Mexico, there are locals who are quite friendly and welcoming, the area is close to the ocean as well as the mountains, and there is a flood of visiting people from all over the world almost year round to this truly popular gay travel vacation city.

There are a variety of fun filled ways to spend your days and nights in Puerto Vallarta. Some gay travelers rent bicycles and work on keeping their leg muscles strong as they bike along the Cuale River. There is sunbathing, sunsets, walking upon miles of white beaches, whale watching on Banderas Bay, horseback riding, and if you are up for a nightlife, there are dance clubs, which are also gay friendly with drag queen shows and in Mexico, the American dollar is worth almost twice as much as the Peso. This means your dollar goes a lot further, making for a very affordable vacation.

This wonderful city is known to be gay friendly and also boasts five star hotels for all it's vacationers. Add in the artistic and magnificent scenery, cozy, quaint, little houses and you'll understand why visitors come to Puerto Vallarta from not only the United States, Canada and British Columbia, but other countries as well. Because gay travel has increased with the need for more gay friendly vacation destinations, Mexico has become a favorite among all gays, especially in Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta. In the latter, if you love art and music, vivid sunsets, amazing sunrises, biking along trails or long strips of sandy white beaches, an exciting night life with over eighteen clubs to choose from, then Puerto Vallarta will quickly become one of your favorite vacation spots for years to come.

Howie Holben is the author. He owns Spirit Journeys. You can learn more about a gay vacation with a spiritual focus at Spirit Journeys.

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Gay Parenting

Somewhere between 6 million and 12 million children have been blessed with gay parents. Yet, gay and lesbian parents continue to struggle on a daily basis with the challenges of a homophobic society and institutionalized oppression. Gays and lesbians are the only population facing restrictions on the rights and privileges of parenthood.

When it comes to parenting, as well as other civil rights, gays and lesbians are de facto second class citizens: 1) Many states still bar adoptions and foster parenting by gay men and lesbians; 2) Family courts have taken children away from gay parents and awarded custody to a heterosexual relative or former spouse; 3) Excessive custodial and visitation restrictions are also part of the gay parenting experience; 4) Hard to place and chronically ill children are often the only available adoption options for gay parents; 5) Legal limitations on same-sex partnership protections, such as shared health insurance,
parental leave, etc, put an extra burden on gay parents and their co-parenting partners; 6)Social deprivation in all the ways in which gay relationships are not supported in this society, in families of origin, school, church, and state, contribute to the stress and constriction
experienced by gay and lesbian families

The Role of Research on Gay Parenting

Despite social and legal obstacles, lesbians and gay men have often succeeded in creating and sustaining meaningful family and parental relationships. An American Psychological Association review of extensive research evidence dating back 40 years found that there appears to be no disadvantage rendered to children raised by gays and lesbians, and instead may result in several distinctive enhancements. For example, children of lesbian or gay parents showed increased empathy and tolerance for differences.

Research on gay parenting has been in the forefront of the process of dismantling mistaken
assumptions, both legal and cultural, facing gay parents, that have been expressed in judicial opinions, legislative initiatives, or public policies relevant to lesbian and gay parents and their children. Thus, many studies have been conducted to evaluate the accuracy of negative expectations about lesbian and gay parents or about their children.

GLBT Family Diversity

One important distinction in LGBT families is between families in which children were born or adopted in the context of heterosexual marriages that later dissolved when one or both parents came out as gay or lesbian, relative to those in which children were born or adopted after parents had affirmed their sexual identities. Families of the first type have undergone the tensions and reorganizations characteristic of parental divorce and separation, whereas families of the second type have not necessarily experienced these transitions.

Apart from the ethnic, religious, economic, and other forms of diversity that characterize other families, additional forms and variety of parenting options exist within the construction of gay and lesbian families. For instance, a lesbian couple and a gay couple may agree to conceive children together and raise them jointly. Variants on this kind of arrangement might involve a gay couple and a single lesbian, or a lesbian couple and a single gay man. Large extended family systems of biologically unrelated adults and their children is also possible.

Gay Fathers

In her study of fathers, Gillian Dunne, senior research fellow at the Gender Institute of the London School of Economics, found that gay dads tended to be more compassionate toward their kids and were "interested in extending their masculine identity to embrace nurturing qualities." Gay fathers also organized around commitment to children, with 25 percent of those surveyed working less than 30 hours a week in order to commit to parenting. Dunne believes that most men become fathers "without really giving it much thought. "But if a gay man has gone through all the trouble to think through and opt into fatherhood and overcome the obstacles, he is probably more likely to be actively involved in routine child care than other fathers."

Dunne also found that gay men were deeply involved in ways not limited to traditional fatherhood-donating sperm to women friends, usually lesbians; adopting; foster parenting; and enlisting a surrogate mother. "In Britain," said Dunne, "about 50 percent of divorced fathers lose contact with their children within a year of their divorce, whereas divorced gay men were still actively involved in their children's lives; many were actively co-parenting or were main (caretakers)." Friendships maintained with ex-spouses, she said, paves the way for gay fathers-who Dunne says tended to be "egalitarian type of men" when they were married"-to continue being actively involved in caring for their children.

The process of coming out, Dunne said, seems to make gay fathers more willing to challenge
traditional gender roles and masculine stereotypes and "less frightened of the human qualities of
nurturing and empathy and sensitivity." Almost unanimously, Dunne reported, the gay fathers in her
study felt that "children had much to gain from growing up with a gay dad," with a major benefit being
tolerance.

Impact of Gay Parenting on Children

Research studies on children in gay or lesbian households unanimously assert that the sexual
orientation of moms or dads has no impact on their kids' sexuality, gender identity, or any other aspect
of their psychological and emotional development. Not surprisingly, a recent paper published in the
American Sociological Review finds that while the emotional and mental health of youngsters with
heterosexual or gay parents is essentially the same, the offspring of lesbians and gays are more likely
to accept non-traditional gender roles and are more tolerant of same-sex relationships. Teenage boys
were more sexually restrained than peers from heterosexual households and were likely to be more
nurturing and affectionate than their counterparts in heterosexual families. Daughters of lesbians were
more likely to not conform to sex-typed roles, showing greater interest in activities and occupations that are not traditionally female.

Children of gays and lesbians also formed friendship bonds with their peers as easily as kids of
heterosexuals, despite the harassment and teasing they were subjected to. Daughters of lesbians
tended to have higher self-esteem, and sons were more caring and less aggressive relative to peers
from heterosexual households. A 1994 study conducted by Charlotte Patterson revealed that children of lesbians exhibited "a greater overall sense of well-being" than kids of heterosexuals, perhaps because their moms forced fewer "sex-typed" preferences upon them.

Indeed most problems that daughters and sons of lesbian, gay, and bisexual parents are said to have,
actually stem from going through a divorce, and not from parents' sexual orientation. There is no
evidence that these children face any more difficulties socializing in school than children of straight
parents. Gay children are exposed to more people of the opposite sex than many kids of straight
parents and, there is no evidence to suggest that this is harmful. Accordingly, if these children identify
as lesbian, gay, or bisexual, they are likely to be much better off than lesbian, gay and bisexual children of straight parents.

Moshe Rozdzial, PhD., is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in private practice in Denver, Colorado (http://www.glowcounseling.com). He is a certified sex therapist, addiction interventionist, and trauma counselor. Moshe is a trainer and presenter on issues of diversity, multiculturalism, social justice, gender identity, sexual orientation, men's issues, and sexuality. He is also the national co-chair of NOMAS (http://www.nomas.org), the National Organization for Men Against Sexism, the oldest pro-feminist men's movement in the USA.

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