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I would like to contact the administrators of the Portland Chapter site to send them information about Portland Lesbian Choir events. Presently, the PLC is welcoming new members for the next two Wednesday rehearsals. I would like to send some cuts from the PLC 10th Anniversary CD to play on the site to inspire womyn to join. This is the Choir's 21st year: "PLC: the Next Generation" and the group is over 2/3rds new members at this point. Some of the continuing members have been in the Choir for 20 years (not necessarily continuously), and we need new faces, voices, and energy.
Singing feeds the soul.

I wonder how you all would feel if you did not feel like apart of this group. I went to a football party four years ago and women there were talking harsh about someone and didnt realize that someone was me till I told them. I sang at one groups home for the new year and had a great time and was welcomed but what group do I find to not have to worry about running into the same group that talked bad about me? Are you all welcoming? Or do you hold haste towards words spread around and not true? I am apart of this but I dont go to the events because I am affraid that will happen again and I dont need that. So maybe you can tell me how does one lesbian fit into a group of a million?

Dusty,

I'm sorry you had a poor experience 4 years ago. No one should have to experience that. However, I'm afraid I can't tell you how one lesbian fits into a group of a million. That is a question only you can answer for yourself. I also can’t guarantee that you won’t run into these women, again, or that you won’t have another poor experience. Unfortunately, life does not come with guarantees. Only experiences (both good and bad), that is part of life and living. We’ve all had those “bad” experiences. But, what matters most is how we deal with those experiences, and what we learn from them. We can choose to live in fear of bad experiences, and carry the resentment, hurt, anger, etc. or we can embrace them, grow from them, and continue on with life.

As for the Lavender Womyn’s group…we are not made up of just a few women or a small group of women, but we are hundreds of women all over the Northwestern part of Oregon. If you judge Lavender Womyn based on one experience 4 years ago with a few women gossiping, then (not to be harsh) but that is unfair judgment for anyone.

People are not perfect. They gossip, cause drama, will disappoint you, and more. That is human nature, and a fact of life. But, there is also the other side of the coin where there are many wonderful people in this world. I will say that I am quite pleased with the women of this group. I have found the majority of them very caring, honest, kind, warm, and loving. Last Saturday night at the Tret Fure concert is a prime example. There was such thankfulness and appreciation to gather together and enjoy one another’s company. The energy here was of a wonderful spirit…a real joy to be around.

Keep in mind that each person is an individual and responsible for their own actions. Unpleasant experiences will happen at times. It’d be unrealistic to think otherwise. I am proud to say, though, that in the 5 years Lavender Womyn has been in existence, I can only think of three times where a situation occurred that was not appropriate behavior. I think that is pretty great odds for a group of this size.

This is, however, a good reminder for all of us to be careful with our words and how we treat others. Each person is a precious soul, and deserves kindness and love.

Anyone else care to comment on this topic?