I am many things to many people: Son, brother, confidant, friend, novelist, songwriter, mental health professional, asshole, know-it-all, and smart-ass (among others). Daily, I endeavor to embrace positivity and eliminate bullshit. The journey thus far has been challenging and rewarding. I invite you to share in this experience. All aboard!!!!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Who's Got it Worse in the LGBT Community?
I don't mean to be biased or anything, but I believe my lesbian sisters are likely to experience LESS hostility than gay men, bisexuals, and transgendered people. Whether it's looking at hate crime statistics or just the overall societal perception, lesbians seem to fare better. With the exception of Sakia Gunn, I do not recall hearing or reading about any lesbians (in the United States) being attacked or killed. Pondering the rationale for my observation, I can only surmise that the reason for the increased hostility toward gay men is as follows. Perceived heterosexual men perpetuate the vast majority of hate crimes. As men are conditioned from an early age to not strike women, the cultural expectation overrides their desire to seek retribution against lesbians. Further, men look stupid when they attack females, regardless of sexual orientation. From what I've read, men are more likely to react negatively (or violently) toward lesbians after their sexual advances are rebuffed.
Bisexuals are also characterized negatively. Often seen as "straddling the fence," their existence is used to refute the possibility that sexual orientation is a genetic, hard-wired attribute, leading to increased vilification from WITHIN the LGBT community.
I cannot end this post without acknowledging my transgender brothers/sisters. They, of all people, experience extreme prejudice and hatred. It seems that not a day goes by without learning about the murder of a transgender woman (especially in Memphis, Tennessee). Also, gender identify is commonly cited as the reason for sexual orientation legislation being stalled or abandoned completely. It's completely unfair and unjustifiable.
Now that I've kicked my soapbox aside, it's time for y'all to vent.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Dr. Love
I'm an old soul, and I love it! Growing up, I recall listening to my aunts and uncles jam to soul, r&B, disco, and the blues. As I've gotten older, I have a newfound respect for how creative artist were back in the day. Whereas society permits present-day artists to be extremely graphic, they had to conceive of ways to talk about taboo subjects. Y'all remember "Me and Mrs. Jones?" I never had a clue that Billy Paul (the singer) was singing about an extramarital affair. Anyway, this song has been on my mind, so I'm putting it out there. Enjoy!
"Dr. Love," by First Choice
"Dr. Love," by First Choice
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Do you believe in signs?
Personally, I do not. Not anymore. I am of the opinion that only my creator knows what is to come. Many people seem to be so consumed with the future. Why is that? Why can't we just be patient and live in the present moment? What's so bad about the unknown. In my humble opinion, the sad part about waiting around for a harbinger of what's to come is that the event of significance may be overlooked. We're supposed to be surprised! That said, I don't think there's anything wrong with wanting a little comfort or assurance. What do I do when I'm faced with uncertainly? After obsessing for a minute, I say a little prayer and keep it moving. Why? Because I choose to believe that if my intentions and motivations are sound, the end result will be favorable (most of the time).
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