[SweetCrusader]

I have some issues I would like to be able to discuss in a forum geared specifically toward those issues. I've been thinking it over and trying to figure out what would be the best way to create a forum to address them, because they aren't issues that probably the majority of the people here deal with.

The lightbulb came on this morning, and I realized that one unifying theme would be that they are minority issues.

For example, I am biracial. I would love to have a place to talk about issues of race and ethnicity, because this is a huge part of my own experience, exploration, and growth- and I could use a lot more support and input.

Another example, I am bisexual. I would like a forum where I could talk about my issues with coming out, dealing with fears of discrimination and stereotyping, feelings of isolation and self-hate, etc.

So what about a forum that is for the discussion of minority issues? Ethnic, sexual, ability status, gender, whatever...?

[Schatze]

Too heated of topics for a mental health support forum...in my humble opinion... I can only see disaster ahead with segregation such as this. It's a very nice thought though SweetCrusader.

[Myzen]

Hi SC,

These are things that I would be happy to talk about. I think that the way majority society is formed (and defends itself) raises all sorts of problems for individuals in many different ways.

Whether this is the right place for the debate is another question. There are some forums around which specifically cater for discussions on politics and society. A problem I see with these forums is that they might be a little difficult for someone who is feeling sensitive. On the other hand, it can be strengthening to deal with some open views in a place which is not specifically supportive.

Either way, I think difficult stuff needs to be talked about openly somewhere; the alternative is repression, and we all know what repression does.

Cheers, M

[SweetCrusader]

I don't want to talk about it in a political or controversial way

I want support, because these are challenges in my life

[Rapunzel]

So, kind-of a diversity forum? The potential would be there to stir up controversy, but I agree that those are issues that it would be nice to discuss openly somewhere. In recent past, I would have said why not just discuss those issues here on the General forum, but General moves so fast these days. Hmm....

I'd really enjoy talking about minority groups that we belong to. I bet that we are a much more diverse group than most of us generally tend to think. If people have a place where they feel free discussing these issues and can receive support, I think we would get to know each other a lot better.

Please, everybody, I'm just throwing out a few of my own personal reactions to this idea, not speaking for the moderation team.

[jennie]

. . . maybe a sub-topic for the Self-Esteem forum???

[Dolfin]

Or even the Relationships Forum?

SweetC, I understand completely where you're coming from, and what you need. Being bi-racial, as we both are, a forum where we could talk about the frustrations, hopes and complexities of dealing with our ethnicity on a daily basis would be great. And it could be an off-shoot of another forum. I know that neither of us, going into that type forum, are going there for controversy or any other negative deeds. Let me close this by saying something that is old as the hills, in southeastern Oklahoma, and still true. "You don't know a woman, til you've walked a mile in her moccasins." xoxox pat "You don't know a woman, til you've walked a mile in her moccasins." xoxox pat

the moccasin/woman quote should only be entered once. sorry.......

[(JD)]

I agree with Dolfin.. using the relationships forum would seem one good place to discuss those issues.
General is another. IMO I'm thinking this because ... this is a support site for mental health issues... help me out here ... I don't see being bi-racial falling into that category in itself, any more than being say, Native American & Scottish, or being physically disabled. I can utilize the forums already available to deal with the issues that may be connected to my feelings about them. You might offer your idea directly to Ozzie or DocJohn, though. I can see why you might think another forum might be good, though.

I am from two tribes of American Indians and dutch/irish. I live in Oklahoma. I deal, weekly, at least, with it. It affects my mental health and not always in a positive way. There is extreme racism here, towards Indians. Sometimes, you blow it off and sometimes it's too painful, to shrug away. In New Mexico, it was a racism from the Hispanic race towards the Anglos and Indians. I've never had the opportunity to discuss it with many other bi-racial people. For me it's a sensitive subject that I don't discuss it with people who aren't there.....I really appreciate the fact that SweetC had the guts to bring it up.

I would not like for it to be in General. That is the catch-all forum, for me. And , of course, this all depends upon Doc John thinking it's a credible idea. Pat

[SweetCrusader]

</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
_Sky said:
I agree with Dolfin.. using the relationships forum would seem one good place to discuss those issues.
General is another. IMO I'm thinking this because ... this is a support site for mental health issues... help me out here ... I don't see being bi-racial falling into that category in itself, any more than being say, Native American & Scottish, or being physically disabled. I can utilize the forums already available to deal with the issues that may be connected to my feelings about them. You might offer your idea directly to Ozzie or DocJohn, though. I can see why you might think another forum might be good, though.

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">

Being biracial is a MAJOR mental health issue with all kinds of implications for mental health that do require support, Sky. That is why I'm asking about this. There are branches of psychology that focus on multicultural psychology, ethnic identity, etc, for a reason. I myself am giving a presentation on ethnic identity in a few days.

I'm sorry, but I think this is definitely a valid topic for a mental health site.

[gardenergirl]

I agree. I see clients who are minorities in race, religion, and worldviews. They all report related stress, anxiety, and/or depression due to not being in the majority group.

gg

[SweetCrusader]

Geeze, it's already stirring controvery and being shut down. Maybe I should go elsewhere for support about this.

Pat, you wanna look elsewhere with me?

[SweetCrusader]

</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
Dolfin said:
Or even the Relationships Forum?

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">

I see what you mean by that, and I get why you say that. But I think the issues I am looking for support on go a little beyond relationship issues. They encompass self-esteem and relationship issues, yes. But it's also just an over-arching issue of my identity, know what I mean? Dealing with discrimination, fears of being disowned by family when I come out, living in a conservative community where most people look down on and actively would oppose me for being this way, etc. It's just a lot of stuff to explore, and I wish there was a forum unique to these types of issues- minority issues- just like we have forums unique to eating disorders, psychotherapy issues, etc.

Thanks, GG........SweetC, I am a little surprised at the responses, myself. I can't wait to read your presentation/summary that you're giving.......I've been excited about it for quite some time now. I'll send you the first part of the book on Indian rodeo, soon.....after all the moving/phlebotomy stuff is put to bed....

Just a thought about being bi-racial. My parents were ashamed of our ancestry and wouldn't let me date Indian boys. How screwed was that? It confused me to no end. I completely understand about your apprehension concerning coming out in your community. It's enough, for my family, that I "run" around with "full-bloods".....

[jmo531]

SC,

I agree with you. My neice is Bi-racial and has faced all kinds of issues. She has and is still struggling with identity issues. She is 16. I think that there are issues and obstacles that bi-racial people encounter daily that people can not understand. So I agree, I think this would be something worth discussing.

In addition, my best friend is a gay man. Being gay and coming out is a very difficult thing. I was there for him and saw all the heart ache and pain he delt with in his family. There is so much to discuss on this topic. More support is needed because far to many people are ignorant to this subject and are very narrow minded about it.

I admire you for bringing these two very important topics to light. They should not be swept under the rug. The need to be talked about and support should be there.

Thank you.

Jen

Thank you.....Jen........pat

I agree with others that the forums already here would be able to handle the posts you are suggesting. A quick search brought up several posts in different forums where people discuss their sexuality as it relates to many aspects of their life. I recall reading in the past about someone coming out on this forum.

I think there are so many definitions to the word minority that a forum devoted specifically to those issues would be larger and higer volume than General is now!

I don't see why these issues cannot be brought up in whatever forum is most appropriate..........relationships for sexuality? self esteem for addressing feelings of discrimination and how to handle them? Ability status? Well that is in EVERY FORUM HERE!! People of different abilities post about their issues outside of health support al the time.

You suggested something and posted it publicly. If you didn't want feedback on it then a private PM to the administration may have been better?

kindly,
__zh

[jmo531]

Your Welcome Pat.

Like I said, my neice struggles with this issue for not being "black" enough. She has cried endless hours and tried hurting herself, she also blames herself thinking that there is something wrong with her. To me, this is a mental health issue.

[SweetCrusader]

Since when does discussing the feedback I've recieved imply that I didn't want feedback?

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Geeze, it's already stirring controvery and being shut down. Maybe I should go elsewhere for support about this.

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">
Since when does discussing the feedback I've recieved imply that I didn't want feedback? Guess I mistook your quoted words above as being upset for hearing views contrasting your own.

My mistake.
__zh

[SweetCrusader]

I can understand your interpretation, but my words were more meant to say "hmm, well i can see that this isn't going over well here, so perhaps I should go elsewhere" it was not intended to lash out or communicate that I was not receptive to feedback

[SweetCrusader]

P.S. I think the idea of "going elsewhere" was actually some of the feedback I recieved in this thread.