Matt Damon defends teachers

Matt Damon proves once again that he's not only a great actor (and damn sexy) but someone who is articulate and quick on his feet. Have you seen this 1min. clip where Matt Damon sticks up for teachers and the teaching profession?

There is foul language so turn down the volume if you are watching this in the office or if children are near.

NY says "I do" to same sex marriage

Massachusetts recognition of same sex marriage 7+ years ago was a game changer which both inspired the GLBT movement and horrified the Christian Coalition. Since then several states have legalized gay marriage, but California's hateful Proposition 8 and a number of State Constitutional Amendments defining marriage strictly in terms of Man and Woman have proven to be bitter reminders that progress should never be taken for granted.

New York's recognition of same sex marriage breathes new life into the GLBT and marriage equality movement. First, the state of NY is home to more than 1 million gay men and women. Second, NY is the nation's 3rd most populous state and home to our country's largest city. This may not seem like a big deal, but think about the implications. By legalizing same sex marriage in NY, more gay men and women now have the right to marry than in all of MA, CT, VT, NH, IA, and DC combined. That means something and don't discount it. Its also why New York's vote will galvanize marriage activists and hopefully bring more money and attention back to California. I hope this will also pressure the US Supreme Court to address the issue.

How will New York's vote impact you? I'd like to hear from you.

Tweet of the Day: Marriage Equality

This is my response to the moving video from GetEqual. My hope is that in the next few hours that the state of NY will join MA, VT, NH, CT, IA and Washington DC in recognizing same sex marriage.

However, an even greater hope is for President Obama, a man I supported because of his promise of Hope and Change, will be a catalyst for the GLBT community by supporting same sex marriage. President Obama your time on the sidelines is over, its time for you to #EvolveAlready.

If you are on Twitter, perhaps you'll consider sending a message to President Obama.

51 year old marries 16 year old: Must be love

Recently a 51 year old actor married a 16 year old girl. Anderson Cooper provides an insightful and rather humorous take on the relationship, bride and groom and parents. Its worth the watch.

I might add that currently the NY State Legislature is debating if same sex marriage should be recognized. Many opponents claim that recognizing marriage between two men or women makes a mockery of the institution and takes away from their own marriage. Hmmm... is it really the gay community that is making a mockery of the institution of marriage? I think not. I'd like to get your thoughts if you have any to share.

Thank you to Rob from VA where I found the video.

Tweet of the Day: Republican Presidential debate

This is actually a couple days late, but better late than never. Huffington Post right now has a collection of funny tweets that were sent during the CNN Republican Presidential debate in NH. If you'd like to peruse them all you can link here.

NoH8 Boston / New England Video

Thank you to my friend Lenny who alerted me to this video. You can check out his blog here. And thanks to Jay Asuncion who created this fantastic video montage of NOH8 Boston/New England.

NoH8

Back in March, celebrity photographer, Adam Bouska, came to Boston to help raise awareness of the NoH8 campaign. Sergio and I had so much fun meeting people while we waited for our pictures to be taken. Today I received my photograph and I have to admit I couldn't be happier. If you'd like to read about the photo shoot you can link here.

If you'd like to learn more about the NoH8 Campaign you can link here.

Sergio also had an individual photograph taken and I think he looks great.

There will be no blogging today to show my support of THE DAY OF SILENCE, sponsored by GLSEN. Today is a day of action in which bloggers across the US can take a vow of silence to call attention to the silencing effect of anti-LGBT bullying and harassment in schools.

I remember the words and threats addressed to me and others when I was growing up and what paralyzed me and kept me in the closet when I was younger have emboldened and made me stronger as an adult. However, in memory of the frightened and confused teenager and young adult I once was and to show my support, today I am refraining from blogging. Your comments and thoughts are of course welcome, and I'll be back to blogging on Saturday.

NOH8 Photo Shoot in Boston

The NOH8 Campaign came to Boston today w/ celebrity photographer Adam Bouska snapping photographs. For a brief while the W Boston Hotel had the vibe of a very friendly Tea Dance with hundreds of people mingling and dancing to great music as DJs entertained everyone. I arrived with my Partner, Sergio, just after 4pm. I quickly found out that I was to be #374 photographed and that they would not photograph more than 700 - glad I was not fashionably late!

It was a fantastic way to spend an afternoon and I enjoyed meeting and chatting with people. My phone really does not take great pictures and Sergio's phone died early so I've only included a handful of pictures from the day. I'll proudly post the photograph Adam took when I receive it in approximately 6 weeks. Until then, these will have to do.
NOH8 DJs played an excellent mix that made the time fly

Adam snapping photos of people at W Hotel Boston

Everyone was happy to strike a pose





And the photo pulled when I tweeted: Would this be considered porn w a conscious?
I'd like to entitle this picture which I took from a particularly enthusiastic supporter of the NOH8 Campaign: Haters can kiss my ass

Mind you its NSFW - just barely
(Scroll down)









That's all for now, but I'll share a few more when I get my photo from Adam. To all those that showed up to express your support - thanks. It was really a fantastic day and something I'll remember for quite awhile.

Liberal media? Not in most of the country

Its true that there is a liberal bias that exists in Massachusetts and through much of the northeast but it seems to me with very few exceptions there is conservative media bias that runs through most of the rest of the United States. Can you imagine this same exact advertisement running in the southwest, midwest, bible-belt or south?

Massachusetts is about to celebrate the 7 year anniversary of legalizing same-sex marriage. In a large part Massachusetts was the first to step into the 21st century because of the progressive attitudes which the local media here represent. So the next time there is a cry about the "liberal media" look around and ask yourself if all of the media is so terribly liberal or is the media just representing and articulating the views that are of interest and important to their constituents. Nobody seems to raise a ruckus when the Manchester, NH, Tulsa, OK or the Birmingham, AL paper skewers President Obama so if the NYT or the Boston Globe ticks you off then read whatever it is that Sarah Palin reads... Of course don't be vulgar enough to spring that surprise question on her because she just may accuse you of being a part of the "Liberal Media"... (a la Katie Couric).

I can assure you I don't stay in Massachusetts because of its gorgeous weather. The liberal values, which are embraced here and seem to be such an anathema to the majority of the country, is a distinction that is not lost on me and something I cherish.

NOH8 campaign comes to Boston

Sunday, March 27, 2011 the NOH8 campaign comes to Boston and will set up a temporary studio at the W Hotel Boston for an open photo shoot.

Supporters of the NOH8 campaign can come RSVP here to be photographed by celebrity photographer and NOH8 co-founder, Adam Bouska.

Photo Shoot Details
Date / Time: Sunday, March 27th from 4PM - 8PM
Location: W Hotel Boston
Solo Portraits: $40.00 / Group Portraits: $25.00 per person
More Information Here

One more reason to be Gaga

Towleroad blog is reporting Lady Gaga has nixed her deal with Target citing the company's decision in 2010 to support the anti-gay, Republican politician as the reason for its dissolution.

Target has issued the following statement:“We were very surprised and disappointed by the statements made by Lady Gaga’s organization related to her partnership with Target. Target remains committed to the LGBT community as demonstrated by our contributions to various LGBT organizations, our recently established Policy Committee to review our political giving and our respectful, inclusive workplace environment.”

Gaga has consistently used her celebrity status to ask her fans to support GLBT rights including the elimination of DOMA, Don't Ask Don't Tell and support for same sex marriage. In the past she's issued videos showing her calling her representatives in Congrees and urged her fans to do the same.

By virtue of entering talks with Target and walking away citing Target's past political contributions she has successfully raised the issue again; much to the dismay of Target executives who tried to do damage control when the story first broke. I'd like to see Gaga work with Target (and maybe she will in the near future), but I'm also happy that Target's political contributions from 2010 have not been forgotten.

Gaga using her fame and speaking to fans asking Congress to repeal DADT.

Libya: will Obama lead, follow or remain silent?

Will the United States lead, follow or remain silent? I realize there are consequences no matter what we do, but reading the paper each day, watching the news each night and listening to interviews with Libyans calling into news programs sharing what is happening first hand is heartbreaking. Governments in Europe have recognized the uprising which started in Benghazi and now has a coalition governing body. Why haven't we?

There is a fine line between intervention and instigation, but the fate of many Libyans has been cast, and I want to see the US more engaged. I have no desire to bring our military into another war, but I believe there are alternatives we can pursue. I do have faith that Obama is surrounded by an intelligent team, but I crave action that will help support these people.

I think this cartoon from Sean @JustaJeepGuy blog sums up my concerns perfectly.

When the unthinkable happens, I start to think what if...

Like many, when rioting started in Tunisia in January, with Tunisians demanding political reform, I thought little of it. When the government was toppled I still paid little attention. However, when that wave of political frustration crashed into Hosni Mubarek's government in Egypt and ignited a political tidal wave of unrest and protest in a half dozen other Middle East and North African nations it was hard not to give pause.

These recent events have given me reason to conjecture and wonder aloud, "What would have happened if the US never entered into our "2003 war of choice" a.k.a. invading Iraq and overthrowing Saddam Hussein?" Would this current tsunami of political unrest topple Hussein? Its impossible to say for sure, but I would have preferred that scenario over what actually happened. Hussein was a terrible guy, but so are most of the leaders from this part of the world.

The former leaders of Tunisia and Egypt were American allies so we paid little attention to their attrocities because it was politically expedient. It's hard to imagine how amazing it would have been to support and encourage the people of Iraq to rise up against their former dictator and overthrow him. If it had happened, I'd like to believe it would bridge and embolden the political unrest in its neighboring state, Iran. Of course this is all conjecture and a lot of hypotheticals are assumed, but considering how the unimaginable has become reality in North Africa and the Middle East lately, it seems a lot less unlikely than it would have just a few months ago.

David Kato - GLBT activist murdered

I have been critical of social policy issues pertaining to GLBT rights in the U.S., but I am well aware that I am damn lucky to live in the industrialized world. The rights of all minorities (GLBT included) are non-existent in most developing nations.

One such situation is the ongoing human rights violations in Uganda. Most Americans probably could not identify Uganda on a map - let alone be bothered by what is happening there. However, news that David Kato was murdered made me take pause. Unlike other African activists like Steven Biko and Nelson Mandela, movies and accolades are not likely to follow this man, but out of respect to Mr. Kato and to remind anyone who bothers to read this blog how brave he truly was, I wanted to write a brief post.

David Kato, was a leading advocate for GLBT rights from Uganda where being gay is tantamount to a death sentence. Think I'm exaggerating? The Ugandan Parliament is currently considering a bill to execute anyone who is gay. Can you imagine what it must be like for a scared, gay adolescent (let alone adult) living in such a society? Being an outspoken advocate for human rights / GLBT rights in such a hostile environment is a bravery I can respect but could never hope to replicate.According to the NYT, on Wednesday afternoon, Mr. Kato was beaten to death with a hammer. Val Kalende, the chairwoman of one of Uganda’s gay rights groups said, “David’s death is a result of the hatred planted in Uganda by U.S. evangelicals in 2009. The Ugandan government and the so-called U.S. evangelicals must take responsibility for David’s blood.”

It was sad to read this report in the NYT today, and it was shameful to read the reference to U.S. evangelicals (not evangelicals - but those from my home country) as guilty by association in Ms. Kalende's opinion.

Sen. Lieberman announces retirement

In recent years, there have been few US Senators who have disappointed me more than Sen. Lieberman so his announcement not seek re-election in 2012 should make me happy, right? Its not quite that easy...

My feelings towards Lieberman are a bit more complicated. You see, my frustration with Joe stems from my belief that ideologically, the two of us agree on a significant majority of issues. For example, his leadership and championing of DADT was crucial to its passage (for the record, its that kind of leadership I feel is lacking in my US Senator, Scott Brown). On the other hand, Lieberman's steadfast support of John McCain even as he chose Sarah "I'm not a whack job" Palin still makes me froth at the mouth. There are other differences as well, but there is no point in creating a list of grievances from past votes. I suppose I should be pleased that who ever replaces him will most likely have a (D) next to their name since CT - much like the rest of the Northeast continues to isolate itself as it continues to elect mostly progressive delegations despite the rest of the the US trend to elect more conservative candidates.

So its with mixed emotion that I say goodbye to this conservative Democrat who has served in the US Senate since 1989. What are your thoughts about Lieberman's announcement today?

Since I'm on a political bent - I'd also like to acknowledge the passing of a pretty amazing man - R. Sargent Shriver (husband to Eunice Kennedy Shriver). Among his many contributions was the Peace Corps which he founded and managing President Johnson's "War on Poverty".

Can you think of a more admireable legacy than the values and achievements the Peace Corps or committing yourself to trying to erase poverty in the US? If we had more men like Shriver in this world can you imagine what a wonderful place this would be?

Unfamiliar with this amazing man? Read up about R. Sargent Shriver

Mass. has fewest uninsured children

Massachusetts is a very progressive (in my opinion the most progressive) state in the country. There are many examples of this (gay marriage anyone?) However, when The Boston Globe reported earlier this week that Mass. has the fewest uninsured children in the nation, I felt the need to brag.

How a society treats and cares for the most vulnerable in their community says a great deal about them. In recent months / years there has been a lot of discussion about what "we" as a nation can afford as it pertains to healthcare. My opinion is outside of mainstream - I view access to affordable and quality healthcare as an "unalienable right" inextricably tied to the Declaration of Independence promise of the "Pursuit of Happiness."

Nearly 10% of children in the US are uninsured. By contrast 1.7% of children in Mass. are uninsured. Many who are critical of universal care will point to failings in my state's program, but I say kudos to Mass. for recognizing this as an important issue and trying their best. All residents, but especially our children, the elderly and sick - deserve to have access to quality care.

Sen. Brown continues to disappoint me

By the time this is posted anyone who is remotely interested in seeing Don't Ask Don't Tell (DADT) overturned will know that the Republicans in the Senate successfully blocked a vote today. What has me most upset is not the rhetoric from the Republican Leadership, its my Senator - Scott Brown (R) - who indicated he would support the repeal then caved today and voted along party lines.

Ouch! Did you know that Brown has yet to once speak to anyone in the gay media since declaring himself as a candidate for Kennedy's former seat (double Ouch!) Considering Mass. has one of the highest gay populations in the country, the GLBT voting block is well organized and politically active in this state and that the DADT issue has been a high profile issue for many months - I find his voting record and behavior with regards to local papers like Bay Windows disappointing.
I fully expect my relatives who tend to vote more conservatively than me to vote with their wallets, but I wonder out loud if there are any GLBT voters in this state who either stayed home from the polls or voted against Martha Coakley who wish perhaps they could "turn back time" to quote a gay icon.

Even with Brown's support the measure would have failed - the measure needed 3 more votes. However, MA has a long and distinguished history of championing individual and civil rights and Brown's actions (or to be more precise inaction) flies in the face of that tradition. Its days like this that I miss the Lion of the Senate and a personal hero of mine, Teddy Kennedy.

Must Watch: Graeme Taylor

Earlier this month Howell High School economics teacher Jay McDowell was reprimanded for addressing a student for making gay slurs in class. The school suspended McDowell without pay for 14 days for his actions and was mandated to take training on First Ammendment rights.

The video below is from Graeme Taylor. Watch how he calmly invokes the words of Dr. Martin Luther King as asks the Howell school board to reconsider their disciplinary actions.
If the gay movement can come to expect more young men and women like Graeme in the next generation to step forward than the future for GLBT Americans is definitely a bright one.

You can read the full story about the incident here.

Thank you to the blog, Maybe its just me for sharing and bringing this to my attention.
Please consider spreading the word and posting if you have a blog.

Thank you Massachusetts

Bucking a national trend in Tuesday's, midterm elections, which saw many moderates lose their seats to extreme candidates who closely associated themselves with the "Tea Party", Massachusetts residents reaffirmed their desire to vote for progressive candidates.

In ALL major elections, the MA electorate voted for the Democratic candidate. As the Boston Globe says, "The GOP Revolution Fades in MA".

Thank you