Gunning Down of Wolves

    So...my dear, sweet readers (or, probably, like, one at the moment, but I'll write in the plural anyway, eh?)...
    I'm going to cut to the chase.

    You have of course heard about the horrible, senseless gunning down of wolves lately...Wait. Some of you haven't? Well, yes. There has been a large movement through many parts of the United States (notably the western states). This began with gray wolves being removed from the Endangered Species Act in several states. In February, 14 wolves were gunned down in Idaho at Clearwater National Forest, for example.
    And this was merely the one incidents. These sorts of things are happening all over, all the time. For the most part this is done to try and boost the number of elk or in some deranged attempt to protect cattle. Out of all cattle deaths, wolves were responsible for less than one percent in 2005. Vultures are known to kill twice as many.
    I could continue to rattle of statistics and accounts, but I believe my point is made. The deaths of these wolves are senseless. It is pointless and the number of wolves remaining is already a very low number. There are slightly over 5,000 gray wolves left in the lower forty-eight. There are 200, 000 left among different countries compared to the over 2 billion in earlier times. Due to killing of wolves for the aforementioned senseless reasons and the huge problems caused by human encroachment on their habitat (the effects of this problem can't be overstated, I merely can't go into for fear of rambling), the numbers have dropped like dead weight. Historically, they used to cover the majority of the United States. This range dropped to literally nearly nothing by 1974 and has slowly begun spreading again since 2006.
    I know these aren't pleasant truths to acknowledge. I know you may be sitting with a heavy weight in your hearts. I know you don't want to think about it. I have to say this, though: if we don't think about it-- don't do something about it-- if everyone ignores it, nothing will be done about it. At that point, there will be nothing left to think about.

--Lyn

Closets - How to Get Out of Them

Coming out, when one thinks about it, is not about the hope that others will accept you. It isn't even about aiding the community. We, of course, hope the first becomes reality. The latter, though wonderful, is a mere side-effect.

Coming out is all about you: learning how to accept yourself for who you are, eliminating internal divisions as to labels and self-identity, etc.

At first though, we can't see that and nothing seems worse than the fear and anxiety related with coming out. Dozens, hundreds of questions run through our minds: "Will my same-sex friends assume I'm interested?" "Will my parents accept me?" "Will I still have friends after this?" Then comes the important one: "Is it worth it?"

The answer is an unequivocal "yes." However, this is not to say it needs to be shouted from the roof tops. Some ways of coming out of safer than others, and though blurting out "I'm gay" may seem like a great idea at the time, most of the time, it isn't.

With that said, here are a few safe suggestions:

• Write a letter to the person you want to come out to. This allows for everything to be said, without interruptions.
• Pick a time when you're calm and able to sit down to talk about it. Answer any questions honestly without getting defensive.
• Slowly give hints. Talk about members of the same sex more often. This will give people a chance to adjust.
• Form or strengthen relationships with members of the LGBT community. They've been where you are and know what you're going through. Most likely, they will be willing to help. Don't be afraid to ask for their advice.
• Most importantly, never stop being yourself. This new label is merely a party of the whole. (This can and should be applied to all of the above.)

Unfortunately, some friends will walk away. Not all parents will be accepting. Very quickly a lesson will be learned: clouds hide amongst the rainbows.

Never fear, though. Some friends, the best ones, will stay. They might be gay, straight, bi, or trans. In all reality, though it doesn't matter. The worst is over. People know.

Still, there's a bit of nagging fear, doubt that you did the right thing. You have a new public identity, and are still struggling to fit into it. So show some pride. It can be subtle or loud. Either way, it shows you accept yourself, and if you do others will follow. Don't rush into relationships and allow time to adjust as a single person. Most importantly, don't worry. The times ahead may seem hard, but you survived this far, didn't you?

Remember, everything's going to be okay.

I Believe . . .

I Believe . . .
               that a thousand voices can roar like thunder,
               a greener earth is possible,
               reproduction is a choice,
               faith should unite instead of divide,
               love should strengthen not destroy,
               diversity is the spice of life.
I Believe . . .
               I can change the world.

In my beliefs, I take my stand
Firm and resolute with a planet to mend

Can you deny my words much longer?
I am the future,
               I am stronger.