Gay Men's Challenges Support Group
This community is dedicated to the challenges that gay men face, both between the partners in a relationship and from other influences (family, society, etc.). Find support and talk to others who may be facing the same challenges, and share your experience.
This may be a bit long but hopefully it will explain my point. Trying to find a charity that is truely charitable. The majors- United Way (discriminates against gays), Red Cross (my blood isn't good enough but my money is) both pay their execs $300,000+ with additional travel expenses (I could never support that),Salvation Army (discrimination against gays). Living in Atlanta, most charities are religious based and I'm turned away because I'm not a member or I'm gay. And the AIDS charities require a commitment of at least 16 hours a week (too much on my schedule). Some might say to work in a homeless shelter. I live in central Atlanta and most centers are so dangerous that even the homeless won't go there.
I feel that helping the elderly in their homes is my "calling". Things like cutting the grass, washing the car, cleaning things up around the house, or just sit and visit. The problems is (once again) most are associated with religious orginizations.
So this is my question, do I go against my principles and just do it or do I do nothing?
Thanks for any advice.
Greg
I feel that helping the elderly in their homes is my "calling". Things like cutting the grass, washing the car, cleaning things up around the house, or just sit and visit. The problems is (once again) most are associated with religious orginizations.
So this is my question, do I go against my principles and just do it or do I do nothing?
Thanks for any advice.
Greg
Why not try doing something within the Gay Community. I am sure that America has community service groups like we do in Australia, groups like our BGF, ANKALI, PLWHIV and such.
It would be better than going to a community group and discover that they are anti-Gay.
Why even helping on December 1st would be doing something positive
Chris
Create your own charity service for elder citizens.
Find people interested in supporting your cause. Register a non goubernamental organization (NGO) and go do help people. You can arrange for a sunday morning home made food sale and donate the money in medicine to some foster care home. Or go small and offer help to some neighbour in need of attention or company, one hour a day makes a difference. Greg, don't quit just because you are gay.
The list is endless.
I too live in GA and realize the difficulty that there is for you. Josh and I have been volunteering for the Ministries. Even though they are supported by local area churches of all denominations, they still accepted us as a gay couple.
Though it was not spoken about, it was known by most if not all of the employees and the other volunteers. We were made to feel like part of the family and were a part of the family of the organization.
It is not something that I would suggest that you consider, but there is several organizations based in the Atlanta area to consider. They are not within the GAY community but will accept you and actually do not discriminate against your sexuality.
Josh and I are very particular about where we spend our money and what services or businesses that we frequent. If they are anti-gay then we DO NOT use their services. This does not mean that we only use gay owned business because we do not. We do our research and we keep up with the changes and contributions made by all of the businesses.
We go so far at to block out channels on the television that are owned or operate by persons that are anti-gay or support anything that does not support gays as a whole. It is a never ending job, and I understand your feelings and wish you well in your search.