Dave  goes back into the House

 

BIG BROTHER AU - EVICTION EXIT INTERVIEW - DAVE
Hey SBA! Dave couldn't chat LIVE as he is a super busy man and was on his way to an event BUT I grabbed him for a quick chat and here it is. He is super lovely and all the details on how you can support the great work he
BIG BROTHER AU - EVICTION EXIT INTERVIEW - DAVE

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BIG BROTHER AU - EVICTION EXIT INTERVIEW - DAVE

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Extracts from the Pro David thread on the Big Brother Website

During Big Brother, part from live streaming from the Big Brother house, there was an active forum where fans discussed the show and their favourite housemates. It was a relatively uncensored world where people from all walks of life came together to discuss, fight and generally venture their spleens. Sometimes it wasn't for the feint hearted. Amongst it all was an island of relative saneness - a thread called "Pro David". A place where fans of David in the house could come together to discuss their favourite housemate.

Below is an extract from over 8,000 posts to the Pro David thread. It tries to capture the spirit of the thread and the people posting there. It leaves out a lot of "SAVE DAVE"s, bumps and muddy footprints from the marauding anti Dave barbarians.

It doesn't give justice to the thread's creator/moderator, yukikodancer's tireless work keeping it a great place to post. It also fails to fully appreciate the exceptional contribution of Jurgen's original poetry.

yukikodancer

OK. I'll start. David is a sweetheart. His kindness, generosity and altruism are commonly misconstrued as game playing both inside the house and out. Fortunately, though he has a lot of fans who can see what a great guy he is and will vote to keep him in the house. David to win BB06.

Calabash

I have been a consistent David fan from the beginning. I completely deny that he is a cunning game player. David's nature is sincere and honest.
He can be didactic, to a potentially annoying degree, but that comes from his love of knowledge and imparting it.
David reacts to individuals objectively, as individuals, judging them by their presenting behaviours, not as "threats". Therefore he can be disillusioned by snappiness and nasty personal attacks.
He does not think of himself as a potential winner and is not seeking a media career. He already has a life which he finds fulfilling and rewarding, unlike the juvenile wannabes.
I really admire him for surviving in an alien environment, as different as it can be from his outdoors farm life, based on simple, logical cause and effect, where crops' and animals' needs can be readily met though hard work and planning.
Instead he finds himself in a complex houseful of bitches, not all of whom are female - and many of whom ARE scheming and backbiting constantly.
It is not surprising that he cracks under the pressure from time to time.
It is commendable that he picks himself up and presses on.

luvdabb

There are heaps of things i love about Dave. He looks great for a start. How many blokes can look that gorgeous all the time. He is a genuine nice bloke, he has patience for the crap that Camilla has bitched about since she entered the house. I mean, how many guys will sit around having a heart to heart with someone they arnt trying to s.c.r.e.w!!! That just dont happen!! He loves animals, he is a farmer. After many personal struggles, he has finally found himself and is ready to tell everyone and bring the kinds of emotional struggles gay males face to the public eye. I have a very dear cousin who is gay and i must admit until i listened to Dave talk about the struggles the gay community face i had never given it a second thought. I wrote to my cousin and appoloised for me nievity after that episode..... He is a really strong person, with strong values and a stong sense of self. David in the most Real Person in the BB house this year and Davis deserves to win - for whatever reasons he wants to. He could put the money towards a new tractor. Do you realise that $1M doesnt buy that much when it comes to farm machinery!! Let alone $255K.
Go Dave!!! IF you ever go straight - will you marry me????

Sherry

I saw David being sweet and caring to Darren last night. I'm so tired of all the David bashing it's becoming pathetic.

What I saw:

When Darren came inside he took off his pirate costume and went into the bathroom fairly quickly, I assumed he was rushing to use the washroom. But he got in the sauna to warm up. When he came out David asked him if he was ok, he just said yeah and jumped in bed. David could tell he wasn't ok and went over to him, laying beside him for a long time. Darren told him about getting hypothermia after being forced, by a teacher a school camp, to stay outside one night. At one point you could see David gently stroking his head. I really wanted to hear all of their conversation, but of course BB didn't keep the cameras on them.

Someone did ask what was going on, David said Darren had sand in his eyes, as a cover for the tears. When BB called Darren to the diary room they asked again and David just said it brought back a bad childhood memory for him.

I so hope they show David comforting him on the daily show. I can't see why they wouldn't.

Jurgen

Thank you for those kind words. I write from experience and understand where David is coming from as growing up gay in rural Australia has inherent challenges you don't find, in the most part, elsewhere. There is some truth to the saying, with age comes wisdom. The challenge is how to use the wisdom constructively. Warmest hugs.

camex

well I suppose I am coming out now on here I know what you are saying Jurgen, I have had similar experiences and I have worked with people who have had similar experiences - and this series of BB has shown me how much hope there is with today's Australians the way we have all stood behind David and we support him no matter what our background is. and David has made this possible.
Save David

Jurgen

Big warm hug to camex *HUGS* I live in rural Vic and unfortunately the stereotype still exists. When David came out and then wept because of possible repercussions. I literally broke down alongside as it brought back memories of what I went through. The winner out of this is indeed David, no matter what happens on the final day. By fostering acceptance and understanding, no matter how small, can only benefit us all. I applaud his candour and humility by facing demons in such a public forum. To me he is a winner all the way. Jurgen

camex

Thanks Jurgen, I actually lived and worked as a cousellor/educator in a rural NSW town (on the way to melboure - not sure if I should name it here) and saw so many young and old guys going through so much - it happens in cities too, but in the country is a little harder - and when he came out, like you I was crying my eyes out - I felt his pain and his heart beating so fast/hard - gee that must have been difficult. and I loved the way most of the HM reacted in a positive way.oh well - memories save david

cindy350

Its nice to hear from another Gay guy
I am a 62 year old Granmother, and just Love David to death..
He is a warm compassionate human being, and that is all that Counts..

Full marks to Dave consoling Darren last night, it was awful watching on live stream, the poor guy was in the freezing cold for an hour

Calabash

A wonderful addition to this ever-evolving thread last night was Jurgen with his original poetry. David"s strong fan base seems to cover a wide demographic, all ages, gay and straight, who relate to different aspects of his life's journey. The commonality is that everyone who is a fan values David highly for his compassion and steadfast adherence to his principles. Jurgen idenified with David's painful coming out as a gay man. My family breeds horses and David too is a horse breeder and rider - we even have some sheep, though our 25 acres is in metropolitan Sydney. What are the areas of connection and linkage for other David fans?

yukikodancer

David's fanbase is very diverse, and I think a lot of people like him for a lot of different reasons. I think I like him so much because I can relate to him so well. You wouldn't have thought a gay farmer and a suburban housewife would have a lot in common, but personality wise, we are very similar

kazhatesanna

I'm a housewife too and I appreciate the genuine real qualities in David in general as a human being, he is very understanding and caring towards everyone and makes a real effort to get to know them all. He has had alot of life experiences in someone so young and is intelligent and can hold conversations with anyone. I can sympathise with him in his plight to except who he his and be proud that he is a nice decent hard working gay man who has travelled the world and partied and now knows that he wants to settle down on his farm and be a farmer, he has tried to please his family etc... be trying to be straight as that is what they wanted not him.

lynnie007

I like David because he's David and not because he's a gay guy. I do not feel sorry for him because of his life experiences but envy him for what he gets out of those experiences. He lives life to the full and enjoys what he does. If you were a carpenter, you would talk on the things that you build, if a nurse on the people that you have helped, if a doctor on the people you have saved and if a scientist on the discoveries that you are able to do to help mankind. Being a gay guy with a passion does give an understanding of the gay guy but the passion is what is beautiful. Get a life mate you need help to live and not focus on the narrow mind

tdbaker

Just been to the Davids Contraditions thread and left the following message for Wobblybob, who started it.

"Dear Wobblybob, I realise that this is an Anti-David thread. I am facinated by your obsession with David and previously with Rob. Nearly all your many posts have been about the gay HMs. What is it about gays that plays on your mind so much. Could you really being trying to repress your own homosexuality or did David knock you back at a bar one night."

tdbaker

Ms Wobblybob has responed to my post on the David's Contradictions thread concerning maintaining a prolonged negative thread. For interest sake I'll show part of the response and my reply here.

" wobblybob: Can you please get your facts correct before accusing me of posting and maintaining a prolonged negative thread? If you had actually read through this thread you would see that my last post on it was on the 6th June. That is well over one month. Seriously, that is just an attack with no substance. I can't help it if someone has searched and found this thread and felt the need to add to it. When going to the forums today I saw it had reappeared. I think I deserve an apology.

tdbaker: Okay, I now have my facts straight. Since the 24th of May you have made approx 702 negative postings on numerous threads about David or Rob (mainly David). During the same period you made approx. 188 posting about other HMs or subjects.

 

That is 80% postings about 2 out of 23 HMs, both of whom are gay. If that is not obsessive what is? Sorry - no apology. " Please note: This posted as matter of interest and not intented to cause more controversy on this thread.

tdbaker

To clarify how I feel about Dave I will restate a response on another thread in answer to a questions as to why a lot of gays support David. "I belong to the older gay generation (50's). Most gay men are more like masculine Dave than stereotype Rob. While we like our Robs, we cringe a little that the general community associates "Gay" more with Rob than David. This is problably why David gets more gay support from us than Rob did. David is not without his faults, sometimes I think "get off the cross, we need the nails". But on the whole he seems to have a good heart and is a decent guy. I think David is safe this week but SAVE DAVE anyway." I like listening to Daves stories. He's mostly accurate and has a nice way of making it understandable. The lesson on the World Wars to being a good example. Some of his talks on gay sex is over the top and sometimes inaccurate - nobody is perfect.

yukikodancer

Thank you. That is an interesting observation. (the bit about older gay guys). We have two prominant gay posters on this thread, and they are both over 40. Most of the female posters on this thread are older as well I think. (I am 37) I'm not quite sure that I can pin point exactly why soe many of David's fans are older than him, I guess there are a number of reasons, but it does seem to be a large demographic. Of course he has younger fans too, and there are older people that don't like him, but it does seem to be a bit of a trend.

camex

I hear ya tdbaker, there are so many people out there with similar stories, and when David came out on up late live - I was in tears, I could not sleep that night as I was feeling so proud of him for having the guts to do what he did on TV and to give permission to so many out there that's it's OK, and that it's scary, and that it can be ugly. but that it can also be a great thing when you find out that people still love you for who you are. I am rambling I think, I am tired. hope this made sense

striperella

If you have a little look around on the Forums tonight, all the nasty agressive posters are the anti David people. One has to wonder about homophobia, many people have got it. Jamie and Krystle to name but a couple. David is a real Aussie guy and everywhere you go people have admiration for Dave. A real Aussie farmer and a gay one at that with good old values. People admire his tenacity, his intelligence and his soft heart. I find myself smiling or a bit teary eyed when he is in the Diary Room pouring his heart out to BB. He has such a beautiful face and soul.

beachsands

Homophobia, racism and religious intolerance are alive and well in Australia 2006. It has been encouraged by the government and popular media. This has been a great thread because it has broken down the stereotypes of people that like Dave as a person. We have inner city talking to rural. Grandmothers talking to young out and proud. Card carrying members of Fag Hags And Loving It (well if you start meeting lawyers you end up knowing a lot of lawyers... [lawyers or gays....ponders...

petitp

i really hope David wins BB06. In my opinion, he's the only one who deserves to win. He's genuine and really stands up for what he believes in. I disagree with so many of the negative things said about him in the other threads. How could people think he is "playing the game"? If he was, he wouldn't have spoken up about so many things. I really admire how he could be so calm while Krystal was deliberately attacking him during wed night discussions.

mango55

I believe David has shown many of us who have watched him just what compassion is. I have throughly enjoyed his vast knowledge share with HM who engage his convesations. The constant character assassanation by other HM has only proven his strenght of character. BB constantly editing scenes to ensure David looks negitive in his interactions repeatedly during interuptions in main streams. David has faults which we all have and one I feel is that he defends his actions too much to HM who have set him up and use this opportunity to have more camera time. BB has tried everything to use David as a controversial figure in the house. But I have been ill for some weeks now and I have watched BB on main stream being confined to bed so I am amazed at the difference % the choice of editing that goes on for the daily show's. Already there are complaints about phone problems. FNL has been used to sway voters by the panel and the games have been manipulated so that certain HM are immediately penalised while others aren't. How to evict & save for 06 is an open betting the cost to participate is enormous and disadvantages lower incomer earners and with only BB staff and production people knowing what the exact figures are there is plenty of room for manipulation to have the results that BB wants and not the people. A good indication of this was the last phone debacale ( Rob v Jamie) when Legion interaction investigated themselves. I would like to see Consumers Affaire investigate! Go David

Calabash

I appreciated your long and thoughtful post, mango. I have also thought long and hard about the various issues you have raised, for instance the reliability and integrity of the public voting procedures. Your understanding of David's own behaviour in the house and of the infrastructure outside the house which will affect the eventual BB outcome is excellent. The issues you have raised of negative bias both inside and outside the house are very relevant. It is very much to the credit of David's own character and the percipience and loyalty of his fans that his popularity has been sustained despite constant attempts to undermine or discredit him. Though mentally bruised and battered, David has held steadfastly to his principles and will emerge stronger from the experience. I am sure that when David re-emerges into the outside world he will be both uplifted and humbled by the level and constancy of the support his good qualities as a human being have generated. Mango, I sincerely hope your ill health improves.

yukikodancer

I just posted this in an anti thread. I know it will cop nothing but abuse there, so Im posting it here to make me feel better. Its relating to David's membership of the QLD National Party.... You people astound me. We've known this from the start, because he told the housemates. How in the hell does that make him a liar? He is not just gay, he is also a farmer. As it happens there is no party that supports gays, there is however a party that supports farmers. And if he can make a difference to the prejudices of right wing political parties then I will support him all the way. You don't change the world by sitting back and watching it, saying "that's not right". You have to actually do something about it. He belongs to a political party that does not accept his sexual orientation, and he has joined a reality TV show to raise his profile. He can now fight his battle from within, with a hell of a lot more support than he would have had. Brilliant strategy really.

SweetAzz

I believe David has the best qualities every real person would love in a friend. He is a genuine man who has experienced a fortunate life he well deserves as he has a heart of love and honesty. His caring nature makes him the beautiful person we have grown to love and his lovely face is the bonus!

roxy_au

tdbaker: Just thought I'd bring home a nice post from another thread:

roxy_au:
Most of the HMs at one stage have commented on Jamies hygine, or lack of it. Perry did remember the foul undies that were left in the bathroom. Even Krystal and Camilla washed his clothes for the first time in 3 months they made wise cracks about the smell and the dirt and he is the laziest HM. David likes make sure that others opinions are heard, the same as he did in the cheerleading task, it was Darren who said he didnt want to do the bum wiggle. Dave said he would do it but some others may not want to, and he copped all sorts of grief for that too. Dave has always been the first one there to give a HM a cuddle when they have needed it even Krystal the other night in the middle of her tears he made her smile with one of his silly cracks and jumped into bed with her cuddling her. And Darren also, when he felt deserted by everyone, Dave was amazing to him. When Camilla was going through all that stuff with the boys who was there to comfort her and tell her it would be ok she just needed time? Dave. But where were they when he broke, jumping up and down laughing. He saved Ash when he was up against Katie and Jamie, gees it was called stragic but he left himself there against the 2 most popular housemates in the house. Daves good points far outweigh his bad ones. I know who i would like to see win BB .. Dave..

niftynev999

geoo: David is a member of the Queensland National Party! Now that is interesting... An organic gay farmer a member of the right wing nationals!

So what's the Big Deal?? Traditionally, farmers in QLD are members of the National Party. Actually, it was the Farmer's Party and when it first was formed it only supported farmers interests. In QLD it's main support base is the farming community as it lobbies primarily for farmer's. David is very diverse in knowledge and intellect. Unlike the other HM's who are primarily self centred and materialistic, David looks at the bigger picture and tries help others. Yes, he belongs to a political party, and he had mentioned that he hoped he may be able to use the association with the party to improve the lot for gay people. It is unlikely he will achieve that through the National Party but he has the right to try. If David had the same selfish agenda that the other HM's have he would not be half the man he is! Take a moment to step back from the monitor and evaluate all the positives of all the housemates. Ask yourself what real worth these morons are to an intelligent, caring society of human beings. You should be able to draw the conclusion that David stands head and shoulders above all the rest. Sure, he has his failings. But if I was one of a handful of people left on this earth and we needed all the survival skills necessary to make it through, David would be my first choice!

cindy350

David Lifesaver thread.
I agree with the whole Gay Issue, what an incredible Man, David is to put himself out there, to be judjed, for what he feels is Right.. He knows most Australians have a bad reaction to the Gay community as a whole... I feel that David has opened a few doors, and we can see the beauty in the Gays as a whole now, if half of them are like David , then it's all good.. I also feel if David going on BB and stating his cause, and if he saved one young guys life, he has done a wonderful job, and applied himself 100%..(considering the rate of YOUTH suicide in young GAYS) David sure is a great rold model, be it Gays or straight, you only have to see the dramatic change in the STRAIGHT young Darren, Whom David took under his wing, and Protected him from all the Vile intimidating OTHER HMS..whom proceeded to bring him down at every opportunity.. Go David, in my eyes you are the WINNER.. God Bless you David." I like it when some else can express my thoughts so elegantly.

tdbaker

hardspunk: Can i ask who in here is actually gay and supporting dave??? You honestly dont have any issue with the way he's held himself in the house?

Response by older gay male: Because: We can relate to his stories about discrimination and oppression. He is just a nice guy. He is a good storyteller. His facts are usually fairly accurate - considering it all has to come from memory. He has been places, done interesting things. His future plans aren't about personal fame. He is sensitive - perhaps too much - but it makes great watching. What other HM has created such interest? He can make you laugh, cry and even feel embarrassed. (and create a pack of Anti-Dave posters) You just know he'd make a great friend. Loyal & caring. I don't think he is acting or playing strategic games. If he is, then he is bloody good at it, and deserves to win on that basis. HMs like Darren & Claire gave him special farewell messages. Even Camilla & Jamie have had to admit he's a top bloke. Lastly he is good looking. Not my sexual attraction type though.

hardspunk: hmmm I can relate to that and for the first half as a gay guy i did like him alot and getting those particular issues "gay marriage""discrimination" "less effeminate gay men" but somewhere since then he lost me im afraid, and all for reasons not relating to him being gay

I started watching/supporting Dave because of his sexuality. And you are right, to continue supporting him required a better reason. After all it's only a part of his personality. I guess the real reason is that he is so fascinating. Because he wears his heart on this sleeve, you never need to guess what he is thinking. For us looking into the BB World we can really feel a connection. You can feel/see the pain of missing Sherif. Know the struggle and guilt over nominating Camilla. Feel the sheer frustration of the day of Perry's "game playing" attack and wanting to leave the house. I had a hard time getting to sleep that night I was so worried about Dave. What other HM can let the watcher in on the emotional roller caster ride, feel such different emotions and still feel proud to be a Dave support afterward. Most of the other HMs are cardboard cut-outs - with possible exception of Camilla & Max.

victaw

so hardstuff - just quickly, I actually liked david from the begining, it was his natural charm, his smile stuff like that, and then I was watching UL the night just after he came out - and it just blew me away, I know some people might think that he was holding back (or not being honest) but I understood what he was on about, wanting people to know him as a person (which is what we all are first), and the way he came out on TV, I know has helped so many gay people and so many people in general to have a glipse of what it's like to be gay (I suppose this is your first half as you put it). and also he wasn't your typical queen, he is just a man. I know there are a few things that I dont agree with that he has said since then, and at time I cringe at what he says, but to me that makes him more human, and overall he has done more good than bad. Also I did not like the way others have ganged up against him (especially his supposed friend Cam) I just do not agree with that most of all. I see him as supportive towards the underdog, and I honestly believe that he did not take the 3 points off himself because he really does not believe that people should save themselves - in my eyes that made him even more of a beautiful human being, and unselfish people like that do not exist any more. also, what he has done with getting beautifull people together as fans on this thread, people who have never met a gay man, yet they love him for what he is - it makes me feel good. come back later

ktkins

I think the 'heart on the sleeve' comment nails it. Dave has balls, whether it's declaring his sexuality, his emotions, his complaints, his issues with other HM's or his lack of a cup of tea in the morning( sorry hardspunk but calling him a mummy's boy lost me, he is the most capable and independent HM in there). A lot of his opinions I don't agree with but at least he has some and they come from being informed, well read and well travelled and he has the guts to speak them. He is extremely well educated but completely unpretentious. Trust me, Dave has made me cringe with some of his behaviour but the sum of him is that he is brave, capable and unfront bloke who shows a great deal of kindness and compassion when it is genuinely required. Not perfect but when Darren said 'I'd trust you with my life' it highlighted how superficial certain other relationships in the house are and how solid David is. I dare say if it came to serious trouble, most of the HM's would call on David. Night clubbing and movies are all well and good but a friend is someone you stand by even when they're in the wrong. I miss Claire and David together already.

Jurgen

Why I like David. Let me start at the beginning. I am a 42 year old gay male, who grew up, and continues to live, in a small country town in SE Victoria. I was raised as a Catholic; so much so, I was also an altar boy (cringe). I attended Catholic private schools for my Primary and Secondary education. I knew I was gay since puberty, unfortunately with the religious upbringing and the expectations from family and I guess society on a whole, to get married and have a family. I struggled in accepting who I really was. This destructive tug-of-war ended up consuming the better part of my life. With attempted suicide, binge drinking, drugs to name a few of the only remedies I could find to combat the bitterness and hopelessness I felt during this period. Unless you go through this, as I know many have, you could never imagine the mental torment this puts you through. To be constantly taunted, ridiculed and often bashed for something you have absolutely no control over, that is how your feel. It has taken me into my late 30’s before I accepted who I was and finally be comfortable with just that.
Simply put, I know his journey as if it were my own. To have others see you, really see you, for who you are is far more important than the prejudice that clouds judgement when the truth is known. I have suffered this prejudice and understand his motive completely. What disappoints me is the fact that some people are reacting to him for the very fact because he is gay. The one thing he was trying to overcome. I implore those concerned to actually find out who we really are before you pass judgment. David is an ordinary human being who, like the rest of us, is searching for love and understanding. His statement to rural Australia is quite simple. Gay men come from all walks of life and isolation is their greatest tyranny. So before you judge anyone, take the time to know that which you judge.

tdbaker

Stories from the other side.

Note: This is just for interest and amusement only. No fan wars yet please. Some postings on the ***CAMILLA ze Coloured Polka Dots!!*** thread.

tdbaker: There is a massive "Pro David" thread on Premium. It is ALSO mainly filled positive comments about the selected HM. Negative posters generally get ignored.

vesnahotdogs: I'm going to get flamed for this, but I'm in a Camilla thread so I hope David fans won't see this but... The posts that Camilla fans write seem to have much more substance than David fans so I think it somehow proves my point. I'm yet to come across an intelligent post stating David's positives without sufficient back up. But then again, David fans do seem to have a high social ground too so maybe they like him for what he tries to represent to the public. But I guess I'm quite subjective. Sorry for the generalisation....it's just an observation

tdbaker: They did. But that’s okay. If we all weren’t biased towards our HM hero/heroine, including the ability to overlook or rationalize their flaws, it would be no fun at all. I've read through both threads and I think they have both have an equal amount of inane, insightful, witty, dumb and clever posts. (And a lot of Bumps)

vesnahotdogs: Damn, there goes my theory. A nice, intelligent and well balanced post by a David supporter. Well said.

niftynev999

(From another thread) Quote This will be my final post in this thread . I have followed it with interest and I fully agree with coffsboy assessment. When David walked into the BB house, my immediate reaction was: "This guy will win! He will be the idol of millions of females young and old." I liked him. I thought he was great. And I am a 55 year old grandfather with two beautiful grandsons!

But before long I suspected he may be gay, then he was! And for a few days I felt terribly disappointed. As a young fella I used to love picking on gays, or perceived gays. As I went through my teens I grew my hair long and took the brunt of gay bashing, because in the late 60's only gays grew their hair long!! I hated being called gay!! Latter in life I became more tolerant of gays, but I still refused to actually befriend them or waste my time with them. To me, they didn't really fit into "our" society!

Then along came the gay farmer from western Queensland and for the first time in my life I have felt ashamed that I held such pathetic generalist views about the gay community! Yes, I have actually had feelings of guilt!! Maybe I am getting a little old to be watching BB but this David thing has really sucked me in. No matter how he is perceived by the Gay community, he has shown me, and probably a lot of other people, that gays are entitled to the respect that any other

No matter how he is perceived by the Gay community, he has shown me, and probably a lot of other people, that gays are entitled to the respect that any other member of the community takes for granted. Yes, David has become a symbol of the Gay's struggle for acceptance.

Calabash

yukikodancer: I think its simple really. Its because he is so rare, people just don't believe in good guys anymore.

Yuki, that's a masterly summary. Isn't that sad? But you are so right. That's why so many of the housemates and heaps of the forum users are suspicious and mistrustful of someone as genuinely good as David. It's their loss, for not seeing what is in front of them. It's been a huge win for those of us whose faith in humankind and its possibilities has been reinforced by the past three months of getting to know David. That someone so thoroughly worthwhile does exist and is for real. Flaws and all. David's strengths in everything that is truly important, values and principles, far outweigh his minor weaknesses.

flickstar1 on the "David and the Gay Vote" thread

I have really enjoyed David's journey throughout the series. At first I was not really much of a supporter and found him to be a bit boring and too obsessed with his ulterior motives (promoting the gay and rural communities). But as the series continued we really got to see him go on a personal journey. He first hid his sexuality in an attempt to be accepted as a person. He obviously was nervous to be judged predominantly by his sexuality. He then showed his compassionate, friendly, caring side as he caught Camilla time after time as she fell over and over again. (She really was a bit of a mess at the start with being so unpopular) We also saw his integrity, strength and confidence in his beliefs when he spoke about being accepted for who you are and to be the best person you can be regardless of what society say His humanity started to make it's way out, when he began to crack under the pressure. After being pushed all week by Perry's questioning (is this a game?) we saw him buckle and "lose it" only to thankfully get it all together before it was too late. He then showed his tremendous level of tolerance, patience and strength of character as he had to endure being targetted by the females in the house for weeks. And now we have seen his humility, his dignity and his happiness once again as he stands grateful to still be a part of the BB game. All last week he was saying he wanted to leave (now what kind of game player and master strategist would do that

Calabash

In praise of David: The world is a better place for having David in it. Those who repeatedly try to pull him down, like Jamie, are proving that they are his inferiors, though they deeply resent David for making that evident. I wonder if the David knockers have ever read a dictionary? They constantly call David patronising and always use the word in its pejorative sense. David epitomises the first meaning of patronising listed in the OED "Act as patron towards, support, encourage, (person, practice, etc.)" The Renaissance arts that still enrich the world would not have flourished without the system of patronage that made them possible. Knowledge is a wonderful aid to informed judgment. David pursues it and endeavours to share it, something else for which he is unjustly resented. I bet DAVID knows that the Big Brother concept is based on the famous, ground-breaking book, 1984 by George Orwell. The phrase "Big Brother is watching you" permeated our global culture long before the TV program was conceived. David believes that information beats ignorance. I agree.

PJSims

Hi everyone. Just wanted to say thanks to all of you in here and let you know how much I appreciate having such a wonderful thread to come into, considering it's been almost like a war zone out there in the forums. The anti David threads are so depressing and riduculous and it's lovely to have a safe haven to retreat to. The warmth in here is truly amazing. I hardly ever post because I find it too upsetting, but be assurred I've been voting to save David like crazy. My phone bill is going to be very scary and I'm trying not to think about it. lol. David is a remarkable, complex individual and deserves all the good, life can offer him. I believe he has been himself since the first day, unlike so many of the others. Anyway, thanks again and keep up the great work. You all deserve a cheer. From one of the many silent majority of David supporters. P.S. How gorgeous does David look in his pink tank top?

Lynnie007

Good Morning All, today we come together to do our best to support David and each other. Tonight will be but a bonus for our efforts and tomorrow will put the icing on the cake. Because we will be so rapped up in our task, incase I do not get the chance to say goodbye later, I will say it now. What a lovely bunch of human beings, with hearts of gold, you never once gave up on David and supported him all the way. That, my friends and family is what love is all about, through the hard, happy and sad time of our every day lives. This thread, along with our beautiful Sparkly Ignore Hats and the beautiful words of Jurgen keeping our spirits up, have brought the most amazing group of people together. The loving spirit that was us, will be remembered alway, never once did we produce hate for others, never once did we take this thread beyond no return, we showed that people can find each other in the storm that is a forum of division, to share love and support for all, no matter who they supported in the game. Life itself is a game, sometime the game get a little hard, sometime we feel that the ladder is to high to climb, but we keep going because we know that the light is at the top and the efford is worth the result that is ours to reach. May you all keep safe, like David, you will never be forgotten in my heart and when I have to climb that ladder of life again, I'll think of all of you beautiful people, spreading the love with your beautiful Sparkly Ignore hats firmly attached

soothie

Thankyou yuki for this great thread the past few weeks. It's been really wonderful to meet so many nice people in here. The forum out there is feral and its not just against David, its against all the hm's so this thread has been incredibly warm and friendly. Thankyou to those that made this place as welcoming as it was, you know who you all are Not sure I'll be back later tonight as it's an early start in the morning for me. Definately won't be watching the finale tomorrow as I have no passion for the remaining housemates. David, you are the most genuine, honest, sincerest and warm hearted person in the house. You will always be a true friend to those that you share your heart with and share their's in return. I value your goals, standards and beliefs more so than anyone in the house. Thankyou for making this time on BB such a special and passionate one. Bye all p.s How awesome is it that his dad is there to support him! Dave the winner! yay!

Calabash

ktkins: Is everyone OK? I'm stupidly happy for him to have gotten this far. Celebrate David tonight, he was such an awesome HM. I can't be sad when he looks sooooo happy.

I agree, ktkins. Was out all day and am still catching up with pages and pages of this wonderful, positive, loving thread. Some of our family friends who adore David are shattered about his premature eviction. But I think all the stalwarts on this thread did everything they possibly could for David. None of us have anything to reproach ourselves with. We should all feel very proud of a job well done. Well enough done so that David will feel fantastic about himself. BB06 has also been a great step forward publicly for gay rights in Australia, because David, a very private man, showed such courage. I don't care enough about the two survivors to vote at all tomorrow. Che sera, sera. My final two for preference was David AND Claire. The two most worthwhile people in the house this season IMO. By a country mile. Thank you all for your friendship. It is very affirming to find so many wonderful people from such diverse backgrounds united in a common cause. Let's all celebrate David in BB06

charliegirl711

Calabash: I think all the stalwarts on this thread did everything they possibly could for David. None of us have anything to reproach ourselves with. We should all feel very proud of a job well done. Well enough done so that David will feel fantastic about himself. Thank you all for your friendship. It is very affirming to find so many wonderful people from such diverse backgrounds united in a common cause. Let's all celebrate David in BB06.

Beautifully put, thank you. ... and not that it makes a scrap of difference, but this is for the nasty people who have had far too much to say in this thread - I am not gay. I just think David is one of the most genuine, unselfish people I've ever met/not met - regardless of of his sexuality (something he was born with, not something he chose). David made me proud to be a human being - not the way I felt with some of the housemates I can assure you. God bless David.

froglet125

I'm kinda dissapointed that David wasn't there till the end.
That being said, I think david was very happy last night and that's good enough for me.
Anyway . . . . How beautiful was last night ?!!!
I had tears in my eyes when Sherif came running down the walkway and their special song was playing in the background.
David was just so happy *cries* . . .
And I loved it when david sat down on Sherif's lap How cute was that ?!!!!
Gretal was so sincere towards him (and Sherif) and the packages where all wonderful.
David was the man of the moment and was so funny all night.
And to top it off, here's what David said when he saw the car . . . "Oh ****, that's the gayest car ever!!!"
*Grins* We love you David !!!

Jurgen

To all the wonderful friendships made during our shared BB experience. This seems an appropriate time to post my final submission, whatever the outcome tomorrow night. I wish to thank you all for the support you have shown me and want each of you to realise you have all contributed to these varied works as most of them were written whilst I was on the forum. Your generosity has overwhelmed me and lifted me to be able to do something I thought I had lost many years ago. To yuki and ktkins for keeping the dream alive. To Victor for loving me at the very start. To Calabash for insight and generosity. And the many others I may have missed. You were all my inspiration and I thank you all so very much from the heart. I will miss you and I do love you all.

Jurgen

When the days are done
And we go our separate ways
Remember those happy times
Remember these words I say

We shared so much together
From the ridiculous to the sublime
A sense of family was forged
And I am blessed to call it mine

A beautiful soul united us
His passions made us strong
We too found a home
We too found somewhere to belong

Though distance may part us
And time is never a friend
Reflect on those special moments
And we’ll be together again

So don’t feel sad or lost
As the lights begin to fade
Remember this time together
Remember the friendships made

And as the door finally closes
The one we all came through
Know in your precious hearts
That I will always love you

Love,

The Big Brother Experience

"So much was written about our time in the Big Brother House, we couldn't add everything but here is a sample to give you an Idea of what went on or to reminisce if you were one of the millions that tuned in back in 2006" Dave

David Graham

David - From Wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Brother_(Australia_series_6)

David entered the house on Day 0 with the rest of the original housemates of the series. David came out to the housemates and on Day 4 revealed he was gay. David bonded immediately with Camilla (although she was upset when he and Tilli kissed as a joke soon after he revealed he was gay), and later Intruder Rob joined their group. David was happy to have another gay man in the house, and they remained close until Rob's eviction.

He bonded with Michael, and was visibly upset after learning Michael had lied to the housemates repeatedly as the Insider. Michael and David were still close enough that the blurred lines of their friendship led David to ask Michael if he was gay. Soon after, Michael led other housemates to believe David had stolen their toothbrushes. This led to some heated arguments until after Michael's eviction, when Big Brother told them Michael was the culprit. David and Camilla also grew somewhat apart as time went on. Due to his feeling that Camilla was playing nice with other housemates to avoid being nominated by them, David nominated her in Week 10, a decision that caused him some anguish.

David eventually became very good friends with Claire, in spite of some ideological differences (she was a vegetarian, he was a sheep farmer). David also had a strong attraction for Intruder Darren, but as Darren said he was heterosexual, they remained close friends only. David won Friday Night Live in Week 7, won a trip to Vietnam and took Camilla to the rewards room; he took the 3 points off Ashley, even though he himself was up for nomination. He said only a "jerk" would take points off himself.

David won again in Week 10, took Perry to the rewards room (she was runner-up in the game), and won a trip to Thailand. David was up for eviction in Weeks 4, 8, 10, 11, 12, and 13. He was originally nominated in Week 5, but Gaelan removed three points from him, clearing him from the eviction line-up.

In Week 11 David again used his Three Point Twist on someone else (Darren) in spite of being up for nomination himself. This act successfully removed Darren from the eviction line-up. David was evicted on Day 99 along with Max as part of a Double Eviction the day before the Finale.

David had more 'save' votes than eventual series winner Jamie, but was still evicted, as Jamie had less 'evict' votes than David, with the final tally coming out in Jamie's favour. As David was entering the auditorium, a male audience member ran towards David, but was tackled to the ground by Dreamworld security officers. It was later revealed that the man was a friend of David's, and he was wanting to inform him that the Melbourne Demons had clinched an AFL Finals spot.

During the eviction David was reunited with his boyfriend Sherif, whom he met four weeks before entering the house. The reunion was an emotional one, with David clearly overwhelmed by the audience's positive response and the fact that his boyfriend of only four weeks had waited for him after three months of separation.

Some of David's photos had been stolen from his home, and somebody tried to sell one on eBay. The auction was closed early by eBay, and police looked into the matter. David was the winner of Australia's Brainiest Housemate.


Big Brother`s David Graham

by Reginald Domingo in mogenic.com article

http://www.mogenic.com

Boys are tough. Isn't that the stereotype? Or more to the point, country boys don't shed tears. Yet, with this year's Big Brother Australia's token bloke from the farm, David Graham, who was also, incidentally, the show's token gay boy, it seemed as if he cried enough tears to fill a river. He cried when he came out, he cried when he got a farewell message, he cried whenever he survived an eviction. The tears flowed as freely and as quickly as it dried, starting from day one.

'On the first day, I realised, 'I have nothing in common with these people,'' David tells Mogenic, in that familiar, ocker tone. 'And I thought, 'What the hell have I done with Sherif (his boyfriend)' I've walked away from the best thing that's ever happened to me.' So it just all hit me. I went back to my bed and got my carefully hidden photograph of Sherif out, and just wept straight away. It wasn't like on the third day and I thought, 'Oh, goodness,' it was the first day when it all hit me, 'What the f**k have I done'!??

And it's a just question, especially when you consider that David is a sheep farmer from Goondiwindi, a small rural town with a population of 5,000, in Queensland's south-east. It's no surprise that he would feel a stroke of apprehension upon entering the house. Having lived on his own, in an isolated property, then suddenly finding himself trapped with 16 young housemates, in a compound equipped with 37 cameras and 66 microphones, in a television show that was averaging 1.1 million viewers a night - who wouldn't find that daunting? I'd sure as hell be asking myself the same thing: What the f**k have I done?

But it's a question perhaps best answered retrospectively, because David's antics has certainly made an impact.

People called him deceitful when he was less than forthcoming about his sexuality, while others branded him a hypocrite for his support of the National Party (a conservative political group). But there were disagreements as well. On the one hand people said he was breaking stereotypes, but on the other, he was viewed as reinforcing them. For many, it was all just part of his strategy.

Of course, most of these claims were just media hype going into overdrive. David says he didn't divulge his sexuality straight away because he wanted to allow the housemates to get to know him as David, not as David, the gay guy. It's not an uncommon tactic, many of us do this at some point, to gauge the attitudes of others towards gays. 'Some people could say that I deceived my housemates but I don't think that I did,' he says. In regards to his support for the National Party, which normally holds an anti-gay stance, David says that it has helped paved the way for dialogue. 'I've just read that the National Party in Western Australia have voted to pass a motion supporting civil unions for same-sex couples'I think that's very much a response to my time in the house'. As for breaking or reinforcing stereotypes, well, this only holds true for people who cling onto to the outdated notions that all gay men talk with a lisp, in which case David was breaking them, and that all gay men are softies who cry, in which case David was reinforcing them.

So, it all begs the question: Was it part of a strategy? And the answer is yes. But not the kind that was designed to win cars, cash and SMS votes. According to David, it was much more important than that.

'My mind was about, 'I need to help young people,'' he says, 'because no one ever really got out there and did what I wanted to do. So I said, 'Well, someone's got to do it - I may as well do it.' It was more about me going in there to show Australia that anyone can be gay and any gay man can do whatever he wants in life, without worrying about prejudice.'

And it worked. Since his appearance on Big Brother, David has raised the profile of gays and lesbian living in rural communities. He has brought the issue of gay marriage to more Australian TV sets and water cooler conversations than any other personality, and he's increased public awareness regarding gay rights, anti-gay violence, and interracial gay relationships. And instead of being shunned, the public opened their arms, and their hearts.

'And that's the extraordinary thing, that the people who I wanted to hear my message have heard it and they've come 360, to the point that they look so far beyond my homosexuality that they actually appreciate that part of myself,' he says.

'I never thought that that would be the case. I thought I'd go on there, I'd come out, I'd do my thing, I'd hope that I could stay for at least two weeks to have enough of an impact. I would never have thought that I would stay there that long. I mean, I was up for eviction nine or ten times, which is second only to Camilla, and each time I wasn't evicted, it had blown me away. I'd go into the Diary Room and do what I obviously learned to best in the house and that was sob to Big Brother, at just how amazing it was for Australia to know who I am, to not want me out, to want to know more. And that's where it definitely hit me most was each time I'd survived eviction, it was, 'Holy shit, Australia doesn't hate me because I'm gay.' It blew me away.'

It's important to note, however, that before a spotlight is turned on, there is only darkness. And for David, this was certainly the case. Beneath the knock-out smile and thick, blonde locks, lies an adolescence mired by loneliness and confusion. Despite his overwhelming sense of self, for David it wasn't always smooth sailing. His journey was as rough as rough could be.

When David first became aware of his attraction to other guys, he didn't think too much of it. 'We had nuns who came to my bush school when I was a little kid and they told us, amongst many things, that when we grow up and our bodies start to change, that we will start to think about strange things about our friends. And they said that we'll be thinking things about boys and we will be thinking things about girls. So I thought it was absolutely normal that I had sexual thoughts about both sexes. I always kept that with me.'

During his sixteenth year, David became involved with a girl, in a relationship that would last three years. 'I was pretty open with my girlfriend about my same-sex attractions. She had the same same-sex attractions, so we thought we were fine. But mine didn't go away. If anything, my attraction to females started to go away. So when that started happening, that's when things started to get really, really, really confused.

'I did what every country guy does, and get the gun out and hold it to my head. That was right through my late teens. Because I was at boarding school, and I got a hell of a lot of rot.' A couple of years later, things turned even worse. 'That's when I started going through the real hell of my early twenties.'

The situation for David began to plummet during his time in college in Geelong, in Victoria's south-coast. Confused, alone, and with no one to talk to, he found himself in a place with no way out. 'So I organised my suicide,' he says. 'But then someone at my college committed suicide the night before I planned mine, so that kind of gave me a wake up call.'

But despite the initial shock of the death, it wasn't enough to shake him out of his own resolve, and David soon set about on devising a new plan.

'When I planned my next suicide, my sister called me. I was in my ute ready to do it, and she just said she had a feeling that something was wrong and please call someone. So I called the Gay and Lesbian Helpline. And I said, 'All I need to do is speak to someone from a farm, just someone from the country,' because my concept was that no one else understood where I was coming from, no one else knows what's it's like to be in the country.'

Fortunately, David was dispatched to the Gay and Lesbian Counselling Service (GLCS) in New South Wales, where he would speak to someone who understood exactly how he felt. 'I spoke to a guy there who had spent a long time as a teacher in rural New South Wales and we spoke for several hours and my life changed from then. Then I did a workshop at the Victorian Aids Council called 'Young and Gay', a six-week coming out course, and that completely changed my life. Two weeks after that, I came out to my Mum and everything's been fine ever since.'

For David, it must seem like coming full circle. To come from living a period of his life with the belief that he was the only one, and that there was no other solution, to being accepted for who he is and for what he believes, and not just by his family or close friends, but also by the entire nation. And he hopes that many others will learn from his experience.

'Feel the fear of being yourself but be yourself. No one is going to hate you for who you are. And if they do, they'd hate you anyway. The fact that you're gay is no longer a reason. If I can walk down Redfern station (an inner-Sydney suburb), and have every person on there just start screaming that they love what I did on the show, well then, anyone in any suburb can feel as though they can walk down the street and hold their head high and be who they are. Because it's just a little hurdle. And we've got hundreds and hundreds of hurdles in front of us. And coming out to your family and to those people around you is just one of those many hurdles that we have to cross. And the relief that you get afterwards is worth it. And the fact that you can be honest to the people you love most is the most rewarding thing that you'll ever do in your life.

As for his life, David's happy. He has the farm, a gorgeous boyfriend, and all of Australia behind him. And like many, he hopes to one day 'live the rest of my life with a husband'. Truly, he couldn't ask for anything more. Well, maybe, just one more thing.

'Hopefully, Australia eats a lot more lamb,' he says, 'and I become a very successful farmer'


Mother and Son

On Wednesday night David revealed to his housemates, and to the nation, that he is gay. His revelation has been welcomed and accepted by the other HMs, but how has his family taken the news'
David's family have known about his sexuality for several years, so his recent 'coming out' was no surprise to them. Nevertheless, David was worried about how his loved ones would react to him baring his soul on national TV, and feared there could be negative repercussions for his family.

We caught up with David's Mum, Lucille, to find out how she feels about David's tearful discussion with BB in the diary room last night. Lucille hasn't actually seen the footage yet - the TV reception is a bit unreliable on her property, so she'll have to wait until the weekend to watch the episode on tape with her daughter - but she was happy to fill us in on how she thinks David is going in the house.

How do you feel about David being in the BB house?
I'm very proud. I'm very proud of what he's doing. He has surprised me that he's doing so well.

Did you support David's decision not to tell his HMs he was gay?
I think he did the right thing. Simply because it is better that people get to know a person for who they are and not their sexual preferences.

Do you think he chose the right time to 'come out'?
Yes. It could have been longer but no, I think he did it at the right time.

David was upset about how this could impact on you, and on his community...
I think I was concerned that the community would not react very well but going by the phone calls I have had there's been a very positive reaction. Friends and family have been calling and saying that they're 100% supporting him.

Would some people have been surprised to hear that David is gay?
Yes. A lot of them wouldn't have known, but they're all saying it doesn't make any difference. They say that David is still David in their eyes. I believe that they will be behind him all of the way.

Do you think it was unfair on Camilla that David didn't tell her about his sexuality?
I really feel for Camilla because she was very attracted to him from day one, but I hope they become very good friends.

Does David get a lot of attention from girls?
He does, a lot of people don't realise he's gay until he actually tells them.

Despite keeping some things to himself, do you think David is being genuine in the house?
He is definitely being himself. He is not having any pretence whatsoever. I'm very proud of him.

David has said that his sexuality is only a very small part of the 'real him'. How would you describe the David you know?
The real David - he enjoys life. He's always dedicated to what he wants to do. For whatever his chosen thoughts or activities are, he always gives 100%. He's upfront and honest with everything he does.

Have you seen David display those traits in the house?
Yes. I have seen that in the house.

How do you think he'll go in the coming weeks?
I think he's really going to do well. When I first knew he was going into the house I said: "You will do well". Now that I have seen him I am positive he will do well.

Do you think David has a chance of winning?
I think he has a good chance of winning. Very much so