LGBTQ Archives - Brain Dumping in Retirement

Strong Gay Men

By Jim Bauman March 2, 2024Life and LivingDouglas Murray, Gay Men, LGBTQ, Living Authentically

Douglas Murray's book The madness of crowds is an antagonistic conservative reaction to identity politics, including gay men. This response is a consideration of why adopting a strong identity is necessary for groups to create strongly grounded individuals.

Loss and Disappointment

By Jim Bauman January 29, 2024Life and LivingComing Out, LGBTQ, Life Lessons, Relationships

When is the right time to tell someone you're gay? Two instances of when it was too late.

Becoming Different: Opening the Door to Gay Society

By Jim Bauman January 8, 2024Life and LivingAging, Gay Society, LGBTQ, Relationships

The stereotype of the gay man fated to be lonely and alone has with the gay rights movement gotten less true. There's still a gay life after 40 or at least there can be.

What is it like to be an LGBTQ teenager?

By Jim Bauman August 3, 2023Life and Living, Neighborhood WatchLGBTQ, Queer Youth

Some thoughts about what it's like to be queer and young and have to contend with the false expectations the dominant society has about you.

Organizations serving LGBTQ youth in the Panhandle

By Jim Bauman August 3, 2023Neighborhood WatchCASA, EPEC, EPYA, LGBTQ, Martinsburg Pride, Queer Youth

Queer youth can have a rough time bucking the forces that don't like them the way they are and will often punish them for being who they are This article discusses three local organizations that advocate and provide services for these kids.

The library: Not about keeping quiet anymore

By Jim Bauman June 22, 2023Neighborhood WatchBook Banning, LGBTQ, Shepherdstown Library

Book banning may be coming to a library close to home. How does banning a book work and what's library policy in regard to challenging a book?

LGBTQ Safe Spaces in the City and in the Country

By Jim Bauman May 31, 2023Life and LivingCountry Life, Equality, LGBTQ

A personal recollection of gay bars and a reflection on why there aren't as many of them today as there were.

Straight Father and Gay Son

By Jim Bauman April 17, 2023Life and LivingCatholic Church, Family, LGBTQ, Masculinity, Parenting

Fathers raise their sons with their own idea of how they will turn out. Straight fathers often don't realize their sons may be gay. This can put a strain on what it means to love and be loved.