The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) told the GLBT Suicide Prevention Conference to remove "gay", "lesbian", "bisexual" and "transgender" from the materials or the SAMHSA will not support the conference.
Someone leaked to The Washington Post and SAMHSA was floored with complaints. One spokesman at SAMHSA said, "It was only a suggestion."
I believe it was supposed to be a belief amongst the Republican party that they do want less interference on organizations/businesses/life from the governments. But yet, the Repubicans (Yes, the Bush Administration appointed the Republicans to many departments) still interfered and "suggested" (actually, they often implicated that by suggesting, it is done with a threat of taking funds if they do not comply) them to alter the materials.
Enough is enough.
UPDATE: The SAMHSA Spokesman implied that it was only a suggestion and that the organizations should consider the funding source. That was a threat.
And not only that, the SAMHSA wanted the conference to add the faith-based crap on the list! It is getting silly each day to hear stuff like this out of these administrations. Do you truly think this faith-based will help "G", "L", "B" and "T" at all? Offering them with Ex-Gay Ministries? Exodus International? Please.
R-
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Don't Talk To Me About Traditions
"Rules are made to be broken."
That's how I perceived it unto the traditional marriage. When people, especially with conservative, X-ian and Republican attempted to cover their homophobic attitudes against the same-sex marriage, they often said that they are doing it, not out of homophobic, but to preserve the tradition.
What?
To preserve the tradition.
Let me do the hairball thing first. *spitting the biggest hairball out of my mouth*
That is hogwash excuse.
Originally, the marriage was a way to own the property in the ancient times. Yes, as to own a woman. Which is why when women insisted to have a divorce, men did not like it because it was "unheard of".
I'm sick of straight people who claimed that they "have gay friends and they respect him/her that they are against gay marriages", that is entirely bullshit. I hadn't met a straight person who is MY FRIEND and that he is against the same-sex marriage but is fond of me. Know what? I don't consider them my friends. I consider them as wannabes.
Massachusetts has legalized the marriages for ALL. Look up in the blue sky, nothing is falling apart. Nothing. These doommsayers are phony from the day one. *spitting at them*
Honest to God, it is not about forcing a gay wedding at the First Baptist Church in Americus, Georgia -- who in the rigt frame of gay men's minds would want to have a gay wedding in that building in Americus, really?!
The whole issue is to have the benefits that comes with the marriage license. The whole thing is about the b e n e f i t s that permitted the committed persons to take care of each other financially, in sickness and health. In death and living!
But it will destroy the traditions of marriage meant for a man and a woman? *Phooey!*
Please read Shirley Jackson's The Lottery, and it will tell you that ... throughout the history of civilizations, some traditions has to be altered, destroyed or abandoned because sometimes, it is silly to uphold a tradition that does not serve a goodwill towards all peoples on the planet.
Bless Shirley Jackson because she made me realize that the traditions CAN be removed from the society. It can be done with such a force if necessary.
Deal with it, you nansy-pansies!
R-
That's how I perceived it unto the traditional marriage. When people, especially with conservative, X-ian and Republican attempted to cover their homophobic attitudes against the same-sex marriage, they often said that they are doing it, not out of homophobic, but to preserve the tradition.
What?
To preserve the tradition.
Let me do the hairball thing first. *spitting the biggest hairball out of my mouth*
That is hogwash excuse.
Originally, the marriage was a way to own the property in the ancient times. Yes, as to own a woman. Which is why when women insisted to have a divorce, men did not like it because it was "unheard of".
I'm sick of straight people who claimed that they "have gay friends and they respect him/her that they are against gay marriages", that is entirely bullshit. I hadn't met a straight person who is MY FRIEND and that he is against the same-sex marriage but is fond of me. Know what? I don't consider them my friends. I consider them as wannabes.
Massachusetts has legalized the marriages for ALL. Look up in the blue sky, nothing is falling apart. Nothing. These doommsayers are phony from the day one. *spitting at them*
Honest to God, it is not about forcing a gay wedding at the First Baptist Church in Americus, Georgia -- who in the rigt frame of gay men's minds would want to have a gay wedding in that building in Americus, really?!
The whole issue is to have the benefits that comes with the marriage license. The whole thing is about the b e n e f i t s that permitted the committed persons to take care of each other financially, in sickness and health. In death and living!
But it will destroy the traditions of marriage meant for a man and a woman? *Phooey!*
Please read Shirley Jackson's The Lottery, and it will tell you that ... throughout the history of civilizations, some traditions has to be altered, destroyed or abandoned because sometimes, it is silly to uphold a tradition that does not serve a goodwill towards all peoples on the planet.
Bless Shirley Jackson because she made me realize that the traditions CAN be removed from the society. It can be done with such a force if necessary.
Deal with it, you nansy-pansies!
R-
Guess Who I Met Today?
Walking on 50 Street by Broadway, I was looking at digital camera by the window -- and suddenly, I felt a jolt -- a petite woman walked into my chest. I turned to look down at her. She has a bright orangish/reddish hair. She attempted to speak but I quickly intervened that I am Deaf. She then gestured that she's sorry and greeted me good bye. She then went on her own with a teenager strolling down the street. She was wearing a fur coat which was odd considering the fact that the climate was very warm today.
Cool, I just bumped into Jeanne-Claude, today. Who is Jeanne-Claude and Christo? They just unveiled The Gates in Central Park. I plan to check The Gates this coming friday. It should be interesting, just right before I go to Web's Mommy & Daddy's Wine & Cheese thing on Friday night.
Should be fun.
R-
Cool, I just bumped into Jeanne-Claude, today. Who is Jeanne-Claude and Christo? They just unveiled The Gates in Central Park. I plan to check The Gates this coming friday. It should be interesting, just right before I go to Web's Mommy & Daddy's Wine & Cheese thing on Friday night.
Should be fun.
R-
An Excellent Family Values!
Did you hear about Alan Keyes? That "genuine conservative who is pro-life activist" who attacked gays as a bunch of hedonists who lost the senate race to Obama Barak (D) of Illinois.
Her daughter, Maya Keyes, was kicked out of home after Alan and his wife found out that Maya is a lesbian.
What a great role model for conservative, pro-life, Republican activist with the stench of their so-called family values.
Alan, hate is a family value, apparently to your groups.
R-
Her daughter, Maya Keyes, was kicked out of home after Alan and his wife found out that Maya is a lesbian.
What a great role model for conservative, pro-life, Republican activist with the stench of their so-called family values.
Alan, hate is a family value, apparently to your groups.
R-
Stefan LeFors Charms KSD Students
Remember the gorgeous athlete whose parents, brother and many more are Deaf? Yep, Louisville's Quarterback Stefan LeFors visited Kenfucky School for the Deaf and charmed the students and everyone else -- converting many of 'em into UL fans, away from Byron Wilson's infatuation with UK.
For some of you, UK is U of Kentucky. UL is U of Louisville. It is college football thing, really.
UL Quarterback Stefan LeFors
Here is the article out of Danville, Kenfucky.
Stefan LeFors is absolutely great person. I'm impressed, 'nuff said.
* * *
From the newsroom of The Advocate-Messenger, Danville, Kentucky, Sunday, February 13, 2005 .....
Louisville's LeFors relates well to KSD students
By LARRY VAUGHT
Sports Editor
Since he's always been part of the deaf community, Stefan LeFors knew a little bit about what to expect when he came to Kentucky School for the Deaf Friday.
LeFors grew up expressing himself without words because his parents, brother, paternal grandparents and three uncles were deaf.
"It was not a big deal that I could hear and they couldn't," said LeFors. "My parents taught me sign language and how to communicate. They taught me everything that was important and treated me the same as everyone else."
Still, LeFors was not just another visitor here Friday. The KSD students knew him as the starting quarterback for No. 6 Louisville and were thrilled that he spent an hour here with them along with teammate Bobby Leffew, a former Boyle County all-state lineman who started in Louisville's defensive line.
LeFors threw for almost 6,000 yards and 38 touchdowns during his collegiate career. More importantly, he led Louisville into elite territory in 2004 when the Cards lost only at Miami.
Many at KSD know his mother
The KSD students and faculty also knew him for another reason - his mother, Susan, is the cheerleading coach at Louisiana School for the Deaf. KSD plays in the Mason-Dixon Tournaments each basketball season and many people, including KSD athletics director Paul Smiley, have known her for years.
LeFors' older brother, Eric, was also a record-setting quarterback at Louisiana School for the Deaf before going to Gallaudet College. His successor as quarterback at Gallaudet was KSD product Chris Harris. Eric LeFors is now a coach and teacher at Florida School for the Deaf and recently played golf with Billy Lange, a teacher at KSD who got to meet the Louisville quarterback Friday.
"It was an honor to come here and talk and meet these kids," LeFors said. "I feel like I have a connection with these guys. All my life I have been around the deaf school in Louisiana and I've always had a good time there. This brings back good memories.
"I feel like they all know me from watching me play, but I don't really know them. The deaf community is not very big. A lot of them share the same interests, especially since deaf schools compete against each other in sports. It seems like they all knew my mom, who has probably coached 20 years. It was fun for me to meet so many people who know her. Actually, my mom and brother are their heroes. I'm just one of the guys."
Based on the way the KSD students asked specific questions about his career and lined up to get his autograph, LeFors underestimated his impact on them.
He signed all his answers
He signed all his remarks to them and had an interpreter speak his words for the hearing audience. His wife, Joy, who met him in high school in Louisiana, also was fluent in sign language and interacted with many students and staff members.
ESPN aired a special on LeFors and his family that many of the KSD students had seen.
"I was proud they did that," LeFors said. "I got a lot of compliments and e-mails from people all over the country who were impressed by the story."
His story reads like a fairy tale. Not only did he have deaf parents, but he played at Christian Life Academy and no major college showed interest in him. His father sent videotapes to numerous colleges but Louisville was the only school to offer him a scholarship.
"I was small and was told I was not big enough to play college football," LeFors, who recently played in the East-West Shrine Bowl.
He was redshirted his first year, then got in five games as a redshirt freshman and completed three passes. In 2002, he played in only three games.
However, he blossomed into a star in 2003 when he threw for 3,145 yards and 17 touchdowns, including 180 yards and one touchdown in a season-opening win over Kentucky. Last season he threw for 2,596 yards and 20 scores, including 139 yards and a touchdown in another win over Kentucky.
"We destroyed UK. What was wrong with UK?" LeFors joked with the KSD students who supported Kentucky.
His story turned many into Louisville fans
LeFors said his story has helped sway many fans to support Louisville.
"I have a lot of people tell me they were UK fans or fans of another school, then they heard my story and became Louisville fans," LeFors said. "That's nice to know and I appreciate the support from all those people."
He's now working out four days a week in preparation for the NFL Combine Feb. 24 in Indianapolis. After that he'll work out for the NFL scouts again in Louisville in early March.
"We've been training really hard. This is a stressful time with the combine coming up and then the (NFL) draft," LeFors said. "I am looking forward to what is ahead, but I'm still kind of anxious to see where I will end up."
That constant anxiety is one reason he's glad he is married.
"For me, she is my life," LeFors said. "I go home and she's there to take my mind off football. She is also my biggest fan. I don't know what I would do without her."
Pay attention to grades and don't get discouraged
LeFors and Leffew both encouraged the students to pay attention to their grades and not get discouraged when things did not go their way. Leffew related a series of injuries he had to overcome to succeed and how then Boyle football coach Chuck Smith made him understand that without good grades, he wouldn't get the chance to use his athletic talent in college.
"Don't listen to negative comments. Don't let anyone tell you what you can't do," LeFors said. "You've got to think positive and be confident in yourself."
LeFors is following his own advice. He's convinced he can succeed in the NFL even if he's only 6-feet tall, several inches shorter than most pro scouts like.
"My goal is to get to the NFL," he said. "I will do whatever it takes even if it means going to the CFL (Canadian Football League) or Arena League. I will do what it takes.
"It's been great coming out of nowhere and making it at Louisville, but it's not over yet. I've enjoyed every minute of my athletic career. I'm just glad I could share some of that with these kids today because I can relate to them and if I inspired just one of them to try a little harder or believe in himself a little more, then this has been a great day."
For some of you, UK is U of Kentucky. UL is U of Louisville. It is college football thing, really.
Here is the article out of Danville, Kenfucky.
Stefan LeFors is absolutely great person. I'm impressed, 'nuff said.
* * *
From the newsroom of The Advocate-Messenger, Danville, Kentucky, Sunday, February 13, 2005 .....
Louisville's LeFors relates well to KSD students
By LARRY VAUGHT
Sports Editor
Since he's always been part of the deaf community, Stefan LeFors knew a little bit about what to expect when he came to Kentucky School for the Deaf Friday.
LeFors grew up expressing himself without words because his parents, brother, paternal grandparents and three uncles were deaf.
"It was not a big deal that I could hear and they couldn't," said LeFors. "My parents taught me sign language and how to communicate. They taught me everything that was important and treated me the same as everyone else."
Still, LeFors was not just another visitor here Friday. The KSD students knew him as the starting quarterback for No. 6 Louisville and were thrilled that he spent an hour here with them along with teammate Bobby Leffew, a former Boyle County all-state lineman who started in Louisville's defensive line.
LeFors threw for almost 6,000 yards and 38 touchdowns during his collegiate career. More importantly, he led Louisville into elite territory in 2004 when the Cards lost only at Miami.
Many at KSD know his mother
The KSD students and faculty also knew him for another reason - his mother, Susan, is the cheerleading coach at Louisiana School for the Deaf. KSD plays in the Mason-Dixon Tournaments each basketball season and many people, including KSD athletics director Paul Smiley, have known her for years.
LeFors' older brother, Eric, was also a record-setting quarterback at Louisiana School for the Deaf before going to Gallaudet College. His successor as quarterback at Gallaudet was KSD product Chris Harris. Eric LeFors is now a coach and teacher at Florida School for the Deaf and recently played golf with Billy Lange, a teacher at KSD who got to meet the Louisville quarterback Friday.
"It was an honor to come here and talk and meet these kids," LeFors said. "I feel like I have a connection with these guys. All my life I have been around the deaf school in Louisiana and I've always had a good time there. This brings back good memories.
"I feel like they all know me from watching me play, but I don't really know them. The deaf community is not very big. A lot of them share the same interests, especially since deaf schools compete against each other in sports. It seems like they all knew my mom, who has probably coached 20 years. It was fun for me to meet so many people who know her. Actually, my mom and brother are their heroes. I'm just one of the guys."
Based on the way the KSD students asked specific questions about his career and lined up to get his autograph, LeFors underestimated his impact on them.
He signed all his answers
He signed all his remarks to them and had an interpreter speak his words for the hearing audience. His wife, Joy, who met him in high school in Louisiana, also was fluent in sign language and interacted with many students and staff members.
ESPN aired a special on LeFors and his family that many of the KSD students had seen.
"I was proud they did that," LeFors said. "I got a lot of compliments and e-mails from people all over the country who were impressed by the story."
His story reads like a fairy tale. Not only did he have deaf parents, but he played at Christian Life Academy and no major college showed interest in him. His father sent videotapes to numerous colleges but Louisville was the only school to offer him a scholarship.
"I was small and was told I was not big enough to play college football," LeFors, who recently played in the East-West Shrine Bowl.
He was redshirted his first year, then got in five games as a redshirt freshman and completed three passes. In 2002, he played in only three games.
However, he blossomed into a star in 2003 when he threw for 3,145 yards and 17 touchdowns, including 180 yards and one touchdown in a season-opening win over Kentucky. Last season he threw for 2,596 yards and 20 scores, including 139 yards and a touchdown in another win over Kentucky.
"We destroyed UK. What was wrong with UK?" LeFors joked with the KSD students who supported Kentucky.
His story turned many into Louisville fans
LeFors said his story has helped sway many fans to support Louisville.
"I have a lot of people tell me they were UK fans or fans of another school, then they heard my story and became Louisville fans," LeFors said. "That's nice to know and I appreciate the support from all those people."
He's now working out four days a week in preparation for the NFL Combine Feb. 24 in Indianapolis. After that he'll work out for the NFL scouts again in Louisville in early March.
"We've been training really hard. This is a stressful time with the combine coming up and then the (NFL) draft," LeFors said. "I am looking forward to what is ahead, but I'm still kind of anxious to see where I will end up."
That constant anxiety is one reason he's glad he is married.
"For me, she is my life," LeFors said. "I go home and she's there to take my mind off football. She is also my biggest fan. I don't know what I would do without her."
Pay attention to grades and don't get discouraged
LeFors and Leffew both encouraged the students to pay attention to their grades and not get discouraged when things did not go their way. Leffew related a series of injuries he had to overcome to succeed and how then Boyle football coach Chuck Smith made him understand that without good grades, he wouldn't get the chance to use his athletic talent in college.
"Don't listen to negative comments. Don't let anyone tell you what you can't do," LeFors said. "You've got to think positive and be confident in yourself."
LeFors is following his own advice. He's convinced he can succeed in the NFL even if he's only 6-feet tall, several inches shorter than most pro scouts like.
"My goal is to get to the NFL," he said. "I will do whatever it takes even if it means going to the CFL (Canadian Football League) or Arena League. I will do what it takes.
"It's been great coming out of nowhere and making it at Louisville, but it's not over yet. I've enjoyed every minute of my athletic career. I'm just glad I could share some of that with these kids today because I can relate to them and if I inspired just one of them to try a little harder or believe in himself a little more, then this has been a great day."
Monday, February 14, 2005
Stand Up and Applaud Her for Her Courage
The CBS-TV once had a mini-series movie called "Alex Haley's Queen", it is based on the author's special memoir, drawn from his author's archives, about the other side of his fabled family -- his slave grandmother and the white planter who fathered her. Alex Haley also wrote "ROOTS" which became one of the most powerful mini-series in television history.
There was a quote in "Alex Haley's Queen" which was advertised by CBS-TV a long time ago, it reads:
Her father denied her his name. Her family denied her love. Her country denied her freedom. But no one could deny her courage.
I could do the same for Melissa Etheridge.
Her country denied her the right to marry. But no one could deny her courage.
The Gorgeous Bald Melissa Etheridge
As a lesbian who also underwent the chemotherapy for breast cancer, she is courageous and seeing the picture with her courage, she does not hide it nor is sorrowful about it. By her presence, she defied the religous doomsayers.
Cheers to Melissa Etheridge,
R-
There was a quote in "Alex Haley's Queen" which was advertised by CBS-TV a long time ago, it reads:
Her father denied her his name. Her family denied her love. Her country denied her freedom. But no one could deny her courage.
I could do the same for Melissa Etheridge.
Her country denied her the right to marry. But no one could deny her courage.
As a lesbian who also underwent the chemotherapy for breast cancer, she is courageous and seeing the picture with her courage, she does not hide it nor is sorrowful about it. By her presence, she defied the religous doomsayers.
Cheers to Melissa Etheridge,
R-
GASC II
This is funny, discovered on Craig's List website.
The Perfect Man
A Turd in the Tub
This is true -- it may apply to Women's Personal Ads AND Gay Men's Personal Ads
Aww, This Is Sweet
And last, dogs do not fuck around with women!
Oh, yeah, one more picture?
Cheers,
R-
The Perfect Man
A Turd in the Tub
This is true -- it may apply to Women's Personal Ads AND Gay Men's Personal Ads
Aww, This Is Sweet
And last, dogs do not fuck around with women!
Oh, yeah, one more picture?
Cheers,
R-
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