The Gayest Thing Every One Has Seen This Week

Most LGBTQ bloggers have been reporting and commenting for several hours since SCOTUS' rulings on DOMA and Proposition 8. And yes, I am thrilled - No - beyond thrilled by today's rulings. We're one step closer to joining the 21st Century and the rest of the countries already there. But unlike most bloggers, I've all had all day to ponder and digest amidst the celebrating. 

Now, I know I've mentioned Alvin Toffler and his 1970 book "Future Shock" and the subsequent 1972 documentary (narrated by Orson Welles) based on it. I was 13 years old when I (along with all my classmates) was shown Future Shock in our Health Studies class (taught begrudgingly by our Phys Ed teachers). The premise is that technology is moving so fast, humans can't keep up and will eventually suffer from Information Overload (a term Toffler created, by the way) and civilization as we know it will break down into chaos. Of course, humans invent and create technology, which makes the concept absurd. 

Anyway... as part of the 'collapse of society' section of the movie, there was a scene where two men get married in a church. My classmates all giggled and hooted. I did, too. I mean, I knew I was gay by then, but the idea seemed silly. That of course, was part of the shame I was feeling about who I was, but I as 13. Who isn't ashamed of themselves for something at 13? I spent an inordinate amount of time being ashamed... as do many of us. Then, with some help, I stopped being ashamed and found out I really had no reason to be. And once I stopped, it seemed like the whole world changed. And just kept on changing.

Flash-forward several decades and I'm on the board of an organization that raises funds for people afflicted by HIV/AIDS & Arts Education; Anti-Bullying and Suicide Prevention charities. I am out to everyone at the Day Job (without having had to out myself and no one caring) and I write openly here and on Facebook about who I am and the things in which I believe (and don't believe) and I don't care who has a problem with it. I have yet to lose a real-life or Facebook friend over any of my opinions or beliefs and if I did, they weren't my friends in the first place and good riddance to bad rubbish.

I have been very clear about stance on Marriage Equality from the beginning and today feels like... well, it feels like I may actually see the day when my friends and I (and those who will come after) can never again be made to feel (in the words of Dustin Lance Black) "Less than." Make no mistake, this is the beginning of the end of one of the last Civil Rights movements in the U.S. I will be so happy to say "Goodbye" to Bryan Fischer; Brian Brown; Maggie Gallagher; Pat Robertson, at al when they die and fade into obscurity, their over-stayed 15 minutes reduced to a very brief footnote: "These idiots were wrong and they lost."

But we can't get overly excited, just yet...

There is still ignorance, bigotry and hate. Crimes against gay men in Manhattan in the past few weeks alone have been more than alarming and crime against trans people continues to rise. We have a long way to go. I said I couldn't wait to say goodbye, because those idiots aren't going away or shutting up anytime soon. They'll be at until they croak, even when they're only left listening to one another.  The churches will still lie and cover-up their bigotry. I won't be around to see it, but they will lose all relevance, too.

Rational Secular Humanism is on the rise and while superstition still rules much of the east, reason reigns in the world's civilized countries (at least, I hope it does - it sure seems like it does, anyway). There are still bullies and families that ostracize their gay kids and preachers who want to exorcise the gay demons. There are still men and women in positions of power (ecumenical; secular; educational & governmental) who believe that I have made a conscious choice to disobey the natural order; that I am unnatural. I am evil, simply because I am attracted to other men. To these people, regardless of what the 5 have said today is true and fair, will always think of me as "Less Than." And not that I care what those people think. Hardly. I know they are wrong. Still, it makes me sad when fear repels truth.

Of course, still not having found "The One" (in fact, I'm beginning to doubt the existence of "The One"), it's unlikely that today's rulings will ever really have an impact on me, personally. At Uncle P's age, the odds are not in one's favor. Of course, I keep trying. I've had both wonderful and awful experiences (T comes to mind as the most recent of the latter - and no, no details on any of that, thanks), but I keep hoping. And that's what today is really about. Hope for the future. Hope for a time when superstition and fear are eradicated, like the diseases they are.

I know... such a downer for such a great day, right? Well, here are some things about today that made me smile and cry in good ways:

Weeping again...



Go, Nancy! Go, Nancy! It's your birthday! Go, Nancy!

Thank you, Mr. President!

In my lifetime I've witnessed a lot of history. The Moonlanding. Kent State. Nixon Resigning. The Iran Hostages. The Fall of the Berlin Wall. Operation Desert Storm. 9/11. Operation Iraqi Freedom. AIDS; Avian Flu; SARS; MRSA; E-bola; Anita Bryant; Leonard Malkovitch; Harvey Milk; Computers; The Internet; Daniel Choi; Ellen Degeneres; Lance Bass; Ricky Martin. 

Today, though.... Today was a day I honestly thought I'd never live to see. Today I witnessed justice and the upholding of the self-evident truth that "All men are (indeed) created equal..." Today was a ginormous step in the right direction, for all the right reasons. Today was just as historic as each and every one of the events I've cited, all of which continue to lead towards the ideals of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" so wisely envisioned by the framers of the Constitution. When the Tea Party is joke gotten only by historians and a POTUS and his First Husband live at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, I won't be here to gloat at the haters, so I'm doing so in advance. 

Nyah-nyah-nyah-nyah-nyah-nyah!

Suck it, haters! (Even though you know you've secretly longed to do just that, anyway). Read a book by a reputable author, losers. I mean, if prayer worked, don't you think you might have won? Nope. If there is a 'god,' She hates you for hating me. But don't worry... it's a dry heat.

Stay strong, stay truthful and stay visible. Never stop fighting the bullies, folks. You will always win.

More, anon.

Brian

The Gayest Month You'll Start This Week

The Gayest Breakfast You'll See This Week (4 Bears Only)

Notice: Some links in this post may be NSFW, depending on where you work. I hope by now, no one really needs the link to that acronym. 

Anyway...

I actually did make pancakes and sausage this morning for brunch, though not nearly as many  of the Pride Cakes (Flip Jacks?) as you see in the image on your left. Mine were actually much smaller, rather misshapen* and regular pancake colored, even though they were whole-wheat. And I used local honey in place of syrup. I do try, though I simply refuse to give up butter. I don't go nuts, but I'm not about to eat something even poop-eating flies supposedly won't touch. Butter's flavor and texture are so necessary for so many recipes. While most, if not all of them, can be made using less butter combined with olive oil, they simply cannot be made with hydrogenated vegetable oils, which are far, far worse for you than honest-to-goodness cow's milk butter. 

Wow. That escalated quickly. 

Sorry for the tangent... because this post isn't about food or cooking or diets or anything other than the fact that June 1st marks the start of Pride Month here in the U.S. Usually at this time of year, Uncle P is either directing or in a JTMF benefit show (our only event this year isn't until October, but more on that, anon). This year, I have the leisure of being able to attend multiple Pride events, should I so desire, without having to man a booth or table at any of them. I've never been to NYC Pride or even Philly Pride. I've only ever been to NJ Pride which is held in Springsteen Central, Asbury Park at the Jersey Shore, which is being held tomorrow. I've been three times, but have never gotten to see the parade, because I was always manning the JTMF table, in hopes of drawing audience members and/or donors. I have a very funny NJ Pride story about D & Siah; a Velcro fly; a very drunken, horny twink named Noel and an Evil You-Know-What for another time. While I have always had time to wander the grounds and visit the other booths, I was never able to see the parade or really mingle with the multitude of gay Guidos on hand.

Here's the thing: I'm not sure I really want to go to any of them. But I actually kind of do. I may decide to brave the traffic and the crowds and go to Philly Pride next Sunday. I've always had a great time checking out the different booths and vendors at NJ Pride (yes, and the hotties), and expect I'd like Philly's version just as much, if not more. I just need to convince someone to join me. Any takers?

Although, if this is the best promo they can come up with, maybe we're all better off staying home:

Really, Philadelphia? Find a new agency, quick, before the Copyranter craps all over that crap. As well he should.

This June, celebrate yourselves, no matter what you sexuality! Celebrate your loved ones who support you and love you for who you are!. Celebrate your partner, if you are lucky enough to have one. Celebrate love, because that's all any of us want and everything all of us deserves. Don't ever stop fighting the haters and the liars.

We've seen more wins than defeats, this past year. Hopefully, SCOTUS will rule in favor of Marriage Equality and the U.S. will join the 21st Century along with the 14 other countries who have embraced marriage rights for all their citizens.

More, anon.
Prospero

*Don't even say what you're thinking, perv!

The Value of Solidarity

So, if you are on Facebook or Twitter, you have no doubt seen the symbol that's on your right. You may even have seen it if you don't use social media, as it has made a bit of a stir on traditional media outlets, as well.

It is a variation of the Human Rights Campaign's traditional blue and yellow Equality logo. As the US Supreme Court heard arguments in both the Prop 8 and DOMA cases yesterday and today, millions of social media users (Uncle P, included) changed their profile pictures to HRC's pink and red logo. Interestingly, it wasn't just LGBT people who did this. On Facebook, my news feed was a sea of red as a good two thirds of my Facebook Friends posted the symbol, the majority of whom are straight. Seeing so many friends lend their support to Marriage Equality was both heartwarming and empowering. Of course, I wouldn't actually be Facebook Friends with anyone who wasn't LGBT friendly. And like many Facebook users, the majority of my Facebook Friends are people I've never actually met in person. They are friends of friends, or people with similar interests and beliefs, or just folks I think are funny and cool.

George "Sulu" Takei is being credited for getting the bandwagon going on this. His many, many followers saw him post it (and it's many, many variations) and took up the mantle, showing their support for him and LGBT people in general. It was amazing. Of course, there were detractors. "Oh, like SCOTUS is going to base their decision on your Facebook profile picture." Of course, that's hardly the point.

Here's the thing: The overwhelming majority of social media users (most of whom are between 18 and 30), are for Marriage Equality in America and don't understand why anyone would do otherwise.  The millions of folks who posted the red Equality symbol don't need to show SCOTUS that they support the cause (though traditional media coverage certainly couldn't escape the 9 Justices). Still, those straight allies who posted the symbol did so much more, just by letting us know that they have our backs. The tide is changing, and the pervasiveness of the red Equality symbol says more than any Quinnipiac poll ever could.

The haters are losing. And that's OK with me. And my friends, both on Facebook and in real life.

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More, anon.
Prospero

Sterotype Schmereotype

Seriously?

Word is, people started lining up in front of the Supreme Court Building Thursday evening in order to attend the arguments in both the DOMA and Prop 8 cases, next Tuesday and Wednesday. If I could afford to spend 6 nights camped out in unseasonably cold weather, it would be on vacation with a hot, fuzzy companion to help keep me warm while Aurora Borealis shone above our heated tent.

But seriously, the next week may well prove the turning point for Marriage Equality on a national level. It's truly conceivable that the United States may actually progress into the 21st Century and join the planet's other progressive Democracies and acknowledge that not only is sexuality innate, but that Civil Rights belong to everyone. 

There are of course, many in the U.S. who (because of fear, ignorance and superstitions passed down from their parents and clergy) believe that LGBTQ people are perverted, evil sinners who flaunt their sins and try to entice intrinsically straight people (especially children) into homosexuality. These folks (probably gay, themselves) use extreme examples to perpetrate the lies they espouse. Sure, hot guys in leather ride floats in Pride parades. But hot girls with big breasts serve wings in tight T-shirts and cut-offs at Hooters, too. 

But I digress. Long-time readers know of my disdain for so-called 'Reality TV.' Manipulative; sordid; soul-sucking drek, shows like "The Bachelor;" "Survivor;" "The Apprentice;" "The Jersey Shore" and their ilk, pander to the lowest common denominator and insult all of our intelligences by their very existence. Tabloid TV seems to have taken over, making TV programming far worse than it ever was.* Unfortunately, Canadian cable channel Slice ("... the juicy channel women have been waiting for.") has lowered the bar yet another notch with their newest 'Reality' show, "Golden Gays."

Yes, this is the image we want to project to the rest of the world. Woo-hoo! We survived the plague! Yeah! We wanna get it on! Wee-haa! Viagra! This kind of crap is exactly why the Rednecks, religious radicals and Repugnicans hate us. Now, I'm not saying you shouldn't let your freak flag fly. By all means. I have no business telling anyone what to do, say, watch or participate in. I'm just saying that the sore thumb may get the most attention, but the other nine fingers end up doing all the work.

Yes, I know - this whole post comes off as an internal homophobic rant, but I swear it's really about the intentionally exaggerated circumstances created by the producers of these exceptionally horrid shows. And while I will happily admit to watching the Food Network's "Restaurant Impossible;" "Dinner Impossible" and "Chopped," those are more about my love of food than the sort of Schadenfreude in which most 'Reality' shows seem to revel.

More, anon.

Prospero

*Thankfully, scripted television has recently upped the ante with cable shows like "The Walking Dead;" "Breaking Bad;" "Dexter;" "Mad Men" and a few others.

The Gayest Thing You'll See This Week

I know I talked about Lady Gaga recently, and said I really wasn't familiar with her music. But when Ozzie Osbourne comes out and says he likes her, I suppose one has to pay attention (ahem).

Tonight, (via) I saw the very, very gay video for her newest release "Teeth." And you know what? I really liked the song (of course, I had to watch the video about three times before I actually paid attention the music...). I guess I have to check her other stuff out, now. You can check out Gaga's Vampire-themed hotness for yourself, below (may be NSFW):



Gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "Bite Me," doesn't it?

And speaking of The Gayest Thing, gay dating site ManCrunch has offered the below commercial (also via) to CBS for airing during the Superbowl. If anyone at CBS has half a brain, they'll air it:



Finally, while on the subject of CBS and Superbowl ads, I went to their site last night and posted the following on their feedback page:

"As a fan of many fine CBS programs, it saddens me that your network has chosen to air an ad paid for by the hate group, Focus On the Family during your Superbowl broadcast. While your company may not find the ad's contents objectionable, you should find its creators' values exceptionally objectionable. By accepting this ad, you are giving support and credence to an organization whose main focus is to discriminate against the LGBT community, block civil rights and destroy the lives of millions of LGBT citizens. Shame on you, CBS. If the ad airs as scheduled, you can be assured that you will lose millions of LGBT viewers, as well as their friends and family members. Is the temporary revenue you gain by allowing this ad to air worth the potential losses you will incur in the future? Until you announce the rejection of FOF's ad, I will be a former CBS viewer."

I urge all my readers to go to CBS's site and do the same. Please feel free to use and/or amend that text I will admit that I am sucker for the CSI franchise, but I'll give them up gladly, if they air that FOF ad.

More, anon.
Prospero

How the Mormons Stole Love

Today, closing arguments were made in the trial against Proposition 8, the bill that made same-sex marriage illegal in the state of California. Prop 8 was the first bill to amend a state's Constitution, which actually denied rights to its citizens.

And while we all knew the Church of Latter Day Saints (i.e. the Mormons) had a lot to do with the passing of this discriminatory, hateful and misinformed bill, the LDS emphatically denied that they had anything to do with its passing. Of course, we all know that was a lie.

Also today, making its Sundance Film Festival debut, was a documentary called 8: The Mormon Proposition, which details the LDS's involvement with the passing of Prop 8 and the deceit of the LDS elders and members about their complicity in the campaign of lies against same-sex marriage.

While still in Middle School, I was shown the 1972 Orson Welles-narrated film Future Shock, based on Alvin Toffler's book, which posits that Western Society would soon be so overwhelmed by technological advances, we wouldn't be able to cope with the changes associated with said technologies. Nearly 40 years later, and it seems to me we're doing just fine with modern technology. Among other things Toffler got wrong, Future Shock posited that pollution would destroy the world by the year 2000. Of course, at the tender age of 11, the movie's most memorable (and giggle-inducing) moment, featured a marriage ceremony between two men. While the prediction of same-sex marriage may be one of the few things Toffler got right, he seems to have omitted its opposition by the so-called "Religious Right."

Here's the thing: If we (i.e. Americans) continue to fall for the rhetoric and hate-filled propaganda promoted by, not only the Mormons, but the Catholic Church and Fundie Baptists, we'll never rise above the religious discrimination that was the basis for the founding of America in the first place. How dare anyone tell me (or anyone else) that my love is less valid than theirs? As pointed out more than once (especially in the "Stop Dr. Laura" campaign of the '90's), the Old Testament Bible promotes the selling of one's daughters, the abomination of eating shellfish and the stoning of religious dissenters. We may as well all go live in counties like Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia; where theocracies continue to rule and dissenters are jailed, or worse. As I recall, the 2nd paragraph of the United States' Declaration of Independence starts with the words " We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal..." So why should I (and millions of others) not be considered equal to everyone else?

As for Christianity, The New Testament makes no mention of marriage (other than that Jesus performed one). So why do folks who claim to be "Christians" continue to rely on it in an effort to promote their uninformed and hate-filled agendas? I can only surmise that fear and ignorance (the usual culprits) are to blame.

Here's the trailer (via) for 8: The Mormon Proposition:

It seems quite clear to me that the LDS led a campaign of hate against the LGBT community, despite the fact that not one of the books of the New Testament address the subject in any form. I may well be preaching to the choir, as it were, but if one mind is changed after reading this ramble, then this rant was not in vain...

More, anon.
Prospero

*After I posted this, my sister, a Liberal Born-Again (isn't that an oxymoron?) sent me the following in an email:

"As for Christianity, The New Testament makes no mention of marriage (other than that Jesus performed one)."

It’s actually wrong. He didn’t perform one, he attended one (turns water into wine) and he does speak to it when the Sadducees ask him about it (Mathew 23-30)

On that day some Sadducees (who say there is no resurrection) came to Jesus and questioned Him, asking, "Teacher, Moses said, 'IF A MAN DIES HAVING NO CHILDREN, HIS BROTHER AS NEXT OF KIN SHALL MARRY HIS WIFE, AND RAISE UP CHILDREN FOR HIS BROTHER.' "Now there were seven brothers with us; and the first married and died, and having no children left his wife to his brother; so also the second, and the third, down to the seventh. "Last of all, the woman died. "In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife of the seven will she be? For they all had married her." But Jesus answered and said to them, "You are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures nor the power of God. "For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.

Again, Jesus answered the Pharisees marriage and divorce. (Mark chapter 10 verses 2-9)

"Some Pharisees came up to Jesus, testing Him, and began to question Him whether it was lawful for a man to divorce a wife. And He answered and said to them, "What did Moses command you?" They said, "Moses permitted a man TO WRITE A CERTIFICATE OF DIVORCE AND SEND her AWAY." But Jesus said to them, "Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment. "But from the beginning of creation, God MADE THEM MALE AND FEMALE. FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH; so they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate." He then teaches on adultery after this line. OK- he doesn’t use the word marriage here because he’s talking about divorce, but the last line is part of most standard wedding vows.

Don’t want to be preachy, just letting you know that the statement you made wasn’t entirely accurate.

This is Prospero again. Consider me corrected. Thanks, Sis.

Rise Up & Shout

Ahh... I bet you forget all about the political activist in me, didn't you?

It's been a while since I posted anything about LGBT rights and Marriage Equality, but that doesn't mean I haven't been thinking about them.

Rise Up & Shout is Marriage Equality organization dedicated to promoting LGBT rights among modern LGBT youth. They sponsor an annual production aimed at showcasing the talents of LGBT youth, in the hope of raising awareness and countering the hate-mongering Right.

Here (via) is their latest video:

As always, I continue to urge you to write; email; Tweet; Facebook Message and IM your local, State and Federal representatives. Let them know that LGBT rights are simply basic Human Rights and remind them that we do not seek special treatment, only equal treatment, as provided by the U.S. Constitution.

"... all men are created equal" should never be taken as less than a universal truth. In a country founded on the principles of equality, we should never even have this debate in the first place. Rise up and shout - it's the only way to be heard.

Back to movies and nonsense, anon.

Prospero

How the Mormon Stole Everything

You may want to file this under "Prospero's Philosophy," though I will leave it up to you. Suffice it to say, I think this is the first time I have shared my personal views on philosophy and religion (other than the "Religious Right's" role in the passing of Prop 8) on this blog.

From The Big Gay Sketch Comedy Show on Logo (via) comes this hilarious animated parody.

More Gay & Lesbian Videos At LogoOnline.com

I don't hate members of the CLDS. They're only doing and saying what has been ingrained in them since childhood. I don't hate anyone, actually. Well, maybe Brad Pitt. And whoever is sleeping with Brandon Routh. And Goldie Hawn. Oh... and for a while, Meg Ryan.

What I hate is the perpetuation of the misunderstandings and outright lies of nearly every religious doctrine in the world. Why, in 2009, do we still hold on to mythology? The answer, of course, lies in our unending quest to know why.

The teachings of Zen tell us we need to learn to accept life as it is; savor it and revel in the joy of existence. Hinduism espouses multiple incarnations toward the ultimate goal of enlightenment. Valhalla is accessible only through valour in life and death in combat; eternity with Ra requires the careful preservation of of the body and the accompaniment of all that is earthly, while Wiccans pray to goddesses of the Earth and Moon, long thought dead. As Paul Rudnick says about members of the LDS, "If he'd told (his wife) the truth, you'd all be worshipping a waitress."

And I'm certainly not saying you should not believe in God (or the deity of your choice). Personally, I consider myself an 'Agnostic Secular Humanist with Leanings Toward Buddhism. ' Does that mean I don't believe in a Higher Power? No. What I believe is that the Higher Power is unknowable (that's the actual definition of Agnostic., by the way).

In fact, some important scientific minds agree that there must be something intelligent in the design of the complex mathematics and physics which seem to guide the Universe (even if the more we know, the less much of it makes sense), though they offer no truly rational explanations for their beliefs.

Since the dawn of civilization, man has struggled with the same philosophical questions.

There are more theories; superstitions; legends; mythologies and religions, than I can count on hands, fingers and other appendages (wink-wink). With so many things from which to choose, how can there possibky be One way; One answer? How can only one religion be the "true" religion? Obviously, it can't. Which then implies that all religions are false. And in a way, they are. I honestly believe that some questions will be forever left unanswered. And I'm OK with that. Because I am having a grand time while I'm here. Not all of it is wonderful, but most of it is amazing!

Of course, a lot of what I am saying is directly influenced by my current theatrical project, which I am sure you sick of hearing about, by now.

Alright. I know, I know. You didn't stop by for a lesson in esoterica. Honestly, I didn't expect to give one. It's just that kind of night.

'

Thank you for reading. I love that you do. Comment away.

More, anon.

Prospero

Disappointment Mixed with Joy

What an oddly dichotic day.

First, as I am sure you know by now, the California Supreme Court upheld Proposition 8. I don't understand why they would do this. This is the same court that ruled it Unconstitutional to deny same-sex marriage in the first place. I cried when I read the decision. Then I heard some activist say something on the evening news that made me feel a little better: "No civil rights issue has ever been defeated, before. No civil rights issue will ever be defeated." As our President continues to back peddle on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and the idiots in CA fall to pressure from the religious right, I am comforted by the fact that at least 5 states now allow same-sex marriage. That's 10%. And that's what the LGBT community is estimated to be (though I think it's probably a low-ball estimate). So this year it's 10%. Next year, it may be 12% or 15%. Soon, maybe not today or tomorrow, it will be 100%.

Then, I went to rehearsal for "The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told," our first since the holiday weekend break. There I was pleasantly surprised to see that my cast had not only actually worked on trying to memorize (they have until Monday to be off-book), but were ready to play, experiment and grow in their roles. It's always a joy to work with fearless actors who are willing to take the extra step and invent business and shtick on the fly, and I am lucky enough to have found 9 who are not only willing to do so, but more than capable of it.

So - a dichotomy of a day. Bad news, supplanted by a good rehearsal. If this show opens just one pair of eyes; if it opens up one heart; if it lessens one person's misunderstanding, then I will consider it a job well-done. If my cast keeps going in the same direction, I can't see us not doing that.

Once again, tickets to the James Tolin Memorial Fund's 7th Annual AIDS Fundraiser featuring Paul Rudnick's "The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told" are available by visiting http://www.jtmf.org/; http://www.kelseyatmccc.org/ or by calling the Kelsey Theatre box office at 609-570-3333. If you cannot attend, but want to help, you secure donation via PayPal can be made at http://www.jtmf.org/. Or your Silent Auction donation can be sent by contacting Event Coordinator Tracy Antozesski at jtmf@verizon.net. Past Silent Auction donors have included the Home Shopping Network; Comcast; Mr. Robin Williams; the cast of ABC's "Desperate Housewives;" Miele Appliances; Simon and Schuster; Ms. Carol Burnett and Broadway Cares.

More, anon.

Prospero

Why I Love Keith Olbermann

Not too long ago, after the passing of Proposition 8 in California, MSNBC commentator Keith Olbermann gave an impassioned speech about Same Sex Marriage (it won him a GLAAD Media Award). Now, he takes on the misguided (and extremely stupid) Carrie Prejean and the ridiculous hype surrounding her loss of the Miss USA pageant and the subsequent media firestorm surrounding her misinformed opinions (via).

You have to love the girl's grammar: "...for which my grandfather fought for." Really? We should listen to the opinion of a young lady who can't even compose a sentence in proper English? Of course, media whore (and King of the Bad Comb-Over) Donald Trump, who owns the Miss Universe Pageant, had the final say in the matter, allowing the stupid little bimbo to retain her title as Miss California. And we all know that Mr. Trump is the be all to end all. Afterall, he does host "The Apprentice" and "The Celebrity Apprentice," two of the "finest" examples of "reality" TV programming. Quite honestly, I don't understand why Trump's 15 minutes weren't over ten years ago.

And while Mr. Olbermann may have his detractors (admittedly, he can be as over-the-top as his conservative rivals at Fox News), at least his opinions make sense. For example, here's his latest "Worst Person in the World" segment, taking on Fox legal correspondant, Greta Van Susteren:

Here's the thing: I don't understand why, in 2009, people are still being fed (and believing) the lies that are being told about the LGBT community. I have absolutely no interest in your marriage. Nor should you have any interest in mine (or anyone else's). When morons like Carrie Prejean and Fred Phelps are given a platform to disseminate bigotry and hate, we all suffer, gay and straight alike. Thank goodness that people like Keith Olbermann have platforms of their own, where truth and sensibility can be aired alongside the lies.

Oh, dear. I'm on that high horse again. I'm finally going to see Star Trek this coming weekend (between vacation and rehearsals, it's the first chance I've gotten), so I'll get back to movies and nonsense, soon. I promise.

More, anon.

Prospero

Is This Why We Lost on Prop 8?

Here is the latest commercial from Equality California (via):

Honestly, I don't know which is worse, the crappy elevator music or the stoned voice-over guy spouting treacly platitudes. And they have the nerve to bring up Harvey Milk. Harvey would've told these guys to get stuffed (to be polite). Do you remember the rally scene in the movie where Harvey says: "I know you're angry! I'M angry!"? This ad would have made Harvey angry all over again. Where is the passion? Where is the indignation?

OK - so the ad decries hate and bigotry... big deal. What it doesn't do is address our anger. Anger at being treated like second-class citizens. Anger at being denied basic human rights. Anger at being thought of (in the words of Dustin Lance Black) as "less than." Passive resistance can only go so far. Eventually, you have to swing back at the bully, to prove you're not a wimp. We (the LGBT community) may be many things, but we are not wimps. I mean, if we can make through the hellish childhoods many of us faced, we can make it through it anything. But to do that, we have to stand up and be heard, not whine politely to the strains of Muzak.

I'm not saying we need to throw rocks and riot in the streets. But we do need to take a stand. This ad might as well be Stephen Root in Office Space, whining about "...my stapler. I believe you have my stapler..."

As always, I urge you to write letters, stage protests, organize educational programs, wear a White Knot and make yourselves heard. The only way to overcome bigotry is through education, and you can't educate someone who isn't listening. So let's make them listen.

There. That's my rant for this week. Maybe tomorrow I'll talk about Watchmen again.

More, anon.

Prospero

RuPaul on Marriage Equality

Just a small post tonight. I thought you might enjoy this Marriage Equality video version of RuPaul's "Let's Turn the Night."


More, anon.
Prospero

Theatre of Protest

(via) San Diego's Ion Theatre Company has vacated it's home, because they learned that their landlord was a major donor to Prop 8.

According to SignOnSanDiego.com, “The five-year-old Ion is known for its strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion in its programming; Paris and Raygoza, the company's founders, are also partners in life."
Raygoza said the two didn't realize until late last year that the theater's landlord was one of Proposition 8's biggest financial backers. Caster became the target of a heated campaign by the gay community after his donations and those of family members were publicized."
A call seeking comment from Terrence Caster was redirected to a recorded message in which he defended his donations and insisted he has no ill will toward gay people. “

Read the full article here.

Here's the thing: If a non-profit theatre company, whose livelihood is dependant on ticket sales, grants and donations, can take a stand, then so can the rest of us.

I continue to urge you to write your local, state and federal representatives. Sign every petition you can find; send any money you can afford; call upon your friends and family. Do whatever you have to do to get this heinous motion repealed. And not just in California. In November of 2004, 11 states amended their constitutions to define marriage as between a man and a woman. My home state of Pennsylvania was among them. Is this Orwell's 1984? How we can allow government to legislate love? We can't. And if enough voices are heard, we won't.

OK - off my high horse for a while. More on movies, TV and theatre, soon, I promise. But only if you promise to keep fighting the good fight. Wear a White Knot, write your elected officials and vote out those who disagree. Together, we can make a difference.

More, anon.

Prospero

The Courage Campaign

I've been kind of silly lately, which is fine. Personally, I much prefer silliness of all sorts to seriousness of any kind. I often find myself doing silly things for serious causes (as that picture of me can attest). And I'll even do serious things in serious situations (my day job, for example). Still, I've never been one to shy away from giving my opinion (right Sean?) or one to keep quiet when I see something wrong.

If you've been reading, I know you join me in continuing to remain vocal in opposition to California's Proposition 8 and similar measures in other states such as Florida and Arizona. You'll also know that I think Organized Religion is a sham - a business that is in the business of scaring people into acquiescence. And make no mistake, Organized Religion (and by no means just the LDS) scared people into passing those measures by spending millions of dollars on televised and bus-stop ad lies!

So, how do we make them stop lying and then make the people who've been lied to, believe the truth? It's not easy. There are still people out there clinging to the belief that the moonshots were faked. Even worse, there are people hopping mad and hunkering down in homemade armories because a black man is our president.

We know that the truth is simply about love and the right to love whomever you want. Wasn't there some guy about 2009 years ago or so, who said it was all about love, too? Or am I thinking of John Lennon? Or Ghandi? Does it really matter?

In a touristy little arts community not far from where I live, there is a very silly store that sells all sorts of kitchsy stuff like zombie finger puppets and vintage toys and clothing and 'Crazy Cat Lady' action figures. The store is called "Love Will Save the Day" and it's one of my favorite stores to spend an hour or so just wandering around inside. It's cramped and over-stuffed and there's way too much to look at all at once. The stuff they sell is basically useless crap, but it makes people smile and laugh and they buy, smiling and laughing as they hand over the money. No one leaves the place without at least smiling. Love, indeed, saves the day.

Trust me, there's nothing sillier or more serious than love.

This cause really has no personal effect on me - I haven't even the slightest prospect of marriage or partnership - my dance card is, sadly, wide-open. So why should I care? Because some day my dance card just might be full. Or if not, the dance card of a friend or relative.

The Courage Campaign has a new video out, called "Fidelity." It made me cry. Please share it and the link to sign the Courage Campaign's letter to the California Supreme Court here. Here's the clip (via):

"Fidelity": Don't Divorce... from Courage Campaign on Vimeo.

“Laughter kills fear, and without fear there can be no faith, because without fear of the Devil there is no more need of God.” - Umberto Eco

So, do this serious thing for me (sign the letter) and then go laugh to chase away the Devil.

My Thanks to You,

Brian

Gay Marriage Primer

This is hilarious (via):

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Get the latest news satire and funny videos at 236.com.

So Much Hate, So Little Time

I have plenty to talk about tonight, so I'll be splitting this into two posts.

First, more on Prop 8; Day Without a Gay and those Bible-thumping idiots at Westboro Baptist.

The "Reverand" (and I use the term loosely) Fred Phelps and his family of hate-mongers have now taken on the last bastion of childhood - Santa Claus, himself. These morons apparently actually believe that God is punishing America for it's permissive attitude toward homosexuality (did they not see the results on Prop 8?) by killing US soldiers abroad and ruining our economy. Now, they have come out with this delightful bit of propaganda:

I refuse to post the rest of the poem here, simply because it makes me sick to my stomach. Suffice it to say, I know who'll be standing at the gates of Hell saying "What the f...?" come Judgment Day. (Hint: Fred Phelps and Family).

This is the kind of hateful ignorance that leads religious extremists to fly planes into skyscrapers, folks. Make no mistake, the Devil has an especially hot pitchfork poised to poke their particularly ignorant asses.

Now, on the opposite end of the hate spectrum, comes this delightfully funny little short film, Love is Love. Sadly, the people who need to see it either won't get it, or won't even watch it.

And last, but far from least, here is just one more reason to love the hilarious Wanda Sykes:

Day Without Gays

Wednesday, December 10, 2008 has been designated as the "Day Without Gays." Members of the LGBT community are encouraged to 'Call In Gay' and stay home from work as part of a protest against recent legislation in CA, FL and AZ which ban same-sex marriage on civil level.

When I was in 7th or 8th grade, we were shown the movie version of Alvin Toffler's "Future Shock." I don't remember much about the movie, except that my classmates and I all laughed nervously at the scene portraying gay marriage. And although I suppose that at even at that age (12 or 13) I knew I was gay, I giggled along at the apparent absurdity of the scene. It's not so funny, now

Personally, I'm sick to death of being told who I can or cannot love and who I can or cannot marry. Especially being told so by the Catholic and Mormon churches. Church rules about marriage and reproduction were put in place for one reason only - to insure an ever-lasting supply of people who were so terrified of "hell," they would continue to make babies who would all grow up and make more babies who would be forever subjugated by (and give money to) the church. This rouse worked for thousands of years, until superstition started to give way to science and people started waking up to lies they'd been fed by the Vatican (and Salt Lake and Mecca and any number of religious headquarters).

But this isn't an anti-religious diatribe. Marriage is a civil rights issue. Don't believe in gay marriage because of your religious affiliation? Fine. But don't tell me that I am less of a person with less rights than you, because I don't believe in your God. Believe I am going to hell because I'm gay? Fine. But don't tell me I am not equally protected under the law because of it. I don't want to get married in your church, anyway. the U.S. Constitution says that all men are created equal. Not some. Not Christians. Not Jews. Not Mormons, Muslims, Jehovah's Witnesses or Wiccans; not Whites, Blacks, Asians, Latinos or any combination thereof. All. Plain and simple. ALL. Why is this so hard to understand?

I urge all of my readers (no matter how many or few of you there are) to take part in the Day Without Gays. Maybe once the rest of country realizes how vital we are to the workforce and the economy in general, they will also realize how wrong they are in denying us basic human rights. So call in 'gay' on December 10th.

Okay - I really promise; no more politics (for a while, at least).

More of this, anon.

Prospero

Marriage Equality

It seems to me that not since the mid-to-late 80's AIDS protests, has the community come together as strongly as it has after the passing of California's Proposition 8. I read somewhere (and if you recognize the quote, please let me know where it came from) that the CLS doesn't understand why they're being targeted by the protests. Someone said "If the American Cattle Growers Association had spent so much money on passing the measure, we'd be protesting them."

This past Saturday, huge rallies were held in New York, Philadelphia and other major cities.

I was unable to attend, but my favorite Weekly World News character of all time, Batboy, managed to make it. I'm so glad the little beastie finally came out.

Many are calling Prop 8 the New Stonewall; a catalyst for change and a turning point in the LGBT civil rights movement. Some are making loud statements, as seen in the above video. Others, are making subtler, though no less powerful statements. WhiteKnot.org hopes to make their knotted white ribbon as ubiquitous as the red AIDS ribbon. I know I'll be wearing one along with my red ribbon at this year's JTMF event.

Finally, not just because I love it so much, I'm posting the trailer for Were the World Mine again, because never has it seemed more appropriate. Yes, we do have families and we do have values, thank you!

More of this, anon.

Prospero