Joplin, Missouri: Finding Adam
First, I should really apologize. I’ve been very neglectful both of my blog and my column here at Hivster. While I normally am obsessed with the news and with social justice in general, recent events have taken over my life and turned it upside down. You see, I’m in Joplin today, writing this column in a house just a block from the devastation caused by the EF-5 tornado that struck just weeks ago, cutting a swath of destruction through...
The New Patriotism
I normally try to make my “Getting Angry” column posts on Sunday or Monday, but I took a much needed weekend off this week in order to celebrate the Fourth of July. Or did I, really? If by “celebrate” you mean “play Battlestar Galactica Online all weekend and then hiding in my room during the terrifying explosions,” then yes. It’s a source of endless amusement for my friends: due to my time spent in service,...
NY Marriage Equality: Accusations, Ramifications, And A Big Ol’ Muddle
New York passed marriage equality in a landmark legislative decision, with 33 votes, to include some Republican Senators, ensuring the bill passed the Senate. Governor Cuomo signed the historic bill just minutes after its Senate approval, meaning, in less than a month, gay couples will be able to marry in that state. *cue cheering* The state has been in a near-fever pitch of celebration since the vote, which was pretty well timed, Gay Pride taking...
Netroots Nation: HIV/AIDS As A Progressive Issue
This past week I’ve been visiting the Twin Cities area in order to attend Netroots Nation, a conference on net-based progressive activism and the largest group of its kind. 2500 bloggers, activists, and organization representatives descended upon Minneapolis to meet each other, attend panels related to progressive causes, and discuss the issues facing our many communities. The LGBT Preconference, with organizer Mike Rogers in the foreground. What...
Offerings To The Needle And My Search For Normalcy
I met someone recently. This is not new. I’m notoriously wild for the men. I’m easily distracted, and nothing distracts me better than someone I’m sweet on. And boy, am I sweet for this guy. He’s terribly sexy, insanely smart, a hardworker, and charming almost to a fault. It’s rare that I meet someone in my hometown of Eugene that I find this attractive, and even rarer that person should return that attraction....
In Memoriam: Reflections On Sacrifice
Memorial Day has lots of meanings for lots of people. For some, it is a time of barbecues and brewskis, while others take a moment to remember their fallen soldiers. Far more than a bank holiday, for thousands of Americans today is a time to pause and reflect on those who have sacrificed and the very meaning of that sacrifice itself. Today is an emotional day, doubly so for war veterans. Not only do we remember and mourn our fallen comrades,...
Tennessee and the Need for ENDA
When framing the civil rights issues besetting our communities, there are clear frontrunners in the topics that come to mind. Clearly, the first one people seem to think of is gay marriage, while many women’s advocates think first of the woman’s right to choose. These are huge topics, incredibly important in the quest for equality for all Americans, and they tend to take center stage in a big way. For a reason, surely. Shouldn’t...
T
Today is International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO). Formed years ago by a Paris-based committee led by French academic Louis-Georges Tin, its stated goal is markedly different from Pride, which takes place in June. Instead of being an affirmation of life that is the proud declaration “I am gay,” the Day was begun in order to highlight the inequality of hatred against LGBT citizens of all countries, everywhere. The...
Game On
This month has been one of my more momentous. Last week was, of course, my birthday, and the usual shenanigans ensued. I got a sunburn at the local nude beach (cuz who doesn’t like a breeze around their nether regions) and had drinks at the local 80s night with my friends, which was really a ton of fun. This week, I got to fly out to DC and appear in court as part of the case ensuing from my arrest last November at the White House. This...
The Death of bin Laden and a New Era
I have never before been so confused over the death of one man. Last night, as we all know by now, President Obama announced the death of the foremost mastermind of global terrorism that modern history has known. Celebrations and jubilation erupted across the nation as Americans were overcome with relief that our most hated enemy could no longer threaten our peace and security. I was sitting at home showing my 16-year-old friend Emma To Wong Foo,...