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[Denninmi]

24. Hunter, I think a lot of what you said is spot on.

People who don't conform to certain images of how they "should" act can be ostracized, and that in itself can lead to a spiral of problems, such as depression. There is a lot of pressure to conform, and a lot of vicious criticism of those who don't.

Homosexuality is a good case on point, actually, for an example of "mental illness" that wasn't there, mere persecution of someone who is "different" from the norm. Now we are a little more enlightened, and the vast majority of people understand it's fundamental biology, and accept the GLBT community as people. The bigots who don't, well, they can rot in their holes, who cares?

I, as someone who was really ashamed, and really petrified that knowledge of this would "come out", am really getting to the point that I totally agree with your last statement about denial leading to stigma, leading to suffering. I am slowly, and then rapidly with some people, "coming out", in my own way, and it's a relief. I have done NOTHING wrong, and I'm certainly not going to be judged, mocked, or ridiculed.

Hunter, you are a brave and great man, and it's a pleasure and honor to know you from the DU MHS forum.