I have been talking (ranting) a bit lately about my disdain for political candidates and their supporters who would reduce LGBT equality to a political issue that can be debated. After observing emotions beginning to run high, a friend posted a link to my Facebook wall to an article in the New York Times about emotions running high when discussing politics online. Here’s my response:
My big coming out was at the Pentagon last June at the first official LGBT Pride Month event. You can check out the video at C-SPAN (my part begins at 36:20). Still, on this day, I thought I would take a minute to express my pride in those fellow service members–both LGBT and our straight allies–who express their support for equality.
I will also take a brief moment to encourage those who are on the fence to come out. It’s a personal decision, to be sure, but it’s a decision that is based on integrity rather than fear. Coming out is not only personally liberating, but it’s an inspiration to those around you who need to know that we’re here, in every community, in every family, and deserve exactly the same rights to live our lives and pursue our dreams.
I recently gave a lecture at San Diego State University with my good friend Kristen Kavanaugh, a fellow Marine and former captain, and one of the founders of the Military Acceptance Project. The lecture was the first of their FLUID Lecture Series, which is a public lecture series focusing on the diversity of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Intersex Queer and Ally community.
I am completely overwhelmed by the response the posts about the Birthday Ball have gotten. I want you all to know how much I truly appreciate the kind words and support you have shown Brandon and me. I wish I had time to reply to each of you, but I just can’t keep up. You should at least know that I have read every single comment and reply and I’ve shared them with Brandon, too. I love very much that you’re posting your words for me and everyone else to see.
My previous blog posts that were hosted on MobileMe are going to be removed, so I am adding them to this site, maintaining their original publishing dates. Sorry if you feel like you’re getting spammed. I’ll try to spread them out.
It’s been a while since I’ve written. Maybe it’s because I don’t have anything to say. Or perhaps it’s because I haven’t had time. Or perhaps it’s another reason altogether.
I’m visiting Chicago this week. After months of non-stop work, I finally got a break and wanted nothing more than to visit my family and my dog. Everything is more or less as I left it, as I suppose would be expected. It’s comforting to know that when everything is going crazy, whether good or bad, some things are always there.
Just a thought today…. “If I’m not a better man today than yesterday, I’ve wasted one whole day of my life.”
As I sit here in my room on a Saturday morning, I think about all the things I can do to get my life in order. I need to wash my car, I need to get it fixed. I need to clean the room. I need to do laundry. I need to do some homework, and some work I brought home from work. I need to go to the gym, and I need to get some running in. But all I really want to do is sit here. I can’t help but wonder why.
It’s 0710 on a Monday morning, and I’m about to cry.
The past few days have completely exhausted me. Last Thursday we were in Torrance, California, for their Armed Forces Day Celebration. The oldest celebration recognized by the government as an official observance, and one of only six in the country that is sponsored by a city, after 44 years they have it down. Our concert Friday night was observed by generals and admirals from every branch of the Armed Forces, and very well received by all. Saturday we were the featured unit in the parade, so not only did we lead off the parade, but we also played a post-parade show, also well received.
We do many things in our lives, some of which we want to do, and some of which we don’t. Did you ever notice that the things we want to do are much easier to do than the things we don’t? Does that mean if we want to do everything, everything will be easy? Hmm…
