If there's one thing I love it's the critique from people who do absolutely nothing but sit on their asses and criticize other people or organizations just trying to do a good job. So instead of going off on this person who left a comment on Qruiser sharing Gay Cafe's fall schedule, I'm just going to open up about it here instead.
Her comments paraphrased: 1) Forssa treats it's gays like garbage, tells them that over and over again and that's why Mental health organization is hosting/needs to host Gay Cafe.
2) The typographical setting of the (schedule and info) poster might keep the people away.
First of all, Forssa as a city might not be doing much for its gay citizens but it doesn't differ any from how Finland currently is treating its citizens, and really, which city organizes anything for it's gays? No one, that's who. It's the Seta's of this world, not the cities. Do I wish Forssa and its people were more involved? Absolutely! Do I expect this to change? No.
Secondly, there are homophobes and idiots everywhere. The situation here could be worse, but could also be better. I'm working every day to make it better here, and people like her are not helping. Instead of just criticizing and spreading negativity, how about suggestions for how to improve? I have been able to live openly for many years now without having any negative experiences and so are many others. Teenage years could have been better, but I was in the closet and deep in denial. People around me used homophobic language, I used homophobic language, and that sucks, but I believe me being openly and proudly me, has since then made a difference.
When it comes to Gay Cafe being held at a Mental Health Organization…It's a PRE-VEN-TA-TIVE organization. And where Gay Cafe is held should't matter. What matters that it's here. And from the sound of it, it could have helped her, had we've been here while she was still in Forssa. But anyway…alluding that Gay Cafe should be with a mental health organization because we are crazy makes it sound like LGBTI-people are crazy and now she is just buying into the homophobes' jargon.
Now when it comes to the poster…I am open for her to come and work her magic as a graphic designer and make a poster for us that will bring "all the gays to the yard" and not be so unpleasing to the eye.
The sad reality is that there are very very few LGBTI-advocates and organizers actively doing this right now. Being in a leadership position at a local Seta might mean that it all falls on few people while others just like to party. As we have no Seta in Forssa, it all falls on me. Leading Gay Cafe and organizing Forssa Pride takes dedication and commitment and I have yet to meet people from Forssa who are willing to put in the work to make this a community and to make sure this continues after I'm no longer in Forssa. This fall might be the last few months when any LGBTI-related events happen here and instead of negativity I hope to see some enthusiasm and positivity. Come at me with your suggestions how to do this better. I'm all ears. The floor is yours.
