Greetings to everyone. I have been invited into this group to participate in the ongoing discussion; as well as to outline my own particular ideas on the topic and associated topics. Though I do have some misgivings about the need and motivations of starting a gay nation, I do strongly believe that gay people need to keep in mind that although it's extremely important we pursue integration with heterosexuals, it's equally important that we pursue integration with ourselves. It is this sentiment which has led me to the idea I outline below.
The Rationale:
As gay people, there are more issues facing us than improving relations with the heterosexual majority. That is a worthy and necessary goal; but at least as important is the further development of ourselves as individuals, and as a people. This will not be brought about solely by the attainment of equal civil rights. It will require energy and initiative, and the ability to focus on and address the issue on its own terms.
If we, as gay people, hope to develop ourselves to our full potential, we must first recognize that there are three dimensions to sexuality identity: the sexual, the social, and the cultural. It's the intermeshing of these elements which brings a three-dimensional structure to life. The sexual aspect provides the furnace; it's the driving force, the engine. The social aspect is the community and family organization; how we as a people interact. And the cultural aspect incorporates the arts and entertainment; it's the civilizing force, the creative and intellectual exploration of oneself and one's people. If heterosexuality seems to some a deeper sexuality it's simply because it has a more developed identity. Its social and cultural dimensions, in particular, are far more developed than they are in homosexuality. Homosexuality is in no way inferior, it's simply less developed. The good news about this, of course, is that it can be easily altered by further development; consequently, it is the greater development of these social and cultural dimensions which will bring us to our full potential.
It is with the intention of achieving this goal as quickly and effectively as possible, that I propose the startup of developmental colonies.
The Definition:
Now I realize that the term colony often triggers a pre-conceived notion in many people's heads; and frequently it bears little resemblance to what it is I'm suggesting. Therefore, it's important that I clarify exactly what I mean by the term.
The colonies I'm proposing would not be isolated communities; they would be non-gated, open-bordered, integrated communities whose corporate element would promote gay social and cultural development - both inside the colony and out. By social development I mean the promotion and encouragement of gay marriage, family, and community. By cultural development I mean the seeking out of gay talent in the artistic and entertainment fields. Once found, these individuals would be nurtured and promoted, so that they might more easily find an audience, and their audience more easily find them. This would not only help gay creators make a living from their creativity, but hopefully assist them as well in expanding into the mainstream culture.
These colonies would not be exclusively gay. They couldn't be, even if this were desired. With an increasing amount of gay people having children any such policy would create endless problems and conflicts, especially as these kids became teenagers and began dating. A ban on heterosexuals would most certainly drive gay parents away, ultimately dooming a colony to either failure or insignificance. Straight adults, supportive of the cause, may choose to live on-colony as well. Though the bulk of the inhabitants might, no doubt, be non-heterosexual, these straight allies would be most gratefully welcome. No colonists would be mistreated. No colonist would be discriminated against. All colonists would be allowed to stay unless they proved disruptive to the community. All colonists would be eligible to hold any community office; including political.
These colonies, though run as much as possible by the inhabitants themselves, would still be subject to surrounding local, state and federal laws and regulations. The formation of these colonies in no way should be interpreted as an attempt to secede, withdraw or disregard any state or nation in which they are established. They are not sovereign nations, but private communities. Their purpose is peaceful, meant to promote a positive social change. Any authority they have would be based on the legal position that they exist on privately-owned property. As such they will pass their own rules and regulations provided these directives do not conflict with any local, state or federal statutes.
These colonies would have open borders. They would be communities, not prisons. Inhabitants would be free to travel on-colony and off any time they wished to. Anyone would be welcome to visit. A security force would be on hand to ensure order. Most colonists would probably still travel off-colony to work, and certainly all would go off-colony to visit or travel. It's hoped off-colony folks would want to visit on-colony as well, and perhaps more than a few of them choose to work there. Tourism might prove to be one of the colonies' most lucrative businesses. All cultural, social and economic ties would remain between on-colony and off-colony communities. These colonies are meant to expand the human experience, not to limit it. It's hoped that, in time, these colonies will have become so integrated into the social fabric that crossing a colony border will be of no more consequence or complication than traveling from one town to the next.
The Formation:
As far as how these colonies would be formed, there are probably countless ways of doing it. The following is one possible way.
In order for any colony to start, land will have to be purchased; and in order for land to be purchased, money will have to be raised. This necessitates that some sort of legal organization be put into place not only to collect and allocate the money, but to plan the overall strategy.
I suggest that a non-profit corporation be started. In most states in the U.S., three people are all that's required to start a corporation. Therefore, it can be up and running in a relatively short time. Also, by being non-profit, not only may the corporation be eligible for tax-exempt status; it will help assure that its mission not be undermined by any pressure from stockholders.
Once formed, the corporation would get to work spreading the idea of developmental colonies. New members would be recruited. Money would be raised through a combination of membership dues, donations, and fund-raising events. When enough was collected, and a proper location had been settled upon, land would be purchased.
A portion of this land would be either resold or leased to private owners and entrepreneurs. This will allow these portions of the colony to be used for the development of private homes, apartments, businesses, ect. Anyone of any sexuality will be allowed to purchase or lease these lots. The remainder of the colony will be retained by the corporation; and it will be this corporate element which will put in place the venues to promote gay social and cultural development. These would include movie theaters, performing arts centers, music halls, bookstores, art galleries, universities, recording studios, perhaps even local television networks and radio stations - all geared, primarily, towards promoting gay culture. Independently-run entertainment venues would be free to start up as well - and most likely would, offering colonists further variety. But it would be the corporation-owned venues which would be fixed on the colony's core purpose; and it would be these venues, and others, which would attract gay and bisexual people to the colony. And as the colony grew, as more people moved there, the free and open social atmosphere would become an additional attraction in itself. In this way, the colony would be able to achieve its desired purpose without having to place any discriminatory quotas or conditions on its citizens.
In addition to the above, the corporation would most likely retain control over public infrastructure areas: such as parks, roads, schools, water supply, electricity, etc. Though responsible for oversight of all these areas, the corporation's Board of Directors, and various officers, would leave much of the running of the colony to the colony itself. This would necessitate the need for some form of colony legislative body, democratically elected, which would handle much of the day-to-day operations of the community; though they'd still be required to remain within the overall guidelines set by the Board. By leaving such local matters to the individual colonies, the higher-ups in the corporation would be free to focus on the larger view - such as formulating ongoing strategy and acquiring land for additional colonies.
All of this, of course, is just a brief outline of how events might proceed. Countless details would need to be added. But it's sufficient to show the overall concept. A project such as this would allow gay people to remain integrated while simultaneously developing ourselves into an increasingly vibrant and confident people. It will allow us to participate in the world in a much more significant and visible manner. And through the startup of these colonies, perhaps throughout the world, we would be fundamentally improving the living conditions of gay people everywhere - whether they lived on-colony or off.
This is the potential these colonies offer.
If this topic is of interest to you, you might be interested in my book "Colonies & Super-Familes: A Vision For Gay Civilization;" which covers the topic in much more detail. You may purchase a copy, or view the entire text online for free, at my website: neondolphin.org
Thank you.
Jeff