ETC: Everyday Thoughts Collected - Latest Comments in No More “Mr. Nice Gay”? Is This What We Want?

Re: No More “Mr. Nice Gay”? Is This What We Want?

RThomasETC — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 20:16:39 -0000

Thank you for your comment Shannon. I pray you will have the grace to "stay on your toes" and love your neighbors.

Re: No More “Mr. Nice Gay”? Is This What We Want?

Shannon — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 17:22:59 -0000

Hi Randy - I just wanted to add that we are to love the people and hate the spirit behind them as Christians. I work in the Palm Springs area and you really have to be on your toes here. Thanks for the blog. ;)

Re: No More “Mr. Nice Gay”? Is This What We Want?

RThomasETC — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 12:16:39 -0000

Thank you for your comment Shannon. I pray you will have the grace to "stay on your toes" and love your neighbors.

Re: No More “Mr. Nice Gay”? Is This What We Want?

Shannon — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 09:22:59 -0000

Re: No More “Mr. Nice Gay”? Is This What We Want?

RThomasETC — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 06:54:32 -0000

Very true Alan. I hope we all remember that each time these types of things happen. Thanks for leaving a comment :-)

Re: No More “Mr. Nice Gay”? Is This What We Want?

RThomasETC — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:54:32 -0000

Very true Alan. I hope we all remember that each time these types of things happen. Thanks for leaving a comment :-)

Re: No More “Mr. Nice Gay”? Is This What We Want?

Alan Chambers — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:46:37 -0000

Wow is right. That video was seriously disturbing similar to what some of us experienced when we were speaking in Boston a couple of years ago. I was reminded by the Holy Spirit while watching that God loves those angry Castro residents as much as He loves any of us. I hope all Christians who watch this footage remember that.

Re: No More “Mr. Nice Gay”? Is This What We Want?

Alan Chambers — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 09:46:37 -0000

Re: No More “Mr. Nice Gay”? Is This What We Want?

RThomasETC — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 07:53:12 -0000

Wow, that's amazing Ryan. I am tempted to turn your testimony into a new post. I think it gives a clearer picture of the history and the events of what happened.

Hmmm... Interview? hmmm...

But, I would imagine you might blog about this more. If you do I will link to it. Thanks for chiming in. Very good.

Re: No More “Mr. Nice Gay”? Is This What We Want?

RThomasETC — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:53:12 -0000

Re: No More “Mr. Nice Gay”? Is This What We Want?

Ryan — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 22:23:57 -0000

Ok -a little update. I spoke yesterday afternoon with a good friend in San Francisco who was part of the original group that started the Friday night Castro outreach several years ago. He said he was not there Friday night, but spoke with the people from SFJHOP who went. (My personal recommendation to him was that in spite of the very genuine and loving intentions of the participants, at a time like this the presence of a group like this in the Castro would likely be seen as intentionally provocative by the gay community. I think the media articles that continue to refer to the group as "Christians who are trying to turn gay people straight" is good evidence of this).

What wasn't seen in the video is that a young woman was pushed to the ground and then kicked by several people. While fortunately no serious injury occurred, the event definitely involved physical violence. The police came and advised the group to get in their van to be escorted to safety.

A little background on the group - it was born out of a vision and passion by a member of my old church in SF who once identified as gay and was heavily involved in the Castro "scene." He was joined by my friend who has an openly gay brother living in San Francisco, along with several other members of the church. The main focus of the Friday night outreaches was proclaiming the love of Jesus and praying with people. Anytime you mix Castro and Christian controversy is bound to show up. Some nights were peaceful, other times it caused a stir. (On one of my nights out a drunk man standing next to me called 911 to report that "The Christians are persecuting me." Seriously.)

Maybe about a year or so ago the original members of the group started to fade out, and the SFJHOP people became more involved. I've always felt a bit uncomfortable with this for some reason. In my mind it seems important that if you're going to do something like this, it needs to involve people who are directly tied to the community you are trying to reach.

But you are right Joe - a whole lot of prayer has gone into this ministry, and I can't speak for the SFJHOP folks but I know the people who originally started this outreach felt specifically called to the Castro by the Lord and were bold in ways that I really respect. (The first time I attempted to go out with my friends I got physically sick to my stomach, turned around and went home! It was right before I moved away from SF)

Re: No More “Mr. Nice Gay”? Is This What We Want?

Ryan — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:23:57 -0000

Re: No More “Mr. Nice Gay”? Is This What We Want?

B.T.Carolus — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 22:51:09 -0000

I think it's sort of a California phenomenon, at least originally.

Re: No More “Mr. Nice Gay”? Is This What We Want?

RThomasETC — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 22:33:39 -0000

::: putting moderator hat on ::: Don't forget to hit the reply link underneath the comment you are responding too. It helps the conversations stay together. ::: taking moderator hat off :::

Joe, don't worry about that nickname from your family ... from other people though ... be skeptical.

Re: No More “Mr. Nice Gay”? Is This What We Want?

RThomasETC — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 22:31:06 -0000

Thanks for following up on that. I would love to read more about that. I have heard of Christian communes but those stories always seemed to end badly.

I love watching and learning about group behavior. The odd thing is I don't like most reality tv because it isn't really real. So *real* real life stories intrigue me.

Re: No More “Mr. Nice Gay”? Is This What We Want?

RThomasETC — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 22:28:47 -0000

Well, I can't give that away :) I am hoping an interview will happen some day :).

BUT, it would be along the lines of how long has this sub-culture existed (I don't remember any "bears" back in my day, doesn't mean there weren't any... I just never met any). What is the pros and cons of identifying in such a manner? Is the gay community really diverse in solidifying these subgroups or actually isolating people into these subgroups.

it would definitely be only about identity and sociology type questions. Plus, my style would probably let the conversation carry itself. Kind of like what I did with Matt Sanchez.

Re: No More “Mr. Nice Gay”? Is This What We Want?

B.T.Carolus — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 22:17:31 -0000

What would you ask him?

Re: No More “Mr. Nice Gay”? Is This What We Want?

Nick — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 22:06:39 -0000

We had two old Victorian houses. All the men were in one and the women in the other. We had meetings, did evangelism, a radio broadcast....and we had WORK to do. I cleaned the bathrooms. Bev, my wife, worked in the kitchen. Most of our food was dated food donated by bread companies and the like. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Until it got off-base and a little bit cultic.

Most of the people had come to the Lord through the ministry. Some had been drug users....and one had been a male hustler.

I may blog about it someday.

Re: No More “Mr. Nice Gay”? Is This What We Want?

JoeDallas — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 17:37:52 -0000

You know, Ryan, I don't like the way I phrased my comments in my earlier post regarding the Christians in the Castro. My point was that I question whether or not that's the most effective way to take a stand. But what I didn'I add was this - I assume they've prayed on it, and feel this is what they're called to do, and I gotta salute them for putting themselves out there and showing a committment that puts lots of Christians to shame. I used to do a lot of street witnessing, and I know you do real emotional and spiritual (and physical) battle when you're on the front line. I respect all of you who've done that. I wish more of us had that kind of zeal.
Uh -- bears? Both Renee and Jeremy often call me "The Bear." Should I be worried? Don't answer.

Re: No More “Mr. Nice Gay”? Is This What We Want?

RThomasETC — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 17:21:58 -0000

I agree about Matt's concept. I have heard it said differently numerous times but ... he should totally write more about it ;)

Re: No More “Mr. Nice Gay”? Is This What We Want?

RThomasETC — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 17:21:18 -0000

I have thought about trying to interview a "bear" man, for this blog, via google talk and post the transcript. But I don't know that I would find one who would be willing and would treat it seriously.

Re: No More “Mr. Nice Gay”? Is This What We Want?

BTCarolus — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:51:09 -0000

I think it's sort of a California phenomenon, at least originally.

Re: No More “Mr. Nice Gay”? Is This What We Want?

RThomasETC — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:33:39 -0000

Re: No More “Mr. Nice Gay”? Is This What We Want?

RThomasETC — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:31:06 -0000

Re: No More “Mr. Nice Gay”? Is This What We Want?

RThomasETC — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:28:47 -0000