Guest JamesBarnes Posted March 5, 2011 Posted March 5, 2011 How easy it is to forget that not everyone is 'out' and confident about being gay. Caught up with interviews and rushing around doing admin, I took a break to watch the spectacular show at The Venue in Jomtien the other night. Wearing an OUT iT shirt, I was approached by a mild mannered guy who asked if I had anything to do with the magazine. When I answered yes, he offered his profuse gratitude. It wasn't just a platitude. He went on to explain that he was more than a little inhibited about even going into a 'gay' establishment but that the confident, positive message of OUT iT had inspired him to overcome his reticence and he was having a great time. There are guys out there who do pace up and down outside a gay venue, plucking up the courage to go inside and thank goodness they get a warm welcome in Thailand, when they do take those hesitant steps over the threshold. Let's hope they carry that confidence home with them. Quote
TotallyOz Posted March 5, 2011 Posted March 5, 2011 Great story. Thank you for sharing it! Was the guys name Jomtien? If so, he has come out of the closet in full force and attire! Quote
Guest Yaya Posted March 5, 2011 Posted March 5, 2011 Yes, OIT....great story! As for Jomtien, we have seen some of his attire and wish he would return to the closet! Quote
Guest fountainhall Posted March 6, 2011 Posted March 6, 2011 Although now much more advanced in years, I can well remember in my late teens walking back and forth near the one pub in my hometown that was known to be friendly to gays, totally unable ever to summon up the courage to approach the door, let alone enter. Like many of us, I come from a small town and was terrified about seeing someone inside who might know me and start spreading gossip. Even in my 20s, it was easier to shuffle head down into a gay establishment and sit in a corner than to push open the doors and walk confidently in. Those days, thankfully, have changed for most gays in many parts of the world. But as JamesBarnes suggests, there are still countless millions for whom that first step is an almost terrifying, agonising choice. That is especially true in parts of Asia. I have not got a copy of the latest issue and so do not know if that encounter in Thailand finally enabled the guy James met to continue to open the doors wide when he returned to his home country. Hopefully it did. Hopefully, also, there will be more articles in more magazines highlighting the issue and helping especially younger guys to summon up the courage to come out - and go in! Quote
Guest JamesBarnes Posted March 7, 2011 Posted March 7, 2011 Although now much more advanced in years, I can well remember in my late teens walking back and forth near the one pub in my hometown that was known to be friendly to gays, totally unable ever to summon up the courage to approach the door, let alone enter. Like many of us, I come from a small town and was terrified about seeing someone inside who might know me and start spreading gossip. Even in my 20s, it was easier to shuffle head down into a gay establishment and sit in a corner than to push open the doors and walk confidently in. Those days, thankfully, have changed for most gays in many parts of the world. But as JamesBarnes suggests, there are still countless millions for whom that first step is an almost terrifying, agonising choice. That is especially true in parts of Asia. I have not got a copy of the latest issue and so do not know if that encounter in Thailand finally enabled the guy James met to continue to open the doors wide when he returned to his home country. Hopefully it did. Hopefully, also, there will be more articles in more magazines highlighting the issue and helping especially younger guys to summon up the courage to come out - and go in! Dear fountainhall, My first 'outing' to a gay club was back in 1979, when I was very much younger and lovelier than I am now. Maybe I should write an account of that for OUT in Thailand magazine? Best wishes, James Barnes Quote
Guest fountainhall Posted March 7, 2011 Posted March 7, 2011 I hope you do. And if you could perhaps write it with the perspective of a young, unsure Asian in mind, I am sure it would attract many new readers. Quote
Guest JamesBarnes Posted March 8, 2011 Posted March 8, 2011 I hope you do. And if you could perhaps write it with the perspective of a young, unsure Asian in mind, I am sure it would attract many new readers. Excellent idea, dear fountainhall. It will be done. Sadly now too late for April but there will be space in May. Thank you, James Barnes. Quote
Guest JamesBarnes Posted March 8, 2011 Posted March 8, 2011 Hi James, I would love to meet you. Have you ever thought about getting guys together for a talk night at some venue. Love you Jimmy and love your singing too. I have been a fan of yours for years. Love to put you on my bucket list if i may. Divine Dearest Divine, I am both flattered and discombobulated by your comments! I consider myself bucketed. Best wishes, James Barnes Quote
