An Excruciating Revelation
I just noticed that I can't fit into my higher end clothing.
I need to really get back into shape. It's really embarrassing.
I REFUSE to give up my denim, shirts, & Marc Jacobs stuff because I'm too fat for it.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Fairweather Faggot
I don't understand why a few of my fellow LGBTQ peeps point and shake a finger at me for not showing up to protests. I'm not going to apologize for not showing up. Excuse me for having a responsibility to my community and having to do volunteer work. How dare you claim that I am not a part of history just because I didn't rally along side with you. Get off your high horse and don't invalidate the cause. In case you forgot, we are running the same race. We are fighting the SAME INJUSTICE. If you are doing this for personal glory and recognition, you need to reassess your priorities my brothers and sisters. I am not any less passionate than you are. I am not any less oppressed. So check yourself before you judge your fellow LGBTQ peeps. We may all be in the same boat, but no one made your ass captain.
First of all, I am out and proud. I am a LIVING example to my church, students, friends, family, and community. What better way to protest than being a good example? Shame on you who point the finger at me and can't even tell your own family that you're gay. My parents voted no. I voted no. I did all I could to inform and educate voters. I donated MONEY to the fight even though I have NO job or any kind of income. So what do you expect from me? There are people in the LGBTQ community who did not vote. There are some who even voted yes on 8.
So was there more that I can do for the cause? Of course. Everyone could have done more. The fact is, that we all did our part and the only reason to point the finger is to point it in the right direction.
Let's fight together and RECOGNIZE what we can all do.
One voice makes a difference, but it makes a bigger impact when we all sing the same note.
I don't understand why a few of my fellow LGBTQ peeps point and shake a finger at me for not showing up to protests. I'm not going to apologize for not showing up. Excuse me for having a responsibility to my community and having to do volunteer work. How dare you claim that I am not a part of history just because I didn't rally along side with you. Get off your high horse and don't invalidate the cause. In case you forgot, we are running the same race. We are fighting the SAME INJUSTICE. If you are doing this for personal glory and recognition, you need to reassess your priorities my brothers and sisters. I am not any less passionate than you are. I am not any less oppressed. So check yourself before you judge your fellow LGBTQ peeps. We may all be in the same boat, but no one made your ass captain.
First of all, I am out and proud. I am a LIVING example to my church, students, friends, family, and community. What better way to protest than being a good example? Shame on you who point the finger at me and can't even tell your own family that you're gay. My parents voted no. I voted no. I did all I could to inform and educate voters. I donated MONEY to the fight even though I have NO job or any kind of income. So what do you expect from me? There are people in the LGBTQ community who did not vote. There are some who even voted yes on 8.
So was there more that I can do for the cause? Of course. Everyone could have done more. The fact is, that we all did our part and the only reason to point the finger is to point it in the right direction.
Let's fight together and RECOGNIZE what we can all do.
One voice makes a difference, but it makes a bigger impact when we all sing the same note.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
To the LBGT family and allies:
I believe that progress is alive and well. The ignorance and hate will be defeated if we continue to fight on. We will one day stop being oppressed by close-minded bigots who will NEVER experience the kind of oppression and discrimination we do right now.
It's funny to me that it had to take lies, misuse of children, ignorant use of religion, misleading people about the LACK OF RIGHTS, and over $30 million dollars to even TRY to defeat ideals of equality, truth and love. That is a reflection of the influence and strength of the LGBT community and allies. Our strength, knowledge, self-reliance, and passion will only grow. I am not sad for me as I am sad for the near future of the LGBT community. I will fight for all of us and overcome.
I will not give up.
I will fight for the weak and voiceless.
I will inform and educate the curious and scared.
I will fight to keep the future bright to all LGBT youth, families and friends.
If you voted yes on 8, I'm not going to go beneath myself and express my disdain through four-letter-words. You actually cared enough to state your opinion and voted. In fact, I can see the ideals you are looking for. You are concerned about families and the wellness of each member in it. You are concerned about the quality of education for our future. You honestly believe that gay people are equal already. You also have an outstanding religious fervor & belief.
If you have a gay family member, you took their rights away. That's not what family is about. "Traditional" family is a unit that works together. A "traditional" family recognizes the STRENGTHS in differences and celebrates it.
If you think that teaching discrimination is better than love, compassion and care, reassess yourself. That's not fair to our future.
To those who have children, remember that if they grow up to be gay, it wasn't their choice. In fact, you took away their choice to love freely. Maybe you'll think twice when it directly affects people beyond yourself. If you want to challenge that a child needs both a male and female role model...talk to single parents. Better yet...talk to me. I dare you to find significant evidence that "negatively affects" the children in a loving family unit. Gay parents care about their kids just the same...and it doesn't "make them gay." (Actually, what the hell is wrong about being a gay kid anyway?)
Gay rights are not equal. Why else would be fighting for it? Federal rights don't exist. Saying you aren't opposed to civil unions, but don't believe in gay marriage is a shitty rationale of equality. It's STILL discrimination. All I can say is "DOMA." Look it up. Seriously.
As far as religious belief goes, I am an active and educated Catholic. I would like to challenge YOU to serve your faith community and worship as I do. I'm sure there's a good chance that I do more at church in a week than you may do in a month. Being gay doesn't cast me into hell...and while we're at it, you're not exactly qualified to send anyone up or down in the afterlife either.
I respect your ideals, even though you may not respect mine. I see where you are coming from, but I hope that you see where I am.
This is not over. This will be a fight I will dedicate my life for. It is hard enough for Asian-Americans to have a visibility in our culture and society, but it is even tougher for an openly gay Asian-American. Next time, I will fight harder. I guarantee you that the fire in my heart will grow with intense passion and love. Whether I like it or not, I am a role model to so many people and I have an obligation to be an upstanding citizen.
This country's constitution starts off with, "We the people..." So tell me, who exactly is "we?" because the LGBT family doesn't seem to be included in that.
and that ladies and gentlemen...is INEQUALITY.
To those who didn't give a shit, and didn't vote on purpose...I hope one day you realize how powerful you are when you think of someone beyond yourself.
Homosexuality isn't a disease. However, homophobia is...and if YOU can't figure out a cure, it'll kill you.
I believe that progress is alive and well. The ignorance and hate will be defeated if we continue to fight on. We will one day stop being oppressed by close-minded bigots who will NEVER experience the kind of oppression and discrimination we do right now.
It's funny to me that it had to take lies, misuse of children, ignorant use of religion, misleading people about the LACK OF RIGHTS, and over $30 million dollars to even TRY to defeat ideals of equality, truth and love. That is a reflection of the influence and strength of the LGBT community and allies. Our strength, knowledge, self-reliance, and passion will only grow. I am not sad for me as I am sad for the near future of the LGBT community. I will fight for all of us and overcome.
I will not give up.
I will fight for the weak and voiceless.
I will inform and educate the curious and scared.
I will fight to keep the future bright to all LGBT youth, families and friends.
If you voted yes on 8, I'm not going to go beneath myself and express my disdain through four-letter-words. You actually cared enough to state your opinion and voted. In fact, I can see the ideals you are looking for. You are concerned about families and the wellness of each member in it. You are concerned about the quality of education for our future. You honestly believe that gay people are equal already. You also have an outstanding religious fervor & belief.
If you have a gay family member, you took their rights away. That's not what family is about. "Traditional" family is a unit that works together. A "traditional" family recognizes the STRENGTHS in differences and celebrates it.
If you think that teaching discrimination is better than love, compassion and care, reassess yourself. That's not fair to our future.
To those who have children, remember that if they grow up to be gay, it wasn't their choice. In fact, you took away their choice to love freely. Maybe you'll think twice when it directly affects people beyond yourself. If you want to challenge that a child needs both a male and female role model...talk to single parents. Better yet...talk to me. I dare you to find significant evidence that "negatively affects" the children in a loving family unit. Gay parents care about their kids just the same...and it doesn't "make them gay." (Actually, what the hell is wrong about being a gay kid anyway?)
Gay rights are not equal. Why else would be fighting for it? Federal rights don't exist. Saying you aren't opposed to civil unions, but don't believe in gay marriage is a shitty rationale of equality. It's STILL discrimination. All I can say is "DOMA." Look it up. Seriously.
As far as religious belief goes, I am an active and educated Catholic. I would like to challenge YOU to serve your faith community and worship as I do. I'm sure there's a good chance that I do more at church in a week than you may do in a month. Being gay doesn't cast me into hell...and while we're at it, you're not exactly qualified to send anyone up or down in the afterlife either.
I respect your ideals, even though you may not respect mine. I see where you are coming from, but I hope that you see where I am.
This is not over. This will be a fight I will dedicate my life for. It is hard enough for Asian-Americans to have a visibility in our culture and society, but it is even tougher for an openly gay Asian-American. Next time, I will fight harder. I guarantee you that the fire in my heart will grow with intense passion and love. Whether I like it or not, I am a role model to so many people and I have an obligation to be an upstanding citizen.
This country's constitution starts off with, "We the people..." So tell me, who exactly is "we?" because the LGBT family doesn't seem to be included in that.
and that ladies and gentlemen...is INEQUALITY.
To those who didn't give a shit, and didn't vote on purpose...I hope one day you realize how powerful you are when you think of someone beyond yourself.
Homosexuality isn't a disease. However, homophobia is...and if YOU can't figure out a cure, it'll kill you.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
No matter how things pan out, we must remember that history is made and progress is happening.
Los Angeles County has had biggest voter turnout since 1976.
Barack Obama IS THE PRESIDENT ELECT!
There are now at least 3 more fair-minded Senators.
There are now at least 9 seats picked up in the House of Reps.
(From HRC.com)
Historians will point to this election as a turning point in the long struggle for civil rights. Eight years of White House hostility toward LGBT Americans are finally over.
Here's what we know right now:
We will finally have an LGBT-friendly White House: President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden.
Proposition 8 vote in California is still too close to call.
At this time, we helped elect new fair-minded allies in the Senate and in the House - including HRC endorsees Betsy Markey, Kay Hagan and cousins Tom and Mark Udall.
We can now pass critical LGBT equality measures like the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act and begin unraveling the damage of the last eight years.
_______________________________
Progress.
It's real now. A few years ago, about 70% of voters opposed gay marriage. Now, it's at about half. Whether prop 8 lives or dies, it's progress. In the next election, a new generation of voters will emerge and help decide the fate of the state and country.
In my lifetime, I would like to see the LGBT community and allies rise up and defeat this hate and ignorance. I would like to one day be married and be in weddings...maybe not in a church, but a CIVIL/LAWFUL marriage. I hope that the future is better informed of people's rights. No, civil unions are not the same. No marriage is not taught in schools. It's SEX EDUCATION. I hope one day "Domestic Partnership" is a term of the past and is replaced by "marriage equality."
I didn't choose love. I found it...and if prop 8 passes, then love was chosen for me. Love is not only between a man and woman. It is between two hearts that cannot deny its passion. It is between two people who willingly give themselves to each other.
There is no stronger people I know than gay people. Not only do we live everyday, but we live in an oppressed world that heterosexual people will never see. As Margaret Cho once said:
"If you laugh your ass off to Will and Grace but are against same sex marriage, f*ck you. You can't take the benefits of our culture and leave behind the burden of inequaltiy. That's like when white people stole rock and roll from black people in the 50's."
Change is in the air...and I hope that one day that you change for the better of not only the LGBT community, but for all people.
Los Angeles County has had biggest voter turnout since 1976.
Barack Obama IS THE PRESIDENT ELECT!
There are now at least 3 more fair-minded Senators.
There are now at least 9 seats picked up in the House of Reps.
(From HRC.com)
Historians will point to this election as a turning point in the long struggle for civil rights. Eight years of White House hostility toward LGBT Americans are finally over.
Here's what we know right now:
We will finally have an LGBT-friendly White House: President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden.
Proposition 8 vote in California is still too close to call.
At this time, we helped elect new fair-minded allies in the Senate and in the House - including HRC endorsees Betsy Markey, Kay Hagan and cousins Tom and Mark Udall.
We can now pass critical LGBT equality measures like the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act and begin unraveling the damage of the last eight years.
_______________________________
Progress.
It's real now. A few years ago, about 70% of voters opposed gay marriage. Now, it's at about half. Whether prop 8 lives or dies, it's progress. In the next election, a new generation of voters will emerge and help decide the fate of the state and country.
In my lifetime, I would like to see the LGBT community and allies rise up and defeat this hate and ignorance. I would like to one day be married and be in weddings...maybe not in a church, but a CIVIL/LAWFUL marriage. I hope that the future is better informed of people's rights. No, civil unions are not the same. No marriage is not taught in schools. It's SEX EDUCATION. I hope one day "Domestic Partnership" is a term of the past and is replaced by "marriage equality."
I didn't choose love. I found it...and if prop 8 passes, then love was chosen for me. Love is not only between a man and woman. It is between two hearts that cannot deny its passion. It is between two people who willingly give themselves to each other.
There is no stronger people I know than gay people. Not only do we live everyday, but we live in an oppressed world that heterosexual people will never see. As Margaret Cho once said:
"If you laugh your ass off to Will and Grace but are against same sex marriage, f*ck you. You can't take the benefits of our culture and leave behind the burden of inequaltiy. That's like when white people stole rock and roll from black people in the 50's."
Change is in the air...and I hope that one day that you change for the better of not only the LGBT community, but for all people.
Voting Makes For Positive Attitudes
After Arnell voted at the polls I told him that we can get free stuff for voting. Since I voted by mail, I feebly asked for an "I Voted" sticker. The poll representative said, "You want the freebies, huh?" I laughed and nodded.
We went to Starbucks to get our free coffee and had a little impromptu breakfast. As I fixed up my coffee a 50-something woman approached Arnell and I and said hi. We started to talk about how this country needs change and how Obama has to win this election. "I hope he wins by a landslide. That'll give out a HUGE message." We talked about how huge this election is for everyone and how crazy the lines are to vote because no one wants to miss it. We then continued to talk about how cool it is to get free stuff and soon parted ways.
It's nice to know that people respond very positively after voting. There's some weird high that comes after leaving the poll. Personally, I think it's knowing that I have made a difference. My voice was heard in a quiet way. I now have the right to complain about this country if it's not what I wanted.
I am still praying that California gets it and kills Prop 8.
If you haven't voted today. GO!
After Arnell voted at the polls I told him that we can get free stuff for voting. Since I voted by mail, I feebly asked for an "I Voted" sticker. The poll representative said, "You want the freebies, huh?" I laughed and nodded.
We went to Starbucks to get our free coffee and had a little impromptu breakfast. As I fixed up my coffee a 50-something woman approached Arnell and I and said hi. We started to talk about how this country needs change and how Obama has to win this election. "I hope he wins by a landslide. That'll give out a HUGE message." We talked about how huge this election is for everyone and how crazy the lines are to vote because no one wants to miss it. We then continued to talk about how cool it is to get free stuff and soon parted ways.
It's nice to know that people respond very positively after voting. There's some weird high that comes after leaving the poll. Personally, I think it's knowing that I have made a difference. My voice was heard in a quiet way. I now have the right to complain about this country if it's not what I wanted.
I am still praying that California gets it and kills Prop 8.
If you haven't voted today. GO!
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Fuck Politics. This Is All Me.
In the 40’s and 50’s marriage was defined as between 2 of the “right (race)” people. It was supposedly going to destroy society. One judge even wrote, God separated the races into different continents and it was against God’s will to mix races. This is a ridiculous idea now. Gay marriage is inevitable, but it’s a matter of how long people will take to wake up and stop being ignorant.
So why is it bad that other couples want to join a beautiful commitment like marriage? Wouldn’t our marriage numbers just improve the crappy statistics already? What’s wrong with wanting a lifetime commitment with someone?
Everyone is concerned about children. They don’t care about whether you are gay or straight. They hope that you give them candy or take them to the park. They care that someone feeds them everyday. They care that someone wants to help them when they need it. And any GOOD parent would love them NO MATTER WHAT THEY DO or WHO THEY BECOME.
No one is asking the church to change any traditions. I want the law to change and abide to all citizens who have the ability to love. Domestic partnership is NOT the same thing as marriage. It’s NOT equal. The most significant difference between marriage and civil unions (or domestic partnerships) is that only marriage offers federal benefits and protections. Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) allows each state to choose whether or not to recognize a same-sex union that is recognized in another state. Talk about equality!
It boggles my mind that there are people out there that don’t believe that my love is the same as their love. It hurts when people tell me that I’m an immoral person just for loving someone for who he is. I have been judged all my life. I see younger gay men and women struggling to figure it all out…and to have a scared and ignorant society keep them from coming out. As a result of that gay teen suicide is 4 times higher than hetero teens.
Do your fucking homework before making assumptions of the “damaging” affects of gay marriage. I haven’t seen ONE substantial argument that validates YES on 8. Where is the democracy and freedom of ALL people when my rights are denied? Where is “life” when I’m not allowed to live out who I am? Where is “liberty” when I am not free to marry the one I (NOT YOU, not my friends, not my parents) love? Where is the “pursuit of happiness” if I am not allowed to pursue a future with someone who I love?
If you can sleep at night knowing you denied me (and our future) of rights and equal federal treatment...then don’t call yourself a moral person.
If you can’t see that LOVE is a beautiful thing between ANYONE, you don’t know what true love is.
If you think that I am hellbound, then come to church and serve as I do and go to mass with me.
I respect your opinions…even if they’re wrong. But oddly enough, there are many people who can’t respect my opinions…even when they’re right.
Let me lower my level for a sec for those who still don’t get it. If you still want to vote yes on 8, honestly, well...fuck you. It’s not my fault if you cannot grow into a better state of mind. It’s not my fault if you don’t care enough to know the real me. It’s not my responsibility to educate you if you don’t choose to open your mind. I have done more than enough to explain myself everyday of my fucking life…and now I have the chance to rise up and be an equal. I want you to come with me and be part of a better life for not only gay people…but for ALL people who know what love is.
I’m here.
I’m queer.
GET OVER IT.
1 Corinthians 13: 4 - 10
Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful;
it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;
it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never ends; as for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.
For our knowledge is imperfect and our prophecy is imperfect;
but when the perfect comes, the imperfect will pass away.
In the 40’s and 50’s marriage was defined as between 2 of the “right (race)” people. It was supposedly going to destroy society. One judge even wrote, God separated the races into different continents and it was against God’s will to mix races. This is a ridiculous idea now. Gay marriage is inevitable, but it’s a matter of how long people will take to wake up and stop being ignorant.
So why is it bad that other couples want to join a beautiful commitment like marriage? Wouldn’t our marriage numbers just improve the crappy statistics already? What’s wrong with wanting a lifetime commitment with someone?
Everyone is concerned about children. They don’t care about whether you are gay or straight. They hope that you give them candy or take them to the park. They care that someone feeds them everyday. They care that someone wants to help them when they need it. And any GOOD parent would love them NO MATTER WHAT THEY DO or WHO THEY BECOME.
No one is asking the church to change any traditions. I want the law to change and abide to all citizens who have the ability to love. Domestic partnership is NOT the same thing as marriage. It’s NOT equal. The most significant difference between marriage and civil unions (or domestic partnerships) is that only marriage offers federal benefits and protections. Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) allows each state to choose whether or not to recognize a same-sex union that is recognized in another state. Talk about equality!
It boggles my mind that there are people out there that don’t believe that my love is the same as their love. It hurts when people tell me that I’m an immoral person just for loving someone for who he is. I have been judged all my life. I see younger gay men and women struggling to figure it all out…and to have a scared and ignorant society keep them from coming out. As a result of that gay teen suicide is 4 times higher than hetero teens.
Do your fucking homework before making assumptions of the “damaging” affects of gay marriage. I haven’t seen ONE substantial argument that validates YES on 8. Where is the democracy and freedom of ALL people when my rights are denied? Where is “life” when I’m not allowed to live out who I am? Where is “liberty” when I am not free to marry the one I (NOT YOU, not my friends, not my parents) love? Where is the “pursuit of happiness” if I am not allowed to pursue a future with someone who I love?
If you can sleep at night knowing you denied me (and our future) of rights and equal federal treatment...then don’t call yourself a moral person.
If you can’t see that LOVE is a beautiful thing between ANYONE, you don’t know what true love is.
If you think that I am hellbound, then come to church and serve as I do and go to mass with me.
I respect your opinions…even if they’re wrong. But oddly enough, there are many people who can’t respect my opinions…even when they’re right.
Let me lower my level for a sec for those who still don’t get it. If you still want to vote yes on 8, honestly, well...fuck you. It’s not my fault if you cannot grow into a better state of mind. It’s not my fault if you don’t care enough to know the real me. It’s not my responsibility to educate you if you don’t choose to open your mind. I have done more than enough to explain myself everyday of my fucking life…and now I have the chance to rise up and be an equal. I want you to come with me and be part of a better life for not only gay people…but for ALL people who know what love is.
I’m here.
I’m queer.
GET OVER IT.
1 Corinthians 13: 4 - 10
Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful;
it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;
it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never ends; as for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.
For our knowledge is imperfect and our prophecy is imperfect;
but when the perfect comes, the imperfect will pass away.
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