But I believe in miracles and I believed in Shangela. She has a terrific personality - hallelu. She was beautiful as a girl. And she seemed just determined enough to be able to pull it off. But there were just too many obstacles in her way. Having been involved in the drag game for such a short time she has not had time to perfect some of the crafts needed to be successful in the drag race.
Jason Howard Green
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Goodbye Shangela Laquifa Wadley
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Andrew Cooley: I Admire You
According to the article, "Cooley's was the first case of its kind in the state -wherein an employee sued a public body for discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation." As a result of Cooley's action, the Forrest County Sheriff's department will be the first in the state to include a sexual orientation clause in its non-discriminatory policy.
The evolution of this case is very interesting. Cooley basically outed himself to the department when he called 911 last year. A victim of domestic violence from his then partner, he thought it would be safe to summon the police. The chief officer that responded to this initial 911 call told Cooley not to return to work until he spoke with his direct supervisor. He was fired the next day.
I just want to say kudos to Andrew for not sitting back and allowing this department to get away with discrminative behavior. It would have been very easy to sit back and do nothing. In fact many would have probably blamed themselves and thought it was okay to be terminated after being outed. Well it is not okay to be fired simply because you're gay. And everyone should feel safe going to the police when in jeopardy and there should be no fear of retaliation or undue recourse. Andrew Cooley, you are a role model for all of the LGBT community. I'm hoping we see more people standing up for themselves like you.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
What Would Baldin Think of Same Sex Marriage
Monday, March 21, 2011
The Voice! Will It Be Bigger Than Idol?
I'll admit I am a bit intrigued by the concept of the show. The judges will not get to see the contestants while they audition. They will have their backs to the performers as they sing and they must decide whether they like the contestant based on nothing but their voice. But is it just me, or do you find it interesting that these judges were picked to judge people based strictly on their singing abilities when . . . well just look at them in the pics I've included.
I already know I'll be watching this when it comes out. I mean seriously - Christina, Cee-Lo and Adam Levine on the same show. I really do love them and inspite of their images, these are really some of the most talented people in the music business. This is a must watch for the judges alone. So I'm pulling for this to be a success. X-tina has the greatest sets of pipes since pre-crack Whitney. I could listen to her all day but let's be serious, would she be as successful as she is if that golden voice did not come in such a beautiful package?
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Better Days: A Tribute To All Grandmothers
A friend of mine just recently lost his grandmother. Jeremy (Jay) had been keeping me in the loop of his grandmother's health progress - from dementia to a cancer diagnosis to a transition to hospice. Then he dropped by my desk earlier this week to share with me that she passed away. Her failing health had already seemed to take its toll on him and it saddened me to learn that she had now been taken out of his life.
As I was driving to work today this song which I haven't heard in years came on the radio. The video above is that song, it is Better Days by Dianne Reeves. As it played I couldn't help but to think of Jay and the grief and loss he and his family are currently experiencing. The lyrics forced me to think of my own paternal grandmother who played such an important part in my growth and my development.
I am who I am today because of Lucy Pettaway-Green. She was beautiful and smart and determined and unyielding and relentless and witty. Since both my mom and dad worked, my twin brother and I were often left in the hands of this person who loved us and cared for us unconditionally (and we never minded it one bit). She would instill in us a love of God, respect for self, and tolerance and acceptance of all of our fellow man. She taught us the value of a good education and lived by the "it takes a village" mentalilty. Honesty and integrity were her redeeming qualities. I know my desire to live a truthful and authentic life is my effort to walk a path that would be acceptable in her eyes. My current moral compass is a direct result of the principles she ingrained in me.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Tucson Artist Needs Our Support
Tamara currently lives in Tucson with her partner. Her picture Dust Dance was taken while in Tanzania. She made her trip to Africa to help children orphaned by the HIV/ AIDS epidemic. She received a grant, collected used cameras, and taught photography these kids infected and affected by this disease that is ravishing the entire African continent.
I personally fell in love with the picture the moment I saw it. Just take a look at the faces of the kids she's captured on film. Inspite of their circumstances, these children are filled with smiles. Inspiration and optimism bursts out of the image. I have cast my vote and I am asking if you would cast yours too for Jamara.
If you would like to see more pics from her visit, please go here. These images were on display at the University of Arizona. They're simply amazing.
Please visit here Facebook page dedicated to this contest here.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
I Heart Kamala Harris
According to Harris, “both by the United States Attorney General’s conclusion that classifications based on sexual orientation cannot survive constitutional scrutiny and by this Court’s certification order to the California Supreme Court, which seriously questions the Court’s jurisdiction to decide the merits of the case.”
Harris defended her action by stating that Prop 8 proponents will not suffer any harm or injury should gay couples be allowed to marry. According to the Advocate, Harris has been a long time champion of same-gender marriage equality.
In her plea to the court, she states, "For 845 days, Proposition 8 has denied equality under law to gay and lesbian couples,” Harris said in her statement. “Each and every one of those days, same-sex couples have been denied their right to convene loved ones and friends to celebrate marriages sanctioned and protected by California law. Each one of those days, loved ones have been lost, opportunities have been missed, and justice has been denied.”