Young and Gay in Real America

[Ravenstorm]

This isn't a topic for debate; hence it being in the social forum. It's a series done by the Washington Post about a kid in Oklahoma named Michael Shackelford. Parts 3 and 4 aren't out yet but here are the first two. It's worth registering.

No one's forcing you to read it so if you don't want to just shut the hell up.


About This Series

With the Shackelford family's permission, Washington Post reporter Anne Hull spent hundreds of hours following Michael over the past year as he came to terms with being gay, a journey that paralleled Oklahoma's fight against same-sex marriage. The reporter accompanied Michael to work, church, car shows, speedways and Saturday night forays to the gay teenage dance club in Tulsa. Extended periods were spent in the Shackelford home, where Michael and his mother, Janice, struggled to understand each other. The events and direct quotes in this story were witnessed by the reporter unless otherwise noted.

The final two parts of Young and Gay in Real America are scheduled to run Sunday, Oct. 3, and Monday, Oct. 4.

Part 1: In the Bible Belt, Acceptance Is Hard-Won (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A49856-2004Sep25.html)

Part 2: A Slow Journey From Isolation (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A52563-2004Sep26.html)

Raven

[xShadowMerchantx]

I don't feel like registering but I'd like to read it... how bout you just post it?

[Betheny]

Is that about the kid that was murdered...? That name seems familiar...

[Ravenstorm]

Each part is five pages. Registering is quick and painless and you have the option to not be emailed anything.

And no, he's alive and well. The name was familiar to me as well though but it must just be coincidence.

Raven

[Artha]

I don't feel like registering but I'd like to read it... how bout you just post it?

www.bugmenot.com

[Snapp]

Great series so far. It makes me realize just how good I had it compared to him.

[Ravenstorm]

Indeed. And how good he has it compared to others.

Despite his mother's problems coming to terms with it, she has allowed this reporter into their lives to view their struggle. That takes some real bravery and a love and openness that speaks very well of her. It can't, as has been clearly shown, be easy for her so allowing it all to be documented is incredible.

I found it interesting how he originally bought into the whole stereotype in an attempt to 'fit' the mold and then realized that just being yourself was the important thing. I'll post the links to the other parts as they are printed.

Raven

[Snapp]

Originally posted by Ravenstorm
I found it interesting how he originally bought into the whole stereotype in an attempt to 'fit' the mold and then realized that just being yourself was the important thing.

That actually made me laugh! The eyebrow ring, dyed hair, Cher CDs, etc. :lol: I can't wait to read the rest.

[Souzy]

Originally posted by Snapp
That actually made me laugh! The eyebrow ring, dyed hair, Cher CDs, etc. :lol: I can't wait to read the rest.

Oh God! I had to sit through watching Cher's last concert DVD, ugh lord. I respect the lady for still making it through out the years. Why?!

[Ravenstorm]

In Part 3 (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A2626-2004Oct2.html) and Part 4 (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A4512-2004Oct3.html) the focus shifts from a white gay kid in the fields of Oklahoma to a black lesbian one on the streets of Newark.

Raven

[DeV]

Ahhh.. cool. I was wondering when the next parts would be complete.

:popcorn2:

[Snapp]

Great articles Raven. Thanks for sharing. ;)

[Ravenstorm]

They came out on the 3rd and the 4th. I just forgot about them until today.

I hadn't known they were going to switch people to report on: if they had mentioned it in one of the sidebars on the first two parts, I missed it. The differences between the two kids were fascinating. And it was very interesting that, despite having lived 45 minutes away from NYC for my entire life, I found Oklahoma to be a lot less alien to me than the inner city.

And you're quite welcome.

Raven

[Edited on 10-6-2004 by Ravenstorm]

[Parkbandit]

Hot lipstick lesbians are so... :drool:

[HarmNone]

These articles are wonderful, Raven. It's interesting to get the perspective of a young person who is faced with such a difficult situation, and to see what it does to them and how they face up to it in different environments. Thanks for the links! :)

[longshot]

Tonight on MXC,...

"He was a runner up on 'Queer Factor'".

"Yes, he could only name three Cher songs".

[Ravenstorm]

More on Michael (the guy from the first two parts):

Leave our homos alone. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A48197-2004Nov13.html)

Raven

[Dhuul]

Originally posted by Ravenstorm
Leave our homos alone

Raven

No, Stuff magazine IS tasteful

I'm serious.

[Sean]

nevermind saw artha's post above.

[Edited on 11-18-2004 by Tijay]

[Snapp]

Great article, Raven. Thanks for sharing again. Good to see a town open their mind a little bit and come together for this guy.

[AnticorRifling]

I'm not going to pretend to have read any of this but Brooke Burke is hot!