LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
Speak Out |
Recently, I have begun perusing the Letters from CAMP Rehoboth publication and I have found that its contents are both beneficial and informative to its readers. I encourage your staff to continue to publish this resource as a means to educate and entertain all its readers. As an African-American male, I have observed that the publication fails to exploit GLBT African-Americans and other minorities (i.e. individuals with disabilities, diverse races and older citizens). As I turned each page in the book, I was greeted by several photographs of Caucasian individuals. I would estimate that 99% of the photos are of Caucasians posing either leisurely, in advertisements and/or in the form of art (see page 9). By all means, I am not "bashing" your staff nor the publication. However, I feel as though in order for your staff to completely embrace the essence behind the article written in the June 2, 2000 issue, "Delaware Liberty Fund (DLF) Voice for Human Rights," all minority groups should at least be included within the publication. This particular article was well written. Yet, keep in mind that in order to receive full cooperation and support from political groups, funding sources and other resource agencies, there must be an attempt to show diversity within your staff and future issues. I am aware that the minority population is scarce in the Rehoboth and Lewes areas. However, initiatives and efforts that show you and other GLBT groups in Rehoboth and Lewes are attempting to include and possibly recruit minorities will reflect favorably in your behalf. I am interested to in becoming an active part of the Delaware Liberty Fund that is mentioned in the issue. Perhaps, an additional component could be added to the committee entitled "minority recruitment." I am willing to offer suggestions, advise and support to Camp Rehoboth and the DLF. Again, continue to support the GLBT community. Your efforts are appreciated. Darrell M. Canady Dramawe all know that five-letter word like our own name. If you are gay, drama is an inextricable part of daily life. Why is it such a problem in the gay community? It's like we don't have enough things to worry about with all the harassment and crap like that, that people need to start shit (sorry for the language, I'm a little worked up right now!). It just makes life even more living hell! My name is Matt, by the way. I am a 17-year-old gay male that lives in Bethany Beach, Delaware. I also am a junior at Sussex Tech, the national homophobic school of excellence, and I am a web consultant for Sonic Solutions of Novato, California. I have been 'out', 'out of the closet', or whatever you want to call it since I was 14. I realized at an early age that I knew what I wanted and it sure wasn't a girlfriend. I love it when people come up to me and ask me how do I know. That's like asking a person why his skin color is white or why his eyes are grey. It's just something that you are born with and can't really change. I actually have been really lucky when it comes to harassment problems. I told my mom that I was gay, but she already knew. So I was somewhat let down, because I had built myself all up to tell her and it was like... splat. Then a few weeks later I told my step-mom and then my dad found out. He kicked me out of the house. Sure it was hell, but I did it for happiness. I knew that I would never be happy living in an unhealthy home such as his. Well... that was just the beginning of the drama... I've had a few relationships since I was 15. Starting with my first boyfriend, Matt, who was 19 at the time. He left me for some guy. Then I finally fell in love... BIG MISTAKE!! This guy who was so completely wonderful ended up leaving me for my best friend. The drama thickens. Well I got over that like most people would and haven't really met anyone since last summer. Then, this year, just two weeks ago I met someone new. Let me tell you about how great he was. Almost absolutely perfect! I couldn't believe what I had found. I felt that for the first time I was not afraid to love. Then one night he went to a club with his ex boyfriend and realized that maybe they had thrown away something special. What an interesting turn of events this was. The guy totally shoved sweet little me on the back burner. He said I was too sweet and caring. So what should I do? Should I become a cold and heartless little bitch? Or just continue doing what I was doing and let Prince Charming come and find me? I've learned that optimistic idealism generates pessimism. I've learned that gay life in Southern Delaware sucks. But, I believe that overall I have learned not to give up and not to lose hope. I understand that by becoming cold and heartless, I am taking out on other people what some ass did to me. I've learned to take risks and getting hurt is somewhat worth being in love. Most of all, I've learned to cry. Matt Schirmer Comments may be sent to CAMP Rehoboth, 39 Baltimore Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, or fax: 302-227-5604, or e-mail: letters@camprehoboth.com. Include your name and phone number for verification. Letters may be edited for clarity and length. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 10, No. 7, June 16, 2000. |