new thread
Hey guys,
I'm working on editing a book project regarding the varied experiences of being a long-haired male in today's society, and am about to begin the process of conducting interviews. Of course, ALL of my friends from this excellent community are invited to participate. If you'd be interested in conducting an interview via email, please let me know. Click my "highlighted" name, above, to email me a notification of your interest. After the interview process is complete, the "photo phase" begins, and I'll be looking for interested contributors for that, as well!
Thanks in advance,
--Val
Wow, I'm amazed and humbled by the wonderfully enthusiastic responses I've already received. Keep 'em coming, guys! We are, each of us, bearing a torch of courage and individualism that will usher in a brighter world for future generations to enjoy the FREEDOM to express themselves with authenticity and integrity. It is my sincerest hope that this project will be of some help in that regard.
Thanks again,
Val
Sorry but I tried to use the link in your name but it said I had an e-mail error and was only for "regular" users. So I have to do it this way.
Long hair and Homosexuality
Not sure if you have received something from this topic, but I have found it very interesting growing out my hair within this people group/sub culture. The few homosexual men who do decide to grow their hair out often get double stigma. Both of these stigmas stem from the desire to fit in the mold that society creates for us, and those who decide to do otherwise are then branded the outsider. Within homosexuality it can be even worse do to a high emphasis on looks and appearance, not saying that heterosexuality shies away from an over emphasis on the physical. I have had one complement on my hair from a homosexual man, and was quite taken aback that he had said a positive remark. Most homosexuals try to pride themselves on being different, and someone who can stand out within a crowd. However, go to West Hollywood or any other city with a high population of homosexuals and the trendy/preppy look tends to be the majority. The other focus comes down to the jock/athletic look, and falling outside of those two groups often times puts you in a minority within the minority. Long hair is seen as feminine, and the typical comment to that is “if I wanted to date a girl I would go and do so.” You know to be honest after writing this it doesn’t seem too different from what I am assuming a heterosexual male goes through. However being within a minority and then being put into another minority further pronounces the difficulty of having long hair.
Ziggystardust
Ziggy!, I share some of you views on Long Hair in the Gay community. Yes there is predominately among the young gay male a feeling of needing to belong. this was seen decades ago in the Vaunted "Castro Clone" look. Which I admit to using, with one exception, I kept my hair long. Not as long as I am now gorwing it. But long in relation to the "accepted' styles of the time. I am a 60 year old gay male. A year and a half ago, I decided I wanted to return to my "roots" as it were and let my hair grow to lengths it hadn't been since the 70s. I got the expected chiding form friends. When asked, Why are you letting your hasir grow so long ,I answered, "Because I can" a few friends who are follically challenged were visibly stung by this and have remained silent since. One once grabbed my tail and said it would be easy to snip it off. To which I said, in all seriousness, "'Twould be a shame for that to be your last act" Again. No more tail games. Humans, for all the lip service about "free will" are heard animals anything different is unsettling. I find it educational, be I student, or teacher.
Thank you (and Ziggy, too) for sharing your perspectives regarding the experience of being placed in a "double minority," so to speak.
I should probably state at the outset that this work will not place any specific emphasis on sexual orientation. However, I am interested in gathering and sharing the stories of a wide variety of longhaired males, from many different walks of life, and feel the perspectives of men like yourselves would help add an interesting and important dimension to the discussion. Stories regarding the significance of hair length in terms of its impact relative to one's race, religion, professional field, interpersonal relationships, etc., will all help this work become as interesting and universally relevant as possible.
Again, PLEASE send a notice of your interest in participation to my email by clicking on my "highlighted" name, above. I won't be conducting interviews on this board, but via personal email.
Thanks again,
Val
Hi!
I am interested if it's not too late - but when I tried sending an email, I twice got an error message.
Good luck with the project!