Retract the claws...

I had an entire post planned around arguing every last detail in regards to the heated debate of the Department of Justice's Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) defense. I read the brief, made notes, agreed with some of it, disagreed with some of it, but let me tell you - it was just too much work for what I think I have to say on the matter. Not that I don't think it's important to have intelligent, informed, detailed discussion on such a hot topic in the LGBT community, but I just don't think I'm ready to delve into all of the minute intricacies. Further, I can't argue the case history because I just don't know it. I'd rather speak from this new place I've found - it's called the heart.

What all my "research" boiled down to is this: While there was language that was used that could be seen as demeaning and downright "Bush-ian" in its social commentary, let's rewind and look at who wrote it. A Bush hold-over in the DOJ. Sure, he has supervisors whose names are listed on the brief, and ultimately, Eric Holder is responsible for what comes out of the Department. And supremely, Obama is responsible for all of that. So I understand some of the outrage given the arguments in the brief. However, very little of the brief contained this "inflammatory" language. In fact, I think many of the arguments presented therein hold a lot of weight. Granted, I didn't read the plaintiff's brief, but it seems that many of the arguments on the plaintiffs' standing seem solid by the logic presented. And I'm not saying I agree with the legislation, or with the ideological basis of the brief itself, but as a reasonable person, I have to have my mind open to what it's saying and what the options are. Let's not view this as a hands down interpretation of the Obama Administration's LGBT policy. These were people who were doing their job as members of the executive branch, upholding the legal basis of a statute. And if you look closely, were virtually giving the gay community a road map (though long and complicated) to repealing DOMA.

Barack Obama is an immensely calculated and intelligent man. There are time-bombs ticking around every corner for him, yet he (for the most part) gracefully navigates them. I, for one, can't even imagine what it would be like for each and every move, word, meeting, and gesture to be so severely scrutinized. He's doing things the way he sees best to do them, which - isn't that WHY we elected him? We chose him to lead us because we believed in what he can do, because of his intelligence (especially after the last administration's lack thereof), because of his strength of character, because of his ability to make change (he changed all of us who voted for him into believers, did he not?) because of his compassionate nature. He launched an entire movement around his charismatic presence. Let's remember these things when we move to attack him.

His transition team indicated back in November that there would be no substantive action on Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT). By extension, one should have understood 'DOMA' here as well. The rationale given was that they wanted time to build consensus on the issue before moving forward. Changing minds and hearts to do that takes time. A lot of time. Many of you out there may want to piss off the radical right. And you may be ok with pissing off the conserva-dems as well. But doing that spells almost certain doom for the entire rest of the Administration's agenda. For health care reform. For economic reform and oversight. For a change in foreign relations. Anything brought forth by the administration after unilateral movement on issues as inflammatory as DADT and DOMA would be sure to fail. While I think equality for LGBT people is immensely important, we can get there without sabotaging the rest of the country as a result.

So while I understand people's frustration, I strongly urge those who are frustrated to take a look at the bigger picture. Things take time. Yes, he promised. Yes, the DOMA brief is problematic, but truly look and listen to what's going on. Be thankful for the incremental steps like benefits for federal employees. Yes - even though health benefits are missing from the package, because it's still a step forward. This is how he's building consensus. By taking small steps he's working to change the hearts and minds of people who are skeptical. Turning our backs on Obama now, showing our teeth (or jungle red claws), and running around as if our hair is on fire is not going to get us what we want. What we need.

I am not advocating tacit complacency. We should continue to work for what we believe is just. But those of us who are not involved at the top levels need to continue grassroots work. Change the hearts and minds of those around you who may not agree with same-sex marriage. We all know that adding a personal connection to the issue is the surest way to change a mind on the fence, or even one firmly in the other camp. Doing that will make repeal of these hateful policies inevitable. Let's help the cause by doing, not hurt it by just criticizing.

LGBT Perceptions: Black & White?

Following this week's leak of graphic sexual pictures of Dustin Lance Black (Milk screenwriter, film-maker and gay rights activist and educator), I thought it a good opportunity to discuss (only skimming the surface of) the perception of gays in society.

For those of you who don't know, Black has become the perfect poster child for the younger gay activist movement. A handsome mid-thirties, well spoken man, he works to educate, protest and get the conversation going. Perez Hilton (pariah) broke some pics of Black engaged in bareback sex. The other party in the pictures has since been identified as Black's boyfriend at the time, but they have set off a firestorm within the gay community. On the one hand, you have those who come to his defense and indicate that these photos are a private matter (agreed), and that what Black decides to do in the privacy of his home (or wherever else the pictures were taken) is his business only.

There's a solid rationale in all of that. However, when you make yourself an outspoken advocate for gay rights, for SAFE-SEX, and otherwise put yourself out there for a cause, you then have a certain responsibility to the community you seek to educate and advance. The person in the photos may have been Black's boyfriend at the time, but it hardly seems relevant who the person was. And though, he may not have been engaging in unsafe sex, per se, the perception that has since come into play is somewhat of an incongruous picture. I appreciate that Black has since issued a statement trying to control the damage. While he sees the injustice of what has happened to him, he still takes responsibility for his position becoming compromised. I think.

There are many aspects of "gay culture" that offend not only society in general, but many members of the LGBT community. There are always fringe groups, fetish cultures, and cliques. It has always felt to me like there has been a struggle to determine whether or not we embrace all these things under one umbrella, or cut and run. The "one umbrella" solution seems to be what we, probably rightfully, strive for. As members of the gay community, we have a shared experience of discrimination, shame, hurt feelings and general disregard. The more we can come together to battle these demons, the stronger chance we have of actually fighting with strength, conviction and compassion and coming out with genuine victories for the community.

But how do we get all these drastically different people to work together? You have twinks that are afraid of bears. You have lesbians who may not feel that they're taken seriously enough within the community. You have pretty jock boys who think that being muscle-y and masculine are all there is and disregard everybody else. We can't expect to be taken seriously by straight society if we can't even take each other seriously and treat one another with respect.

To me it all boils down to "live and let live" with a side-dish of "be responsible to and for yourself and your actions." We have to present ourselves as both mainstream and who we really are - simultaneously. While many would argue that gay IS mainstream, I'd come back with, "Being reduced to stereotype and cliche is not mainstream." To be taken seriously by the rest of society, we have to take one another seriously. Play down the differences, stop stereotyping one another and show the world that we can be a united body that's responsible to and for one another and comes together when it really counts.

LGBT ADHD

There has been a flurry of discussion in the last few weeks about the decision of the California Supreme Court regarding Proposition 8. And there are a lot of people out there that are still angry about the decision. In my little series here on community building within the LGBT community, I want to make sure that we're all talking straight with each other, so to speak.  We have to be sure each of us is properly informed in order to focus our communal voice.

I went to the rally outside the San Francisco City Hall the evening after the Prop 8 decision had been made. It felt good to get out and support something I felt so strongly about. To be part of the broader LGBT community for once in my life and actually feel as if there was a common bond that transcended any differences. But once I left the march and really thought about what occurred there, I don't think the message was totally tuned into what we need to be saying. And while it got people out and thinking about what was going on, which is HUGELY important - don't get me wrong - the message wasn't as clear as it probably could have been and didn't adequately describe what had happened. 

One of the speakers said that we had to act like our hair was on fire. I applaud his call to action, but you know these queens - they will take that and literally run around as if their hair IS on fire. Getting in people's faces, behaving like lunatics.

Focus is the name of the game, folks. And focus comes from not just reading headlines, but reading the backstory. Reading the corroborating materials - how many of you have actually read any of the actual text of the CA Supreme Court decision? Our society has become so lethargic that we don't even ensure that the information we have is of any substance. We take what we're told by the dreamy Anderson Cooper and believe that there's the story. That's all there is.

The most recent decision in California was not whether this type of discrimination was legal, or even desirable. It was a technical legal matter. It was about constitutional process. I'll pause to give some of my readers a break. I know I'm not necessarily speaking to those who get a kick out of my rantings and ravings. I am speaking to those who will probably never read my blog at all. To those who comment on Facebook links from HRC and Marriage Equality with comments that have nothing to do with the story or link that's posted. Instead they comment willy-nilly, as if their hair is on fire. The link will be about the most recent goings on in New York with a Senate shake-up and what that means for marriage equality legislation, and the comments will read something like, "If Iowa can do it, why can't California?" or "Why can't we all realize that everyone deserves rights?"  While I understand their passion and the importance of the statements they're making, why the non-sequitur? Do we not know enough about what's going on to discuss each point separately? Becoming specific to each argument is what's going to bring equality. Presumably, those of us who are fans of those pages feel similarly, so why not move past the generic rhetoric and speak substantively on the matter at hand?

Now, I realize that I'm being a bit bitchy. That I shouldn't be squashing someone's passion and conviction. Re-reading what I've written above makes me feel as if I've been unfair. Like I said though, I appreciate the passion, but think that part of moving forward as a community is making sure we all not only have our eyes on the prize, but have the intellectual tools necessary to actually get there. We need to understand each step and its impact on the movement in a real and concrete sense. This will give us the power, as a unified and empowered community, to change hearts and minds and ultimately reach our goal of full equality.

I'm proud, I think. How 'bout you?

June has arrived. Scantily clad men and women folk are claiming their swaths of beach (though, I'm not among them being in San Francisco where it's cloudy and a lovely 50 degrees today...). Summer festivals. Farmers' Markets. Pride festivals will soon be in full bloom.   

As pride descends upon us, perhaps it's necessary to blogify on some gay matters all month. Oh, wait. I kind of do that already. Perhaps then, let's focus on some things that we should be doing to bring the LGBT community together. Things we can do to support one another. Educate one another. I can't promise, however, that I won't get pissed off about something and rail against stupid-heads along the way. But as always, I'll try not to be just plain mean.

Something that's been on my mind a lot lately is HIV/AIDS. Look at these acronyms:

HIV

AIDS

These are serious fucking matters, folks. Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Your body no longer protects you from things which those with uncompromised immune systems can fight off much easier. While I can't even begin to understand what it's like for someone to face all of the issues that surround seroconversion and how that subsequently affects many aspects of one's life, I CAN understand what it's like to be constantly plagued by knowing and seeing the devastation that HIV can inflict.

I also understand that sometimes mistakes are made. That some people do everything they can to protect themselves from becoming infected and ultimately will trust someone that doesn't have the same respect for them. But it is those people, the latter, that really piss me the fuck off. Knowing that everyone deals with issues in their lives differently, I still have to beg the questions, "How can one be so indifferent to a disease that claims millions of lives each year, yet is almost 100% preventable in the modern world?" "How can you be so selfish to recklessly endanger other's lives in addition to your own?" "How can you knowingly infect another individual with an untreatable disease, or be so indifferent to allow your own virus (which may be a more or less virulent strain - Russian Roulette anyone?) to enter their body?" The latter question is probably not fair. Many people infected with HIV don't even know it. They're too afraid to get tested. They'd rather live in denial of the fact that this virus exists and can be responsible for totally altering the direction of your life. But then, isn't it a fair question? If you're a sexually active person, you are responsible to, at the very least, yourself. For your health and well-being. And while another person's health isn't your responsibility, why perpetuate a culture of denial and nonchalance? 

There is enough frustration to go around. From the conservative right which fails to allow proper sex education, people who admittedly seek unsafe sex with multiple partners that they may or may not know, people that continue to re-use needles for their drug induced stupors, and society's general lack of immediacy for the issue because now it's "controllable," "manageable," or a "lost cause." It makes me so angry, but it also makes me so sad I can hardly bear it.

Not that there aren't a lot of people out there who continue to educate the ignorant and lobby the powers of the world. There's a lot of research devoted to finding a vaccine and learning all we can about the virus, its life-cycle, its limitations, its mutations. There are countless organizations that provide services on every point along the spectrum from education to providing services and counseling for those with HIV. I commend and deeply respect those that make it their life's work to help those who suffer and prevent others from experiencing the evils of the disease. But where is the urgency? Its loss in the community leads to further inadequate education and attention, thus perpetuating a vicious cycle. It has become a cause that is so firmly embedded in gay culture, especially, that we don't even realize that despite current treatments, it's still the same destructive disease it has always been. 

Current anti-retroviral therapies are a blessing and a curse. When properly used, they are monumental in bringing a certain quality of life back to HIV-positive individuals and in reducing the morbidity and mortality of the virus. But it is because of this perceived "manageability" of the virus that it becomes such a curse. The young and uneducated believe that it's OK to become infected because those with HIV no longer experience severe wasting, the rapid onset of sarcomas, rashes and pneumonia. Are lipodistrophy, dyslipidemia, vomiting, stomach cramps, and cardiovascular issues from the cocktails any better? Is a daily regimen of drugs that make you feel sick easier than practicing safe sex? More importantly, are we destined to become slaves to our own weaknesses and irresponsible impulses? 

This pride month, let's really be proud of something. Let's be proud of being responsible. Let's be proud of coming together as a community to educate one another about what this disease really is. Let's be proud of helping rather than hurting. Wake up. Be responsible. Wrap it up. 

Finally - the levity I mentioned so long ago...

And how appropriate that it's in regards to not posting in a timely manner!  I lifted this from a blog called Daily Dose of Funny.  But this is from the last post they made which was back in '08...so, not so daily, but perfect for a last, long ago post.

Top 10 excuses for not updating your blog: 

Hi loyal readers! I know I haven’t updated in a long time. I’m sorry, but…

10 … Since I had the facial reconstruction surgery I can actually get laid.

9… Really, isn’t quality more important then quantity?

8… It turns out my boss actually wants me to do some work in exchange for the money he gives me weekly.

7… I thought I had updated the blog, but it turns out I was high and only THOUGHT I did.

6… I was waiting for the Republicans to regroup.

5… I was having more fun beating my head against a wall covered in nails.

4… I was trying to break the record for longest masturbation session; it’s hard to type and “love yourself” at the same time.

3… I was kidnapped by terrorists while in Afghanistan. Luckily I was able to build an armor out of scraps of metal and old electronic components and used it to escape. Still couldn’t get the damn phone browser to work though.

2… I did update! But some Chinese hackers broke into the site and erased the posts. Then some Filipino hackers broke into my home computer and deleted the drafts I had saved. And then someone's dog ate my printouts.

1 … I forgot the password to the blog.

Consequences

It seems I’m on a roll with the religious conservatives vs. the rest of us, so why not keep going.  I wrote this kind of in conjunction with the previous post, and when I realized they were in the same realm, just made a few changes to help the through line.

So, we want a dose of religious freedom, do we? And we want the government to recognize that freedom, right?  Yay…that’s awesome. We should totally do that! (Oh wait, we already do.) And what if there was a religion that defined marriage as a union of love and commitment between any two people, no matter their sex? Would the government then be compelled to allow such marriages to be civilly recognized? The self-proclaimed “righteous” would say no…

Dear, dear NY State Senator Ruben Diaz. Harbinger of all that is right. Moral compass of the people of New York. When your supporters and fellow counter-demonstrators proclaim “Homo is a no no” and “No Gay in the USA,” do you really believe that you’re on the right track? Does that make you feel as if your position is one of strength and good measure because you’re taking such a hard-line, "values-based" approach? Aside from the obvious wrongs of your position and how it is totally antithetical to your belief structure, I do applaud one thing, however, the conviction with which you believe. Unfortunately, those strong, hateful beliefs are so damaging to others, and you make them more so by working to force these beliefs on others. Believe with all your heart, but don’t rip mine out of my chest trying to make me believe the same. It’s time to stop hiding behind religion, Mr. Diaz, and start facing the citizens whose rights you wish kept from them. God did not elect you to the NY State Senate; the people did. Remember that – you are charged to represent ALL of us equally – Christian, Gay, Muslim, Lesbian, Buddhist, Transsexual, Agnostic, Jewish, Atheist…

Many of your colleagues thankfully, it seems, believe in equality. However, they’re terrified of the political ramifications of affirming that equality. How about the ramifications of denying those who support same-sex marriage?  How about the ramifications of denying civil and human rights to citizens, not just in your districts, but across the state? I call upon all those with the strength of conviction to confront those Senators, nay – any lawmaker – on the fence and tell them it’s time to “man up.” It’s time to do what’s right rather than what’s politically safe because it won’t be politically safe for long. And if and when you take the path of discrimination and prejudice, you will be held accountable; there will be no back-pedaling, no redemption. You will be reviled for your cowardice, rather than rewarded for the integrity and virtue you could display. Now, look again, and rethink those aforementioned political ramifications.

New Yorkers have been patient, but this is the time. David Patterson may have gotten so many things wrong during his tenure as governor, but right now, he’s so right. “The time for justice, the time for equality, the time for equal rights can never be any more urgent than right now.” 

Oh, the woes...

First of all – I’m a bad blogger.  I wrote this post, and the one I will post next on a plane, fully 5 days ago now.  Is it really that hard for me to just copy and paste?  Oy.  Anyway – I submit the following to you, fair reader... 

And every day some brand new issue rears its head to piss you off… Well, not so much new issues.  It seems we are destined to re-live and re-hash the same worn-out issues day after day, week after week, year after year.  The first of these we’ll ‘wade’ into – and the one currently making the media rounds – is abortion.  Good ol’ divisive Roe v. Wade.  We all know the back-story on the recent surge in the subject’s popularity – but here’s a quick recap.  The University of Notre Dame invites President Obama to give the commencement address and receive an honorary law degree.  Conservatives rail against the decision.  Students and pro-lifers protest, some students even boycott their own graduation.  Obama is a baby killer!  His agenda is not in line with the university, or its Christian values. 

Before continuing on, I feel compelled to remind myself of the quote that first inspired me to blogify on the matter.  “Each side will continue to make its case to the public with passion and conviction.  But surely we can do so without reducing those with differing views to caricature.”  For pro-lifers – the pro-choicers aren’t vicious baby-killers.  For pro-choicers – the pro-lifers aren’t all fundamentalist doctor office bombers. 

It’s so hard to take that message to heart when conservatives and pro-lifers say that it was “inappropriate” for the president to speak at ND. That is was wrong for him to accept an honorary degree. The vast majority of those in attendance, whether or not they agree with Mr. Obama’s stance on abortion realize that; a) He’s the freaking president (democratically elected by a sizeable margin, including a win of the state of Indiana); 2) He’s an immensely intelligent individual; and D) he, exhaustively it seems, works to bring all parties to the table and recognize every position’s validity and underlying principle.  Part D especially seems rather Christian to me.  Respect and patience for the other side, no?  Love and compassion for all at the table?  And to all that, in the case of the Notre Dame controversy, I merely say, take a look at duLac - The Guide to Student Life at the University of Notre Dame.  Just a quick bit of web-surfing turned up all the support one needs to drive the point home:

The University of Notre Dame strives for a spirit of inclusion among the members of this community for distinct reasons articulated in our Christian tradition. We prize the uniqueness of all persons as God’s creatures. We welcome all people, regardless of color, gender, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, social or economic class, and nationality, for example, precisely because of Christ’s calling to treat others as we desire to be treated. We value gay and lesbian members of this community as we value all members of this community. We condemn harassment of any kind, and University policies proscribe it. We consciously create an environment of mutual respect, hospitality and warmth in which none are strangers and all may flourish.

Done, right?  Not quite.  As much as we all want to include - it being the spirit of the democratic process and all - there will always be people that think it’s morally and ideologically prudent to exclude.

This bit of rhetoric brings me to a broader “freedoms” question: So, Christians want their values more entrenched in daily life in America, right? How is such a move any different than the imposition of Sharia, or Islamic law, in majority Islamic nations? The problem with these fundamentalist views is that they exclude and discriminate tremendously against minorities in the population. How is that right, or even anything resembling right? I understand the drive to evangelize. I understand the desire to follow God’s will and do right in the world. But stop for a moment and see what’s really happening. A universal foray into Christian values and principles for those who are not Christian - of which there are millions in this country - is simply dangerous.  How can it be righteous to impose upon anyone?  While many people in this country are Christian, or support values that Christians embody, we must be sure not to further blur the line between one’s freedom to worship, and another’s civil liberties, even if that other is in a minority position. But people will be who they will be. And they will passionately believe what they believe. Such a deceptively vicious cycle...