The California Supreme Court ruling on May 15, which entitles gay men and lesbians to legally marry in the Golden State, ignited passions on both sides of the political divide. California now joins the commonwealth of Massachusetts in allowing gays and lesbians to tie the knot, and an impending ruling by the Connecticut Supreme Court expected at any time could really make matters interesting if they side with marriage equality.
Have you ever noticed that whenever a natural disaster hits some right wing loon comes out of their parishioner-paid-for mansion to assign biblical blame? Usually it’s the gay community who’s at fault. Sometimes it’s the feminists. And a good part of the time they just blame secular society in general.
After Hurricane Katrina in 2005 the right wingers said the gay community, with its sinful Mardi Gras and even naughtier Southern Decadence traditions were responsible for nearly wiping New Orleans off of the map.
At long last the Democratic Party has its presumptive nominee, Sen. Barack Obama from Illinois. The epic 16-month battle between Obama and his last standing opponent, long time front runner Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York was hard fought with each raising record numbers of money while accumulating more votes than any other primary candidates in history.
I’ve lived in or around Belleville, Illinois for 17 years now, so it was with a great sense of well, Pride that I attended the first annual Belleville Pride Event on June 21. Several hundred gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender (GLBT) and allied revelers from throughout the Metro East and The Lou attended the celebration which was sponsored by Metro-East Gays and Straights and Club Escapade.
Unless you were in the Middle East accompanying Dick Cheney on his latest “Iraq’s goin’ great” tour, you’ve undoubtedly heard by now that Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama gave arguably the most historic speech on race in America in 45 years.
Let me begin by thanking all the lovely women who breathed life into each and every one of us by saying Happy Mother’s Day! Sunday, May 11 is your day, the day set aside to celebrate you! I for one think mothers should be celebrated every day.
As an event designer and caterer, I have seen countless vow exchanges over the past 22 years. And as a single man seeking my Prince Charming, I often think about my own wedding day celebration. The tradition of exchanging vows during a ceremony is an old and honored custom. A commitment ceremony with reception is becoming an increasingly popular choice among the GLBT community. It is our right to commit our lives to each other and allow those we love to witness and rejoice in that moment.
I have hesitated to give my views on the political landscape but I recently read a letter written by Lewis Diuguid, an African-American columnist working for the Kansas City Star. I wanted to share this letter with each of you. I will support whomever wins the Democratic nomination, but this letter is powerful.
California dream could unite the right
The California Supreme Court ruling on May 15, which entitles gay men and lesbians to legally marry in the Golden State, ignited passions on both sides of the political divide. California now joins the commonwealth of Massachusetts in allowing gays and lesbians to tie the knot, and an impending ruling by the Connecticut Supreme Court expected at any time could really make matters interesting if they side with marriage equality.
Whose fault?
Have you ever noticed that whenever a natural disaster hits some right wing loon comes out of their parishioner-paid-for mansion to assign biblical blame? Usually it’s the gay community who’s at fault. Sometimes it’s the feminists. And a good part of the time they just blame secular society in general.
After Hurricane Katrina in 2005 the right wingers said the gay community, with its sinful Mardi Gras and even naughtier Southern Decadence traditions were responsible for nearly wiping New Orleans off of the map.
Democratic détente should decide VP drama
At long last the Democratic Party has its presumptive nominee, Sen. Barack Obama from Illinois. The epic 16-month battle between Obama and his last standing opponent, long time front runner Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York was hard fought with each raising record numbers of money while accumulating more votes than any other primary candidates in history.
‘60 Minutes’ ghost no longer haunts Belleville
I’ve lived in or around Belleville, Illinois for 17 years now, so it was with a great sense of well, Pride that I attended the first annual Belleville Pride Event on June 21. Several hundred gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender (GLBT) and allied revelers from throughout the Metro East and The Lou attended the celebration which was sponsored by Metro-East Gays and Straights and Club Escapade.
Not guilty by association
Unless you were in the Middle East accompanying Dick Cheney on his latest “Iraq’s goin’ great” tour, you’ve undoubtedly heard by now that Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama gave arguably the most historic speech on race in America in 45 years.
Celebrate your mothers
Dear Readers,
Let me begin by thanking all the lovely women who breathed life into each and every one of us by saying Happy Mother’s Day! Sunday, May 11 is your day, the day set aside to celebrate you! I for one think mothers should be celebrated every day.
Tying the knot: Tasteful weddings can be done on any budget
By Rob Schaefer
As an event designer and caterer, I have seen countless vow exchanges over the past 22 years. And as a single man seeking my Prince Charming, I often think about my own wedding day celebration. The tradition of exchanging vows during a ceremony is an old and honored custom. A commitment ceremony with reception is becoming an increasingly popular choice among the GLBT community. It is our right to commit our lives to each other and allow those we love to witness and rejoice in that moment.
Don't quit
Dear Readers,
I have hesitated to give my views on the political landscape but I recently read a letter written by Lewis Diuguid, an African-American columnist working for the Kansas City Star. I wanted to share this letter with each of you. I will support whomever wins the Democratic nomination, but this letter is powerful.
Till next issue
Pam Schneider
Dear Sen. Hillary Clinton:
Still work to do
Dear Readers,