WHAT IS EQUALITY?

Let me start by saying how amazingly blessed I feel to have such amazingly supportive and accepting friends and family.  I have become an activist of sorts over the past few years, but those who know me know that I advocate for PUBLIC education in most of my "spare" time.  Occaisionally, I share an LGPT rights post or an equality support post.  Well, today has been a different day.  With the Supreme Court of the United States hearing oral arguments on two key cases this week, it became real to me that equality is not only "on trial", but that it is also gaining support. 

What is equality?  It is something different to everyone, but it should mean equal treatment for everyone.  Today, equality means equal rights and protection under the law.  With the Supreme Court taking up the cases of Proposition 8 and DOMA, it has become apparent that equality for all could be one step closer or it could be set back for a bit longer.  Equality is coming! It is just a matter of time before all Americans will be able to marry the person they love despite gender, race, creed, or religion.  The US Supreme Court could decide this summer to declare laws descriminating based on gender to be unconstitutional. 

As the Supreme Court prepared to hear oral arguments today and tomorrow, supporters of marriage equality began to turn social media pages RED for equality.  As I changed my "profile" picture to the newly reddened equality symbol, I witnessed something amazing.  As friends, family, and friends of friends started to change their own "profile" and "cover" photos, tears began to stream down my face.  Recognizing the amount of support and acceptance from my "small town" friends, I became overwhelmed with emotion and humbled by the outpour of support. 

I know that I flooded social media with many posts, shares, and pictures calling for support for marriage equality, but I never imaigined the huge outpouring of support that would flood my computer screen throughout the day.  I continue to be amazed by the messages, comments, emails, and pictures from my many supportive friends. 

A friend shared this video and again, I was moved to tears as I realized the support for the LGBT community that is being displayed by non-LGBT family and friends.

While the Supreme Court decision (expected sometime in mid-June) may not have an impact on many of them, they still choose to stand behind those of us who will be impacted the most.  We are a nation on the verge of true equality, as expected by our forefathers.  We are one split second away from seeing dreams turn to realities for the LGBT community as a whole nation, not just through individual states. 

I stand with my LGBT family as our "straight" family and friends stand beside us to witness history in the making.  I am proud that my real friends will be on the right side of history when the time comes and all is finally decided.  It may come as early as June 2013 and it may come years from now, but it is coming and we will all share equal rights under the law when all is said and done.

LOVES

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

Valentine's Day is a day full of meaning for some and full of dread for others.  As I look at this day, I celebrate the many loves I am thankful for.  This day is about celebrating LOVE, not a specific love. It is not just for celebrating that love you share with your significant other.  It is about the love you share with every special person in your life. 

I celebrate first and foremost the love I have for and from my amazing partner.  We recently celebrated two years together, and are looking forward to many more.  He "completes me" in so many ways.  We have just the right amount mix of common interests and individual interests.  It is wonderful to share the same interests, but it is also amazing teaching and learning about the interests and "obsessions" of others.  I have an obsession and passion for politics and he has a strong love of music and audio equipment.  He is learning to indulge my political rants and ambitions, while I am starting to enjoy heavy bass and the multiple "subs" and "amps" that pass through my life.  It is refreshing to be in a relationship with someone who loves you and accepts your passions as you do theirs.

Next, I celebrate the love of my children.  They have been through much more than most 12 year old boys, yet less than some.  They have shown pure love through acceptance and support. In some things they are mature beyond their years, but they also are amazing children.  They are two of the most loving and accepting pre-teen boys I have ever known, and it is an honor for me to be their father.  I love them for who they are and for who they will become. 

Although strained at times, I have an undying love for my parents.  They brought me into this world and have stood by me through all my many ordeals and shortcomings.  They have always been my "go-to" when everyone else in my life seemed to turn away.  I know there are times they may not understand or agree with me, but they love me through it all and I owe them my undying gratitude for all that they have done and continue to do for me and my family.

My true friends receive the rest of my love.  These people are those who I know I can count on for whatever my needs may be from them, and they the same in return.  I wish everyone could have the loving, supportive, encouraging friends that I have in my life.  These people make me laugh, make me  cry, cheer me up, listen to my venting, and help to keep me calm during life's storms.  It is because of their love and support that I can face the dark days and look toward the light of the future. 

The many loves in my life are what keep me going.  These are the people who give reason for waking in the morning and for staying awake late nights.  I will give all I can for my family and friends, as I know they would do the same for me given the chance.  So, as I look at this Valentine's Day, I do so with the greatest love one can have for another.  I look at this day knowing I am loved by so many, and I have so many to love in return.

Happy Valentine's Day 2013! 

Loves,
Phil

I'M BACK AND YOU'RE AFRAID

Yes, I am back to writing on this blog.  Now, you are afraid once again.  But what exactly are you afraid of? Afraid that I may comment about you on my blog?  I just might, and chances are you might not like it.  Afraid I will write something offensive? This is a good possibility if you find reading about the life of a homosexual male to be offensive. Just remember you can always choose not to read it.  Afraid links to the blog will come across your newsfeed on social media?  I assure you it definitely will, unless you decide to block me from showing up in your newsfeed.  If this is your choice, you are probably also afraid for the other reasons, and you should just block me completely because you are not someone I want associated with my life.

To Be Continued . .  .