Canadian street gangs. - Imgur

I just gotta share this one. It’s too awesome not to…

Canadian street gangs. - Imgur

Womanist Musings: What Exactly are Gay Men Doing Sexually?

Is it safe to assume, well, we’re boring. I heard as story once, from Dan Savage himself on the Colbert Report, about when Mr. Savage was on Larry King. A caller had called in and asked Mr. Savage about his sex life and Dan went to answer that it was pretty boring-just like straight people’s—pretty much not unlike everyone else’s.

Larry cut him off before it was put on the air. “Once they know you’re like them, you’ve got nothing,” he stated.

I bring this up because he’s a further study. It shows we’re as vanilla as everyone else.

Womanist Musings: What Exactly are Gay Men Doing Sexually?

Hard Starts: Luge v Bobsled v Skeleton | The Awl

LINK TO BLOG/VIDEO

Okay, okay, living for years in the shadow of the Olympic Training Center, I admit—those men are HOT. I mean, 1 percent body fat, nipples facing down, 12 meals a day. What’s not like to like? And, in fact, since they’re being watched constantly, they have to be on good behavior, just like the military-just without the uniforms.
With that in mind, I stumbled across this little bit. But here’s the thing. As I watched the video, hoping for some shirtless awesomeness, I found out something--
--the training situations these men are in are very cool, totally unrelated to their hotness factor. It’s like mini rollercoasters.
I would never actually DO those sports-something about sliding on ice a few inches above the ground frightens the crap out of me-but there’s an educational component this video did not realize it was posting!
Enjoy.
Hard Starts: Luge v Bobsled v Skeleton | The Awl

NFL adds ‘sexual orientation’ to anti-discrimination language in new CBA - Wide Rights

 

NFL adds ‘sexual orientation’ to anti-discrimination language in new CBA - Wide Rights

I’m thinking this works better if I put the link FIRST, before my opinion. Mighten that work?

Still, considering that there are, like, zero NFL players out, I like the sound that this is out there. Maybe, just maybe, things are changing. When sports and military are integrated, the healing might begin for gays and lesbians.

There’s always hope.

Peace.

Freedom of Speech

Believe it or not, even if I don’t agree with this kid’s opinion, he has the right to say it. I mentioned it in my previous post here and I’ll say it again. You don’t have to like me because I’m gay-that’s not what equal rights are about.

There are dems and there are GOPers. They hate each other for the stupidiest of reasons, when, in the end, they are working for pretty much same purposes.

I say, let the kid stay in school. Perhaps the teacher should have made a conversation about this topic right then and there. However, given standardized testing—I know the teacher has zero time to teach what’s important but instead has to teach to what will cut their pay.

LINK: 

http://www.towleroad.com/2011/09/student-suspended-for-saying-homosexuality-is-wrong-video.html

Guess Its Okay to be Two Faced....

This UPSETS me so much. Seriously. I mean, really, seriously. I am fully aware that the world will not accept me with open arms. I cannot expect anyone to run up to me, kiss me on the cheek and say, “thank GOD you’re gay.”

I’m no hero. But I can, to some level, expect some civility. Hate me all you want, but keep it to your bloody selves.

I am so proud of our military and what they have done. Strangely, for being dyed-in-the-wool blue stater, I do and always have, supported the military. It is difficult, in my opinion, to protect those who do not wish to be protected. It is a harrowing job and must be protected and revered and respected-if not outright honored.

I’ll tell you what happened. A young man, stationed in Iraq, is now free to be honest with the final repeal of Don’t Ask/Don’t Tell. With his new found freedom, and obviously a support of a GOP president, he asked if any of the would-be candidates would put back DADT and basically get him fired.

Santorum, which, if you don’t know already, is the name of the mix of items that fall out of your rear after vigorous anal penetration (don’t believe me? Google it!), said, basically, yes. He would put it back in place.

When the young man spoke via video, the obviously red-state audience BOO’d the young man. BOO’D HIM. They saw his gayness and not his military contributions.

A different kind of BOO!

And Santorum not only handed out a mean-spirited and, IMHO, ignorant response, he said nothing of the audience’s response.

Even if this situation was in 3-D, it wouldn’t be any better

I can tell you why Mr. FrothyMix isn’t going to be elected. If he has to be requested to make an apology? That tells me volumes of how in-touch he is with an audience. Now, onstage, I get it. The blood is pumping, you’re nervous and sometimes? You didn’t say what you meant. I will always listen to post scripts, if they are plausible.

Just my rant for today. I would have posted more, but I’m back to work as it is.

Here’s a link:

kenneth in the (212): It's OK Not to Support the Troops, as Long as They're Gay

World Champ Wood Chopper Speaks Out for Gay Marriage | News | The Advocate

Do you think we could have found a better picture for this article? I mean, this guy is awesome for who he is and what he does—but, well, a bit of respect here, folks!?!?!

Still, applause, applause.

World Champ Wood Chopper Speaks Out for Gay Marriage | News | The Advocate

North Carolina Mulls Gay Marriage Ban In Constitution

I’m not sure why anyone gets this. It is, technically a non-issue. Yet, we gotta get those conservatives to the polls. And, in order to do that, you have to figure out some social topic.

And we all know this is going to pass, sadly. Grant you, North Carolina should be happy to see its name in lights. When’s the last time they did anything?

 

North Carolina Mulls Gay Marriage Ban In Constitution

Something from my writing journals: Timed Fiction-

"This is what the Neighbors Saw"

 

 

Jorge never liked his body, but it was something he had made peace with, regardless. He had poked and prodded it along through his younger years, using it to great effect when his hormones and time schedules matched more securely and he did not have to think about those things very frequently. He had taken the time to avoid fried foods, the gift of his heritage, whenever he could; having a gym in walking distance to his condo was motivation enough to ride the bicycle, even on the cloudiest of days.

Because of the time he afforded it, he was allowed, nightly, to stay in bed when others his age found their bladders swollen enough that hourly urination gave little satisfaction. He could just lie there. The abuses he felled upon his own prostate in his youth he figured he could count on to haunt him; however, the ongoing gym membership afforded him a good night's sleep. Never once did he find himself getting up before a decent six hours of slumber were conquered. And even that was an issue of size, not age or health of various organs.

It was a Saturday morning when those six hours had stretched to a good ten. He treated himself the Friday night prior to finishing a paperback. The week was far from decent, lunch hours were kept in the company of unruly teens, instead of his green tea and reading. So as the end of the week surfaced, he found the time to polish off his leisure reading on the couch and sleeping late. The coffeemaker had done its job; the carafe was still piping hot when he awoke and shambled into this kitchen.

The condo was the last on his lot, a beauty in that it afforded him a decent view of their courtyard before the pool. An open expanse of bright green blades of lawn and swingset. Normally, he would have afforded a robe at this hour. But the Florida sun was in repose this winter, the pool across the way, empty. His boxer-briefs hung at a sad, low angle, but he was not one to care before coffee.

He did not even jolt when the drivable lawn mower came into view. They were traditionally there every Saturday morning, and they never seemed the wiser. Jorge got a thrill out of their presence, since they seemingly were all 18-19 and in the fittest of shape he once hoped for. They creatively removed large swatches of clothing every week, from an exposed midriff or a shorn sleeve, showing their latest tattoo or keeping their strong tanline.

Today's show involved a red-headed lad who wore very, very large headphones. Jorge guess the form of the things kept the sweat away from his temples, but would suffer from horrid smells in the truck ride home. But it wasn't his problem.

The youth was too new to the job. He didn't know the rules of the retirement community. You were not allowed to take off your shirt.

He wasn't going to complain, however. At least not before coffee.

Jorge scratched himself, unthinking, and maneuvered to see better.

(Unfinished, timed out)

Dear God, save us from your followers.

I mean…really?

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LOsTJh7jjFj5yLFyJUttLvNosg_z5Dvsw8kPwy1-4zAf0OS4mgi3lp3D83sxZ6K3UH9NDtIXAOZknB24YgVm9L5qp5U6GflsD-PoMtUwUaq6GW112bwnFSbaQc-MpaDIv_SJi3CExnrG/s1600/FBstatusChaz.jpg

A Quiet Return

Memories Of Sept. 11's First Recorded Casualty Endure : NPRI stumbled across this little story just as I had a hankerin’ to type and compose.

Memories Of Sept. 11's First Recorded Casualty Endure : NPR

It has been too long of a time to edit and add to a blog. I think of it like one who forgets to call a sister who lives just a few hours away. You know they’ll always be there—you’ll get around to contacting them some day. However, well, days end up as weeks and soon, well, time marches on.

I don’t want that to happen to these blogs. I love writing. These blogs don’t deserve it.

And better, there’s an app for that.

It activated itself, I guess. Just showed up on my Explorer window after downloading Word 2010. Say what you will about Windows, but, aw, fuck, their word processing tool (yeah, I said word processor, fuckwads, it IS an old term and I’m an OLD grizzly) is the ursine’s wordsmithing delight.

And here we are.

This isn’t as scandalous as some other posts. Nor should it be. A kinda melancholy has hit the nation. Everyone seems to be in a lather-just ask any GOP and Tea Party member, you can find them sitting in the corner doing nothing—these days, yet as NineEleven approaches this weekend, the hiberNation seems to be giving out a collective sigh.

I suppose I could recollect where I was and what it means for this young country, but seriously, I’m not that skilled of an author. In fact, I was probably going to say nothing until this little nexus of commonalities (gay, NineEleven, and this Live Writer) occurred.

See, folks, I once thought about coming a minister.

What? A furry beauty like yourself, you ask? That collar would choked your double chin out and no one would have noticed!

When Desert Storm broke out and all the Boomers when ballistic, my Ma went crazy if there might be a draft. She was afraid I’d end up in the front infantry and showing with strange men.

No, she didn’t realize I was already doing one of those things.

But I am not the kind of man who carries a gun. I know I could be a chaplain. Not because I was any closer to God or anything. I was not a good Christian by any mean: I had no concept of how to oppress or twist others’ words so I could get a tax break. I did know about spirit, however, and comfort.

I would have done what this guy did. I have no doubt. I’m the man who plans on dying, trying. Bears are like that.

And I’ve neglected to mention something about this man.

He was gay. In a world where both priests and gays are targets for unresolved anguish, this is a double-whammy of good. Read the article. Watch the movie—here’s the trailer:

Have a peaceful Patriot Day everyone. My heart goes out to this enduring hiberNation.




Peace.

What, exactly, is an activist judge?

I have a friend, a decent one at that, that is really into religion. Totally. He sometimes surprises me when his mouth opens. Now, I know it probably shocks you, dear reader, that I have massively conservative friends. I do believe that there is something about practicing what you preach. I preach that all people are equal. And if the GOP and their cronies don't see it that way, well, to each their own. Change comes from within. I even went to a Christian (Lutheran, to be sure, which is two steps shy of being Cahthlic) college, where I made these friends, so I wasn't too far from them, I suppose. It shouldn't be a total shock that my friends and I have differing views.. But the fact is, I see them as my equals. I would never put them down for their views. I will argue their views, but not them.

For example....(understand this is from a conservative newspaper, so it's an evil read)

Strangely, however, my friends actually support gay marriage, even the conservative ones. Never really sure how that worked. However, I find it is best not to look a gift horse in the mouth.
But when my buddy opened his mouth this one time, about Prop 8 in California, he stated, simply, "what about activist judges?" I questioned his line of thinking and he felt that, even though he was in support of gay marriage, a state has the right to vote on things and, in the end, people decided what they want as a culture. And no judge can press their own agenda until the unwilling masses. And if they were, they were being an “activitist.”

Facinating.
 
I didn't argue with him.

Until now. I wanted to do a bit of research. Can a judge put their will on the people, like so many politicos have tried? I wanted to be educated.

First off, the judge in questions shot down Prop 8 as unconstitutional. He said, like Amendent 2 in Colorado, that no person can be denied rights of others by merely being gay or lesbian. Prop 8 should not have been put before the voters since it basically removes a right granted and pressed forward by the state's Supreme Court. I'm not going to elaborate on the details, as a reader, I'll go ahead and guess you're familiar with the details. If not?

Here:
It came to light, however, afterwards that the judge who tore down Prop 8 was gay himself. And this was where my friend was coming from. However, my research made me come across some things to prove to my buddy-

*) Depending on the jurisdiction, some judges are voted into offices, some are placed by mayors, governors and, in the case of the SCOTUS, the President. Several counties can elect their judges, making sure they represent the area that they are working within. Makes sense. That way, you are (supposedly) linked inherently to the community you work for. That isn't always the case. In order to run for the office, you need cash, so judges tend to be upper-middle-class (or higher) so they have the money needed to be elected. As such, they tend to be outside of the situations they are presiding over. Do you think a judge would ever understand what it means to steal to feed their family? Doubtful. The reason I wanted to find this out was see if my friend was right. Were judges just radicals waving their own private flag? Since they are assigned in most cases--no. They do not link to a party affilate. However, their voting history will belie any polictical leanings. However, that would be documented.

Interesting.

*) So I moved on to the actual job of being a judge. Their job, and several viewings of Judge Judy confirmed this, is to interpret the law. Period. They have to justify their choices in sentencing for appeal purposes. Their goal is to make sure all laws are being followed. Like a Christian defending their actions by using the Bible, judges' purposes are to make sure that they interpret the previously written words as being followed. One word can mean many things. The word schmuck has hundreds of connotations, and they aren't always positive. The judge needs to see all of those options and find out in what manner the terminology was chosen and for what reason.

Interesting.

*) Activitism means to make choices in support. For many, the reason the cause exists is because some feels they are being marginalized. An animal activist might see that animals aren't being fairly treated in the eyes of the law; a medical marjuiana activist would activitely seek that laws are changed to benefit their lifestyle.
Interesting.

*) So is this judge an "activist judge?" 

No. A judges' decision must be based on evidence presented (remember,there's no jury here) and the purpose of the laws that went before it. THe evidence is selected by the lawyers, no tthe judge. This is not always right, per se, but it is the way it is supposed to work. To blame a judge for voting in a manner that goes against your beliefs is like sueing your neighbor because it is raining. The two options are very separate. This judge had the capacity and honor to excuse himself from the case, but he felt, regardless of his sexuality, he could hack it. He took time before making his decision--proving it was not taken lightly.
He did not push his agenda. His reach is too short for that. He merely said this law is unjust, for it removes individuals who committed no crime (the only way you are removed from participating from the law fully) from participating in the legal process-in this case, marriage. Everyone should be equal under the law. Here is a group that isn't.

So now, I'm ready. Activism is not part of a judge's repetoire. I look to the next case to point out my concept a bit more clearer.

 Now Vaughn Walker is himself coming under fire.I’ve not found evidence myself if he was conservative or libareal in his voting records, so I could be off base here. However , many supportors of Prop 8 are saying that he was bias due to the fact he would benefit by the overturn of Prop 8, since he is gay. Whoa. Okay, I thought those who supported Prop 8 were saying that Domestic Partnerships were enough and there was zero gain by making marriage legal. Okay, so since Prop 8 passed--everything would be fine, and gays would stand nothing to gain since they already had domestic partnerships. Their very own statements are confusing me. SO gays WOULD benefit if they got married? That means they are missing out!

I so need the federal govenment to get involved!

DADT is repealed!

As you can tell, I’ve been a bit out of the loop. Queers the nation over were prosecuted, repeatedly, for just being themselves, and I got tired of the negativity I was trying to escape by moving away from Colorado.


You can’t seem to escape the bad news.

But then something happened. Here's the news item...

DADT was actually lifted. LIFTED. I won’t go into trying to explain the details of the situation. I never could understand the specifics of voting with congress. However, they did something. They actually got rid of that stupid blasted rule in the military. Now, I’ve decided to emphasize my positive vibes that come flying off of this decision.

Look, everyone...we're signing something!

I will admit my hesistantion about celebrating. For so long, they’ve just tried to pay us lip service so we’d vote for them and then they didn’t do squat for us, the queer-bear public. So here’s my goodies and why I’m so chipper, even now, several weeks after the fact:

*) Wow. CONGRESS DID SOMETHING. Everyone argues in politics. That’s a gimmie. And they argue so much that they don’t go anywhere…and then they go on vacation. Problems still exist, but they just pass it on. Or they pick on easy topics that everyone wants to improve. Pollution. Education. Straight teeth. And then make big statements. Then break for the weekend.

Here? They did something, or, at last, appeared to. It was born from the fact that polls showed that queers were voting for the GOP. Yes, even queers are tired of hearing the same shit. They would vote for the nazi party if it meant something would squiggle and we’d be heard a bit more. Anything is better than nothing.

And it finally worked.

*) McCain was shown as the dickless leader he would have been if he was actually elected into the White House. I mean really. It’s fun to make fun of each party during election time. Republicans, enslaved to the wealthy and Church/Dems try to appease so many little people they appear wishy washy. And McCain kept screaming about how whishywashy Obama would be. Bush used it to great effect on Kerry.

And the public bought it.

But here’s the thing…McCain stated to the public that if survey of the military stated that there would be no problem-he’d support removing the ban.

The survey said…no issues.

So he decided to filibuster. Guess who’s wishy-washy now, wafflehead? Even his own wife is a gay-rights supporter and his daughter. What a fucknut. Imagine the hatred he would have espoused if he were the Pres?

Here's a link just showing how warm and fuzzy he is about the whole thing. And he was almost our pres? I'd end up in a gulag, if he had his way...

*) The military is considered a federal position. So, Young Johnny from Des Moines marries his boyfriend before flying out to Iraq.

How are they going to handle the taxes? The Supreme Court might have to chime in. But now marriages are moved up on the list. Even Joe Biden, the freegin VP, has acknowledged it’s only a matter of time.

Joe, I think you're kinda cute too.  And your wife, a teacher like me, DESERVES to be the First Lady. And thanks for saying what I’m thinking.

*) When African Americans were integrated into the military, the same exact arguments were given. It would affect group cohesion. How would they handle the showers? And the same forks? And what if a person’s religion didn’t let them get close to another African American? However, this simple little situation was a step in the right direction for the nation in the throes of the Civil Rights movement. Now, during these Stonewall Days, we’re here again. The fact is the SYMBOLISM is powerful. With kids killing themselves because they’re queer—this couldn’t have come at a better time. It gives the illusion, an important illusion, that the government is aware of this group of individuals and wants to care. They may not understand, but they are trying.

Recently, whilst listening to XM radio, I heard, for the umpteenth time, a Christmaskkah ditty on the Holly station. It was a Dean Martin tune from the fifties, filled with innuendo about “Oh Baby It’s Cold Outside.” Here’s the catch. It was song from one gay boy to another on a public radio station. Teens who love to roll their eyes at everything little thing would be listening.

And for a gay boy who thought he’d never get crooned to—well, there’s that little hope.

Same with this vote. Kids? We do care. Someone cares. It’s why I live out and proud. And this vote is another moment to see that.

*) The Southern Law Poverty Center went ahead and labeled several Religious Right Organizations like the Family Research Council as hate groups. Finally!Fucking finally. The fact is, on news programs, everyone would step up to the mic and say, “I hate gay marriage!” and then follow up with nothing else. There is no argument in defense of opposite sex marriage. The only operative word was ‘hate.’ And since there was no legit argument to ban same sex marriage, these organizations were born to give church organizations a place to collect more money from their constituents. Children are starving and this is what the churches would argue over. Nothing more. So it was nice to see a STRAIGHT and LEGAL group call a spade a spade. These ‘Christian Groups’ do nothing Christian other then make themselves look really, really bad.

I know hear that several Christain groups are thinking about no attending the upcoming CPAC meeting. I think this is very telling. Apparently, after the most recent election in November, polls illustrated that many, many gays and lesbians, not satisifed with the way the liberals, dems and social open minded ones WEREN'T DOING SQUAT--went and voted with the GOP.
 
HA!
 
That's why DADT was repealed. The message was clear to the Dems party. You've taken us for granted as a promised vote and then gave us lip service. Nothing was done for us.
 
Yes, I'm growling.
 
When word about taht was reported--the Dems suddenly had to do SOMETHING.
 
They repealed the stupid thing.
 
Now, here comes CPAC, the planning meeting that all the conservatives go and decide who'll they'll take money from. But it seems some GOP members actually do read newspapers and media. They heard that the gay voting contingent actually voted for them--but have no representation at their meetings. One group, GOProud has asked to attend so that the GOP can meet some gays and lesbians and start a dialogue. But the churches, those large money making machines for the GOP have said--if the queers come, we won't.
 
Now the GOP has to do something.
 
I'll be interested to see what happens.