Soula Boy, Kissing Kate (don't read that as one sentence 'cause that's just weird...)

Yay Soulja Boy...?

Right, so everyone's "favorite" rapper came to Hunter to talk about how we shouldn't do drugs. I'll admit I sniggered when I heard that, and I didn't see him because I (unlike a lot of people) went to third period. But according to this article, besides mentioning drugs a grand total of zero times and his album about four, Souja Boy, when asked for a hug by a (male) fan, refused, saying, "I'm not a homo." Excuse me, WHAT? I'm not at all a fan of his music, and I think it was a little amusing that his "drug" talk involved almost nothing about drugs, but... come on! He won't hug a fan because he thinks he'll appear "homo?" Way to go, Soulja Boy, way to go.

Book Review: Kissing Kate

I reread this a couple days ago, and maybe it was because I was supposed to be researching a term paper, but it was hard to put it down, and I finished it in two days. Granted, it's a short book, but still. Kissing Kate is about Lissa and Kate, bestest bestest friends, who hook up at a party, and it follows Lissa through the aftermath and the beginnings of her coming-out. It's a short, light read, and the whole lucid-dreaming plot device is really really weird, so say the least. But, the characters are all really well-done, especially Lissa, who narrates. I mean, sometimes you want to smack her for being so scared of the gay, but in a loving way. Not terribly conclusive, nothing life-changing, but it's still good; the kind of book you can definitely squeeze in on morning subway rides or before bed, worth the read.

So, that's it for tonight. Hope everyone has a fantastic break and a wonderful [insert holiday, if any, here]. If you've got any questions for us to answer, drop us a comment HERE; we'll be answering soon, promise!

Limp Wrist Magazine's Poetry Contest/Scholarship... Thing!

Queer-themed Poetry Contest! For Money! And a Summer Program!

Limp Wrist is "an e-zine with queer sensibility" that has a poetry contest for a small scholarship and a spot at the 2009 Juniper Summer Writing Institute (more info on that HERE).

Details:

~ NO entry fee required.

~ Student must identify as a member of the LGBT community.

~ Student must be a high school junior or senior for the 2008-2009 school year.

~ Only one poem of no more than 75 lines may be submitted in the body of an email. The poem should be submitted to dustin@limpwristmag.com, and the subject line must read "LW Sholarship" with the student's first and last name.

~ The poem submitted should not be a previously published work or have won a previous contest.

~ The email must include the following statement: "The poem submitted is my own original work and has not been previously published."

~ The submission email must also include the student's name, mailing address, and name of high school attending.

~ All submissions must be received by 1/31/09. 

The winner will recieve $150 and a spot at the 2009 Juniper Summer Writing Institute. Airfare to and from the '09 Juniper Summer Writing Institute is also covered by Limp Wrist. 

This looks really cool, plus is just a good oportunity to get off your butt and write some poetry, or clean up a piece you've already written. So yeah, you should submit to this. Original blog post is HERE, and remember, you can ask us anonymous questions HERE.

No on Prop 8: The Musical!

Die Prop 8, Die!

Prop 8, which re-banned gay marriage in California, is ridiculously depressing, and reading about the thousands and thousands of people who turned out to protest it, while inspiring, isn't exactly happy-making. This, however, is a form of protest against Prop 8 that can make us all smile:

Cast (in order of appearance):

California Gays and The People That Love Them--

Jordan Ballard, Margaret Cho, Barrett Foa, J.B. Ghuman, John Hill, Andy Richter, Maya Rudolph, Rashad Naylor, Nicole Parker

Proposition 8'ers and The People That Follow Them--

Prop 8 Leader - John C. Reilly

Prop 8 Leader's #1 Wife - Allison Janney

Prop 8 Leader's #2 Wife - Kathy Najimy

Riffing Prop 8'er - Jenifer Lewis

A Preacher - Craig Robinson

Scary Catholic School Girls From Hell - Rashida Jones, Lake Bell, Sarah Chalke

The Frightened Villagers - Katharine "Kooks" Leonard, Seth Morris, Denise "Esi!" Piane, Lucian Piane, Richard Read, Seth Redford, Quinton Strack, Tate Taylor, Brunson Green

Jesus Christ - Jack Black

A Very Smart Fellow - Neil Patrick Harris

Piano Player - Marc "Marc" Shaiman

Have I mentioned that Neil Patrick Harris is the best thing ever?

Anyway, hope everyone has a good rest-of-weekend, and remember, you can submit anonymous questions for answer by the GSA by clicking HERE.

Answers (finally!)

Hey guys! Sorry sorry sorry for the delay; there was some ridiculous miscommunication junior/senior year business... Anyway, we now present, finally, the long-awaited next installment of: [Answers to] Questions for the GSA

Questions for the GSA

Q: Have you ever come out? How did the person you came out to react right after? The same or differently?

     A: I've come out to several people. The reactions differ from person to person. Some of the best reactions I've had were along the lines of, "ok, but why is that a big deal?" Many of my friends were willing to accept me no matter what, and didn't have any problems with my sexuality. One of my friends was very angry when I told her because she felt I had snubbed her by not letting her know about it sooner. I had to explain that I hadn't always been completely aware of my sexuality and that I was not trying to keep secrets from her. It was a strange experience.

     The worst experience I have ever had with a friend was over the internet. He was the first person I told and I was very scared that he would have a problem with it, so I told him over email (never a good choice). He responded, "so, is this just a phase, or is this a lifestyle choice you are making?" It hurt. I was unable to think of anything to say back, and I didn't talk to him for a couple of days because I was so afraid of the comments he would make, even in passing. I was justified in my fear – a few days later, I met up with him at a party and the first thing he told me was that I looked very "Katy Perry".

Q: How can a straight friend support gay friends/acquaintances?

     A: Generally, people who are GLBTetc. (for simplicity I'll just say 'queer' from here on out) just want to be accepted. So, to that end: don't make a big deal about their queerness. You don't need to vocalize at every moment that you're supportive, because more often than not that just indicates awkwardness and discomfort with the whole issue. When sexuality becomes a non-issue, people feel truly accepted. Don't treat your friend's sexuality as if it were made of glass--accepting doesn't mean never bringing it up ever ever ever. Don't be afraid to talk about sexuality (theirs and in general), even joke about it, good-naturedly, in a way that doesn't bother them. If something confuses you or you want to know something or you're curious about something... ask! Because people would rather you understand and have all the facts, plus we generally appreciate candor. Don't be ignorant--if you don't know something, then ask. Don't be offensive--no stupid jokes where gayness is the punchline, no gay slurs, etc. Other than that... just be natural, speak your mind, don't be afraid of sexuality. Let them know that you're still their friend.

     Outside of social stuff, you can look around on websites of some GLBT organizations (HRC, for example, or GLSEN, which is a very good one for students) and even ask your friends if there's some social cause you can volunteer for, or some event you can participate in. Go to GSA meetings. Do Day of Silence. When people are being homophobic, inadvertently or not, call them on it.

Q: I am a high school boy, I am physically attracted to guys, and I came to terms with this a long time ago. However, I have recently realized that my emotional/romantic attraction is more with girls. This sort of puts me in a dillema, what should i do?

     A: Is the problem that you get romantically attached to girls, but it's not enough to give you a physical attraction to them? If that's the case, I wouldn't consider this much of a dilemma. My advice is to look past the binary. I'm not a believer in destiny, but my experience is that whatever your specific needs or desires, there are people out there who fill them. There are women who have male bodies, and while some of them are looking to change that, not all are. Seek out individuals who identify in this way (or have other non-binary identities you might be attracted to). I advise you to so a little bit of research into trans identity (G/SA will have a discussion on it pretty soon, we swear), and start thinking about ways in which the lines might blur favorably for you. Keeping in mind that not all people are just girls or just boys could help you find romances that satisfy you on multiple levels.

     A: Unless you are feeling an attraction towards on specific girl, I see no dilemma here. Sure, classifying yourself becomes a little trickier, but you're in high school. What you call yourself now may be completely different from the label you identify with ten years from now. Sexuality is very, very flexible.

     If there is a specific girl, well, that becomes an i-have-a-crush-on-this-girl problem, and I am not the best one to answer your query. If you are worried that this girl does not know you are (also?) attracted to girls, and you want to make this known to her so as to pursue a relationship, that's your prerogative.

     Otherwise, labels are for soup cans.

Q: Am I bi/bicurious? i'm a girl, and although i would never want to have a relationship with another girl (way too much moodiness) i would NOT mind AT ALL making out with some of my friends. i'm also attracted to guys, but i obviously know more about girls' bodies. so i'm not really sure, honestly. any ideas? but remember i would NEVER HAVE A RELATIONSHIP WITH A GIRL.

     A: I think you should try to think about why you so emphatically insist that you would NEVER HAVE A RELATIONSHIP WITH A GIRL. If it's because you genuinely do not form romantic attachments with girls, then you're probably straight, and just not repulsed by the idea of kissing girls. Not minding something is not really the same as actively desiring it. On the another hand, if your reason for never wanting a relationship with a girl is that they're too moody, (or some latent ingrained heterocentrism you might not even recognize), then you're probably bi or curious, and you just need to avoid moody women. i promise that some women are laid-back. Also, with knowing more about women's bodies, I presume the implication of adding that was that you know more about how to please women's bodies, though I could be wrong... just keep in mind that knowledge is all about how you use it and how you want to use it. There's no harm in trying things and seeing how you like them, and there's no harm in letting your partners know when something is just for fun, or just an experiment. We in the queer community advise you to conduct these experiments in areas where they won't be misinterpreted (most notably not at parties), but it's really up to you how you go about it.

Q: I am an out lesbian member of GSA, but I'm not sure I'd feel comfortable asking this question in person so I'm doing it anonymously. Recently I was talking to a friend about dressing in drag and I began almost unconsciously to take back everything I'd said. This is not an isolated incident; in general I've been more timid about expressing myself and being out to most people or flamboyantly gay to even my close allied and queer friends. I feel really comfortable with myself, so why am I having this problem? Even the fact that I've chosen to send this question without my name attached makes me doubt myself. I'm not really sure what to do.

     A: I'm not 100% positive what you're asking, but I'll try to answer anyway. I get the sense that you're worried because you feel yourself going back on your coming out, so to speak. Well, the first thing to do is ask yourself whether you're becoming any less gay. (I guess a better way to put that is, are you feeling yourself more attracted to guys, or less attracted to girls, or some other such shift in your sexuality?) There is NOTHING WRONG WITH THIS. Don't feel like you're wishy-washy, don't agonize about having made a mistake by coming out too early, don't do the straight-people thing of hoping it's a phase, and that soon you can go back to being plain ol' gay. Sexuality isn't simple. Sexuality is fluid and shifts a lot, and very few people are completely monosexual. So if you feel your sexuality shifting, don't stress. It doesn't mean you were wrong when you came out as gay, it doesn't mean you necessarily aren't gay... basically, all it means is that you should slow down a little and think things through, and figure out what label, if any, best suits you.

     There's another big possible reason for toning down the flamboyance, which is simply that you're starting to feel too flamboyant. I know that personally, when I first came out, I was ridiculously flamboyant and outspoken, because I wanted to be out to absolutely everyone, and I wasn't all that secure in my sexuality. But after a while I started to realize that my loud, obnoxious GAYNESS was... well, loud and obnoxious. I was only doing it because of my insecurities, because I wanted everyone to know that I was gay-hear-me-roar. And of course, my loud obnoxious gayness got me branded my grade's "token lesbian." I thought about all this stuff, and I realized that sexuality isn't as big a deal as some people (like myself) made it out to be, and I toned down the flamboyance.

     So, you may be wanting to tone down for a number of reasons. (For me, it was a combination of realizing I was obnoxiously flamboyant, and starting to question my sexuality in the other direction--so I maybe didn't want to be called a "lesbian" anymore.) It doesn't mean you're uncomfortable with yourself or that you're not expressing yourself--it sounds to me like you're just a little hazy on what "yourself" is at the moment. If being yourself around the people you love and trust feels uncomfortable, then there's a good chance yourself. So basically: don't stress. Relax, let things be what they'll be. Slow down, think things through, and don't feel bad/indecisive/whatever for having to slow down and think things through. Just figure out how you feel comfortable.

That's it for now! Check back later for more stuffs. Read the blog, tell your friends, email us at hchs.gsa@gmail.com if you want to get in touch, or drop us a comment. Click HERE to ask us questions (completely anonymously!) for this week. Peace out!

November's Group Question, Answered

In keeping with our whole getting-the-blog-back-on-track thing, here's the GSA's answers to the last group question we had up here, which was: Are homosexual or bisexual (or transgender or whatever part of the spectrum you belong to) folk really bothered by the derogatory words used to describe them, even if not aimed at them?

Here are our answers: 

      A: Hmm. See, this is completely just my opinion but like I notice that I'm less bothered when it's aimed at me, than when its aimed at other people; whether I know/like them or not.

As far as it not bothering me specifically, it could just be a matter of thicker/thinner shelled personalities, etc. but I always feel more obligated to say/do something about it when its aimed at others.

     When it comes to general conversation among other people though, that isnt specifically attacking a certain person or idea I always feel like it'd be super out of place to leap in and correct them.

     I dunno. It's all so situation/mood/enviroment based.

      A: Well, yeah. I mean, if someone called you a terrible name, you'd get offended too, right? The way I see it is that the Lesbian-Gay-Bisexual-Transgender, etc...community is a minority group, just like any racial group or religious group. Along with the territory of being a minority group comes the words that you shouldn't say. Truthfully, I am okay when my friends or fellow gays say words like fag and queer, but that's because they're basically allowed to say it. 

     When someone says something in a conversation that I'm not in, I feel tempted to say "hey, can you not?", but it seems out of place. Maybe that's something I can work on.  But, just to be blunt, yeah, just how people within any minority can throw words around that they themselves identify with, it works the same with the LGBT community. Words like fag, dyke, queer, homo, all of these are completely inappropriate if not said in a joking manner between two friends who do identify with the community. Otherwise, it's actually just inappropriate. And yeah, sometimes friends who I am very, very, very close friends with who aren't gay can sometimes throw these words out. But, if someone I barely know calls me a faggot and thinks it an endearing term, it's really not.

      A: I'm not personally offended, no. When someone says "That's so gay!" or something, it's not that I feel insulted. The problem I've always had with that sort of talk is that people simply aren't thinking about what they're saying; it's become so accepted a phrase that people don't even think about homosexuality when they say it, and that's the real issue.

      A: I am offended when people toss around derogatory words for LGBT people. I'm disgusted with the current atmosphere in which it's okay to equate homosexuality with "stupid." If things get to a point where I can say "I'm gay" and people might very well respond with "really? Why? What did you do?" then I'm a bit afraid for the future. Okay, so maybe I exaggerate, but you get the point. Being gay is a significant part of who I am. It's been damn difficult to accept myself and my identity and all that goes with it. So yes, when I hear someone say the word "gay" in the halls, I turn around. And if it turns out they're just bitching about, say, a CD they didn't like, it gets me pretty goddamn angry. I'm constantly hearing a part of myself associated with the stupid and the inconvenient, and it hurts. People say that things have changed and "gay" now just about means "stupid," so why fight it? Well, words change meaning, yeah, but the meaning of this word hasn't completely changed yet, and there's no reason why I can't fight to keep the word 'gay' from becoming a symbol of intolerance and hate.

Thanks for reading! I promise, we're actually doing this thing now, so check back--you can follow the blog via blogspot's own little method, RSS, or using some other method that I don't know about yet because I've never used Blogger before. Click HERE to ask us questions--just leave a comment with your question, and we'll post up an answer some time next week, completely anonymously! Feel free to leave us any other sort of comment, fun anonymous pieces of poetry/artwork, shoutouts, whatever. S'all good!

Ask Questions for 12/5-12/14

Okay, take two! Let's get this thing up and running (again...)

So... Hey all! If you have a question concerning LGBT issues, be it personal, social, political, whatever, leave it as a comment below. All comments are anonymous and private, and will not appear!

This is for 12/5/08-12/14/08! We'll start answering those questions on the 14th and hopefully have answers up by that Friday, the 19th. 

Also, if you have anything else you want to see up here (an anonymous poem, picture, story, shout-out, whatever) feel free to send that in as well (anonymously as well!) Spread us around!

Sorry!

Sorry if anyone's been checking back, but it's been a bit messy. I'll try to at least get one thing a day up. 

For now, I thought this was a bit funny. 

Questions will go up this friday/saturday. Sorry you guys!

Really, Gay Voters, Really?

McCain Didn't Exactly Win the Gay Vote, But Got Close... For a Republican

Remember that election thing we had a while ago? Exit polls show Sen. John McCain received at least 1.3 million votes from gay and lesbian Americans—more than any other Republican Presidential candidate has ever received.  He garnered 27% of the LGBT vote, an increase from 19% support for President Bush four years ago. Of the 4% of voters who said that they were LGBT, 70% voted Obama and 27% voted McCain. But I guess that's better than most Republican candidates have done with the gay vote... well, ever. (It must have been the overwhelming tolerance of Sarah Palin that got him in tight with the GLBT community.) Read exit polls here; it's interesting. (Also, now that I think about it, I realize how damn bad an election this was for the gay Republicans. Oof, guys.)

Breaking News: ABC is Stupid

So in what is probably old news for any afterellen reader, ABC is being absolutely ridiculous and letting Brooke Smith (Dr. Erica Hahn of Grey's Anatomy) go. ARGH! So, there's been a lot of buzz about this. They claim that it had nothing to do with her playing a lesbian character, and they site some BS excuse about lack of chemistry in the relationship that Hahn had with another doctor at the hospital, Dr. Callie Torres. Which, really, is just bullshit--their relationship had the most chemistry of any on the show. ABC just got cold feet about having a normal, even-vaguely-healthy lesbian relationship on one of their shows. And in a move that totally helps their case, they de-queered a character who had been slated for several months to be bisexual. Shonda Rhimes, the series creator, promised the public that Brooke Smith wasn't let go because of playing a lesbian, and said that, hey, Callie was still there, she was still a lesbian character! Well, no, actually; I hate to break this to you, Shonda, but she's bisexual, and even when she was dating a woman she was having lots of sex with Mark Sloan. When there's no woman in her life, do you think her queerness will get more than a passing reference every few episodes? Hah, I love the "disappearing bisexual" phenomonon.

Wow. Okay, sorry, done. That said, before all this ridiculous stuff, Callica is a very cute pairing. I know there are some very mixed opinions about Grey's out there, but Callica, at least, is very nice. There are some very funny moments out there, youtube around.

Have a good night, everyone! Feel free to leave us comments, and click HERE to ask us questions (completely anonymously!).

Prop 8 protests, Imogen Heap, and Questions- November 16.08

Hey all! Sorry there haven't been any posts since thursday, I assumed other people would, and it's been busy with schoolwork and Shakespeare (which was superb). But just because we've been still doesn't mean that the community has been as well! With Prop. 8 still on peoples minds (and is still a pretty good new source), there's been a lot of news centered around that. There's still music, no worries!

Gay Is the New Black?

In the wake of California’s passage of Proposition 8, protests are popping up around the country -- and so are comparisons between gays’ and African-Americans’ fights for equality. Is gay the new black? Michael Joseph Gross examines two struggles for civil rights. Plus: Photos from Wednesday night's rally in New York City.

For the full story of "Gay is the new black?" read it at Advocate.com, or click here!

Prop. 8 Protests at City Hall in New York

There was torrential rain when I woke up this morning. Rain so hard that I could barely see my front stoop. Uh oh, I thought. No one is going to show up to the anti-Prop 8 protest now. I pictured a sad, small group of a dozen people with black umbrellas (everyone in New York City carries black umbrellas, because we all buy them on the street when it starts raining.) Thousands of people had come out. Thousands. They half-blocked Broadway, cheering whenever a tourist waved cheerily from a double-decker tour bus. My friends and I wove through the crowd, making it as far up front as we could, close enough to hear out lesbian Christine Quinn, head of New York’s City Council, roar that “the arc of history bends toward justice.”

For the full story on "Prop. 8 Protests..." read it at 365gay, or click here!

Imogen Heap - Goodnight and Go

All right. So. Imogen Heap is one of my favourite artists. I have pretty much anything she's ever done, and she's pretty incredible. This song, Goodnight and Go, came onto the Logo channel's Top Ten Click List either last year or two years ago, and it's a pretty old song. But it's also really good, and sweet. She's not gay, but she has a big gay following, and it's no surprise. She is both musically talented, has her own style, and has pretty good gay appeal. See the video below!

Connecticut begins granting Marriage Licenses to Same-Sex Couples

The state of Connecticut will begin granting marriage licenses to same-sex couples today, following last month’s state Supreme Court decision that found barring gays and lesbians from marrying unconstitutional. Only Connecticut and Massachusetts recognize marriage equality for same-sex couples.

“Today’s actions in Connecticut signal a new and hopeful day,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese.

For the full story on "Connecticut begins granting..." read it at HRC.com, or click here!

Remember, if you have any questions you'd like to ask the GSA, click Here to ask! All questions are anonymous :D!

Feel free to comment on this post as well!

Olbermann comment, Boom x4 & Questions Answered - Nov. 12.08

Hey all. We've got a few things floating around for today. 

Keith Olbermann Comments on Prop. 8

First off, we have a video of Keith Olbermann (a well-known commentator and host of Countdown with Keith Olbermann on MSNBC) spending a few minutes talking about Prop 8.  Prop 8 has been in the news for a few days now, and living in New York we might find ourselves displaced from the action. But Olbermann has something to say about the issue, and has said it with a sincerity that I haven't seen in many people opposing the Proposition. Watch it for yourself below.

Yes, it may seem a bit angry and angsty, but I feel like the message coming from a straight man shows that it isn't just a fight for only the LGBT community over legality or religion or ideas, but a fight that should concern many more people. I think that he expresses the frustration felt by thousands of people across the nation who aren't in California and can't take direct action against the Proposition. And I think he helps say what many people I personally know would like to say, but can't because it would seem out of place or exaggerated or would even make them seem gay for caring. But I can tell you myself that it wouldn't be, it isn't, and it shouldn't.

Venga Boys - Boom Boom Boom Boom

Now, to lighten the mood a little bit, we have the Venga Boys' UK hit single Boom Boom Boom Boom. This has to be one of the most (stereotypically) gay-loving songs out there. But gay or not, you have to admit that this is a pretty great and fun song. And again, yes, the video is terrible, but how can you not have fun with this? Venga Boys were popular in the late 1990's (remember those times?) from the good ol' Netherlands. 

Question for the GSA

Q. What does GLBTQQAA etc. Stand for? 

A. Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Queer, Questioning, Asexual, and Allies. This acronym is ever-expanding, and not standardized. Sometimes, Transgender or Intersexual people are represented with an I or a T, and P and O (for pansexual, polyamorous, or omnisexual) can also be added in.

I guess that's all for today! 

Remember, if you have any questions you'd like to ask the GSA, click Here to ask! All questions are anonymous :D!

Feel free to comment on this post as well!

Utah & Mormons, Basshunter, and the Gay Market - November 11.08

Utah Leaders Push Forward on LGBT Rights Legislation

In the wake of Proposition 8, pro-gay Equality Utah is taking the comments of Mormon Church elders as a signal to move forward with legislation that will expand the rights of gays and lesbians in the state, reports The New York Times. Defending their members' estimated $20 million contribution to the passage of California's gay marriage ban, leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said they are not antigay and wouldn't deny certain legal protections to gays and lesbians.

Read more of "Utah Leaders Push Forward..." on Advocate.com! (Click!)

Basshunter - DotA

If you haven't heard a song by Basshunter by now, you've got to be living under a rock. Or just have no taste in music. His songs have been topping UK charts for now, with songs like DotA and Boten Anna. And, of course, the gays love it, since the songs exhibit a particularly nice dance beat. Sure, I can't understand a word he's saying and the video is pretty cheesy, but it's good to dance to and, well, it doesn't hurt that he's pretty attractive too. Check out the alternate version of DotA below. (And for the hetero guys/lesbians out there, don't worry, there's a pretty attractive girl on there too.)

For the original DotA video, click Here!

Questions for the GSA:

Q: Are there any products that are aimed especially for the LGBT community?

A: Yep. In business and advertising there is actually the use of the term "Gay Market" to aim products and advertisements targeted specifically for the LGBT community. 

Aside from the products you find in gay-centered media (I.E OUT magazine or the LOGO channel) which include things from apparel to legal services and gay-friendly hotel resorts, you'll find things on occasion Levi's Jeans commercials showing same-sex flirting, or music collections called things like "Pride Hits".  For example, the site LoveandPride creates jewelry specifically for the LGBT community.

If you walk into (almost) any Barnes & Noble, you'll also find the Gay section, which includes a bunch of gay literature. Sometimes, artists also use the gay community as a target audience (some notable diva's include Madonna and Janet Jackson). 

 

Remember, if you have any questions you'd like to ask the GSA, click Here to ask! All questions are anonymous :D!

Feel free to comment on this post as well!

Books, Music, Incoherance - November 10, 08

Hey guys. Trying my hand at the new blogging thing. I don't have many news items to post, seeing as Kevin just did that a few hours ago, so I'll start things off with some books and some movies that everyone should look into.

Annie on My Mind, by Nancy Gardner

This is one of the classics of lesbian literature. Published in 1982, Annie on My Mind is a really sweet story about... well, about two girls in love. (As you get to know my taste in books, this will come as less and less of a surprise.) I'm not going to call it a masterpiece of literature, but it's well-done, if a little cliche. It's a happy, happy book (not a huge downer like Keeping You a Secret--to be discussed later) that leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy inside and wishing there were more of it. The characters and the relationships are really excellently described. You should read this.

More gay music! St. Peter's Bones, by Girlyman

So, this is the first (and not the last) time you'll hear me mentioning Girlyman. Girlyman is an awesome awesome group, perhaps one of the queerest groups in existance. They're made up of Doris, Ty, and Nate, each of whom plays like three instruments each, and they sing in gorgeous lush multipart harmony. Also, Nate is so adorably gay, Doris is gorgeous with a freaking wonderful voice, and Ty is sex on legs. I saw them live the other day, and while they were tuning Nate made up (on the spot, mind you) a song about shooting a wolf from a helicopter. And Doris grabbed her tamborine and she and Ty started singing backup. Long story short, Girlyman is wonderful.

Also, remember, if you have any questions you would like answered, we have the previous posts comments open for anonymous questions (which will not be published until answered!)

You can click Here to automatically ask a question.

Feel free to comment on this post as well!

That's all for tonight. Sleep is a good thing, you all should try it some time. Cheers!

-Maia.Publish Post

Top LGBT News Stories- November 9. 08

Hey all. Here are some interesting LGBT news stories for your interest. 

-Op-Ed from Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese on Approval of Proposition 8

"You can’t take this away from me: Proposition 8 broke our hearts, but it did not end our fight.

Like many in our movement, I found myself in Southern California last weekend.  There, I had the opportunity to speak with a man who said that Proposition 8 completely changed the way he saw his own neighborhood.  Every “Yes on 8” sign was a slap. For this man, for me, for the 18,000 couples who married in California, to LGBT people and the people who love us, its passage was worse than a slap in the face.  It was nothing short of heartbreaking. "

Read more of "Op-Ed from HRC President..." on HRC.org (click!)

-48 Hours of Action in the Wake of Prop. 8

When Californians took to the polls on Tuesday, November 4, 52.5% cast a vote against equal rights, saying same-sex marriage has no place in the Golden State. But in the wake of California’s LGBT population lamenting yet another blow to their rights, something magical happened. LGBT Californians stood up, brushed themselves off, and prepared for the fight of a generation.

Read More of "48 Hours of Action..." on Advocate.com (click!)

-Old (but Good!) Queer Music

The Rejection - Dangerous Muse: The buzzworthy ambisexual duo's first single boasts a video with boys chasing girls who chase girls who chase boys who chase boys. And singer Mike Furey jumps around and pouts a lot! Hurrah!

Watch & Listen to "the Rejection" by Dangerous Muse on LogoOnline(Click)

Also, remember, if you have any questions you would like answered, we have the previous posts comments open for anonymous questions (which will not be published until answered!)

You can click Here to automatically ask a question.

Feel free to comment on this post as well!

-That's all, Kevin :D

Ask Questions! 11/09/08-11/16/08

Hey all! If you have a question concerning LGBT issues, be it personal, social, political, whatever, leave it as a comment below. All comments are anonymous and private, and will not appear!

This is for 11/09/08-11/16/08! We'll answer questions on the 17th, and they should be up by the 19th. 

Also, if you have anything else you want to see up here (an anonymous poem, picture, story, shout-out, whatever) feel free to send that in as well (anonymously as well!)

New Site!

Hey all! 

Welcome to the new Hunter College High School Gay-Straight Alliance website! It's still under construction, but this should work for now. 

There are three purposes for this blog/website, and that's the following:

-To receive and answer questions about LGBT issues and topics in an anonymous fashion that combats ignorance while also presenting personal and real answers to common (and not so common) questions. 

-To update whoever is interested on Gay-Straight Alliance happenings, events, discussions, and whatever else. 

-To update whoever is interested in LGBT happenings, news events, social events, activities, and whatever else. 

There are also a few other ideas floating around for what this site'll be used for, but for now, this is it :).