Comments on: I Am Gay

By: Most In Social Media Act Like Two Year Olds « crowdSPRING Blog

Most In Social Media Act Like Two Year Olds « crowdSPRING Blog — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 18:57:40 +0000

[...] not everyone acts like a two year old in social media. Some get it. Some understand that that unlike two year old kids who need another year to mature to the point [...]

By: Tony Ramos

Tony Ramos — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 08:33:08 +0000

You hit upon a key point that cannot be underplayed. There is a difference between what a person DID (i.e., said or wrote or behaved) and what they ARE. This makes the conversation, or the confrontation, easier. Hate the sin, not the sinner (to borrow a phrase.)
Jay Smooth explains it in this video regarding race:
http://current.com/items/89362067/to_catch_a_ra...

By: The Three Not-So-Dead Cliches I Was Shocked to Discover in NYC « The Pragmatic Contextualist

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 06:08:54 +0000

[...] got me thinking about all of this, of course, was an article I read earlier today entitled “I Am Gay,” by Micah Baldwin. Like me, Micah grew up in the Bay Area, and like me he has since lived in other [...]

By: Tony Ramos

Tony Ramos — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 00:33:08 +0000

By: Bill Kocik

Bill Kocik — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 03:20:53 +0000

Hi jeber -

Thanks for responding to my comment. I do have a blog, but I don't think you'd call what I typically write there a constructive expression of my thoughts.

What I often see in people around me is not racism, or sexism, or discrimination based on sexual preference (each of which are bad enough themselves), but contempt for fellow people as a whole. People in these parts act as if they have disdain for humans in general - even their peers.

You mentioned that you're left-handed, gay, and an atheist. I'm ambidextrous, straight, and I believe in God. Yet I can't help but think you and I could probably get along just fine without even trying. I don't understand why it is so many people can't treat people like . . . well, like people.

By: Most In Social Media Act Like Two Year Olds — crowdSPRING Blog

Most In Social Media Act Like Two Year Olds — crowdSPRING Blog — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 16:20:14 +0000

[...] not everyone acts like a two year old in social media. Some get it. Some understand that that unlike two year old kids who need another year to mature to the point [...]

By: Colleen

Colleen — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 18:36:32 +0000

Good on you for posting this. For me, it is all about how we treat each other and our humanity. At night when my head hits the pillow I ask, “Did I do the best I could to serve my fellow human being today.” Usually the answer is no, but I ask the question. The point is that that the question keeps me conscious of the people in my community.

By: micah

micah — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 18:10:27 +0000

Thanks Chris. It always nice to have a friendship that is steeped in mutual learning. Of course with you, Im the one that makes out in the being educated department… :)

One of the things we agree on is that we could always do more. Its one of the reasons you are so prolific and accessible. I deal with a 1/10 of the noise you do, and I find it overwhelming.

I think in many ways, the relationships I enjoy the most are the ones that challenge me to think, learn and do more.

By: Janet Johnson

Janet Johnson — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 17:56:47 +0000

Micah, thank you for this post. I share so many of your (and your commenters') feelings, growing up gay and remembering the shock of Harvey Milk's assassination. I was 21 when it happened, and flush with the freedom of being able to be openly gay in a liberal college town. I'm afraid that shock sent me back in the closet in many ways. Your post is strong, meaningful and courageous. I'm striving to be more like that, and reading it helped. Thank you for sharing yourself in such a personal way.

By: Darren Daz Cox

Darren Daz Cox — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 17:45:27 +0000

I first learned of this story in the early 80's thanks to the great Dead Kennedys song “I fought the law (and I won)”. The punk zine that came with the album explained the story and since the song was great (it's a punk re-hash of the classic I fought the Law song) the story behind it has stayed in my consciousness ever since, and has always been a major factor in helping me stand up against prejudice even if I am not directly affected by the hate.

By: domains row

domains row — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 17:40:47 +0000

i've just discovered you and your blog, you rock

By: Catherine

Catherine — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 17:36:05 +0000

This is a powerful commentary. I was a young mother living in East Bay when this shooting occurred. I clearly remember that I was driving to The City when the news came on the radio. I turned around and went home. I wish we could figure out a way to embrace and maybe even celebrate our differences without dissonance.

By: Amy

Amy — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 17:33:04 +0000

Talk about a heck of a first post for me to read!

Though I find that I'm a bit more jaded when it comes to trust [I feel it is earned] I think that you articulated a lot of things that I have thought and felt for a very long time.

Growing up in the South, which isn't known for its tolerance or acceptance, I have seen several friends lose their families' support and love just for the simple fact that they are gay.

I truly wish that more people had your outlook on life.

By: Jeremy McMinn

Jeremy McMinn — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 17:30:23 +0000

Living in the gay capital of Europe, I guess this was quite a pertinent post for me. Thanks.

By: Chris Brogan

Chris Brogan — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 17:20:00 +0000

There are days when I remember how much you're doing to make the world a more amazing place. And I know you won't cop to that, so whatever. But even when we had dinner together a few months back at that Italian place, I just remembered thinking, over and over that people are missing out when they don't pay attention to your perspective. I'm a fan, Micah.