How Much Public Affection Is Too Much?

A few days ago, Leisha Hailey, who stars in the American cable TV network Showtime's drama "The L Word", was thrown off a Southwest Airlines flight for kissing her unidentified girlfriend.

Lesbian Actress Removed From Southwest Airlines Flight

"L Word" Star Booted From Flight After Kiss

This made me think about a couple of things.  First, as a frequent air traveler, I can't begin to describe the unseemly activities in which I have seen fellow fliers engage on airliners.  Among other (ahem) "interesting" things, I have seen couples engaging in deep kissing, performing mysterious acts under blankets, and going into lavatories together. 

My question to you, dear readers, is two fold.  Item the first:  How much public affection do you think is too much, be it on a plane, a train, or a public place?  Item the second:  Do you think the fact that Ms. Hailey was being affectionate with a same sex partner played into her fellow passengers, and possibly Southwest Airlines, negative reaction to their kissing?  Did Ms. Hailey's reaction to the complaint exacerbate the situation?

My opinions, and they are just that---MY opinions, are that anything beyond handholding, some low key cuddling, and an occasional peck on the lips is unacceptable on an airplane.  These are closed places.  It isn't like a public park where others can merely pass by the behavior.  I really feel like behavior more intimate than this needs to be kept in the privacy of a hotel room or a home.  If folks can't control their urges for the duration of a flight, perhaps they should have stayed home.

As far as the reaction being more negative because this was a same sex couple, I would really like to think that in 21st Century America, we are used to seeing two women kiss, two men hold hands, etc., but I have my doubts that all of society shares my view on this.  (On a related note, I should like to state that the opinion in the paragraph above applies to opposite sex and same sex couples.)  Still, can we not allow same sex couples to tastefully display affection for each other in public places? 

I can also understand why Ms. Hailey would have reacted defensively to being singled out for her behavior, but doesn't becoming aggressive or confrontational only make the problem worse and set the case of gay equality back instead of moving it forward?

I should very much like to know your thoughts and opinions, friends.

Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.

Gay Teen Provoked His Own Murder????

You know what I don't understand?  I don't understand why well known anti-gay activist, Randy Thomasson of Save California, recently suggested that a teenage homosexual, who was murdered by a classmate, provoked his own killing.  No, I am not making this up.  I wish I were, but I am not.

First, some background on the case, fifteen year old, Lawrence "Larry" King was openly gay and also a cross dresser.  He was very flamboyant and thought nothing of chasing others boys around the school.  He relished the attention that his being out and his appearance brought him.  After making his interest in another boy obvious and public, the other boy shot King in the head twice in a computer lab at the school.  King died from brain injuries two days later.

Folks, there is a lot going on with this story, both positive and negative.  A young man being brave enough to be who he is.  Some teachers and students who support King.  An assistant principal who may have used King to advance her own agenda.  Many, many students who bullied and harassed King.  A city where the gay community is almost non-existent.  The fact that King was very provocative and sexually suggestive with his male classmates.  The behavior of a lot of people involved in this case is questionable.

Young, Gay, and Murdered

That being established, however.................................

Does any of King's behavior justify his being gunned down in cold blood by another middle schooler?  Seriously, ladies and gentlemen, think about this.  Even if King were parading himself about in front of his killer while telling the young man "You know you want me", does that justify cold blooded murder? 

Thomasson certainly seems to think so.

Gay Teen Brought On His Own Murder

The audio clip in the above link is beyond repugnant.  The killer was being "harassed", so it is understandable that he would pump a couple of bullets into King's brain.  "Bad teachers" supported King to promote the "homosexual agenda".  (On a side note, I have been asking for years what the "homosexual agenda" is, but I have yet to receive an answer that wasn't an illogical homophobic rant.)  Allowing King to dress in female clothing caused "sexual tension".  Allowing students to express themselves through their dress is "social engineering".  Anti-bullying statues that include gays are "indoctrination".

This "gentleman" (and I use the term VERY loosely) is reprehensible.  His anti-gay bigotry is sickening.  His attempt to justify murder is stomach churning.

The killer in this case also had some serious mitigating circumstances in his life.  These must be considered in court, but to suggest that King's homosexuality, cross dressing, and behavior legitimize his murder is abominable!

Quite frankly, friends, I would like to see this fanatic be forced to sit and listen to first hand accounts from gays and lesbians about the bigotry and prejudicial treatment that they endure on a day to day, hour to hour, basis.  Maybe then, he could remove his cranium from his anus and realize that homophobia is criminal and that gays deserve the same rights, respect, and dignity as everyone else.

Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.

June Is Gay Pride Month

LGBT pride or gay pride is the concept that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people should be proud of their sexual orientation and gender identity.  The movement has three main premises: that people should be proud of their sexual orientation and gender identity, that diversity is a gift, and that sexual orientation and gender identity are inherent and cannot be intentionally altered. The use of the abbreviated gay pride and pride have since become mainstream and shorthand expressions inclusive of all individuals in various LGBT communities.

The word pride is used in this case as an antonym for shame, which has been used to control and oppress LGBT persons throughout history. Pride in this sense is an affirmation of one's self and the community as a whole. The modern "pride" movement began after the "Stonewall riots" in 1969. Instead of backing down to unconstitutional raids by New York City Police Department, gay people in local bars fought back. While it was a violent situation it also gave the underground community the first sense of communal pride in a very well publicized incident. From the yearly parade that commemorated the anniversary of the Stonewall riots began a national grassroots movement. Today many countries around the world celebrate LGBT pride.

The pride movement has furthered the cause of gay rights by lobbying politicians, registering voters and increasing visibility to educate on issues important to LGBT communities. LGBT pride advocates work for equal "rights and benefits" for LGBT people

If you are LGBT, if you have friends or family who are, or if you merely realize that gay people deserve equal rights and protection, I urge you to use this month to stand with our gay and lesbian brothers and sister as they fight for acceptance and equality.

Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.

Don't Say Gay!!!!! (At Least Not In Grade And Middle Schools In TN)

You know what I don't understand? I don't understand why the Tennessee Senate has passed a bill that would forbid public school teachers and students in grades kindergarten through eight from discussing the fact that some people are gay. Under the proposal approved 20-10 on Friday, any instruction or materials at a public elementary or middle school will be "limited exclusively to age-appropriate natural human reproduction science." Republican (of course) Senate sponsor Stacey Campfield of Knoxville says "homosexuals don't naturally reproduce." Oddly, neither do those of us like me who have been voluntarily sterilized, but, alas, I digress.

Don’t' Say "Gay" In TN Grade and Middle Schools

Opponents have derided the measure at the "don't say gay bill". They say it is unfair to children of gay parents and could lead to more bullying. Supporters say it is intended to give teachers clear guidance for dealing with younger children on a potentially explosive topic.

The House version of the bill has, thankfully, been withdrawn, but its sponsor promises to revive it next session if the Senate version passes again.

Okay, ladies and gentlemen, where do I start?

First things first, there are gay people all over the world. They have been here for hundreds of thousands of years. That is a simple fact. Why would we not want to teach our children, even younger children, facts? There are also people of different races, religions, national origins, and creeds. Perhaps Sen. Campfield would prefer the children of Tennessee not be taught this either.

Second, why are lawmakers at the state level obsessed with gay folks? This kind of thing goes on nonstop in my home state of Indiana as well. Why don't they expend their time and money with improving American students’ math and science scores and abilities? Am I the only one who sees a connection between a lack of achievement in these critical areas and a misguided focus on gay people, sagging pants, and wanting religion (their religion, of course) taught in public schools?

Lastly, at least for now, would these esteemed lawmakers efforts not be better directed at creating jobs in their home states and/or districts versus forbidding teachers and students (AND STUDENTS) from talking about gay people? Which is more important? Economic development or more state sponsored discrimination?

Think about this for a moment. If an inquisitive student asks his or her favorite teacher about why Little Johnny has two mommies, how is the teacher supposed to react under this proposed law?

Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.

The GOP Morality Police Strike Again!!!!

You know what I don't understand? I don't understand why the Republican Party insists on injecting their idea of morality and their idea of acceptable behavior into budget bills. This time, the GOP in the Michigan House of Representatives has inserted an amendment into the state's budget bill that will penalize state universities and colleges five percent of their budget for providing health benefits to same sex or unmarried couples.

http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2011/05/09/Michigan_GOP_Votes_to_Fine_Colleges_for_Same_sex_Benefits/

http://www.freep.com/article/20110506/NEWS15/105060464/State-House-votes-cut-school-aid-3-5-

So........................once again, the party that supposedly wants no regulation in the marketplace and no governmental interference in business wants to tell colleges and universities how to conduct their business. I guess they only want regulation when it involves what two consenting adults do in the privacy of their own home. This seems to be a pattern with today's Republican Party. Why can't these institutions make their own decisions regarding their health benefits?

It is no secret that I myself used to be a member of the GOP. When people ask me why I left the Republican Party, this is exactly why. I do not understand why the right wing of the GOP feels like it needs to force its idea of morality on everyone else? And.............make no mistake about it, the right wing controls the GOP and has for many years. There used to be a place in the Republican Party for those of us that were fiscally conservative but relatively liberal socially. We were called Rockefeller Republicans. There were millions of us. I know. I used to be one. Sadly, they were forced into extinction, and I became a proud Democrat in the process.

Quite honestly, I hope the Michigan Senate has the fortitude to remove this provision when the bill goes to conference committee. However, if it doesn't, I wouldn't be surprised to see this end up in court, which may be one more step toward the long awaited legalization of same sex marriage nationwide. This will be the last thing the GOP wants, so let's hope they get it.

Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.