It began with a resolution
that a change was in store,
2008 would be different
because I'd settle no more.
The fear of the unknown
and what would happen to me,
was finally eclipsed
by my desire to live as G-d created me to be.
So my journey began
with nothing but time on my side.
I found that as each week went by
fewer tears left my eyes.
It wasn't all easy.
It wasn't all fun.
But through my own personal darkness
came the rise of the sun.
So with all my new experiences,
and the dawn of each new day.
It became more comforting and rewarding
accepting for myself, that it's alright to be gay.
I've learned through this year's experiences
how blessed I most certainly am.
With such amazing family and friends
one can't argue, that I truly am a lucky man.
I hope at this time it is evident
to all whom I love that can see,
that I've never been more ecstatic, or in love with myself,
in living life as the honest me.
So how great and rewarding
can any year be?
Exceptionally transformational,
when you choose to live your life real and free!
2008 will be a year I'll never forget!
Showing posts with label thanks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thanks. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
BITTERsweet
On Saturday August 9, 2008 I felt for the first time second class. (see A Mile High and Equally Distant post) On Tuesday, November 4, 2008 I became second class as my civil rights and the afforded equal opportunities here in the state of California were taken away, and discrimination was codified in the constitutions of both the State of California and the State of Arizona.
Who would have thought that on a day where America would elect it’s first African American candidate to the office of President of the United States, it would be the African American community, more than any other voting group, who would vote resoundingly here in California for the discrimination of others. According to Associated Press exit polls, 7 in 10 black voters backed proposition 8. According to the LA Times, blacks represented 10% of the voters. So of the 10,157,038 voters (# will change as the last of the ballots are counted) who cast a ballot, roughly 1,015,703 were black. Of those, 710,992 voted for discrimination while 304,711 voted for equality. A difference of 406,281 votes. (the difference in Prop 8 was around 500,000 votes)
So why? Why Blacks, why Latinos, why orthodox, conservative, and Persian Jews? For people who have experienced so much discrimination and unequal rights through the years, why did so many of you vote to deny others of theirs?
I’m angry! But, contrary to what you might think, I’m not angry at the above ethnic groups or even the Mormons. (as twisted as it sounds I admire the Mormons in how galvanized they became on this issue.) Who I’m angry with are the Gays, Equality California, and the leadership team of the No on 8 campaign.
I attended the rally yesterday evening in West Hollywood and was quite pleased with the turnout and passion demonstrated. A few protest marches even ensued after the rally. But my question is this, where were most of the Gays when they were needed before the vote? While I understand and appreciate the spontaneity and disgust that fueled the passions of last night, I find it disgraceful that so many Gays in attendance and throughout the state did either nothing, or very little, to ensure that their rights would not be taken away.
As for Equality California and the leadership team of the No on 8 campaign, PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR LETTERS OF RESIGNATION NOW! In life one must be held accountable for their actions and those results, and throughout this campaign the leadership team of the No on 8 campaign failed miserably. Their failed leadership is as clear as these two emails that many of us received throughout the campaign:
It’s extremely disheartening to look back and read the above emails. Our leadership failed us and it was evident in their strategy, their preparation, their message, their organizational structure, and most importantly their ability to galvanize the community for whose rights they have always worked so hard to advance. By the time they got their act together in mid to late October, failure was virtually assured. It was reported in the LA Times that 18% of Los Angeles County and 29% of Orange County voters voted early. The Yes side carried both those counties and overall their campaign kicked our ass. I could cite a litany of additional issues I’ve had with the campaign but at this point it would do no good. The only question that I’d like to pose publicly is this;
I take little comfort in the claims that we have advanced the movement since 2000 when the vote was 61% to 39%. (52% to 48% this year) How could you claim advancement when our own campaign did not offer a single ad featuring a Gay, married couple demonstrating what our equal relationships look like? Regardless, the bottom-line is this, WE LOST RIGHTS THAT WE LEGALLY HAD! PERIOD! Time may be the answer, but tomorrow is never a guarantee.
As for me, I’m saddened, angry, but otherwise good. Life for me will progress and I will continue to step forward in my personal, professional, and philanthropic life. As I’ve said before, I feel blessed to have had this opportunity to come out at this time and in this place. I am a better man for having done so and I am pleased that I was able to contribute to a cause that is much greater than I.
I wanted to say thanks to my family, friends, and readers who responded to my emails, calls, and posts over the last few months and made a positive difference during this campaign. Equality is for all, and my fight for it has just begun. (Literrally, I'm off to go run the 5 miles down to the Mormon temple from WeHo for the 2:00PM press conference to go punch someone in the face. I just don't know if it will be a Gay or a Mormon. Equality for all! lol)
Who would have thought that on a day where America would elect it’s first African American candidate to the office of President of the United States, it would be the African American community, more than any other voting group, who would vote resoundingly here in California for the discrimination of others. According to Associated Press exit polls, 7 in 10 black voters backed proposition 8. According to the LA Times, blacks represented 10% of the voters. So of the 10,157,038 voters (# will change as the last of the ballots are counted) who cast a ballot, roughly 1,015,703 were black. Of those, 710,992 voted for discrimination while 304,711 voted for equality. A difference of 406,281 votes. (the difference in Prop 8 was around 500,000 votes)
"Today was an affirmation that this is a new world, a new day," said Danny Bakewell, publisher of the Los Angeles Sentinel, the city's oldest black newspaper. "America has risen to the reality that the old days are dead, people are truly created equally and what you do in this world depends on your ability to overcome your personal challenges." (LA Times online-11/5/08)
I researched Mr. Bakewell’s paper and I came away surprised. On the issue of Prop 8 the Los Angeles Sentinel editorialized:
"Proposition 8- Would amend the California constitution to state that only a marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.
The Sentinel does not support this proposition. Courts have established that marriage is a right for all couples. The California constitution should guarantee the same freedoms and rights to everyone; no group should be treated differently. California statutes identify nine real differences between marriage and domestic partnerships. Only marriage provides the security that spouses provide one another."
So why? Why Blacks, why Latinos, why orthodox, conservative, and Persian Jews? For people who have experienced so much discrimination and unequal rights through the years, why did so many of you vote to deny others of theirs?
I’m angry! But, contrary to what you might think, I’m not angry at the above ethnic groups or even the Mormons. (as twisted as it sounds I admire the Mormons in how galvanized they became on this issue.) Who I’m angry with are the Gays, Equality California, and the leadership team of the No on 8 campaign.
I attended the rally yesterday evening in West Hollywood and was quite pleased with the turnout and passion demonstrated. A few protest marches even ensued after the rally. But my question is this, where were most of the Gays when they were needed before the vote? While I understand and appreciate the spontaneity and disgust that fueled the passions of last night, I find it disgraceful that so many Gays in attendance and throughout the state did either nothing, or very little, to ensure that their rights would not be taken away.
As for Equality California and the leadership team of the No on 8 campaign, PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR LETTERS OF RESIGNATION NOW! In life one must be held accountable for their actions and those results, and throughout this campaign the leadership team of the No on 8 campaign failed miserably. Their failed leadership is as clear as these two emails that many of us received throughout the campaign:
Received on October 14th
Dear Adam,
The latest tracking polls show that if the election were held today among voters who have seen both our ads and the other side’s ads that we would WIN!
Unfortunately, we don’t have sufficient funds to get our ads seen by all the voters who’ve seen the other side’s ads. So it’s that simple…without more funds we’ll lose.
But we will win if we have enough money to reach voters. So DONATE NOW!
A powerful array of motivated groups have organized against us. Yesterday’s Sacramento Bee reported that:
“Mormons…have emerged as the leading financial contributors to the controversial Nov. 4 ballot measure. Church members have donated about 40 percent of the $22.8 million raised to pass the initiative since July.”
What is also unfortunate is that only 30,000 people have donated to the No on 8 campaign compared to the 60,000 who have donated to the other side.
In a state with about two million LGBT people, in a country with millions more and tens of millions of straight allies, we have to get everyone to support this fight. If every LGBT person donates we can win!
Yesterday’s Sacramento Bee also reported on the sacrifices being made by members of the Yes on 8 campaign:
"That's why Auburn resident David Nielson, 55, is giving…He and his wife, Susan, live on a budget. The couple donated $35,000, he said, "because some things are worth fighting for." The couple will forgo a vacation for the next two years and make other sacrifices to pay for their donation, he said.”
So, what is your equality worth to you? What is your equality worth to your friends and family? How much will you sacrifice for your own freedom?
We are running out of time. We need your support now. We need the support of your friends and family now. DONATE NOW! FORWARD THIS EMAIL TO ALL OF YOUR CONTACTS!
In solidarity,
Executive Director
Equality California
Received on 11/4/2008
Dear Adam,
The polls are now closed. And whatever the outcome, history has already been made. Before the results are in, I wanted to thank each of you for all you have done to get us to this moment. No matter what happens, we should all be proud of what we have accomplished in this campaign. We have built the largest grassroots campaign in California history, with close to 100,000 donors. We have created the largest and most diverse coalition in history to advance the cause of equality. We have worked with incredible partner organizations who have stood with us each step of the way. And for the first time in any anti-gay ballot measure fight, we were not outspent. EQCA was expected to raise $1 million from our members to defeat Prop 8, an amount close to our entire 2007 budget. But as you have always done, you have shattered all expectations. Together EQCA members have donated close to $14 million, more than a third of the entire amount raised to defeat Prop 8, making us the largest donor to the campaign by far! The EQCA staff has been all in, working around the clock on fundraising, field, media, web communications and so much more. And you, our members, have volunteered and served in leadership positions in every corner of our great state. Whatever the outcome – and I do believe we will win – we have moved Californians a remarkable amount from 2000 when Prop 22 was passed by a margin of 61% to 39%. And together, we have moved California from a state where LGBT people had no rights, to the state with the most rights in the nation. We have passed an unprecedented 50 pieces of legislation to advance our rights over the past decade. We have moved the country from a place where domestic partnership and civil union seemed like a goal that was generations away to a country where marriage equality is gaining support in every state. Each of you is part of the most successful state LGBT organization and advancement of our rights that our nation has ever witnessed. It is truly remarkable. Together, we have done amazing things.
I am forever grateful.
Executive Director
Equality California
It’s extremely disheartening to look back and read the above emails. Our leadership failed us and it was evident in their strategy, their preparation, their message, their organizational structure, and most importantly their ability to galvanize the community for whose rights they have always worked so hard to advance. By the time they got their act together in mid to late October, failure was virtually assured. It was reported in the LA Times that 18% of Los Angeles County and 29% of Orange County voters voted early. The Yes side carried both those counties and overall their campaign kicked our ass. I could cite a litany of additional issues I’ve had with the campaign but at this point it would do no good. The only question that I’d like to pose publicly is this;
Why were there no Gay people or Gay couples in any of the official No on 8 ads?
I take little comfort in the claims that we have advanced the movement since 2000 when the vote was 61% to 39%. (52% to 48% this year) How could you claim advancement when our own campaign did not offer a single ad featuring a Gay, married couple demonstrating what our equal relationships look like? Regardless, the bottom-line is this, WE LOST RIGHTS THAT WE LEGALLY HAD! PERIOD! Time may be the answer, but tomorrow is never a guarantee.
As for me, I’m saddened, angry, but otherwise good. Life for me will progress and I will continue to step forward in my personal, professional, and philanthropic life. As I’ve said before, I feel blessed to have had this opportunity to come out at this time and in this place. I am a better man for having done so and I am pleased that I was able to contribute to a cause that is much greater than I.
I wanted to say thanks to my family, friends, and readers who responded to my emails, calls, and posts over the last few months and made a positive difference during this campaign. Equality is for all, and my fight for it has just begun. (Literrally, I'm off to go run the 5 miles down to the Mormon temple from WeHo for the 2:00PM press conference to go punch someone in the face. I just don't know if it will be a Gay or a Mormon. Equality for all! lol)
Sunday, August 17, 2008
THANKS!
I’m not sure how many of you actually play and enjoy the music when I've added it to a post, but for this post I ask that you please do and listen loud. (and for those who are new and don't understand why I sometimes include a music video please see my Loose Ends post)
This Song is for Me
This Song is for You
This Song is for US
These past two weeks have been incredible. To characterize them as transformative would be a gross understatement. As I head back to WeHo today I have a feeling inside that I’ve never had before in my life. (and no I’m not sitting on another guy as I drive) The love and acceptance expressed by those closest to me in my life, for the real and honest me, is an unbelievable feeling. I know many of you already enjoy this feeling, and I hope that for those whose journey is about to unfold, you too will be able to share this experience. An experience of a loving family and endearing friends who accept us, respect us, and love us for who G-d created each of us to be. Since I only recently accepted myself and am new to the community, I know I don't have much experience about what it means to live real, nor have I earned the right or respect to educate others through my blog, but I do appreciate you allowing me the time to share my story.
So I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for reading Stand Straight and learning a little bit about my life experience. And to those who took the time to comment here on the blog and send direct emails, I’m extremely grateful. I am not one to ask for help, so all of the advice, encouragement, and support that you’ve expressed was definitely read and taken to heart. I’ve learned a great deal through this experience, not only here at Stand Straight but at so many other blogs and through so many of their reader’s comments, that I truly believe I’m a much better person for having learned from so many others.
So Thanks and (()):**,
Adam
And btw, I guess one could argue that the last 52 posts would conclude the Standing Straight portion of my blog. Truly Stepping Forward is about to begin......................
This Song is for Me
This Song is for You
This Song is for US
These past two weeks have been incredible. To characterize them as transformative would be a gross understatement. As I head back to WeHo today I have a feeling inside that I’ve never had before in my life. (and no I’m not sitting on another guy as I drive) The love and acceptance expressed by those closest to me in my life, for the real and honest me, is an unbelievable feeling. I know many of you already enjoy this feeling, and I hope that for those whose journey is about to unfold, you too will be able to share this experience. An experience of a loving family and endearing friends who accept us, respect us, and love us for who G-d created each of us to be. Since I only recently accepted myself and am new to the community, I know I don't have much experience about what it means to live real, nor have I earned the right or respect to educate others through my blog, but I do appreciate you allowing me the time to share my story.
So I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for reading Stand Straight and learning a little bit about my life experience. And to those who took the time to comment here on the blog and send direct emails, I’m extremely grateful. I am not one to ask for help, so all of the advice, encouragement, and support that you’ve expressed was definitely read and taken to heart. I’ve learned a great deal through this experience, not only here at Stand Straight but at so many other blogs and through so many of their reader’s comments, that I truly believe I’m a much better person for having learned from so many others.
So Thanks and (()):**,
Adam
And btw, I guess one could argue that the last 52 posts would conclude the Standing Straight portion of my blog. Truly Stepping Forward is about to begin......................
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Hey Big Mo
I went to Hallmark.com looking for the right card but I couldn’t quite find one that said what I needed to say. Nor did any of them have any writing on the back. :-) So what’s a guy to do?
Big Mo,
I can’t thank you enough! Thank you for writing, thank you for responding, thank you for sharing, thank you for caring, thank you for questioning me, thank you for challenging me, thank you for teaching me, thank you for getting me to think, and thank you for showing me that life is worth living as my honest self. Thank you for being you!
I’ve stood straight for a very long time and I really don’t know if I ever would have gained the courage to step forward had I not reached out and you responded in the way you did. Your support and friendship over the last 8 months has been extremely meaningful and I am eternally grateful for the impact you have had on my life. I know at times I may have been a burden, so thanks for your patience and thanks for having taken the time. You are a very special guy, although I know you don’t need me to tell you that, and my one hope and wish for you is that all of the dreams that you have for yourself come true. You deserve nothing less! If at anytime there is anything that I can do for you, please don’t hesitate to ask. My task is now grand in trying to pay it forward.
Thanks so much and L'chaim!
Your friend,
Little Mo
Mariah Carey-”Hero”......thanks for being mine
Big Mo,
I can’t thank you enough! Thank you for writing, thank you for responding, thank you for sharing, thank you for caring, thank you for questioning me, thank you for challenging me, thank you for teaching me, thank you for getting me to think, and thank you for showing me that life is worth living as my honest self. Thank you for being you!
I’ve stood straight for a very long time and I really don’t know if I ever would have gained the courage to step forward had I not reached out and you responded in the way you did. Your support and friendship over the last 8 months has been extremely meaningful and I am eternally grateful for the impact you have had on my life. I know at times I may have been a burden, so thanks for your patience and thanks for having taken the time. You are a very special guy, although I know you don’t need me to tell you that, and my one hope and wish for you is that all of the dreams that you have for yourself come true. You deserve nothing less! If at anytime there is anything that I can do for you, please don’t hesitate to ask. My task is now grand in trying to pay it forward.
Thanks so much and L'chaim!
Your friend,
Little Mo
Mariah Carey-”Hero”......thanks for being mine
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Independence in Tempe
It was only fitting for me to spend my July 4th, Independence Day, evening and night in the City of Tempe . 
It was here where I first learned what Independence was all about. I will always have a fondness and love for this city as it has had an indelible impact on my life. It was really nice to walk the streets, reflect on my past, and gaze at the impressive amount of growth that has transpired here since my arrival in Arizona. I will be back to enjoy that growth, but now it is time for me to practice what that Independence I first learned about and got a taste of here in Tempe truly means. Now is the time to walk on!
U2-"Walk On"
It was here where I first learned what Independence was all about. I will always have a fondness and love for this city as it has had an indelible impact on my life. It was really nice to walk the streets, reflect on my past, and gaze at the impressive amount of growth that has transpired here since my arrival in Arizona. I will be back to enjoy that growth, but now it is time for me to practice what that Independence I first learned about and got a taste of here in Tempe truly means. Now is the time to walk on!
U2-"Walk On"
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Thanks!
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank Dan for his interest in my little blog about the changes in my life and his nice write-up about it. I really do appreciate it and more so I've appreciated a number of your comments on some of my posts. Thanks!
I also wanted to thank Matt for linking me a number of weeks ago. I mentioned it in my first post, but if it wasn't for his blog I'm not so sure I would be Stepping Forward today. Thanks! (etc.etc.etc.etc.etc.etc.etc.etc..............)
And thanks to all of you out there who have stopped by and taken some time to read about my struggle and my journey that’s recently begun. The reasons for Stand Straight and Step Forward can be found in Break It Down . I owe it to myself, and more importantly to you, to make a difference and begin to give back. If I can be any help, or if you just want to exhale, please feel free to email me.
Thanks!
I also wanted to thank Matt for linking me a number of weeks ago. I mentioned it in my first post, but if it wasn't for his blog I'm not so sure I would be Stepping Forward today. Thanks! (etc.etc.etc.etc.etc.etc.etc.etc..............)
And thanks to all of you out there who have stopped by and taken some time to read about my struggle and my journey that’s recently begun. The reasons for Stand Straight and Step Forward can be found in Break It Down . I owe it to myself, and more importantly to you, to make a difference and begin to give back. If I can be any help, or if you just want to exhale, please feel free to email me.
Thanks!
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