Wednesday, October 01, 2008

Swamp Draining

Attention: NO swamps OR alligators were harmed in this posting. We neither advocate nor endorse the harming of any animals (except flies and mosquitoes) or landforms.

You know the old saying: "When you are up to your ass in alligators, it's hard to remember that you came here to drain the swamp." or something like that.

Well, I'm up to my ass (actually, much deeper than that) in something. Work has been heavy, in workload and content. I like to read and comment on others' blogs, but there hasn't been time (or connectivity) for that.

I mentioned in an earlier post about a telephone interview related to a job transfer. Well, I made the cut! SOOOOO, I will be getting the face to face interview. In that interview, I will tell them that I am queer. It may be a deal-breaker, but at least, a) I will have some practice talking about it in such a setting, and b) they will have to face the issue and face me, as well. I will be putting a face and a personality on this issue of accepting GLBTQ people. As in many places, they talk a good game. Will they live it, as well? We'll see.

My visit with them will involve a meeting with that areas "district manager". I'm not worried about that; he is known in our organization as an open and affirming executive who will walk the talk.

Forgive me if I haven't commented on your blog. I may have scanned it and not commented or maybe I just ain't gotten to it yet. I hope to catch up. I'll try to post as I can. It helps me work out some of my "schtuff."

I so very much appreciate the support of so many. Thanks for your comments. Keep 'em comin'.

Shalom & Cheers to all.

19 comments:

Greg said...

Good luck with the interview. You'll be strong and proud and clever and smart no matter what, but I hope they see your value and offer you the job.

Watch out for those 'gators...

Geoffrey said...

Hey, good luck, I hope it works out for you.

A Troll At Sea said...

ToastMan:

My church was so gung-ho about being "open and affirming" that they refused to recognize that there was an issue, in spite of several gentle reminders from well-behaved conservative elders. My wife was one of the chief cheer-leaders.

Guess what suddenly looked different when the chickens came home to roost. Suddenly there was an issue.

What a surprise. Here's hoping you find a congenial response from a not-too-strict "district manager."

By their fruits shall we know them--and ourselves, BTW.

All the best.
T@C

BentonQuest said...

Good luck! Blessings! TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!! You do no one a favor by getting run down by the trials of life.

Sooo-this-is-me said...

Good luck buddy!!!!

Keep that cute ass away from the alligators! XD

My bad!

JC said...

Good Luck, don't know why your private sexual orientation would be a problem unless you are interviewing for straight porn king position.

Jeffrey said...

:-*

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on making the cut! While I know others who have done it as well, I'm wondering if telling them right away that you are gay is the right direction to go...It somewhat feeds into the notion that heterosexuals have had about us "forcing the issue on them." If they were to ask anything about your sexual orientation in the future, then be honest. And if your state has any protection against discrimination, then you've got an option there. But I know you will make the best judgment. Good luck! (((((Joe)))))

Anonymous said...

You made the cut thats awesome! I will sy what others have said....GOOD LUCK as well. :-)

Birdie said...

I believe I understand your desire to be open and live as the man God made you to be. I'm praying for you, sweetie. The world needs men as brave as you are, to show them what it means to live life as a gay man.

Lemuel said...

Best wishes on the interview process. May the Spirit guide you and give you the wisdom and the courage you need! May the Spirit also move among those to whom he is sending you that their hearts may be open, affirming, and accepting!

John said...

Buy a sharp new tie.

Unknown said...

Well congratulations! My prayers go with you, the spirit lead you. A suggestion to ponder, test the waters about the folks with the district manager first. Perhaps you have already thought of that?

I pray them gators wont circle. i pray the well intentioned dragons stay away too.

bear said...

Well, I don't see it's any of there business if you are, keep the door open, it might not be worth it to bother, especially if you know you'll like the job! To really test the case, make sure you have an offer first. Good luck in anycase.

Ur-spo said...

i too join the chorus of people wishing you good luck.
I believe honesty and truth first up is always the best policy.

I was once denied a job for admitting such - but imagine what it would have been like 'a year into it' when i am simultaneously hiding but being discovered.

Bigg said...

I think I'd congratulate you more on your honesty than on making the cut - but only because I know you're up to the job and they should be able to see that too. I've come to see (too late in life, I think) that it's only that kind of honesty that will finally change people's hearts and minds.

The Dread Pirate Roberts said...

I will light a candle for you. The truth will always out; it is much better if we are the bearers of the truth than if not.
Blessings!

Java said...

Yep. Let 'em know up front. A good idea, I think. If that is a deal breaker for them, you are better off not working there.

In any respect, good luck!

Java said...

BTW, when is/was this interview? I just noticed the date this was posted and realize it may have already occurred.