DADT: Death Knell?

Listening to the briefings today from the Pentagon re: overturning or repealing DADT, and it is haunting, almost spooky, kind of weird. To hear military personnel say the word "gay" or "lesbian" rather than "homosexual" is breath-taking.

I am gob-smacked.

Oh that the Church (universal) would do the same.

I have no doubt that once this domino falls, other places where there is discrimination against LGBTQ people will fall as well.

B

Thanksgiving Thanks...a day late

Thankful for family.

Thankful for a family that is a little different than the American norm. We had Parker, his girlfriend, Parker's mom, Dean, and I gathered at Pam's house for a wonderful Thanksgiving meal of paella. No more turkey for us! No one likes the "traditional meal." But Paella works on so many levels.

Both the way of our being "family" and our "traditional meal" are ours to share with others on this Thanksgiving.

Blessings!

Brett

The Vatican Blinks on Condom Use

This is major, in a small way: the Vatican permits Catholics worldwide to use condoms on a very limited case or bases. According to Huffingtonpost.com:

Vatican officials insist it's nothing "revolutionary," but to many other people Pope Benedict XVI's recent comments regarding condom use mark an important moment in the battle against AIDS and an effort by the pontiff to burnish his image and legacy.

Just a year after he said condoms could be making the AIDS crisis worse, Benedict said that for some people, such as male prostitutes, using them could represent a first step in assuming moral responsibility "in the intention of reducing the risk of infection."

Weird and small way of taking a mini-step forward.

The world is changing.

B

Back from pilgrimage in the Holy Land

Just got back from the Holy Land pilgrimage: Jerusalem for 2 days, and then the Sinai peninsula/desert for 4 nights and 5 days. It was amazing.

Again, I am aware of the conservative stance of the Middle East cultures toward LGBTQ people, be it in Israel or Egypt. Even though Israel welcomes and provides more possibilities of LGBTQ people--more than the USA--it is conservative in some of its policies. Egypt: just darn conservative.

Best,

Brett

Halloween Costumes Matter

I've been amazed at the opportunity children have been given to wear whatever Halloween costumes they want to wear. My children have always been given the freedom to wear what ever feels right for them on Halloween.

And some kids get dressed up as characters from Scooby Doo, regardless of their gender or sex.

What great parents, to let their children express themselves.

B

Oral Roberts Grandson Speaks Out

Powerful!

And he too is a gay dad.

Pace!

B

College Essays

My son is currently working on his college entrance essay. I was stunned to find out that it was about being the son of an openly gay dad. Amazed. Honored. Humbled.

What is most mysterious and wonderful is that my daughter's essay for college admission was also on being the daughter of an openly gay dad.

There were those who counseled me not to be open with my children when I was in the process of coming out. I fought those voices both within and outside of me, and came out nonetheless.

And glad I did.

The kids are all right.

Pace!

B