Seattle Gay Pride 2011

I've marched in the Pride Parade more often than I've watched.  It's important and so very full of every race, religion, ideology and for everyone concerned about human rights.  For one day out of the year we are treated more as the kings and queens that we so often use in our lingo toward one another than the scourge perpetrated against us by the few.  And, just maybe, a few minds will be changed this day in late June.  Yesterday was no exception.

Sandwiched between two cloudy and rainy days was Seattle's first gorgeous day of summer.  And, this day, it was made more brilliant and illuminant by the fact that the place where our fight for civil rights began, New York, had, the night before, passed Marriage Equality.  It was a day to be proud and celebrate.  In honor of New York, I forgo wearing the t-shirt provided by my company and, instead, chose to wear the shirt I bought at Stonewall; made for this years New York Pride.  Although, a nifty skirt was made out of four company t-shirts that I proudly wore.

(This is my other half modeling)

I decided early on that, this year, I wasn't going to hold a banner but, rather, pass out the "goodies" to the crowd.  Having been on the sidelines watching in previous years, there is such a disconnect with so many of those who march.  I'd always appreciated the people who came up and handed things to the people in the crowd, personally, as opposed to just tossing things willy-nilly (besides, that creates litter - no one picks up shit once it hits the street).  Needless to say, I was the one "left behind" (*wink* *nod*).  I can't even begin to count how many times I had to run to catch up with the rest of the Starbucks crew. But the crowd appreciated it and cheered me on.  I even got a 10 from the ratings guys (mind you, these are hard core queens and a 10 is usually only reserved for the sexy boys; definitely not this old bitch).  LOL  People want that little extra connection and doing it with eye contact and a sense of humor is all it takes.  Of course, it does help working for a company (regardless of it really just being "another" corporation) that cares about it's customers and employees.  It makes my job of advertising and solidarity fun (it also helps that people are rabid for coffee and hats).

There was a lot of talk this year about those funny, silly sociopaths from the Westboro Baptist Church picketing (and we always have some idiot with a bullhorn screaming the same old, redacted for their convenience, Bible quotes).  But something funny happened; I hadn't noticed any of them and, as far as I know, no one else did either.  Sure, it may be the right thing to do to try and reason with someone.  But that only works for those who have the ability to reason.  Otherwise it just turns into a shouting match and everyone ends up looking stupid.  When the idiots of the world are ignored by those of us with better things to do they are the only ones who look ridiculous.  Remember, my fellow gays, we don't have to be the ones to make them look that way; they're brilliant at it on their own.  Look at all the wonderful straight people who go to pride, even with their children to educate them on all human beings and to show that gays are not scary or evil or trying to "recruit" them.  These people are on our side and, together, we far outweigh the ideological bigots of the world.  So celebrate, and fight when you are actually able to make a difference.  Showing peace, love, humor, and kindness are proving to be a bigger "weapon" than any anger or evil words ever have.

I would, personally, like to thank my boyfriend, my straight cousin, a fellow straight Starbucks partner from our store and her straight friend from her other job for marching with us.  Also, a shout out to my friend, Siobhan, who came running and hugged me in the middle of, well, 4th Ave.  It was a special moment.  It was fabulous and fun.  But it also means so much because there truly is strength in numbers and those numbers alone will be the only way for this country to ever recognize full equality.

 (Tracy doesn't like her face photo's sprinkled over the internet, but a thigh should be ok) ;-)

(Me catching up; we actually are supposed to be in front of the van.  LOL)

And, in closing, let us not forget our brothers and sisters who have passed.  Many, of whom, may still be with us had it not been for our very government denying, for 5 years, there was an epidemic.  Until, they realized, their own kind were also dying from AIDS and the official Reaganautic tune of "Gods Wrath Against Gays" came to an end...sort of.

Although I didn't see him, a friend of mine took some wonderful shots.  Here is his link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/damonic/sets/72157627056788078/

The Steerage Class

‎"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

Martin Luther King continues to be a hero for everyone seeking the civil rights "guaranteed" to all people in the United States.  His words sum it up, for me at least, the struggle many of us continue in order to achieve the very things so many in society take for granted.  His actions should be an inspiration to all people to recognize and respond to the dignity of our fellow humans, whomever the oppressed may be, for they are our brothers and sisters.

 

June is "Gay Pride" month.  It appalls me how few gay people actually realize what this one weekend at the end of the month is all about.  Although, it doesn't surprise me in the least; this particular civil rights movement isn't taught in school during American History and many gay people (and even more straights) merely think of it as a fabulous (or pretentious) Parade. However, this, my friends, is our ever growing March on Washington; started by people who refused the abuse any longer. But I digress, there is plenty of information on this history out there and it's every bit as fascinating and horrific as every other group of people who've had to fight for their "guaranteed" rights.

 

Now, having been to where our fight began (you know, the one that spawned this weekend) I've better understood that we not only have an opportunity, but a responsibility, to show we ARE here, we ARE relevant, we ARE strong and we are NOT going to tolerate continuing to be treated as the steerage of society.  I've spoken with a man who was there on that June night back in 1969 (pictured above).  Yes, he's still a bartender at The Stonewall Inn.  Amazing stories of the history before the Stonewall Riots and the unfortunate reality that, for all intents and purposes, little has really changed in over 40 years.  We can pretend all we want that change has been made, but, in reality, only the circumstances have been shifted around.  It's unfortunate how many of us go about and accept it as equality.

 

We have two choices; that of progress and change or that of allowing those that don't see us fit to live continue their antics.  Well, my friends, no matter how you choose to fool yourself the reality is still the same: the day there is no longer discrimination; are no longer kids living in fear and/or being killed (by their own hands or anothers); the day we can walk hand in hand as anyone else is so freely able; the day our families don't disown us or our religions don't harass us; and the day our governments recognize us all equally is the day this struggle will end. The only thing standing in our way is our own apathy.

My Rainbow Race

This is an old song, performed by an old hippie (who's still going and even better), Melanie; whom, for all intents and purposes, seems to be the real deal.  This seemed poignant to my story.

At my place of work I see many people throughout the day.  There are a few regulars who come through, however, that are the type of people you look forward to seeing (and if they don't show for a few days, you worry they aren't well; several such have passed).  One of my favorite older gentleman who comes through always has a joke and makes brilliant anecdotes about life, usually ending on a humorous note.  I enjoy meeting people like him and I've noticed that, like I try to do, he gets to know what's at the core of the person he's talking with (to progress a mutual respect for our fellow man, I suppose).  In a way, this man sort of reminds me of my grandfather; by his world-view and humor.

Today he came through and started out as usual with the some news; "do you follow the news?", he asked.  "Well, wildfires in New Mexico and Arizona, terrible and such beautiful land [then, adding his usually positive spin], but they say it's good to clear the land for new growth so it'll be stronger and more beautiful than before...nature will make it right").  He then said, "Hey, can I tell you a story?"  We were slow at this point and he ordered several other drinks (for his wife and daughter, who's visiting).  Since we had a few minutes and there were no other customers, I said, "Absolutely".  He sort of refrained and thought twice, warning me it wasn't a pleasant one.  There was a moment where he looked at me for a bit, perhaps examining my "soul" in some way.  It felt like that.  It was deeply moving to see what I can only describe as "a beautiful sorrow".  Then he said, "Ok, then."

He said, "Well, you know, I used to live in New Mexico...and Arizona for 11 years."  His story was about how he played football for the University he'd attended and during his Sophomore year a freshman joined the team, "a really tall and big guy, not fat, but built and a really bright kid. Great quarterback!  He was Navaho."  They became good friends, including their families.  When August came around to start training again he noticed his friend wasn't there and inquired about why he wasn't on the team this year.  He found out his friend had committed suicide a few days prior because of the racism he was inundated with.  "A few months later", he went on, "I was at a party and saw my friends' sister.  We talked for awhile and all of a sudden she started crying.  I thought it was because of her brother but asked her why she was crying, anyway.  She told me, 'because I'm an Indian'."  I actually started to cry.  He apologized and said he was sorry for ruining my day.  I told him, "Not at all!" and that I was actually glad he shared it.  He said, "Well, good.  And thank you for listening. Now...tell me a story."

I'm not good at telling stories and told him so.  Then it hit me.  I rescinded my previous statement and told him of a friend of mine from high school.  Like his friend, the purest of heart and kindest person I knew.  Someone whom, despite our differences, still accepted me and everyone around her.  I inquired about her after we'd graduated and found out she'd shot herself.  She was Mexican and the racism was prevalent there, as well.  There are some who's pure heart can't take it, and having "to take it" is something no one should ever have to do.

He told me that, "no matter what you're told, it is still impossible for other people because we say to people, 'you're wrong' and it's always that the white guys' word that's somehow golden.  We need to just realize we're all the same. We need to learn about everyone around us and just try.  I can't believe this is still going on and no one should have to go through that."

His drinks were ready and he ended with, "I've got another story for you next time, have a great day."  I'm hoping I get to hear that story tomorrow.

Examine your own self (I do it often).  To say that we are truly loving and truly want peace, how can we have any form of discrimination against another human being?  It doesn't matter who or why we are projecting it.  This isn't merely me jabbing at white fundamentalists again; most every culture demonstrates this in one form or another.  It's Xenophobia at it's most pure and destructive.  And building walls is merely refusal of your fellow man.

People are still dying because of race, religion, sexual-orientation; things that, in the grand scheme of things, really don't matter.  They are dying not only by the hands of others but also at the hands of themselves.  Our words and our attitudes create this; our societal acceptance of such things perpetuates this; combined we create a bomb.

"Um, Mari-juh-wanna's bad" and Real World "Mr. Mackeyvellian" Ignorance

This used to be my Twitter profile image.  I, quite often, twatted (as Kathy Griffin calls it) about gay rights issues.  As you probably guessed, most replies to me were from the very far right (or, as I like to call them, misguided) Christians.  The surprise was that they had little to say about my going to hell for being a homo.  Instead, they focused on the great evil of Marijuana (thus, the picture).  After I tweeted, "If god hates fags he must despise heteros.  [One] mention of how we're an abomination, countless of the shit you guys doing as an abomination."  The proud moment for me was receiving this message: "@Golfingatnight We all face our own sins.  Like the marijuana you probably smoked after that tweet. Come to Christ, y'all. :)"  This was from the "God Hates Fags" man himself, Fred Phelps of Westboro Baptist Church.   No, he dignifies no response, but it did provide plenty of fodder.

I'm reminded of Animal Farm; "Everyone is equal, except some are more equal than others."  How can so many of us be fooled into such ignorance, let alone allow it to control our lives and very essence of, not only who we are, but how we treat the rest of humanity?  Life is freedom for every living being and element.  Evolution should be the only thing determining what should be eliminated and what should not.  But I digress, this is about a specific creation (by whatever god you want); Cannabis.

There's really not much to say if you already know the truth, and with all the information available there shouldn't be one being alive who doesn't know it already.  However, many of you find it easier to hold fast to the propaganda you've been brainwashed with; whether it be political gain, racial, or capitalist (DuPont, Hearst, Rockefeller and the FDA, to name a few players of the many for why Cannabis is illegal).  What makes the whole thing sad about these folks is that they allow the perpetuation of myth and lies and, in all honesty, zero advancement for much of the worlds problems. Nevertheless, I won't go into the history or culture of Marijuana (it's a proper name, by the way, Mr. Phelps. I know you may be un-a-ma-educated, but, come on, that's first grade grammar).

I speak because of recent events, as a citizen of Washington State and an MMJ cardholder, that the strong-arming by the Federal Government is a crime.  A landmark bill for our Medical Marijuana laws passed both the State House and State Senate.  The Federal Government said if the Governor didn't veto it, our state would, basically, be found in treason of the Federal Government.  I only have to ask, why the change of heart, Mr. President (you can YouTube many pro-Marijuana stances by him)?  You've stated many times how those states with Medical Marijuana laws will not be harassed by your goons.  Is this the same reason you won't federally recognize gay marriage?  Do we not have the rights to live our lives freely, harming no one, as we see fit?  You allow the crazy Christians to run amok, truly damaging society.  Yet what continues to be propagated as the most damaging substance could actually be one of the most beneficial.

When I got my license for Medical Marijuana it was for chronic back pain (stemming from a car accident) and migraines (where "traditional" medications either exacerbated the condition or made me sick elsewhere in my body).  These are a couple of the only "allowable by law" conditions.  However; I have an incurable virus.  At least monthly, I'd take antibiotics that would be, at least slightly, miserable. What I started doing was "chewing" a few buds just for the pain.  I noticed the problems eased much quicker.  Slowly, I was only needing the antibiotics once every other month, then longer stretches of time.  I talked to my licensing doctor and he explained that yes, Marijuana is both an anti-bacterial and anti-viral which has been shown to fight viruses in the body or put things into a sort of stasis (if not, as in several cases, "cure" the condition entirely).  But these are not "legal" reasons for obtaining a license.  These days, I rarely have a migraine and only have a prescription of antibiotics on hand "just in case" (but have never had to use them).

But this is only me.  One person.  I am saddened for the numerous people it could help but who are either too ignorant to be objective or who will never be told the truth.  If you want to believe in a god then you have to believe everyone and everything is here because of it.  Why would such a beneficial plant (for more reasons than mere medical) be so threatening to you?  Think, people.

To analogize this, I would use it as "The Tree of Knowledge".  Take what meaning you will from that, just know that knowledge is not evil.  In fact, it can very well be a blessing.

The Closer We Get, The Further We Are

Technology has provided us with so many advances in becoming a truly global world. We are able to connect with people where we once felt alienated.  We can find long lost friends we never thought we'd see again and re-establish wonderful relationships with them.  We can make new friends from, perhaps, another place on Earth.  And we can learn.  So much is at our fingertips.  This is, truly, quite beautiful.

Yet, at what point does "being connected" actually cause one to lose out on what it means to connect with the rest of the world?  It's one thing to be at home, on your computer but are still being an active part of the global community.  It's another, entirely, when you are in public and can't even make eye contact with another person with whom you're speaking because you're too busy texting or on the phone or internet or have to immediately put whomever you're with "on hold" so you can check the call or text.  What you are actually doing is treating your fellow man, those interacting with you, like the machines you have fallen captive to.  It's simple to not see someone on the other end of a typed conversation (and many forget, even then, that there's an actual human at play there, as well).

I work in a Starbucks drive-thru.  I'd done the office thing for years and it was draining.  I relish the interaction with random people (as well as my co-workers).  An office saps the life out of someone.  The unfortunate thing is that there are only about 20% of our customers who have the ability to interact face to face.  At least several times a day, when someone pulls up to the box to order, we are the ones told to "hold on" as they finish their conversation.  Not once has someone been dying or some other such emergency taken place during these conversations (we're often graced with the whole thing over our headsets; and watch because those boxes have cameras).  They usually, after about a minute, put their friend on hold, rattle off their order and pull away as we are confirming their order.  At the window the conversation (or texting) continues as either money or cards are thrust at us (without a glance) or, if we need to ask a question about the order they neglected to confirm, we get an index finger in our faces.  Our job is to have customers go away happy.  Quite often, however, our complaints are for things beyond our control (yes, there is an online survey) because for some of the detailed complaints we do specifically remember the incidents.  Despite ours, the workers', best efforts we still get negative reviews for the things which could easily have been avoided had we been treated like the flesh and blood we are as opposed to the machines you consider us to be.

Although I complain of the majority, it is the 20% of those, who do have some sort of spark of divinity in them, that make me love what I do and keep coming back.  This is what many of us consider "personal relationships"; those people you can talk to and whom you look forward to seeing.  If I don't see some of our customers some day I actually worry that something may be wrong.  Several dear customers have passed away (one who's wife still comes by) and I continue to think about them.  This is what human interaction is about and it's something I hope we never lose.  Although, we are on that very verge.