I’ve been so emotionally whooped trying to wrap my head around the recent suicides of LGBT youth, the hate crimes still plaguing our cities and towns and the rash of bullies surfacing both online and in our schools that I’ve not been able to even start my regular monthly Haute Lot of activities and events in San Diego. I sit in front of my computer, staring at a blank open blog post thinking ‘why should I write about events & activities so people can celebrate whatever the fuck it is they want to celebrate…for whatever reason on whatever occasion…when there are many more important matters in front of me that need focus?’ I mean, don’t get me wrong, I don’t think that sharing a blog post about this month’s Halloween Scary-oke competition, celebrity chef event or charity fundraiser will permanently brand me as insensitive or out of touch, I just feel there’s got to be something more purposeful, in the present, that I can write about…even if only one person reads it or pays attention. Then it hit me, ‘you’re here, staring at this open blog post – make your words matter.’
This week’s LIVE with Courtney Ray – one of our favorite straight girls in the gayborhood – was a hoot. Courtney and Aaron tipped it with vino while Ophelia drank her energy mess and we got to know Courtney’s story of involvement in the community, from Montage to Mary’s (Mo’s) to Baja Betty’s! She’s a dog rescue advocate and one of the most vocal allies for LGBT rights in our city. She’s also got quite a few opinions about sports, TV and drag tucking. Watch and learn!
By Joey K.
Justin Aaberg (15) July 9, 2010. Billy Lucas (15) September 9, 2010. Seth Walsh (13) September 19, 2010. Tyler Clementi (18) September 22, 2010. Asher Brown (13) September 23, 2010. Raymond Chase (19) September 29, 2010. All six of these kids killed themselves due to anti-gay bullying, taunting and hate. Yes, they were still KIDS!
All six of these kids come from different parts of the country, so we can’t blame this on a specific demographic. They all have a different story. But one thing is the same: they were tormented to the point that they thought the only way to make things better was to take their own life. This is not only saddening as whole, it rips my heart apart! Read More
Following last week’s disappointing Senate vote involving Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Ophelia and Aaron sat down with Joseph Rocha for a candid talk about his continued fight to lift the Military’s ban on gay servicemembers. Joseph’s powerful story of struggle, service and honor has made headlines from the Washington Post and CNN to most recentlyNewsweek. Not if, but when, Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is repealed, Joseph plans to immediately return to service. Find out why and more in this very personal & poignant interview that brought Ophelia to tears. (Part 2 of 2) Read More
