Tag Archives: LGBT

April 18, 2013 · 4:28 pm

Let Us End the Genocide From Bullying


Photograph by Lyric

Photograph by Lyric

When bombs explode and we see innocents die or hurt ,  in our horror we see ultimately where hate takes us…to blood and destruction.  We have seen dramatic images where violence has been used as a way to strike out to make a point or to pursue a cause.  In the end, such acts only create victims.  No issues are resolved. No cause is won.

I have seen hate and rhetoric weave itself in an even more cunning way into the fabric of our most vulnerable – our young people’s minds.  It manifests itself in bullying, in heinous rhetoric over the pulpit, in vile hateful language written on placards and sometimes spewed out of those we most love.  All sculpted to make one feel less worthy, less loved and and repulsive.

The scope of such assaults are almost constant in those of our young people who don’t fit in, especially those in the most vulnerable group, LGBT youth.  With most experiencing verbal bullying, some turn into physical and sexual.  The barrage until recently, was tolerated and ignored by those in authority.  They were alone.

Some lives were ended by violence by others.  Many were ended by their own suicides , the largest percentage of all youth.  They believed the message given to them by society.  It has been a true genocide created by the ticking bomb of bullying at all levels.

I was one of their number. I considered it.  Something stopped me.  There was enough love to show me I was worth it. I held on with grasping fingers.

I eventually found happiness because I found me. I accepted who I was and I am loving who I am.

I have had the opportunity to work with LGBT youth.  These young people , our children, are all wonderful and beautiful. They exhibit such talent, warmth, and they love and feel with all their heart.  I have learned so much from them.  I have hope for the future because of them. Yes they are unique as every young person is in our world. Ultimately, they want to be who they are,  and be loved for that.

We have made many inroads so that this world is better place for them.  More families are accepting their children and not throwing them out. More churches are loving them and not judging them.  More communities are standing by them.

There is still much work to do.   We must be compassionate.  We must keep doing it.

Let us end the genocide .

Related articles

Leave a Comment

Filed under Bullying, Gay Youth Issues, Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , ,

March 24, 2013 · 11:12 am

Why Do We March?


578161_495473650520328_1065021318_n

This week the United States Supreme Court will hear two cases regarding marriage equality, more specifically for same sex couples.  One case focuses on California’s Prop 8.  That case will start to be heard on Tuesday, March 26th.   The second case will be heard on Wednesday, March 27th and will focus on the constitutionality of DOMA, the Defense of Marriage Act.

Although both cases pertain to the LGBT community, the overarching theme of equality affects all Americans.

Polls show that Americans at large are in more in favor of marriage equality than ever before and more and more states have been adopting it.

In San Francisco , this Monday , March 25th, supporters of marriage equality are asked to join in a march from the Castro to City Hall. Here are the details:

San Francisco’s March4Equality on March 25 is part of an historic nation-wide movement in support of marriage equality and equal protection under the law. As the U.S. Supreme Court hears the Prop 8 & DOMA cases on March 26 and 27, Americans across the United States will be coming out to rally and march in their own towns. Spread the word to your friends across the country: a list of actions can be found at http://lighttojustice.org/

HOW YOU CAN HELP:
1) SHOW UP AND MARCH! The best way to volunteer is to JOIN US on March 25 at 6:30 in the Castro. San Francisco has always taken a leadership role in the fight for equality, so we want to make a powerful statement to the world with a strong showing on the streets of San Francisco.
2) SPREAD THE WORD: Invite your friends and family to join us in SF on March 25 for the rally and march from Castro and Market to City Hall. Share the news on Facebook, Twitter, email, and other social media, and encourage your friends to share through their own social networks.
3) MAKE SIGNS: While we will have some printed signs on hand for the march, nothing makes an impact like homemade signs that express your ideas in your own words. Let’s flood Market Street with our messages!
4) VOLUNTEER: We can use help at the march, particularly with set-up (5:30 p.m. at Castro and Market) and clean-up. For more info email march4equality.volunteer@gmail.com.

8894_10151531741453281_1673901377_n

Why do we march?

There is no greater gift then to be equal under the law in a free society.  If any citizen is treated lesser than an other under the law then,  we as a whole citizenry, stand in jeopardy of losing all of our rights. Equal must be equal. There is no compromise.  Marriage Equality is not simply a gay issue, it is an issue about the very core of our constitution and the rights that it guarantees the citizens whose mandate it covers.

In terms of the LGBT community,  this is part of the long journey out of countless closets,   family rejections,  criminal accusations, bullying attacks, job discrimination, societal disdain , and being the throw aways of a bigoted majority.  This march is also a celebration and a solemn recognition of the thousands that have gone before us, who fought discrimination, who died at the hands of bigotry,  who risked life and limb to fight for the causes we are now so close to winning.   This is for the Harvey Milks and the Michael Shepherds who marked the way.   These are for the thousands who passed away too soon and too quickly.  This is for those men and women who served secretly in our armed forces with honor and bravery.

Once equality wins in America for the LGBT community, it will pour into the rest of the world.

We march hand in hand,  Gay, Lesbian, Bi, Trans, Queer, Questioning, Straight ,  all citizens of this great country and this world.   It is about standing up for what is right  and what binds us together. This is not about separation and division . It is about union and the grand one purpose of equality.

There is something sacred about this march.  It represents the hopes and dreams of  generations past, the generation now and all those in the future.

Let’s all march together and make history happen.

1 Comment

Filed under Gay Causes, Marriage, Marriage Equality

Tagged as , , , , , , , , ,

November 7, 2012 · 4:16 pm

Election – More Than The Economy, Also About Equality


Yes, we saw a hotly contested race for President.  The economy definitely was and will be a factor.  Most people think that this has been the complete driver for President Obama’s re-election.  Simply people thinking he has the best solution.  That is certainly part of the reason.

However, some of the real divisiveness was in the undercurrent with such topics as marriage equality and overall gay rights.  These issues were clear separations between the two parties.  It was also found in their rhetoric and in their platforms.

There are many ( especially those not directly affected)  who will dismiss the whole equality movement and simply take an economic focus on this election. Pushing it down like some nuisance or unimportant issue.  They try to argue unemployment is so high why do we waste time on equality?

In a democratic society and in one that prides itself in the freedom of the individual and in the masterpiece of the constitution, such a question when said out loud seems so foreign.  Equality and economic viability go hand in hand.   Societies that dismiss the minorities especially in democratic ones pay  a dear cost eventually.  A civil war was held in our early years, where slavery was considered an economic necessity over human rights.

People in Seattle celebrate Washington state voting to endorse gay marriage and legalise the recreational use of marijuana. Photograph: Dean Wenick/Dean Wenick/Demotix/Corbis

In the 60′s the walls of segregation were thrown down in the midst of violence, simply because relegating a group of the citizens to some sort of second class status is first of all, not right.  In the long run,  the economic feasibility of such policies fail.   There is a reason why it is called the FREE market and not only for its economic policies but for its level playing field.

So when we see four additional states by popular vote weigh in for marriage equality and a President who backs equality,  that affects how people vote.  It shows that there is room on the table for everyone. It defines this democracy or at least our idea of it.

There are enormous issues ahead for this country when we talk about economic goals and where we need to be and I am very aware of them.  Believe me it has affected me personally.   Bigotry also does.   So broke or not, I want to know that I am treated equally in the law and it is spelled out.   Nothing should be assumed if it is not written and protected by our highest laws.  That is what has been the case with any human rights movement.

Obama’s win shows that more of us want an America with that vision across all areas of life.  We believe that it is a fundamental of economic stability. It must be built into the model.

I feel more optimism in my heart that this country will emerge as a vanguard of this vision and the rights we all hold self -evident.

Equality counts!

Related articles

Leave a Comment

Filed under Gay Rights, Marriage Equality, Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , ,

July 17, 2012 · 1:31 pm

Staying the Course To Full Equality


There is momentum in our society today where inroads are being made for acceptance , especially under the law, to recognize gays , lesbians, transgender and all LGBT people as equals when it comes to rights.  It is easy , especially in our community, to ease our personal efforts or to  to give the fight to someone else to handle and in some cases to simply “poopoo” the whole thing like it does not really affect you.  Despite these positive trends, it requires even more diligence and more involvement on our part, because these winds of change will only make opponents more virulent in their efforts to destroy any headway made and reverse any progress.  This is proven in previous civil rights efforts and human rights events.

I am particularly passionate and some of the most prominent places where you see this is on my Facebook page  where I have chosen to highlight articles, gay culture, pictures , and other things that run the gamut of political articles to pop culture, to gay eye candy, to my own life, to show the world the spectrum of who we are, at least through my experiences.  It is not filtered, to a large degree, because I believe in transparency. I hope it helps to bring down barriers and that it also helps people to get use to seeing the LGBT lifestyle in such a way that it simply is part of everyday life and the human experience.

I believe in marriage equality simply because it  equates to the recognition of equal rights. It symbolizes in our country acceptance as citizens to full access under the law.  Now individuals can choose to be married or not.  That is their right.  Now some in my LGBT community have argued about the whole marriage thing as a religious and antequated institution that has been forced into our government legal system.  Now that may be so, but that is a whole other debate and can be taken up elsewhere.  Right now,  Marriage Equality is a tool to give the LGBT citizenry full equality under the law. It helps us break the glass ceiling and opens the door , legal wise to many other things.

As with other things , it becomes the impetus for social change which takes longer even after laws pass and a may take a couple of generations to change the hearts of some.  So be it.  This is the journey but it has to get started. In the meanwhile, we cannot simply lay dormant and be bystanders.  Any involvement and all voices are needed.  Everyone in this community must stay the course.

I remember my parents talk about being children, incarcerated in  concentration camps during World War II Guam. There was no freedom.  Their captors treated them like non-entities.  They lost siblings and loved ones in such harsh and inhuman conditions.  They were human beings who were seen less than human.

I think of those stories as I think of our fight for equality.  No religion, no government, no majority can or should ever do the same to us simply because of who we choose to love.  Let us stay the course and ride this momentum of change until we win the fight.  Full equality is worth it.

Related articles

Leave a Comment

Filed under Gay, Gay Causes, Gay Marriage, Human rights, Marriage, Marriage Equality, Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , ,

February 4, 2012 · 4:03 pm

Face People


We live in a social media culture where in the last few years, we have built online friendships across national, political and religious boundaries communicating on a daily basis about the smallest details of life. We have shared with people we have never met, pictures of our lives, our likes and dislikes, our locations and even our heartbreaks.

Some of these people we know Face to Face.   Whether we have met them personally or not,  we probably know these friends a lot more intimately then the neighbor next door.  Now, that would be an interesting study!  Most of this is because of the use of cams, we can actually see their faces and hear their voices to add to the written word.

These Face People have become a large part of my life.  I have friends as far as Serbia and Tasmania.  I have learned that we have the same basic wants and needs.  In the LGBT world, it has been empowering.  We gays are everywhere and it just confirms that we are part of the human genetic code.

This form of communication has been the impetus to launch revolutions and in the gay community, universal equality efforts all over the world.  Social Media has not only told the world that “It Gets Better”  it has been the major tool to making it better.

So today, I am grateful for my Face People on Facebook, Twitter, Linked-In , My Blog and other social communities.  Keep reaching out and making friendships. Perhaps world peace starts by simply inviting a friend.

Related articles

Leave a Comment

Filed under communication, Face Book, Facebook, Social Media

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

August 27, 2011 · 2:36 pm

The All Family Project – Creating Understanding About What is Family


One of the newest and what I believe far reaching and impactful non profit organizations to emerge is the The All Family Project. It is a collaborative effort between straights and gays to promote tolerance and awareness  for  gays and their families.  The organization uses photography ,video , public forums, social and print media to promote positive images of LGBT families.

This sub group of the gay community is often either misrepresented or ignored.  What is relevant also is that on the federal and state level there are many laws that don’t recognize the union of the parents.  This only adds to the unfortunate cloistering of these families away from mainstream family society.

The Project will actively advocate for these families and against efforts that prevent their equal status in society.  One of the first efforts  is to put up a series of Billboards with positive messages starting in Utah.

Also through the positive images of gay families it truly opens the window to drive the point home about equality for all.  To support these worthy efforts, please visit the All Family Project website.

Related articles

Leave a Comment

Filed under Equal Rights, Equality, Family, Gay Causes, Gay Families, Gay Fathers, Gay Marriage, Gay parents, Marriage Equality

Tagged as , , , , ,

May 3, 2011 · 2:33 pm

Jeb Havens – San Francisco’s Singer/Songwriter Gem


Jeb Havens

One of the great things about Tom Goss and attending his music concerts is that wherever he goes, he likes to feature local artists.  This past weekend while Tom was here, I had the good fortune of  seeing Jeb Havens perform for the the first time.  I was blown away.  Jeb is a local singer and songwriter who has an amazing talent  writing some great songs but also singing them with such passion on stage.

He gets lost in his music while he plays keyboard and that is what captures you immediately in his performance.  I also got to talk to him a bit before the show started and he is a personable guy with a great sense of humor.   He is very comfortable in his own skin.  Jeb shared about his entry to the music performance world back in his youth as part of a boy band routine at Six Flags.

Jeb Havens

His roommate  attended. Also, his boyfriend of 3 years came to the concert .   There is a great bond between them that you can see reflected through even a couple of his songs.  He even shared how his boyfriend and his friends helped him select his outfit for the night.

Jeb Havens

You can tell he has a deep passion for music.  He is especially involved in promoting LGBT artists.  He also  collaborates with local artists and performs with them at Martuni’s .    He has a self  title album that is available on iTunes and one his website.   Songs Like California Boy, Lullaby,  Closer are featured in the album.

I am glad that I got to meet a great talent in our very own San Francisco.  I invite you to meet Jeb and his music.  You will love it and become a fan.

Related Articles

1 Comment

Filed under Gay Music, Gay Music Artists, Gay Musicians, music, Music Artists, Music Video

Tagged as , , , , , , , ,

April 23, 2011 · 10:11 am

Tom Goss to Perform in San Francisco May 1st


I have followed and written about this talented music artist since I first heard him on the award winning podcast called Feast of Fun.  Tom Goss is one of my favorite music artists.  I have had the privilege of seeing him perform,  having dinner with him and developing a friendship.  He really is an artist in the truest sense.  He has a unique voice with songs that both lyrically and melodically are his own.  They also resonate stories from his life and his views of the world.

This former wrestler and catholic seminarian, came out and has become one of the more prominent LGBT artists featured heavily on the Logo Music Channel.  His music video ” Lover”  was rotated a lot on that channel and on the internet  with its reference to the DADT issue and Gay equality issue in the military.

I will list his web site and you can read his official biography.  I want to give you my personal impression of him.

What is really compelling about Tom besides his obvious attractiveness, is that he is one of the most down to earth people I know.  I have met celebrities and people in the music industry before and Tom does not show any of those usual trappings you see in the more stereotypical personalities that you see there.  He is approachable and passionate about his music.

He does have a great sense of humor that definitely has an East Coast bent but with no pretension at all.  He is a tee shirt, jeans, and flip flops ( or sandals) kind of guy.

You sense a spiritual core to him that comes through his conversation and also through his singing.  His song “Rise” continues to be one of the anthems of my life.

Tom is married to husband Michael and seems to lead a relatively normal life.  His postings on Facebook are often humorous and relatively normal. Very refreshing.  It seems that love, life, and music are central to this music artist’s soul and his music simply let’s us share in his journey.

So this is the great news, he is on tour and coming to San Francisco on Sunday, May 1, 2011.  He will be featuring music from his new album,  Turn It Around.   For more information and to listen to his tracks and order them check out:  Tom Goss Website

He will be playing at  Kimo’s Bar and Penthouse Lounge located at 1351 Polk Street in San Francisco.  Tickets are $15.00 and can be purchased at his website. Jeb Havens and Jeff  Altergott will also be performing.

For those of you in the bay area…  you need to come and see Tom perform  and meet this artist.  You will become a fan.

6 Comments

Filed under Gay Celebrities, Gay Celebrity, Gay Music, Gay Music Artists, music, Music Artists, Music Video, Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , ,

April 5, 2011 · 7:39 am

Service with Honor


Cpl. Andrew Wilfahrt

I posted this video on my Facebook page and I know it has moved others as much as it has moved me.  I come from a long line of men and women who have served in the military with pride and distinction.  Their quality of service was not dependent on their sexual orientation but on their ability to do their job honorably and and skillfully.  They loved their country and those that served with them. Some of them gave the ultimate sacrifice – their very lives.

Today,  even with the immense progress that has been made with such outdated policies as DADT there still is an undercurrent in this country against those in our armed forces who are gay or lesbian or those in the broader LGBT community. As unfounded as these bigoted notions are,  facts show that these group of soldiers and military personnel have served with much honor. Many have given their lives for our country.  The arguments to not give full standing and equality and recognition to these brave men and women fail miserably.

So this video honoring Cpl. Andrew Wilfahrt speaks volumes more than any political debate in the halls of Congress or any horrible disrespectful protests outside the funerals of  these honored ones.

One day I hope this country truly wakes up and does good by them.

Related Articles

Leave a Comment

Filed under DADT, Don't Ask Don't Tell Policy, Equal Rights, Equality, Gay, Gay Causes, Gay Rights, military

Tagged as , , , , , , ,