#9. The definition of groomer that I've seen doesn't allege pedophilia. It's indoctrination - preying upon kid's inherent confusion and desire to fit in with the crowd.

#11 | POSTED BY BELLRINGER

Now do the definition of projection

As a homosexual man. I knew I was gay when I was 11 years old. I clearly remember the first time I realized I was attracted to boys and didn't find girl sexually arousing.
This was the 1990s when homosexuality was unheard of.
You conservatives love exposing your hate and ignorance.
Fkkk off and let teachers help LGBT kids who are hated by conservatives for absolutely no reason.

#13 | POSTED BY CLOWNSHACK

And it's because of you and many others like you, and what you fought for over the last 30 years, that we reached a point in society where my 12 year old grandson could come out as gay and not be afraid of being bullied and shunned at school. Words aren't enough, but Thank You.

And to all of you 'wingers who want the LGBTQ kids back in the closet, afraid and alone, ---- every one of you.

You can't replace an ink sink garbage disposal yourself?? Go buy one and fix it. It's not that hard to do.

#50 | POSTED BY LAURAMOHR

They cost about $150 or less. Just need a water pump plier or other wide-jawed plier or wrench. Only takes a few minutes. A lot cheaper than paying a plumber to come to the house.

You must think you're the smartest person in the world.

#54 | POSTED BY JPW

I want the trophy.

Can you at least explain why Rum Raison is the perfect ice cream accompaniment to grilled sea bass with asparagus?

#49 | POSTED BY BELLRINGER

Actually, I'd recommend Cherry Walnut. The tartness of the cherry will serve as a counterpoint to the strong flavored asparagus, and the nuttiness will follow the sea bass nicely. You'll be tempted to pair with a Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay because of the fish, but I'd go with a smooth, fruity Pinot Noir.

No offense to the hardworking tradesmen. I grew up in a family of general contractors, and was apprenticed as a bricklayer. Ever seen a DIY brick wall? I agree, you should be handy and have a good idea what you're doing. I felt confident installing the new garbage disposal, which I did with no issues.

Speaking for myself only, not Laura, 52 and 56 were wiseass responses to Bellringer. If he's going to be an ass, I can do that too. Childish, I know.

#68 | POSTED BY MEMYSELFINI

Nice. For some reason I haven't been seeing very many New Zealand wines locally. Might have to join a club again.

#66 | POSTED BY CLOWNSHACK

I've heard similar experiences from other people in my age group, who grew up in the 80s and early 90s. Growing up in households where they heard their own parents condemning homosexuality, the inner turmoil of being raised to see their sexuality as a sin and feel ashamed of themselves. One guy got beaten pretty badly and was hospitalized, he has all false teeth on one side where his teeth were kicked out. A high school classmate hanged himself shortly after graduation, it was years later I learned it was because he was so afraid to come out and couldn't live the lie any longer. Truly awful stuff. Societal acceptance certainly isn't perfect now, but a lot of the uneducated stigma of the past is gone. Unless states like FL and TX are able to get away with their ignorance and bigotry.

#75 | POSTED BY BILLJOHNSON

I get a lot of what you're saying. And I agree there will always be a gap in understanding between straight and LGBTQ people. Try as I might to empathize, I'm not gay and can't totally comprehend all there is to it. Like other cultural differences, some things just can't be completely understood if you're not part of it. But I think what's important is we accept others different than ourselves, even if we can't understand the differences. We're all still people with wants, needs, loves, and hardships. And the world is better if we can live together and move forward.

#80 | POSTED BY YAV

And I think we can get there if we keep moving forward as a society. Look where we are today compared to 20-30 years ago. The Millenials and Gen Z are so much more tolerant and accepting of others than my Gen X, way more so than Boomers. The next gen could be even more advanced. So long as we can keep the regressives from setting us back to the 50s.

#85 | POSTED BY LAURAMOHR

Yes they did. Many tribes viewed transgender people as having two spirits, and they were considered blessed by the gods. Many were revered as seers or prophets.

Hatred for people who are different than themselves is a learned behavior. It doesn't come naturally. We are blank slates when we are born.

#89 | POSTED BY LAURAMOHR

You ever watch a bunch of little kids playing together? They don't care who's black, brown, white or red. They're just having fun. They might fight over who gets to play with the dump truck, but by snack time they're all friends again. All the -isms and -phobias are learned from adults.

#100 | POSTED BY DONNERBOY

Yes, kids become aware of sexuality by the time they begin elementary school. If parents and/or schools aren't involved, they'll play around until they figure it out on their own.

"As children age and interact more with other children (approximately ages 4"6), they become more aware of the differences between boys and girls, and more social in their exploration. In addition to exploring their own bodies through touching or rubbing their private parts (------------), they may begin "playing doctor" and copying adult behaviors such as kissing and holding hands. As children become increasingly aware of the social rules governing sexual behavior and language (such as the importance of modesty or which words are considered "naughty"), they may try to test these rules by using naughty words. They may also ask more questions about sexual matters, such as where babies come from, and why boys and girls are physically different."