I have been thinking about the idea of the GLBT community here in Saipan for a week or so...in my spare time. There are several reasons I have been mulling the thoughts in my mind.First, two of our really good friends are leaving Saipan to move to San Francisco. We are very happy and excited for their new life, however, we will miss them dearly. So our circle of GLBT friends is getting smaller.
Second, I met a new friend recently and they asked where the GLBT community is as they had read my blog. I suppose to them it seemed confusing as there is this blog that has posted several GLBT events and then the discussions I have on the blog (the openess, being out of the closet) and yet where is the GLBT community?
And thirdly, I have been reading some e-mails from the GLBT community in San Diego, LINC (Lesbians in North County), that we use to be involved with when we lived there eight years ago, and I have been missing their support and friendship.
So is there a GLBT community here? Yes, is my first thought, however, the community is divided into various groups. No, my second thought, since our dear friend Marconi (pictured) is leaving. Marconi has been a major spearhead in creating and making the first and second PRIDE event that was held at a public venue. I add "public venue" as some years ago some of our friends had a PRIDE party at their house and they had placed a add in the paper that read something to the lines of "Dorthy's friends...etc. invited to PRIDE party" to which eight people showed up to.
THESE are ?'s I have for ALL: Can we keep what little we have, openly public GLBT events, alive and going with our beloved leader leaving us? How can we create a stronger, more unified, GLBT community here is Saipan? Can be build bridge between the various GLBT groups here in Saipan? How can we support each other?
Thank you Marconi for all you have done for the GLBT community here in Saipan! You will be missed dearly!
Island Dyke
6 comments:
Sign of the times.
The economy is bad and people leave.
Ai adai.
In all honesty, I think in a very close knit island like this where every local family identifies themselves by "family names" it's almost like a bullseye when locals come out. They say, "Oh, so and so's family is __________ ," and they automatically know. I'm not trying to offend anyone when I say this, as being openly gay/bisexual isn't the issue here, but in a very strong catholic community such as the one present on Saipan, it becomes very hard to be "accepted" by their families. Some eventually do come out and find self-enlightenment when doing so, but for others it becomes a life changer and most of the time can't speak to or see their families face to face EVER again.
First things first, the gay bashing and homophobia on Saipan needs to be addressed. It's a shame really, but the bright side is the island is slowly making progress toward this issue. I witness less gay bashing and homophobia these days. So there's a start...
Great blog.
the two of you will be missed.. marconi and adam.. what are we gonna do without these two? :(
i'm going to guam and am gay... anything I should be aware of? none of the travel books about micronesia say ANYTHING about the LGBT community. any advice?
from,
RobHeathers.
ive read this before and just didnt leave a comment. i am so touched gurlz!!!
luv u.
Hi Rob,
I've lived in Saipan for eight years as an out gay individual. I have always felt accepted in the community and never threatened. However, I am a lesbian, not a gay man. I have heard of some gay bashing...so it does happen in Saipan. Also as an "outsider" I think I am much more accepted than if I was some local's daughter. There is a GLBT community, however it is largely underground. Guam is a much bigger island and you have the military boys there as well...I really have not heard anything. There is a gay bar down in Tumon called Club Denial and a few others that are closeted. Have a great time!
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