Small Worlds and Herculean Tasks

 Hello Everyone,

I realize my blogging has been really sporadic lately. Taking care of five kids and getting ready for an impending vacation has kept me on my toes....please forgive this harried blogger as he plays catchup with the worlds events. Namely, recent news coming from the international stage concerning the freeing of the Malawian gay couple jailed for holding a same-sex engagement ceremony and the struggle of Russian gays to hold a pride march in the face of overwhelming hostility. Both of these stories make me think about how small our world is though we often think it big enough to shield us from the suffering of others. That is, until our bubble bursts and we realize we don't stand alone in the world and that all of us are struggling in our own ways. The fight to repeal DADT touches the fight for the basic right to exist for African gays which touches a similar struggle in Russia which also reverberates outward in a spidering network of rippling effects to others as well.

Selena's Graduation Day!

Hello everyone.

Few things make a parent prouder than when our kids show us how grown up they are becoming. Today is Selena's day to shine because she is graduating from Preschool! I can't believe that the little bundle of cuteness we brought home almost four and a half years ago has gotten that big!

As parents, we have to teach our kids so much before they ever attend school. They handle walking and talking well enough on their own but, potty training, learning to dress and brush your teeth, how to share and resolve your conflicts without pushing and shoving, thats alot to learn. Then we throw them in with a bunch of other toddlers and ask them to count, know their colors, memorize the alphabet, and begin writing. When Selena first came to be with us, we wondered and worried if we were up to the task of helping her reach these milestones.

Harvey Milk Day...Finding Hope In An Uncertain World

This last year I have learned more about LGBT memorial holidays than I ever imagined possible. There has been the Transgenered Day of Remembrance, The Day of Silence, Day Against Homophobia, our usuall Pride days, And Today....Harvey Milk Day. Again, its another holiday you don't traditionally buy cards for or celebrate with a alcoholic libations...but what the hell...traditions change everyday, crack out the cocktail shaker and lets talk.

Day Againsts Homophobia...Defending The Indefensible

Today, May 17th is marked as the "Day Against Homophobia". (learn more)Its labeled as a day to reach out to others and raise awareness of the effects of homophobia and transphobia. Celebrated in 50 countries, it is also a day in which events are held aimed at reducing the fear, lack of information, and deliberate misinformation that creates homophobia ane the awfull actions it leaves in its wake. While a worthy undertaking, its not exactly a day in which you run out an buy all your loved ones cards or gifts....though I suppose it could be celebrated over a few margaritas.

In considering the scope of this task, it feels like moving a mountain one spoonfull at a time. This is my spoonfull. Read on: