Listing of Prop 8 Protests and Rallies
If anyone is interested, a link with a list of planned rallies on NO on H8 across the state.
Category: gay
Too Through
My happiness with our new President-elect is overshadowed today. With Prop 8 expected to pass here in CA, Prop 102 in AZ and Prop 2 in Florida passing, I have lost all respect for so called “Christian” hate-mongers. If you’ve been living under a rock, these 3 amendments write discrimination into their respective state constitutions.
I’ve always tried to respect peoples religious beliefs however, there comes a point where your hate, fear, and ignorance cloaked in faith is no longer acceptable. That time has come. After this election, you’ve made it very clear you hate me and hope to forever label me as a 2nd class citizen. Well I’m here to tell you, I am not going away no matter how hard you try. Nor will I blithely stand by when I hear you condemning me and mine in the name of scripture and then claiming faith as an excuse.
Of course, there are those who still claim to be “christians” who also believe in reason and human rights. It is you folks who are now faced with a difficult choice. You can continue to stand by and allow your religion (aka cult) to be corrupted by greed and hate or you can take a stand. You can stand for common decency, respect, and equal treatment of all people. You can put your fellow “christians” on notice their behavior is not acceptable and take back your faith. But, if you choose to stand idly by and do nothing while still identifying with those who hate me, you are no longer exempt from my scorn either. [1]I feel it is worth noting, some of the most horrific atrocities ever committed in human history were done in the name of faith.
No matter how hard you try to justify your actions using archaic scripts, you know deep down it is wrong. And it is you who is accountable for that.
And to be clear, I don’t hate you. But don’t expect me to ‘turn the other cheek’ any longer.
References
| ↑1 | I feel it is worth noting, some of the most horrific atrocities ever committed in human history were done in the name of faith. |
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Home and Back Again
This trip was interesting to say the least. It was good to see my little bro. [1]He is 28 but he’ll always be my “little brother” We’ve always been the closet but it seems to be getting stronger. He is learning just being gay hasn’t changed who I am. We also had a long talk about our siblings. He then told me some very funny stories about my relatives and their views on me. One relative even asked him if we still hugged (Yes, he ridiculed them for being so silly). He also had apparently told everyone to mind their p’s and q’s as he wouldn’t tolerate any disrespectful behavior. Anyway, I thought I’d share some funny incidents that occurred over the weekend.
Funny #1
Halloween night we had a big bonfire. Two of my brothers were there as well as two of my cousins and their families. Of course, my immediately family already knew about me but their spouses and kids only knew from being told. My older cousin was completely blown away by the fact I made gay jokes and wisecracks. We were watching something on TV and I said, “I know I’m gay but even I think THAT is so gay“. You could have heard a pin drop it was so quiet for about 30 seconds before everyone started laughing. A very tense milestone (for them) had passed. She later confided she had warned her kids not to use the word gay around me for fear of hurting my feelings or alienating me (Keep in mind, profanity is a given in my family). I was touched by the thought but I assured her it was ok. [2]And while it really isn’t ok, small steps people, small steps. I did encourage her to think about the underlying implications of allowing her kids to talk that way. While the intent might not be derogatory, the affects can be.
Funny #2
The younger cousin had admonished her own family in a similar manner. Her husband I guess didn’t know what to expect (having never met me) and apparently, there was some animosity about the visit. After a couple hours, he pulled me aside to tell me I wasn’t what he expected. I asked if he was expecting the stereotypical limp-wristed fembot. It took him a second to digest what I was saying but he finally admitted he had indeed. I assured him these are the stereotypes simply because they are so obvious. I explained that while I could “nell out” with the best of’em, it isn’t my normal demeanor. I also told him he probably knew more than he thought because not everyone, especially in a small town, likes it known. That gave him a moment of pause but he took it well I think. lol Not knowing it, he gave me a back-handed compliment by telling me had he not already known he would never have guessed.
It was very heartening to see some of my extended family expanding their horizons. And while there are some who will never be ok with it, I came away knowing I’ve given them something to think about.
I share these stories because I’ve always believed it isn’t the TV and media that sways most folks. I think it is their friends, family, coworkers, etc who decide to come out and live openly and honestly that changes their minds. There are always some who will see you differently but, wouldn’t you rather be liked (or not) for you really are?
Donate, Please
I rarely ask anything of my readers other than respect. This time I am asking a little more. Let me be clear, I am not above begging. The extremist wingnuts couldn’t win with the truth so they’ve taken to lying in their festering evil attempt to write discrimination into the California State constitution.
It is a sad day indeed when the “moral majority” has to resort to lying and deceit to win their case in the hearts & minds of everyday folk. This is one of the most important votes of the century. Whether you live in California or not, if you believe as I do, that two people regardless of their sex should be allowed to form stable, long-term LEGAL relationships under the law, then I urge you to help out.
Please, even if you can only donate $10, take a moment and hop over to
If 1 million people gave just $1.00 that would be one million in extra funds to fight the hate and lies being brought against us in the upcoming election.
I gave $400 of my own money today. I decided to forgo the shiny new riding jacket I wanted. Instead, I donated the money to the No to Prop. 8 campaign. I make this pledge. If enough people donate from this post to raise $1000.00, I will donate $400.00 more of my own money.
Please, I urge you, take a moment to donate whatever you can. Even if it is only a few dollars, every little bit helps when we act together.
All of these fine folks have also helped out. I’ll add every link I discover to this post.
roblog
Romach
Joe my God
Towleroad
Bear Schmear
Queeristan
Gooster
Mathias n Oz
SwimfinsSF
thisboyelroy
Hysterical
Does anyone else find it oddly amusing that the religious F&F’s [1]fundamentalists and fanatics selectively pick and choose disasters to blame on gays? Several of the crazy sites (of which I will never link to here) are blaming the current financial crisis and resulting company failures on gays. Wha-wha-what? Gays caused the financial meltdown in our country?
I particularly like how they liken our influence to total control yet we still don’t have basic rights in most of the Union. I mean if our control was that iron clad wouldn’t we already have equal protections? Oh right, God is keeping us in check. I get it, blame the deity of choice as to avoid rational thought and common sense.
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I just finished watching the VP debate. So basically Palin is considered a success because she didn’t stick her foot in her mouth? Or at least that is what the political pundits on CNN think. The VP is second in line for the presidency and we rate her a success on making it thru a debate w/o a major blunder? My my, what high standards we have.
I came away feeling that Palin has good memorization skills and looks good on camera. As a VP she would pretty much be a figurehead that does what she is told. Not necessarily a bad thing for a VP however, the though of her stepping into the presidency makes me shudder. And while Biden didn’t particularly wow me, I felt he had a firmer grasp on reality and is much more qualified to be the VP. I particularly liked his phrasing on gay rights. While he said he didn’t support gay marriage, his phrasing clearly indicates he was referring to it in a religious sense not a civil rights sense. Very well said in my opinion.
References
| ↑1 | fundamentalists and fanatics |
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Over
Well, the three big gay holidays of the year are over. Pride, Dore Alley, & last but not least, Folsom have all come and gone. And while I had fun, Folsom was a mixed bag for me this year. One might even say too much fun. [1]Yes, there will be a separate post for that. You’ll need to be logged in to see it. That said, I discovered a couple of old demons still lurking in my id.
The Big Muscle party on Saturday was exceptionally fun. What can I say? So many beefy menz, so little time. Actually, with the exception of the fair itself, everything else was almost a let down after the BM party. Nothing else really seemed to measure up. lol And, I like it because everyone is still relatively sober. I usually find the guys are often very friendly and more sociable than other events throughout the weekend. I guess you could compare it to a Tea dance. I also met more guys from online this year than I ever have before. Moving on…
The weekend went great. I was with a great group of friends, ran into some old ones and definitely met some new ones. That said, I remember this nagging sensation gnawing at me several times. Not about to let it ruin my fun, I tucked it away and made a mental note to crack it open later. *g* Well it is later and I’ve realized the nagging feeling was me feeling inferior.
Don’t get me wrong, I doubt anyone really noticed. One thing you learn about me, when I’m nervous or intimidated I tend to act more gregarious than normal to compensate for it. [2]I know, you are asking, “is that even possible?” LOL Call it a defense-mechanism from my childhood, whatever. I originally chalked it up to not having worked out in over a month. And lets face it, these events do sort of cater to the more shallow side of our nature.
Now I’m left wondering if my lack of gym time is the real culprit? I’m a little ashamed to say I don’t think so. Instead, I think I’ve become so accustomed to working out it has allowed me to bury my old feelings of inadequacy. It really shouldn’t surprise me not being able to work out just allowed them to surface.
So yeah, I had a great time at Folsom. But, it also gave me a chance to see myself a bit more objectively. Never a bad thing, IMHO. I guess the point here is I realized I’ve been neglecting the inner me and focusing primarily on the outer me. And while neither is in that bad of shape, I need to remember they both need work. *g*
Yes?
After several inquires, I figured it was time to update le blog. Like I said, I’ve been extremely busy loafing on the sofa. It is Gay High Holy Day #3 [1]Folsom St Fair weekend and the city is awash with visitors. As mentioned, my buddy Frank arrived today. Rob & Chuck came over this evening to watch the Presidential debate with us (a whole other post unto itself). Afterwards, roblog, Adam & Brad, my neighbor Chuck, and myself all trekked down to the hood for some sushi for dinner. It was great to get out of the house and socialize.
Tomorrow is the Big Muscle party and random oggling of da menz. Sunday, of course, is the fair.
Several folks have asked how my shoulder is doing. So far so good. I’m healing up quite nicely so far. I’ve regained about 80-90% of my motion back. The wound itself is starting to lose most of the purpleness from the surgery. I still have some numbness around the edges but it is better every day. I go back to see the Ortho doctor on the 8th. I find out then if & when I can start working out again. [2]Cross your fingers for me.
I’ll try to get some pics in but you know how absent-minded I am. 😛
And what are your weekend plans?
McCain Still a Hypocrit
McCain Never Returned Cash from former Manhunt Chairman
While I’m still on my high horse…
So not only did they not return the money but Crutchley is still working for MH even if he is no longer on the board. He still owns a significant share of the company and not being “on the board” was window dressing to appease us so we would blithely turn away and keep looking for our next hookup.
/rant
For My Next Trick…
I finally caught up on all my emails. [1]I guess politics rates right under porn for hot topics. Most of the public comments are those in agreement with me. Well except for that crazy Cajun, Brett. [2]Cajuns, by nature, are never afraid to speak up. We also aren’t afraid to speak back. However, I got a slew of private emails representing the contrary opinion. Folks, you are welcome to disagree with me anytime. My only request is and has always been that you be respectful. Most of you do that consistently. I never nix contrary opinions just because you disagree. You don’t have to worry about attacks here either. I don’t tolerate that at all. We can all talk w/o resorting to name calling. Well, here on my blog we can. Anyway, I think I replied to everyone’s private email. If I didn’t, so sowwie but the fingers are tired.
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I guess in my last post I wasn’t very clear. I don’t expect to put ManHunt out of business. Please. They are a global company. My little drop in the bucket won’t mean much in the grand scale of things. That said, I can’t knowingly support someone who doesn’t support me. I don’t care if it is a "trashy hookup site", as Brett calls it.
And frankly, it isn’t about the money. The guy is making a very profitable living off of gay men. To donate to the McCain campaign is a slap in the face and hypocritical. I also don’t expect him to be some moral compass, whatever the fuck that is. I do expect as someone who makes his living primarily off gay men he won’t support political candidates who consistently vote to keep us 2nd class citizens.
I am proud to say quite a few of my readers have nixed their accounts. I can count at least 30 folks I know first hand who have done so. The scandal hasn’t even hit mainstream media yet. If enough of us make a statement Manhunt will have to deal with it.
ManHunt = Fail
I just found out from two of my favorite reads the founder of Manhunt has given the maximum allowed donation to McCain. He has even admitted it. Besides being incredibly hypocritical, it reeks of the typical Republican mentality, "do as I say not as I do".
He has the right to donate to the candidate of his choice. I support that. I also have the right NOT to support his business. I can’t in good conscience do so anymore.
You can read the full stories here and here.
Sadly, I doubt it will have much effect. Many will just shrug and keep looking for their next trick. I know that seems a bit cynical but most gay men think with the little head first. I’m hoping my brothers will prove me wrong.
If you are on Manhunt, I urge you to cancel your account AND let them know why. Someone will pop up to take their place soon enough anyway.