Letters to Steven http://letterstosteven.posterous.com An ear-opener correspondence between Joshua and Steven and whoever wants to participate. In the searchings for the meaning of life and true God. All characters appearing in this blog are fictitious. Any similarity to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental, accidental, or/and transcendental. posterous.com Sat, 09 Apr 2011 11:21:32 -0700 Foreplay for the Soul http://letterstosteven.posterous.com/foreplay-for-the-soul http://letterstosteven.posterous.com/foreplay-for-the-soul
Thomas Moore 
(Care of the Soul: A Guide for Cultivating Depth and Sacredness in Everyday Life)
>>An AOM Recommended Book<<
~*~

Care of the soul is a continuous process that concerns itself not so much with "fixing" a central flaw as with attending to the small details of everyday life.

~*~

"How many times do we lose an occasion for soul work by leaping ahead to final solutions without pausing to savor the undertones? We are a radically bottom-line society, eager to act and to end tension, and thus we lose opportunities to know ourselves for our motives and our secrets." 

~*~

"Socrates and Jesus, two teachers of virtue and love, were executed because of the unsettling, threatening power of their souls, which was revealed in their personal lives and in their words." 

~*~

"An eternal question about children is, how should we educate them? Politicians and educators consider more school days in a year, more science and math, the use of computers and other technology in the classroom, more exams and tests, more certification for teachers, and less money for art. All of these responses come from the place where we want to make the child into the best adult possible, not in the ancient Greek sense of virtuous and wise, but in the sense of one who is an efficient part of the machinery of society. But on all these counts, soul is neglected."

~*~

And the ultimate goal?

“It’s to be alive. That’s it. The ultimate thing is to be alive. We come into this life, take a breath, and live. Take it in. Take a big inhale. Die when it’s time, but not before your time. Society is set up on Freud’s death principle. We define all kinds of ways not to live. We make sure children stay in school the rest of their lives, we make sure that some people are not dancing, there’s no alcohol, no life … they say let’s get out there and praise our heroes who are dying. We love our soldiers who are dying, but they don’t care for the beings who are living. ‘Soul” means breath … or to live. The care of the soul means to take your breath in, and live.”

Thomas Moore is an American writer of popular spiritual books including the New York Times best seller, Care of the Soul (1992). He is a psychotherapist influenced by the writings of Carl Jung and James Hillman.

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Mon, 14 Feb 2011 04:02:39 -0800 Valentine 2011 http://letterstosteven.posterous.com/valentine-2011 http://letterstosteven.posterous.com/valentine-2011
~*~

I'm alone again
On this Valentine's Day
So what shall I do
Weep, sob, depress,
Put on sack cloth and ashes

No!

For though I'm alone
I know a very special someone
To love and care for
Someone who knows me better than I know myself
And still loves me for who I am - warts and all

Me

No tears this year
I'm sending myself flowers and candy
Maybe a movie and my favorite dinner
And of course
A long, luxurious, hot bath

I'll be mine
My special Valentine...LOL

How do I love me
Let me count the ways...LOL

Now don't feel sad for me
I actually enjoy my solitude
And I'm happy for those of you
Who do have that special someone
Enjoy this time together

For me this special day
Is a day for all of us
To do something especially special
For all the special people in our lives.

Especially, yourself.

[taken from AOM]

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Sun, 13 Feb 2011 05:43:27 -0800 Cruising and shell-life http://letterstosteven.posterous.com/cruising-and-shell-life http://letterstosteven.posterous.com/cruising-and-shell-life Ever wondered how many old and fugly people preying on young gay people like us? I was logged on to Gaydar Chat and found many private chat invites from these people! I was like WTF!'. Surely I declined all the invites but then what struck me is the fact that - I might be like these people in 10-20 years time! Our youth has shell-life! Oh Goodness! The clock is ticking! Will I be like them? Hopeless, desperate and lonely?

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Sat, 22 Jan 2011 12:21:36 -0800 Tips and tricks http://letterstosteven.posterous.com/tips-and-tricks http://letterstosteven.posterous.com/tips-and-tricks I would like to share this with you....

1.       

Help me button my shirt or adjust my tie in the mirror. When you dress me I just want to get undressed again.

2.       Tug on my earlobe  just a bite with your teeth makes me lose all sense of the English language.

3.       Come home from work and give me a kiss, grab my package…. It’s like. Hel-lo…..

4.       Run your tongue around the perimeter of my belly button. The fact that you’re just inches from my most sensitive spot has me drooling with anticipation.

5.       When we’re having sex and you’re on top, cup my balls and tug on them lightly. It’s an unexpected awesome feeling.

6.       Wear a thin silk shirt with no bra so that your nipples stand at attention, then rub your chest against mine.

7.       The moment I orgasm, kiss me hard, then lick my lips. It’s sensory overload.

8.       During doggie-style, sway your hips in a circle. It creates incredible friction.

9.       Read from a sexy novel and make eye contact when you hit a dirty word.

10.   Multitask during sex, when your on top, massage my chest to the rhythm of your grinding.

11.   Put the condom on me. It’s such a turn-on to see you prep me that way.

12.   Lightly caress the sensitive webbing between my thumb and forefinger. It’s a lusty pressure point.

13.   Swirl your tongue around the tip of my penis, and then, without warning, take all of me in your mouth.

14.   Slowly lift my arms over my head then glide your hands along their undersides, all the way down to my chest.

15.   Just as I’m about to come, clench your pelvic muscles in rapid fire succession. It makes me feel like I’m going to explode, and actually, I do. Wow.

16.   Bite my shoulder whenever you have an orgasm during missionary sex. Very wild and passionate.

17.   When you get into doggie position, spread your legs really wide so I can see all of you.

18.   Make some noise when you’re giving me oral. Hum, moan, anything- the added vibrations go right through me.

19.   I love when our legs get intertwined like a pretzel during sex. It makes me feel like we’re meshing together completely.

20.   Undressing me slowly is the perfect mixture of showing me how much you care about me and how much you want me.

21.   Finger sucking is almost as good as sucking me down below. And here you can use your teeth.

22.   As I enter you missionary style, squeeze your thighs together as tight as you can.

23.   Pull my hair, It’s so primal.

24.   Grab or pat my butt. It’s like you’re telling me it’s okay to go for it.

25.   Gasp or moan heavily when I enter you. It makes me feel really big.

26.   Tie me up with whatever’s available and keep teasing me until my body can’t take it any more.

27.   Oral attention is always nice, but so is attention to the legs and chest. Don’t forget-my body is a wonderland too.

28.   Trim me down below it’s kinky, and the newly defuzzed skin is ultra sensitive.

29.   It I’m on top, raise your butt. It makes the thrusting more intense and shows me that you want to take in all of me.

30.   Get a glazed doughnut and stick my penis through the hole. Nibble around it, stopping to suck me once in a while. The sugar beads from your mouth tingle on my tip.

31.   Run your hand up the side of my stomach. It brings all the blood to the surface of my skin and heats me up.

32.   Lick behind my ear… it’s such a nice addition to traditional ear kissing.

33.   When I’m about to orgasm, make me pull out and let me release in your mouth.

34.   Caress my face and trace the outline of my lips with a finger.

35.   Press the back of my neck. Then run your hands around my shoulders and chest. It’s as if I’am being enveloped by you.

36.   Grab my butt and pull me inside you as we’re doing it. I feel in tune with you.

37.   Kiss me on the nose, eyelids and forehead. We like sweet stuff too.

38.   If I’m sitting in a chair and zoning out, come on over and straddle me. Your body in my lap will perk me right up.

39.   Blindfold me with a bra. It makes me realize how incredible you feel.

40.   Lick my wrists, inner elbows, and the backs of my knees, waking up areas that had been asleep for 20 years.

41.   If you give me a naughty look while you’re going down on me. I know you’re not just tolerating it and that you love it.

42.   Straddle me, face my toes, and arch your back. Then take my hands and put them wherever you want them.

43.   Whisper how much you want me and where you want me. It sounds great, and your breath on my ear is so hot.

44.   Squeeze my biceps and triceps while we’re doing it missionary style. it makes me feel like a strong macho man.

45.   Go down on me in the shower. There’s nothing like the feeling of a warm mouth on your while warm water’s rushing down.

46.   When I’m thrusting, moan “More, more” It’s such an ego stroke.

47.   Lube your hands and dig into my sore muscles, then let your fingers trickle along my back and kiss my neck.

48.   Put your hands in the freezer, then caress my body with them. It’s awesome.

49.   When we’re changing positions, give me an oral sex break. It lasts mere seconds, but it’s unbelievable.

50.   A single spank on a bare butt is the perfect combination of playful and erotic.

51.   Plant light kisses all over me. It makes my whole body feel electrified.

52.   Tell me how wet you are, then let me touch you and explore you myself.

53.   Take your time when we kiss. Explore me with your tongue, pause and look me lovingly or naughtily in the eyes.

54.   A sexual act is 10 times hotter when you’re watching a porno and they’re doing the same thing on screen.

55.   When we’re just lying on the couch watching TV,  let your feet wander in my lap and start exploring. With you and your feet, I’ll have a definite foot fetish.

56.   I love it when you run your fingers through my chest hair or leg hair. All my follicles stand up and take notice.

57.   Don’t forget to nip at my bottom lip every now and then. It’s a bit of S and M mixed into an innocent make out session.

58.   Get on top of me and gently rock back and forth to heighten every little motion.

59.   Butt massages are totally underrated. Treat my cheeks like you would my shoulders - just some gentle kneading.

60.   Spell out naughty messages across my entire body….my legs, arms, chest. If I guess right, you act out the message.

61.   I love an errant bite on my inner thighs, the sides of my abs, and my neck.

62.   Let’s play the melting point test. Rub an ice cube along my body and don’t let me touch you until it’s dissolved. I fail every damn time.

63.   Lick the small of my back. The nerve endings there crave attention.

64.   Let’s try perpetual penetration. Bring one hand down, letting the penis “penetrate” your fist. Before the head of my penis pops out of your hand, bring the other hand up for the next penetration.

65.   Change positions but keep me inside you. Whilst in missionary grab my butt with her hands to make sure I don’t slip out, and then we’ll roll over until you are riding me wildly.

66.   With one hand on each side of my penis, pretend you’re spinning a stick of wood to make a fire- but gently, please.

67.   “Feather touch” my entire body, never staying on one spot too long.

68.   When I come. I still have a bit of semen inside. Run your hand along the base and gently squeeze the rear of my balls. It’s like having an extra orgasm.

69.   The next time you’re going down, go way down. Suck my toes and massage the soles of my feet.

70.   Let your nipple rub along my penis.

71.   Run the condom packet down the trail between my stomach and privates. It’s a terrible tease that feels great.

72.   Continue oral stimulation after I come. The most intense moments are the few seconds after orgasm- but literally only for a few seconds or it’ll hurt.

73.   While on top, grab your breasts. It’s like watching my own personal porno flick.

74.   Tease yourself with my penis, rubbing it alone your thighs and private parts as if it were a vibrator.

75.   Just as you’re about to squeeze down on my member, thrust your hips forward. The raw force of it is amazing, and its makes my orgasm so much stronger.

76.   The bottom of the scrotum is the most sensitive part of my body. Stroke it, Cuddle it, Cradle it, Love it.

77.   Leave some clothes on. The feel of your bra or panties on my skin while we’re going at it is incredible.

78.   The best move is when you relax and enjoy every moment. 

79.   Once I’ve come, keep moving your hips and squeezing your PC muscles. It’s an amazing after sex feeling.

80.   Sometimes, instead of just diving right into sex , spread a sheet between our bodies and grind over me. The heat from your body and the softness of the fabric feels incredible.

81.   If you’re on top, carefully swivel around to face my toes while I’m still inside you. I get this great twisting feeling on my penis and an amazing visual of your body.

82.   During Oral sex, wet one of your hands. then grip my penis, placing your hand right next to your lips. The combo of your wet mouth and hand makes me feel like you’re taking me all in.

83.   Dribble some sparkling wine over my nipples and lick it off slowly.

84.   Jump me any place other than the bed room. It introduces new sensations.

85.   When we’re having sex, firmly hold the base of my penis while I’m thrusting in and out. It increase friction.

86.   Who says that men don’t like after play? Once I’ve come, run your hands over my body lightly……. but definitely lightly.

87.   Tease my legs with your hair. Tease me, till we both beg for it.

88.   Touch my thighs when I touch yours. The positive reinforcement turns me on.

89.    Use your hair scrunchie or some other tie as a ring around my member. Just say your wrapping your present up till later.

90.   Let’s have kitchen sex -  taken up against the fridge. Feel the heat and little vibrations you would never notice….. if you weren’t pressed up against it naked.

91.   I love when you are cuddling next to me completely nude, to feel the rough softness of your pubic hair on my hip.

92.   While I’m on top, lift yourself up a bit and gently bite my nipple or lick my neck. It lets me know you’re into the act.

93.    Wake me up with oral sex, I’ll remember you and those lips for the rest of my life.

94.   When your in the missionary position, grab your legs and spread them even further apart. You feel so incredibly deep.

95.   I love to have really loud sex on a Tuesday afternoon. Just the idea that the neighbors might hear all the dirty things your saying drives me crazy.

96.   If you’re riding me, rub your lower abs and feel me inside you.

97.   Pay attention to the perineum- that spot between my testicles and anus. Gently press on it and may be even lick that area.

98.   Don’t be shy about your sex toys  run your vibrator along my legs and on my testicles.

99.   After sex, trace your nails over my inner thigh. You have no idea how much it preps me for round two.

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Sat, 01 Jan 2011 15:54:56 -0800 'Bye' 2010, 'Hi' 2011! http://letterstosteven.posterous.com/bye-2010-hi-2011 http://letterstosteven.posterous.com/bye-2010-hi-2011 Finally we got to 2011! Oh time flies time flies. 

I think it is worth trying to look back what I have done so far in the past 2010. I think 2010 has brought me some peace, fun, and also pain. Sometimes I wonder why I could 'fell' to these type of guys which surely not my type by default. Maybe I was just in desperation? Desperate to get a hug? Or merely evil? Afterall I am human.

Relationship is always what I have been dreaming so far. A good, long-lasting relationship. However, I guess the challenge is inside me. The problem is TRUST. I think it is quite hard for me to trust anyone in this world. Once a very good-looking and caring guy 'fell' for me and I was not sure I guess I screwed it up because there are things haunting my mind everyday sicne I was with him... like 'I am not good-looking at all, he should get someone else at 'his level' - he deserves someone better than me' and 'How do I know that we are going to stay together forever - live happily ever after?' Really pathetic, isn't it?

Or maybe what I need is just ' good sex fun'? Well, I do also miss the romance... I am so complicated and fussy I guess... I hoopeI could let and give myself a chance to look for someone else...  in 2011.

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Sat, 04 Dec 2010 08:20:30 -0800 Romantic friend anyone? http://letterstosteven.posterous.com/romantic-friend-anyone http://letterstosteven.posterous.com/romantic-friend-anyone Oh.. How difficult is it to find a friend who can accept me? I do not need a boyfriend, I need a romantic friend... 

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Mon, 06 Sep 2010 13:20:38 -0700 Mother http://letterstosteven.posterous.com/mother http://letterstosteven.posterous.com/mother Dear Joshua,

How are you? I have been busy like crazy these days. I have been troubled in the past weeks. You know, the pressure to get married and have kid(s). No one in my family knows I am gay. But will you get married if your mom asks you to? I mean, I love my mom despite her nagging etc. Will you go 'that' far? I think I could still make a girl pregnant but I do not think I will be happy. I am always jealous with my gay friends who have the parents acceptance (well at least their moms' acceptance). But do you think, their moms would still have some kind of disappointment?

Please write back to me!

STV

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Tue, 20 Jul 2010 07:22:38 -0700 Sometimes... http://letterstosteven.posterous.com/sometimes-3 http://letterstosteven.posterous.com/sometimes-3
"Sometimes we laugh, sometimes we cry. sometimes we dance, sometimes we fly. sometimes we question, sometimes we answer. sometimes sometimes is not just sometimes."

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Sat, 26 Jun 2010 15:11:54 -0700 Sometimes, what we need is just time to think... http://letterstosteven.posterous.com/sometimes-what-we-need-is-just-time-to-think http://letterstosteven.posterous.com/sometimes-what-we-need-is-just-time-to-think
Sketch-poster

Dear Steven,

My apology for not writing to you these days. You are worried about things, so am I. I have been worrying about my career - many people say that I have a bright future with many options - that I should be proud of and take chance of; they just simply have no clue that blessed with many options is as cursed as making the right decision. Some people argue that there is no right or wrong. Confusing, isn't it?

In the past month or so, I have contemplating to break up with my boyfriend. Don't get me wrong, he is one of the sweetest things I have ever had in my life. So far, he is one of the only people who can accept an unattractive guy like me thoroughly, yes, thoroughly. First time, we met, he came to flat, troubled, and lonely. Three months ago, he asked me out as he feels comfortable and safe around me. Coming with autism background, he clings and starts to get dependent on me. "Hug me!", begs him, every time he is around. 

Is it so selfish of me if I want to let him go? I do not want him too depended on me - as I do not think I will stay in this city, which he could not leave - and his autism prevents him to be a bit adventurous like me, moving from country to another. From a boyfriend, I have made myself more or less like a brother to him - I love him but I am not turned on anymore by him. Maybe this is because I am not that close to my own (biological) brothers - and somehow I have been trying to compensate that now (so Freudian!). Am I such a pathetic person?

It may sound so selfish of me, knowing you are troubled yourself, for me to ask some advice from you - yes, I do hope you will write back to me. I know you told me that a
dvice is what we ask for when we already know the answer but wish we didn't - but now, I need a second opinion. Would you do that?

It is a sad fate for a man to die too well known to everybody else, and still unknown to himself - Francis Bacon

With all my regards,

JJ

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Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:27:01 -0700 Life Sucks, sometimes. http://letterstosteven.posterous.com/life-sucks-sometimes http://letterstosteven.posterous.com/life-sucks-sometimes Dear Joshua,

How are you? Oh my life sucks now I am so confused - so crossed by people around me. Why no texts or calls from you?

Please do get back to me. I am worried.

Yours desperately,

Steven

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Thu, 22 Apr 2010 16:32:07 -0700 I love Asian Food but not The Cook http://letterstosteven.posterous.com/i-love-asian-food-but-not-the-cook http://letterstosteven.posterous.com/i-love-asian-food-but-not-the-cook
Dear Stevens,

How are you? Hope life is treating you well. Your boyfriend doing well too? My apology for not keeping our correspondence I was rather busy and occupied.

I had a great fun last night. Best sex ever after my first boyfriend. He has the perfect swimmer hairless body, not too beefy, not too muscular, and not too skinny - just perfect. His name is Joseph and he has an adorable smile with cute cheeks. His tongue explored my mouth and so did mine. Started with a kiss, followed by a bit of wrestling in bed and cuddles in between. Oh, I wish he was my boyfriend.  I could still feel his heartbeat as I laid my head on his flat chest and taste his lips on mine. Unfortunately it was just a non-string-attached session as he was driving by my town from work. He lives like 5 hours drive from me.. I shall miss him... or maybe I should visit himsometime :)

On the way back from his hotel, I had a really interesting chat as he brought up his dislike about Asian gay stereotype which has been going around in Europe. I know you are not cruisy using various gay dating websites like 'Gaydar, 'Manjam', 'Gayromeo, 'Gay.eu', 'Manhunt or various other websites but how often are you finding the word not into Asians or Black? Ethic Bashing! A gay magazine 'Winq' from Holland covered this issue in his latest spring edition "No Asians Please". You can read it here: http://www.winq.com/ (the free article can be read only in Dutch version http://www.zinio.com/reader.jsp?issn=1876-1445dutch&o=ext).

Gay Asians suffer from the stereotypy of having small d*cks, sissy, and money-seekers. While dark-skinned gay guys are less attractive although they have bigger weapon than the light-skinned guys. Is it racism to put a note on our gaydar profile 'not into asians'? Theoretically, it is not. It is personal preference like beer-belly is such a turn-off'  but to put it explicitly it can be considered as ethic banishing... As Asians ourselves, we cannot blame them because they hold some truth and this stereotyping is worsened by the fact that many Asians are becoming boy toys for old Caucasian fellows. I guess if we demand a change - we have to smart small from ourselves. 

What do you think?

Cheerio,

Jo
 

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Thu, 08 Apr 2010 12:18:23 -0700 How romantic! http://letterstosteven.posterous.com/how-romantic-6 http://letterstosteven.posterous.com/how-romantic-6

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Sun, 04 Apr 2010 14:06:27 -0700 Life is not simple http://letterstosteven.posterous.com/life-is-not-simple http://letterstosteven.posterous.com/life-is-not-simple Dear Stevie,

I understand your frustration. Once, a wise man told me, 'It is possible for one to believe in something and fails to live up to it'. Let it be.. Let me remind you that you are the person who told me that 'those who mind don't matter. those who matter don't mind'. I think it is enough for me :)

Cheer up!

-Jo

ps: you will know it when it is the time for moving on...

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Fri, 02 Apr 2010 08:40:00 -0700 Being gay and friends... http://letterstosteven.posterous.com/being-gay-and-friends http://letterstosteven.posterous.com/being-gay-and-friends

Dear Joshua,

I'm glad to hear that more and more public figures are coming out. They are the proofs that homosexuals are just like heterosexuals. They are humans who want to be happy with needs to love and to be loved. My feeling is rather mixed today. I had a chat with 'a good friend', Jean, who is a devout Christian. Well, I am copying the chat to you:

Steve    : Hic! Luke does not pick up my call!

Jean       : He picked up my call though... maybe he does not miss you. LOL

Steve    : Well I thought we are good friends... and maybe he is busy with her girlfriend.

Jean       : We are good friends, but to tell u the truth: it is so hard to keep loving you

Steve    : What do you mean?

Jean       : Think about it yourself! You are smart, aren’t you?

Steve    : I am confused, really!

Jean       : LOL. You know Luke and I do not agree with your lifestyle.

                  But we still consider you as good friend.

                  But sometimes it is just difficult.

Steve    : LOL. I see.

Jean       : But you are still loved.

Steve    : OK. Thanks. Well we are just good friends not best friends anyway...

Jean       : To be honest, I love who u are but I hate what u do...

Steve    :  (leave the conversation)

I am upset and disappointed because her statement (underlined). I am not expecting her to be my friend. At the same time, I am also puzzled and bemused. I realize that it is her 'Christian virtue' to love her 'neighbors and enemies' but if she finds it difficult then just leave me alone. I do not need her pity. Her statement implies that I am pitiful. How cool is that?! If I think that someone is a fool, I won't say to the person that he is a fool. It's very inappropriate. I will keep it to myself. Full stop.

This is why I hate the fundamentalistic attitude to certain beliefs or teachings (not only Christianity) - without proper examination of the teaching people just 'accept' and hold fast to it. 

I hope your life is better, especially in Berlin! I have never been there... Oh by the way, have you watched, ' How to Train Your Dragon'? It is really a cool movie!

Cheers,

Stevie

p.s.: It is a nice quote although the obvious question would be, "How long should I wait for him?"

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Tue, 30 Mar 2010 03:44:32 -0700 It's all coming back to 'us' now... http://letterstosteven.posterous.com/its-all-coming-back-to-us-now http://letterstosteven.posterous.com/its-all-coming-back-to-us-now

Dear Steven,

Let me start with a quote, “If you love somebody, let them go. If they return, they were always yours. If they don't, they never were.” So true, isn't it?

Back being a theologian, there are not mentioned explicitly. Remember the argument that Bible is written with strong cultural influence - you will never find explicitly condoning homosexuality. This comes back to the issue of interpretation. If you read this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblical_hermeneutics - you will be puzzled with the fact that even within theologians, they are 'divided' in the way they interpret the Bible. For example, reading Genesis - is it true that 'Adam and Eve' are the first humans? Or 'special humans aka humanoid'? Or they are just metaphors how humans fell to sin? 6 days creation vs evolution etc? So it is all coming back to you - it is more of a personal conviction. It is your and my relationship with Him - rather than with the 'church' as institution.

Gay gene? I  thought that article has clearly described it. There is no 'particular' gene that makes people 'gay'. It is like having a 'allergy'. Allergy can be caused by many things - more than 1 gene can can cause the allergy but then even if you have 'allergy', you still need to have 'environment'/'factors' to 'spark' the allergy. Is it easier to understand now?

My life is OK - not so busy - just feeling rather demotivated from work. I am in Berlin now - you should join me! So many cute and hot guys here! xP 

By the way, Ricky Martin is OUT! Yaay!

ps: I have a secret admirer who stalks me! :(

From Kurfürstendamm, Berlin.

-Jo-

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Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:16:00 -0700 So, my friend asked me... http://letterstosteven.posterous.com/so-my-friend-asked-me http://letterstosteven.posterous.com/so-my-friend-asked-me

Dear Joshua,

Did I sound so fretful the days before? Oh, I couldn't even remember what exactly made me so gloomy that day. I'm so much better now, Josh - though I'm still figuring out about the interpretation you shared earlier. There is one major question in my mind though, where the idea of "live like heterosexuals in which no sex before marriage" came from if it were not mentioned (at all?) in the Bible?

So anyway, still remember the genes topic? I shared what you wrote to my friends and apparently one of them is now asking me a question, "How could homosexuality be genetics related, and still there was no gay gene?" I said, it's because genes works in complicated ways - not determined by only one gene. But, God, I wish I could explain it better.

Well, I guess you're pretty busy up there. Just... stay in touch.

Cheers,

Steven.

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/483644/michael-02s.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5ebzFpvjyYtH Michael Benjamin Michael Benjamin Michael Benjamin
Mon, 29 Mar 2010 02:45:00 -0700 I am jealous! http://letterstosteven.posterous.com/i-am-jealous http://letterstosteven.posterous.com/i-am-jealous

Dear Joshua,

Your last letter was truly provocative! How is your business study doing? How did you get the time to be a 'theologian'? I think I need to time before I say something about your interpretation of the Bible. I am just in a jealous mode. I saw my ex-boyfriend flirting with someone else - I am burnt in jealousy! I think I need to find a boyfriend now. I do miss having someone sleeping next to me... cuddling and the kissing. :( It's killing me...

Cheers from Plaza Indonesia with gloomy mood,

Steven-y.

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Sun, 28 Mar 2010 03:22:51 -0700 Complex Society http://letterstosteven.posterous.com/complex-society http://letterstosteven.posterous.com/complex-society Dearest Steven,

Oh so good to hear from you. You have made my day. I was crying last night - I felt so so lonely and I still feel lonely. I just broke-up with my boyfriend last month. Relationship is addictive. Once in relationship, I always feel the loneliness, worse than being single. Regarding the society, I believe it will take time. Slowly but surely people will accept us. Remember the change of fashion? It took sometime for people to see women in jeans. The definition of 'normal' can be dysfunctional. 'Normal' is always associated with what the majority wants and expects. I am glad that many Asian countries are more open. South Korea has many gay-themed movies already - with those twinky boys! xD In Indonesia, I think we still have the policy 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' - otherwise it would be disastrous like the Asian LGBT (or GLBT?) Conference in Soerabaja recent

I am a Christian and I am gay. I did renounced my faith because I could not see why God makes me gay - so sinful. I almost commit suicide. I was depressed and felt I could not live like others 'the normal people'. Then I realized that I cannot just simply 'dismiss' all things in my life without proper consideration why and how. So I read many books, did some research, got through loads of discussions with ministers/theologians. Why Christianity? I will tell you maybe next time.. but it was a long story. Basically, there are two main arguments from Bible that are against homosexuality:

1. The Book of Leviticus 18:22
But you can argue that in the same book, there are many other verses which is against tattoo or eating pork. even there is a verse which you have to stone children who rebel against their parents - just saying swearing words or being upset is considered rebellious. there are heaps of other stuffs. the church does not adopt these laws anymore - then why the cherry picking only to homosexuality that Leviticus applied?  

2. Romans - letter from Paul 1:27
He only mention that sexual acts of homosexuality are sinful. not being homosexual. - Jesus himself said that there are people who are 'made' not to get married - John 9:1-4
1As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"
3"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. 4As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.". in this sense, being gay is not a problem - the sexuals act is the problem. If you ask me about the authority between 'Paul's word' and Jesus in Gospel, i would go for Jesus's words rather than Paul. Right?

There is a movement in Europe (at least that I know for sure) to accept gay people - but then the group is still divided into two options.
1. Cellibacy
2. Live like heterosexuals in which no sex before marriage.

However, a debate is still going on that the laws in Bible are needed to separate the pagan rituals and Christianity. Sodomy is part of pagan rituals therefore homosexuality nowadays which have been excessively studied with no pagan correlations is theoretically supposed to be acceptable. The problem is now orthodoxy in Church. Remember Bible is 100% God and 100% human. I believe the main message is true but of course it strongly culturally influenced then. Believe me if Genesis mentioned that it was Adam and Steve, none would actually accept Genesis or Moses' teachings. It's logical right? The church has made mistakes in the past and they do accept changes in a very slow way. Remember the issue of using 'contemporary music instruments' like electric guitar, drum, etc? The accept the practice after >50 years internal battle. Even the practice of baptism still divides the churches nowadays! It comes back to our 'relationship' with God rather than 'following the rules and traditions from Church'.

What do you think? I think it is enough for me being 'theologian' in this letter. =D

Yours,

Jo

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Sun, 28 Mar 2010 01:24:00 -0700 The society loves to make us feel guilty - just perhaps. http://letterstosteven.posterous.com/the-society-loves-to-make-us-feel-guilty-perh http://letterstosteven.posterous.com/the-society-loves-to-make-us-feel-guilty-perh

Dear Joshua,

It's such a relieve to hear from you again. I'm doing great here, Josh. And what about you?

You know, I agree with what you wrote earlier. We live in a society that likely loves to make us feel guilty for being who we are. I'm not speaking about everyone of them. But, I'm speaking about most of them, esp. here when I live. Sometimes I wonder how would that be like living in such places whose people have such broader minds. Maybe you can tell me sometimes.

I'm learning to explain to our people the importance of realizing that God loves us, no matter what the people tell us. Somehow, I found some difficulties to do that here. The influences of religions, culture, etc so respectfully exist here. The problem is, sometimes the religions itself cannot be interfered with new and relatively true opinions. You barely have the chance to offer a better understanding for the whole matters. In the contrary, you're likely to get bashed easily for mentioning newfangled point of views .

They don't want to know if we were born gay. They don't want to know if it's true. They're too ignorant to spend the times for understanding so. But, somehow I still got the hopes to never quit explaining. And if only I could speak better, I would speak better.

Anyway, have you read this article taken from here: http://www.aceshowbiz.com/news/view/w0001723.html ?

The 62-year-old singer reveals that one of the reasons he takes part in his upcoming Broadway play 'Next Fall' is because the storyline reminds him of his former lover who took his own life.


© Joseph Marzullo/WENN

was inspired to take new play "Next Fall" to the Broadway stage, because the storyline reminded him of a former lover who killed himself. The 62-year-old singer and his partner David Furnish both produce the show, about a gay couple whose relationship is changed by a tragic accident.

The story struck a chord with the "Rocket Man", who admits he's still affected by the death of the un-named ex-boyfriend. John tells New York Post columnist Cindy Adams, "Years back I had a relationship, and I had absolutely no idea in the world he was going to do this."

"He threw himself under a truck. There was so much grief," the "Candle in the Wind" singer shares. "Next Fall" opened in New York on Thursday, March 11.

Did you know that his ex-boyfriend committed suicide because he thought that it was so sinful being gay? It's so sad how people like us could be easily altered to feel unloved. We need to know that everything (or most of the things) they put onto judgements is wrong. We need to know that God loves us. We need to be sure that whatever the patch we've chosen is right.

So, what do you think, Josh?

Warm regards,

Steven.

 

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/483644/michael-02s.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5ebzFpvjyYtH Michael Benjamin Michael Benjamin Michael Benjamin
Sat, 27 Mar 2010 07:59:00 -0700 Being gay is wrong? http://letterstosteven.posterous.com/being-gay-is-wrong http://letterstosteven.posterous.com/being-gay-is-wrong Dear Steven,

How are you? It has been ages since we discuss heaven and earth - and what-not-. I bumped to one of my friends' blog and I found this comprehensive post:

For the last couple of months I have been doing some literature research about homosexuality from genetics and social aspects. Why am I interested in this subject? My life has been surrounded with people or even my best friends who are gay and lesbian. From a son of a Pastor, a daughter of Ulama, to children from ‘normal’ families, this could happen to anyone. I have met them and we had sharing together. Some of them get exiled while some of them (luckily) get acceptance from their family and friends. I want to show people that being a homosexual (in some cases) is inevitable while some others due to individual or someone else ‘fault’. It is important to be noted that many people including psychologists believe that humans are bisexuals. In this article, I emphasize more to gay cases as sexual orientation. I realize that I am still a newbie here so I am open to any discussion. References upon request.

Homosexuality is an attraction to the same sex. In my opinion, homosexuality can be classified into two classes as: sexual orientation (40%) and sexual preference (60%). Homosexuality as sexual orientation is something which is inevitable – something that naturally comes from inside. Sexual preference on homosexuality is something that ones learn although their orientation could be heterosexual. Some evolutionists see homosexuality as natural selection of slowing down the growth of human population.

Several research publications state that there are genetic proves that homosexuality as sexual orientation is connected to genes. There are chromosome Xq28 markers, H-Y antigen genes constitution, alterations in X-Y and X-X chromosome, mutations of hormonal genes like estrogen and testosterones, and several other ‘scientific’ molecular aspects. These genetic problems can come from marriage of (somehow) closely related families (about 2-3 generations are still considered close in some cases). Modernizations make families do not know their relatives anymore. Pollution, fast food, radiation, medicines, mutated virus and many other associated products could also possibly give raise to these problems. Remember that there are no ‘gay-genes’. Genes work in such complicated mechanisms that constitute many genes, their interaction, and also environmental conditions. In some cases, these mutations can be heritable. However this kind of research is also full of criticism as the sampling of people and statistical measurements can give bias to the conclusion of the research itself.

Despite the bias criticism,molecularly, homosexuality as sexual orientation is like cancer (no negative metaphor is intended). Although a person has the mutations that can give cancer, the person can have the cancer or even not. Why? Environment can be the trigger for the inactive mutations to be active and give raise to the create cancer. The same can happen to people with some ‘homosexually’ genetic mutations; it could make the person homosexual and also not – in some cases depending on environment (as mentioned below).

On the other hand, personal social aspects of an individual also play a great role in determining sexual preference. Based on my study, there are nine aspects which happen pre-puberty and during the puberty:
1. Homosexual sexual activities experience from pedophiles/other homosexuals or personal curiosity which later on give addiction
2 . (Over-bearing) mothers who have more roles in family than fathers (for gays)
3. Over-discipline fathers create hatred and distances to their sons and they loose the figure of man while women figure is over-fulfilled with their mothers therefore they see for the figure from their surroundings (for gays).
4. Parents who want girls rather than boys therefore treat their sons as girls (for gays and vice versa for lesbians)
5. Bully from peer group due to dislikes in sports or boyish activities; mocking as queer can unconsciously make the personality (for gay and vice versa for lesbians)
6. Exposure to homosexual porn in early phase of puberty rather than heterosexual porn
7. Strong relationship of best friends in peer group can give attraction the same sex
8. Traumatic experience with opposite sex like resentment or dating refusal
9 Sexual harassment from the same sex
These aspects are strongly emphasizing sexual preference of homosexuality as post-traumatic experience. This type of homosexuals is the one who needs counseling to heal the trauma. The traumas can also affecting many segments of personal life not only sexual preference. If they are real heterosexuals, they hopefully could get back to their natural orientation.

There are also people who make homosexuality as sexual preference due to life style. They find homosexual (sexual) activities are much better than heterosexual activities, possibly due to trend or curious about the ‘queer’ world. They could be said as ‘fake homosexuals”. In most cases, these lead to bisexuality. Once it becomes a trend, it can spread like virus. They are considered dangerous for society by some parties. Human has its function to breed (pro creation) not just recreation. Well, I gues with in-vitro fertilization, gay couple can also have offsprings.

Homosexuality as life style is something that we need to clearly differentiate with sexual orientation. Personally, I see most them as ‘fake’ homosexuals since they are creating niche that in some way brings negative effects to the social acceptance and society point of view towards ‘real’ homosexuals like polygamous relationships, unsafe sex and spreading the AIDS threat.

When it comes to ethics, homosexuality as sexual orientation is quite complex. People should define what is ‘normal’ and ‘abnormality’ in sexual orientation. If someone thinks that being homosexual is abnormal then any explanations of ‘normality’ in homosexuality would be always wrong. I think being different from majority does not mean it is ‘abnormal’. Sometimes, we need to see issues from both sides. Heterosexuals should see that homosexuals are also like them. It is only a matter of like-dislikes. Some people like coffee and some don’t.

If there are parents or any future-parents who read this, I wish that you do not/will not exile your children if they are homosexuals. Genetic is something that comes from nature and human being cannot interfere with. I do not think that it is fair also for some religious people saying that they are sinful. If a person were born with genetically schizophrenia, will it make him/her sinful? It does not come to people who make the judgment but God Himself who make the judgment. What they need is only acceptance from their family and friends. They are already tortured by guilt and secrecy that they have been keeping all along. I would recommend 'Prayers for Bobby' http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prayers_for_Bobby for further enlightment.

I hope this short article can be an eye-opener for some people who are confused with this issue. Homosexuals or not, they are human being who need respects and tolerance – not judgment. But, hey – again – the decision is in ourselves where we want to put ourselves in this matter.

What do you think? Do you think you agree? I, personally, agree 100%. We should invite the author for our 'Thursday Oprah-session in Starbucks'. The problem that we have in the society which is rather religious is the prejudice. People can so suddenly 'judge' that this-and-that are wrong. The world is black-and-white for them. Sometimes I wonder whether they see themselves as gods/goddesses! RAGE

Get back to me soon. Can't wait to hear from you!

Best wishes,

Joshua

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