A conversation that took place between two of my gay friends a few days back;
Hi Mom!
Hi Sweetie, how's it going?
Good, so I think _______ (my bf) and I are going to come over for Christmas...
Oh honey, you can come, but my husband, Ignorant Dumbass, doesn't know your gay, and might get offended if you bring ______ (your bf)..
What????
Sorry, We just can't do that!
Yeah, well I have to call a bullshit! Things are not going to change until people start standing up to their loved ones about who they are, and share the fact that they love their gay family members unconditionally. If you have a son, who happens to be so gay that he shits glitter, and don't think your husband knows about it... well then I'm sorry, you are the ignorant one!
I view this as an opportunity to educate and build tolerance, yet this woman has chosen to maintain the status quo, pass up an opportunity for growth, and drive a wedge deeper into a family situation that should be healing instead of fracturing.
Yes... I'm very pissed!
Jeran
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Cry baby Santorum says he's being bullied????
Presidential candidate Rick Santorum is saying that his campaign has been victimized by bullying after "Saturday Night Live" ran a parody of a GOP Presidential debate. His quote, "We've been hammered by the left for my standing up for the the traditional family and I will continue to do so. The left, unfortunately, participates in bullying more than the right does. They say that they're tolerant, and they're anything but tolerant of people who disagree with them and support traditional values."
You can watch the skit here.
What has Rick Santorum said about the gay community?? Well, I'm so glad you asked... In 2003 he compared homosexuality to incest, bigamy, adultery, and polygamy. In a recent interview with Chris Wallace he said gays couldn't compare the equality movement with the civil rights movement because "blacks can't help the color of their skin," thus implying gays could choose their sexual orientation. He's also said the repeal of DADT was nothing more than "social experimentation."
Here's a lovely video of Santorum debating a school girl about children who grow up with same sex parents;
I'm sure he feels "bullied" by this student; and in my opinion he should!! This is about as good of a verbal "ass whooping" as I've ever seen a student give a U.S. Senator.
When you have some time you should search youtube for all the other things he's said, and continues to say, about gay's and marriage equality. Upon a little search history it becomes quite clear who the actual bully is!
Santorum's comments about gay's are mean spirited, hurtful, and flat out untrue. In fact if he were an organization Southern Poverty Law Center would list him as a hate group. Those kinds of comments are what get most organizations officially listed as a hate group.
Bottom line, save your sniveling for someone who actually gives a crap! I would like to know how many children or adults are staying in the closet or contemplating suicide because of the comments you've made about gay people??
You sir, are a bully and a jackass!!!
Jeran
You can watch the skit here.
What has Rick Santorum said about the gay community?? Well, I'm so glad you asked... In 2003 he compared homosexuality to incest, bigamy, adultery, and polygamy. In a recent interview with Chris Wallace he said gays couldn't compare the equality movement with the civil rights movement because "blacks can't help the color of their skin," thus implying gays could choose their sexual orientation. He's also said the repeal of DADT was nothing more than "social experimentation."
Here's a lovely video of Santorum debating a school girl about children who grow up with same sex parents;
I'm sure he feels "bullied" by this student; and in my opinion he should!! This is about as good of a verbal "ass whooping" as I've ever seen a student give a U.S. Senator.
When you have some time you should search youtube for all the other things he's said, and continues to say, about gay's and marriage equality. Upon a little search history it becomes quite clear who the actual bully is!
Santorum's comments about gay's are mean spirited, hurtful, and flat out untrue. In fact if he were an organization Southern Poverty Law Center would list him as a hate group. Those kinds of comments are what get most organizations officially listed as a hate group.
Bottom line, save your sniveling for someone who actually gives a crap! I would like to know how many children or adults are staying in the closet or contemplating suicide because of the comments you've made about gay people??
You sir, are a bully and a jackass!!!
Jeran
Friday, October 14, 2011
Am I going to lose everything?
Tuesday was National Coming Out Day. Wyoming Equality held a dessert reception at a local church and invited people to come and share their coming out stories. I was moved and humbled at the life experiences told by these remarkable folks.
The evening was very relaxed and informal. We all sat around a big table while enjoying decadent desserts, sipping on rainbow punch, stepping out of our comfort zones, and talking about the day our lives changed forever.
I want you to imagine how scary it would be to tell the people that you love your gay, especially when you grew up listening to anti gay rants from family members every time something gay was on TV or the local gay couple was seen around town.
What are my mom and dad going to think? What will my brothers and sisters say? Will I lose my job? What about my friends? Are my children still going to want a relationship with me and how will this affect them? What are my ultra religious grandparents going to think?
These are questions that I agonized over for months and months before I came out. I had nightmares about every scenario and was preparing to lose everything. I'm a very strong willed independent person, however I have a huge loving family, and I made myself physically sick thinking about them never speaking to me again.
Luckily, for me, none of that happened. For the most part my family was extremely supportive and excited for me to start living my life and being true to myself. Many at the reception were not that fortunate.
I heard stories of parents not speaking to their kids for months on end, brothers who'd go out of their way to avoid running into a gay sibling, living a total closeted life because if you were outed you would lose your job immediately; and so many more stories were shared over the course of the evening that were both heartbreaking and inspirational.
The good news..... Many of these relationships have healed. Attitudes have changed and softened. Family members have realized that they want and need relationships with their loved ones, regardless of their sexual orientation. Employers have taken steps to ensure LGTB people are protected at work. Schools are implementing anti bullying campaigns. As the saying goes, "It is getting better!!!"
Overall, the evening was dominated with laughter and smiles. One couple in attendance is actually getting married this weekend in Iowa. I'm so happy for them!! I was also thrilled to have a handful of straight allies in attendance throwing their support behind this event.
I hope this will inspire you to reach out to your LGTB friends, family, co-workers, colleagues, and let them know that you love and support them.
Jeran
The evening was very relaxed and informal. We all sat around a big table while enjoying decadent desserts, sipping on rainbow punch, stepping out of our comfort zones, and talking about the day our lives changed forever.
I want you to imagine how scary it would be to tell the people that you love your gay, especially when you grew up listening to anti gay rants from family members every time something gay was on TV or the local gay couple was seen around town.
What are my mom and dad going to think? What will my brothers and sisters say? Will I lose my job? What about my friends? Are my children still going to want a relationship with me and how will this affect them? What are my ultra religious grandparents going to think?
These are questions that I agonized over for months and months before I came out. I had nightmares about every scenario and was preparing to lose everything. I'm a very strong willed independent person, however I have a huge loving family, and I made myself physically sick thinking about them never speaking to me again.
Luckily, for me, none of that happened. For the most part my family was extremely supportive and excited for me to start living my life and being true to myself. Many at the reception were not that fortunate.
I heard stories of parents not speaking to their kids for months on end, brothers who'd go out of their way to avoid running into a gay sibling, living a total closeted life because if you were outed you would lose your job immediately; and so many more stories were shared over the course of the evening that were both heartbreaking and inspirational.
The good news..... Many of these relationships have healed. Attitudes have changed and softened. Family members have realized that they want and need relationships with their loved ones, regardless of their sexual orientation. Employers have taken steps to ensure LGTB people are protected at work. Schools are implementing anti bullying campaigns. As the saying goes, "It is getting better!!!"
Overall, the evening was dominated with laughter and smiles. One couple in attendance is actually getting married this weekend in Iowa. I'm so happy for them!! I was also thrilled to have a handful of straight allies in attendance throwing their support behind this event.
I hope this will inspire you to reach out to your LGTB friends, family, co-workers, colleagues, and let them know that you love and support them.
Jeran
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Time to say goodbye!
Well gosh darn it! Looks like it's time to say goodbye to Governor Rick Perry. He continues to slip in the polls and now he's continually back tracking and apologizing for all of the "brilliant comments" he's blurting during the debates. I'd like to dedicate this beautiful song to you as we continue to watch your campaign implode.
Oh, and by the way, desperation is never flattering! Get out before you embarrass yourself any further. Many already know of your closeted ways and I hope we see the day that you are exposed for being the ultimate homophobic hypocrite!
So is it time for New Jersey Governor Chris Christie to throw his "large" hat in the ring? Maybe! The press is saying we'll know in about a week. Oh Goodie!!
Unfortunately, I wont be a fan!
But I will look forward to your weighing in on the health care debate!
Happy primary season everyone!
Jeran
So is it time for New Jersey Governor Chris Christie to throw his "large" hat in the ring? Maybe! The press is saying we'll know in about a week. Oh Goodie!!
Unfortunately, I wont be a fan!
But I will look forward to your weighing in on the health care debate!
Happy primary season everyone!
Jeran
Friday, September 16, 2011
Dumb ass of the week award!
Actually two members of the U.S House of Representative's will share in the "dumb ass of the week award."
Two GOP House members are making an embarrassingly desperate plea to Leon Panetta, Secretary of Defense, to postpone the Sept. 20th repeal of the Military's "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy.
House Armed Serivces Committee Chairman Buck Mckeon (R-CA) and house member Joe Wilson (R-SC) are basically saying the Military has not adequately prepared for the repeal of DADT, and more time is needed to conduct further studies.
The official response from the Pentagon, "DENIED!"
In fact, General Carter Ham, who was the co-chair of the Pentagon's study group examining the effects of repealing DADT, said he felt lifting the ban was likely to prove "pretty inconsequential." and went on to say the military's approach is "business as usual."
Last ditch desperation is never flattering! Sorry guys! Welcome to the 21st Century!
Jeran
Two GOP House members are making an embarrassingly desperate plea to Leon Panetta, Secretary of Defense, to postpone the Sept. 20th repeal of the Military's "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy.
House Armed Serivces Committee Chairman Buck Mckeon (R-CA) and house member Joe Wilson (R-SC) are basically saying the Military has not adequately prepared for the repeal of DADT, and more time is needed to conduct further studies.
In fact, General Carter Ham, who was the co-chair of the Pentagon's study group examining the effects of repealing DADT, said he felt lifting the ban was likely to prove "pretty inconsequential." and went on to say the military's approach is "business as usual."
Last ditch desperation is never flattering! Sorry guys! Welcome to the 21st Century!
Jeran
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
We're headed to South Dakota!
Rather than post a duplicate of my friend Meg's blog.. just read hers!
Here's a link to the John R. Milton Writers Conference that we will be attending on Oct 27th - 29th. I'm so excited about this!! This is quite an honor!
Jeran
Here's a link to the John R. Milton Writers Conference that we will be attending on Oct 27th - 29th. I'm so excited about this!! This is quite an honor!
Jeran
Monday, September 12, 2011
breaking down my stereotypes
I love meeting remarkable people!
I met this woman, Dorothy, yesterday at Cheyenne Interfaith's 9/11 memorial service at the Wyoming State Capital. I must admit that I was shocked to see an elderly woman wearing a rainbow "Diversity" pin.
Even though I would like to say that I don't lump people into categories or form my own stereotype's; I would be lying if I said that I didn't ignore seniors, as a group, when it comes to advancing the LGTB Equality Movement.
I figured they were all "set in their ways" and holding on to their bigoted views of marriage. SHAME ON ME!!
I was able to visit with my good friend, Rodger McDaniel, who writes the blog Blowing in the Wyoming Wind, and he cautioned me about being so quick to judge. He said many times after he delivers a sermon or speaks out on equality he will have seniors come up and thank him for his message of love and tolerance. Wow! Who knew?
I learned a valuable lesson yesterday, and I'm grateful for the enlightenment! You'd think of all people, I'd be the last to try and lump another group into a small narrow box. I'm a work in progress; and would like to think that my tiny brain was expanded just a little bit yesterday! Thank you Dorothy!
Jeran
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