Lana Wachowski's Visibility Award Speech

"Every one of us, every person here, every human life presents a negotiation between public and private identity."

Andrea Gibson - Poet, Activist

by Jolie Roberson

Andrea Gibson is an award-winning poet and activist. Her poetry focuses on gender norms, politics, and the struggles queer people face in today's society. Gibson disclosed that she chose to write what was in her bones and thus these subject matters are what came out. On top of using poetry to express what she feels and tackle real issues, she is involved with many group activists. She often performs at Take Back the Night Events, LGBT events, Pride events, Trans* events, Anti-war rallies, Peace rallies, organizations against the occupation of Palestine, groups focused on examining the wrongs of capitalism, patriarchy and white supremacy. - Wikipedia

*Warning, may contain some adult language.*

These are just my favorites.  Go to YouTube and type in her name to find many more.

Who You Are

by Sam Quinn

I debated what my next blog entry should be for a couple hours. I’ll be the first to admit, my entries have been sincerely lacking. Sincere apologies. As a way to get back on board and writing, I asked friends what they thought I should write or what they would like to read. I watched a few YouTube videos to find some inspiration and came across some political debates on the prevalent issue of gay marriage. Disgusted and hurt by some of the politician’s negligent and condescending words, I looked up the marriage definition online. I typed that word in the dictionary app on my little fancy Mac Book Pro, and came across something very inspiring and moving.

            Marriage (noun)

1.     The formal union between a man and woman, typically           recognized by law, by which they become husband and wife.

a.     Similarly a long-term relationship between partners of the same sex.

In many regards, we live in a very progressive country…one that is accepting, loving, and courageous.  In other instances, it is like we are still in the dark ages.  That said, I did not expect to even see the slightest connection to gay marriage when looking up that definition. An instant smile came across my face, as it is apparent that individuals are now beginning to recognize homosexual partnerships as something more than just domestic partnerships. Gay marriage and gay rights are in the news almost daily nowadays and there are multitudes of viewpoints and stances within the marriage debate. We should all be proud of the progress made and hope that it’s only an upward growth from here. Stay optimistic, remain courageous and let’s move forward. I leave you with such an appropriate song to remind you to always be true to who you are. Life Moves, Move with it.

Your Monday Inspiration

by Jolie Roberson

GetUp! Australia is an independent movement to build a progressive Australia and bring participation back into [their] democracy.  I'm not going to lie, this video made me a bit misty and pretty effectively drives home the point that love is love is love.  Love is not the color of your skin, your religion, or your sex.  We should seek to experience love in any form it takes.