"Because Of Love, Togetherness Is Everywhere... Live Fearlessly"
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
"Understanding The Truth..."
Later, Wallace deleted the tweet, and replaced it with; ”Never said anything was right or wrong I just said I don’t understand!! Deeply sorry for anyone that I offended.”
I think Mike gets a pass on this one... Of course he doesn't "understand," he's never tried before. He's not gay, and to understand someone else's reality takes work... You have to think about it and relate it to your own experiences and feelings. I understand heterosexuals not because I'm heterosexually attracted, but because I've sought to understand. And because I'm human too, I do understand... I understand love and desire and it's the same whether you're gay or not.
"Fear Eats the Soul"
"Same Gender Loving People - No. 1326"
"What Do You See... It's Just Love"
Positive images of people like me... The truth of the matter is that we all need to see people like ourselves. So everyday, I'll post a photo, drawing or some other artwork that depicts Same Gender Loving People as what we are... Only Human.
"When Ignorance Speaks..."
“Personally, I don’t think you can live an openly homosexual lifestyle, or [engage in] premarital sex between heterosexuals [as a Christian],” Broussard continued. “If you’re openly living that type of lifestyle, then the Bible says you will know them by their fruits. It says that it’s a sin, and if you’re living in unrepentant sin — whatever it may be, not just homosexuality — adultery, fornication, premarital sex between heterosexuals, whatever it may be, I believe that’s walking in open rebellion to God.”
For some reason, I'm reminded of what Shakespeare might say about this... "The lady doth protest too much, methinks." Now beyond what my gaydar is telling me, why didn't he learn the message, if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. In any case, "it mattereth not," truth, love and freedom is breaking out everywhere.
"Fear Eats the Soul"
"The Truth Is A Big Deal..."
Yes, this is a really big deal... Jason's courage changes everything. Yes, the haters have already come out, but its too late to turn back the clock on freedom, justice and equality. And yes, its very important that the first openly gay active pro sports athlete is also a black man.
No doubt you've noticed that in the spate of recent "coming-outs" by notable blacks they've all prefaced their announcements with "I'm a black (man or woman), and I am gay" (or words to that effect). This is because, for people of color there is an additional door to be opened when leaving the closet. The black community is far more homophobic than society at large. Finding acceptance in the black community is sometimes much more difficult. NBA players are idolized by black youth and Jason's coming out has the power to change hearts and minds... This is a big deal!
"Fear Eats the Soul"
"The Truth Is In The Scriptures..."
Brazil Priest Excommunicated Over Support For Gays
April 30, 2013A Catholic priest in southeastern Brazil was excommunicated on Monday after publicly resigning from his duties to protest against the church's opposition to homosexuality.
"Father Roberto Francisco Daniel can no longer celebrate the divine rite because he has been excommunicated," a statement from the Bauru diocese in Sao Paulo state said.
The 48-year-old priest, who renounced his church duties over the weekend, was accused of "heresy" and "schism" by the church hierarchy in the world's biggest Catholic country, which will welcome Pope Francis in late July during a major youth festival in Rio de Janeiro.
"Father Beto," as his parishioners call him, announced on social networks that he was giving up the priesthood, urging the Church to modify its views on homosexuality and bisexuality to adapt to "new realities."
"We should simply be considered as gendered beings and not as homosexuals or bisexuals since love can spring at all these levels," the priest said in a video posted on YouTube.
"For me it has become impossible to live the Gospel in an institution where freedom of thought and freedom of expression are not respected," he said in an online message.
******
"Fear Eats the Soul"
Monday, April 29, 2013
"The Truth In Action..."
Upon joining the Celtics in 2012, Jason Collins chose jersey No. 98.
"A college classmate tried to persuade me to come out then and there. But I couldn't yet. My one small gesture of solidarity was to wear jersey number 98 with the Celtics and then the Wizards. The number has great significance to the gay community. One of the most notorious antigay hate crimes occurred in 1998. Matthew Shepard, a University of Wyoming student, was kidnapped, tortured and lashed to a prairie fence. He died five days after he was finally found. That same year the Trevor Project was founded. This amazing organization provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention to kids struggling with their sexual identity. Trust me, I know that struggle. I've struggled with some insane logic. When I put on my jersey I was making a statement to myself, my family and my friends."
- Jason Collins in Sports Illustrated
"Fear Eats the Soul"
"And The Truth Shall Set You Free..."
"I'm a 34-year-old NBA center. I'm black. And I'm gay."
From the cover story of this week's Sports Illustrated. 12-year pro-basketball veteran Jason Collins just became the "first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport."
"I didn't set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport. But since I am, I'm happy to start the conversation. I wish I wasn't the kid in the classroom raising his hand and saying, "I'm different." If I had my way, someone else would have already done this. Nobody has, which is why I'm raising my hand.My journey of self-discovery and self-acknowledgement began in my hometown of Los Angeles and has taken me through two state high school championships, the NCAA Final Four and the Elite Eight, and nine playoffs in 12 NBA seasons."
I predict that Jason will be only the first of a long list of professional athletes to come out this summer... I even foresee a same-sex marriage for a current athlete as not out of the question. I am so proud of him and I applaud his courage and strength... What a wonderful time to be gay!
"Fear Eats the Soul"
"The Poet's Corner..."
Love, the hidden spring of life, and soul's desire.
Celestial gold, secreted, laid by fire
In every heart, in every thing that lives,
In every thought that human impulse gives.
The coin of heaven, the treasure of the earth,
The rarest gift, and joy of largest worth.
Edwin Leibfreed
"Same Gender Loving People - No. 1325"
"Love, Pride, Service and Family..."
Positive images of people like me... The truth of the matter is that we all need to see people like ourselves. So everyday, I'll post a photo, drawing or some other artwork that depicts Same Gender Loving People as what we are... Only Human.
"In The News...."
Vietnam Gay Sitcom Becomes Internet Smash
By Tran Thi Minh Ha
AFP – 28 April 2013
HANOI — Vietnam's first gay sitcom has become a YouTube sensation, racking up millions of views as support for legalising same-sex marriage strengthens within the communist government.
Homosexuality was once seen as a social evil in Vietnam and the success of "My Best Gay Friends", a low-budget series about three people sharing an apartment in southern Ho Chi Minh City, has taken even its creator by surprise.
"I thought it would only interest Vietnam's gay community -- but we're hearing that parents, grandparents, whole families watch and love the shows and long for new episodes," Huynh Nguyen Dang Khoa, who also stars in the series...
"Fear Eats the Soul"
Sunday, April 28, 2013
"Same Gender Loving People - No. 1324"
"Life Is For Love And Being Together..."
Positive images of people like me... The truth of the matter is that we all need to see people like ourselves. So everyday, I'll post a photo, drawing or some other artwork that depicts Same Gender Loving People as what we are... Only Human.
"The Tragedy Of Love..."
Was this the end of their story...? We may never know, but this is the tragedy of love.
"Fear Eats the Soul"
"The Imitation Of Life..."
"Lucky Blue" - a lovely Swedish short film about the discovery of love.
"Fear Eats the Soul"
"The Poet's Corner..."
MY TRUE LOVE
By Sir Phillip Sydney
My true love hath my heart and I have his,
By just exchange one for another given
I hold his dear, and mine he cannot miss,
There never was a better bargain driven
My true love hath my heart and I have his.
His heart in me keeps him and me in one,
My heart in him his thoughts and senses guides
He loves my heart, for once it was his own,
I cherish his because in me it bides
My true love hath my heart and I have his.
"The Truth About Love..."
- Walter Mosley
Saturday, April 27, 2013
"Saturday Night At The Movies..."
Here from 1960, Walt Disney's "Swiss Family Robinson." One of my all-time favorite films from my childhood. Also the source of my first famous person crush, as revealed by my entry on the "Born This Way" blog.
Enjoy!
"The Imitation Of Life..."
"Camionero" (Truck Driver) - set in Cuba, a highly disturbing and realistic examination of bullying and the tacit approval of homophobia by society. Unique in its unflinching realism and depictions of the hopelessness of the bullied and the failure of those able to prevent it.
"Fear Eats the Soul"
"The Truth Is Ironic..."
As the hateful anti-gay forces of the world realize that they're experiencing their death throes in the face of the truth it behooves us to be reminded of how far we've come. And lest we forget, let us always remember that the closet has always been our biggest enemy...
To those who still live in fear, I say, "Come out and breathe free, come out and seek happiness, come out and end the pain and suffering." Enbrace the truth and live a full and free life...
To those who still live in fear, I say, "Come out and breathe free, come out and seek happiness, come out and end the pain and suffering." Enbrace the truth and live a full and free life...
"Fear Eats the Soul"
"Same Gender Loving People - No. 1323"
"Love And Kisses Make You Happy..."
Positive images of people like me... The truth of the matter is that we all need to see people like ourselves. So everyday, I'll post a photo, drawing or some other artwork that depicts Same Gender Loving People as what we are... Only Human.
Friday, April 26, 2013
"This Made Me Smile..."
He also ate very little, which made him rather frail and with his odd diet, he suffered from bad breath.
This made him...
A super calloused fragile mystic hexed by halitosis.
"The Truth About Love..."
- Kurt Vonnegut
"Same Gender Loving People - No. 1322"
"Love And Happiness Are The Same Thing..."
Positive images of people like me... The truth of the matter is that we all need to see people like ourselves. So everyday, I'll post a photo, drawing or some other artwork that depicts Same Gender Loving People as what we are... Only Human.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
"The Lover's Moon..."
She comes again tonight on her monthly sojourn to proclaim love's promise
She reminds me always of he who held aloft the lamp of love...
Of he who ceaselessly haunts my heart.
"Lover's moon is high on the sky...143"
"The Truth About Love..."
- Charles Caleb Colton
"The Imitation Of Life..."
"The Confession" - a man struggles with his partner's desire to reconnect with his religious faith as he nears the end of life.
"And The Truth Shall Set You Free..."
So in 2003, I left the public ministry and gave up my role as a spokesman for the “ex-gay movement.” I began a new journey. In the decade since, my beliefs have changed. Today, I do not consider myself “ex-gay” and I no longer support or promote the movement. Please allow me to be clear: I do not believe that reparative therapy changes sexual orientation; in fact, it does great harm to many people.
I know that countless people were harmed by things I said and did in the past. Parents, families, and their loved ones were negatively impacted by the notion of reparative therapy and the message of change. I am truly, truly sorry for the pain I have caused.
From the bottom of my heart I wish I could take back my words and actions that caused anger, depression, guilt and hopelessness. In their place I want to extend love, hope, tenderness, joy and the truth that gay people are loved by God.
Today, I see LGBT people for who they are–beloved, cherished children of God. I offer my most sincere and heartfelt apology to men, women, and especially children and teens who felt unlovable, unworthy, shamed or thrown away by God or the church.
I want to offer my sincere thanks to everyone who encouraged me to take this initial step of transparency. Even while promoting “ex-gay” programs, there were those who called me on my own words and actions. I’m sure I didn’t appreciate it at the time, but they have helped me to realize this truth about who I am.
This is a life transition that has been and will continue to be, challenging. Sadly, my marriage of 20 years is in the process of ending. I want to take the time to make sure my next actions come from a place of truth and authenticity. Therefore, I’m drastically limiting my public engagement until my own personal life can be settled. After that I eagerly anticipate giving back to the community.
Finally, I know there are still accounts of my “ex-gay” testimony out there being publicized by various groups, including two books that I wrote about my journey. I don’t get any royalties from these publications, and haven’t since I left the ministry nearly ten years ago. I discourage anyone from purchasing and selling these books or promoting my “ex-gay” story because they do not reflect who I am now or what I believe today.
John Paulk
"Fear Eats the Soul"
"Same Gender Loving People - No. 1321"
"This Is The Strength Of Love..."
Positive images of people like me... The truth of the matter is that we all need to see people like ourselves. So everyday, I'll post a photo, drawing or some other artwork that depicts Same Gender Loving People as what we are... Only Human.
"In The News..."
Marriage Equality Coming To The Ocean State
The Senate passed gay marriage legislation by a comfortable 26-12 margin, following a House vote of approval in January. The bill must now return to the House for a largely procedural vote, likely next week, but the celebration began Wednesday. Rhode Island governor, Lincoln Chafee has already committed to signing the bill into law when it reaches his desk.
"Fear Eats the Soul"
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
"The Truth About Love..."
Love never dies a natural death. It dies because we don't know how to replenish its source. It dies of blindness and errors and betrayals. It dies of illness and wounds; it dies of weariness, of witherings, of tarnishings.
- Anais Nin
"Fear Eats the Soul"
"Same Gender Loving People - No. 1320"
"Love And Happiness..."
Positive images of people like me... The truth of the matter is that we all need to see people like ourselves. So everyday, I'll post a photo, drawing or some other artwork that depicts Same Gender Loving People as what we are... Only Human.
"Unintentionally Gay...?"
Somewhere in Europe... the military's uniform designer is clearly on our team!
(These men are probably members of the Spanish Legion)
"Fear Eats the Soul"
"The Truth About Love..."
- Neil Gaiman
"Love Lasts Forever..."
"Fear Eats the Soul"
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
"And The Truth Shall Set You Free..."
"I'm black. I'm gay," he said Monday, according to the Las Vegas Sun. "I know this is the first time many of you have heard me say that I am a black gay male."
"Fear Eats the Soul"
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