Local Happenings: Candlelight Gathering

To anyone living in Michigan: I urge you to join us on Tuesday the 20th for a Candlelight Gathering to help support those battling with depression and suicidal thoughts. It's being organized by a good friend of mine, who happens to be gay. 

It will be at the St. Joseph's of Orion parking lot at 5:30. Once the sun has gone down completely (5:45-6ish), we will start the candle lighting. After a few reflective moments of silence we will open the microphone to anyone who would like to speak. Although many of us have been effected by suicide, we ask that this not be a memorial. This is a chance to show the youth of our community that they have a massive support system that cares deeply for them. WE ARE HERE FOR YOU! LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD!

This is an issue that's been hitting the youth of the nation hard, especially GLBT youth. Pleas,e share this with anyone who lives in Michigan.  Thank you.

Gonna try to lighten the mood a little bit, with hope for the future

In my own Back Yard.

In a little over a month, there have been 4 suicides in Lake Orion schools, and over 11 in all.  The last one was a sixth grader at the middle school (I have no information on identity at this time).  There was another in Waterford during the weekend, WHERE I LIVE.  A close friend is trying to put together a candle light vigil to show support.  I'll keep you posted on where/when/what goes down.

In the meantime, please take a moment to sign this petition asking Lake Orion Community Schools to have a Mandatory Seminar for all students on Suicide Prevention.  Any action helps.

Change.org petitions 2 Electric Boogaloo

Puerto Rico House of Representatives: Do Not Eliminate Hate Crime Protections

Support LGBT in Russia: Oppose the prohibition of "homosexual propaganda" in St Petersburg

Marcus Bachmann: Stop Harassing LGBT Rights Group; End Harmful 'Ex-Gay' Therapy

http://www.change.org/petitions/demand-cameroon-release-gay-men-sentenced-to-five-years-in-prison#

Rick Perry ad and Rebuttals

A Rabbi from my home state, standing up for what's right! :D

Hooray!

Also, Fuck Rick Perry.

An Open Letter to Neil Patrick Harris (to be sent via snail mail whenever. Possibly never.)

Dear Mr. Harris,
     Greetings.  I hope this letter finds you in good health and...
No.  I'm not going to do this.  I won't hide my fan-girl gushings behind a veneer of formality and obvious thesaurus use.  You deserve better than that, Mr. Harris.
     I'm a little too young to have seen your earliest work, but I've known who you were since your two-line appearance on 'The Simpsons.'  Sad, I know.  Feel free to make fun (everyone does).  I didn't get heavily into Broadway until I was fifteen, and missed your apparently impressive performance during RENT.  Ditto for your turns hosting the televised award ceremonies of the last few years.  I was lucky enough to see your performance of Tobias Ragg on video when I did Sweeney Todd a few years ago.  Great, great stuff.  I didn't even see 'Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog' until a few months ago.  Now, I've seen it, bought the comic prequel, plan on going as Dr. H for next Halloween, and am singing the 'My Eyes' duet (your part, I'm a female Tenor) for a musical review.  When I find a new interest, I don't exactly go half-way.
     Which brings me to How I Met your Mother, and the main reason for my writing.  I started watching that show earlier this year, catching up via friend's DVDs and Netflix.  The main cast works wonderfully as an ensemble, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't find you the funniest.  It's my favorite show.  It piqued my interest in you, and your story.  What I found out shocked me in the best possible way.
     When you came out, I only knew because I frequented IMDB.  You were just another celebrity who'd been suddenly outed; I didn't even care enough to find out why you came out.  It was just another factoid to be memorized and trotted out in front of my friends. I wasn't much interested in gay rights then either: a few of my good friends were gay, and I wished they could get married, but it never crossed my mind to do anything about it. I'm not proud of that.
     In the last few years, I've changed.
     Gay rights is the first political issue I consider when voting for any candidate in any election, local especially.  My friend's rights, and lack thereof in my home state of Michigan, are constantly on my mind.  I created a Blog to chronicle my experience talking with people about GLBT issues, and what was going on in my state.  I began reading books on gender identity and GLBT history.  My eyes were open.  I didn't like a lot of what I saw.
     That's when I looked a little deeper into your story, Mr. Harris.  Coming out after having your partner David (Husband now?  I know you proposed once NY legalized it, but I haven't seen confirmation of a wedding. Wikipedia only takes you so far) on an episode of How I Met Your Mother.  Having two beautiful children via surrogate.  Recording a video message for Gay youth in trouble, and countless other efforts post-coming out.  It was inspiring.  You are who you are, and don't seem to give a damn what anybody thinks.  In this era of Sheens and Lohans t's rare enough to see a well-adjusted celebrity with his life together get as much press as you, straight or gay.
     I was so excited when you got a star on the walk of fame.  It's well deserved: in a few short years you've gone from a former household name on the small screen to a current household name on small, large, and computer screens, all while being out, loud, and proud.  Well done, sir.
     I'm not gay, and many would argue that it's not my fight.  I'm a supporter at best.  I'll never know the discrimination you've faced.  I'm just a half-Jewish girl from Michigan who's got a little bit of a crush on yet another taken celebrity.  But you inspire me too, Mr. Harris, for so many reasons.  Your journey has been amazing, and I can't wait to see where it takes you next.
     Keep it up, Mr. Harris.
Warmest regards to you, David, and the kids,

Shayna Lax

Jacob Rogers Commits Suicide After Years Of Anti-Gay Bullying

And on and on and on...
Why is this still happening?

Another celebrity, another foot in mouth

Rapper T.I. has recently made a comment that...well, read it for yourself.

"Man, I will say this, the funniest joke I ever heard Tracy [Morgan] say during a stand-up was, 'C'mon man, I think gay people are too sensitive. If you can take a dick, you can take a joke.' [Cracks up laughing.] That shit was funny to me. And it’s kind of true." While T.I. makes clear that he supports anyone’s sexual preference, he then connects, in his opinion, a current oversensitivity among gay people with a consequential and ironic offense of the First Amendment. "They’re like, 'If you have an opinion against us, we're gonna shut you down.' ... That's not American. If you're gay you should have the right to be gay in peace, and if you're against it you should have the right to be against it in peace."


Free speech does not equal hate speech, which is what anti-gay rhetoric is.  Yes, as an American, you have the right to say it.  But we have just as much right to fight back.

Archie's Gay Wedding.

Kevin Keller, the first openly gay character in Archie comics, is set for an interracial Gay marriage. The character is set to get his own miniseries as well.  I used to read Archie a lot as a kid, so this is kinda cool. 

If you need a pick-me-up, this site is amazing.

D'awwww

An adorable pic of Neil Patrick Harris (Hook), his partner David Burtka (Peter Pan), and their children Gideon Scott (Smee) and Harper Grace (Tinkerbell). Halloween 2010.  Best. Dads. Ever!

Bloody outrage

I donate blood.  A lot.  Pretty much as much as I can, every sixty days or so.  Today was one of those days.  I'm O+, the most common blood type.  I'm the only person I know who donates on a regular basis.  One of my friends is interested in donation, but there's a small problem.

He's gay.  In the US, the current guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is to permanently defer any male donor who has had sex with another man, in the period from 1977 to the present day.

He doesn't have any diseases that would disqualify him.  Neither does his boyfriend.  They've been in a committed monogamous relationship for several years now.  The blanket ban still keeps them from donating.  At a time when blood supplies are so low (they've never been too high, to be certain) it no longer makes sense to exclude gay men.  Lesbians are NOT prohibited, by the way, as the questionarire specifies having sex with another man who's had sex with another man.

The UK recently lifted their ban on gay men donating--sort of. The USA needs to follow suit. Granted, we're not the only country with this ban, but since I live here, frankly, I want to get it done here first.  

Some progress has been made. In April 2010, the New York City Council passed a resolution calling on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to eliminate the ban stating "This ban was based on prejudice, a knee-jerk reaction, and misunderstandings about the HIV/AIDS disease. Given the constant need for blood, it does not make common sense to prohibit donations from an entire population." And on August 19, 2009, the Assembly Judiciary Committee in California passed AJR13, the U.S. Blood Donor Nondiscrimination Resolution, calling upon the FDA to end the MSM blood ban. Lastly, on June 1, 2010, the Washington, DC City Council passed a resolution calling on the FDA to "reverse the lifetime deferment of blood donations by men who have had sex with men since 1977 in favor of a policy that protects the safety and integrity of the blood supply that is based on an up-to-date scientific criteria."

As is sit here, my arm bandaged in bright red, I cannot help but think of all the lives lost because the blood simply wasn't there.  Limiting donations for any reason except medialc ones is an outrage, and a disgrace.All blood donated is tested for HIV, so prohibiting gay men from donation on that basis makes no sense. It's a slap in the face for the gay community, and it costs lives. 

I want to urge people NOT to boycott the Red Cross Blood drives because of this. Lives are at stake.  Instead, donate frequently.  Make a difference from the inside: as a donator, your opinions on the process will be all the more valid.  If donators themselves speak up, write letters, and  sign petitions, as I have done, change CAN be achieved.  

For now, I'm taking it easy and marking on the calendar when I can donate again. Visit http://www.redcross.org/ to see how you can make a difference.

International Transgender Day of Remembrance, Nov. 20th

The 13th annual International Transgender Day of Remembrance is tomorrow. It's a day to remember those who's lives were tragically cut short because of anti-transgender hatred and prejudice. The event is held in November to honor Rita Hester, who was murdered in November of 1998. It's observed in over 20 countries. This is a list of those killed in the past year. Please, if you're religious, take time to remember these people and their families in your prayers.

It Gets Better: Chris Armstrong Announces Scholarship for Victims of Bullying at University of Michigan

Something good happening in my state. FINALLY! This is the guy who last year was bullied by Michigan's former Assistant Attorney General Andrew Shrivell.  U of M supported him during this terrible event. Now, U of M has a scholarship in his name. Finally, action, not just words.  Go U of M!

Transgender Teen Found Burned to Death on Detroit Highway

The sixth GLBT person to be burned alive in as many weeks was found, I'm incredibly ashamed and saddened to say, in my home state, close to where I live and work.  Shelley 'Treasure' Hilliard, born Henry Hilliard jr. was found, burned and discarded on the side of a busy highway. She was only 19 years old. 

Brandon Washington and David Blair doused a sleeping gay 'Friend' with alcohol and set him on fire. Steven Iorio, the 'Friend' in question, survived, but as of now, the two have not been arrested.  They will be getting a summons in the mail, though. 

Stuart Walker, a gay man in Scotland, was burned to death and left on the side of the road. Before he was burned, he was beaten, and possibly sodomized. He was 28 years old, and a barman.  More than 1000 people came to his funeral to morn the loss.  This man was loved. Ryan Esquierdo, 18, has been charged with Stuart's murder.  

Two more men were set on fire AT A GAY BAR in England. Both men survived, but police don't think it's a hate crime. 

What the hell is happening in the world?!  I am TERRIFIED for my GLBT friends now more than ever.  We're supposed to be moving forwards. DADT is gone!  NY legalized gay marriage!  Movements are mobilizing all over the country to give GLBT citizens the rights they deserve.


I've heard it said that burning is becoming the GLBT equivalent of lynching.  I pray to God this trend stops immediately.  Please, if you know anyone who is homophobic, talk to them.  The hate needs to end.


Right now, all I want to do is go hug my future brother-in-law and his boyfriend, both of whom are close friends, and family no matter what the laws in Michigan say.




I got most of my information from http://unicornbooty.com/, by the way. Great site.

This just in: Michigan House Passes Anti-Bullying Bill In Compromise With Senate 'Matt's Safe School Law'

It's moving on to the senate.

Yes, it's been a while.

Sorry for the lack of updates. I'm in a play, and we've had rehursals almost every night. But there's been plenty of stuff going on. The licence to bully bill is making our state look like a joke.  Brett Rattner made homophobic remarks and had to step down from producing the Oscars (Eddie Murphy stepping down as host shortly after).

But good things happened too: today is the first veterans day since DADT was repealed. Massachusetts elected the nation's youngest gay mayor. And, of course, the advancing of the repeal of DOMA in the senate.

My new source for gay news (aside from my one-day brother in law, God willing): http://www.advocate.com/

In Michigan, you could be fired for being gay--Help do something about it!

I just received this message from the Equality Michigan Action Network.

If your boss thinks you are gay you could actually lose your job. We know that sounds impossible but in Michigan it's the law. Civil rights laws protect us from many forms of discrimination — based on your race, gender, religion, age, sex, weight or marital status — but not if you are gay or transgender.

What's worse? Just last week, Representative Tom McMillin (R - Rochester Hills) introduced a bill that would outlaw Michigan cities from implementing nondiscrimination policies that are better than the outdated state law, as 15 cities already have.

Please tell Michigan House Speaker Jase Bolger that we shouldn't have to change ourselves, he should change the law.

We need as many people as possible to send him this important message.

That’s why a coalition of civil rights organizations and everyday Michiganders are coming together to launch a campaign to change the law. We need to protect all Michigan jobs by ending discrimination, of any kind.

Thanks for stepping up,

Denise Brogan-Kator and the Unity Michigan Coalition

Please, if you live in Michigan, help us to send this important message!

Beautiful National Coming Out Day video

Happy National Coming Out Day!

It's the day for LGBT, straight supporters, and anyone else who wants to help the cause to unite!  Come out of the closet: we're waiting with open arms. 

For information about the history of NCO day, check this out.

Donate your Facebook and Twitter Status' here! 

Change.org petitions--Redux

Investigate Harassment of LGBTQ youth at Sequoyah High School & Allow a GSA

Tell Republicans: Don't Repeal DADT Repeal

Demand 19 y/o trans man James Alexander's attacker be brought to justice

Still working on that history book...

Nothing much new to report, gang.  I wore my shirt again, but got NO response.  I'm thinking I need something more proactive to spark debate.  Ideas? The only thing I can think of is "Baptist ≠ Homophobic".

The Funny Pages!

Not always what you think...

President Talks Gay Rights At HRC Dinner

Read the article and watch the video

It's heartening, but there's still a long way to go. 

Happy 'Straight but not Narrow' day!

Celebrating the end of Don't Ask Don't Tell!

Found on the Fantastic  It's ok to be Takei  Facebook page.

Staff Sgt. Chris Cano, a Marine recruiter, arrives Tuesday at a recruiting booth at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center in Tulsa on the first day of the end of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell?" With the ban gone, the Marines appear determined to prove that they will be better than the other service branches in recruiting gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender service members.

Quotable: "Morbid Curiosity Cures the Blues"

"Morbid Curiosity Cures the Blues" is a collection of true(ish) stories of...well, the weird.  One quote from the closing of a story by Claudius Reich, about a bombing targeting homosexuals in London struck me.  The story itself is called 'Dragon's Teeth' and is worth a read, as is the anthology on the whole.
This is what captured my attention:


     "Y'know, I keep forgetting how many people want me dead.  While homophobia has had a horrendous impact on the lives of me and mine, it's [the bombing, which killed several people] rarely this damn visceral.So much of the worst of it was during childhood and adolescence--While you don't get over that, not unscathed, nonetheless that was still half my lifetime ago.  While I remain braced against fools acting hateful--when you're on the Better Dead list, though any given minute will likely be uneventful, you don't drop your guard--most days, the problem's absent or at worst negotiable.  I don't cry easily.  That some scumbag out there, who hates me for something that's properly none of his damn business, can make me sob, pisses the hell out of me.  That my anger is merely the shield arm, protecting older wounds, makes me seethe.  That there's nothing I can do--no cure, no defense in or from this fallen world--enrages me most.
     I';d love to be left alone in a room with this bomber, or Pat Buchanan, or the guys from Laramie--just me and my steel-toed Docs and more righteous fury than I know how to live with day to day.  There are those who've harmed me and mine in ways I can neither fathom nor condone walking freely upon this earth.  I have seen the face of mine enemy and I'm more than ready to rise up and smite him.  I yearn to see him put down like a rabid dog.  I hope I get to watch.
     Unfortunately, I imagine that's how the bomber felt."


I don't know if it's appropriate, but replace the word 'Homosexuality' with...well, almost any oppressed minority, and I think it still works.  In my case, that minority is Jewish.  I'm not in daily danger from wearing a Star of David, nor do I expect to be harassed on the street (at least, in that part of MI where I live) like my gay friends might, but knowing that people out there want me dead is still terrifying.  There are people who would kill me first, as I'm the result of a 'mixed blood' marriage.  That links me with my friends....with the community at large in a way some people won't (not can't) understand.  Another quote comes to mind...

"First they came for the communists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a communist.

Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a Jew.

Then they came for me
and there was no one left to speak out for me."  

~Pastor Martin Niemöller


We have to stand united.

E-mail from the office's of Governor Rick Snyder.

I just got this email in response to a pro gay marriage plea I sent MONTHS ago to Michigan's Governor, Rick Snyder.

Ms. Lax [yep, my real last name!],

Thank you for expressing your views supporting same-sex marriage.  The Governor asked that I respond to you directly on his behalf.

In case you were not aware, more than 58 percent of Michigan residents who voted in the November 2, 2004 election voted in support of Ballot Proposal 04-2.  That proposal constitutionally established that the “union of one man and one woman in marriage” would be the only agreement recognized as a marriage or “similar union for any purpose” in Michigan.

Again, thank you for contacting the Office of Governor Rick Snyder, and if I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.

Sincerely,

Janelle A. Arbuckle

Constituent Relations Specialist

Office of the Governor

Constituent Relations Division

Reading!

I'm reading 'Queer America: A GLBT History of the 20th Century', so look for a review soon!

Another tragic death attributed to bullying

Jamey Rodemeyer, age 14 killed himself after being bullied for being bisexual.  His 'It Gets Better' video is chilling and heart wrenching.
"It gets better. It gets better." He insists.
How many more will die before something is done?

Rest in peace, Jamie

Want to find GLBT friendly establishments?

http://www.dailygaypon.com/home.php
Seems like a cool site.  Give it a look!

I've added a Widget!

I've added a new Widget to my blog: a change.org petition to get gay marriage on the 2012 ballot! Please, take time to click and support this worthy endeavor.

Rebecca's Musings

     I've said time and time again that my connections to the GLBT movement run to my emotional core.  My friends and future in-laws are in committed relationships, but share few of the rights my boyfriend Bahamute and I posses. I've read one book that has given me hope, but also terrified me about the rights they lack, and what they have, and will, suffer in their lives.
     I feel I am not doing enough.  I can't afford to contribute monetarily (fresh outta college, and job-hunting). My support is, as of this moment, wearing a silly tee-shirt, reading books, signing online petitions, and speaking out to coworkers about the issues. I try to support my friends who are GLBT in any way that I can.
    Can I really change anything? I'm only one person.  I want to help on a local and global scale. I want to make it safe for my friends and loved ones to live and love.
    I know I can't do these things by myself.  I must be part of a bigger movement.  I'm not even GLBT: What can my support really add to the movement?
    I don't know.  But I won't stop trying.  If my silly shirt and provocative talks don't get a response, I'll find something else that will.  I'll keep trying.
     I have to.

Change.org petitions--Legal Edition

Remove North Carolina's proposed ban on same-sex marriage
Self explanatory.
Lift the ban that keeps gay men from donating blood.
I donate blood as much as I can (O+, the most common kind), and I know there is a constant shortage.  They scan all blood anyway, so what is the risk?
Tell Republicans: Don't Repeal DADT Repeal
Don't let one of the biggest GLBT victories slip away.

Change.org petitions--School Edition

Please, sign these: one tiny click could do so much.

McIntosh County Georgia Schools: Allow my transgender son to use a safe restroom at school!

Lake County School District: Don't let teachers teach hate towards gay people!

The Master's School: Stop kicking out gay and lesbian students!

10 years

We will never forget.

Gay Marriage in Michigan Petition

As a member of Change.org, I try to sign as many petitions for the various causes I believe in.  The site has has some major victories in the GLBT rights sphere (check out their victories section to see!). The petition for Gay Marriage in Michigan is woefully undersighed. Even if you don't live here, I urge you to sign.  There are lots of pro GLBT causes.  Take a gander and see!
Sign the Petition!

The Funny Pages!

Yeah, I lol'd.

In case you missed it...

The Freddie Mercury Google Doodle video!

small side note

I've been given an old computer by a friend, so I can blog somewhat regularly. :D

Shirt Tale #1: Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum

Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum, as I've said earlier, is an arcade/interactive museum, with everything from old Chuck E. Cheese anamatronics to historical movie viewers.  And it's proprietor, Marvin Yagoa, still empties the ticket-takers himself, despite many years of flourishing business.


It's this man I met on my first outing wearing 'The Shirt'.


It was just as we were leaving the establishment that I stopped to talk to him: Marvin had known my father in the past (sadly, my father passed away two years ago), and I wanted to see if he still remembered him.


"What's your shirt say? What does that mean?"  He cut in.


I explained that I was Jewish on my father's side, that I played Dungeons and Dragons, and that I supported gay rights.


"See that new machine?"  He pointed to a tall doll wearing a wedding dress.  "That's my new wedding machine.  It'll marry anyone, man and man, it doesn't matter."


I left, beaming.  Chalk Marvin  up as a great man with a great establishment. 

Book review: 50 ways.

"50 Ways to Support Lesbian and Gay Equality: The Complete Guide to Supporting Family, Friends, Neighbors or Yourself..." is a collection of short essays about GLBT issues.  It's edited by Meredith Maran but has a vast collection of different writes contributing to it's pages. 

This book opened my eyes in a number of ways, many of them frightening.  The amount of rights denied to homosexual couples is appalling.  I honestly had no idea that marriage conferred so many things in the eyes of the law.  But it also speaks of positive gains in areas of adoption law.

This book is from several years ago, and doesn't contain information on the recent law changes in NY. Its information is not limited to American anglo-saxon experiences: the contributors run the cultural gamut.

It's a must read for anyone who cares about, or is, GLBT.

Well, this was a great time to start a blog...

My desktop just died. :( On the plus, Bahamute has a laptop, so in the ensuing months I'll be saving up for a new computer, I can still post.

Unfortunately, I can't afford the zoo trip now. Instead, I'm wearing the shirt to 'Marvalous Marvin's Mechanical Museum' later today. For anyone who doesn know, it's a a museum/arcade in SE Michigan. If you live in Michigan and have never been, I recommend it. 

I'll post what, if anything, goes down, tomorrow.

The Players in our drama

Please note: the names have been changed, although no one is innocent. ;) This is my main circle of friends, and the people who will be on the zoo trip Saturday.

Lead Roles:

Me: A 20 something college grad with high hopes for her unfinished book (What do you do with a B.A. in English?).

Bahamute: My longtime boyfriend and partner in crime. His brother is Grizz.

Grizz: Bahamute's brother, longtime boyfriend/short time homeowner with Langly. One of my best friends, and frequent movie-buddy.

Langly: Grizz's boyfriend, also one of my best friends. We had a class in college together, and are both avid readers.

Featuring:

Soli: Close friend of all the above.  ...Odd. You'll see.

Willow: Soli's wife. Sweet, caring, but vengful if 'Mama Bear' instinct is invoked.

Krillin: Another buddy. Loyal to a fault. Never shuts up.

Serena: The third musketeer for Bahamute and me. One awesome chick.

Guest Starring:

Ariel: Soli and Willow's eldest daughter.  Under 6, and adorable.  Call's us all uncles and aunts.

Tinkerbell: Same as above, but middle daughter.

Tarzan: Their 2 year old son.  I think he said my name once...

The Exciting Debute!

This is going to be a blog of my thoughts on LGBT issues, particually in in Michigan, where I live. I've got some close friends/family that are gay, so their civil rights (and unfortunate lack thereof) are deeply important to me.

Why 'Tee-Shirt Revolution?' Well, I had a tee-shirt custom made that espouses my views, as well as my own minority status (I'm a half-Jew, on my Father's side). There will be a picture of the shirt soon; it's full text reads On the front "I'm a half Jewish, D&D player, who supports Gay rights." On the back "I make grand wizards cry." This blog will also be a record of what, if anything, happens when I'm wearing said shirt.

I will be wearing this shirt for the first time on a trip to the Detroit Zoo this weekend. I'm going with a large group of friends, including a gay couple that is family. In the next post, I'll give more explanations of who everyone is and how they're related (It's a bit complicated).

Until then: Witty closing comment to come. :)