Note: Yesterday’s Camp NaNoWriMo writing was a recap for one of my DnD games, so it’s nothing published here, but I’m still on track for the month!
This morning was the Second Annual Pittsburgh Frontrunners Back of the Pack Fourth of July Run and Brunch (For a Cure). Note, it’s not really ‘For a Cure,’ I just add that. Anyway, our little pace group is wonderful. The tradition started last year when the Fourth fell on one of our normal running days we go out with the Frontrunners, and instead of skipping the day, we got together, and a tradition was born.
There’s something to be said for being with groups of the same people. Yes, safe spaces are vital and needed, but that’s just one step. Actually being with other people that are also considered ‘other’ is hugely gratifying. It helps us remember that we’re not alone, that we’re not wrong in any way.
As brunch continued, the conversation turned to queer theory, and in this case, the actual use of the word, ‘queer.’ We were able to discuss, in a candid way that I think would have been prohibitive if there weren’t other queer people there, the evolution of the word, it’s use in the lexicon and how different generations view and use the word. That spawned side conversations that spanned coming out stories, workplace discrimination, travel, safety precautions, family dynamics, therapists and Netflix specials.
We talked freely about going to different parts of the county and being cognizant of hiding who we are in order to remain safe. Even in places like San Francisco, the world is dangerous, and though we’ve come so far in the 49 years since Stonewall, we still have a ways to go.
But maybe, just maybe, earnest conversations, with friends and way too much food, will help to bring us all a little closer together. A little tighter community.
Because as we’ve learned this week, the world can still be a scary and awful place. But we make it better each and every day by coming out and being more visible; and just by that act, reminding those around us that we’re humans. Just like you.
So if you are in a place where you can safely (physically, emotionally, financially, work-relatedly, yeah, I made that “word” up) come out, start with yourself, and work your way outward. You’ll feel better, I promise.
And to celebrate the 25th annual national coming out day, a day dedicated to LGBT visibility, a quick video. And yes, Randy Phillip’s still chokes me up a little bit, because we’re in a world where he had to ask his dad if he would still love him.
I’m taking this as a sign that I would be a good parent. Because I still have my parent’s set (and it goes away after we’ve been drinking, we’re not stupid)
You can tell the haters are really reaching for straws, when they’re attacking random swaths of all kinds of people: for adopting children. And just remember, NOM is a certified hate group, hopefully this will make some other people notice.
So, my thoughts on the new pope: it’s awesome that he took the name Francis, as he’s one of my favorite saints. Also cool that he’s a Jesuit, although I think that I always heard they had the sterotype of buying lots of land and making lots of money, which is the opposite of Pope Francis, who rode the bus to work! Now, just like the other 114 cardinals, he still hates the LGBT community, women and you know, anyone who’s different, not that I expected anything different though. More importantly, the new Archbishop of Caneterbury is enthroned on Thursday!
Because adding Batman is awesome:
E. L. James, the “author” of 50 Shades of Grey, is publishing a writing guide. Excuse me as I go throw up.
Awesome note from a dad to his son. It popped up in my newsfeed at work and I teared up a little bit:
This of course, comes after Rob Portman, sitting Senator from Ohio comes out for Marriage Equality. You know, when it affects his son. Yes, we’re happy that he’s supporting equality, but you should be able to see the need for equal rights without it personally affecting your immediate family.
Sooooooo, at the big conservative political gathering last week, there was a real life, true racist walking around. Now to be fair, there are crazy people everywhere, but it’s fun to point this out.
First up, if you use Chrome, check out this really fun map of the cosmos.
Here’s what I just don’t get about those who stockpile guns. I can’t imagine living life so scared of the world. And that’s what the NRA does, convince people to be afraid. And just a reminder, the NRA represents the gun makers, and works to make them money. So making the public afraid enough to stockpile guns is their goal.
Yes, I’m excited, considering Benedict continued to hide child molesters and defend them in court (see: Australia, L.A., et. al.). But I can’t imagine the next pope is suddenly going to drop the homophobic, misogynistic, anti-sex views. I’m not holding my breath. Corporate Hallucinations covers it here.
And this happened the day it was announced:
The other big news is Orson Scott Card being tapped to write a new Superman series. Card, is a very outspoken homophobic bigot (as well as hating the Jews, you know, for being Jews). He’s entitled to his opinion, and I’m entitled to not buy his comics. That’s how it works, although you’ll probably notice that the far-right complains and claims they are being harassed and victimized when the center/left does anything they disagree with. However, when someone like Card, who has been quoted saying that it should be illegal to be gay, gives tons of money to hate groups like the FRC and NOM (and is a member of their board), it’s a bit beyond his opinion and more like a crusade on his part. So excuse me as I try to protect myself. Anyway, the Gutters covers it here.
If this was a Holocaust denier or a white supremacist, there would be no question. Hiring that writer would be an embarrassment to your company. Well, [Orson Scott] Card is an embarrassment to your company, DC. And of all the characters Card could have been hired to write, you give him Superman? The character that taught me to lead by example? To do the right thing, even when it was hard? To keep going, even when it seemed hopeless? What an insult. Kids are killing themselves. They are killing themselves in a climate of intolerance and homophobia publicly fostered by people like Orson Scott Card. You don’t have to contribute to this. You shouldn’t. You mustn’t.”
In case you missed the story, a group of parents and students in Indiana wanted a “traditional Prom,” because the idea of seeing same-sex couples walk in holding hands is so repulsive to them. The school has nothing to do with it, although one of the teachers has said on camera that gay kids “serve no purpose.” The community, a local church and the school are reaching out to all kids, and you can read about the whole ordeal here.
2012 was a big year, for a lot of reasons. And in the LGBT community, we have a lot to celebrate.
Towleroad has 150 “game-changing” moments of the year, from the sitting president endorsing marriage equality to engagements, the full repeal of DADT and so much more.
Gay film make Ryan James Yezak put together an end of the year video. It covers all news and pop culture, but is in his unique style (seizure warning, seriously. I tend not to like much of what he does because of it, but this I really liked):
Of course for me, I finally began living my life to the fullest and more honestly. I certainly have a ways to go, but I’m excited for what 2013 will have in store for me.
