Dear Dr. Olson,

I’m a mid-level professional and I would like to introduce my partner to my co-workers.  Is it safe to come out at work?

Greg

In 1986, I was freshly divorced, newly out (only to a very limited degree), and Medical Director of Psychiatry for one of Iowa’s largest hospitals, I was threatened to be “out-ed” to the hospital administration by a problem physician.  Fearing that my career and my only source of income was about to go down the drain, I confessed my sexual orientation to my vice-president.  She said, “Loren, we knew that when we hired you.”

There are many organizations in the Midwest that work hard as LGBT advocates and this month we spoke with First Friday Breakfast Club and Cedar Rapids PFLAG. The two organizations talk about their history, mission, and how they have made an impact. First Friday Breakfast Club is based in Des Moines, Iowa and Cedar Rapids PFLAG is based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa but both organizations attract followers from throughout the state.

Just hours after Pope Benedict XVI announced his unexpected resignation, a bolt of lightning struck St. Peter’s Basilica.

Many say it's unequivocally a sign from God.
If so, I'm hoping it's an Amen moment signaling the end of an oppressive era of LGBTQ bashing as the church now moves forward.

Practically everyone could tell you what it means to be gay, lesbian, or bisexual. Not all would be able to explain in depth, but they understand the general premise. But wait, there’s an initial missing from this set. There’s that ambiguous letter settled at the end of that common acronym—LGBT. What does it mean? Do people understand it? Unfortunately, not very many people fully understand or could explain what it means to be transgender. Even among those in the LGBT community, there are many who barely know what it means and who have several misconceptions about it.

The Long Journey Into Matrimony

We have joined that crazy whirlwind called ‘planning for the wedding’.  Our parents died long ago, so there is no in-law situation.  There are, however, siblings and children and nieces and nephews; old friends and new; colleagues; ex-lovers and neighbors to invite.  We have immersed ourselves in a world of venues and menus and flowers and photos.  We are Unitarian Buddhists (or U-Bu’s) and have asked a friend who happens to be a Baptist minister to officiate. We’ll write our own vows as soon as we have time. We wonder if we should take our dachshund and our Chow-Austrian-mix on the honeymoon. And, what about the cake?

Dear Davey,

I’m 26 years-old, a certified personal trainer… I’m gay and while I would certainly be considered to be very fit, I’ve been feeling increasingly ostracized in the gay fitness community.

I used to love going to the gym. I’d go five or six days a week, sometimes twice for an extra cardio or abs session, and loved every second of it. Lately, I’m barely able to drag myself there once or twice a week, and I feel nothing but self-conscious the whole time. I live in a densely gay populated area of DC, so the gym is essentially like watching clothed porn stars work out. While I realize the foolishness in comparing oneself to others, these guys are in phenomenal shape yet strut around talking about how terrible their abs look, and how their arms are only seventeen inches big and all sorts of ridiculous crap.