| Author | Message | ||
     max weisenfeld Citizen Username: Max_weisenfeld Post Number: 21 Registered: 9-2001  |
Also try Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel. Beth-El is Conservative, TSTI is Reform. If you would like more information, PL me. | ||
| Paul Sarrubbo Citizen Username: Psarrubbo Post Number: 12 Registered: 2-2006 |
wow, I did'nt think I would have started such a debate... but I do really appreciate all the feed back from the fellow community members. Hope everyone is having a great day and once again thanks for all your imput. I feel very welcome. Big Smile. | ||
| las Citizen Username: Las Post Number: 1093 Registered: 10-2003 |
To specifically answer your question, I have it on good source from other MOL threads that most gay men in S/MO drive Miatas. For some reason, Eats, I find that offensive. I am the author of that thread you reference and I was only asking a question. I only know of one Miata driving man in the neighborhood who may or may not be gay. Until I know, kindly refrain from pontificating on the subject. I can assure you, driving a twelve passenger SUV does not a straight man make. | ||
| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 12693 Registered: 1-2003  |
Also, if you have kids or are thinking of it, there is a mailing list for "Rainbow Families" (GLBT's raising kids) here in South Orange and Maplewood. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/maplewood | ||
| Case Citizen Username: Case Post Number: 1190 Registered: 2-2005 |
I don't have a white plastic belt, but I do own a lot of flannel shirts and Birkenstocks. Does that count as gay friendly? | ||
| Alan Stephenson Citizen Username: Wunderdogny Post Number: 66 Registered: 9-2004 |
Hi guys....welcome....we moved to Gayberry (M'wood) about a year and a half ago and joined the online group Tom is talking about. The following Spring they had a picnic for everyone at the park and we met lots of nice folks. Probably fifty or sixty attended. My partner and I have a two year old and would be happy to do a playdate if you are so inclined. Send me a private email if you want. Sorry, but not every single person here is as enlightened as some of the above. I was excited to meet another stay at home dad at a Newcomer's event. We had a good time chatting and he had two fun little boys that got on well with my son. I looked forward to getting together for playdate and, like some of the folks above, didn't even think about the "gay" thing, so it wasn't discussed. We ran into each other a few weeks later and he was clearly shocked to discover we were two dads raising a son. In spite of the fact that he lives almost on our same block, that was the end of our association. We speak when we see each other, but he's clearly uncomfortable. So, no, you cannot assume every single person here in Gayberry is welcoming and comfortable with it. | ||
| ess Citizen Username: Ess Post Number: 1258 Registered: 11-2001 |
With all due respect to those who are gay, I wish everyone would stop referring to this town of ours as "Gayberry" or "Gayplewood". One of the things that is so charming and appealing about Maplewood is its diversity, its unblinking (mostly, rather, given Alan's post above) acceptance of those who are something other than the traditional Mom-Dad-2.5 kids family, as well as of those who are. I hope that doesn't change. However, the proliferation of these nicknames can alienate those who are not gay. Why not just accept and embrace the fact that there are people of many different persuasions/orientations here, and leave it at that? | ||
| Case Citizen Username: Case Post Number: 1193 Registered: 2-2005 |
I never heard of "Gayberry" or "Gayplewood", but it does sound a bit odd. In fact, it sounds pretty lame - with the exception of a few semi-famous people (think "bobby trendy" from the Anna Nicole show), I can't imagine anyone wanting to live in "Gayberry", regardless of their sexual orientation. Before the firestorm starts, the fact that I don't like the nickname should in no way be construed to indicate that I am homophobic, anti-gay, a Nazi, a Republican... or any of the other many sins that a MOL user can be crucified for. Incidentally, my use of the word "crucified" should in no way indicate a religious preference on my part. Christian, Jewish, its all good. I love everyone. Furthermore, my lawyer would like to point out that I am in no way assigning guilt or blame to the Romans re: the use of the word 'crucified' in the above paragraph. | ||
| Meandtheboys Citizen Username: Meandtheboys Post Number: 3138 Registered: 12-2004  |
CYA, Case!!!!  | ||
| las Citizen Username: Las Post Number: 1097 Registered: 10-2003 |
Why not just accept and embrace the fact that there are people of many different persuasions/orientations here, and leave it at that? I agree with ess. We all live under one eruv, so to speak. Not to overlook Case's witty comments, but sometimes it takes me a while to think of these things. | ||
| greenetree Supporter Username: Greenetree Post Number: 6827 Registered: 5-2001  |
Oh puhleeze, folks. Lighten up. You are just now hearing "insider" terms that have been around for at least 10 years. I don't notice that it has stopped bi,str8,gay,ambi,asex or anyone else from moving in. And, yes, while it is true that this is, indeed, a diverse and welcoming community, there are still some who are not so welcoming to those who are different (be it sexuality, race or religion). There are reasons why people who have had negative experiences based on who they are like/need to get together for some support once in awhile. Try telling divorced dads or women in executive positions who get together to exchange ideas that they are being "exclusive" and not integrating into the community. Intimating that people hearing the word "Gayberry" will not want to live here smacks of analogies to "white flight" crap. Some of you will never see my point, so I don't really care what you think of my post. But, others know me, some are friends, etc. I am addressing you because I know you do not mean to be hurtful. Walk a mile in my shoes. | ||
| Alan Stephenson Citizen Username: Wunderdogny Post Number: 67 Registered: 9-2004 |
Case, when I talk about "Gayberry", I'm referring to "gay" the noun (a good thing meaning people with same sex partners or attractions), not "gay" the adjective (a slur that high shool boys use to insult each other..."That's so GAY, dude!"). And since guys like you referred to (flamboyantly effeminate like Bobby Trendy) represent a quite small percentage of the overall gay population, I think Gayberry sounds like a fine place to live. And don't fret, Ess, there's not much chance of the The Gays taking over...we like singing Christmas carols too much, and we all know where that gets you in Maplewood. Besides, I use the "Gayberry" term mostly to other members of The Gays who want to know why the hell we moved to New Jersey. So you are safe. Why, I'll bet you've got a lot of gay friends... | ||
| Case Citizen Username: Case Post Number: 1198 Registered: 2-2005 |
... you just don't know it.  Still and all, "Gayberry" is a ridiculous name for a nice town. PS to las - I will need at least 2 weeks to recover from my disappointment about forgetting to include the eruv in my initial post. | ||
| las Citizen Username: Las Post Number: 1101 Registered: 10-2003 |
My attorney advised me you might say that. | ||
| Rob Citizen Username: Rob07040 Post Number: 45 Registered: 7-2003 |
How about the sexuality-preference neutral "Mapleberry"? It's always been a favorite moniker of mine to use when the train comes in from Hooterville  | ||
| Mayor McCheese Supporter Username: Mayor_mccheese Post Number: 935 Registered: 7-2004  |
Gaywood? | ||
| Oldstone Citizen Username: Rogers4317 Post Number: 601 Registered: 6-2004  |
i see both sides of the name thing...what str8 person wants his or her town to have a "gay" nickname? and on the other hand, why do gays have to "gay-up" a perfectly nice name...MAPLEWOOD. has a nice ring to it, me thinks. the name sounds like a sweet, old fashioned kinda place for all. if you feel the need to call your town something other than its perfect name, try shortening it to "MAPES" instead of a sexually charged nickname. ok, now shoot me. | ||
| Mayor McCheese Supporter Username: Mayor_mccheese Post Number: 941 Registered: 7-2004 |
Or maybe something more inclusive like Maple-Black-White-Gay-AmericanIndian-Spanish-French-Italian-Polish-ETC-wood But on a serious note, calling maplewood "Gayberry" or "Maplehood" is pretty stupid. Your humble elected official, Mayor McCheese | ||
| greenetree Supporter Username: Greenetree Post Number: 6831 Registered: 5-2001 |
Lordy, people. It's not like there is a proposal in front of the TC to change the name of the town or anything. It's a nickname that some people use. Y'all need some real issues..... | ||
| Case Citizen Username: Case Post Number: 1200 Registered: 2-2005 |
Maplewood is OK... how about "I'veGotWood"? We could attract a whole new kind of citizen. I'm sorry - I'm still pouting over that eruv thing from earlier. | ||
| Alan Stephenson Citizen Username: Wunderdogny Post Number: 68 Registered: 9-2004 |
Mayor, thanks for the "serious note". Coming from someone who's named for a character in a McDonald's commercial, it means a lot. And I sure wouldn't want you to think I'm "stupid", as you called it. I'll call Fred and have him throw away all the Gayberry letterhead... ...and "Old", if you think Gayberry is a sexally charged name, you've already shot yourself in the foot!?!?! Judging from some of the above entries, I'm now considering a new nickname for our lovely town - either Nerd-el-wood or Geek-el-berry, or perhaps Missing-the-whole-point-wood. Poor Paul - he started this thread with honorable intentions - asking for help in finding some friendly gay folks or places to go to hang with kindred spirits. Instead he got all these responses from people who felt the need to vent or to TRY and be clever or funny. Sorry Paul. I think some of these people should get off their soapbox and return to "Soapbox." | ||
| Oldstone Citizen Username: Rogers4317 Post Number: 605 Registered: 6-2004 |
gee alan, if you think it's cutesy-pie to call maplewood gayberry, knock yourself out. it's just gay old stupid. move on already. gay boy humor is OLD. maybe "sexually-charged" was a wrongly worded adjective but i believe you knew the point i was making. | ||
| Mayor McCheese Supporter Username: Mayor_mccheese Post Number: 944 Registered: 7-2004 |
Alan, your words hurt me. But yes, if you go around calling Maplewood "Gayberry" I think you have something wrong with you. I would say the same thing about someone walking around saying they were from "Maplehood." So, please call Fred and have him take care of that. Poor Paul? He asked a question, and got the answer. The answer is that most places and people around here are gay friendly. Personally I don't care if you are German or gay or bisexual or asian. It doesn't bother me either way. But stupid phrases like Gayberry and Maplehood bother me. Not because I am intollerant of people, but because I am intollerant of stupid phrases like gayberry and maplehood. | ||
| Mayor McCheese Supporter Username: Mayor_mccheese Post Number: 945 Registered: 7-2004 |
oldstone - Maybe "sexual orientation charged" would have been more fitting. | ||
| ess Citizen Username: Ess Post Number: 1259 Registered: 11-2001 |
Alan, I was not expressing any "fear" that the gay population would "take over", nor was it any indication of homophobia (as anyone who knows me could attest to). Nor do I really give a crap what anyone's orientation is, as long as they are a decent person. No need to be snippy. Incidentally, my initial complaining post about this did not intend to imply that non-gay people would not want to live here. I just think the name is alienating....and offensive, as captured very well by Case. I grew up in an area of South Orange not-so-fondly called at the time "Jewstead". That was actually offensive, though nobody really complained. Why would anyone want to live in an area that was defined by the type of people assumed to live there? | ||
| Deidra Citizen Username: Deidralynn Post Number: 502 Registered: 6-2004  |
Black girl here giving ess a high five on everything she's said. ..and alan, I think it was the way the thread was titled..."gay friendly"? With all the witty people that post on this board, it was a clear opening for jokes. Some people did give some good resources for him - so leave it at that. No harm intended. | ||
| Bob K Supporter Username: Bobk Post Number: 10850 Registered: 5-2001 |
Some people here, gay or straight doesn't make any difference, should really work on developing their sense of humor. Paul, welcome to Maplewood and more specifically MOL, where you can get a debate if you say, "Wow, it is a nice day". In the end, as strange as it may seem, that is where the strength of the community and this board comes from. | ||
| SoOrLady Citizen Username: Soorlady Post Number: 3050 Registered: 9-2003 |
Well stated, Bob K, well stated. | ||
| Case Citizen Username: Case Post Number: 1202 Registered: 2-2005 |
Yes, just be extra-nice to gay people. Or else.  | ||
| Mayor McCheese Supporter Username: Mayor_mccheese Post Number: 948 Registered: 7-2004 |
Case, don't discriminate. Be extra-nice to straight people too. But don't be nice to short people! | ||
| Amateur Night Citizen Username: Deborahg Post Number: 1780 Registered: 5-2001  |
Okay, I want to meet all of you at a picnic as soon as the weather gets fine. A cleverer group I have rarely seen. PS I live in South Orange --- why don't we get any weird names? Is it because nothing rhymes with "orange?" PPS Maybe I just have sour grapes because I am Jewish but can't afford to live in "Jewstead!"  | ||
| las Citizen Username: Las Post Number: 1103 Registered: 10-2003 |
(Case, this might be an appropriate time to share your musings on all of g-d's creatures living within the same eruvian boundaries.) | ||
| SO Ref Citizen Username: So_refugee Post Number: 1541 Registered: 2-2005  |
Amateur, South Orange currently has a nickname before the Board of Trustees and we are assured it will be coming soon... | ||
| Mr. Big Poppa Citizen Username: Big_poppa Post Number: 503 Registered: 7-2004  |
When my realtor told me about "Gayberry" and "Gayplewood", I though she was just referring people being in a happy state of mind! | ||
| Jersey Boy Citizen Username: Jersey_boy Post Number: 271 Registered: 1-2006  |
We moved from West Orange, and I'll confess that we snobbily refer to it as "Sweats Orange," because of the ubiquitous workout clothes. East Orange: "Policed Orange" Bloomfield: "BOOMfield," related to car's sound systems. South Orange: I've met alot of people who are transplants from southern states, so it's a non-starter. "South" Orange. Flame away, I think it's fun. J.B. Just, please, mem, no more BAD KARMA. | ||
| LibraryLady(ncjanow) Supporter Username: Librarylady Post Number: 3066 Registered: 5-2001  |
Maplewood should be called South South Orange anyway. (Or North Orange or something like that) | ||
| sac Supporter Username: Sac Post Number: 3192 Registered: 5-2001 |
What's wrong with "Maplewood"? | ||
| juju's petals Citizen Username: Jujus_petals Post Number: 235 Registered: 5-2003  |
I look at a large gay population, especially one with families and children, as an incredibly good aspect of living here. Some reasons have to do with remarkably reliable generalizations like nice house upkeep and great parties and other unexpected reasons like passionate and involved parenting and a willingness to stand up for yourself and your ideas. Anyway, call it Maplewood whatever you like. We're happy to call it home. By the way, I'm not opposed to gay folks who don't have kids, etc. Seriously, you're fine. It is just that you are usually way cooler/hipper than me. One of my secret reasons for moving to the suburbs was to get away from people more fabulous than me. At least in suburban NJ I have a fighting chance at fabo. | ||
| Meandtheboys Citizen Username: Meandtheboys Post Number: 3143 Registered: 12-2004 |
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| Robert Livingston Citizen Username: Rob_livingston Post Number: 1651 Registered: 7-2004  |
It's actually really sad that in this day and age, and this supposedly enlightened town, we still have grown men using "you're so gay" as an insult. Right now in the All Politics section I've been disparagingly called a homosexual, meant in and of itself to be slanderous. The offending posters were Grrrrrrrr and Scrotis Lo Knows, and I'm very disappointed, but, hey, they are conservative Republicans, so you know how that goes... |
