Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Coming Together As A Family: Seeking Solidarity?

Our community is interwoven with the word cast away and misfit. Maybe misfit isn't the appropriate verbage, but you get the idea. 

Bringing people together is easier then you might think. I did a post a while back that talked about labels we wear. For many, the elimination of labels means true equality. But for the purposes of bringing everyone together who have been thrown away by mainstream society, those labels are our biggest asset. How else can we quickly identify one another? 

The idea is to create bonds with one another for a real family. Were taught at a young age that to become adults we must separate from our families to create and/or find new ones. For some, that was never even an option, it was a requirement or forced due to their sexuality or gender assignment. 

We must find one another in order to support one another. A quick hello on social media is not support. It is a great start, but far from the reality of a "shoulder to cry on". This is what we need. How do we do this in today's world? 
You just do it. You make a real effort to connect with the community by actually talking to someone. Did you know that simply saying hello can open a whole new world for you. Its possible.

This isn't as far fetched as you think. Having a big social network in real life is perhaps one of the most beneficial things you can do for yourself and the people around you. We all influence one another in ways that only other LGBT people can. We need one another, its never going to be a one way street.

Side note, I highly recommend the book "8 Keys To Mental Health Through Exercise" by Christina Hibbert

With Love
Jeff Utnage

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