Freedom of expression…ACBnyc style

Welcome to freedom of expression ACBnyc style. Actually, the views I express are mine own and do not reflect the views of the overall group, but my involvement with the group has provided a platform for me to voice my frustrations and concerns (or if you prefer, to bitch). I first heard of A Common Bond in the mid-1990s from the LGBT Community Center in Manhattan, a few years after I was disfellowshipped for being a homo (a term my mother prefers to call us). I was more than elated since up to the time, I was certain I was the only JW homo in the entire world. It wasn’t true there were others like me. If you have ever been in a social situation where you are alone and don’t know the people around you, but eventually bump into an old friend, it’s like that, but a thousand times greater.

Imagine my disappointment however, when the telephone number listed as a contact for A Common Bond was disconnected. It wasn’t until a couple of years later that I learned the contact had moved to another state and the LGBT center in it’s infinite bureaucracy (bless its heart) hadn’t yet updated the notice with the new contact. Oh well, at least there was someone out there, just like me…..somewhere. It was a couple of years later, while wandering Fifth Avenue near 23rd Street during the Gay Pride March, that as I glanced toward the march participants, saw a sign that read, “No More Watchtower, We’re Awake Now.” Without thought or word, I abandoned my friends, jumped the police street barrier and ran toward the small marching group screaming hysterically, “Where have you been? At last, I’ve finally found you, others like me.” Needless to say, the group was a bit alarmed at my presence, but they smiled politely and quickly handed me a piece of paper that listed their meeting times and dates, then were off down Fifth Avenue before I could say drag queen.

It was then, that I began my love affair with ACB, despite all its idiosyncrasies. Its very presence saved me. Although I am sprinting closer to no longer being an ex-Jehovah Witness (I’m considering becoming a Baptist so I can then become an ex-Baptist instead of this strange religion that no one person outside of the faith understands), I will always be grateful to the gift of brotherhood and the friends I have picked up along the way.

Hugs and Smooches,
Happy Homo