Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts

Ballad of the Trainman

Tuesday, October 4, 2011 12:49am

Let's be brief - there's too much to say and too little time to say it. There's a maelstrom of news going on outside, and no one human being could attempt to cover it all. It's a big queer world out there, my friends, and everybody needs a tour guide!

That's where I come in - your lovable host, fanciful friend and insatiable news reader: expect me regularly from now on - popping in, having a spot of angst or ranting, or the occasional silly posturing or well-natured joke. Expect the occasional spot of lucidity among a paper trail of madness - I will hopefully provoke more within you than simply news, more than what the news and the world mean for our people, but more specifically, what the story of the day means to you, to your soul, to your family, your friends.

What I hope to give you is the direct correlation of what I believe exists in the world, whether you see it or not - that, in truth, the personal and the political are one in the same. I hope to inspire you to realize some misplaced beauty in the hubbub of our political spheres - not everyone has the spirit to find such joy in politics, but most of you can enjoy a good play in a grand theatre. I try and think of it that way.

I will try to post for you only that which is necessary. As this is a new year for all of us, I felt an introduction was in order. As of now, this train is leaving. Pack your bags, gather the children and please keep all camera-straps out of the doorways, as they like to snag. Let's hope you enjoy the scenic route!

21. That Both Candidates Are Behind Us

Monday, June 21, 2010 10:28pm

11. That We Don't Create Scandal Everywhere

Friday, June 11, 2010 11:39am

With the W0rld Cup starting today, I was concerned that I wouldn't be in the right frame of mind to post today, but I managed to find a little nugget that made me smile to myself that I just had to share with you guys.

Iceland approved gay marriage today. I realize that on its own that is exciting news, but it gets better. The vote was unanimous in our favor--one political scientist of the island nation described the issue as not being a big deal or controversial.

It warms my heart that in on an island of 320,000 people, there wasn't a major protest or a big media war, but rather with more of a whimper than a KABOOM, we found another place to get married.

It is notable that Iceland is the only nation on the planet with an openly gay head of state. In 2009, the nation elected a lesbian Social Democrat as prime minister of the nation. Go Iceland!

Wednesday, June 9, 2010 7:00pm

So, I've already tackled coming out and how important it is, but with the huge victories in the primaries last night, I couldn't help but gloat.

This year, the Victory Fund backed 21 candidates in the primaries. Of those 21, 17 are moving on to General Elections; that's roughly 81% for you statistic junkies out there.

81% of out LGBT candidates backed by the Victory Fund have a chance to serve Americans in states across the country. Candidates like Steve Pougnet and Bryce Bennett. Pougnet is the openly gay mayor of Palm Springs, who will be facing Congresswoman Mary Mack Bono, Sonny Bono's widow, in the California 45th. Bryce Bennett is a 25-year-old running for the Congress. Bennett worked for the DNC in Montana during President Obama's campaign, and he also worked against Montana's CI-96, which unfortunately passed.

While the fact that 17 out politicians are running with help from the Victory Fund, we can easily see that that it is not enough. I don't know about you, but I'd rather have more community members in the room with a voice and a vote when things like DADT, ENDA, and DOMA are on the floor--that means more allies too.

But I'm not complaining. 17 isn't enough, but it's a damn good start!

Search