Today I want to talk to you about something very important to me. I feel like we live in a society that is accepting of people, when realistically it’s not unfortunately. I guess it’s because I try to accept people for who they are the good the bad and the ugly….and I expect other people to do the same. We are all human and deserve to love people who treat us right, no matter if it’s a guy or girl. I’ve had some very special people in my life who happen to be gay and are some of the most caring and amazing people I’ve ever met.
So today, I want to talk about a few things: 1. Accepting who you are 2. NOH8 Campaign 3. The Real L Word 4. Don’t ask Don’t tell
1. I was talking to my Mom the other day about one of my friend who struggles with her sexuality because she’s not accepted by her family and has conflicting thoughts about her faith. We both agree that after all the changes and strides we’ve made in the world: putting an end to segregation/women’s rights and so much more, that sexual orientation shouldn’t even be an issue now. I can’t wait for the day when our kids grow up and look completely flabbergast when we say woman couldn’t marry a woman and a man couldn’t marry a man. I can’t wait for the day when we start accepting people for who they are. On that note, I think it takes people a long time to accept them for who they are, regardless of sexual orientation. I wish my friend could see what an amazing/beautiful person she is and that she could give herself fully to a relationship and be ok with who she is. If you can’t love yourself first, you aren’t going to be able to commit fully to anyone else. Life has just made it so much harder for people who are gay, and it’s not fair. I know that I can’t fully understand what people go through, but what I do know is that people are the same, love is love and regardless of your sexual orientation you need to surround yourself with a support group that loves and cares about you and will always be there for you.
2. Even if your family can’t support you fully, there is SO much love out there to go around. I admire the NOH8 Campaign (http://www.noh8campaign.com) They come city to city and hold open photo shoots for $40 per person or $25 per person per group. My friend Robyn did this and her picture came out amazing! See below! The next time they come to Boston I am SO THERE!!!! Here is some information on the NOH8 Campaign taken from their website:On November 4, 2008 Proposition 8 passed in California, amending the state Constitution to ban same-sex marriage. The defeat provoked a groundswell of initiative within the GLBT community at a grassroots level, with many new political and protest organizations being formed in response.
The NOH8 Campaign is a photographic silent protest created by celebrity photographer Adam Bouska (http://www.bouska.net) and partner Jeff Parshley in direct response to the passage of Proposition 8. Photos feature subjects with duct tape over their mouths, symbolizing their voices being silenced by Prop 8 and similar legislation around the world, with "NOH8" painted on one cheek in protest.
Nearly two and a half years since its inception, the NOH8 Campaign has grown to over 13,000 faces and continues to grow at an exponential rate. The campaign began with portraits of everyday Californians from all walks of life and soon rose to include politicians, military personnel, newlyweds, law enforcement, artists, celebrities, and many more.
The NOH8 Campaign has received overwhelming support from around the world, and has appeared in various local and national news programs and publications. The images are widely used on various social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter to spread the message of equality. Eventually the images will be compiled for a large-scale media campaign.
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| My friend Robyn and her dog Lilly- adorable! |
The NOH8 Campaign is a photographic silent protest created by celebrity photographer Adam Bouska (http://www.bouska.net) and partner Jeff Parshley in direct response to the passage of Proposition 8. Photos feature subjects with duct tape over their mouths, symbolizing their voices being silenced by Prop 8 and similar legislation around the world, with "NOH8" painted on one cheek in protest.
Nearly two and a half years since its inception, the NOH8 Campaign has grown to over 13,000 faces and continues to grow at an exponential rate. The campaign began with portraits of everyday Californians from all walks of life and soon rose to include politicians, military personnel, newlyweds, law enforcement, artists, celebrities, and many more.
The NOH8 Campaign has received overwhelming support from around the world, and has appeared in various local and national news programs and publications. The images are widely used on various social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter to spread the message of equality. Eventually the images will be compiled for a large-scale media campaign.
3. So I am a HUGE fan of the show The Real L Word on ShowTime. This is a reality show based off of lesbians in Los Angeles, just living their lives and having it filmed. This show came out a few years after The L Word Series ended. I remember talking to a few people who were so thankful both shows were aired because they finally felt like they could relate to it! I was lucky enough to meet my lesbian crush Whitney Mixter at a pool party in MA in August. I think she’s a true inspiration to any people out there struggling with who they are- she is who she is, and she OWNS it, along with having a great support system and BEING a great support system to her friends and fans.
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| Meeting Whitney in MA! |
Meet Whitney! The first video is a little bit about her, and the second is about her speaking at USC for anti bullying through the arts!
Another one of the cast members, Romi Klinger started a jewelry line which launched on Love and Pride- http://www.loveandpride.com/Product/CategoryInfo.aspx?cid=799
Here is some info on the Company Love and Pride:
Who We Are: Love and Pride is the first high-end designer jewelry online destination for people who believe in equality, diversity and tolerance. Our jewelry collections include engagement, commitment, wedding and anniversary rings, necklaces, pendants, earrings, watches and other accessories for women and men. Sometimes romantic, sometimes serious, sometimes whimsical…always captivating.
The collective dream of a group of artists and entrepreneurs, Love and Pride is a worldwide venture founded to celebrate the transformative powers of passion, creativity and action.
Making a Difference: Your purchase makes a difference at Love and Pride. Proceeds from the sales at www.LoveandPride.com are donated to non-profit organizations that support full equality and civil rights for our community. Our partners, The Matthew Shepard Foundation, The Human Rights Campaign and others are shaping a better future for all of us by helping to create a society that is truly diverse and tolerant. Make a fashion and social statement with Love and Pride!
4. The USA is making baby steps though; I just wish it was leaps and bounds. It’s about time that “Don’t ask don’t tell” was eliminated but it took way too long!!!! I saw an awesome video posted on PerezHilton the other day about a soldier coming out to his Dad and honestly, it was amazing!
LOVE IS LOVE
xox always- Linds
If the NOH8 campaign comes here, I'm going with you.
ReplyDeleteP.S. You & Romi look alike.