The gift of living gay: Karen McCrocklin at TEDxTurtleCreekWomen
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 ธ.ค. 2013
- Karen McCrocklin is on a mission to celebrate the gift of being gay.
As a storyteller, writer and radio host, she is committed to changing the narrative to include the idea that LGBT people are here to elevate the collective consciousness and teach us about how we are more alike than we are different. Karen also believes that being born a lesbian is the best thing that could have ever happened to her.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)
I agree with her. Being part of a marginalized group gives you a sense of sensitivity and compassion.
it also builds strength and resilience.
Jay Howard Or other times just PTSD
Karen, let me tell you that this video, your energy and the passion you feel when you talk about being gay, somehow got under my skin, move through my cells and reached to my confidence and gave me the extra fuel that I needed to 'come out'.Thank you very much for inspiring this young Venezuelan guy. Have a great life (I know you will)!!
congratulations duuude🏳️🌈😌
Thank you, Karen, for that Talk. I'm the T in GLBT, and I thought for the longest time I lived as authentic as possible - until I came out as trans and started transitioning. It felt as if a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders, and I felt so much better.
I used to think that I was supposed to have been born in another time in history, but after realising what I can and will do for the world: make change, peace and other beautiful things, as part of the LGBTQ+ community, I wouldn't change a thing and like Karen, I too am incredibly proud and incredibly grateful to be alive at this time. peace x
Pride comes before a fall. Look at Lucifer...he was proud and what happened to him?
I am lucky in that I did have gay relatives. In fact, I am the forth generation gay person in my extended family. My biggest problem in self-acceptance was that I was the only person in my Jewish family who had become a Christian, and it was my Christian "family" that I knew would not be accepting. It finally came to a point where I could not deny it any more. Although none of my friends turned away, and many have been very accepting, I could no longer be a deacon or on the board. I know that there are churches that are open and accepting, many have some very different doctrines than what I believe. But I feel better being out and proud than I did denying my sexual self.
I am gay all night and day and god made me this way! God don't make junk. Love you Karen!
+Jd Wright
oh boy. one of YOU idiots who use the bible as scientific evidence.
look, buddy, im fine with you believing in what you want to believe in, but friend buddy pal chum, you need to not use it as evidence to your claims, because not everone believes in what you believe.
rubish,no one was ever made that way,you are being fooled and you have become so
@@partogb8103 thats what the stone of subjective comparison says
Wow, what she says is so true. I'm happy to be gay and wouldn't want it any other way.
@chow tt what?
Your happiness will be short-lived, I`m afraid. Judgement Day will come sooner or later, so you better start reading the Bible and turning from your sin
@@earlaweese I have, hence my comment
I don't know how people can leave hate comments after listening to this speech:(
Guess that's just how the world works(sigh)
But hopefully in the future being gay will be just as normal as being straight,and not twisted or "turned by satan":)
Here's to world peace!
they're just angry because they know they're wrong. lol!! who cares. Haters gonna hate, never going to change that.....
They heard the words but didn't listen to the message.
Seriously one of the best Ted Talks I've heard! Come to Scotland Karen
This actually motivated me so much. Thanks, Karen.
I am 17 and so glad to be gay! Go us!
AcousticAnthony Snap! xx
Sure go you but remember that your sexuality doesn't determine who you are as a 100% People should be judged as individuals not as what sexuality they have. People have said to me "what do you think of gay people?" And I said "I don't know I have to meet them personally each one and see how they are as individuals"
AcousticAnthony why would you be GLAD? it sounds like ur using ur sexual orientation to define itself and to set u apart from others. how wud u feel if I said "Wow, I'm so glad I'm straight!" ?
There's nothing wrong with being yourself/ being happy & belittling someone who is not a thing that you are.
AcousticAnthony Well.. me too. and i do agree with everyone who commented on this.. being gay doesn't define who you are. but for me I'm glad to be gay because it somehow makes me feel I'm something special. not to others but to me and thats important. also finding out i am what i am made me so damn confident. being gay or at least realising i am made me do things i would've never done if i still thought i were straight. because for me finding out being something else than straight is something, of course at first hard and maybe even painful thing, but on the other hand something beautiful to find out because you get to know yourself better and you get way accepting for the world. only if you accept at first of course. i for myself did. and that's why I'm glad that I'm gay :) (sry in case something's wrong with my grammar, I'm no native English speaker 😅)
Fantastic talk, Karen!! Loved it. We are all a gift.
how does this only have 49,000 views.
The gift of this now being on TH-cam is that I can share the link and share ideas with my Delaware community and my students. So thank you. Honesty is the best education.
As a lesbian and a woman with disabilities, i felt the pressure lift when i realised that someone looking at me for a long time was doing so for one of two reasons- either because i havean obvious disability or my being lesbian- their confusion brought me a sense of freedom. I'm out loud and proud and i embrace who i am- and it no longer bothers me when i am mistaken as a man.
Chrisfitz ChrisFitz good on you I'm autistic adhd and a lesbian and I couldn't give a shit what anyone else thinks about it
People like you make the world a beautiful place! :) Keep being you and always remember to seek only happiness.
Very nice talk Karen, love your/my mission. I'm going to start this new year looking for that point of connection - love. Blessings to you.
One thing i disagree with what she said.She said human rights are always forward, that is not always true people or groups can lose their rights
Amazing logic here, smart woman.
One of the absolute best TEDx talks I’ve heard yet! A real paradigm shifter... Thank you!!!!
the best TED talk i've ever seen!
I loved your talk! You have really inspired me so, thank you very much!
Wow this is so powerful!👏 Karen your energy is contagious, people like you make this planet better plase to live😍💜💛💚💙💞
Super! Thanks for this wonderful speech.
Great talk, I'm a big supporter of the LGBT community so it's inspiring to hear someone talk about this.
Yes.. The best gift!!
I have seen this before and I saw it today again and the message is still soooo important. I love this talk and I hope more people see this.
It was my greatest fear and anxiety and is now my greatest treasure. I would not trade the experience for anything. Figuring out my own orientation and coming to terms with it made me learn so much that I would not have known otherwise. Growing up in a totally straight world and then still having the courage to be what I Am is golden.
This is a good Karen
i dont need to be accepted or celebrated to be happy... i really just dont care.
Part of gay existence is to open the sleeping mass to the rising unconditional love :D ....
This is the first Karen that actually rocks!
She is AMAZING. I want her to be my spirit animal. I lost count of all the true, relatable and awesome things she said. Us lesbians are pretty awesome lol :-)
Thanks Nicole! I'm so glad it resonated with you, And I spit up my drink laughing over the spirit animal thing. :)
Karen McCrocklin. Thank YOU for this talk! It reminds me I have so much to be thankful for because of all the people who've come before me and fight for our rights and our lives, regardless if it was on a large scale or just within their own lives. You inspire me so much. I'm 26 and only came out a year ago, I'm grateful there's strong women like you I can look up to, I want to be strong and proud and happy, like you. And come on, you'd be the coolest spirit animal! ;-)
No, you`re not. You are perverts!
@@strings-n-keys by your logic that would make ALL straight people perverts
OMG I love everything about this and she's spot on. So weird how our experiences including growth are Universal
absolutely wonderful talk! thank you!!!
brilliant real - well spoken
Thanks Karen! Hugs from Chile!
Thank you!
Love and acceptance for every human being
No thanks, some of us have refuse to sink so low as to not having any standards.
@@-Swamp_Donkey- wtf do u want
@@zuk232 A zero tolerance policy towards f****try
I think that I have benefitted from this movement too and I am straight. I am a minority, heavy, average looking lady. I feel very confident because I think in this era society is more accepting of everyone. I can be me and not feel bad about it like I did when I was younger. And by the way, God LOVES.
Arguably the best Karen out there
I agree with her so much!!
all gays need to watch this.
Excellent talk
You go girlfriend. Great talk Thank you.
I Love you for telling your story.
yes!! its a gift ...being bisexual is a gift
I wanna a career on kissing girls like her
Me too bruh!!!!😆
Need this❤
i was disappointed when the viedo was over
I am so glad that you came out and as I said earlier, God loves you a d he accepts true repentance. my love and respect has not changed because you came out. you are still a valued friend and you will always be. evendors when God calls you home - I will. always said that was my best friend.
Karen you awesome!!!!! You go girl!!!!
so good "enola gay" for everybody!
Amen
dang, deep stuff
I love this!
10:10-10:15 ❤️
Wonderful
karen, allow us to handle you the crown! 👑
GAY FOR THE WIN!!!!!! :D :D :D
BRAVO
I liked the talk and the speaker but I am not too sure that we don't go backwards. It seems to me the US has backed off democracy . My country Australia has backed off multiculturalism and have set up off shore concentration camps for refugees .
Yes mam!!!!!
The only Karen I respect
I love this ❤️
What a turntable
I dont feel like its a gift really it feels more like a curse than it does a blessing really its gotten to that point where like i wouldn't actively try to kil myself but if a out of control car where to be barreling toward me im not entirely sure i would move out of the way
the Life you Don't Have :P that's really sad. I hope you're doing better. Praying for your healing.
the life you dont have, watch a video called the throne of Allah mindblowing and you will be mindblown....you wont regret watching it...its a short video but very powerful.
I am like David Hockney, I am thinking that gay people are boring. In the old days you had to do something heroic or noble, some kind of feat like climb Mt Everest. At end of the day we are all the same down the aisles of the supermarket, one's identity it is not in itself nothing worthy for recognition to be sought or praise heaped. We have become a increasing shallow society shown in the symptoms where you can be recognised for doing nothing.
The heart is deceitful.
As a gay, I wonder why we cannot just demand mere equality. I have a special attachment to a careful choice of words, and I cannot understand why we call it "gay *PRIDE*" or why you claim "we are the chosen"; the simple reason is that if a heterosexual did this, he would be labelled homophobic.
If you asked me to describe myself, gayness would probably be the last things I'd say. True that being gay may signal a troublesome youth and hence growth in general. But as you correctly said, society changes and especially in the Western world, unlike your generation, being LGBT is increasingly accepted. Therefore, the idea that is symbolizes strength fades as well - so it is also incorrect (I tell you that for empirical experience) to assume that a young gay today is almost certainly gifted with a deeper and better view of reality.
With this regard I also feel to point out that history does not necessarily proceed from worse to better - that is an old idea. Also, do not take social justice achievements for granted, as they may very well be taken away.
giancarlo pp very well said! it shouldn't be about sexual orientation. There's a thin line and in my opinion it's crossed too often: from 'equal rights' it crosses to 'pride' and feeling special.
giancarlo pp maybe her kinda attitude is also a female thing (go ahead: call me sexist if labelling makes you happy)... where self-acceptance seems to play a bigger and more concious role than with most men... at least that's my experience.
Homosexuals are no better than heterosexuals and heterosexuals are no better than homosexuals. People need to judge people as individuals and not by gender or sexuality etc. I say it because there is this behavior of applauding anybody who says "I'm gay" and they get responses like "you are a role model" "you are an inspiration" why? He is just gay. Sexuality shouldn't give you benefits or applauses only what you contribute to the world sexuality is just that sexuality.
+Enrique Godinez You're right - gay people and straight people are definitely equal. But, there are certain obstacles for LGBTQ folks that are not there for straight/cis people. Straight people don't have to overcome any discrimination pertaining to their sexuality. So LGBTQ people who have overcome those obstacles are showing strength of character. This isn't to say that straight people can't have overcome obstacles, but people find role models in those who have faced similar obstacles to their own. LGBTQ people therefore find inspiration in those that have endured the similar bullying, hate speech, etc. to that which they have faced. It's not about putting gay people above straight people, it's about understanding that those of marginalized sexualities and identities have had to overcome certain setbacks that straight people have not.
Grace Elizabeth
Oh yeah I never said LGBT people don't suffer discrimination but what I meant is that nobody is better than somebody else because of their sexuality. Exactly we should all be treated with the same respect. Glad to see we agree. Hopefully we come soon to a point where it doesn't matter what you are.
Naw man gays are literally the best
william mauck
No.
Shubhra Agarwal
Not all people need to "come out" I've known gay people who never come out and publicly express their homosexuality.
🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈
testing
Yay! I have a purpose!
Just awesome! Now, where's the TEDx lecture on The Gift of Living Hetero? It's great to have intellectual diversity..oh, wait..sorry...forgot this is from america.
Y'all don't need a TED talk. You have 90% of modern media and mythology.
The other 10% are fools.
I know that media and television may present America that way, but as someone born and raised in the Bible Belt of the U.S. I would say that you should open your heart and mind to the lives and perspectives of other people. If you sat down to speak to Americans without clouding your eyes and ears with predisposed hatred and judgment, I bet you would come away from it with a changed opinion of us and others. Which is, of course, also why TED talks like this are so important--increasing representation increases empathy and understanding.
I used to think the exact same way about America and my home town, until I began to think more broadly and try to better understand the way culture and tradition impacts us all. America has problems, and so does the gay community, but using those problems to dismiss or ridicule them is shortsighted and will leave you with a cup and a heart not even half full. This, if you took the time to watch the speaker's talk, is the gift of being gay. Growing up in a place that denied my identity, living with people who would try to fix me or cast me away if they knew I was queer, gave me a window to the rejection experienced by others in my same community. I began to listen to the issues and values of people I would have otherwise dismissed as silly or moronic.
Seeking out stories of people unfamiliar to you, especially when you have already constructed a negative view of them in your mind, is perhaps the most rewarding things you can do. Your world will become colorful and nuanced, creative and impassioned and full of life and hope. There are extraordinary things lying within each person, even Americans (whether they live in the 90% or the 10%), and lesbians, and people who think that both of those communities are unimportant or stupid.
I'm Russian and Orthodox, so america's issues are not ours. We will not sacrifice our culture to western values. We will fight along with our Eastern European Orthodox Brothers and Sisters to prevent american degradation and so will China and Iran. america's days are numbered. Too much compassion results in cultural weakness and self-destruction. We have been a nation for more than 1,000 years, and China over 10,000 years. Little america is too arrogant for its own good. That is our unyielding position and we hold america in derision for its weakness. We are unaffected by your argument.
Gy Bx I, as an American, don't want you to sacrifice your culture? I'm literally an anthropologist--the sacrifice of culture is my nightmare. I want Iran to stay Iran and China to stay China, and most Americans are absolutely on the same side as me. I have friends born and raised in Russia, and friends born and raised in China. My roommate is from China, and she respects my cultural values as I respect hers. We live together seamlessly because we don't deride or base our relationship on stereotypes. I don't personally know anyone from Iran, but I've read all of Persepolis and would love to visit and study more. I respect other people's cultures, utterly.
America isn't "weak." America became a global superpower in the time it took you to shake off Stalin. America has a military larger than every other country's combined. America backed the independence of every single South-and-Central-American nation from colonial powers formally and officially, and gives aid to thousands of countries and people (no, I'm not counting military invasion of any kind in that....I'm not a fan of the Afghani or Iraqi deployments at all).
Also, there have been Americans for thousands of years, too. Somehow, they tend to be forgotten or left off the table, but there are people whose ancestors' ancestors lived on the North American continent. They have multifaceted and incredibly beautiful cultures, too, and are proud of where they're from and the ways they've remained themselves despite colonialism and incredible oppression.
Where do you see me arguing? I'm just encouraging you, and anyone else, to perhaps try something called "empathy" and "kindness." This isn't solely a Western or American value, either. This is a value renowned globally, from Russia to Iran to Bhutan to Myanmar to Argentina to Israel to Japan. It definitely isn't always practiced, but it's something everyone needs to hold more dearly. Even you, and even me, and even the Iraqis and the Chinese and the Canadians.
It really isn't at all an American value, seeing the way the country has often treated--and continues to treat--others. Greed and evil aren't exclusive to any nation or culture, and neither is acceptance or love.
So sad that just 3 years later Donald Trump has been elected.
It's a single way. Heterosexuals understanding the LSBD societies but NOT the opposite
This woman should listen more to her texas friend. That is a woman i would like to hear in a ted talk.
“An idea worth spreading” is so cliche now.
add...
why in the world do you have to say: " being gay is the BEST thing that's ever happened to me"? WHYYY???
its like, before you were gay, you had something missing or, the air was different. The best thing might be to get married, to find a loved one, to find a greatest friend, to give birth to a baby. OK, you can say starting a life with this person (your gay partner) was the best thing that's ever happened to you... why do you have to put the "gay" word there? Why do you have to make it a religion or some sort of hobby group? Frieking makes me angry...
Listen to the fucking talk dude, she explains it. Here, let me give you a direct time to one suck explanation: 10:20
this whole 16 minutes long talk was to explain that, smartass.
2 Peter 3:9-10 NKJV
The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. [10] But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.
I think as you seems to believe in god, you might better let him do his work. Because you as a sinner and a human are not able to it. So how about you just 🤫🤫🤫🤫
what's the point of this talk?
There might be a reall ygood intention behind it.
but will it contribute to more acceptance and tolerance? I think not.
If you're selling your sexual orientation as a lifestyle - like being a punk, or being a hipster - you shouldn't be surprised that other groups in society don't like you, because if you set yourself apart from others - which seems a natural thing for people - then there will be others of other groups or subcultures that don't agree with it. Seems kinda contradictory to me.
all learning by debate etc.........we really need to shut off NASCAR though
A society without morals leads to the collapse
Keep being paranoid to the end, and keep up your hope for you to go saved. From humanity.
@@Ronnymikkonen2686 U don't know much about history do u
The creator is not buying this
"...when my people were the chosen" - boy... that's some rhetoric. So, is being gay elitist now? Am I excluded a s heterosexual? :( :(
Das Piano is literally so embarrassing. It makes me sad
there there...
Chosen event, as in current civil rights movement. Don't cherry pick.
These people are all for tolerance when it pertains to them. However when you have an issue with with perversion, all of a sudden this same tolerance is not applied to us. Parents have to use wisdom and love, just as if I found out a child of mine was a drug addict or pedophile. I would still love them, but not encourage the negative behaviour. The deception of gay marraige hides an open secret that most of their "relationships" are open.
+Ivor Cash LOL wow, so delusional.
+Ivor Cash Do you mean to say: "Don't be intolerant of my intolerance!" "Don't take away my right to take away others' rights." Listen to yourself.
***** The majority of same sex relationships are monogamous?
Are for real? Studies show the average male homosexual has over 100 partners. Gay men always account for the highest rates of HIV
Ivor Cash That study about promiscuity was from 1978, wasn't based on a broad sample base and was before the AIDS epidemic. Recent studies have found that number is far fewer, 3.1 sex partners in the previous 12 months in 1994 compared to 1.8 reported by heterosexual men.
Also, attraction to children and attraction to fully grown adults of the same sex are different things. Pedophilia, regardless of same sex relations, has been qualified as a separate sexual orientation by social scientists because the fact that they're childen is more important than whatever sex they are. Get your facts straight.
+Mystery Sword Studios Please note God loves us all and wants what is productive and beneficial to our lives and people around us. When you lead these types of lifestyles you're settling your self up for a whole set of uneccessary drama and heart ache. I have several cousins who are this way & one of them has already died from aids. The only member of my family who has died at an early age. Every sexual activity is chosen, the though happens, then we can either reject or accept it. Whatever we choose to accept we also choose it's consequences. How many of you know people who've died due to this deadly lifestyle. When I heard a guy talking about bottoming and who's a top and who's a bottom. I had to stop the youtube recording as I felt unclean and sick just listening to it. Sex is meant to be a blessing not a curse.
Total BS!!
lies and more lies...
I love gays, and we have babies as other ladies if we want.