FIRST LGBT+ (A blog by and about LGBT+ people in FIRST)

[asid61]

This sounds like a great idea! It's things like this that set FIRST apart from other organizations.
I don't think you'll end up integrating into the actual FIRST corporation, to avoid controversy, but as an outside movement I think it can be very successful.
Aura has given us a great example of why we need blogs like this.

[TheModMaster8]

Originally Posted by mrnoble

And Aura can earn respect for her/his/their opinion when he/she/they can drop the anonymous status.

You really can't blame this person for not wanting to revile their identity or team Info, it has come to a point in society these days, that if you don't except the politically "Correct" views, then you are labeled a homophobic/intolerant/racist/bigoted fool. it's sad to see this as, when they are only sharing their opinion as you all are sharing yours. if people weren't so thin skinned and could take some criticism from time to time, this world would be a little more calm.

My 2 cents on this matter.

[grstex]

Originally Posted by Aura_

I read it thoroughly the first time and believe this is a waste of a thread on chief delphi.

The value of this thread is a matter of perspective. No one's forcing you to join the conversation. In fact, you don't even have to respond to this post. I and others will understand if you don't want to open the link to this thread again, since you feel its a "waste."

[Akash Rastogi]

Originally Posted by Aura_

I read it thoroughly the first time and believe this is a waste of a thread on chief delphi.

"I don't like this and disagree with it, so nobody should have to read about it."

This is the internet, feel free to not click on the incredibly clear thread title.

Who the hell cares if some people want to discuss this and some don't?

[techninja025]

Originally Posted by Aura_

I read it thoroughly the first time and believe this is a waste of a thread on chief delphi.

Then don't read it.

[Liam Fay]

Originally Posted by Aura_

The thing that I believe that everyone is currently overlooking right now is how this topic irrelevant to the nature of FIRST. I am strongly against the ideas and beliefs of the LGBT+ society, but I do not think it is right to force my own opinions down someone else's throat. I do not see why it matters if a gay man writes an interesting blog post versus a straight one. It is not think that interacting with robots is a blatantly straight activity. I believe this post is just to present an uproar in the FIRST community to unite over some pointless propaganda for a new blog.

While my own opinions my differ from yours, you are entitled to your own opinion and I appreciate you feeling comfortable enough in this format to speak your mind. That said,

The importantance of having an FRC blog run by those in the LGBT+ community is perspective. We want to learn about FIRST from all perspectives and angles.

Second, I want to speak personally and say that the gays do not have some sort of propaganda-driven agenda.

[Kartoffee]

Originally Posted by Aura_

The thing that I believe that everyone is currently overlooking right now is how this topic irrelevant to the nature of FIRST. I am strongly against the ideas and beliefs of the LGBT+ society, but I do not think it is right to force my own opinions down someone else's throat. I do not see why it matters if a gay man writes an interesting blog post versus a straight one. It is not think that interacting with robots is a blatantly straight activity. I believe this post is just to present an uproar in the FIRST community to unite over some pointless propaganda for a new blog.

First off, you say that we are overlooking how this is relevant to FIRST. This is FIRST, not college football. It is about making your impact on society and culture, hence the term "more than robots" and the significance of the Chairman's award. Also, even if you are against LGBT, it is probably because you have an image in your head of a bunch of men with weird voices marching down the street with pride flags. I have to say, the public image of the LGBT community is very poorly depicted. For all you know, your best friend could be bisexual and wouldn't ever tell you because you are against the LGBT community. It truly is oppression when people are afraid to speak out about who they are because it's seen as "weird" or "freakish". The blog is necessary for students and mentors, and it isn't just about the LGBT perspective versus heterosexual perspective. The blog is about acceptance of LGBT people into a community that has overlooked then for so long. The blog doesn't plan to " force ideals onto "normal" people" or anything along those lines. It is simply there for the few people who are too afraid to try their best. It's to prove that gender and sexuality is meaningless in the grand scheme of things. You aren't required to visit this blog, so don't even try to complain.

[techninja025]

Originally Posted by Aura_

The thing that I believe that everyone is currently overlooking right now is how this topic irrelevant to the nature of FIRST. I am strongly against the ideas and beliefs of the LGBT+ society, but I do not think it is right to force my own opinions down someone else's throat. I do not see why it matters if a gay man writes an interesting blog post versus a straight one. It is not think that interacting with robots is a blatantly straight activity. I believe this post is just to present an uproar in the FIRST community to unite over some pointless propaganda for a new blog.

My question is if you are homophobic and "strongly against the ideas and beliefs of the LGBT+ society" why are you on a thread like this. My philosophy is live your own life and let others live theirs. You make the point "but I do not think it is right to force my own opinions down someone else's throat". This thread is here not to force anything on anyone. "I believe this post is just to present an uproar in the FIRST community to unite over some pointless propaganda for a new blog" I disagree 100%. This tread is not to create an uproar. You have that completely wrong. Try and put yourself in an LGBT Firsters shoe's. Or even better imagine a world were being LGBT is the norm and being straight is the minority. Imagine having to be closeted to everyone and pretending to be someone you are not. Imagine having to come out to your family. Im sorry I must sound really rude but when you are on an LGBT blog and you say stuff like that you are gonna get some crap

[indieFan]

Originally Posted by grstex

I think Josh's stated goals are to provide resources for everyone, with a emphasis on and perspective from the LGBT+ community. It may be a separate page, but its a resource everyone can utilize when trying to confront diversity issues. Would you say groups like NEMO segregate non-engineer mentors from the rest of the FIRST community?

No, I don't view NEMO the same way. First, it is directly involved in FIRST. Second, many of the issues that are brought up are pertinent to the running of a team that engineering mentors aren't necessarily aware of. Third, I don't believe they started out as a group of people that felt disenfranchised. I believe it started as a group of people trying to figure out how they could contribute to teams and FIRST to advance the program.

Two other things is like to state:
1. I am an ally of LGBT+. I am only trying to raise questions about this idea to make people think about whether it truly is the best thing.
2. Instead of the logo being as it currently is, I'd suggest making it

LGBT+
in
FIRST

The way the logo currently appears, it seems as though this is an officially sanctioned FIRST concept/blog.

[grstex]

Originally Posted by indieFan

No, I don't view NEMO the same way. First, it is directly involved in FIRST. Second, many of the issues that are brought up are pertinent to the running of a team that engineering mentors aren't necessarily aware of. Third, I don't believe they started out as a group of people that felt disenfranchised. I believe it started as a group of people trying to figure out how they could contribute to teams and FIRST to advance the program.

Two other things is like to state:
1. I am an ally of LGBT+. I am only trying to raise questions about this idea to make people think about whether it truly is the best thing.
2. Instead of the logo being as it currently is, I'd suggest making it

LGBT+
in
FIRST

The way the logo currently appears, it seems as though this is an officially sanctioned FIRST concept/blog.

My only point was that groups like this aren't necessarily exclusionary. In college I was a member of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, despite being a caucasian non-engineer major. I was welcomed with open arms and had a blast. That experience is what informs my perspective on such matters.

I hear your concern. At least one poster on this thread has expressed negative feelings about this idea. That's fine, its not for them. It's for people like the OP, and allies like you and me, if we choose to join.

[runneals]

I think this is a great idea! I think students should start more of these types of communities to ally around each other, especially when they fall into the minority and sometimes tend to get steamrolled over when it comes to ideas, leadership, and decision making. If we could have more communities like what FIRST Ladies is/are, that would be soooooooo cool! Have a community by students, for students.

[Zach O]

Hey Josh. I think this is a cool idea. These types of resources in FIRST/FRC are a fantastic way to provide support and community.

People that share my opinion also see the value in these types of communities. Minorities can often feel discouraged, underrepresented, discriminated, and excluded. These types of communities won't eliminate these these issues, but they're a great way to provide a sense of inclusion where it otherwise might be missing.

[Sperkowsky]

Originally Posted by indieFan

Can someone please list some of the issues that affect the LGBT+ members within the FIRST and/or STEM contexts that would be addressed by this blog?

I'm trying to understand how it fits in, but still have no clue.

I emailed the op asking if there were any particular issues and he said he personally has not experienced any negative experience because of his orientation. He said the blog isn't going to be about normal first things per se and more about the experiences of being lgbt+ in First. I think we should all hold any judgement until the blog atleast actually becomes active. And remember you do not have to read it.

When I started F4 (a student run livestream) I got a ton of backlash from mentors and students alike saying the idea of this was stupid and unnecessary. Although I disagree about the stupid part I agree that it's not necessary. But neither is chiefdelphi, r/frc, gamesense, fun, Nemo, ect. First could 100% survive without any of these resources but It would be a pretty boring lack luster without them.

[techninja025]

It's is great there is finally a blog for LGBT Firsters. I think it will be a great resource for other LGBT people like myself. I can't wait to see this blog grow. I hope I can contribute to the discussion

[Mr_Moko]

Originally Posted by techninja025

It's is great there is finally a blog for LGBT Firsters. I think it will be a great resource for other LGBT people like myself. I can't wait to see this blog grow. I hope I can contribute to the discussion

Thanks for liking the idea! And feel free to submit things if you would want to contribute!
Also, I see that you were replying to those who disagree, while that is nice to defend the blog, there is no need to further any confrontation.