Old Time Gospel Christmas! Welll!

Join Mariah in clapping and tapping to this joyous gospel carol!

Wonderful Christmas Time!

From John and Yoko to Paul and Linda- here is the beautiful song from Wings! So Christmasy and bright. Enjoy!

John Lennon and Sammy Davis Jr.

Today is the date that Sammy Davis Jr. was born and today is the 30th anniversary of John Lennon's death. Two phenomenal events in entertainment history.

From John for Christmas here is his wonderful song that also marked the end of the Viet Nam War. I love this one.




From Sammy and the wonderful Carmen MacRae, a great duet I dedicate to my Chicago homies. Baby It's Cold outside!

Hard Rock, Coco and Joe

How about some of our favorite and maybe forgotten Christmas carols to sing-a-long with and jog the memory. This one will be new for some of yall for sure.
This 1950's WGN-TV Chicago cartoon classic is a good place to start.

Ricky called 'em out in Illinois!

The Illinois House and Senate passed the long fought for bill for civil unions. Governor Quinn a supporter, has promised to sign the landmark bill santioning same-sex couples. On July 1, 2011 the great state of Illinois will join the growing number of states advancing human rights and the cause of justice for LGBT peoples and families.




Hypocrites in the room beware, he's talking to you.
Can't we just see Rev./Senator Meeks squirm and cover his ears. lalalala I can't hear ya Ricky.

Next, full marriage rights. In Illinois.
Next, federal spousal recognition for gay and lesbian couples.
Next, Free and Equal at Last!

It Is Not Over!

World AIDS Day 2010
Every December 1st we focus on issues surrounding HIV/AIDS. We emphasize keeping educated, being safe, getting tested, being compassionate, being supportive and ending HIV/AIDS.
It's a good time to reach out to those you love who live with HIV/AIDS. For me there are many. I love you all.
It's a good time to remember all those who have died. For me there are so, so many who left here with a little piece of my heart. I can never forget you. (Lee, I'm wearing your shirt today guy.)
It's a good day to realize that AIDS is not a one day a year deal. People are struggling to afford the AIDS medications they need right here in the good ole USA. People are still dying of HIV/AIDS in 2010, right here in America. In Africa and other places in the world HIV/AIDS is simply devastating the population.
So, today again it's important to recommit, research, reach out, represent, recognize and remember that-
It is not cured. It is not over.

Rev. James Meeks for Mayor

For the first time in decades, Chicago will soon have a new mayor. Mayor Richard J. Daley is passing on the keys to city hall and the contest for the keys is getting heated up.
Former Obama Chief of Staff, Rahm Emmauel came home from Washington D.C. because he wants the keys. Congressman Danny Davis, who I worked with back in the day, wants it. Miguel del Valle is the Hispanic hopeful, Former senator and ambassador Carol Mosely Braun returned to the political scene and is going for it. And lastly, Rev./State Senator James Meeks really wants to be mayor of Chicago.

I have listened closely to all of them on various radio/TV interviews. All speaking on what they have to offer a big city like Chitown. The overriding theme I heard was bringing us all together. Serving all the people of this multicutural city was the prevailing theme. They all seem sincere, except for one, the Rev. James Meeks. Oh, he makes the same claim as the others. He even has had t-shirts printed with a mayoral campaign slogan, "People first." But, the good Rev. does not consider everyone "people."
Rev. Meeks is totally, completely and unabashedly anti-gay. This man who seeks to be mayor of a city with a huge GLBT population is a raging homophobic. RAGING!

As Chicago's second ever Black mayor, a homophobe like James Meeks
would be a far cry from Harold Washington, who was responsible for Chicago's Human Rights Ordinance. Rep. Greg Harris told FOX Chicago, "He (Meeks)opposes even the most basic forms of equality and civil rights, we would be very alarmed if he were to become mayor."
Senator Meeks actively campaigned to defeat SB3186, an Illinois LGBT non-discrimination bill, while serving in the Illinois state legislature. He was the only African American in the Illinois Senate and House to vote against the bill.

Rev. Meeks, mega-church pastor of Salem Baptist Church in Chicago, calls homosexuality "an evil sickness" and was named one of the "leading black religious voices in the anti-gay movement" by the civil rights law firm, Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). Meeks has consistently worked with anti-gay conservative groups including the Americans for Truth, a Naperville, IL organization which the SPLC labeled as a hate group.

FOX Chicago TV asked mayoral candidate Meeks if his anti-gay views would impact any decisions he would make if elected mayor. His unbelievable answer is the following:

"Now, if I were sitting around bored with nothing to do, that stuff might come up," Meeks told FOX Chicago. "But I expect to be so busy with schools, crime and budget problems during my first term that I wouldn't have any time."

It's one thing to be against gay marriage or to be not accepting of the so-called gay "lifestyle" but it's another to actively aggressively try to hurt people, stand in opposition to the protection of citizens and to dismiss some people as unimportant. Perhaps Rev. Meeks is unaware that the LGBT community is effected by and often differently effected by school, crime, housing, and economic issues. Perhaps he doesn't think he needs the votes from the community he dismisses. Perhaps he is unaware that his hate filled antiquated views will lose him support from more citizens than just the gay folk.

Happy Anniversary, Alex!

Wishing a Happy Blogaversary to my friend Alexandra Billings for writing her funny, heartfelt, and socially relevant blog,
Stillettos and Sneakers.
Seven years and counting of making us laugh and learn.
Thanks, Alex!

Dr. Margaret Burroughs

The 93-year-old founder of America's foremost museum of African American history has died in her Chicago home, surrounded by her family.

Margaret Burroughs, an artist, art historian, teacher (she taught art at Dusable high for 20 years) and longtime Chicago Park District commissioner, co-founded with her husband, the late Charles Burroughs, the nationally recognized DuSable Museum of African American History in the living room of their South Side home almost 50 years ago. She served as the museum's executive director for a decade, until it was relocated to Washington Park.

Today, the museum is an internationally recognized resource for African American art and stands as both the oldest and largest collection of African American cultural artifacts in the country housing a permanent collection of more than fity thousand artifacts, artworks and books. DuSable Museum also hosts various educational programs and is one of the only independent institutions of its kind in the country.

Mrs. Burroughs helped shape some of Chicago's most lasting institutions including the South Side Community Art Center started by twenty-two year old Burroughs and several artists and art supporters. This community organization served as a gallery and workshop studio for artists and students. Burroughs continued to serve on the board of the Center, which remains active more than sixty years after its formation.

In addition to her work with the museum, Burroughs wrote children's books, poetry, and created sculpture and paintings. She was most well-known as a printmaker who created linoleum block images that featured images relevant to the African-American culture and experience.

Mrs. Burroughs legacy reaches across the spectrum, and is a distinctive contribution to black culture.

“Every individual wants to leave a legacy; to be remembered for something positive they have done for their community,” Mrs. Burroughs once told Ebony magazine. “Long after I’m dead and gone, the DuSable Museum will still be here.”

Thank you Dr. Burroughs for creating, cherishing and preserving our art and history.

Message from the President

And, from the U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

Very Important Information

Chris, over at Chris' Rants and Raves has posted an article that put into words the attitude in America that may IMO doom us to never becoming the nation we should be. It's sad but true. Reading the words may help us who are disturbed by the last two years, at least see it all clearly. Woosh away the smoke and try as the the president seems to be able to do, remain optomistic.

A True Champion

Secretariat, a champion like no other. He was not only a beautiful red chestnut stallion with his distinctive white star and blaze and three white boots, but he was the greatest ever born. The new movie about this wonderful and amazing athlete brought back the love that America had for the young colt who won the Triple Crown in 1973. That's three long distance races in five weeks. It's a feat almost impossible for any horse.
Secretariat not only won all three races but set records still not touched by any other horse.



His owner Mrs. Penny Tweedy said her colt's eyes were so expressive she knew he understood her words and that he was a big ham who loved racing, posing for pictures, and cheers from the crowd. In most of his races Secretariat kept everyone on edge by hanging back in last place then he'd fly past the other contenders. But, he could also position himself as a front runner and not run out of steam, as in the race below. He just left them all in the dust. Literally in the dust.
This is the last leg of his Triple Crown Championship, the Belmont Stakes. Watch it all, he is unbelivable.



The new movie that tells the story of Secretariat and the woman who owned him, is a triumph in sport and spirit. I loved it.

Living Proof

There is nothing like living proof. My friend Alexandra Billings is proof to all gay and Transgender kids that death is not the answer. Alex writes of her teenage inner torture and turmoil experienced when you know you are different, coupled with her teenage world screaming and demonstrating that that difference means you are not worthy to be treated like other humans. Alex has been through it all and she has survived it all. It is all worth it. Hang in there. You'll find love and support. And, like Alex, you'll have many many friends thanking the Lord that you didn't die.
I love you Alex.

?Questions for Church Goers??

There have been several teen suicides in the news lately. These deaths are high profile news because of the particularly hateful and public circumstances. But these suicides happen everyday. The suicide rate among gay, lesbian, bi, and Transgendered (GLBT) teens is alarmingly high. We all need to work not only to stop the bullying, attacking, and humiliating, but to give our kids a place to turn other than death.

There is now a renewed call to action to let these kids know they are loved and supported regardless of those who taunt them and make them feel flawed and worthless. But, the taunting and making these kids feel unworthy of life is not limited to their classmates. Our society has to take responsibility for the hatred, ignorance and lack of support that leads these kids to such despair that they consider death as their only way out.
What part do you think the church plays in this tragic issue?


20 questions to church goers
(Please feel free to answer in email, on my blog or facebook, some or all, individually or all together or just for yourself. But, PLEASE consider these questions.

1. Could your church be an environment that could contribute to the suicide of a GLBT teen? (This question is revisited after you have answered the others.)

2. What message to these children comes from your church's pulpit, and congregation?

3. Young people are already struggling with growing up issues, how sensitive or insensitive is your church to gay and Transgender teens?

4. What kind of support does your church offer them.

5. Does it only condemn?

6. Does it tell them they are not loved by God?

7. Does your church tell them they displease God because of the way they are?

8. Does your church insist or infer that there is something wrong with them?

9. Does your church tell these children they must change to please God or that God made them and loves them the way they are?

10. Even if your church believes children "choose" to be gay or Transgender, how sensitive to the child's feelings is your church?

11. Does your church tell these children that their feelings are false? Sinful? Wicked?

12. Are GLBT people embarrassed and humiliated and condemned in sermons at your church?

13. Does your church support these children when it is obvious they will not change?

14. Does your church have people that can talk to them without judgement?

15. Does your church allow or encourage counseling that would help the child accept him/herself the way they are?

16. When parents turn away from these kids, does your church offer support to the young people?

17. Does your church standby supportive parents of GLBT children?

18. Have you ever given thought to your church's effect on GLBT children and teens?

19. Whenever an attacked, humiliated, embarrassed, internally tortured gay teen commits suicide, we cry out that it would have gotten better, they could have talked to someone! Does your church present God as a safe haven or another source of condemnation for that child?

20. Now that you have answered these questions, could your church be an environment that could contribute to the suicide of a GLBT teen?

To Teens from Dave Navarro

Alexandra Billings posted this open letter to teens from Dave Navarro on her blog. She is living proof of Navarro's vital words.
Dave Navarro is not only my guitar hero anymore.


"Ok everybody, here is the deal. I cannot imagine what it’s like growing up in a close minded environment and being gay, bi or tans-gender. I don’t think any of us who aren’t can possibly imagine. The strength and character it must take to stay true to yourself in such an unforgiving microcosm are qualities that a major portion of the world lacks… Sad, but true. It’s just how it is at the moment. However, it’s that very strength and character that gives the world hope for a new way of thinking and acceptance in the future and when one of our children gives in and gives up, it is not only a tragedy but a victory for those who fear diversity. DO NOT LET THEM WIN! I know how overwhelming the feelings can get and how small the reality can feel, but the bottom line is that this is but a drop in the bucket in terms of the magnitude of life. You can get through this. High school is full of plenty of bullies and fear based hate, as is the world. With any group of people comes a percentage of people who just don’t get it and probably will never get it. That’s OK. We all deal with this to an extent. The truth is that in High School, you are kind of stuck in the group you are a part of until graduation, but trust me… You can pick and choose who you associate with and there are plenty of like-minded people in the world that are understanding, accepting and loving. Sometimes, we just have to stick it out to meet them. The hard cold reality is that once you have chosen suicide, that’s it. No going back. Sure, there is a public outcry and MAYBE the bullies feel remorse for a while, but it all dies down, life goes on, the bullies let the memory fade and get on with their lives. They learn to laugh, love, reach their goals and in many cases go on to have a full and productive life. Who loses? You do! Your family! Your friends! Other teens who need support in this area! Oh yeah… We all Lose! Now the world has one less mind that is open and different and unique and sensitive. Instead, we inherit the bullies, the fear, the set back… Our world has one less soul to help it evolve with a new level of clarity. Personally, I have seen a lot of darkness and tragedy that has felt insurmountable. The murder of my mother, my battle with drug addiction, the loss of friends and family. Utter depression and despair. Of course the thought of suicide has crossed my mind a time or two. Let me share this. THANK GOD I never took that action. The friends I have made, the experiences I have had, the laughter I have shared would have all been missed. In hindsight, some of my darkest moments now seem so small and insignificant that I am amazed I gave them so much power at the time. I am even able to laugh about it now. When I think back to the times I have considered ending it all I end up saying to myself, “What was I thinking?” To those of you contemplating such a course, please do us a favor. Seek counseling first. Find a network of people who have gone through what you are going through. Help others in even more turmoil than you. I am certain that you can find peace. As you know, our society and political climate is SO divided right now. We need your voice. The world at large needs your sheer existence in order to come to terms with itself and where we are going as a planet and species."

De Rossi, Degeneres, Delightful

Portia de Rossi has officially taken wife Ellen DeGeneres' last name. A Los Angeles Superior Court commissioner granted De Rossi's request to take the last name of her partner during a closed hearing Thursday. The television star will now legally be known as Portia Lee James DeGeneres.

The couple was married in August 2008 during the five-month window in which gay marriage was legal in California. The 37-year-old Australian-born actress asked for the name change last month. Delovely!

DADT?

Can you spot the gay soldier?

(Thanks AnneMarie Kneebone)

New Yorkers are Remarkable People

As usual about that time in the morning, I was talking to my mother on the phone when we both stopped in disbelief at what was happening on TV. At first we all thought it a terrible air accident. When the second plane seemingly tried to fly between the two towers and crashed into the second tower, we screamed "why would a pilot try to do that!" Still in our safe American cocoon, it never occurred to us that it could possibly be deliberate. Then the Pentagon and Pittsburgh and reports of hijacked planes made it clear that our safe little world was under attack.
I'll never ever forget my mom's voice when the first tower fell. "Oh Jackie..Oh Jackie."
Monica called me from work, which is very rare because she can't usually call from the classroom. She said she was taking the streets home instead of the Ike expressway because the sight and closeness to the Sears Tower scared her now. I couldn't wait for her to get home safe where I could see her.

My 26 year old nephew, Nolen, called me in tears. He was 26 and I had never heard him cry as an adult. He wanted to do something. He said he had to do something. He got busy and we designed a tee shirt and he put up a website with all profits going to the Red Cross. 911 Rescue Team U.S.A. was on the shirt. Buying and wearing the shirt makes us all a part of the rescue team. It was sanctioned by the Red Cross and given an official charitable number for the contributions. Nolen's effort was noted in an article in a Chicago newspaper. I still wear mine on the anniversary every year. It still helps to feel and know that I was part of the rescue team. I thank Nolen for helping so many people, do something. It helped. He is a remarkable man.



New Yorkers are remarkable people. We all felt vulnerable, scared and every other emotion possible during that tragic time. But New Yorkers took that hit in their hearts and their guts and in their everyday. They had to smell and taste and feel and live the grit that was September 11, 2001.
All I can say is, New Yorkers are remarkable people. I love you New York City.

Go Ahead, Burn That Holy Book!

This weekend on the anniversary of the September 11 tragedy, Rev. Terry Jones, pastor of the Dove World Outreach Center, an evangelical church in Gainesville, Fla., said that he and his 30 member congregation will build a bonfire and burn the holy book of the Muslim faith.
Muslims believe the Qur’an revealed to Muhammad through the angel Gabriel, to be the verbal book of divine guidance and direction for mankind. That is what Muslims believe.
But the passinate Rev. Jones knows that he must disrespect and destroy that horrid, evil book that is the bases of the religion that drove those Muslim men to fly planes into our buildings.

"It's something that we feel we need to do," Jones said. "It's a message that we feel we need to send."

Rev. Jones is determined. But, based on his criteria Jones needs to add the bible to that fire and throw in a few copies of the Torah too. Murdering nutjobs are an equal religious background employer. From your everyday garden variety serial killer to well planned air attacks, to socially upheld astrocities like slavery, Rev. Jones should be saying that all the holy books need to be smoked.

Based on the Jones point of view there certainly shouldn't be any African American Christians. Christians were slave hunters, traders, owners, and passages from the Bible were used to justify it. America's Christian society upheld slavery and Jim Crow laws. The KKK was a populated by Christians and used Christian symbols. American Indians should join us Black folk for a daily Bible burning, don't ya think Rev. Jones?

Rev. Jones admits he's never read the Qur'an. (There should be a law: read before burning.) So, he obviously does not know that the Qur'an has many common elements with the Bible and the Jewish Torah because they all are determined to come from the same divine source. He does not know that Muslims recognize the old testament prophets and the Gospel as divinely revealed. So burn away Rev. Jones. You will be burning stories of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, David, Job, Jonah, Moses, John the Baptist, Jesus and many more from Christian and Jewish sacred books.

Rev. Jones is a lot of things. The Rev. Jones is a pastor in the Christian faith. He is an extremist. And, he is a user. He's using 9-11, fear of Muslims, Christians, the Bible and the Qur'an, for his own self aggrandizing, showboating, hypocritical agenda.

Prop 8 Overturned!! Human Rights Victory!

Federal Judge Vaughn Walker handed down a thorough and carefully detailed ruling yesterday that determined that denial of civil rights under Prop 8 is unconstitutional. Actually, the human and civil rights afforded every American citizen under the U. S. Constituion should never be subject to a popular vote. This ruling is worth taking the time to read. It carefully addreses every argument put forth by the pro ban defence and explains why they are irrational and erroneous.

Excerpts from the landmark decision.
"Proposition 8 places the force of law behind stigmas against gays and lesbians."

"The sexual orientation of an individual does not determine whether that individual can be a good parent."

"The exclusion (of same-sex couples from marriage) exists as an artifact of a time when the genders were seen as having different roles in society and in marriage. That time has passed."

"Domestic partnerships exist solely to differentiate same-sex unions from marriage."

"Proposition 8 harms the state's interest in equality."

"The evidence at trial regarding the campaign to pass Proposition 8 uncloaks the most likely explanation for its passage: a desire to advance the belief that opposite-sex couples are morally superior to same-sex couples."

"Moral disapproval alone is an improper basis on which to deny rights to gay men and lesbians."

-- To read the judge's full decision on Prop. 8, go here.

For couples like me and Monica who have been together 31 years or our friends Alexandra and Chrisanne who have shared 35 years or for our pals Eugene and Gordon who are celebrating 37 years of sharing life together in spite of all obstacles, this ruling has no effect on our love and commitment. It does certainly effect our legal rights as American citizens and publicly validates our God given rights as human beings.