OurPath (formerly SSN) Open Forum / Amazing changes coming to SSN

**Posted by Sam (Admin)** September 9, 2021 5:34 pm

Having been in all the discussions over the past 2 years, there are many reasons why the name change and rebranding was needed. One of the major reasons was anti-gay groups organizing "Straight Pride" marches. This gave the impression that SSN was an anti-gay organization and was hurting outreach and fundraising. I had many mixed feelings about the name change but came to the conclusion it was necessary. We're still the same organization.

**Posted by Lynne** September 9, 2021 8:02 pm

delete

Last edited by Lynne (July 15, 2022 6:28 pm)

**Posted by Lyla** September 9, 2021 8:35 pm

Lynne wrote:
Sam, Would it be possible to remove "Partners of Trans People" from the paragraph under the new logo?. We are straight.

This was a bit perplexing to me at first, too...but "partners of trans people" aren't necessarily straight....Ellen (now Elliot) Page's ex-wife, for example.

**Posted by Kel** September 9, 2021 9:29 pm

We’re not implying that Partners of Trans People aren’t also Straight Partners. If that’s the term you feel best represents you, then use that term. We were told by many Partners of Trans People that they didn’t feel the term Straight Partner resonated with them, or accurately represented them. They have many names for themselves - Cis Spouses, Trans Widows, Non-Trans Partners, Partners of Trans People, etc. After much discussion, we decided to use the term Partners of Trans People. We wanted to make everyone feel welcome. It is not our intention to offend or tell anyone that they’re not a Straight Partner, or prescribe to them how they need to identify themselves.

**Posted by Lynne** September 10, 2021 8:42 am

deleted

Last edited by Lynne (April 1, 2022 1:07 pm)

**Posted by Ordinary guy** September 10, 2021 12:32 pm

Would heterosexual not cover all? As in the heterosexual partner of an LGBTQA+ person. I mean, I know exactly where I am with a heterosexual identity. That is pretty firm and safe ground, anything else is non-heterosexual. The semantic issues may be in the use of the term straight over the use of heterosexual. I have always thought that the use of the term “straight” comes with negative connotations inferring someone who isn’t is in fact “bent”.

**Posted by Ordinary guy** September 10, 2021 12:39 pm

Sam (Admin) wrote:
Having been in all the discussions over the past 2 years, there are many reasons why the name change and rebranding was needed. One of the major reasons was anti-gay groups organizing "Straight Pride" marches. This gave the impression that SSN was an anti-gay organization and was hurting outreach and fundraising. I had many mixed feelings about the name change but came to the conclusion it was necessary. We're still the same organization.

This is understandable in the circumstances.

**Posted by lily** September 10, 2021 1:24 pm

re the anti-gay straight pride marches - please don't tell me that means we can't call ourselves straight any more without being considered anti gay!

I have never seen anything homophobic here, to the contrary and I am wondering what you mean Sam, when you talk about an adverse affect?

OG, just read your posts - heterosexual has how many syllables in it? inevitably it gets shortened to hetero and for some reason that gets conflated with masculine and I'd rather defend the term straight, I do take your point that bent might not be considered as good but it's gay and straight that are the terms that have been used routinely. Mind you there's a lot of in denial people who insist on calling themselves straight so maybe I should learn to use more syllables. That would make this the heterosexual network - doesn't sound right does it...

Last edited by lily (September 10, 2021 1:34 pm)

**Posted by Sam (Admin)** September 10, 2021 3:40 pm

Lily,
As an organization, we have never condoned or permitted homophobia or gay bashing in any of our public or private online venues or affiliated local meetings or gatherings. It is a matter of perception by others who might otherwise fund us or refer those in our situation to us. I don't like that the term has been co-opted by bigots, and still refer to myself as "straight". Even though I divorced in 2002 and my ex died in 2012, I will always be a "straight spouse" although that is no longer a source of pain. I moderate this board to help those for whom that situation is still a big part of their lives. No matter what we call ourselves, the need hasn't changed and our mission hasn't changed.

**Posted by lily** September 10, 2021 5:14 pm

Hi Sam,

I understand it is about perception - my question is more who is having an incorrect perception due to name, who is not referring people here and how does that even work - who refers people here at all?

if we are being rebranded to join a group then why does that have to happen at the expense of the direct route via google and the term straight spouse. When it was my turn to seek information online I wrote my question into the box - why do straight women marry gay men and the forum for the straight spouses network came up first - which I am so grateful for.