Connect
Visitors to Rehoboth Beach often stop into CAMP Rehoboth to ask for
recommendations on places to stay or on restaurants for dinner. The
first time someone asked me to recommend a gay or gay-friendly
restaurant, I was stopped in my tracks. What went through my head was,
"If they aren’t gay-friendly, they aren’t in business." I
put that thought through my "public relations filter" and
explained how integrated this community is and how businesses appreciate
everyone’s support. After they left, I really thought about how
difficult it is for people not living in Rehoboth Beach to accept the
fact that this community pays little attention to "gay or
straight." As a result, I really operate as if the mores of
Rehoboth Beach are the realities in the world. I’m not an ostrich with
my head in the sand. When I venture west of Route 1, I am forced to do a
serious reality check.
Recently 60 Minutes did a piece on the latest thinking/ research as
to why someone is gay. The segment went beyond the
"nature-nurture" argument. Researchers were looking at
specific genes and hormone levels during conception and gestation.
A longitudinal study looked at identical twins. Same family, same
genes, same hormones, same uterus yet the twins weren’t identical in
sexual orientation. The family that had me riveted to the TV was one
with 7 year-old male identical twins. One twin’s room was decorated
with GI Joes and super heroes. Camouflage was the predominant color
theme. The second twin’s room had a collection of Brats dolls with a
color palette of mauve, purple and pink. In their seven-year old
vocabulary, each talked about their own self image and what they wanted
to be when they grow up. One was clearly male oriented while the other
wanted to grow up to be a girl. As the interviewer spoke with their
mother, I was deeply touched by her attitude which was so unmistakably
respectful and accepting of both twins. I found myself in tears,
thinking of how many children haven’t and won’t have that
acceptance, caring and support.
If you didn’t receive acceptance, and support in childhood, my wish
for you is that you have or will find it here in Rehoboth Beach. If you
think CAMP Rehoboth can do something to make that easier for you, please
give us a call.
Founders’ Circle
It’s hard to believe! Since our last issue of Letters, the Founders’
Circle Capital Campaign pledges have increased by nearly $150,000. Our
totals now stand at
$1,289,728.60 pledged with $925,124.30 of those pledges being
fulfilled. We are overwhelmed by your generosity, caring and commitment.
We extend a heartfelt thank you to all 912 members from the CAMP
Rehoboth board of directors and staff.
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