Op Ed in News and Observer

I guess I'm out and gay now.

It's official.

Click here for more: http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/07/18/1347298/celebrating-a-churchs-change.html#storylink=misearch

Pace, B

History Lessons in CA

I'm quite exhilarated over CA asking students to know their LGBTQ history. Quite frankly, to use the famous quote by Edmund Burke, "those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it."

There are many LGBTQ and straight people who simply don't know the history, the story, the narrative of being LGBTQ in this society, let alone world history. It is very relevant discussion in light of the attacks that go on daily upon LGBTQ people. For example, when, who and why "Stonewall"? When did the term "homosexual" come about? First gay elected official in the States? Highest elected out LGBTQ person in office?

History lessons matter.

Pace,

B

Culture Awareness/Culture Shock: From NYC to NC

Just returned from a marvelous birthday celebration trip to NYC. This would be in the state that just approved marriage equality.

The culture shock? Coming back to NC, a state that a) is going to vote on a constitutional amendment banning marriage equality, and b) a young child was killed because he "acted gay". From wral-tv.com:

Prosecutors laid out the case Friday against a Durham man charged with killing a 4-year-old boy and 28-year-old-woman, saying he led a “religious” group of women and children who called him “Lord” and feared him.

Peter Lucas Moses, 27, faces first-degree murder charges in the deaths of Jadon Higganbothan, 4, and Antoinetta Yvonne McKoy, 28. Prosecutors said they will seek the death penalty against him. Defense attorneys didn't speak in his behalf at a court hearing Friday.

Prosecutors said Moses killed Jadon because he thought the child was gay and McKoy after he learned she couldn't have children and wanted to leave the group.

Time for a change in this state.

Pace!

B

A Post on Salon.Com

Good morning from NYC.

On July 4th, I watched the firework display over the Hudson, and then was given the treat of reading my post on salon.com as I was walking back from the night's festivities.

I am posting the link to the salon.com here:
http://www.salon.com/life/lgbt/index.html?story=/mwt/feature/2011/07/04/gay_minister_in_southern_town

The link/story has also been picked up by others, like towleroad.com:
http://www.towleroad.com/2011/07/gay-minister-discusses-small-town-bigotry-acceptance.html

Best,

Brett