I'm looking forward to this! I'll be there all day Saturday. Sunday I'm going to NYC pride, so I won't be here unless there is a shortage of hot people there (though I can pretty much bet there will be a surplus.)

This is all tied in with an "Our America" special coming on tonight on the OWN network at 10pm Eastern. In it, a number of ex-gay survivors like myself--several of whom I know--confront Exodus president Alan Chambers.

This has been a while in coming. The beginning of the end was the Gay Christian Network conference in Orlando in January 2011. It's a very long story of how he ended up on stage in a roundtable discussion there, but he made two shocking statements: that 99.9% of clients do not change orientation, and that there will be gays in heaven. Now, the first statement didn't ruffle any feathers, but many were outraged at the second statement, so much so that a bunch of organisations left Exodus to form a new group called Restored Hope Network, which is very much alive and kicking. Exodus started haemorrhaging money partly because of this event.

Because Restored Hope Network and Global Exodus Alliance are very much still a thing, the closing of Exodus (or more accurately, a rebranding, since Mr. Chambers say they're going to start a new ministry, which many insiders are understanding to mean an organisation that encourages churches to "reach out" to gays but still considers gay relationships sinful) is is all a symbolic thing. But never underestimate the power of symbols.

Very awesome! The Pride weekend is one of the events I look forward to each year! There's some awesome events on the schedule this year and I can't wait to see you all there!

Good news indeed!!

Growing up, I had quite a large battle coming to terms with my sexuality. I knew I liked guys when I was really really young. But because of some of my own beliefs and and the criticisms from others that I faced growing up, I wanted to be anything but gay. So, I sought out an organization with a similar goal like Exodus. One of the biggest mistakes in my life.

I wanted to change something about myself that had already been set in stone. And it was to please others and what THEY wanted. But I couldn't be cured, because there was nothing wrong with me. It took me until the beginning of high school to finally realize that and accept who I was.

As Nick has said, the damage that has been done because of these groups can't be erased. But LGBT history is our history. We've come through so much and have become so strong together that we're finally making some kind of positive impact in the world... We may not be able heal the damage that's been done to them, but we can keep fighting for a better future for them and for us :)

And by fighting I mean, fighting with our rainbow power and skittle guns, all the while showing off our fabulous taste in clothing :P

Anyway... my .02 :P Ecstatic to hear this!!!!

Stonewall Fleet is proud to host the Fourth Annual Pride Weekend for the Star Trek Online community. This time of year is a time of great celebration for the GLBT community. Millions worldwide celebrate during this time of year in remembrance of the Stonewall Riots. The Stonewall Riots were a major changing point in the Gay & Lesbian Rights Movement that not only affected the GLBT community, but the entire world.

For this occasion, Stonewall Fleet will be hosting events throughout June 29^th & June 30^th. The events will be open to the entire Star Trek Online community and we hope that you and your fleet will come participate.

You can view previous Pride Weekends at the following links: 2010, 2011, 2012.

Read more. . .

Join STOPride! To participate in all the festivities and follow along with the days events, please join the STOPride channel! Enter '/channel_join STOPride' to join.

That is wonderful news! When I was coming out, my family used Exodus as an example, a path even, of how I could become straight. They harm that they've done to the gay community is immense. They've posted an apology to the glbt community, but that can't undo all the people who have been harmed by their false promises.

Thank you that is all!

Ding dong, the witch is dead ...

8 PM PST plz!

I won't be here on the 29th, but I'll be here this weekend if we want to try it out.

Breakfast with the Captain

D'van left quickly and quietly. A Citizen walked up carrying a tray of food and drink. Koruk sat in silence, his gaze fixed on me. He glanced at the tray and then back at me as the citizen placed it in front of us. I selected a few items that I recognized and happened to be my favorite choice for early dining. I silently poured myself some coffee and broke the silence. "Sir, I am not sure what I am doing here other than I was ordered here. I will do my best to satisfy you as your Chief engineer for my time here, but I am curious, where is your chief?

"On Leave", Koruk stated softly. "Admiral, it is imperative that you get through this assignment in one piece."

I tapped my PIP's.

"You will still be addressed as Admiral on this ship regardless of what your collar shows. I intend to make this as easy as possible on you as far as the workload goes. My main concern is that you recover completely from...recent events, shall we say? To that end I have decided to personally help you with your mind and body."

I relaxed and sipped my coffee. A smile formed on Koruks face. "We will have several counseling sessions each day each followed by rigorous exercise. My Crew will handle the ship and you will be on hand for any 'emergencies' that might arise. While I disagree with the Admiral's decision to demote you because of your effort to subdue the Tholians before it got out of hand. I do think you should have waited for assistance to arrive. And then I think what would I have done in your situation?" He spoke softly and precisely.

"Thank you Captain, I do appreciate the help you can offer. I am sure that the next six months will prove that. I do need to keep busy so I will maintain my duties in engineering." I said.

We ate our breakfast in silence. The Citizen returned and cleared our table leaving us with fresh coffee. He also left a pad next to me. I picked it up and identified it as my schedule. It gave me the daily breakdown for when I would be working, in counseling and in the gym. Koruk had figured that I would want to work and scheduled me in Engineering for two hours every two hours. The one hour between would be spent with Koruk. There were 5 daily 2 hour shifts in Engineering with an hour between each of those...

Quote by Voleron

Well that's interesting...

I'm sure whatever goes on in the bedroom is likely to raise a few eyebrows as well, heh.

My thoughts exactly lol...now, does the merman take American Express?

Fire everything!!!

Quote by Elquin

Updated times to 7 PM and 10 PM EST. We will see how that works out and make adjustments as needed. 7 Seems good to coincide with the daily resets.

So 7PM on Thur and 10PM on Sat??

Duty

Koruk had shown me to my quarters I was busy putting away my stuff. I glanced over at my desk and noticed several pad's sitting there. I was really in no mood to go over duty rosters and maintenance plans. I took the last thing from my pack which happened to be yet another pad. I touched the screen and it illuminated with a picture of 3 young cadets; Myself, Colin and One before he had been assimilated. Anger coursed through my veins and I hurled the the pad across the room it hit the doors and shattered just before they slid open. A young Romulan entered the room and began to pick up the pieces of the pad. "Leave it!" I stated crossly. he dropped the remains back onto the floor.

"Sir, I am Centurion D'van and I will be assisting with familiarizing you with this vessel. You may like to start with a...." I cut him off.

"I do not require your assistance at this time." I stated softly. "Perhaps we can start in the morning?"

"Sir, if I may?" He queried and approached my desk. He touched the corner and a holo-image appeared. It was a Chronometer. The image showed it to be 0600.

"Oh Crap!" I stated and headed to the bathroom. I needed a shave but didn't have time. A shower would have to do. "Find me a clean uniform please." I stated entering the bathroom and stripping off once in the sonic shower. Shower finished I headed for the main living area to get dressed. D'van quickly turned and faced away from me.

"Don't be so innocent I am sure you have seen a naked man before." I stated. I was now already dressed and seeking out my 'Temporary PIPS'. He turned back and reached his hand out revealing my PIPS. "Thanks." I said and began to fasten them to my collar. Dropping them entirely. D'van bent down and picked them up, "If I may, sir?" He quickly fastened them to my collar.

"I thought you would like a tour of the ship starting with the Bridge?"

The doors slid open to reveal room set up with consoles and the Captains chair. The bridge officers were busy with their duties. I was ushered to an engineering station. I touched the screen and entered my id. The screen changed to show me various systems and their states. I looked around for Koruk. He was not here. I tapped the system and logged out of the console. "Take me to the engine room please. I prefer to work their if the Captain does not require my presence on the bridge." I said quietly. The bridge was peaceful...too peaceful.

"Commander, I thought you would like to stop by the mess hall and have some breakfast. The Captain has his breakfast there every morning at 0700, it is now 0645." D'van stated with an air of command. "Lead on." I said. I could use something to eat but I prefer to dine alone normally. D'van's voice seemed to want me to dine in the mess hall as if he was showing off to the Captain that he was performing his duties as required. Typical, I thought to myself as we entered the mess hall. It was a very large room. This pleased me. I liked large rooms. It was also empty, save one. Captain Koruk. I was suddenly overcome by the desire to leave the room. Nervous energy began to course through my veins. I felt small and insignificant. I should just go to engineering and and work out the duty rosters. I turned to leave but D'van grabbed my arm and ushered me toward the Captains table. As we got closer I saw there were settings for two and he was not eating, just a cup of tea in front of him. I could barely make out the aroma. D'van showed me to my chair and I sat down looking nervously at Koruk...

Announced RRW D'Galan bridge crew
Commander: Dexon
First Officer: Subcommander Kimara
Ship's Engineer: Centurion Tal
Science Officer: Centurion Airen

[attachment=1462]singularity.jpg[/attachment]
The USS Sally Ride and the RRW D'Galan will soon embark on their joint exploration mission. The first meeting of the two bridge crews went well, although there are some reservations and suspicions both between the two crews and within the Romulan ranks.

Captain Orenn and Counselor Aeldarus toured the Warbird, then invited Dexon, Kimara, and Tal to see the Sally Ride. Dexon is enthusiastic about cooperating with Starfleet, while Kimara resents relying upon them. Both made oblique comments that indicated that they might not approve of just how familiar Orenn has gotten with certain humans.

For his part, the Starfleet Captain had to politely rebuff his fellow Romulans' queries regarding his personal life. Tal revealed to Hannibal's surprised shipmates that the Trill and the Romulan have long been married, and now find themselves on opposite sides of the same mission. Airen expressed admiration for the Federation (especially its technology), but doesn't seem much interested by its highest ideals.

Though these personal tensions are likely to become greater issues in the future, the first interactions between the crews were mostly promising. Both sides see the mission as a valuable one, and cooperation as a boon to both sides. The crews will enjoy considerable freedom of movement between vessels (though not to certain restricted areas), which all consider a great opportunity to learn.

Orenn and Dexon have agreed to set a general course for the home world of the alien Par, but make stops at systems they pass along the way. What they will find at their first destination is anyone's guess.

_____

OOC notes
As you can tell, several major bridge positions are still available. These are essentially first come, first served, although given the politicking and bucking for favor you would expect on a Romulan ship, Commander Dexon and Subcommander Kimara can shift these positions around at their discretion. Events are every Sunday at 6 pm EST, and drop-ins or lurkers are always welcome!

son of a biscuitmonkey. i just bought it last week. oh well. it was a dollar.

In any event, I do recommend it. It's a great app! B)

For anyone that was interested in getting the app, but didn't want to spend the money, it's currently free on the app stores. They're celebrating their 4th anniversary with the 4th release of the mobile app.

Stores: Amazon, Google Play, Apple App Store

I stand by what I said in regards to what she posted, she simply made a comment implying that there would be no female protagonists for an entirely new generation. I understand twitter only gives you 140 characters but we all know that. We also know that humans generally read text in a negative light and shouldn't be surprised if people take offense at something said online because it lacks body language and tone. She has every right to say what she wants in regards to the launch, as she's a critic is kind of her job, but to simply reply negatively as opposed to showcasing other games or characters she would have liked to see is in my mind lashing out.

I did not bother reading the other posts or the responses because I've found some of the vilest human beings on the planet use twitter, it's the same reason I no longer read comments on blogs, news items, or articles. Nor do I like to even comment on other people's facebooks anymore as I'm not interested in getting into an internet argument.

Okay, I just have one other thing to say. And that is- looking at the linked blog post and all the points being made here.

Keioel: You described her as 'simply lashing out'.

Please, for a moment, look at that link again. I want you to really look at that link again. This ties into something I said to Keston one night.

Feminist Frequency is not lashing out here.

Let's analyze what that post shows. Feminist Frequency posts that there are no female protagonists in the XBox One lineup. Whether or not you think there should be more female protagonists in video games is totally moot.

The key here is the responses. I really really want you to look at those responses. People calling her terrible, ugly words- the B-word. The C-word. People making thinly-veiled rape threats at her. All for expressing her opinion.

Who is lashing out here?

Imagine a general Star Trek forum. A poster mentions that there haven't been any out gay characters in any canon Star Trek series, and that it's high time that the next Star Trek release feature a gay character.

Now, imagine that when people respond, they do not provide responses to our hypothetical poster agreeing or disagreeing with hir original idea. No, instead, they call hir a three-letter word that begins with 'F'. They threaten hir with rape. All this for even having and voicing the idea that there should be gay people in Star Trek.

In this post, the author is highlighting a sinister behavior present in the gaming community- rampant misogyny. One reason why I elected to join Stonewall fleet over others is that I was afraid that I would be harassed and abused once people heard the pitch of my voice. I have heard too many stories from people who play League of Legends, Starcraft, and shooter games of the kind of language that gets thrown at them if they ever make their voice heard on a headset. I have received nothing but the utmost respect from this community and for that I am grateful.

Anita Sarkeesian, the author of this post, generates a lot of ire from many people simply for daring to question the status quo in the gaming world. It is fine to agree or disagree with her point. But, at the same time, please look at that post again and see what is really being shared here. Most of us here (if not all of us) are members of one or more minority groups that have had violent language and acts levied at us to keep us silent. Disagree with her point, yes... but I hope you will defend her right to say it without unwarranted malicious backlash.

I can understand what she's saying even if I disagree with her. They're companies and if they want to remain open they need to make a profit, expecting them to take a risk on making a game that everything they've learned and researched tells them won't make money is insane. This is why other game developers exist so that they can fill niche markets. For instance, I'm a HUGE Paradox Interactive fan because they make the best strategy games on the planet and they market to their audience.

She would be better served highlighting those companies and individuals featuring female protagonists then simply lashing out. Plus, if you want something bad enough you'll go out there and make it. It sucks not being able to play as exactly who you want but you either except it, or you go be the change you want to see.

Please continue the story...