Micron, I don't exactly follow your logic stream in your example. Especially the jump to "not proper".....

BUT, the bottom line is this. You and I actually are in agreement on the essence of this discussion (along with Azflutist, and probably most everyone else actively reading this discussion).

Most of us wish there wasn't a display of negative behavior against anyone who doesn't deserve it. It unfortunately happens, and yes we all should be working on abolishing that.

We need more tolerance all around. It is not just a straight vs g-a-y issue. There are many victims of intolerance. Each one of us should honestly take stock of our own intolerances (and we each have them) and work on abolishing from within.

You are so right micron. Here in this whole discussion, I think it has become clear, that we are totally in agreement with one another. This was only a conversation of clarification and then we both enlightened the audience out there with other specifics about male flute players. I used the word "normal" here delibertly against societies meaning to show just how bad a misunderstanding can become. People in the midwest (and probably other places as well) misunderstand that a male flute player may play the flute for no other reason than they like it. It has no other meaning, significance and should not be thought about that way, and people like me are nipping this in the bud here and now. Intolerance is something we all need to practice. Still, I get angry when people think this way. As an adult, I try to inform or correct, but if they are going to think that way I can't stop them. All I can do is provide them with what I believe is the correct information.

I am glad this has been discussed in detail, for me it is probably one of the most important things I have delt with in my entire life. I have always idolized certain male flute players because then I could say, see he is straight, and he plays flute, and he rocks! (Jethro Tull, Ian Anderson is one example) I can't believe there even has to be a discussion about whether you are straight or not. It doesn't matter. You are no better or worse in either case. This discussion for me has never been a discussion on that issue at all. I have only been discussin why a kid growing up in the heartland of America is called names and some people still in the back of their minds think playing the flute is in some way saying something about their persuasion or orientation. Nothing could be a bigger lie! I can't let this one drop today or yesterday, because like I said, I was really taken down hard by my fellow classmates for years and years. By making 1st chair and doing it well, they only got meaner. None of this of course has anything to my orientation. It just became a point in which my enemies (I had plenty of them!) could somehow bring me down. They failed and I won! I have to believe there are other boy or male flutist who still suffer this indignation.

Thanks for putting up with me people, I usually let things go pretty fast, but this is one thing I will be fighting on, and talking about forever!


<Added>

Micron, I have not seen you say you agree with me here! hehe

Somehow, even though I said it earlier I get the impression that you might think I consider being called g@y a negative thing and in that process I have lowered what g@y people are. I said in my 2nd post, that I think no one likes to be called something they are not. I would not like to be called the world's greatest flutist either. Why? Because I am no where near that point. It would be calling me something I am not. It might be just as bad an insult, maybe worse even!

So, come one....say it....just say it...you agree with me. :)

(I hope everyone knows that I like Micron, and we are NOT enemies at all!)

Well, if you like Micron then sorry, you can't be in my cabinet. haha!

geez i don't check this for three days and it get's filled. but what's the chepaest cruddiest thing i can get away with playing. and how much

You can't really get away with playing anything cruddy, sorry. Is something under $100 affordable to you? I have a fltue for that, if you want it. It is not cruddy either

You don't want a cheap, cruddy horn. You want a student model that's built at least decently well, and is in good condition. Used flutes might be a good way to go if you're concerned with budget, but expect them to need a bit of work by a repair tech to put it back in shape (though many new flutes need a bit of setup too). Any flute from a reputable maker should be fine for your needs. I would keep an eye out for flutes from these brands:

Yamaha
Gemeinhardt
Emerson
Jupiter
Trevor James
Pearl

You should also get yourself a teacher. Aside from helping you develop your playing, they'll ensure that you don't form bad habits with your playing that can lead to serious injuries like TMJ, carpal tunnel, or RSI's. Even if you can't afford to stick with lessons, take a few at the beginning to be sure you have the basics down correctly.

I have been impeached by Kara!!! WAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!

bump

The flute knows no gender. Many accomplished flutists are male and are NOT g-a-y. In fact, the majority of them are not --- they're family guys with children.

Pay no attention to slanders from those whom would call you g-a-y --- because they're stupid jocks who only know how to throw a football.

BE yourself, and play the damned flute.

Jim Millen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crfrKqFp0Zg

Not Gay.



There are some really neat things that you can do with a flute and more modern music.

yes Kara i would like it give me more info at my email gengar777@hotmail.com