I as sure all me readers ( the whole 4 of you) have noticed I have not really been keeping up with the blog lately. I am sorry for this. It is getting hard at this point in my life to manage it and think of things to post or write about that you are all going to give damn about. I do have some news that is good though. Back in October my longtime friend and love interest and I finally decided that we didn't care if it would be difficult and a little sill, but it was time that we did what we have wanted to do for years. We are getting married. Now, he is a Canadian, so it has been taking a lot of work to figure stuff out. I on;y get to see him most every night on Skype and that is about it. I will be seeing him in late April/early May. That is when we are tying the knot. I just have to figure out how I am going to throw it all together. Wish me luck lol.
~Drew Ronny
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Parental Acceptance, My Coming Out Story, and The Reason for this Blog.
When I started this blog I promised it wouldn't just be another collection of some homos rantings. I didn't however promise there wouldn't be ANY ranting. I do have something that may not so much be a rant, but a story so to speak I would like to share.
Those who know me personally more or less know that I come from a rather conservative Christian upbringing. When I say that I really mean my father and step-mother. My parents divorced when I was 11. I then soon after came to live with my father, who, after meeting/marrying my step-mother became a hardcore Christian.
When I first came out I was reminded that while he loved me he believed that I was living a sinful 'lifestyle" and that it would send me to hell. My mother has always been very accepting of what I am. She even has met Kentucky boyfriend. You may be wondering what all that has to do with my title. Well, to be honest, a lot.
During most of my teenage and adult life the relationship with my father has had somne ups and downs. Sometimes we barely spoke civilly and other times we have gotten along very well. Since my coming out in May of 2004, there has been one major issue. My father still does not accept who and what I am. Normally I do not seek out anyones approval. I grew up the kind of kid you see on TV who has little if any friends and tried their best to be "cool" and do what they felt would make them "cool" It wasn't until after I moved to Ankeny, Iowa from Omaha, Nebraska that I changed my outlook on life. I met one of my best friends to this day, Adam Edwards, and he helped mold me into the man I have become. Adam helped me realize something that I have applied to my life since. You are pretty much damned if you do and damned if you don't, so you may as well do whatever the hell you want to. Also, you can never make everyone happy, so focus on what makes you happy. Thus, I decided that I would shed one by one my fears of being accepted. I started caring less and less about what people said. I started caring more about my own comforts and less about fashion until one day I decided to come out.The date was May 25th 2004. I was 20yrs old.
Now this was not an easy transition. For one thing, I was still dating my longtime girlfriend. I still had to break up with her. I didn't want to admit that I was gay. I didn't know what her understanding of gay people was. She too grew up in the church. I didn't want Amanda to think it had anything to do with her. I eventually did break it off with her. It was actually a week after I had publicly come out on the blog I kept at the time.
Amanda, obviously, was not the only obstacle to get over. Once my parents knew...I had to run that gauntlet. My mother was more disappointed in the fact I wrote her a letter rather than just call her or told her when I was in town and handed her said letter. She wasn't so much disappointed in me as disappointed in herself for making me feel I couldn't just tell her. My father was not so gracious. As I stated before, he informed me that I was going to go to hell. This as you can imagine depressed me for a very long time. It was already hard enough to reconcile my faith with my sexuality, but then to have my own father throw it into my face made things worse. Also, it would be proper to note that while all this was happening I took an overnight position while working and going to school during the day. My social life went to complete hell. So, with no friends and very little support from my close family, I went into a deep depression that mixed with my financial troubles due to unreliable roommates cause me make an attempt on my life. My jacked-up mindset felt I was completely alone. Having no one close to turn to, I felt it was my only option. I have since learned how crazy my thinking was. I actually don't like talking about my suicide attempt. It was a dark time in my life and it only brings back bad memories. The only reason I am bringing it up not only because it goes with the whole struggles I mentioned, but I wanted to finally explain why the teen suicides inspired me to create this blog. I of all people know that is does get better. I have met some wonderful friends and co-workers who love me for me and regardless of what I am. This realization mixed with my knowledge of the pain is what truly drives me during this blog. I can't help but think that if more of us in the gay community would worry less about our hurt feelings and more about how other can learn from them that we could help prevent what is happening to our gay youth...or at least how they handle it.
Now, back to the original point. Since coming out and coming to terms with it, I have felt like a huge weight had been lifted. I was free to be the person I truly was. I knew it would still be a struggle of a sorts to fit in, but at least this time it would be the real me fitting in. This time it wouldn't be some prepubescent kid trying to get people to like him, but rather an adult trying to get people to treat him the same as everyone else.
Most of my efforts have paid off. I have more friends that I know what to do with and people adore me regardless of my sexual orientation. There are very few people who don't know I am gay. There has still been one major issue I have not been able to get over...my father's acceptance. It seems no matter what i say and do he is totally unmoving in his position that I have CHOSEN a immoral and destructive lifestyle. I will give him a little credit that it is no longer the elephant in the room. When I first came out I couldn't even broach the the subject. Slowly it has come from that to now I make jokes about myself and he at least can find the humor. I just usually make sure I don't tell anything too out there. He also seemed to take it well when i told him I was engaged to a Canadian drag queen, but that could be because we were both on our 3rd drink.
I was under the impression that maybe my father had softened in the last 6 yrs. It took me a while to come to terms, so it would only seem natural that he would. I realized a couple days ago how wrong I was. We had been discussing the retention election of the 3 supreme court Justices here in Iowa that got ousted in the last election. His opinion on the matter had me awestruck. Despite everything, despite having a gay son,and despite all that I have said; he still voted to have them removed citing that they had over stepped their bounds and were making radical law from the bench. This hurt. It's one thing to have the state throw into your face how society still feels about your make up, but to hear the same rhetoric from one of your parents is another. While I have never let my fathers opinion dictate how I live my life I still long for the day when he finally accepts that I haven't chosen anything. I realized the other day I probably shouldn't hold my breath. This breaks my heart. I was rather down because of it, but I decided not to let it stop me. Instead to use it as more fuel to motivate me to make a difference. The next day I contacted OneIowa , and GLBTQ rights organization in Iowa, and am currently waiting to hear how I can help despite my inability to drive and my lack of financial stability. I am no longer going to wait around for the day when I will march with my dad in the current pride parade. I know it will never happen. Instead I am doing what I can and using my father as a reminder of why I need to stay passionate. I know I am not the only GLBTQ member who has struggled to make their parents happy. Who was or are still afraid to come out because of what they may say, think, or do. Instead I am using my experiences to hopefully empower and give hope to those reading this blog to know that even if our family and friends do not accept us for who we are we still have allies. We can make new friends. It sucks, but it's better to have people like and love you for who you really are than for who they think you are. It has been quite a journey to get me to this spot. I still have a lot left to learn, but I will continue to share my experience along the way.
~Drew Ronny
*P.S. Please comment and add your opinions. They are greatly appreciated.
*P.S. Please comment and add your opinions. They are greatly appreciated.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Early Voting and Miscellaneous information for Election day
Interested in voting early, but not sure where you can go? This website gives information on early voting and what to know about going to the polls. I recommend everyone checking it out.
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/raiseyourvote?source=fb_TX23
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/raiseyourvote?source=fb_TX23
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
The Importance of Voting.
I feel compelled to talk about something that has been bothering me for a number of years now. I am referring to the lack of interest when it comes to voting. Admittedly, voting has risen in recent election, but not enough. We still only have about 50-60% of the country voting. Youth voting (those 18-24) is less than 50% on average. I personally find this disgusting. I hear all the time how corrupt our politicians are and how they end up screwing you over. This logic leads people to stay away from the polls. Well, guess what? If you don't vote you are one of the people that put that crook there. Voting is our number one right. With this right we can not only get those in office who share our beliefs and value systems, but it also gives us a chance to add more rights to our list. When you vote you are not just voting for some schmuck. In a lot of cases you are voting on what is going to be done with our school, how our taxes will be divided up, whether you can marry the person you choose to marry, and many other things.
Voting is also important if you are a minority group. More and more is being done for the blacks, the gays, the Hispanics, etc, but how much and how fast is a matter of who gets elected. If someone who is not sympathetic to your cause doesn't get in...that's going to be a setback.
I know that as a gay man it is important to get GLBTQ friendly candidates elected. This does not just stop at the Presidential level either. In all reality, the general elections are more important to me than the president. Who we elect for congress will make more of an impact in the long run. Think about it. Who actually makes our laws? It's not the president. He can push to get a law passed. He can recommend a law be introduced, but he can't actually make the laws. So, we need to pay attention to the Congressional races even more so than the Presidential races.
To go back to my previous point, I would like to remind people of the old saying, 'No vote...no opinion". If you do not find it important enough to vote then you should not find it important enough to bitch. Simply put, when you don't vote you are clearly saying you don't care. A lot of people who say, 'Yeah, I don't. It's not like my vote really matters." To those people I would like to say...You're wrong. Your vote only has no meaning if you don't use it.
I also hear people say, "I don't vote because I don't know who to vote for". Again, this is a lame excuse. It is very easy to look the candidates up on the internet. Most newspapers usually do a spread on the local and Presidential candidates during election time. All you have to do is see how each candidate stacks up on the issues important to you and go with the one who has the closest to your ideology.
I'm not saying you have to immerse yourself into the political world, but at least give a damn. Elections are what steers our country on it's path. Do you want it to go in a way the helps you or limits you? That is what it comes down to. You don't have to work for some candidate, rally at the conventions, and march in the parade for them, but you need to at least vote for them.
Voting today is a lot easier than it used to be. There is satellite voting/ early voting options and absentee ballots. I chose to vote absentee this year because I wanted to make sure my vote was counted, but I knew I wouldn't be able to make it to the polls on the 2nd. All I had to do was request an absentee ballot through a specific form. You can find them online. I got the ballot in the mail, filled it out, and mailed it back. I did it all while sitting in my underwear. It's just that easy.
I know this post has been rather long, but I hope it helps some of you understand why voting is such and importance. Please make a serious effort to get to the polls this year's election and all the ones thereafter.
~Drew Ronny
*A message to my GLBTQ family in Iowa. This election is very important. We must make sure that we not only keep the democrats in office, but we vote to retain the 3 judges on the Iowa Supreme Court. If these goals are not met, then the Republicans are most assuredly going to try and amend the state constitution to marriage being only between one man and one woman. If the judges aren't retained, then there may not be anyone who can say, "This is unconstitutional". So, please, I stress to you. Get out and vote. There opportunities for early voting if you cannot make it to the polls Nov. 2nd. Please look inot them.I can help you find out information if you need it. Just message me here or email me at thegr8arp@gmail.com *
Voting is also important if you are a minority group. More and more is being done for the blacks, the gays, the Hispanics, etc, but how much and how fast is a matter of who gets elected. If someone who is not sympathetic to your cause doesn't get in...that's going to be a setback.
I know that as a gay man it is important to get GLBTQ friendly candidates elected. This does not just stop at the Presidential level either. In all reality, the general elections are more important to me than the president. Who we elect for congress will make more of an impact in the long run. Think about it. Who actually makes our laws? It's not the president. He can push to get a law passed. He can recommend a law be introduced, but he can't actually make the laws. So, we need to pay attention to the Congressional races even more so than the Presidential races.
To go back to my previous point, I would like to remind people of the old saying, 'No vote...no opinion". If you do not find it important enough to vote then you should not find it important enough to bitch. Simply put, when you don't vote you are clearly saying you don't care. A lot of people who say, 'Yeah, I don't. It's not like my vote really matters." To those people I would like to say...You're wrong. Your vote only has no meaning if you don't use it.
I also hear people say, "I don't vote because I don't know who to vote for". Again, this is a lame excuse. It is very easy to look the candidates up on the internet. Most newspapers usually do a spread on the local and Presidential candidates during election time. All you have to do is see how each candidate stacks up on the issues important to you and go with the one who has the closest to your ideology.
To my friends in the GLBTQ community and our allies, it is important for us to elect sympathetic candidates now more than ever, I think. With the rising attention to gay suicides and adding of states who either vote for or against gay marriage, it is imperative that we get off our butts and use the voices we have to show the world that we don't demand special treatment. We demand being treated like everyone else. I was talking to my friend Thang last night. I was commenting on his post on Facebook commenting on the suicide of Joseph Jefferson stating, "This is really too bad. We HAVE to make it better, y'all. We just have to..."
I couldn't agree more with his statement. We HAVE to make it better and we have to do better to ensure the hate and bigotry can someday soon be erased.
Voting today is a lot easier than it used to be. There is satellite voting/ early voting options and absentee ballots. I chose to vote absentee this year because I wanted to make sure my vote was counted, but I knew I wouldn't be able to make it to the polls on the 2nd. All I had to do was request an absentee ballot through a specific form. You can find them online. I got the ballot in the mail, filled it out, and mailed it back. I did it all while sitting in my underwear. It's just that easy.
I know this post has been rather long, but I hope it helps some of you understand why voting is such and importance. Please make a serious effort to get to the polls this year's election and all the ones thereafter.
~Drew Ronny
*A message to my GLBTQ family in Iowa. This election is very important. We must make sure that we not only keep the democrats in office, but we vote to retain the 3 judges on the Iowa Supreme Court. If these goals are not met, then the Republicans are most assuredly going to try and amend the state constitution to marriage being only between one man and one woman. If the judges aren't retained, then there may not be anyone who can say, "This is unconstitutional". So, please, I stress to you. Get out and vote. There opportunities for early voting if you cannot make it to the polls Nov. 2nd. Please look inot them.I can help you find out information if you need it. Just message me here or email me at thegr8arp@gmail.com *
It Gets Better when?
Here is a video from Cheeks. The YouTube "star" and ex-boyfriend of Adam Lambert. I think he actually makes sense...for once.
Gay Youth Activist Commits Suicide� | News | The Advocate
This is such sad news. Listen people...IT DOES GET BETTER! You just have to be strong.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Original Blue Power Ranger reveals that he was harassed on set for being gay | EW.com
I didn't know the original blue ranger was gay.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Did you remember to wear purple today?
~Drew Ronny
Spirit Day Info
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Are You Planning to vote?
I think that the right to vote is our most important right as not just American citizens but of any country. I have already voted absentee. Take a couple seconds to tell me in this weeks Poll if you are planning to vote.
If you can, Please Attend This Vigil!
Those who live in the Des Moines, Iowa area should attend this vigil. Information found on the website on the right.
Spirit Day...wear purple.
I hope most of you have heard that tomorrow Weds, October 20th has been named spirit day to show support to the families and also take time to remember Tyler Clementi, Asher Brown, Seth Walsh, Justin Aaberg, Raymond Chase and Billy Lucas, the six gay teens that committed suicide recently. Many organizations and media sources have come out to support this day. Some of these media outlets include GLAAD, The Advocate Magazine, It Gets Better Campaign, Love is Louder, and several others. There is even a group on Facebook dedicated to the movement. I personally plan to to wear purple tomorrow. I believe all people regardless of their sexual orientation should take part in this tomorrow. This is not just for gay people. This is for anyone who believes that people should not be treated differently just because of the way they were born. I obviously think this stems even further than the gay community, but issues at hand I suppose. If you wish to know more about tomorrow and what you can do to show support visit the following link and also do not forget to check out the links on the right regularly for info on what you can do to help the community.http://www.glaad.org/spiritday
Monday, October 18, 2010
Yet Another “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Showdown Today - Swampland - TIME.com
One days soon I believe we will finally see and end to DADT
Justin Bieber to Join Anti-Bullying Movement After Fight | Blog
Im not sure what to think of this, but I guess any help is a positive step.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Blog -- Friend request from Andrew
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Monday, October 11, 2010
Happy National Coming Out Day
Today is National coming out day. A day that encourages those who are still strugling to come out of the claset to do so, and also a day for those who have already done so to show some pride and give strength to those who have just came out or are on the edge. more information can be found at:Saturday, October 9, 2010
Friday, October 8, 2010
Polls
Did you notice the poll on the top right? Each week I will have a new poll posted. I will ask all kinds of questions. Not everyone will be serious. So, do you have a poll question you would like me to ask? Comment away. Ideas from readers are what shape blog into something worth reading. Don't be shy. I will keep the current poll up for an additional week. I will change the poll question each Tuesday thereafter.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Facebook | A NOTE ON THE BULLYING OF GAY TEENS
A note from Bette Midler.
Facebook | A NOTE ON THE BULLYING OF GAY TEENS
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
I Give A Damn...Do you?
That is the motto of the "Give A Damn" campaign. The "Give A Damn" Campaign was started by singer Cyndi Lauper to "inspire and engage everyone, especially the straight community, to get involved in the advancement of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality."
It also includes many other celebrities including by not limited to, Whoopie Goldberg, Wanda Sykes, Kim Kardashian, Sharon Osbourn, Elton John, and Jason Mraz. They have videos talking about GLBTQ right issues like, Violence towards gay, workplace discrimination, bullying, parenting, and more.
I want to put a spotlight on this for two reasons. One, I am a huge fan of Ms. Lauper and it makes me love her all the more to see her reach out like this to the gay community. Second, and the more important reason, is that the site brings up a very good point. yes, it is important for the GLBTQ community to be fired up and do what they can to perpetuate the cause and keep standing up for our rights, but it is also important for our heterosexual allies to do the same. I believe that with allies in the straight community standing up and showing support we can win this fight so much better. So, I implore our straight friends to do what you can. I am always going on about the gay community doing more, but the same goes for you. Get off your keesters and do something. Volunteer at a GLBTQ center, rally for GLBTQ friendly politicians, makes sure you call senators and representatives, and also...make your presence known. It would do a lot of good for the gay community, especially the younger members, to know you exist. Sometimes, all a person needs to give them strength is knowing someone cares. Knowing that when they do come out they will have people to turn to when things are rough. I encourage everyone to look at the website. I have it posted under my "Cool Links" at right. Take a moment to become a member, read what they are all about, watch some of the videos, and let them inspire you to do what you can. I give a damn...do you?
It also includes many other celebrities including by not limited to, Whoopie Goldberg, Wanda Sykes, Kim Kardashian, Sharon Osbourn, Elton John, and Jason Mraz. They have videos talking about GLBTQ right issues like, Violence towards gay, workplace discrimination, bullying, parenting, and more.
I want to put a spotlight on this for two reasons. One, I am a huge fan of Ms. Lauper and it makes me love her all the more to see her reach out like this to the gay community. Second, and the more important reason, is that the site brings up a very good point. yes, it is important for the GLBTQ community to be fired up and do what they can to perpetuate the cause and keep standing up for our rights, but it is also important for our heterosexual allies to do the same. I believe that with allies in the straight community standing up and showing support we can win this fight so much better. So, I implore our straight friends to do what you can. I am always going on about the gay community doing more, but the same goes for you. Get off your keesters and do something. Volunteer at a GLBTQ center, rally for GLBTQ friendly politicians, makes sure you call senators and representatives, and also...make your presence known. It would do a lot of good for the gay community, especially the younger members, to know you exist. Sometimes, all a person needs to give them strength is knowing someone cares. Knowing that when they do come out they will have people to turn to when things are rough. I encourage everyone to look at the website. I have it posted under my "Cool Links" at right. Take a moment to become a member, read what they are all about, watch some of the videos, and let them inspire you to do what you can. I give a damn...do you?
Chelsea Handler - Live your life, girl. - TwitVid
Chesea, let's us know that it gets better.
Chelsea Handler - Live your life, girl. - TwitVid
Online Voter Registration
Voting is one of if not the most important right we have as American citizens. I have stressed several times ( and am sure I will stress some more) the importance of the coming election. Well, you need to be registered. Here is a link provided by MTV's "Rock the Vote" campaign. Use it and register, but remember...that is only have the battle.
Cool Links
I have been adding new links to the "Cool Links" section on the right. Keep checking back as I will be adding more as I find them. If you can think of useful websites don't hesitate to comment with one or email it to me at thegr8arp@gmail.com.
~Andrew
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
United Against Bullying - The Ellen DeGeneres Show
United Against Bullying - The Ellen DeGeneres Show: "Donate to the Anti-Bullying Organizations Ellen Supports
Ellen is committed to helping end bullying. The following three organizations have been doing vital work, and she encourages you to support them by donating. Click here to learn more about them."
Ellen is committed to helping end bullying. The following three organizations have been doing vital work, and she encourages you to support them by donating. Click here to learn more about them."
Jim DeMint Criticized Over Comments on Gay and Sexually Active Teachers
Gay and women's rights groups are criticizing Republican Sen. Jim DeMint of South Carolina in the wake of comments he reportedly made concerning whether sexually active single women and gay people should be teaching.
DeMint said at a church rally Friday that openly gay people and unmarried women who are sleeping with a boyfriend shouldn't be in the classroom, according to the Spartanburg Herald Journal.
He made the comments in response to a question about similar statements he made in 2004 about gays and unwed single mothers, for which he later apologized. "I answered as a dad with my heart and I did not answer as a Senate candidate. I apologize for making the remark because it distracted from the debate," he said at the time.
On Friday, according to the Herald Journal, DeMint addressed that controversy, saying, "[When I said those things] no one came to my defense. But everyone would come to me and whisper that I shouldn't back down. They don't want government purging their rights and their freedom to religion."
Asked whether DeMint stands by the comments, DeMint communications director Wesley M. Denton said that "Senator DeMint believes that hiring decisions at local schools are a local school board issue, not a federal issue."
"He was making a point about how the media attacks people for holding a moral opinion," he added.
In an interview, Jimmy LaSalvia of the gay Republican group GOProud said he believed DeMint was reaffirming his 2004 comments on Friday. "I don't know anybody in 2010 who thinks that," he added.
"Jim DeMint's comments can only be described as outrageous and bizarre," GOProud's Christopher R. Barron added in a statement. "The idea that someone who says they believe in limited government would support the government weeding out gay teachers and unmarried sexually active female teachers simply defies logic."
The Human Rights Campaign, a gay rights group, said in response to the comments that "What matters in the workplace is your ability to do your job, yet you can be fired for your sexual orientation in 29 states and for your gender identity in 38. I can't imagine what people think is 'moral' about job discrimination."
The National Organization for Women, meanwhile, hammered DeMint for the comments.
"Sexist bigots like Sen. Jim DeMint don't belong in the United States Congress," said NOW President Terry O'Neill. "He thinks gay women and men and sexually active single women should be banned from teaching, but he said nothing about sexually active, single straight men."
An aide to DeMint stressed that the senator had made the initial comments as a father, not a legislator. The aide noted that DeMint has not taken any legislative action on the issue, and said DeMint was expressing a personal opinion, not a legislative agenda.
DeMint, who has emerged as something of a kingmaker for Tea Party-aligned candidates, is heavily favored in his reelection bid against surprise Democratic nominee Alvin Greene.
The Trevor Project.
The Trevor Project is an American non-profit organization that operates the only nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. The Trevor Helpline, a toll-free number, is a confidential service that offers trained counselors. The Trevor Project also provides guidance and vital resources to parents and educators in order to foster safe, accepting and inclusive environments for all youth, at home and at school. If you or someone you know has had or is having thoughts of suicide please refer them to this organization. You can reach one of their trained counselors by calling 1-866-4-U-Trevor (1.866.488.7386)
National Media Dedicates Time to Address Anti-Gay Bullying
http://glaadblog.org/2010/10/05/national-media-dedicates-time-to-address-anti-gay-bullying/
I think it is sad that it took 5+ gay teens committing suicide to bring the subject of not only gay bullying but bullying in general to the public media's attention. I know I have seen little blurbs here and their, but nothing that will seriously make people stop and think. In guess it is better late than never.
I think it is sad that it took 5+ gay teens committing suicide to bring the subject of not only gay bullying but bullying in general to the public media's attention. I know I have seen little blurbs here and their, but nothing that will seriously make people stop and think. In guess it is better late than never.
Input
I have mention in both the header of this blog and in the "about me" section that my intentions for this blog are not only the rantings of a fired up homo, but a tool for others to read, learn, grow, and hopefully be inspired. So, I ask as you view this blog don't be afraid to comment and add input. I want this blog to grow into something useful. I don't want to create just a run of the mill blog. "Help me help you", as the old saying goes.
~Andrew
~Andrew
Monday, October 4, 2010
National Coming Out Day
http://www.hrc.org/14958.htm
As I hope everyone who is reading this is aware, Monday October 11th is National coming out day. Here is a little article that expresses the importance of this day. As the article states, it is more important than ever that we tell our stories and let young people know that they are not alone. Which the resent amount of gay suicides it should be clear there's truth in the old saying "there is strength in numbers". I don't mean we can beat everyone up. I think that when young GLBT members can see that they are not alone and that there are people, groups, and organizations that care and can help them; they will feel less isolated and take the avenues available to them. This will decrease and hopefully eradicate these types of tragedies.
As I hope everyone who is reading this is aware, Monday October 11th is National coming out day. Here is a little article that expresses the importance of this day. As the article states, it is more important than ever that we tell our stories and let young people know that they are not alone. Which the resent amount of gay suicides it should be clear there's truth in the old saying "there is strength in numbers". I don't mean we can beat everyone up. I think that when young GLBT members can see that they are not alone and that there are people, groups, and organizations that care and can help them; they will feel less isolated and take the avenues available to them. This will decrease and hopefully eradicate these types of tragedies.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Introduction...
My name is Andrew. I am 26 and gay. I am starting this blog as a forum to not only express my own thoughts and Ideas, but also for others to express their own. In the last 3 weeks their has been 5 suicides of gay teens. This is unacceptable. As my friend Sam Stansell said,
"I think this country is sad. All of this discrimination, basically, becasue of Love. WHO you love. This needs to stop. There are way too many close minded, ignorant people out there. Hopefully one day they will wake up. I am NO different than anyone else. Who i sleep with, is MY personal choice. And I refuse to be something I am not to pacify these ignorant bigots. I feel terrible for the familys of these kids. It just shouldnt have happened. Not in America."
I couldn't agree more with this statement. I hope this can be a wakeup call to America. Homosexuality is not a choice. We cannot change who we are...just hide it. My heart breaks for those who are struggling with their sexuality. It hasn't been too long since I had my own struggle. I was lucky that enough people loved and cared about me that when I finally did come "out of the closest" I was relatively welcomed out. My parents still do not take it well, but they are getting better. They are learning to live with it. I hope one day they will come to their senses and realize what I have been saying all this time.
Another goal of this blog is to help educate myself and subsequently any readers on what is going on in the GLBTQ world. Ignorance is no excuse for lack of action. Elections are coming and I plan to do what I can in my state to make sure more and more GLBTQ sympathizers are elected.
I am lucky that I live in a state that has stated barring gays from marriage is unconstitutional, but not everyone is so lucky. Even now Iowa, my home state, has groups wishing to amend our constitution to overturn that decision. I am going to do all that I can...will you?
I know this blog is a bit scattered, but I have a lot of ideas that I wanted to get out.
"I think this country is sad. All of this discrimination, basically, becasue of Love. WHO you love. This needs to stop. There are way too many close minded, ignorant people out there. Hopefully one day they will wake up. I am NO different than anyone else. Who i sleep with, is MY personal choice. And I refuse to be something I am not to pacify these ignorant bigots. I feel terrible for the familys of these kids. It just shouldnt have happened. Not in America."
I couldn't agree more with this statement. I hope this can be a wakeup call to America. Homosexuality is not a choice. We cannot change who we are...just hide it. My heart breaks for those who are struggling with their sexuality. It hasn't been too long since I had my own struggle. I was lucky that enough people loved and cared about me that when I finally did come "out of the closest" I was relatively welcomed out. My parents still do not take it well, but they are getting better. They are learning to live with it. I hope one day they will come to their senses and realize what I have been saying all this time.
Another goal of this blog is to help educate myself and subsequently any readers on what is going on in the GLBTQ world. Ignorance is no excuse for lack of action. Elections are coming and I plan to do what I can in my state to make sure more and more GLBTQ sympathizers are elected.
I am lucky that I live in a state that has stated barring gays from marriage is unconstitutional, but not everyone is so lucky. Even now Iowa, my home state, has groups wishing to amend our constitution to overturn that decision. I am going to do all that I can...will you?
I know this blog is a bit scattered, but I have a lot of ideas that I wanted to get out.
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