OK, I'm not going to name names because I would prefer this remain anonymous. I was considering joining a support group for LGBT students and I found one on my campus. However, when I read what they were doing for their first meeting, I started having immediate second thoughts. Apparently they're going to have everyone "vent by writing their grievances about prejudice they've experienced, stick it on the door of an actual closet and then light it on fire." Now maybe this sounds fun to some people. But I don't enjoy burning things. Maybe this is just my paranoid outsider's mentality but this sounds like a damn cult. And when I think about it, maybe I'm not interested in meeting other people just to bitch about my queer life. Honestly I like the community here on EC well enough that I'm not confident I want to put myself in a group like this. So ... does this organization meeting sound creepy to anyone else, or am I just over reacting?
Well considering that could very well damage the innocent closet door, YES THAT SOUNDS WEIRD. If you feel like you want to be in a more positive minded group, you have every right to be. I know surrounding myself with negative and bitter people will only make me just as angry and bitter myself. It sounds like theyre trying to organize a publicity stunt and look hardcore for their first meeting and I sure as hell would not want to associate myself with that either.
I mean it doesn't sound creepy as much as just unpleasant and something I wouldn't want to do. It might be worth looking into what they're like after the first meeting because that could easily be them trying to make an impression, but if that first impression really is an accurate representation of what the group is like in general, it doesn't seem like a good fit.
Personally, that just sounds both unpleasant and just...unproductively bitter. If you're not comfortable with the mentality of that group, there's no need to join it. Depending on where your campus is, there might be other local LGBT groups nearby that you can look into.
I'm not certain it's the most creepy thing I've heard of, and in some ways the symbolism could be sorta therapeutic to some people. (Of course, appropriate safety measures need to be in place) Does seem sorta strange to have that as part of a first meeting.
I don't think that's safe. In a enclosed space, flammable materials all around. If it we're in a safer location, I would totally do it. I love fire, just not the way it rips and destroys valued objects and loved people without hesitation. Fire also can symbolize life. Controlled combustion is beautiful. They are being unsafe.
Yeah... I can see how this could be therapeutic. Taking negative thoughts and getting rid of them in some way could be good. Lighting things on fire inside on a door? Is that even allowed? I doubt it. Even if it was someone's own property, that just kinda sounds dumb (safety-wise). If they absolutely must burn it, at least do it around a campfire/firepit outside. It doesn't have to be creepy, it depends on the people a bit I guess. But otherwise, there's probably better ways of finding that release. Like make it into confetti and then releasing it into the wind on top of a hill or something might be neat if they're into the dramatic effect. And uh safer lol.
Okay guys, I'm like 95% sure no one is stupid enough to light a door on fire inside the building, they're probably gonna do it outside. Also, I don't think its weird or crazy or that they're going to be a bitter group only because I've done this before but at a church camp and it was a bonfire and we threw things we wanted to let go of into the fire, times we felt we were wronged. Its a symbol of letting it go. Getting over things that mad us unhappy. Its not meant to make you hold onto your anger and bitterness toward people.
lol yeah I should have mentioned it was supposed to be outside. But I've made up my mind not to attend. I'm really not in need of doing anything "therapeutic" atm.
I kinda see the goal they are aiming for, but perhaps there are better ways they could go about it. I'm sure others have suggested this already, but perhaps give the head of this party an email or two? Explain that this idea makes you uncomfortable, and if you feel this way, its a high chance others do too.
Divisive and militant groups don't sit well with me either so I don't blame you. Turn into Frankensteins monster and the mob WILL come.
That group seems really...forceful? And kind of vindictive? If it doesn't sit well, don't join. Personally, I prefer the "just there" and "fun" GSA groups. Hey, free pizza.
well as you should all know people have different sides when you meet them and that's how I think you should look at it. Maybe try it a few times but if it doesn't get fun or however you like don't go anymore.