Another Bullied Teen Dead

Well, dear readers, I have been on a bit of a self-imposed hiatus due to the death of my father as well as having to devote a great deal of time to my studies.  However, a recent tragedy in my home state of Indiana has prompted me to speak out again.  It is my intention, at this point, to add new posts to this site at least three times per week for the foreseeable future.

In October of 2010, fourteen year old Jamarcus "Marcus" Bell hung himself after enduring constant taunts about his race, his perceived homosexuality, and his emotional problems.  As you will see from the attached links, there were many issues that need to addressed here.

Indiana Teens Suicide Raises Questions About Bullying

Did School District Miss Bullied Teen's Cries For Help?

Superintendent Says School Acted To Prevent Bullying

Folks, here is another teen who was mercilessly tormented by his classmates.  And why?  Because he was black?  Because he was assumed to be gay?  Because he had mental health issues?  A combination thereof?  Why do any of these things matter?

I am not even going to address whether the school district can be held culpable in this young man's death.  I shall leave that up to the attorneys.  Instead, I should like to address the issue of bullying those perceived to be "different" or "weak".

I realize this is a long time problem.  I myself was bullied from time to time, especially during my middle school years.  Yes, I was a bit of a nerd, but that didn't justify the behavior of the bullies.  The result of my boorish treatment is the strong, opinionated, confident person that I am today.  Fortunately, I had a core group of really good friends that served as a support network for me.  Unlike young Mr. Bell, I never considered suicide, but that doesn't mean that the emotional pain wasn't real.

My question, dear readers, is this.  Why do people (and make no mistake about it, this type of behavior is NOT isolated to teenagers) behave like this?  If they are so ignorant and immature that they have issues with minorities, gays, bookworms, and so on, why can't they just be left alone?  Why must certain groups be singled out for torment and harassment?  Are the bullies so emotionally and mentally weak that they have to somehow redeem themselves by pouring milk all over the girl who is "too school for cool's" lunch tray?  Do they have to prove their worth by throwing pieces of metal at a black kid, who may or may not have been gay, as they did to Jamarcus Bell?  Must they hurl insults and slurs at those who they think are inferior to them?

Why does this continue, and, more importantly, why aren't concrete steps being taken to stop it?  In the age old question, where are the parents?  Yes, teachers and school administrators can play a huge role in preventing the next Jamarcus Bell, but children are conditioned by their parents to behave in certain ways.  Why don't parents and other responsible adults intervene when they observe bullying, and why aren't cases of bullying investigated more thoroughly?  As you read in the attached articles, Jamarcus Bell endured years of bullying, yet virtually nothing was done to stop, and punish, the bullies. 

This is my plea to the responsible adults and teenagers out there.  First, make a pledge to not engage in this type of behavior yourself.  Also, if you witness bullying, step in to stop it, even if your own child is engaging in bullying.  Take all reports of bullying seriously.  Don't just accept bullying as a rite of passage.  I guess in a nutshell what I am asking you to do is stand up to bullying in all of its forms.  Will you stand with me against this scourge on society?  I sincerely hope you will.

Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.

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.

Some Thoughts As Same Sex Marriage Begins In New York

Same sex marriage is a topic that is often visited on this site.  As same sex marriage takes effect in New York, I want to share a few thoughts and a couple of articles on the subject.  After which, I would be interested in hearing your thoughts and opinions, dear readers.
I am obviously thrilled with the turn of events in New York.  Considering that this country was founded on equality and equal protection under the law, I have never understood the steadfast denial of the basic right to marry (see "pursuit of happiness" in the Constitution for further information) to this segment of our population.  By the same token, I have never understood the religious objections to same sex marriage when same sex marriage is predominately directed toward civil marriage, which will allow equal legal protection for same sex couples. 

It only seems fitting that same sex couples are afforded the same rights as everyone else.

Why Same Sex Marriage Is Good For Straight America


Sweet Victory

Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.

New York And Rhose Island Got It Right. When Will The Rest Of The Country Follow?

As Pride Month comes to a close, I want to publicly congratulate the states of New York and Rhode Island for recently passing laws allowing same sex unions.

New York Allows Same Sex Marriage

Rhode Island Okays Same Sex Unions

I wonder when the rest of the country will see the light and follow suit?

I am utterly perplexed by the continued resistance to same sex unions.  Let's really try to talk this thing through, shall we? 

I think we are all familiar with the words, "We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal", and hopefully we are all familiar with the equal protection clause as well as due process guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment of the Bill of Rights.  These things being such a major part of the foundation of our country, I fail to comprehend why a segment of Americans don't feel that these inalienable rights should apply to our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters.  I realize we liberals had to fight these same battles before women and blacks achieved the steps toward equality that they now enjoy.  I guess I shouldn't be surprised that the same forces that tried to repress women and blacks now try to repress gays and lesbians.  I guess I shouldn't be surprised that we have to fight the same fights before gays and lesbians will achieve equality.  Obviously, major victories have been won, but the fight will not be over until same sex couples who are in love are allowed the same legal recognition and protection as their opposite sex brethren.

Here is another thing I don't understand.  The argument that same sex couples cannot procreate children.  Well, sans adoption, a surrogate parent, or a sperm donor, same sex couples cannot have children of their own, but what about same opposite sex couples who either choose not to have children or are naturally incapable of doing so?  Are their marriages invalid?  Should opposite sex couples only marry if they plan to reproduce?  Should opposite sex couples who choose not to have children by forbidden from marrying?  Friends, I don't think this argument by the anti-gay crowd flies any more than their ignoring the fact that this country was, at least in theory, founded on the principle that everyone is created equally and should have equal opportunity.

Some say that same sex couples are unnatural, yet there are numerous examples of homosexual behavior in the natural world.  Some say homosexuality is a mental illness, yet the APA ceased listing homosexuality as a mental condition many, many years ago.  Some say being gay is a "choice", so I ask my heterosexual readers one more time, when did you "choose" to be straight?  (I am still waiting on someone to answer that question from the last time I asked it.)

And this one really puzzles me....................  Some say they are against same sex unions because they "don't want to pay for it".  For the life of me, I've no idea what they think they are going to pay for, and I surely wish someone would enlighten me.

I could give the religious argument against same sex unions more validity, if the same arguments weren't used against interracial marriage fifty to sixty years ago.  That being said, would a reasonable compromise be to leave it up to individual denominations to decide whether they want their clergy to perform same sex marriage ceremonies while allowing local officials to perform civil ceremonies in order to provide the legal protections and recognition of same sex couples?

Here is some food for thought.  I have a gay friend who has been with his partner for well over ten years, but they cannot legally be married while an opposite sex couple can legally marry a week after they meet and then divorce six months later. 

Ladies and gentlemen, it is past time for this country to wake up and accept the fact that some of our fellow humans are attracted to the same sex and fall in love with the same sex.  It is also past time that same sex couple who want to make a legal, lifetime commitment to each other be permitted to do so in the spirit of equality and in the spirit of America.

Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.

Have We Not Established That Being LGBT Is NOT A Choice?

You know what I don't understand? I don't understand why there is a segment of our population who still insists that being LGBT is some type of choice and can be changed. Today, I shall share two tragic examples of what can happen when this type of thinking prevails.

In the first example, a young boy who exhibited "feminine" characteristics underwent experimental therapy to make him more masculine. Arguably, the end result was the young man's suicide in the prime of his life.

Turn The Sissy Into A Man!!!!!

So.............this anti-gay activist and "therapist", who in a delicious and almost expected turn of events was later observed with a male escort, feels he can "cure" your gay son by denying him attention from his mother, having his father savagely beat him when his behavior is not masculine enough, and other barbaric treatment. The man is without question subhuman.

Now, I suppose the case could be made that this "therapy" took place in the 1970s, and we have come a long way since then. The problem with that is that Mr. Rekers is still looked upon as an expert and leading voice by some in the anti-gay movement. It is certainly interesting how they seem to be able to overlook HIS apparent homosexual tendencies, but I digress. The other issue I have with this is that "Kraig" was hailed as a success story by the anti-gay crowd until the news about his suicide broke. Much like prisoners who are tortured, I would imagine that if any of us were subjected to the savagery that Kirk Murphy endured, we would do or say virtually anything to make it stop, and I fully suspect that we would carry the psychological scars long after the physical ones healed.

The other example involves a transgender prisoner who has attempted to castrate herself on more than one occasion due to the Virginia Department of Corrections refusing her requests for sexual reassignment surgery.

Denial of Surgery Leads to Self-Mutilation

So..................... Let's see if we understand this case. Prisoners are rightfully provided with health care except in this instance where sexual reassignment surgeries are still widely viewed as expensive vanity projects for the least vocal letter in the LGBT community, and not seen as the absolute medical necessity that they are. Nobody chops off their own penis in the face of potential death on a whim. Ophelia De’lonta, like thousands of others, was driven to action because she suffers from an unmet medical need.

27,000 Americans have gender identity disorder, resulting in 500-750 sexual reassignment surgeries each year. For every person with access to these oftentimes life-saving treatments, many are forced to go without.

“Everybody has the right to have their health care needs met, whether they are in prison or out on the streets. People in the prisons who have bad hearts, hips or knees have surgery to repair those things,” Michelle Kosilek told The Associated Press in a recent phone interview from a state prison in Norfolk, Mass.

“My medical needs are no less important or more important than the person in the cell next to me.”

Federal courts have said prisons must provide adequate medical care, and that they must protect inmates from themselves. But correctional officials and lawmakers balk at using taxpayer money for sex-change operations that can cost up to $20,000.

Again, ladies and gentlemen, I think the root cause of this matter is the belief that being LGBT is a choice; as if these ladies chose to be the way they are, and in a male correctional facility no less. Can you only imagine the harassment, unwelcome advances, assaults, and rapes they must endure on a daily basis?

While these examples may be extreme, they speak to the larger issue of sexual orientation not being a choice; and for those who suggest it is I would like for you to answer one simple question for me...............

When did you decide or choose to be straight?

Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.