Apart from four places I approached, out of over 20 I have attended and sung in, I have never been given a bad time by any genuine "folkie". Initially I got some stares and some sniggers, from a very limited few, but these have been cast into a very deep shadow from the light that shone from so many others. Generally I have been treated totally ordinarily and with no favour - just as it should be - and my life has only been made richer by being involved in folk music. I have known the depths of some sad people's sad minds, concommittant with the beauty that is in most others hearts.

Among your membership are several who have chatted to me in total gentlemanly and female ways. Not an ounce of prurience or disdain in anything they asked. And total confidentiality. Not one of them has 'dropped me in it' on threads ever. Several have met me. Some have sung with me regularly. It is all very normal.

The men have never shown concern, some knowing I am actually gay anyway, because our lives hve been eith music and not sex. I know so many lovely men and women on the folk scene and that is why, on seeing this thread, I said my thanks,

Its easy to hate and ridicule. It's not easy to stand up in the face of it and support those suffering from it. That is true bravery in my eyes and I am gratefully acknowledging it.

Some may now inevitably change thier minds about me as a contributor. I accept that every working day of my life. But nothing snd no-one can detract from the many good people on here and on the scene that live and let love, sing with no sting and who dare to care :)