15 November 2008 16:48
Chicago, IL –- Well over 3,000 people gathered in Chicago’s Federal Plaza this afternoon to rally before taking to the streets of the city to protest the recent passage of Proposition 8 in California and similar anti-gay initiatives in Arizona, Arkansas and Florida. I haven’t seen anything thing like it since the early 90’s when we rallied against propositions in Oregon and Washington that would have codified the legalization of discrimination against sexual minorities in employment and housing.
What do we want? someone shouts.
Equal Rights! The crowd responds.
When do we want ‘em?
How about fuckin’ yesterday? Or, maybe it should have happen nearly four fucking decades ago after the Stonewall Riots of 1969? I’m telling you, California, of all places California, tipping to the side of inequality has really proven to be a contentious event for me.
Yesterday on the flight in, the gentleman sitting next to me asked what took me to Chicago, trying to make small talk.
“I’m in a staged reading of a play,” I reply and inquire, “You?”
“A wedding,” he says. “The last of my college buddies is finally tying the knot.
“How nice for you people,” I say out loud, the thought escaping through my mouth with all the distain that formed it in my mind.
I apologized for sounding a little cross and a fairly calm conversation about Prop 8 ensues until the gentleman starts talking about the protests at the Mormon Temples that have occurred since the passage. He explains how he works with a lot of Mormons in Salt Lake City and adds, “You know, deep down they really are well intentioned.”
To which I reply, “You know, that’s a lot like explaining to a black man that deep down underneath their sheets, members of the KKK are really good, decent people, right?”
Okay, I’ll admit, equating the Mormons with members of the Ku Klux Klan might seem a little harsh upon first consideration. But remember, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints still advocates corrective therapy for gay and lesbian members, encourages families to cast out gay, lesbian and transgendered children, and just spent millions of dollars campaigning (successfully I might add) to strip my brothers and sisters of their constitutional rights in California.
No, the Mormon Church is not as bad as the sectarians in Iran, whose government still sentence homosexuals to death, but it is an organization that continues to espouse the kind of dogma that fosters that same type of violence toward people like us. It is an outrage and I’m not willing to just sweep it under the rug for the sake of political salesmanship. The truth is the only respect this organization deserves is respect as a formidable enemy.
Now, before anyone jumps to conclusions, let me be clear. I am not suggesting that anyone lump every individual that voted for Proposition 8, identifies as a Mormon or Iranian as a target for distain. Every individual deserves to be judged by the quality of their character independently of any organizational associations. If however it becomes apparent that the individual’s character is one that supports the continued oppression of my queer brethren, don’t expect me to play the role of happy assimilationist, apologetically begging for acceptance while excusing every slight and transgression.
Side Bar: Deep breath. Count to ten. One, two, three… Okay.
Marching for several hours through the streets of Chicago, as our numbers grew to nearly five thousand, did much to help expend some build up frustration, but even the thought of a hundred thousand supporters, queer and otherwise, rallying throughout the country has not been enough to abate my passions. Perhaps I’ve become too militant to serve as an effective political activist, but then I know for a fact that silence does equal death.
Tags: Activism, Boys, Equal Rights, Politics, Service
2 Comments »
12 November 2008 22:42
Seattle, WA –- As a bisexual, polyamorous, kinky queer, I probably don’t fit the expected description of someone in the fight for marriage or adoption rights for gay, lesbian and transgendered individuals. Truth be told, I have no intention of getting married or adopting children. Not my scene, you might say.
I am however a staunch advocate for the principle of equality under the law. While I may never choose any of these things, I do not believe the State should be empowered to differentiate the application of any of these rights based upon classifications of race, creed, gender or sexual orientation. On the contrary, the State’s primary function, in my opinion, is to secure and defend these civil rights. The passage, last week, of bans on gay marriage in Arizona, California and Florida, as well as the banning of gay couples from adopting children in Arkansas are antithesis to the American principle of equality under the law.
Those that disagree are either intellectually challenged, ignorant of these principles or blinded by prejudice. Yes, I’m angry. I’ve experienced my share of discrimination as a self identified queer. I’ve live through the hypocrisy of serving my nation in the defense of our Constitution while being denied the very rights it guarantees. I’ve watched friends die from a plague that our government ignored for years because the ‘fags’ it was infecting weren’t worthy of mention in civil conversation. Now, just as our Courts are recognizing a fuller and more inclusive understanding of civil rights, religious extremists (not unlike others around the world that seek to persecute entire classes of people) manipulate our democracy to limit those rights. It’s enough to drive a less disciplined man to violent action.
Luckily, my anger is tempered by patience and a heart held belief that ‘we shall overcome.’ But that doesn’t mean I’m willing to just sit on my ass and wait for other people to help make it happen. Yesterday, I received word of a call to action. The press release reads, in part, as follows:
Over the last several days, tens of thousands of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and their Supporters have taken to the streets of California to show their outrage with the passage of CA Proposition 8. Prop 8 provides for a Constitutional Amendment to prohibit same-sex marriage rights. Similar amendments and propositions have been passed in AZ and FL.
The passage of these propositions has angered the gay community and their supporters. Many feel as if they are now second-class citizens in a country that has seen that change can happen with this historical election. They do not feel that a majority should be able to vote on minorities’ rights or vote to take anyone’s rights away.
On Saturday, November 15, 2008 this community will again take to the streets in what could be the largest organized Protest / Movement since the Civil Rights Movement. To date, more than 250,000 individuals have pledged to take part in the nationwide event, in which they will descend upon the City Halls, State Capitols and the Nation’s Capitol to make their voice heard. Signs, posters and numerous websites have already been created and the word is spreading quickly throughout the nation. Jointheimpact.com lists protest locations in all 50 States and the District of Columbia.
…
The Protest / Movement is scheduled to take place across the nation at the same time: 1:30 PM Eastern, 12:30 PM Central, 11:30 AM Mountain and 10:30 AM Pacific on Saturday, November 15th, 2008. Those interested in attending this historical event may find their local protest location by visiting: .
Since I will be in Chicago this weekend, I’ll be protesting in Federal Plaza at W Adams St & S Dearborn St from 12:30 to 15:30. I’m hoping my friends in Seattle and in other cities around the country will join me in this massive action.
Tags: Activism, Boys, Equal Rights, Politics, Service
2 Comments »
5 November 2008 16:06
San Francisco, CA –- We completed our scene for the Medi/Fetish themed feature for Titan a few minutes ago. It was an excellent shoot.
My scene partner for the production was Colton Steele. Colton had sought me out as a scene partner and we had negotiated out the scene, which included some pretty extreme play, prior to meeting in person. Luckily, we had a brief opportunity to do that at Folsom and Titan had us stay together at the studio apartment for the shoot which gave us the chance to build a connection and the trust necessary for the scene to work.
I was immediately attracted to Colton. I like shorter boys with naturally athletic builds. He has an easy smile and deep brown, expressive (sometimes pleading) eyes. He’s quite furry and very masculine in a simple, honest way. This is enhanced by his personality and attitude. He’s also young and seemed easily distractible. I really don’t understand the txt’in’ phenomenon. To Colton’s credit, when we went to dinner and I told him to put the phone away, he did. I’m glad he did, too. He’s got an interesting background and stories that reveal much about his character. I could fall for this boy.
Colton was clearly comfortable on set, too; present, focused and engaged. The connection was palpable and the scene went without a hitch. I sensed only a little nervousness regarding the fetish portion our scene. By the time we shot that on the second day, the trust was there and it was all I had hope it would be. More on that when the feature is released, I’m sure.
All in all, it was one of the easiest and most enjoyable experiences I’ve have on set. I’ve developed a wonderful working relationship with Brian Mills and Paul Wilde, the crew was exceptional and I had a great scene partner.
Civic Side Bar: My congratulations to the President-Elect, Barak Obama and to the American people for electing him to the highest office in the land. My worries regarding the draconian blow to civil rights and the American principle of equality under the law delivered by the apparent passage of Proposition 8 in California.
Tags: Art Films, BDSM, Boys, Civil Rights, Medi/Fetish, Politics, Rigging, Titan Media
2 Comments »
22 October 2008 18:42
Seattle, WA –- Since I’ll be in San Francisco on November 4th, I cast my absentee ballot in the mail today. We all know this is a historic election, but I truly believe this was the most important ballot I’ve cast thus far in my voting history.
The United States is in a state of crisis. The economy is a wreck with many hard working Americans struggling just to get by. Our health care, which is among the best in the world, is becoming increasingly inaccessible for many of us. Our education system is broken. The war in Iraq has been so horribly mismanaged that it threatens our efforts in the war on terror. The war on terror has been used by the current administration as an excuse to erode our civil rights and conduct acts that lessen our moral standing in the world.
Luckily, our system of government allows for the opportunity to change our leadership and thereby the direction of the country. As I examined the candidates for the highest office in the land, it is clear to me that one offers more of the same and the other actually holds the promise of change. There is no doubt in my mind that one candidate’s administration will do more to erode my civil rights and the other is more likely to champion and defend them. As a libertarian I often side with old school conservative principals of government but the modern Republican Party reflects little of those principals today. While I may not agree with all of the policies Barack Obama has laid out, he has instilled a sense of hope that the major issues facing our nation can be addressed.
It is my distinct hope that a majority of Americans and, more importantly, the Electoral College agree.
Side Bar: For those of you reading this in California I have a special request. Voters in California face another important decision on November 4th, the question of Proposition 8. Defeating this proposition which would codify inequality under the law should be a high priority. There are still many undecided voters in California on this issue and I know the No on Proposition 8 campaign could use your help. Do us all a favor, talk to five people you know personally who might still be undecided and help put a face to question.
Tags: Civil Rights, Politics, Service
1 Comment »
by Titan Media
by Titan Media
by Titan Media
by Titan Media
Chicago, IL –- Well over 3,000 people gathered in Chicago’s Federal Plaza this afternoon to rally before taking to the streets of the city to protest the recent passage of Proposition 8 in California and similar anti-gay initiatives in Arizona, Arkansas and Florida. I haven’t seen anything thing like it since the early 90’s when we rallied against propositions in Oregon and Washington that would have codified the legalization of discrimination against sexual minorities in employment and housing. 
Now, before anyone jumps to conclusions, let me be clear. I am not suggesting that anyone lump every individual that voted for Proposition 8, identifies as a Mormon or Iranian as a target for distain. Every individual deserves to be judged by the quality of their character independently of any organizational associations. If however it becomes apparent that the individual’s character is one that supports the continued oppression of my queer brethren, don’t expect me to play the role of happy assimilationist, apologetically begging for acceptance while excusing every slight and transgression.
