SAME-SEX MARRIAGE – THE DOWNFALL of CIVILIZATION….

I have heard many religious leaders indicating that allowing same-sex couples to marry would be the downfall of civilizations.  People have even gone as far as blaming environment catastrophe’s due to states grating same-sex marriage.  Okay….let’s look at some statistics and facts surrounding the implementation and recognition of same-sex marriages around the world, here are some timelines: 

• Netherlands was the first country to extend marriage laws to include same-sex couples.  A same-sex marriage bill passed the House of Representatives and the Senate in 2000, taking effect on 1 April, 2001.
• Belgium became the second country in the world to legally recognize same-sex marriages.
• The provinces of Ontario and British Columbia in Canada legally recognized same-sex marriages in 2003 – Ontario (June) and British Columbia (July).
• In 2004 – The Canadian provinces of Quebec (March),  Yukon (July), Manitoba (September), Nova Scotia (September), Saskatchewan (November) and Newfoundland (December) legally recognized same-sex marriages.  Nationally, Canada (July) legally recognized same-sex marriage as of July 20, 2005 – becoming the 4th country to do so.  Sandoval County, New Mexico, USA (February; discontinued, reinstated by statewide legalization in December), New Paltz, New York, USA (February; discontinued, reinstated by statewide legalization in July, 2011), Massachusetts, USA (May)
• On July 3, 2005 – Spain became the 3rd country to officially recognize same-sex marriage legally.
• 2006 – South Africa (November) recognizes same-sex marriage.
• 2008 – California, USA (June, discontinued November and reinstated June (2013) and Connecticut, USA (November) recognize same-sex marriage.
• 2009 – Norway (January) and Sweden (May) and in the USA, Iowa (January) and Vermont (September).
• 2010 – The US States of New Hampshire (January) and District of Columbia (March) along with Portugal (June), Iceland (June) and Argentina (July) begin recognizing same-sex marriage. 
• 2011 – New York, statewide (July).
• 2012 – Denmark (June) and the US states of Washington (December) and Maine (December).
• 2013 – The US states of Maryland (January), Delaware (July), Minnesota (August), Rhode Island (August), New Jersey (October), Hawaii (December), New Mexico (statewide) (December) and Utah (December, discontinued in January and reinstated in October, 2014) along with the countries; Brazil (May), France (May), Uruguay (August) and New Zealand (August).
• 2014 – In the USA; Oregon (May), Pennsylvania (May), Illinois (statewide) (June), Wisconsin (June, discontinued 13 June and reinstated October), Indiana (June, discontinued 27 June and reinstated in October), Oklahoma (October), Virginia (October), Colorado (October), West Virginia (October), Nevada (October), North Carolina (October), Alaska (October), Idaho (October), Arizona (October), Wyoming (October), Montana (November), South Carolina (November) along with England of Wales (March) and Scotland (December).
• 2015 – Luxembourg (January) and the US States; Florida (January) and Alabama (February).

So what has happened since the all these countries and many states have legalizes same-sex marriages?  Have economies collapsed?  Did civil war break out in these countries and states?  For those who are religious and God-fearing – has God caused biblical floods of epic proportions or burned cities to the ground for granting same-sex marriages?  I can confidently say – that, with the introduction of same-sex marriages, unions, partnerships (whatever you want to call them), nothing drastic has changed for any heterosexuals couple that have opposed this in the past.  The only thing that has changed is for those individuals in same-sex unions.  Same-sex couples have the same benefits and rights that are afforded to heterosexual married couples and are treated equally under the law.

Let’s look at Canada – Canada has been grating same-sex marriages since 2003 (in 2 provinces – Ontario and British Columbia).  Ontario is my home province and nothing significant has happened in the province since allowing same-sex marriages.  As a matter-of-fact, nothing has happened anywhere in which same-sex marriages have been granted.  Same-sex unions/marriages are not to blame for the huge spikes in the divorce rates between heterosexual couples.  Instead of focusing their dissent on couples who are in loving  and committed relationships, why don’t those who are so opposed to same-sex marriages focus their rage and dissention on the increasing divorce rates, homelessness, poverty, violence towards women, and other more pressing social issues?

My spouse and I have been together for over 20 years and married for 7….our relationship or marriage hasn’t infringed on the rights and responsibilities of anyone we know.  We made the decision to marry to ensure we were treated equally in the eyes of the law (not to mention the fact that we love one another).  My marriage is as equally meaningful as my parents, my sisters or my brother’s marriage.  That is all.

As I mentioned above, if people would just focus their energies on the real social issues that need our attention, this world would be a much brighter and positive one!  Let’s make that happen.

Together, we can make the world a more positive one!

 

REMEMBERING 2013

As we say goodbye to 2013 – I would like to reflect on the stories that I find to be the most inspirational and personal to me.

Saying goodbye to Iringa, Toka and Thika – TORONTO ZOO ELEPHANTS

There has been much controversy surrounding the Toronto Zoo elephant program but it was a controversy that ended with a positive outcome for Iringa, Toka and Thika – the three elephants that have been relocated to PAWS, I 35-hectare sanctuary located in Sand Andreas, California.  The sanctuary has been divided in half to accommodate the African elephants before they are integrated with the other three that are already residing there. 

Bob Barker – who has been pivotal in this relocation, was present when the elephants arrived and indicated that it was about time that the elephants were relocated.  “I have never met with so much acrimony as we did in Toronto,” he said.  “And why I don’t know.”  Bob Barker covered the cost of the move and relocation of the elephants. 

Iringa and Toka, youngsters spared from a deadly cull in Mozambique – arrived at the zoo in 1974, the year it opened.  Thika was born in Toronto and has never known life outside of the Toronto Zoo’s one-hectare zoo.

The elephants will now live on rolling grassland with trees, meadows, lakes a walnut orchard, three heated barns and a Jacuzzi. 

Here is the video of Iringa, Toka and Thika’s arrival:

Iringa, Toka and Thika – the morning after their arrival:

It costs about $70,000+/yr to care for an elephant – PAWS welcomes any donations to ensure their well-being.  To make a donation, please visit the PAWS website at:  http://www.pawsweb.org/donate_online.html

FREEDOM for the ARCTIC 30

Greed speaks loudly when peaceful activists are threatened to be jailed for defending the Arctic waters and wildlife from oil drilling and greedy oil companies.  The 30 activists and crew members of the Arctic Sunrise, were illegally removed from the Arctic waters and their ship (at gunpoint) – for defending the Arctic waters.  Many people supported these brave men and women – government officials from many of the countries the detainees were from spoke out against Russia and demanded their freedom.  As a Canadian – I am ashamed of our government for not getting involved or even making a statement on behalf of the Canadians who were illegally detained in Russia.   Stephen Harper – the Conservative Prime Minister of Canadian supports BIG OIL and has recently announced that it would submit a claim for 1.7 million km of the Arctic seabed, including the North Pole.  The Canadian Alberta tar sands is an environmental nightmare – imagine the damage that will be done if the Conservative and Harper Government are allowed this claim?

The real criminals are not the Arctic 30 – it is those policy makers that ensure that the big oil companies get what they want.  The Arctic 30 should be deemed heroes for protecting our waters and our environment from those the real criminals who have no regard for wildlife and the environment.

The 28 activists and two freelance journalists, including Canadians Ruzycki and Paul, who were illegally detained by Russian forces on board the Arctic Sunrise on September 19th were granted presidential pardon on December 18th after spending more than two months in prison.

http://www.greenpeace.org/canada/en/recent/Canadian-Greenpeace-activists-held-in-Russia-for-three-months-arrive-home/

http://www.greenpeace.org/canada/en/Blog/the-true-north-melting-and-oily/blog/47719/

To ensure that Greenpeace continues to protect our planet – please visit their website for past victories and current battles:  http://www.greenpeace.org/canada/en/  The link will also allow you to make any donation.

The passing of Nelson Mandela

“I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”

There is nothing more than I can say about a man whose legacy speaks volumes.  Nelson Mandela was a pivotal force for equality, compassion and love not only in South Africa, but around the world.  His legacy will live on!

Please read his bio as posted on the Nelson Mandela Foundation website:  http://www.nelsonmandela.org/content/page/biography

PETA’s ACTIVISM in 2013

Here are PETA’s 11 Most Important Animal Rights Videos of 2013 *** Please note:  Some of these videos are graphic and will require you to sign into your account to view the video.  In my opinion – if it is too violent to watch – It is too violent to buy or eat!!!

For more information regarding PETA’s activism or to make a donation to PETA – please visit their website:  http://www.peta.org/#/

BRIDEGROOM – A story about LOVE

Watching this documentary put many things in perspective for me.  Some of us should really be thankful for living in a country where all are treated equally under the law.  This is one reason why so many in the LGBTQ community are fighting for equal rights and protections under the law in the United States and around the world.

If we really make it a point to treat others the same way we want to be treated – we can make so many positive things happen for ourselves, for each other, for our environment, for animals and for the planet.  It is time to break the mold of what you believe to be true – think outside the box and enlighten yourself.  Once you are free from what you believe MUST be the truth – then amazing things will happen and have happened.  Don’t let yourself be the obstacle from what good you can contribute.  Let 2014 be the year you create a life that is authentic, compassionate and loving.

I will leave you with a video and song that was released in December of 2012 – “Clown” by Emeli Sandé, enjoy and HAPPY NEW YEAR – much health, happiness and love to all of you!

Together, we can make the world a more positive one!

AN IMAGE TRIBUTE TO NELSON MANDELA

Nelson Mandela was an inspiration to me – he was a man who believed that everyone should be treated equally and he fought passionately for this all of his life.  A man so encompassed in his beliefs that he spent 27 years in prison for them.  Mandela was and will continue to be a huge and inspirational voice for those who are deemed less equal than the ones who oppress them.  The world has lost a man who was compassionate, fearless, brave, loving and inspirational – he may be gone but his legacy will live on in all those whom he has inspired.  Here is my YouTube tribute to Mr. Mandela.  Please note:  The images I used were images from the internet and I take no credit for any of them.  The song I used is entitled “The Rivers Divide” from Kristine W.  This song can be found on her albums ‘Stronger’ (Japanese Import) or the version I used – from ‘Straight Up With A Twist’.  Her voice and the lyrics of the song bring so much more emotion and life to this video.

You can purchase the song via iTunes or via her website:  http://www.kristinew.com

Together, we can make the world a more positive one!

NELSON MANDELA – GOODBYE

R.I.P.  – Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (July 18, 1918 – December 5, 2013)  – Despite the threat of violence and death – Nelson Mandela faced the greatest odds fighting apartheid in South Africa and became a beacon of hope, justice, peace, love, compassion, human rights and equality around the world.  May his legacy live on!  Here is his inspiring speech after his release from prison after 27 years:

Together, we can make the world a more positive one!

LOVE IS GAY and LOVE IS EVERYONE.

How do you define love?  What does love mean to you?  Here is one definition of love according to the The Concise Oxford Dictionary, Ninth Edition:  The foremost authority on current English:

love (n)  – an intense feeling of deep affection of fondness for a person or thing

We all have felt intense feelings of deep affection for many people or things but there are varying degrees of love.  You can love a family member as affectionately and with the same fondness as a good friend.  You can have a deep intense love for the planet, a hobby, an animal or even an object.  But no love is the same as the love you share with that ‘special someone’.  What makes this type of love different is the emotional, physical and sexual intimacy you share which heightens the intense of deep affection to a whole different level.  This is the kind of love I share with my husband – Jason.  We have been together for 19 years and have legally been married for 6.  We had mixed emotions about getting married – were we doing it because it was legal in Ontario, Canada, were we doing it for the sake of being married, or were we doing it for no reason at all.  Jason and I got married for all of those reasons and so that we could be viewed equally under the law as our heterosexual counterparts.  That brings me to the story of Shane Bitney Coney and Thomas Lee Bridegroom.

The first time I heard of these two young men was when I came across a YouTube video entitled:  It Could Happen To You.  There are no words to describe the video – the only thing I can say about it was that Shane allowed me to feel his pain, his anguish, his suffering and his hurt.  I want to reach out and hug him, comfort him, do anything to help with the pain he was feeling.  Watch for yourself:

I watched this several times and imagined how I would feel if I was told that I would not be able to see my husband if he was ever hospitalized – I would be devastated.  Again, my thoughts went to Shane and I cried thinking about the despair he felt.  But, that despair was only the beginning.  Imagine not being able to properly say goodbye to the person you loved more than anything in the world – How would that make you feel?  My feelings of sadness for Shane turned to anger towards Tom’s family for not allowing Shane to attend his partner’s funeral.  How could Tom’s family turn their backs on a loving partnership of 6 years?  How could they cut 6 years out of a young man’s life and misrepresent their son in a different light?  I kept Shane’s video images in my head for a long time – especially since Shane and Tom’s story could have been mine and Jason’s story or the stories of so many other same-sex couples who are in loving, committed relationships.  I would say ‘prayers’ for Shane and lovingly send them out into the universe in hopes that they would reach him and give him the strength to carry on.

I was happy to know that a full-length feature documentary was being made about Tom and Shane’s relationship and the love they shared for one-another.  The documentary ‘BRIDEGROOM’ became a reality after much support from the likes of Brad and George Takei and Neil Patrick Harris and so many other influential people.  Over 6,500 people funded the film on Kickstarter.com and it became the most funded documentary in the history of crowd funding.  The film was written, directed and produced by Linda Bloodworth-Thomason creator of the critically acclaimed television series Designing Women.  The film was released in the fall of 2013.  For more about the movie, bios about the people behind the documentary, the official trailer – please visit the movies official website:  http://bridegroommovie.com

I hope that the hurt and pain that was left in Shane’s heart has decreased and I hope that Shane’s current devotion to removing the barriers of marriage inequality has somewhat filled that emptiness.  I know that nothing Shane does will ever bring Tom back – but, I do know that wherever Tom is he is smiling, knowing that Shane is standing strong and fighting for something they already had – A deep sense of love.  I tap 3 times on the desk my computer sits on in the memory of the love these 2 young men shared and for all the work Shane has/is doing for marriage equality.

Together, we can make the world a more positive one! 

I AM GAY, AND I AM NO DIFFERENT THAN YOU ARE!

Why is the world obsessing over homosexuality?  I don’t understand the constant debates about gay marriage, being an ‘out’ boy scout, being a gay politician, teacher, celebrity, athlete, preacher or garbage collector.  People need to face the facts – GAY PEOPLE EXIST and we are tired of being treated as if we are second class citizens.  We have jobs, we pay taxes, we have hardships and families and go through the same life experiences as everyone else on the planet go through.  So what is the difference between homosexuals and heterosexuals besides the same-sex attraction?  Let’s look at some of the things that heterosexuals can do that homosexuals can not (in most places) – Let’s also look at some of the stereotypes people have about homosexuals.

• Heterosexuals can marry – homosexuals can not (in most countries)
• Heterosexuals can adopt – homosexuals can not (in most countries)
• Heterosexuals are not discriminated against because of their religious beliefs
• Everyone is born a sinner – but in the eyes of religion, homosexuals are damned because of whom they love
• Homosexual athletes will try to hit on you in the locker rooms if they are open about their sexuality (said very sarcastic)
• Homosexuals can’t play sports – they are not manly enough (said very sarcastic)
• Lesbians want to be men and gay men want to be women because one partner has to be effeminate and the other manly
• There is a gay agenda 
• Gay teachers only teach homosexuality so that they can recruit your children to that lifestyle
• Homosexuals can not be ‘out’ while serving and possibly dying for their country
• Homosexuals can not have visitation rights if their partner is hospitalized for any reason (most parts of the world)
• Most religions condemn homosexuality even though the basic message of religion is to love all and show compassion to all (possibly interpreted by a homophobic male)
• Homosexual parents will try to convert their children to their lifestyle
• Homosexuality is not natural because – man and women are put on earth to procreate (like there isn’t enough people on the planet)
• If you listen to Cher, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Liza Minnelli, Barbara Streisand and like show tunes – you are gay!
• Homosexuals are put to death in some countries for being gay (I don’t think a heterosexual has ever been put to death because they love a person of the opposite sex)
• All homosexuals practice bestiality (no heterosexuals practice this)
• All homosexuals are promiscuous (there are no heterosexuals who are promiscuous)
• All homosexuals have HIV/AIDS (heterosexuals can not contract HIV/AIDS)
• All homosexuals are pedophiles (there are no heterosexual pedophiles)
• All homosexuals are interior decorators (although we are great at it…lol)

I think I have covered everything.  Looking at this list – it’s no wonder gays and lesbians consider it a hardship to live their authentic lives.  Many lesbians and gays don’t ‘come out’ because they know that society doesn’t have a positive perception of them.  Many choose suicide because they want to end the constant bullying from those who believe all the stereotypes and prejudices listed above.  Many gays and lesbians don’t want to live their authentic lives because of the threats of violence they may face.  Many don’t want to live their authentic lives because they may face death – Imagine, being put do death because of who you love. 

I didn’t ‘come out’ until I was 21…..why did I have to come out?  I had to come out because I was tired of being called a faggot, ass-muncher, fruitcake and fairy.  I had to come out because I was tired of being told that homosexuals are not capable of having loving and committed relationships.  I had to come out because I was tired of living a life that was making me miserable.  I had to come out because I wasn’t living my true authentic self.  I had to come out because I didn’t want to see another gay or lesbian endure violence just because they were born gay.  I needed to come out because I wanted to stand up to those punks who threw a bottle at my head (they missed by inches) from their car as they drove by yelling ‘die faggot, die’.  I needed to come out because I could potentially be a positive influence for those who may have struggle with their sexuality in the future.  Most of all – I needed to come out so that I could start to live.  I wonder if heterosexuals have these struggles……

Gay marriage will not destroy the world.  Why do I know this?  Well – if the institution of marriage was so important to heterosexuals why all the divorces?  Why the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th marriages – are you not supposed to be happy with the first partner you choose?  Didn’t you have the opportunity to ‘scout’ potential life mates when you were single?

Gay scouts will not destroy society.  Why do I know this?  Well – there have been gay boy scouts since the boy scouts inception and those people who think otherwise, are fooling themselves.

We are not trying to convert anyone – there is no gay agenda, we don’t want your babies so that we can convert them to our lifestyle.  We don’t become teachers, politicians, preachers and police men and women so that we can push a gay agenda.  We do the exact same things you do – we do the best we can with the lives that are given to us by living, loving and by being compassionate towards others.  I can’t change my attraction to the same-sex, that is a composition of how I was born – so why would YOU want to change me?  If it was that easy for me to choose my lifestyle, then the same holds true for you – the only difference is that I don’t want to change who you fundamentally are, I only want to remove the stereotypes that you have towards me and those who were born like me.

Together, we can make the world a more positive one!

 

GREAT VIDEO/SONG by LARA FABIAN

I am grateful for our allies – such a beautiful song and video by Lara Fabian:

Together, we can make the world a more positive one.

THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR GENOCIDE – UGANDA’S ANTI-GAY BILL “KILL THE GAYS”

When I first heard about Uganda’s ‘Kill The Gays’ bill in 2009 – I was appalled and thought a bill like this would never pass today.  Fast forward to today…..Uganda’s speaker of the country’s parliament, Rebecca Kadaga,  has stated that the anti-gay bill will be passed prior to the end of 2012 insisting it is what Ugandans want.  For those of you that are not familiar with the bill, here are some hi-lites from THE ANTI HOMOSEXUALITY BILL, 2009:

THE PRINCIPLE

• Establish a comprehensive consolidated legislation to protect the traditional family by prohibiting (i) any form of sexual relations between persons of the same-sex and (ii) the promotion or recognition of such sexual relations in public institutions and other places through or with the support of any Government entity in Uganda or any non government organization inside or outside the country.
• Aims to strengthening the nation’s capacity to deal with emerging internal and external threats to the traditional heterosexual family. 
• Legislation further recognizes the fact that same-sex attraction in not an innate and immutable characteristic.
• Aims to providing a comprehensive and enhanced legislation to protect the cherished culture of the people of Uganda, legal, religious, and traditional family values of the people of Uganda against the attempts of sexual promiscuity on the people of Uganda.
• Protect the children and youths of Uganda who are made vulnerable to sexual abuse and deviation as a result of cultural changes, uncensored information technologies, parentless child development settings and increasing attempts by homosexuals to raise children in homosexual relationships through adoption, foster care, or otherwise.

Part I (Preliminary) Section 3 talks about ‘Aggravated homosexuality’:

(1) A person commits the offence of aggravated homosexuality where the –

• person against whom the offence is committed is below the age of 18 years old.
• offender is a person living with HIV.
• offender is a parent or guardian of the person against whom the offence is committed.
• offender is a person in authority over the person against whom the offence is committed.
• victim of the offence is a person with disability.
• offender is a serial offender; or
• offender applies, administers or causes to be used any man or woman any drug, matter or thing with intent to stupefy or overpower him or her so as to there by enable any person to have unlawful carnal connection with any person of the same-sex

(2) A person who commits the offence of aggravated homosexuality shall be liable on conviction to suffer death

(3) Where a person is charged with the offence under this section, that person shall undergo a medical examination to ascertain his or her HIV status.

The pre-existing anti-gay legislation in Uganda may already be on a legally unsound footing.  Whereas anti-gay laws survive from the era of British Colonialism, Uganda like other African countries adopted a very liberal constitution, during the wave of neoliberal reforms of the 1990’s.  Especially Article 21 of the Ugandan Constitution of 1995 titled “21.  Equality and Freedom From Discrimination”, which indicates:

(21).  Equality and freedom from discrimination.

(1)  All persons are equal before and under the law in all spheres of political, economic, social and cultural life and in every other respect and shall enjoy equal protection of the law.

(2)  Without prejudice to clause (1) of this article, a person shall not be discriminated against on the ground of sex, race, colour, ethnic origin, tribe, birth, creed or religion, social or economic standing, political opinion or disability.

(3)  For the purpose of this article, “discriminate” means to give different treatment to different persons attributable only or mainly to their respective descriptions by sex, race, colour, ethnic origin, tribe, birth, creed or religion, social or economic standing, political opinion or disability.

Here is the 2009 bill:  bill-no-18-anti-homosexuality-bill-2009

The anti-gay bill  has apparantely been amended not to include ‘punishment of death’ due to international criticism but gays and lesbians face life imprisonment should they be public about their sexuality.  This bill perpetuates the stereotypes many religious people and institutions have about homosexuals, such as;  promiscuity, apparent drug use, pedophilia, and bestiality.  This bill will also invoke violence against gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgendered and their families because people will think they are justified to act with violence as per this bill passing.

What the world community is saying:

 In 2009 – Prime Minister – Stephen Harper, privately expressed opposition during the Commonwealth leaders’ meeting.

The Canadian Transport Minister, John Baird stated to The Globe and Mail, “The current legislation before Parliament in Uganda is vile, it’s abhorrent.  It’s offensive. It offends Canadian values.  It offends decency.”

October 8, 2011 – Andrew Mitchell, the UK Secretary of State for International Development, announced that African countries that persecute homosexuals will face cuts in financial aid from the British government.

The government of France has also criticised the bill, citing a “deep concern”. 

December 16, 2009 – The European Parliament passed a resolution against the bill, which threatens to cut financial aid to Uganda.  

December 3, 2009 – The Swedish government, which has had a long-term relationship with Uganda, said that it would revoke its $50 million development aid to Uganda if the bill passes, calling it “appalling”.  Sweden’s Development Assistance Minister Gunilla Carlsson stated that she “thought and hoped we had started to share common values and understanding”.

The White House released a statement to The Advocate, stating that United States President Barack Obama “strongly opposes efforts, such as the draft law pending in Uganda, that would criminalize homosexuality and move against the tide of history.”

We need to hold Uganda accountable if/when this bill ever sees the light of day – We need to continue to pressure our politicians to send Uganda a message that the world does not condone this type of discrimination!

If you have any friends or family members who are gay – you understand the need to support Uganda’s gay and lesbian community and stand with them just as you stood by your loved ones that were born gay.  Contact your local MP or MPP and ask for their support.

In Canada – please send an email to the Prime Minister:  pm@pm.gc.ca

Together, we can make the world a more positive one!

“HE IS NOT THE PASTOR OF THE UNITED STATES HE’S THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES”

There is not much to say about this except that this truly is a man who believes in what he preaches….watch and get inspired: