So I guess we're official. Milwaukee's liberal paper, The Shepherd Express, has mentioned us via their sex columnist on SexPress. I hope this brings about good tidings for the group, the community, and the city. I hope it shows people that we're more open than people believe; I also hope it allows others interested in poly or involved in poly to come forward and be a part of the community.
Recently, Nyla, Elle, and I met with some new, young, poly friends. Betty and Dan (not their real names) were very inquisitive, open-minded, and sweet. We've not really had much experience with the younger poly crowd, as people in our age bracket seem to be insecure about their own position in the world and in the community. Dan said something to us that I think rings true for a lot of those interested in poly or just starting out. "Is this normal? I mean, is what we're doing - what we're going through - normal?" Polyamory, in short, is not normal; or, rather, it's not the accepted norm. However, there are some situations that are normal for a poly relationship. So I replied with "Yes. You're still normal."
I think it's important for those just starting out in a poly relationship to have others to speak with who treat their relationship like it's normal. It makes it easier for people to accept, I think. If you keep it secret, then it seems like you're hiding something or that you're ashamed of it. Nyla, Elle, and I have been very open about things for the past year to most people who are regulars in our life. To them, our relationship is uncommon and unknown, but it's not strange, and they don't look at us with distaste. That, I think, is important. I also believe that having a community like the one we're building, will slowly and steadily bring about more and more knowledge and exposure to polyamory and thus allow people to be more and more accepting of it.
So thanks, Laura, for the kind exposure to us and our way of life. Thank you, more so, for allowing us the use of your space because it means a lot to have people as open-minded and kind to turn to. I think I speak for everyone in the family when I say "Welcome" to everyone who - I hope - will become part of our community.