So far, so good

I'm doing well in graduate school, although a bit amused with teenagers here for 'summer camps' running around on campus (and pulling fire alarms- no difference between hearing and deaf kids when it comes to pulling fire alarms!) I'm officially a second-year graduate student, since I passed the quals (or if one prefers, comps), as I found out this week. I'm staying on campus due to attending practicum (full summer) and a class (A&O- and I have to admit- I LOVE it!) It just feels odd to me that the campus is almost empty, and so I get the sensation of being in the eye of a hurricane, waiting for things to slap me in the face sooner or later.

For the articles going on about cochlear implants and sign language, I'm staying out of it because I have to admit, I am not in mood for bashing for giving my personal opinion. I'd rather deal with that in person, so we can discuss it, putting all our cards out on the table, instead of arguing one piece by another piece.

I had gone to DC Pride two weekends ago, and I had a blast of fun there, meeting some nifty people, and getting two good leads on potential internships! I was thinking about how far we had gone in many years, in getting awareness of gay/lesbian community, available resources and supportive organizations. I did not even know that there is this organization "Out in the work" as in being openly gay/lesbian/bisexual/straight at work; Out in work, from what I understand, is a good resource for people having trouble at work, providing information about internships (I asked mostly about that.) I would have more information, but alas, I lost everything I gathered from that organization as well as other organizations (including stickers, buttons, magnets) at the subway on way home! *sigh* So I need to remind myself to check that organization online soon when I'm not distracted by class and practicum.

Soon, that class A&O will end, and so some of us are planning to go to Assateague Island, and Blue Mountains, a weekend each for camping. Boston, New York City and Philadelphia are on the list of sightseeing for historical stops and I gotta go back to Brooklyn for another taste of that deliciousmarvelous fudge cake at The Chocolate Room!

written by Jules

Rainbow

I try and I try again, to understand why folks are afraid of the homosexual culture (both gay and lesbian). I have heard this quote "Folks fear what they do not understand," however that does not explain why they don't fear the computers that they do not understand the technology in first place. People had thought me a lesbian because I have been supportative of the gay culture- I find that cute- really. I had socialized with this wonderful gay couple when I was a child, and they had taken me on the annual AIDS Walk. The mother had never had said anything against the homosexual culture, but either for it as well. I'd say she was neutral, but I knew she was supportive about AIDS research. When I had moved to Maryland, I had the chance to get to know more people from the culture, including singles, couples and family among the gay and lesbian culture. I had seen how warm they are, how welcome they are, and ironic enough, so many are not judgemental as many straight folks are. LOL Radical Faeries are wonderful and sweet guys you could meet, and they'd open their apartments to you if you are in danger. A pagan lesbian family have "adopted" me into their family, and I love them so much, and their children are very happy. So... If folks want to choose to call me a "lesbian" because of the socialization with the gay/lesbian culture- so be it. I like girls and I like guys as well. I had gotten a lot of affection and love from the culture more than I had gotten from my own family- imagine that!! And do not think that my family hates me- they love me a lot, but they do not know what to do with a deaf woman that is liberal, pagan and the "black sheep" of the family. (dry smile) I love them, and they love me, and that's sufficent.