While I personally will not support this business, I respect and support their right to run their business as they see fit. There is a term bandied about, that word, "christian," that implies love and compassion, and yet daily I see it abused in reference to people who do not exemplify it. Chick-Fil-A and its leaders hardly exemplify the word, when they choose to financially back hate groups that seek to demonize people like me. So Chick-Fil-A will not get my business, and I despise their brand of "christian," but I respect their right to operate their business and attract their own brand of so-called "christians."
There has been recent Facebook chatter about a "National Same Sex Kiss Day at Chick Fil A." Initially, I thought, "hell yeah, we should do that!" But after some thought and conversation with my husband, I find myself worried that the wisdom of this "National Same Sex Kiss Day at Chick Fil A" is flawed.
Several scenarios come to mind. A hot topic like this draws media - and the media cameras catch the horrified look of a poor mother sitting in the restaurant with her young children as gays kiss and she tries desperately to shield those kids eyes from it. The media interviews her on her reactions. Then the right-wingers and hate-filled-christians exploit the interview into soundbites and propaganda.
Or, god forbid, a protective father decides to defend his beliefs and his children from such sights as gays kissing by a vicious attack on those gays in that Chick-Fil-A, and a hate crime ensues.
My husband said, "I don't like the idea of using an expression of love to shock people." My husband is a smart man. We don't need to flaunt it, we don't need to sensationalize it.
What we need is a national-scale boycott of the business, in which no gay, lesbian or gay/lesbian friendly individual or group does business with Chick-Fil-A. What we need is for corporate partners currently doing business with Chick-Fil-A to sever that partnership, like "The Muppets" have done.
Whether or not Chick-Fil-A feels the impact of said boycott depends on the scale of that boycott - but our dollars could not be better not-spent. Or perhaps, invested instead in supporting a business that has positive policies regarding gays and lesbians. What more powerful statement could we as a community make than to build up and support a business that gives back to our community?
We can be vocal about our distaste with the business practices of Chick-Fil-A, and perhaps make a difference with regards to their evolution. But lets not forget to support the businesses that DO give their support to our community - and focus our energies (and money) there.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Monday, July 9, 2012
Occupy for the Arts--Support the SC Arts Commission
Occupy for the Arts--Support the SC Arts Commission
Monday, July 16, 2012
6:00pm until 8:00pm
https://www.facebook.com/
Sunday, July 8, 2012
#SaveTheArtsinSC
If you care about the Arts in South Carolina (unlike Nikki Haley), then I encourage the use of the hashtag #SaveTheArtsinSC
Saturday, July 7, 2012
"I'm not an actor. But I have been on stage.
I would never take a job for no-pay. And yet, I do months of work on a theatre project for nary a dime.
Occasionally, I get paid for my work in theatre. It is a mere fraction of what it's worth.
Often, I screw it up royally. People still appreciate what I do.
Sometimes theatre stresses me out. I still love it.
Many of my theatre friends are more like family to me than my real family. And possibly know a lot more about me. And don't judge me.
I sweat, I bleed, I skip meals, I skip sleep, I forfeit fashion, I donate money, I raise money, I donate my photographic talents... for theatre.
I laugh, I cry, I get angry, I yell, I fake orgasms... for theatre.
Theatre has helped me be more confident, outgoing, and far less shy than I have ever been in my entire life.
Theatre is Art.
Art is my life."
Art affects my life in different ways, other than theatre.
One of my proudest purchases in my life is a tiny bit of original art bought at a fundraiser for a children's charity in Las Vegas, NV. A "nobody" with a talent for landscapes, who was "somebody" enough to donate his work to raise money for that charity.
I've visited many an art gallery and witnessed first-hand original works of under-appreciated artists (in their life-time) like Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh. Those visits rank among my most favorite tourist destinations and memories.
Once, while in Mexico, a man who makes his living off carving steel wood for sale to tourists thanked me sincerely for helping to feed his family through my purchase.
My own sister inspired me to read books on the Arthurian legends when she herself was cast in Camelot in high school. I have never been so proud of her, and so excited about reading and what may be loosely termed as "history," a subject which would have been otherwise rather blasé to me.
I would never take a job for no-pay. And yet, I do months of work on a theatre project for nary a dime.
Occasionally, I get paid for my work in theatre. It is a mere fraction of what it's worth.
Often, I screw it up royally. People still appreciate what I do.
Sometimes theatre stresses me out. I still love it.
Many of my theatre friends are more like family to me than my real family. And possibly know a lot more about me. And don't judge me.
I sweat, I bleed, I skip meals, I skip sleep, I forfeit fashion, I donate money, I raise money, I donate my photographic talents... for theatre.
I laugh, I cry, I get angry, I yell, I fake orgasms... for theatre.
Theatre has helped me be more confident, outgoing, and far less shy than I have ever been in my entire life.
Theatre is Art.
Art is my life."
Art affects my life in different ways, other than theatre.
One of my proudest purchases in my life is a tiny bit of original art bought at a fundraiser for a children's charity in Las Vegas, NV. A "nobody" with a talent for landscapes, who was "somebody" enough to donate his work to raise money for that charity.
I've visited many an art gallery and witnessed first-hand original works of under-appreciated artists (in their life-time) like Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh. Those visits rank among my most favorite tourist destinations and memories.
Once, while in Mexico, a man who makes his living off carving steel wood for sale to tourists thanked me sincerely for helping to feed his family through my purchase.
My own sister inspired me to read books on the Arthurian legends when she herself was cast in Camelot in high school. I have never been so proud of her, and so excited about reading and what may be loosely termed as "history," a subject which would have been otherwise rather blasé to me.
Art
In this entry, I'm exploring ideas on how Art affects our culture, our business and our lives.
Art is a cultural record.
The Arts serve as the primary signature of a culture, carrying our individual and collective images and ideas from one generation to another. The arts are a distinctive way of understanding and give purpose to learning: they provide tools for interpreting life’s experiences and develop a child’s identity and sense of self-worth.The word "Art" encompasses so much.
“In my own philanthropy and business endeavors, I have seen the critical role that the arts play in stimulating creativity and in developing vital communities….the arts have a crucial impact on our economy and are an important catalyst for learning, discovery, and achievement in our country.”
–Paul G. Allen, Co-Founder, Microsoft
The "Arts" mean so little to some people.
The Arts Commission is essentially shut down in South Carolina.
Haley's vetoes cut 2 S.C. agencies
People who are employed at that agency have actually been instructed NOT to report for work on Monday. Real jobs are being affected. Real people. Real art. Real income.Art is education.
The Arts Commission isn't the only potential casualty here: Jamie Harrington, who teaches Youth Classes at Town Theatre, and who's classes are in part funded by the State of South Carolina, may lose that funding as a result of this action. Again, it's more than just Art we're talking here. Harrington says, (Parents) "come to me and say 'You have no idea how much your program has helped my child. . . .' as they go on to explain how their child is shy, won't speak, is not accepted by their peers, etc. And I do see it. I see how little kids who are afraid to speak on day one, will stand up in front of over 300 people and say their lines with confidence when Town Theatre presents it's show at the end of the program. I see how children with Autism can excel and do well. It is a creative outlet that helps in every other aspect of their lives."
“Arts education aids students in skills needed in the workplace: flexibility, the ability to solve problems and communicate, the ability to learn new skills, to be creative and innovative, and to strive for excellence.”
– Joseph M. Calahan, Director of Cooperate Communications, Xerox Corporation
What has the "Arts" meant to me?
I have been involved in community theatre since 2006. The Arts have created a unique extended family for me. People who love me and accept me, people who respect my contributions, people who also respect my fears and dreams, and occasionally even my vision.
Theatre has been a joy, a source of stress, fun, full of emotion, stimulating...
“An elementary school that treats the arts as the province of a few gifted children, or views them only as recreation and entertainment, is a school that needs an infusion of soul. That arts are an essential element of education, just like reading, writing, and arithmetic.”
–William Bennett, Former US Secretary of Education
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Boycott Hallandale Beach - Support Tomas Lopez
This militaristic logic of never-leave-your-post is ridiculous in these circumstances, where a person charged with saving lives is basically punished for doing exactly that. The city should be held accountable for their contractors, and Tomas Lopez should be offered a job by a company that will respect his morals. https://www.facebook.com/BoycottHallandaleBeachSupportTomasLopez
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Freedom.
Tho mine perspective be skewed by civilized populations existing in buildings with modern plumbing and other amenities such as electricity and paved roads, I do believe the battle against antiquated attitudes towards homosexuals may be changing - and even if it is not, the youth of America are ousting out the old-timers and the battle shall be won anyway.
Bully Not, Ye of Little Tolerance.
Do No Harm, Ye of Little Love.
Live, Laugh, Love, Ye of Kind Spirit.
Judge Not, Ye Who Claim to be of Faith.
V is for "Victory."
For it is a civil battle of rights and equality, and You Can't Bring Me Down.
Bully Not, Ye of Little Tolerance.
Do No Harm, Ye of Little Love.
Live, Laugh, Love, Ye of Kind Spirit.
Judge Not, Ye Who Claim to be of Faith.
V is for "Victory."
For it is a civil battle of rights and equality, and You Can't Bring Me Down.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
"breaking news?" Oh Cooper, wherefore art thou?"
Everybody always asks me why I'm a gay man who chose to move to South Carolina. There were practical reasons, of course, and I patiently explain those, and people expect those answers and move on. But those who want to get to know me ask me why I STAY in South Carolina. I tell them about our (Frank's & my) brief moment of "celebrity," having been a part of the historic move by Gavin Newsome to allow same-sex couples to marry in his fair city of San Francisco. The local gay media, upon finding out about it, interviewed Frank and I and ran a few articles about our experience. It was a happy and personal day for us, but sharing that experience with others gave it an even deeper meaning, knowing that it had the power to provide encouragement and hope.
Since Frank and I came to South Carolina, we have made no effort to hide our relationship in our jobs, our theatre community, the religious community we were affiliated with, or in our everyday lives.
I truly feel like Frank and I are decent examples that a loving, healthy relationship can survive and thrive in the "deep south," a claim backed by the fact that we have lived here since 2001. We merely live our lives, and yet the power of our example always draws comments from people about the quality of our relationship. We can honestly say we have a rich diversity of friends from both the gay and straight persuasion who accept us for who and what we are, and even welcome us.
I ask you, what better way to change minds and hearts than to live our lives openly and honestly amongst a community generally considered to be conservative and under-exposed to the GLBT community? I see lots of local heroes who deserve much more credit for their time and talents spent championing the GLBT community rights, health and visibility as activists and advocates.
Yet, recently I found myself a little torn about how I felt when the news "broke" that Anderson Cooper had come out as gay. OK, our community can use all the support it can get in our awareness campaigns and battle for equality - and yet I feel like Anderson Cooper deserves little right to hero-status for his "bravery" in coming out. He did nothing, in my perspective, except to take advantage of the ground work the real heroes have already laid to make life better for the GLBT community. He comes out now, when it's much safer, less risky, to do so.
After all, where was he during the "It Gets Better" movement to save lives of despairing teens - could his celebrity have been used as a voice to further that movement, or maybe even save one of those lives? Where was he when same sex marriage was topical in his own state - again, could his celebrity have been used to further that cause, to speak out against opposers?
I don't necessarily believe that he could have changed anything, but I do believe that persons who achieve celebrity status have a responsibility to use said celebrity to do good deeds for those less fortunate in their immediate community, especially if the plight of that community is at risk. I am unsympathetic to arguments that claim secrecy was necessary to maintain/build a career; unsympathetic to claims that "danger" would have befallen him in his rather privileged life - we ALL run those same risks and many of us thrive despite them.
All of this drives home in my mind the idea that it is SO important to be "out and proud," not in a outrageous way, but in a way that actually carries the power to change minds and hearts. Christine Johnson, The SC Equality Executive Director, puts it quite simply: "Say Yes!" - say yes to powerful examples of living your life open and proud in the hope that one conservative mind might be changed, that one depressed teenage life might be saved, that one disenchanted person might find validation in the eyes of a religion they hold dear, or in that one happy couple who might find financial or emotional relief knowing the legality of their relationship is not a question in the eyes of the law. Can one person do all this? Perhaps not - but we ALL can.
Since Frank and I came to South Carolina, we have made no effort to hide our relationship in our jobs, our theatre community, the religious community we were affiliated with, or in our everyday lives.
I truly feel like Frank and I are decent examples that a loving, healthy relationship can survive and thrive in the "deep south," a claim backed by the fact that we have lived here since 2001. We merely live our lives, and yet the power of our example always draws comments from people about the quality of our relationship. We can honestly say we have a rich diversity of friends from both the gay and straight persuasion who accept us for who and what we are, and even welcome us.
I ask you, what better way to change minds and hearts than to live our lives openly and honestly amongst a community generally considered to be conservative and under-exposed to the GLBT community? I see lots of local heroes who deserve much more credit for their time and talents spent championing the GLBT community rights, health and visibility as activists and advocates.
Yet, recently I found myself a little torn about how I felt when the news "broke" that Anderson Cooper had come out as gay. OK, our community can use all the support it can get in our awareness campaigns and battle for equality - and yet I feel like Anderson Cooper deserves little right to hero-status for his "bravery" in coming out. He did nothing, in my perspective, except to take advantage of the ground work the real heroes have already laid to make life better for the GLBT community. He comes out now, when it's much safer, less risky, to do so.
After all, where was he during the "It Gets Better" movement to save lives of despairing teens - could his celebrity have been used as a voice to further that movement, or maybe even save one of those lives? Where was he when same sex marriage was topical in his own state - again, could his celebrity have been used to further that cause, to speak out against opposers?
I don't necessarily believe that he could have changed anything, but I do believe that persons who achieve celebrity status have a responsibility to use said celebrity to do good deeds for those less fortunate in their immediate community, especially if the plight of that community is at risk. I am unsympathetic to arguments that claim secrecy was necessary to maintain/build a career; unsympathetic to claims that "danger" would have befallen him in his rather privileged life - we ALL run those same risks and many of us thrive despite them.
All of this drives home in my mind the idea that it is SO important to be "out and proud," not in a outrageous way, but in a way that actually carries the power to change minds and hearts. Christine Johnson, The SC Equality Executive Director, puts it quite simply: "Say Yes!" - say yes to powerful examples of living your life open and proud in the hope that one conservative mind might be changed, that one depressed teenage life might be saved, that one disenchanted person might find validation in the eyes of a religion they hold dear, or in that one happy couple who might find financial or emotional relief knowing the legality of their relationship is not a question in the eyes of the law. Can one person do all this? Perhaps not - but we ALL can.
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