Executive Summary

How many times have you heard, "It's not my opinion, but you know, that's just the way it is around here" from some sweet, well-meaning person when forced to project a socially assumed opinion of homosexuals? Or, even better, "I don't agree with THAT lifestyle, but I think they should be allowed . . .".

Well, I'm tired of it. I was in a meeting today with 20 or so community orgainzation leaders for the purpose of resolving local issues of underage drinking, smoking, etc.. I have long enjoyed the refreshing support I experience in this particular group.

One of the topics today was about the North Amarillo Task Force needing volunteers for their clean up project scheduled for April 8th. I had listened to their 3rd party plea for assistance long enough when I finally had to chime in and say, "NO, they don't really need help all that bad, because they have declined the offer of the OUTstanding Youth Volunteer Team." I shared with them the conversation you may have read on my previous blog-blurt about the phone call telling us that "they can't really afford to be associated with PEOPLE LIKE US, now that they have AISD and the Boy Scouts involved."

This was the same lady that said, "It's not my personal opinion, but you know how it is around here." "It's just like we can't let that guy from the karate place help since he's been convicted of indecency with a child". I did take the opportunity today to remind the group that gay/lesbian did not equal indecency with a child.

The group was appauled at the unwillingness of the Task Force to accept our offer, and the conversation was light, funny, but most important very supportive and several in the group offered some helpful future assistance.

Anyway, a bit later in the meeting we were discussing the need to have our chairperson available for contact during daytime hours. A lady from the back made the following statement, "You know, it's just like if Bekki, not that I agree with that lifestyle, but if she needed to get in touch with someone, they need to be available."

I am speechless