Thank you everyone for your comments, and especially thank most of you for your support. A special thank you to those in the community here who have sent me personal messages of support. I started this thread more for a concern that two comments were posted, not in the spirit of art, but rather on the content. I really didnt expect it since Ive posted other gay positive, and gay family images before here, have never had anything other than helpful criticism. Renderosity seemed like a safe place. Sometimes safe places are hard to find when youre a member of a minority that is routinely discriminated against. I suddenly didnt feel safe here. Your many words of support have encouraged me. Im as hard shelled as the rest, but this one took me by surprise. I know that many people have issues with single sex couples with children, but I expected at least some commentary on the quality of the art, rather than disturbing, where did they steal him, and this is not a family. I found this thread to be very enlightening, supportive, and at times humorous. The term homosexual lifestyle is always funny to me. There is no homosexual lifestyle. Gay men and lesbians participate in all walks of like. Construction workers to hairdressers to computer programmers to conservative Republicans. In truth, the only thing we started with in common was a shared attraction to the same gender. However, decades of discrimination, verbal and physical attacks, dealing with the mass death of loved ones while our government discarded them as disposable, and institutionalized harassment has forged a community with a common heritage. If anyone wants to know what Gay Pride is, read about how those in our lifestyle faced the AIDS crisis. Frankly, anyone who can care for the dying with a sense of caring and love is more than adequate to give the same kind of love, nurturing, and caring to a child. I know a number of gay and lesbian couples who have been blessed with children. Gay men and lesbians work harder at making a family than anyone else, because we have to go through so much for that precious gift. Some adopt, some have children by a previous relationship with a person of the opposite sex, some buy turkey basters and look for a volunteer to either contribute sperm or carry a child. These individuals and couples are the most caring and supportive parents Ive seen. They, more than any other parents, take no risks with their children. The chances that an oppressive government will try to take them away are too great. They work harder to make their relationships stable, and try harder to work out problems. Separation for a straight couple means an institutionalized method of settling custody, for a gay or lesbian couple it means the possible loss of their child. In a world where so many children are alone and hungry, any form of loving family should be cherished. I produce gay themed art because it reflects my own life and interests. Some people do pretty fairies, or the infamous Naked Vicky in the Temple, or the even more infamous Pink Pony (which I love). Good for them. Some do religious themed work. Good for them. When most of us see a picture that we can say something constructive about, or give words of encouragement, we leave a comment. Constructive criticism is good. One line jabs isnt. I could have taken the comments much better, if something constructive had been added. The result of comments like these is first to make me angry, then sad and afraid, then ready for the good fight. Ive hit the good fight stage. Ill be posting more alternative family pictures, and Ill take my licks from those who dont like my view of the world. Maybe I can open some eyes. I hope they can add something constructive to their comments. I have an idea for a short series. Has anyone seen a turkey baster prop? Thanks again for your support. Jim