Category Archives: LGBT

November 29, 2011 · 10:23 am

It is Magical and I Believe


In a couple of hours, Lee and I will be leaving the Anabella Hotel here in Anaheim after our week long holiday enjoying Thanksgiving and the start of the festive season at Disneyland.  I finally understood why this place is called the Magic Kingdom.

First of all, Disneyland is Christmas personified from the time you enter with music and decor that extends from Main Street to Paradise Pier at California Adventure.  Snow falls  over the magic kingdom twice a night punctuated with a fireworks display asking you simply to “Believe.”

In this world, where we have for a few years, been weighed down by some of the worst economic, natural catastrophe and international events , this place has reminded me that the things that matter the most, our families, our loved ones, and ourselves still offer the best sources of peace and happiness.

My daughter, Annette, joined us for a couple of days.  It brought back memories of when she and my other children were here before and had one of our best times together.  I had one of those moments looking as snow fell into her face that a resolution came over to me that I wanted more experiences like that with my children.  Nothing replaces those bonds.

Lee came into my life this year.  Never would I have believe that love would come into my life again and with such a wonderful man.  We also celebrated his birthday.  He is unlike anyone I ever imagined but is all I ever wanted in someone I love.  Yes, I am totally in love with this man.  He is handsome as well as kind.  His heart is larger than both of us.  I am happy.  The spirit of believing is back in my life because of him.

The Christmas holiday season is my favorite time of year.  This year surpasses all expectations.  It has started out in my favorite place in the world.  I am in love. It is magical and I believe.

I really do.  Fairy dust and all.

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October 21, 2011 · 6:35 pm

The Same Journey, New Milestones, Clearer Purpose


Photo by JP Leddy

Life for me continues to unfold in ways that either is a product of age or simply with the realization of certain truths and accepting them.  Perhaps it is a combination of both.  I know that I am much more aware of who I am and my purpose than ever before, in the sense of  becoming more congruent with who I am internally and embracing it.   Taking the next step in living it and taking full responsibility for making my life what I wanted it to be, making my journey what it is and and what it will be every day were the next steps.

There is something powerful that has happened with that clarity.  It has brought some significant changes in my life. They sometimes came in whispers and they sometimes come times in shouts.  However,  I have seen it attract positive forces in my life and negative forces have or are slowly  dissipating from me.

It does not mean that life has become any easier but that my way of navigating through my challenges has come with a surety and a strength.  The vision of my journey is not lost in the process.

I am sometimes amazed that some things have come quicker than I expected but when it is love,  I sit back in my quietness and I find myself happy in it.  It came because I was ready.  I fought it a little mainly because of my own insecurities but I realized that the alternative was so superficial. Neverland and its bright lights only become empty cold heaps of metal in the morning.  It is time to fly away from all that and live love and life.

I also have found that my life is filling up with genuine and positive friends augmenting the ones that I already have in my life.  I am rediscovering my family and will be spending more and more time with them.  Traveling will become more  a staple in my life as well as writing.  I am on the cusp of launching a whole new consulting business that is opening a whole new world of mine.

Like Oprah says, ” You are responsible for your life.”  Once you realize the power of that statement and really live it, you make the real change in your life no matter where you are come from and where you are now.

I am excited about the journey.

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August 9, 2011 · 10:29 pm

A New Life


My recent move to San Francisco has been one of the most major milestones in my life. I simply moved across the bay from Oakland after living there several years.  My life started in the bay area in a long term relationship that had its beginnings in Oregon and then there was the break-up.  My heart broke.  I lived through the heart break with my ex partner until I was able to move out.   He and I were able to develop an amicable relationship and maintain a friendship.  I am grateful for that.

That chapter has closed. Lessons have been learned. A new life has started.

Moving to my new home has actually brought lightness that has unburdened me.  There have been adjustments but those adjustments have been those associated normally with change.  My heart is at peace finally.  There are possibilities to my day that I could not see with such clarity before.

I find that the greatest progress has been in my own self.  When one goes through an emotional crisis and passes through it, there is so much growth and strength that can be gained.  There is so much that can be developed in terms of character and and inner strength.  It is all part of this journey of life where you can learn that your capacity to love is not diminished but is actually increased. You just learn to be wiser.  You learn to communicate better.

Like any new life, the blank canvass is still getting the initial brush strokes so the painting is still far from being completed.  I am excited about creating it.

San Francisco, I am home.

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July 19, 2011 · 6:45 am

The Haus of Coxxx Now – All About Love


When San Francisco Drag Performer Ana Mae Coxxx gathered a group of her closest friends and admirers together to form the Haus of Coxxx, I did not think she envisioned the strong “family” she would create and the force for good in the community. Many of her  family Coxxx have joined her in being leaders in raising funds for needed causes in the community.

Ana Mae Coxxx

I have personally enjoyed the privileged of being part of it and being in the company of people I love.  This is a homage to them and her.

Click on link below for video

The Haus of Coxxx Now.

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February 2, 2011 · 7:15 am

Equality Over Bigotry – Looking at Iowa


Zach Wahls

Zach Wahls stood up before the Iowa Legislature,before they passed the measure to allow voters to decide to ban all sames sex marriage in the state, to deliver what is considered one of the most clearly definitive speeches for LGBT equality.   Again we see how right wing religious bigotry and extreme conservative political interests have meddle in justice despite the State Supreme Court‘s decision allowing marriage equality in 2009.

This pattern of extremism mixing religious beliefs with political interests has resulted in some of the worse episodes of human history.  It has helped to segregate and subjugate people in terms of race or class.  It has even done the same for gender and even the status of children.

We have seen blood spilt in gas chambers across the  Atlantic and people enslaved in plantations in our own country. We have seen women treated as property and even murdered legally without any real cause under a male dominated society in some nations under the wide interpretation of religious belief that had been codified.

We have seen towers fall to the ground with suicide bombers doing it the name of their God.  Many justify their violence, their hatred ,  their bigotry and even their exclusion, coated with civility, of certain groups because of their  Allah or their Jesus.

Yes,  even those who purport to be Christians ( I  include the Protestants, the Catholics, the Mormons, etc.)  on one hand speak of the loving doctrines of Christ and in practice exude a whole different kind of gospel.  History has many examples to show this  disconnect.  Many times it happens when religion and politics mix. When Christians execute their religious jihad through government.

It reminds me of what Mahatma Gandhi said, “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”

So America, LGBT equality, especially in terms of marriage equality,  as young Zach Wahls spoke of his two mothers, is really an issue for all Americans. It is simply about equal rights for all under our constitution not hampered by any one religious belief.

Let us not be dragged through another right wing religious whiplash arguing the age old rhetoric and move ahead as a country that is built on the principles of progress and great ideas.  Equality must move forward.  Our country was built on the ability to extend the idea of freedom to all our citizens and not be a society of classes.  We must continually work towards that dream and we have the opportunity to light that torch to make it brighter.

Make a difference in your state. Marriage Equality is for all of us.

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January 25, 2011 · 8:42 am

LGBT Museum – History Brings Our Story And Us Together


It was fortuitous that my first visit to the only LGBT museum in the nation will also be with my first cousin, Arthur Leddy,  who is an out gay man like myself.  It was great to share that moment with him as relatives because we now shared a bond in another family, our LGBT one.

The museum is not large but it is filled with a lot of rich, historical material that there is a reverence that one immediately feels when you walk into it. I felt like I was in a place where I can feel the shoulders of those who have gone before me that I stand on now who paved the way for the progress in gay rights that I enjoy in my life.

I know that my architect friend, Steve Const, was instrumental in the design of the museum which created a wonderful flow and openness to the space.

The displays , historical data and pictures also brought a sense that we are indeed a people of a shared past, present and future.  You cannot  help but be touched by what you see and hear. The LGBT experience, with all its struggles, is also a celebration of the human will and ability to endure and persevere.

It also gave me a resolve to continue to do my part to further the cause of equality and understanding.  The tapestry of history shows that despite the darkness of bigotry and devastation of AIDS, our people have survived and thrived.

My cousin, Arthur Leddy, reads a display at the first and only LGBT museum in the world

The museum is a must see for every LGBT and every straight person.  It is an American story. It is a world story.

LGBT Museum Website

Museum Information

Location: 4127 18th St.
San Francisco, CA 94114

Hours: Wednesday-Saturday,
11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, noon to 5:00 p.m.

Admission: $5.00; free for members.
First Wednesday of the Month: Free
(sponsored by the Bob Ross Foundation)

For more information, call 415-621-1107

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January 24, 2011 · 7:42 am

No Rings


No Rings

By JP Leddy

 

The law states with venom they shout

Legal it is not and never will it be

For God so declared and so have the bigoted we

 

No two men or two women should marry

Abomination and straight to hell those will go

Seething like rabid dogs the opposition screams to and fro

 

They cite Jesus and nature in self righteous arrogance

The homos and the fags will never exchange rings

For only the straights deserve such wonderful things

 

For the straights should be given preference under the law

Democracy and equality was not meant for all

Especially the gays and the lesbians who all should appall

 

Today,  we take a stand against the bigoted them

Equality for all should be the clarion call for the throng

The right to love and rings , the new freedom song

 

Submitted to Monday Poetry Potluck: Rules, Regulations & Laws

 

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January 18, 2011 · 7:31 am

Gay Rights Progress While The Opposition Storm Gathers


We continue to see Gay and more correctly LGBT rights progress in terms of the recent DADT repeal and the new federal regulations for visiting rights in hospitals to include non-discrimination based on sexual orientation.

We have seen LGBT artists and stories honored in film and art. We have seen states continue to implement marriage and domestic partnership rights.  Anti-bullying laws and awareness programs are moving along rapidly.

Yes, progress is being made , and in some cases, in leaps and bounds.

However,  we also see attempts by the opposition and the fundamentalists to continue usurp these efforts.  For example, Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-California, has introduced legislation to slow down the implementation of DADT.  The bill is  basically used as a way to slowly kill it.  The rhetoric from the fanatical right continues to mix religious extremism with politics.

However, as we have recently celebrated Martin Luther King Day, it is a reminder that these forces against Human Rights and Equality will continue their efforts to thwart justice in their bigotry and blindness.

We shall overcome their hate and ignorance. Equality will be realized for all.

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January 16, 2011 · 11:51 am

It’s All About Giving – Ana Mae Coxxx and the Haus of Coxxx’s Mantra


Ana Mae Coxxx performing for a fundraiser for the Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy

San Francisco’s Drag community is known for the many fundraisers that they sponsor and hold for many worthy causes and organizations benefiting the  LGBT community and also the general community at large. One of the more well known and active drag personalities, Ana Mae Coxxx ,  is one of the more active fundraisers and has made it a point to make 2011 a banner year.

She has engaged her team known as the Haus of Coxxx to assist her in holding events to raise monies for such charities as the Castro Country Club ( a safe haven for LGBT people in recovery from drugs and alcohol) , The Trevor Project ( Suicide Hotline for LGBTQ youth)  and the Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy ( a small alternative school in the Castro).  These are a couple of some of the many charities that Ana Mae plans to sponsor or be involved in raising needed funds.

The Castro Country Club

With some of the enormous budget cuts that have taken place  and the challenges of the economy,  many charities  and organizations face shortfalls in their budgets to fund needed programs.

Ana Mae feels that it is important more than ever to give back to the community and has dedicated the Haus of Coxxx as a vehicle to assist with that effort.

One event that is coming up is the called Save the Gong show to be held at Trigger.   The show is formatted after the old TV show , The Gong Show, where amateur talent acts are featured. Judges can bang the gong in the middle of the act’s performance if they feel it  is not up to par.   All proceeds from donations collected and from the raffle held will benefit the Castro Country Club. The event will be held  from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, January 19th .

The other event to support the Harvey Milk Academy will be held from 8:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m on Friday, February 11th at the school auditorium. It will be a full on drag show.  It is wonderful entertainment with all proceeds going to the school.

Students from the Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy

The philosophy of the Haus of Coxxx is that giving is not limited to just money, but you can give of your time. Be present.  Show support.  Give in whatever way you can and the returns are truly immeasurable.

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January 14, 2011 · 8:04 am

From American Idol to Gay Role on 90210 -Alan Ritchson’s Journey


Alan Ritchson

American Idol has been already known to start the careers of more than just singers but many other types of entertainers. Alan Ritchson did  not even make the top 10 ( he was in the top 87 of season 3) but he is most remembered for playing up to judge Paula Abdul during an audition.

Alan Ritchson as Aquaman in Smallville

Aquaman ( Alan Ritchson) saves the day

All that six pack charm  led him to a modeling career and later to an acting career. He is best known for his role as Aquaman in the CW series, Smallville.  He was also cast in Spike Lee‘s Blue Mountain State.  He has appeared in several TV movies and series.

Alan Ritchson in Blue Mountain State

In 90210, he plays the new love interest of  the gay character , Teddy (Trevor Donavan) and the scene of their first meeting is spring break.  The debut episode of their relationship is Episode 318 to air in March.

Ritchson’s journey shows the power of  American Idol in being a unique platform for discovering all kinds of talent.  Alan Ritchson’s star continues to shine.

Alan Ritchson

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