This week  WVQN chats with the founder of a new and very exciting social group for gay and gay-friendly people who have a bigger social appetite than just the nightclub scene.

Meet Roger, founder of “We’re OK in Charleston”.

WVQN:  Tell us a little about your group.

Roger:   “We’re Ok in Charleston”  My hope for our group is for people to have the opportunity for informal social gatherings in Charleston, and around the area… to socialize with others in a variety of activities outside the bar setting. No, there is nothing wrong with going to the bars, but, sometimes having something to do that takes place during the early evenings or on the weekends will help give people a place to “FIT” and build a community of fellowship for all.

WVQN:  How did you get the idea and where did the name come from?  

Roger:  Well, you have to listen to the song “We’re OK” by Levi Kreis for the answer to both these questions.  This performer was from a fundamentalist Baptist family facing many issues common for many gay people before coming out and then beginning his performing career.  When I first heard the lyrics to the his song “We’re OK” it truly touched me - WE ARE OK - we have always been - always will be!  One line from the song, “…beliefs do what they’re made to do, dividing those with different views, but I believe love is big enough to cross the great divide.  I’m trying to build this bridge and close the distance before Time gets away.  …and I like thinking Maybe we’re okay.”  Wow, powerful stuff!  It touched me, made me realize it is time to build bridges!  I do feel a NAME CHANGE WILL take place - with so many joining our group from outside the Charleston area, and even outside WV, we will become, simply, “We’re OK!”  this will be more representative of ALL our  group members.  (a link to the video by Levi Kreis  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3HZBDfN9kw).

WVQN:  Who makes up the group?  

Roger:  Our group flyer states the following:  ”for gays and their friends looking for a place to fit.”  We are both male & female, gay & straight, singles & couples… members of all ages from 20 - 60+   Our membership is open to anyone 18 and over that are gay and gay-friendly.

WVQN:  How successful has the participation been to date? 

Roger:  Wow!  I came up with the idea late September, and we now have over 60 people on our contact list this is proof to me that there is a need for something like this for our community.

WVQN:  What events are coming up in the near future? 

Roger:  We have three events scheduled for December.  After a bowling outing (yes, I scored a 300 game!) and a picnic in late October, now on our agenda is a trip to the Tri-state Gaming Center in Cross Lanes, a holiday dinner for ALL at Hibachi in Charleston, and we also have an invitation being extended from one of our members for an “after the regular family“ Christmas gathering - a get together with our NEW FAMILY of friends the evening of Dec. 25.  Other upcoming events in the planning stages in the short term include: a visit to a comedy club, the possibility for a game night - maybe a movie twice a month - these decisions will be made by the members of our group.  The possibilities are endless.

WVQN:  What are the long term goals for the group and for yourself?

Roger:  The group?  This is not “my” group, so it will become what the members want and make it.  I simply saw a need and came up with the idea.  I have had a great deal of assistance and support from several in getting things organized here in the early stages - special thanks out to Jeremy, Joel, Pam, and Steven (and quite a few others) for their initial support!

For myself?  I hope to develop lasting friendships with people that truly know who they are - know who I am - and are OK with that!  Hey, the song does say “WE’RE OK” .

WVQN:   What would be some of the positive benefits of joining a social group such as this one?

Roger:  I see the primary benefit of something such as this - simply put - having a place where friendships can develop.  Bonding with like-minded people helps us all realize we are NOT the only one out there - it is OK to BE who we are, and we should be proud of that!

WVQN:  Tell us about your personal experience with the group.  How have you grown from your association with this group?

Roger:  We are new on the scene - just started compiling our contact list late September of this year.  I would have to say that my continued understanding and acceptance of myself has only grown stronger when I receive so many requests from others that seem to have similar ideas about what would be good for all of us.  Our world is changing - one person at a time, even here in West Virginia (and all places close).

WVQN:  How would one join?

Roger:   Simply send an email to me at:  RogerWVa@yahoo.com and I will send out the info on what is required to become a member.  This membership is simple - but we do feel it is important to know who is requesting membership-  i.e. email - first names, location, etc. I feel the need to protect our members from those that would want to bring harm to anyone, whether that be anonymous gay bashers or those in the gay community that simply wish to cause problems.

WVQN:  Tell a little about the diversity of the members within the group.

Roger:  As I said earlier, our membership at this point has members ranging in age from 20 to 60+, gays and straight, male and female, what more can I say!

WVQN:  What was your number one goal in starting the group?

Roger:  My hope was to give people a place to “fit” …to “belong” - to feel truly comfortable with being who they are, and enjoying the fellowship with others out there in the real world.

WVQN:  How has it exceeded your expectations?

Roger:   I never expected the response that I have received!  I was hoping that maybe there were 20 or so out there in the world that felt as I did, and now we have a contact list with over 60 and the number grows daily!  Wow!  Comments from members… “THIS IS EXACTLY what we have been looking for – now we have it!”

WVQN:  Anything else you would like to add? Contact info….Website, etc?

Roger:  We do have a Yahoo website - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/OknCharlestonWV/    Once members have made contact with me by email and have been added to our mailing list - it is important that they then join our website, so that we can share with one another what is happening with our group.  All members are encouraged to take it upon themselves to plan activities for our group - both whole group and small setting.  The website does have several files that allow for organization, surveys, pictures, etc., and this will grow as member make suggestions and come on board and help us build this new community.

WVQN:  Thank you for taking time to share this information about “We’re OK in Charleston”  with our readers.  Good luck to you and the members! Roger:  Thank you for the opportunity to share a bit about being a part of “WE’RE OK!” 

Interviewed by Jim

Lawsonwebcowboy42@aol.com