Page 318 - ILIAS ATHANASIADIS AKA RO1

G = Generosity

Will you assume that my intentions are good—and when you’re not sure, will you

check it out with me? Can we make generous assumptions and interpretations of
ourselves and others in terms of words, behaviors and actions?

Trust is an important and tender aspect of all relationships because it requires us

to choose to be vulnerable and courageous.

When we have learned to distrust someone, it’s usually because we’ve come to
understand that what we share with them or what’s important to us is not safe

with that person.

You can learn more about trust by signing up with Courage Works and taking a
free online class called The Anatomy of Trust which includes videos featuring

Brené Brown, activities, worksheets and a downloadable poster that features
information about BRAVING.

Grindr is affecting gay men’s mental health

When I open the Grindr app on my smartphone, I see there’s a 26-year-old man
with tanned abs just 200 feet away. He’s called “looking4now,” and his profile

explains that he wants sex at his place as soon as possible.

Scrolling down, I find 100 similar profiles within a one-mile radius of my
apartment in Boston. I can filter them by body type, sexual position (top, bottom,

or versatile), and HIV status.

As a gay psychiatrist who studies gender and sexuality, I’m thrilled with the huge
strides we’ve made over the past decade to bring gay relationships into the

mainstream.

The Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage is a constitutional right. Today
in Boston, two men can walk down the street holding hands without consequence.

But I’m worried by the rise of the underground digital bathhouse. Apps like

Grindr, with 3 million daily active users, and others like Scruff and Jack’d, are
designed to help gay men solicit sex, often anonymously, online.