Hugs to our Australian members and those that face tragedy

[Athena]

Hugs on this terrible day. Best wishes.

Edit on title to be inclusive to all peoples who face tragedy.

[stephaniec]

Hugs on this terrible day. Best wishes.

ditto

[Joelene9]

Yes.

Joelene

[peky]

Solidarity !

[BreezyB]

Thanks girls, it's a sad day for Australia. But we are a nation of peace and many cultures, that will not change. We accept all cultures to our shores and this single crazy person will have no bearing on our way of life. It's sad when an individual attempts to use faith as a means to harm others. I have been fortunate enough to work in Malaysia where I had many friends whom were of this persons faith. They showed me only love and compassion, and that is what sticks with me and that will never change.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family's of the two innocent people who did not make it through this ordeal. Those injured in this ordeal will get through this, that is the resilience of the australian people. We help each other and support each other when needed. I know these individuals will receive that support and I wish them a safe and speedy recovery.

Bree xxx

[ImagineKate]

I pray for the people of Australia that all men and women embrace peace and not violence.

[V M]

I've been following this story and my heart goes out to our Aussie friends, particularly the family and friends of the victims 

Unfortunately these types of incidents' rarely end well, glad it wasn't any worse than it was   

Love and Hugs dear friends

- V M

[Ms Grace]

I work about a ten minute walk from the cafe in question, and have even been ithere on occasion. It's a very sad thing for the two hostages who lost their lives and their families. Unfortunately the media and politicians have blown it way out of proportion - they're trying to make out that Australia has somehow "lost its innocence" which is the biggest load of silliness I've ever heard. We've experienced worse in the past the only thing that has made this mostly remarkable is the fact that the criminal responsible claimed an alliegence to hateful religious ideology. Anyway, thanks for the well wishes, please send them directly to the victims.

[BreezyB]

Unfortunately the media and politicians have blown it way out of proportion - they're trying to make out that Australia has somehow "lost its innocence" which is the biggest load of silliness I've ever heard. We've experienced worse in the past the only thing that has made this mostly remarkable is the fact that the criminal responsible claimed an alliegence to hateful religious ideology

Well said Grace. We have seen much worse unfortunately, but in no way have we lost our innocence. I get frustrated with the media reporting rubbish such as a flag posted is some sort of Terrorist symbol. This is rubbish and the flag in question resides in almost every Mosque, and is in no way linked to Terrorism. Clearly an uneducated criminal!

[bamar86]

The media are also just trying to take the spot light off our corrupt government and budget blow out that's recieved little to no attention. If abbott had it his way we'd be stripped of all our rights

[bamar86]

Ladies I don't know how to create my own thread, so I'm sorry to post this on here. But I've felt my whole life I've been in the wrong body and recently I realized ive got to start transforming (ie start hormones). I don't know who to talk to, my emotions are so mixed. I feel liberated, ashamed, scared I won't make a convincing women and terrified of what my family will think. I go to work and have been completely inside myself. I just don't know if I should start telling more people or keep it a secret and start hormones first. Is there anything you can recommend for me? Thanks heaps in advanced

[ImagineKate]

Hi bamar, have you sought out the assistance of a gender therapist? That would be a good first step. He/she can guide you along and help you decide what next to do. They can help you with anything from just talking it out to full transition if you so desire or something in between.

[bamar86]

Thank you. I think you're right. Everything is very confusing.  I'm trying to see someone in brisbane.  But I don't think I'll be able to see them till after christmas