Appropriate again.

202-456-1111 . Call the White House and express, in no uncertain terms, your thoughts on the current president’s vile attack on the rights of your trans siblings: Trans People Are Not A Burden. . Picture: “WE’RE HERE, WE’RE QUEER, WE HATE THE FUCKING PRESIDENT!,” AIDS Coalition To Unleash Power (ACT UP), New York City, 1990. Photo by Dona Ann McAdams (@leicalola), c/o Bronx Documentary Center. #lgbthistory #HavePrideInHistory #Resist

Meet The Transgender Veteran Who Created The Trans Pride Flag

Equality March SF, June 11th

There have been many advances in the fight for rights for LGBTQ people in the US since the days of the Compton’s Cafeteria and Stonewall riots. The battle for marriage equality was waged and won, Don’t Ask Don’t Tell repealed, and federal hate crime legislation was signed into law by President Obama, leading many to believe we had reached equality, even in spite of a lack of protections on the federal level, with The Equality Act continuing to languish in Congress. We can be married but we still face discrimination in housing, healthcare and employment in most parts of the country. The struggle for full equality is far from over. We have come far but we have not arrived. And the anti-LGBTQ sentiment of the republican-led congress and the Trump administration backs us further and further into a corner. We as a community and our allies must continue to rise. Trump filled his administration with individuals with long histories of anti-LGBTQ views and voting records, and his Supreme Court choice, Neil Gorsuch is just as dangerous to equal rights for all Americans. Unlike the previous administration, it was made very clear right after the inauguration that neither our civil rights, our healthcare, nor our safety are considered a priority. Anti-LGBTQ bills have sprung up all over the country since this last election that was full of hate rhetoric towards anyone that isn't rich, white, christian and straight. The White House Office of National AIDS Policy has been closed since January 20th. Trump has yet to back away from his promise that he would sign the First Amendment Defense Act into law, which would allow for religious based discrimination in such areas as healthcare, businesses, employment, and housing. His pick for Attorney General, Jeff Sessions, has defended the bill. Chechnya has been rounding up Gay and Bisexual men to torture and kill. But the current administration, with it's ties to Putin and the Russian government, have yet to say anything against what is tantamount to gay concentration camps and a goal to eliminate all Gay and Bisexual men in that country. This is why we must march on June 11th in conjunction with The Equality March for Unity and Pride in Washington DC. Other locations where there will be sister marches to The Equality March include: Fort Lauderdale, Florida Frankfort, Illinois San Jose, Ca Palm Springs, CA Los Angeles, CA Wichita, Kansas Philadelphia, PA Nebraska Chattanooga, TN Kansas City, Missouri Austin, Texas Nebraska Vermont Zurich, Switzerland We must continue to rise. A growing coalition of us are organizing a march on June 11th (to correspond with the National Equality March in DC)down Polk Street and end with a protest at the Civic Center. Join us and make this march and protest a strong message to the administration that we will not back down; we will not divide and be conquered; we will not be silent as our brothers and sisters continue to face discrimination and death. Join us and let us unite as a human rainbow of LGBTQ people, Women, People of Color, Undocumented Immigrants, Muslims, Native Americans, Disabled people, the poor and the homeless. Join us as we recommit as allies to each other's communities. Join us and we stand together against discrimination and the onslaught against our rights. We gather at Polk and California and march down Polk to the Civic Center. I hope everyone in the Bay Area can join us.

It Begins With Love

No, this is not a sentimental song or a sappy greeting card. This is what is needed to truthfully, effectively serve your community. It begins with love in your heart. It begins with love for humanity. It begins with love for justice. And it begins with understanding the Source of that love. I could not find the encouragement within myself to keep plugging away day after day, year after year for civil rights, for health care, for immigration rights, for the right for all people to live totally human with their full human rights without a Divine Love, a Supreme Love. When I think of the amount of time and energy invested in the battle for basic human rights for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community, it amazes me that I haven’t gotten fed up and burned out years ago. I haven’t because I have a Source of Love for my fellow human being, for my brothers and sisters that I know and many that I will never know, that transcends all limits and understanding. If I did not care as much as I am compelled to for my fellow person, would I put so much attention to their welfare, often at the expense of mine?Many people in the human rights movement could have made great fortunes with their determination and focus but they didn’t. They harnessed that determination towards human rights and focus on the prize of creating the Beloved Community, the Utopia that other things became secondary. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr lived a comfortable but simple life. He had a home big enough for himself and his family and that was all. He could have worked to get a mansion. He could have demanded speaking fees that would help himself and his wife and children live very well. And people would’ve paid it to hear him. But that was not where his focus was. He also could’ve kept his speaking engagements to his hometown and deliver the message from his church pulpit. This would have kept him close to his growing children. This would have possibly even kept him safer from danger. But his love for humanity compelled him to go to the different cities that needed a leader. His love for humanity wouldn’t let him be comfortable or safe. Mahatma Gandhi lived as simple a life as one could. He created a free government and also created the fabric from which his robes were made. He encouraged living a simple life to keep a focus on the struggle for human rights. He taught his followers to live simple lives in order to be used more effectively by Love. And look at Harvey Milk. He owned only one suit and one pair of dress shoes. He could’ve moved to San Francisco and make a very comfortable life for himself but that wasn’t where he saw the need. He saw the need for rights for the people of the LGBT community both in San Francisco and across the country. He saw that his community needed a voice and he sacrificed himself to be that voice. In your own life, what makes you want to pursue a life of activism? It can’t be for the fame and fortune. Standing for what’s right makes just as many enemies as it does friends and makes very little, if any, money. So you must be doing it because you have some unexplainable Love for humanity. Some see it as compassion. Some call it consciousness. Some call it duty. But it’s Love, an unexplainable Love that breaks your heart when you hear about someone who’s human rights were trampled on. It’s Love when you are nearly moved to tears because a stranger was blocked from living a full and free life. Over the years, I’ve found myself many nights having to close the door to my room and quietly weep for the brothers and sisters that have been told they can’t be with the person they love. And I’ve been moved to an almost uncontrollable rage when I see people that have been treated less than human, forced to live in the shadows of poverty while others can afford all the ‘luxuries’ of adequate healthcare, decent housing, proper wages for their work. And it’s Love that makes me react this way. This Love is different than the love one has for a spouse or the love one has for a family member. This Love is a connection to all other beings. It’s a Love from a Higher Power. Some say it’s from God, Goddess, the Holy Spirit, from the Universe. What ever is consistent with your personal path. But it’s not just from a big heart. I’ve been advised many times to not love so much. I was told by one friend that I should try to care less about people and their problems. I couldn’t then and I can’t now. This Love doesn’t have have an on and off switch. It simply exists. And once you awaken it in you, you can never truly turn it off. And you don’t want to.

Love Yourself

Loving yourself is hard. There are so many variables that exist within humans that can cause hate. But no matter what someone says, you’re pretty damn awesome. 

Just remember:

To eat.

When eating, make sure it’s relatively healthy. Your body needs nutrients and protein. 

To hydrate.

When picking out something to drink, pick water over soda. Soda is a dehydrator and some caramel coloring in soft drinks can lead to cancer. 

To sleep.

People who’re 14-17 years old are supposed to get 8 to 10 hours of sleep. 18-64 year olds are supposed to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep. 

To love yourself regardless of what others say.

42,773 Americans die each year by suicide. In 2014, there were 6,581 suicides in the UK and Republic of Ireland. In Canada (2012), 3,926 people committed suicide. 

Love yourself. Who the fuck cares what other people think, love yourself and outlive the fuckers who hate. Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay amazing. I love all of you and encourage you to keep on pushing.

You can do it.

You can do anything. 

Lights And Shadows (pt 4)

A few days later, Jimmy is in line at the Customer Service Department with lots of other store employees to cash their checks when he hears Blake calling to him from the back of the line. He turns and sees him in line with his partner Gary, who works part time in Men’s Suits.

“Jimmy, what are you doing for dinner?” I’m off at five and Gary here already has plans. Have you two met?“

"Hi Gary, nice to meet you. Blake, I’m off at five-thirty. Maybe meet at the Cafe and grab something in the neighborhood?” He gets his money and walks over to the couple.

“That sounds like a plan. Want to go up to Castro and have Thai food across from the movie theater? I love their curry.”

“Which place is this?”

“It’s the one above that Bear Bar. It looks like someone turned their apartment into a restaurant with the living room and front bedroom converted to dining space. It’s a little overdone but it’s cute and the food is great. Gary, are you sure you can’t join us?”

Gary is distracted checking out a skinny blonde guy walking away from the customer service window. “What? Oh no, I’m busy with work tonight. You guys have fun without me. Actually, I need to get going. I’ll see you late tonight at the house.” He gives Blake a quick kiss and rushes off in the general direction of the blonde.

“So that’s Gary. I didn’t know he had another job. What does he do?”

“Oh, let’s just say a little bit of this and a little bit of that. But, if he says he’s working, it usually means he won’t be home until tomorrow morning, if that.”

“Umm, okay. Well, I should get back to finish my shift. See you at the Cafe.”

“Great. We can start there and just let it go where it all goes.”

“Umm, okay.”

Later that evening, Blake sees Jimmy in line at the large vintage counter that takes up the length of one wall inside Cafe Flor. He quietly walks up behind him and gives his butt a light squeeze.

Jimmy rapidly turns around, ready to push someone away, “Hey! Oh shit, I should know it would be you. Don’t do that.”

Blake smiles, “Sorry, but your tushy is too irresistible to stay away from. Did you just get here too?”

“Yeah, the bus got stuck behind a fender bender between a cab and a pizza delivery. No one in this town knows how to drive in the rain. We were in the middle of the block so the driver refused to let anyone off and we had to wait for almost half an hour before it got going again. Our tax dollars at work.”

“That table in the corner just opened up. I’ll grab it. Could you get me a merlot?”

“Sure, no problem. Did you want anything to munch on? They have that marble cheesecake that you like.”

“Ooh yes. Thanks.”

About a mile away, the crowd is just showing up at the Loading Dock on 10th and Mission. Frank is getting off of his Harley at the curb in front of the growing line at the door. The crowd is made up of men, mostly in their 30s to 50s. Some of them are in tight Levi’s, motorcycle boots, and biker jackets. There are a few in chaps, leather harnesses, leather vests and Master caps. One short, slender redheaded guy is at the door in working boots, unbuttoned overalls, a backwards Giants baseball cap, a black tank top with the words SILENCE = DEATH painted on in neon blue and a backwards beat up baseball cap. He stops talking to the doorman to check out Frank.

“Hmm, my knight in shiny black leather has arrived,” Vince says to the doorman but loud enough for Frank to hear.

Lou rolls his eyes,“So that means everyone else can enjoy their night?”

“Maybe more. If they bring their own poppers.”

“Vinnie, I told you before, no poppers in the bar. Not even in the backroom.”

“That’s Vince and you know I’m just yanking on your chain.”

“And that’s all you’re yanking on me. Uh, hi Frank. How are you Sir?”

“Doing well, Lou. How’s it going tonight?”

“Actually it’s pretty busy for a rainy night. But sometimes I swear the queens in this town act as if they’ll melt if they ever got wet.”

“Some are wicked enough, they just might.” Then Frank turns to Vince and slowly sizes him up and down, “And who is this vision of mischief? Let’s hope he’s single and well trained.”

“Hi, I’m Vince. And I’m both, especially for handsome Daddies like yourself.”

“Sir.”

“I’m Vince, Sir.”

“Very good to meet you, sexy boy. I suppose Lou has already told you that I enjoy the company of the occasional redhead. But it’s grossly exaggerated. I enjoy all boys, as long as they know how to follow direction.”

Lou starts to laugh.

“Okay. I admit that red is my favorite color in a few ways. If you behave, maybe we can explore that later. But for now, come with me. I’ll buy the first round.”

As they start to walk in, Lou stops Vince and points at his tank top,“You know I am behind you 100% with what you do for the community but the manager doesn’t want any slogans or activism inside?”

Vince rolls his pale green eyes, takes off his baseball cap to reveal a full head of wild wavy red curls, removes his tank showing a pale back full of freckles, puts his cap back on, backwards, and follows Frank to the bar, stopping occasionally for Frank to hug and say hello to a number of friends or for Vince to hug someone and hand them a small flyer out of his back pocket for the next ACT-Up action.They get their drinks and make it towards the back of the narrow dark bar, past the rows of beat up lockers where other men are changing from work clothes into their leather or fetish gear or down to jockstraps and boots. Frank stops to chat briefly with another friend sitting on the pool table in the back of the bar before leading Vince up the narrow stairs.

They find a spot to sit between the little store full of sex toys, whips, floggers, handcuffs, various brands of poppers and the backroom behind the big black leather curtain which, by now, is full of men groping around, and each other, in the dark.

Vince starts up,“I don’t think I’ve seen it this crowded since last Folsom Fair. Is there something going on, Sir?”

“Nothing that I’ve heard of but maybe it’s just the full moon. Maybe it’s men blowing off steam after working another busy sale in their Union Square shops. Maybe they knew you’d be here.”

“Thank you Sir but I don’t think that I’m that good.”

“I’ll be the judge of that.”

“It’ll be my pleasure, Sir.”

“What’s the flyer you’re passing out? Is it another AIDS rally?”

“Yes Sir,” as he hands one of the folded flyers to Frank. “It’s this coming Tuesday at City Hall. We are calling for the city officials of every city with a sizable Gay community to stand with us and demand that the Food and Drug Administration to give the okay to more than AZT. There’s at least half a dozen drugs that are being used outside of the US that are showing good results for people living with AIDS but the FDA won’t even acknowledge their existence or let the mainstream media report about them.”

“And when will this rally happen? Is it only ACT-UP or will other groups and non-affiliated concerned citizens like myself be welcome?”

“It’s for anyone that will stand up for our ailing brothers, Sir. And it starts at 11:30, so it can be filmed for the noontime news shows and should go until 1, when the supervisors go into their weekly meeting.”

“Good planning.”

“Well, if it isn’t captured by the news cameras, it may as well not happen.”

“Tuesday is a light day and I am sick of seeing approval of drug trials going at a snail’s pace while we lose hundreds of brothers and sisters, and babies, every day. I know that if this was cancer or another Legionnaires Disease, the government would’ve interceded immediately and thrown all money and resources at it to keep the death rate below 150.”

“Would you want to say that to the crowd or inside to the board of supervisors? We need more of your type speaking for the cause.”

“And what type is that? The suits? Older? The presumed dying generation?”

“Honestly, all of the above. Plus, more hot daddies like you would be great for the morale of a lot of us activist boys, Sir.”

“Haha, I never thought I’d be considered a hot Daddy for justice,”

“If the workboot fits, Sir. And I’ll be happy to lick it for you.”

Frank looks at Vince with a mischievous look, sets down his beer and stands up. Vince slams down the rest of his beer and jumps to his feet enthusiastically. Frank gives him a smile, tweaks his nipple and grabs Vince by one of the overall straps and walks him through the leather curtains into the backroom.

Ballet Dancer Greig Matthews in Beautiful  FLOWING  Costumes.

“ABOLISH ALL ANTI-GAY LAWS! LAVENDAR PEOPLE” – “NONE OF US IS FREE UNTIL ALL OF US ARE FREE,” Christopher Street West Parade, Los Angeles, California, June 1972. Photo by Cathy Cade, c/o Bancroft Library, U.C. Berkeley (@ucberkeleyofficial). #lgbthistory #HavePrideInHistory (at Los Angeles, California)

Lights And Shadows (pt 3)

In a small dark apartment just down the peninsula from the city, a woman is rolling over onto her side under her pale blue blanket. She silently looks toward the foot of the bed where there is an older man, in his 60s, getting dressed. After he puts his shoes on, he reaches into his pocket and pulls a wad of twenty dollar bills out and puts them on the dresser. "As usual, that was real nice, Shauna. Don't sleep the day away. I don't know if I can see you next week as my wife's nosey mother will be visiting with us for a few days. But I'll get ahold of you before the holidays start up." And he walks out the door, back to his boring suburban life, leaving Shauna to her very different life, full of self discovery and frustrating johns. Shauna sits up and looks towards the door for a moment and then at the cash for services rendered. She wraps the blanket around her and gets up to make a fresh pot of coffee on the electric burner that substitutes for a stove. "Not if I get money for airfare to get out of this town first." She counts the cash to herself, "Damn, barely enough for rent for this little cave and a lunch special at the burger joint." She let's out a low sigh while glancing out the window, "Looks like more rain." She wipes a tear, trades the blanket for her pink terry cloth robe then pours herself a cup of strong black coffee and starts her day. Another day, another dollar or less. It's a good thing that Jimmy is a natural at sales, his commissions more than make up for lack of hours on the sales floor. It doesn't hurt that even on his worse days, he can put aside the pain in his personal life and turn on the charm. When he was in school, his aspirations were to be a famous jazz musician. His room was always cluttered with keyboards, guitars, percussion instruments, whatever he could get his hands on that made music. During his senior year in college, money was really tight and he had to slowly sell each instrument and a month before graduation he was offered a sales position in a higher end shoe department at a clothing store near Union Square. It was only a matter of time before he was talked into working at Macy's on Union Square. He always enjoyed talking about fashion to women. Most of his friends growing up have been the girls of the neighborhood. Plus, he was tired of living on macaroni and cheese and tuna. Since then, he's become one of the top sellers in the department. The floor of the store is mostly designer and trendy women's clothing and his department is on the opposite end of purses so he can easily watch the women who come in from their tourist busses or over from downtown, or Pacific Heights, to shop for a specific outfit or two. Well, a girl has to have the right shoes for the occasion and Jimmy is just the one to sell the ideal pair and then point them in the direction of the perfect accessories. This encourages his coworkers in nearby departments to send him customers just as often. One of the salesmen in an adjoining department, selling the higher end trendy, is Blake. Jimmy and Blake never talk much. They're cordial and often send a customer to the other to get something that matches perfectly. Blake is maybe a year or two younger than Jimmy. He has wavy hair like Jimmy's but lighter, a dirty blonde, and cut very short on the sides. The single big wave he keeps long in front swoops down to almost touch his round tortoise shell glasses. They frame pale greenish-gray eyes that are complimented by his round boyish cheeks and big, bright smile that always has a hint of mischief. As Jimmy is bagging up some of the more expensive pairs of pumps, in three colors, for a stylish woman in her 50s, Blake quietly walks into Jimmy's department. She's dressed in a navy pinstriped blazer and skirt with an ivory colored silk dress shirt and a modest length pearl necklace with a tear-shaped opal hanging from it. Her shoulder length hair that has just a hint of gray is styled reminiscent of Mary Tyler Moore. The woman is clearly an executive from the financial district. Blake overhears the conversation between Jimmy and his appreciative customer. "Thanks for visiting us again and I know you're going to love those. The heel might look a little high but the shoe is so well made you won't feel any bit uneasy. And if you need any stretching to soften the leather on the red pair before your event don't hesitate to bring them by." "Oh Jimmy, you're such a dear. What would us old socialites do without you? Are you sure you can't meet my niece when she's in town in December? I just know the two of you would get along fine. Maybe you can take her to one of those AIDS dance-athons that you've told me about in the past. You do still go to those?" "Well, it's been a while since I've been to one. I've been taking a little break from things lately. Besides Mrs. Masden, you know I can't date a customer. Macy's wouldn't approve. But thank you so much." " I understand how we have to all dance to the tune of our employees. Mine definitely do. Even when it's a silly policy. And as for taking a break from things, don't take too long. The world needs your kind heart and big smile. Anyways, thank you again and I'll let you know how the burgundy ones work for the reception next week. I'm sure I'll be in at least one more time before the holiday madness starts. Till next we meet darling boy." "Yes, let me know, thank you. And don't behave yourself." As Blake comes up from behind, "Oh, Blake, you're off already? It's only 9." "I won a bet with a coworker so he's covering my last hour. I was watching you work that last one. Boy, am I glad you like it in shoes." "That's Mrs. Masden. She's a regular. By day, she runs a job agency downtown. By night, she's a busy Pacific Heights socialite. I think she holds two dinner parties a week, and always for some big cause or another." "What was that about her niece?" "Apparently, her niece, who is studying to be a doctor in the east coast, is coming to visit and Mrs. Masden is trying to fix us up." "For what? I mean, you're not nearly as nelly as most of the queens around here but she can tell you're queer, right?" "No idea. And thanks for reaffirming my masculinity." "Sure, anytime Mister. So, what are you doing tonight after your shift? I was going to Tower Records for the new Cocteau Twins compilation. Maybe you can join me at Cafe Flor for some wine and check it out together." "Umm..." "Come on, how long have we been working practically right next to each other and never hung out?" "I appreciate the offer, I do. But times are a little tough for me right now. And, besides, shouldn't you be going home to your boyfriend?" "He's the one that suggested I should get to know you. And, besides, he is busy with work this weekend." "Oh, I didn't know you guys were in an open relationship." "Yes, it's something we do so we don't get too needy with each other." " I guess that makes sense. If it works for you two." "So, see you around 10:00? Its not anything serious that I'm asking you out to. Let's just hang out, have a few drinks, talk music..." "Well, I did promise someone that I'd get out more. Okay. I'll try to finish up and get out of here a little early. It's been a little slow with the rain so that shouldn't be too hard." "It's never too hard for me." "What?" "Nothing. See you at the Cafe. If you do get there before 10, poke into Tower. I might still be in either the Goth section or the Classical section if I lose track of time. And I usually do." "I know how that is. I do it all the time in music stores and bookstores. Sure, I'll see you around that time." Jimmy gives a little wave to Blake as he walks towards the door and a group of trendy teenaged girls wander into his department. "Well, this will take up the next hour," he mumbles to himself before he turns back around, smiles and approaches them. An hour later, Jimmy is in the Castro and rushing in the rain over to Tower Records. Just as he's about to pass the entrance to Cafe Flor, Blake jumps out in front of him. Jimmy, who hates being late and is rushing, doesn't even notice him until he bumps into him. "Oops, sorry sir. Oh, it's you." Blake gives him a quick hug. "That's okay. You can bump into me anytime you like." "Haha. Were you waiting long? I got busy right after you left and could barely get them to leave to close up on time." "I've just been here long enough to get a glass of their merlot. It's not the greatest but it's not horrible. Want to try a glass? Or are you a beer and pretzels kind of guy?" Blake leads Jimmy over to one of the tables on the side of the cafe that is covered but away from the more crowded tables. "This is my favorite spot in the the city for people watching. Let me buy this round." "Thanks, they have a nice sangria. I tried it when Drew and I came here once," as he's setting his backpack down on the wooden bench alongside the glass front of the cafe and takes off his wet jacket and baseball cap. "And, if we get to a second round, it's on me." Sitting in that narrow section with the little row of white marble cafe tables between two windows overlooking Market Street, Blake and Jimmy start to talk about the day at work and the customers and coworkers. Then, Blake reaches into his leather shoulder bag and takes out his Walkman and the new cd he just purchased. He waves it in front of Jimmy's face a little, unwraps it eagerly and pops it into the player. "You must hear this," as he hands a pair of small headphones, that are little more than a flat curved wire between two round foam cushions, to Jimmy. "I give you the honors of hearing this first." "Don't you want to hear it too?" "It's a compilation of their imports and I have most of it. Besides I want to hear what you think of them. You have heard of the Cocteau Twins, right?" Jimmy puts on the small headphones as Blake presses the play button. The music starts with a drum machine and a guitar strumming very simple chords. A voice starts singing and Jimmy doesn't know what to make of this ethereal singer. The woman is singing in a soprano that floats over the instruments. And he doesn't have the vaguest idea what language she's singing in. But it's as if her voice is one more instrument in this new wave-ish space waltz. "I don't want to sound stupid but what language is she singing in?" "Who knows. I think she makes it up as she goes. What do you think?" "It's like nothing I've ever heard before. But I like it. There's something otherworldly and all so romantic about it." Nice description. People either love them obsessively or hate them. My partner hates that he can't understand what she's singing about. He wants words that he can sing along to. I think it's all of that Motown and r&b that he grew up listening to. He prefers that I play them on my headphones or when he's not home." "Really? It sounds like great music to make out to." "Think so? Maybe we can try that out later?" "Wow, you're incorrigible." "And you're irresistible." "Blake, it's only been a few months since I lost Drew. I'm not ready for anything heavy. I don't even know if I'll ever be." "Jimmy, you sweet boy, I'm not looking for anything more than a new friend and maybe a little action once in a while. I love my partner and I'd never leave him, not even for someone as adorable as you. But we rarely have sex so I'm free to get my needs met with other people. I hope that's not weird for you." "No. It's different. But it's not weird." They sit silently for a moment. Then Blake puts the earplugs back on Jimmy's head. "You keep listening and I'll go get you that sangria." "Thanks," Jimmy says as Blake gets up and starts walking toward the entrance. Jimmy hits play and thinks to himself as the singer starts up in her strange non-language, "Well, this is very different and maybe that's what I need. Something very different." When Blake returns with the sangria and another merlot for himself, they share the earplugs and listen to the rest of the Cocteau Twins. They also listen to a few bits and pieces from other CDs that Blake pulls out of his shoulder bag. "Want one of my designer cigarettes?" Blake asks as he pulls a silver antique cigarette case out. "They're very smooth." "I rarely smoke but sure, I'll try one." For another hour they sit under the awning, protected from the steady heavy downpour of rain that rarely happens in San Francisco, huddled together smoking, trying each other's drinks and listening to music. "So," Blake finally says, " tell me about yourself. Where did you grow up? What brought you to this wonderful city? How old were you when you came out?" "I'm from here. Grew up in the Mission." "Darling, no one is from here." I am. I grew up in the Mission with an aunt and about seven other kids that she raised. I guess I came out when I was twelve but I don't know if I was ever in the closet. There were so many people in the house that no one really noticed me or cared. I usually did what I wanted to as long as I got good grades and was home in time for dinner." "Lucky you. I'm an only child from an overly-protective fundamentalist mom. I moved here from Denver as soon as I was old enough to get away, the day after my eighteenth birthday. I had my first gay experience on the back of that bus that brought me here. Dear old Mother still doesn't know, or want to know, I'm not sure which is more accurate." "You never told her?" "I have tried. I've brought up the subject a few times but each time she changes the topic of conversation. I mention Gary and she will only refer to him as my roommate. I think she's decided to go the grave thinking that her boy will someday meet a nice Christian girl and make lots of green-eyed masculine babies. Hey, want to go back to your place and fuck?" Jimmy chokes on the sip of sangria he just took, "What? Wow. Uh, well, I don't know." "Come on. I'm not talking about a lifetime commitment. We won't have to pick out matching drapes in the morning. Just a nice night of escaping in sweaty passion between two horny young men." "It's a really nice offer and I do think you're attractive but..." "But nothing. You look like you haven't gotten laid in ages." "Feels like years. But...I'm not sure about this." "Why you're practically a virgin again. We won't do anything you won't enjoy." "It would be nice to cuddle with someone a little but maybe next time." "Okay, I'll let you off this time. But not forever. I've watched you from my department too long."

Black LBGTQ History Icons

Marsha P. Johnson

A leader of the Stonewall Riots. According to several eyewitnesses, Marsha was the one who “really started it”. She was “in the middle of the whole thing, screaming and yelling and throwing rocks and almost like Molly Pitcher in the Revolution or something”

Dedicated her life to activism:

Co-founded the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (later renamed Street Transgender Action Revolutionaries)

Ensured that the young drag queens, trans women and other street kids on Christopher Street were fed and clothed. Marsha also housed them whenever she could. 

In the 1980s, she was an activist and organizer in ACT UP. 

Stormé DeLarverie

Also a leader in the Stonewall Riots - has been identified as the “butch lesbian that threw the first punch” against the police officers.

Several eye-witnesses recollections also recognize her as the cross-dressing lesbian that yelled “why don’t you guys do something” at the bystanders that evoked the reaction from them that helped make Stonewall a defining moment in history.

Unofficially worked at gay bars who otherwise couldn’t afford security.

Bayard Rustin

Was a leading strategist of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement between 1955-1968:

The formidable behind the scenes figure of the civil rights movement who organized the March on Washington

Through his influence, the civil rights leadership adopted a non-violent stance.

Is and was often overlooked in African-American history because of the public’s discomfort with his sexual orientation.

Supported LGBTQ rights and movements.

Was posthumously awarded Rustin the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.

Miss Major Griffin-Gracy

Another leader in the Stonewall Riots.

Has been involved in community efforts since 1978. She has worked at local food banks, provide services for trans women suffering from addiction or homelessness. During the AIDS epidemic she also provided healthcare and funeral services.

Is currently serving as the Executive Director for the Transgender GenderVariant Intersex Justice Project, working to assist transgender persons who are disproportionately incarcerated under a prison-industrial complex.

Alvin Ailey

At the young age of 22, Alvin AIley became Artistic Directer for the Horton Dance Company where he choreographed as well as directed scenes and costume designs.

Formed the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre in 1958 but continued to choreograph for other companies.

Ailey’s signature works prominently reflects his Black pride.

Is credited for popularizing modern dance. 

Was also posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.

Feel free to add anyone I’ve missed!

Eight months after taking office, the mayor of a small town in Texas has come out as transgender.

“As your Mayor I must tell you about something that has been with me since my earliest memories,” New Hope Mayor Jess Herbst wrote in an open letter on the town’s website. “I am Transgender.”

She is believed to be the first openly transgender mayor in Texas, The Dallas Observer reported.

Herbst has been documenting her journey on the blog, JessHerbst.com. She told The Huffington Post that the reaction to her news has been overwhelmingly positive.

The Leaked Draft of the So-Called Religious Freedom Executive Order

This is the leaked draft of the so-called religious freedom executive order. It may have changes made or it be may be signed as is. If so, this will undo years and years forward movement for LGBTQA rights, for legalized abortion and more. 
Executive Order—Establishing a Government-Wide Initiative to Respect Religious Freedom EXECUTIVE ORDER Establishing a Government-Wide Initiative to Respect Religious Freedom By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, in order to guide the executive branch in formulating and implementing policies with implications for the religious freedom of persons and organizations in America, and to further compliance with the Constitution, applicable statutes, and other legal authorities, it is hereby ordered: Section 1. Policy. The United States Constitution enshrines and protects the fundamental natural right to religious liberty. This Constitutional protection ensures that Americans and their religious organizations will not be coerced by the Federal Government into participating in activities that violate their consciences, and will remain free to express their viewpoints without suffering adverse treatment from the Federal Government. It shall be the policy of this Administration to protect religious freedom. Sec. 2. Definitions. For purposes of this order: (a) “Person” shall have the same definition as “person” in 1 U.S.C. 1. (b) “Religious exercise” includes all aspects of religious observance and practice, as well as belief, and includes any act or any refusal to act that is motivated by a sincerely held religious belief, whether or not the act is required or compelled by, or central to, a system of religious belief. © “Religious organization” shall be construed broadly to encompass any organization, including closely held for-profit corporations, operated for a religious purpose, even if its purpose is not exclusively religious, and is not limited to houses of worship or tax-exempt organizations, or organizations controlled by or associated with a house of worship or a convention or association of churches. Sec. 3 Religious Freedom Principles and Policymaking Criteria. All executive branch departments and agencies (“agencies”) shall, to the greatest extent practicable and permitted by law, adhere to the following principles and criteria when formulating and implementing regulations, actions, or policies: (a) Religious freedom is not confined to religious organizations or limited to religious exercise that takes place in houses of worship or the home. It is guaranteed to persons of all faiths and extends to all activities of life. (b) Persons and organizations do not forfeit their religious freedom when providing social services, education, or healthcare; earning a living, seeking a job, or employing others; receiving government grants or contracts: or otherwise participating in the marketplace, the public square, or interfacing with Federal, State or local governments. © As required by religious freedom laws such as the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, 42 U.S.C. 2000bb et seq. (“RFRA”) and the religious provisions of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 20003 et seq., agencies shall faithfully discharge their duty to accommodate the religion of federal employees and shall not promulgate regulations, take actions, or enact policies that substantially burden a person’s or religious organization’s religious exercise unless the imposition represents the least restrictive means of furthering a compelling governmental interest. Regulations, actions, or policies shall not be deemed “compelling” simply by virtue of their having been applied neutrally, broadly, or across the Federal Government. Sec. 4. Specific agency Responsibilities to Avoid Potential Violation of Religious Freedom (a) The Secretaries of Health and Human Services, Labor, and Treasury shall immediately issue an interim final rule that exempts from the preventative-care mandate set forth in 42 U.S.C. 300gg-13(a)(4) all persons and religious organizations that object to complying with the mandate for religious or moral reasons. (b) The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall take appropriate actions, through mechanisms to ensure compliance with existing statutory and other protections, if necessary, to ensure that any individuals purchasing health insurance in the individual market (whether through a federally facilitated exchange, a state-sponsored health insurance exchange, or otherwise) has the ability to purchase health insurance that does not provide coverage for abortion and does not subsidize plans that do provide such coverage. © The Secretary of Health and human Services shall take all appropriate actions to ensure that the Federal Government shall not discriminate or take any adverse action against a religious organization that provides federally-funded child-welfare services, including promoting or providing adoption, foster, or family support services for children, or similar services, on the basis that the organization declines to provide , facilitate, or refer such services due to a conflict with the organization’s religious beliefs. The Secretary of Health and human Services shall, where authorized by law, promptly propose for notice and comment new regulations consistent with this policy. (d) All agencies shall, with respect to any person, house of worship, or religious organization that is a recipient of or offeror for a Federal Government contract, subcontract, grant, purchase order, or cooperative agreement, provide protections and exceptions consistent with sections 702(a) and 703(e) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 20003-I(a) and 2000e-2(e)) and section 103(d) of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12113(d)). The Secretary of Labor shall, where authorized by law, promptly propose for notice and comment new regulations consistent with this policy. (e) The Secretary of the Treasury shall ensure that the Department of the Treasury shall not impose any tax or tax penalty, delay or deny tax-exempt status, or disallow tax deductions for contributions made under 26 U.S.C. 501©(3), or otherwise make unavailable or deny any tax benefits to any person, church, synagogue, house of worship or other religious organization. (1) on the basis of such person or organization speaking on moral or political issues from a religious perspective where religious speech of similar character has, consistent with law, not ordinarily been treated as an intervention in a political campaign by the Department of the Treasury, or (2) on the basis that such person or organization believes, speaks, or acts (or declines to act) in accordance with the belief that marriage is or should be recognized as the union of one man and one woman, sexual relations are properly reserved for such a marriage, male and female and their equivalents refer to an individual’s immutable biological sex as objectively determined by anatomy, physiology, or genetics at or before birth, and that human life begins at conception and merits protection at all stages of life. The Secretary of the Treasure and the Commissioner of Internal Revenue shall, where authorized by law, promptly propose for notice and comment new regulations consistent with this policy. (b) No agency shall, to the extent allowed by law, not recognize any decisions or findings made by any federally-recognized accrediting body that revokes or denies accreditation to, or otherwise disadvantages, a religious organization on the basis that such organization believes, speaks, or acts (or declines to act) in accordance with a belief described in section 4(e)(2) of this order. (g) No agency shall exclude or otherwise make unavailable or deny any person or religious organization admission or access to charitable fundraising campaigns on the basis that such person or organization believes, speaks, or acts (or declines to act) in accordance with the beliefs described in Section 4(e)(2) of this order. (k) No agency shall take adverse action against any person or religious organization that is a Federal employee, contractor, or grantee on the basis of their speaking or acting in accordance with the beliefs described in section 4(e)(2) of this order while outside the scope of their employment, contract, or grant, and shall reasonably accommodate such speech and action when made within the course of their employment, contract, or grant. This provision shall not be construed to diminish or otherwise limit any other protection provided by this order. (l) The Attorney General shall establish with the Department of Justice a Section or working group that will ensure that the religious freedom of persons and religious organizations is protected throughout the United States, and shall investigate and, if necessary, take or coordinate appropriate action under applicable religious freedom laws. Sec. 5. General Provisions. (a) All agencies shall promptly withdraw or rescind any rulings, directives, regulations, guidance, positions, or interpretations that are inconsistent with this order to the extent of their inconsistency. (b) The provisions of this order shall prevail in cases of conflict with any existing executive order and with any future executive order unless such future order explicitly refers to, and limited or excludes, the application of this order. © Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect (i) the authority granted by law to an agency, or the head thereof, or ii) the functions of the OMB Director relating to budget, administrative, or legislative proposals. (d) This order shall be carried out subject to the availability of appropriations and to the extent permitted by law. (e) This order does not create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies or instrumentalities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.  

Resist the Ban- Keep Speaking Out

How do we resist? Add your ideas – but more importantly, make them a reality! 1) PROTEST. Take to the streets. Show up at government buildings. Make your voice heard loud and clear. Many more are scheduled for cities nationwide. 2) Call friends, family, acquaintances, colleagues, and classmates who may be affected by the ban. First of all, reach out with a message of love. Tell them NOT to leave the country, even if permanent residents or visa holders. Companies like Google and universities like Princeton are directing employees and students to remain in the US until further legal confirmation. 3) Donate to the ACLU Nationwide, local chapters, and other legal organizations that already have increased workloads filing lawsuits on behalf of the people costs money. 4) Donate to the International Rescue Committee, HIAS, and other organizations large and small that do critical work on behalf of refugees, which only continues to intensify and expand. 5) Pick up the phone to tell Senators, Representatives, White House, local elected officials that this ban does NOT reflect American values or the American people – and must be fought at every level. 6) Offer professional services. If you are or work for a lawyer, specifically an immigration lawyer, you are needed NOW! 7) Stand boldly AGAINST the ban and in solidarity with all affected. Tweet, Facebook, Instagram, even Snapchat how you feel. Engage friends, family. Use hashtags to amplify the conversation. #MuslimBan #NoBanNoWall #Resist 8) Share stories of how immigrants and refugees have made America what it is, have made America great for centuries. Preach! Praise! Shout it from the rooftops! Shift the narrative away from one of fear! 9) Call upon religious leaders to unequivocally denounce this Executive Order. Such actions are not in line with any faith. Period. 10) Reach out to immigrants and refugees. Face to face, if possible. Screen to screen. Keyboard to keyboard. Pen to pen. Build bridges, find common ground, and unite.

Lights And Shadows (pt 2)

For the next six months, Jimmy settles into a daily ritual. To allow him time to grieve, his manager shortens his hours at Macy's for a few months, so he is down to doing only five hour shifts, mostly nights. This gives him opportunity to wander the city he loves so well. He becomes accustomed to waking up at eight each morning and quietly has his usual cup of coffee and a cinnamon bagel on a bench overlooking Dolores Park. Some mornings instead of going back home, he walks through the Mission district, past the home he grew up in, the farmers markets he would go shopping at with his Grandmother and the places he played as a boy. Other days, he rides the streetcar out to the beach. He walks across the dunes of the Great Highway, then goes north along Ocean Beach. At that hour and the changing from fall to winter, it's usually not too busy with tourists and others walking in the morning breeze. He may notice a few surfers getting in or out of their wetsuits across from the apartment complex where Playland on The Beach used to be. Jimmy only slightly remembers Playland with all the rides and the Fun House that had that terrifying automated laughing woman at the entrance. He was taken there when he was a small child and she was supposed to be fun and welcoming but instead she gave him nightmares for months. Then at some point, Playland was closed because of all the motorcycle gangs that began to hang out there and eventually, it was torn down. Sometimes Jimmy still has a nightmare with that laughing woman. As he goes further north, he occasionally notices a growing amount of summertime tourists in and around Cliff House and the remains of the Sutro Baths. His aunt told him that this area was an impressive mansion-style restaurant that overlooked the beach and included a massive public pool area. The restaurant survived the 1906 earthquake but was burned to the ground in a fire in 1907 and then rebuilt a number of times while the baths were recognized as a big expense with very little profit and also burned to the ground so they were demolished in 1966, leaving only steps that lead nowhere and the foundations of the structures that used to attract the city's residents for a stylish swim. He walks up and around the bend, through the parking lot to a small wooden bench overlooking Lands End. When he was a teenager, he would hike down to the beach at Lands End and sunbathe and meet other young men who were exploring their developing sexuality. One time, he and another young man from college were caught by a park ranger having sex in the bushes. Jimmy felt brave enough to point out the ranger's not so sublet enthusiasm and invited him to set aside his badge, and uniform, and join in. The ranger took only a few seconds to be rid of his formalities and pants. From his favorite spot on a bench above Lands End, Jimmy can look out over to the left and see the Pacific Ocean or to his right and view where the ocean goes into the San Francisco Bay. Some days, he sits and watches the birds fly by or the hikers wander the trails below down to the secluded, mostly gay and very cruisy, nude beach. Most days he will read a little from the latest vampire thriller while listening to the waves below and feel the breeze on his face. Sometimes he'll eat a banana or an apple and think of Drew. After a while, he walks over to catch the bus heading east and then he transfers onto the 22 Fillmore which takes him to his little basement apartment that he shared with the love of his life. On days off, he goes for walks along Ocean Beach, half-listening to the sound of the waves, barely noticing if there is anyone else on the beach. Sometimes he sleeps in and goes to watch whatever afternoon matinee is playing at the Castro Theater. While Drew was alive, they had been involved with various community groups, one for helping Gay youth, one for keeping tabs on better Gay representation in movies and television, and there were the regular fundraisers for AIDS organizations. That was all put on hold for Jimmy, for now. On rare occasions, friends talk him into meeting up at one of the many bars in the neighborhood for Happy Hour. Without Drew, his life feels like it has as much substance as the TV dinner that he has every night. He does what he has to do to not look like the mess that he feels he is inside and performs what is necessary to pay his rent. Life is a pattern of functioning. Not much more. He started again with a weekly shift at the AIDS Quilt headquarters on Market street but he only does it to get away from the tv once in a while. He doesn't have the heart or enthusiasm to attempt much more than that. Not yet. Sometimes he wonders if life will ever interest him again. Once in a while, he gets a call from a caring friend. Sometimes it's a call from a relative who's worrying about him living by himself in the big, lonely city. Whoever it is, the conversation is usually about the same. "Hi Jimmy. It's your Auntie Cora. How're you doing." Hi Cora. I'm fine. How are you? I'm just about to get ready for work." "Are you eating okay. Do you need help with grocery money?" "I'm fine. Eating lots of Mac and cheese and ramen." "Honey, you need to eat more than that stuff. I'll put a check in the mail today. And I want you to use it this time. Don't you send it back in a thank you card again. Are you going out with your friends much?" "I know what you're hinting at and I'm not ready to get back out there." "You lost a good friend. You should go out and make new friends." "He wasn't my friend, Aunt Cora." "What?" "He was my lover. He was my companion. He was my life partner. If this world wasn't so heartless, he would've been my husband." " I understand your pain and I am sorry for your loss but..." "I know you understand as much as you are able to but you really don't know what I'm going through." "Now Jimmy, when I lost your Uncle Raymond..." "When you lost Uncle Raymond, you were able to take time off to grieve. When you lost Uncle Raymond, you are given a flag for his time in the army. When you lost Uncle Raymond, you were able to be honest about what killed him and give him the burial he wanted. And you were respected as someone that lost the love of her life instead of being seen as a pervert who gets what he deserves." "You know I don't believe that about you. It's all just so difficult for me to take it all in. And I'm afraid for you. I'm afraid that you will give up on your life. I'm afraid that you will no longer see the good things in the world. I'm afraid that you won't get past this. And I'm afraid that you will forget that you have people that are still here and love you. I know it's not the same as the love you shared with Drew. But it's love just the same. And I'm concerned. I can't help but be afraid that AIDS will take you too." "I'm sorry Aunt Cora. I know you mean well. It's just hard for me to hear it sometimes. And I didn't get the virus. Everyone around me has it but I'm still healthy as a horse. And sometimes, I admit that sometimes I hate myself for that." "Don't you get that survivors guilt that I've been reading about. It may not make sense right now but someday you'll understand why you're okay. And you'll be grateful." "Maybe. Maybe this will just slowly take us all. Maybe this apocalypse will kill a whole generation and no one will ever know what the world lost in art, literature, fashion or just plain good people." "And you are all good people. So we can't let that happen, right?" "Auntie Cora, I have to head out to work. Thank you for calling. And I promise I'll try to start eating better." "And get out more too." "Okay, I'll try. But only for you." "What about that nice man Frank? He seemed to care a lot about you?" "Oh, Cora, Frank is a great guy but we're just friends." "But he's so handsome and intelligent." "And he prefers his boys to be a little, well, less independent than me. I'll tell you all about it another day. I love you Auntie Cora. Take care of yourself." "I love you too. You sell lots of expensive shoes to those uppity women from downtown. Be sure to pay attention to what they look at before you approach them. And notice their watches so you pick out the ones with lots of money. Love you, mi cariño." "Love you too. Bye." As Jimmy tightens his tie, he says to himself," maybe Cora's right. Maybe I should see what Frank is up to tonight. But I'm not going anywhere near his dungeon." Jimmy grabs his brown buckskin backpack that Drew gave him last Christmas, his dark blue blazer and a pack of Marlboro lights from the coffee table and heads out the door. As usual, he stops just outside the door, turns around, comes back in, grabs the silver lighter of the kitchen table and walks out again. "Yes Drewy, as you always say. I'd forget my head if it wasn't attached ." In 1959, the first known case of HIV occurred in a man who died in the Congo. His blood samples were preserved and years later it was confirmed that they had the virus. Also, in June of the same year, a 49 year old Haitian-American shipping clerk in New York died of pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. The case was so unusual that the attending physician preserved the man's lungs for later study. It was believed that he also had the AIDS virus.