* Anonymous lesbian homegirl, I salute you! Giddy, gay Philly mob, you do your city proud.
MSNBC: Chelsea Clinton stopped traffic Friday night as she wandered the streets of Philadelphia on a
gay bar crawl, winning rave reviews for both her politics and her appearance. Led around the neighborhood by Gov. Ed Rendell, Chelsea was mobbed by local gays and lesbians, as she walked from one club to the next. They ran up to hug her, posed for pictures and certainly invaded her personal space. “I grabbed her ass,” one young woman exclaimed to her friends after snapping a picture with her arm around the former first daughter. [via Phawker.]
*NEW*: Just received this:
One Gay Voice: Why I Cannot Support Obama
By James Strzalkowski
Los Angeles, CA
April 20, 2008
As many democrats are buzzing about the current nominee campaign, I feel like no one is paying enough attention to the gay vote. The candidates and the press seem to be staying away from the topic of “Gay Marriage,” even though it is still a hot topic for debate and an area where “CHANGE” is needed. (Mr. Obama, I am talking to you.) I am okay with the exclusion of this topic this time around, but I am not okay with a possible First Lady saying she is “finally proud to be an American,” just because her husband is a contender for the Democratic nomination.
In the United States, gay men and women grow up with so many challenges. Our society is generally taught that “being gay” is wrong, weird, illegal, shameful and even demonic in some parts. Sadly, many gay teens turn to suicide or are shunned by their families and thrown out onto the streets. I believe that someone is born gay and that we do not choose the lifestyle. At least, I didn’t have a choice. I am who I am. Yes, being born gay can be more painful and challenging than being born left handed, but I know some left handed gay men and women – they must have it really hard. It would seem that a gay, left-handed black woman that’s also a little person must have it super hard in this world – perhaps the worst. The level to which a person can take this is tremendous. Bottom line is, we all have our crosses to carry.
It is my experience that in this country, it is still acceptable to discriminate against, make fun of and even shun members of the gay community. The gay community is one of the last segments of our society where it is still legal and “okay” to regard them as second-class citizens. I have hope that one-day everyone will truly become equal and gay men and women will be given all of the same rights as everyone else. Mr. Obama, will you change the laws against gay marriage? Can I count on you for that?
. . .
I do not have time to wait for Obama’s “CHANGE” to occur – if it ever will. There is too much to get done now. I am voting for Hillary Clinton because I know that she has always been a proud American citizen and she will fight hard for everyone with her experience, hope and good old-fashioned American pride and spirit. American pride and spirit - feelings we desperately need more of these days.
Read the entire letter after the jump!
* Congratulations and thanks to Jen Miller, who not only birthed a book -- the appropriately-named "The Jersey Shore, Atlantic City to Cape May" -- but saw fit to flatter me with a Q-and-A on her blog! (Jack took that picture on Saturday, at Douglass Park/Ferry Beach.) Oh and Miz Miller and I have both been freelancing features to the Inquirer. Moneymakin' females up in here!
* ClassyMommy is having a Mothers Day giveaway, specifically for moms whose lives have been affected by breast cancer. The prize package has some sweet loot, too, for you and your lil' buddy. Check out the details here and send nominations to giveaways@classymommy.com .
One Gay Voice: Why I Cannot Support Obama
By James Strzalkowski
Los Angeles, CA
April 20, 2008
As many democrats are buzzing about the current nominee campaign, I feel like no one is paying enough attention to the gay vote. The candidates and the press seem to be staying away from the topic of “Gay Marriage,” even though it is still a hot topic for debate and an area where “CHANGE” is needed. (Mr. Obama, I am talking to you.) I am okay with the exclusion of this topic this time around, but I am not okay with a possible First Lady saying she is “finally proud to be an American,” just because her husband is a contender for the Democratic nomination.
In the United States, gay men and women grow up with so many challenges. Our society is generally taught that “being gay” is wrong, weird, illegal, shameful and even demonic in some parts. Sadly, many gay teens turn to suicide or are shunned by their families and thrown out onto the streets. I believe that someone is born gay and that we do not choose the lifestyle. At least, I didn’t have a choice. I am who I am. Yes, being born gay can be more painful and challenging than being born left handed, but I know some left handed gay men and women – they must have it really hard. It would seem that a gay, left-handed black woman that’s also a little person must have it super hard in this world – perhaps the worst. The level to which a person can take this is tremendous. Bottom line is, we all have our crosses to carry.
It is my experience that in this country, it is still acceptable to discriminate against, make fun of and even shun members of the gay community. The gay community is one of the last segments of our society where it is still legal and “okay” to regard them as second-class citizens. I have hope that one-day everyone will truly become equal and gay men and women will be given all of the same rights as everyone else. Mr. Obama, will you change the laws against gay marriage? Can I count on you for that?
Now, in my life, I have worked hard to get where I am. I grew up in Buffalo, NY in a typical middle class family. My father, now retired, is a Vietnam vet and worked hard as an employee of General Motors. He held a good paying job with benefits that would be incredibly hard to come by in this era. It started off well, but my life became colored with many disadvantages, simply because I was born to be attracted to the same sex. While I am not flamboyant, I guess it was sometimes obvious to fellow classmates and neighborhood kids that I was different. I was teased, picked on, beaten and even bashed at times. Events like these are traumatic for all kids. When I got older I graduated from college and went on to graduate school. I paid for my education by myself with loans, work-study and some parental help. I received no special handout because I am gay. Since graduating, I have lived in Manhattan and Los Angeles – two great and competitive American cities. I have been fortunate enough to work with some of the brightest companies and interface with some of the most prominent businessmen and businesswomen today. Throughout my career, I must admit that at times I have been a victim of discrimination, social profiling and harassment at work because I do not fit a “certain” corporate mold. Determined to succeed, I have not let anything stop me from moving forward. I am lucky to be in America where I can pursue my dreams.
When Michelle Obama exclaimed that she is “finally proud to be an American,” I cringed immensely. She just now woke up? Michelle Obama and her husband have gone to the best schools in the country, earn phenomenal incomes and have a chance to take over the White House and she is just now “PROUD?” I realize that minorities such as African-Americans sometimes do have a tough time winning acceptance and fighting prejudice, but they are not alone in the fight. I have a serious problem with her sloppy comment and I cannot get past it. Yes, it is true that I may sometimes get angry with my government, become disgusted by certain oppressive segments of our society and feel depressed about the discrimination of gays in America. Even with the discrimination and abuse I have experienced, I have always been proud to be a citizen of the United States of America, a free country where change can happen and dreams do come true. I have always felt an incredibly deep gratitude to God for being born on U.S. soil into the American culture . I know that I am lucky. We are all so blessed to be living in this great country, which is rich and abundant with opportunity and freedom.
I do not have time to wait for Obama’s “CHANGE” to occur – if it ever will. There is too much to get done now. I am voting for Hillary Clinton because I know that she has always been a proud American citizen and she will fight hard for everyone with her experience, hope and good old-fashioned American pride and spirit. American pride and spirit - feelings we desperately need more of these days.
James Strzalkowski
www.mgiants.com
