A powerful statement

Tonight, I left work early because we were slow. So, once I got home, I went up the hill to CALA Foods to buy some groceries. As I walked in the store two black men walked out holding hands. I did not make eye contact with them, nor they with me, but I tought, "What a powerful statement!"

In the last couple of years, my Communication Studies included discussions and projects of race, gender, identity, and sexuality. I can think of no more powerful statement than seeing two black men, (probably a couple), holding hands. I say this because one of the subjects that I read in my studies was men on the "down low" or men who have sex with other men, but who don't identify as gay. Seeing these two men reinforced my belief that once one acknowleges the power they own, not much can touch you. So, the display of basic intimacy by these two men is indeed a powerful statement, that goes against the limitations of the "down low".

In most parts of the world, the issues of sexuality, and specifically, coming out and being visible, remain damgerous and many people, who acknowlede the truth about themselves and are out run the risk of persection and/or death for those who are living a kind of private hell, let the example of these two men, speak for itself and encourage you to take control of your life.

Go and see "Milk"

In particular young GLBT people should see this film. The opening sequence really shows how much some of us in the GLBT community take for granted. Sean Penn is excellent in the role. I saw this film, yesterday, at the Castro Theatre which made it all the more poignant.

Yes, we can and we did!

What a historic day! Once the euphoria is over, let's ALL get to work, on changing the course of this great country after this malaise we've been through. Godspeed!

Thank you for being a friend...

Estelle Getty of "The Golden Girls" passed away yesterday and during my work shift yesterday, I thought a lot of Sophia, the character she played on "The Golden Girls", because she was so funny. During the run of the show, whatever bad mood I might have been in, when I watched "The Golden Girls", I laughed and my mood changed. In those days, during the 1980's, I had no idea I was going through depression, so for that reason I am sadder than usual of her passing. On the corner of 18th and Castro Streets, in front of the Bank of America, it is customary, at times, for people to set up some sort of tribute when someone famous passes on. I thought since "The Golden Girls" was so popular and beloved by several generations of LGBT folk, there might be some makeshift tribute on that corner, so after work, late yesterday, I went over to the Castro, to find nothing there. I must say, I was a bit disappointed, and yet I know my fellow GLBT folk will have that show in their hearts for a long time.

While in the Castro, I stopped off at 440 and ran into Emilio, a therapist that I, a patient was seeing. During our sessions together, I merely scratched the surface of all my issues. I told him of my breakthrough with my therapist Ronald, who he knows, and of my brand new degree. I was good to see Emilio and when he had to leave, I thanked him for being one many people, via AGUILAS/El Ambiente, who served as an example and inspiration in the process of completing my degree, we then gave each other a hug...as friends.

Dolores Park

Despite having gone to the gym today, for the first time in 6 1/2 months, today at mid-year, I went for a long walk. I wallked through Little Saigon, Civic Center, South of Market, The Mission and finally decided to just sit in Dolores Park and watch the dogs and their care givers go by. I miss having a dog, but know, I don't have time to take care of one. Still, the scenery reminded me why I'm fortunate to live in this city.

Gay Pride Weekend 2008

Gay Pride Weekend is once again upon us here in the Bay Area. This will mark 20 years since I attended my first Gay Pride Parade in San Diego, 1988. From time to time, I hear about the lack of visibility of people of color within gay or gay-friendly neighborhoods....oh, poo: My suggestion is to become visible, on your own terms, but nonetheless, be visible. Let no one dictate who you should be....NO ONE, not even those with (good?) intentions. I find being part of the GLBT community as a blessing, and even if you only do it internally, embrace your inner fabulousness. Happy Pride to all!!

Fears,Gratitude, and Smiles

Yesterday and Stacy and I met for coffee and lunch at Stonestown Shopping Center. I lamented that because I had a late summer trip to San Diego/Tijuana in late summer, I would not be able to join him on his trip to Atlanta, a trip he planned prior to our relationship. As we talked, my insecurities came up, I feared disappointing him, I feared I was being flaky and in trun hurting him. When I got on the "M" streetcar to come to work, I thought about how grateful and fortunate I am to have such an understanding man in my life. Stacy and I have both gone thru the same experiences of solitude, hard-headedness, solitude, etc... to empathize with one another. These mutual experiences help to make us a strong couple. When I got to work, I felt better and called to tell him so. As I walked to work, up on Stockton Street, right at Macy's, I spot Hot House porn star, Ross Hurston, in a bit of a hurry....I smiled and along with spending time with my beloved Stacy, seeing a hot porn star made my day.