' “other than homosexual” living or friendly people are feeling this evolution. Much pain and with it in childhood, it is a begrudging consideration but takes a great amount of courage 7330PM pr_eSS' H15 fight mém and perseverance to experience. And even if we had our basic emotional need basket filled ' Temdeef are mtervlewed in childhood, trust is still problematic. - ’ December 6-8: and belle‘/3 Us " they don’t We are already growing and changing as an overall species whether it is comfortable or shoebox Theatre/135 Pearl hold back! not. There are concerns as to the validity of enhancing the GLBT community’s connections 8PM with our larger community. I offer a few beliefs. In order to love anyone else, I need to love _ _ . myself. In order to accept others, first I need to accept me. When I have faith in myself, I Tickets are on Sale November 1 g‘Th'-V Play c‘?”ta‘."3 “duh Can have faith in others. This sense of self or accepted thought structures of mine feel right by Calling themes and Sltl¢a110’lS and s to me. The world around me periodically reinforces them, but not always. It is a matter of 802'_85‘FL¥NN is. intended for mature . -. trust for me to nurture and sustain these concepts within me. I have succumbed to my own V O‘ gzlnlg 0132119 ‘O audiences only! Not addiction. I enjoy and keep revisiting: the vibrance of an opening mind, the beauty of an WWW‘ em“ °e'C°m recommended for children‘ COLUMNS november 2001 OIT-l‘1 - 23 Milllllehllffi CIIIIGEIG IIIGSGIIIS: Tllll M|IIB|"S . l:‘u|0I'V B0 Ma Vie En Jade», by Jow\é“\};Joll3e Tea and Crumpets Understanding where our deep—rooted beliefs lie (within us) — how they are firmly planted into our consciousness - is a life skill worth cultivating. An individual can accept more of themselves if they take a few risks" and open up to inner discoveries. Learning new things is worth the potential changes that inevitably happen. And change is a ready excuse for many of us to avoid knowledge, if by obtaining it “change” is deemed warrant- ed. I We can appreciate all the changes others have experienced. Can we accept the different choices we all make when confronted with change?" We have more than our intellect to guide us. For sake of this moment, “intellect” is restrict- ed to those mental thought skills functioning on a conscious level. Our hearts guide us as well. If there were not some validity (even to hardened skeptics), I pose this question: When 11’ you fall in love, rationalize out all of the obvious, practical reasons you feel attraction for this person, you are still left with the warm, affectionate feelings even separate from any sexual feelings or supposed “chemistry” there are feelings coming from your “emotional heart” that feel real enough to you, to be part of a decision—making process. The feeling is a real factor in how you respond to this person’s presence. As it is true for individuals, so is it true for groups of people. This can even occur when Call 802.443.5588 for information or directions, or visit www.midd|ebury.edu the basic beliefs challenged by accepting new, better knowledge are not sanctioned by a - . Miller's performances have been at the center of the culture wars. the fights against AIDS major institution. ‘ . . . ' _ . _ _ _ and the struggle for lesbian and gay culture for all ol the 99 5. But all that pales by comparI— ...... Intel-connectedness 15 3 djffej-ent Way of saymg “CQmmunj[y_” Every Communjty has a few son to what Mlllers says will be “the light of my life” as he tries to claim his equal rights as an walls formed around it. The perceptions linking personal needs to beliefs form a pattern of American Citizftyviilllatrrlfamrfizlulslfnrflfli relammsmpll safety for individuals. The subtler walls endure the longest. They provide insulation when we need to avoid exposure to danger. Knowledge that would serve to enlighten and empower remind us of our individual responsibilities. Accepting knowledge as in new growth challenges us to move beyond doing, acting or_believing as an accepted member of a group. This can pose quite a threat. Choices are narrowed when we must believe certain things in order to belong. Thus a wall is in place to make sure unnecessary growth will not threaten the cohesiveness of its individual members. The simplest of knowledge can enlighten. The most basic “aha!” experience can be very empowering, if empowerment is an acceptable option. Empowerment brings more choices and at times, we do not wish to choose. Change often occurs when we choose out of new experiences or knowledge. The civil union legislation tested the walls surrounding the world community, the United States community, the Vermont community and the gay community. The quiet lives of the GLBT members who were unexpectedly placed under a limelight certainly were changed. Individuals and couples who had lived in a kind of. rogue state have the option to legally be in a committed relationship with a same sex partner. Even though this has been a small step, nonetheless it has been made. So communities of what used to be outright extremes are peeking over their walls toward one another. The fear—based, reli- gious dogma ties. many people to a labyrinth of rhetoric. However, when more of us can understand that all lives are different, thus equally deserving of respect and acknowledge- ment, perhaps the next step will be more pleasant for everyone. Because this fear of “let— ting go” is addictive. Elements of prejudice are nurtured into accepted prejudice. Change in attitudes reaches back into our basic belief systems. Some of the resulting feel— - ings are uncomfortable and difficult to resolve. Guilt with realizing that maybe maybe \—\'// homosexuality is not a disease or a sin is an important factor. Homosexuality has been ‘a JEwE‘?Ls me. convenient “trash can” for countless generations. Whether it was an ignorant narration of a ‘ 5‘'’‘‘'’‘'’‘’ dispute where one person was gay (along with being male, a doctor, a Norwegian, etc.) or a typical joke, bit by bit "as the trash—can filled, anti-gay feelings have been promoted and 9370/cing dreams COIIZQ frue 61'/7C9 7640 legitimized. _ l I 78 CHURCH sT., B,UF-tLlNG“TON.VT05401 And as evolutionary waves go, let’s face it, when it comes to needing a “trash can,” we '°”°”E °5"'°333 humans have a healthy, active ‘addiction. There is such an easy trap in needing an enemy. It is convenient. We can project our anger onto an enemy. Hold a grudge, wage a war, feed ‘ a prejudice and ensure continued ignorance. Everyone is being asked to re-examine how they feel about homosexuality. Not only the "dlsarmlngIy funny, placed oft, sexy and challenglng... Theatre on a Shoestring I presents H The Eiqhl: Deincleer A/lonoloques. by Jeff Goode hurt has been absorbed by GLBT people. So this is one choice to consider, “letting go” of the pain. “Letting go” in general is another of those nasty, irritating experiences of growth. Choosing to let go of anger, pain, prejudice, grudges, or not so great eating patterns are indi- cations of" healthy growth. But that brings me back to that damn trash can. We all contribute to it in some way. Holding on to negative energy adds a sizeable chunk to the pile. And change can be a matter of trust. Trust is tricky. For some people, having never been gifted Novembgf 29-30; Santa’s been a bad boy Flynnspace, Burlington and l[’S been leaked t0 thC accepting, welcoming heart and the brilliance of an ever expanding spirit. $8 general admission under/vtheage 0"-14. .,