Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Anthony Fasolo on November 8, 2009 at 8:17am

Don't despair Mark, sometimes these things take time. I admit, I'm a bit surprised as well. I know there are quite a number of us on our street as well - but they are very quiet. In this day and age I wonder why some might be so reticent to be out.

Permalink Reply by Margy Meath on November 8, 2009 at 9:54am

Mark, I'll join to support your efforts, but please don't assume that people who don't join are apathetic. Whether we like it or not, it can still be very dangerous for gay and lesbian people to come out. I'm not sure whether Marlborough has any different gay population than other streets in the 19th ward....... we better be careful about saying that or people will start selling their homes :-)

Permalink Reply by Anthony Fasolo on November 8, 2009 at 10:31am

LOL!!! Hey ya know the truth is when we start moving into neighborhoods the real estate values go up! It think it's all the pretty colors and flowers and stuff LOL!

Permalink Reply by Mark Sweetland on November 9, 2009 at 1:53am

Margy,

Points well taken. I doubt people will sell their homes, though! Also liked Anthony's comment. Oh, yes, and people of color are moving into the neighborhood, so sell your home and move to the suburbs (a comment on why the 19th Ward Community Association was founded, re: blockbusting.)

What year does that go back to? Anyway, I won't assume people are apathetic. I don't even think people have to come out, as it should not matter. What matters is being good neighbors.

Permalink Reply by Mark Sweetland on November 11, 2009 at 12:29am

Yeah, they'll sell theirs and I will move in over there if there are any for sale! Good lord, your property values would go up!

Permalink Reply by MacClurg Vivian on November 13, 2009 at 8:28am

Dear Mark, count me in as a visible ally to LGBTQ, etc. This may take awhile to build. And I am glad you included "allies", though there may be times when just your constituency may want to meet. As many know a feature of this oppression is to stay hidden in order to avoid attacks, verbal or physical and other repercussions such re work, relationships, etc. And as Margy said it IS still dangerous in some arenas. Thanks for your courage in going public with this group on Loc19. Looking forward to hearing more....

Permalink Reply by John Boutet on November 13, 2009 at 3:46pm

Very well said MacClurg. Count me in also Mark. Over the years our society has definitely made great strides in its acceptance and appreciation of G, L, B, T individuals but we still have much work to do. It is important for all G, L, B, T friends and relatives in our neighborhood to step forward and make themselves heard to make this a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.

Permalink Reply by Mark Sweetland on November 13, 2009 at 11:26pm

John,

Thank you, your words speak for themselves. We do need to make this a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. And I think that is what the 19th Ward is all about! A great place to live. Especially thanks to individuals such as you.

Permalink Reply by Samantha C. Horrocks on December 23, 2009 at 1:47pm

I don't always remember to check my email filter for Location 19 so its been awhile since I've visited the web site. Not really apathy--just life. We've only lived in Rochester for six months and have found it very friendly to us as a couple--very different from where we moved from. I guess I don't feel as great a need here for the gay community because I feel very welcomed in the community at large. All the same--this looks like a fun group and I hope we could all gather for coffee sometime.