My Rant: Did we Read the Same Post?

In my latest piece in Bilerico Project, I wrote about full equality, not just marriage equality, should be our focus as a community. However, some folks got lost with my statement here:

  While gay marriage is cute for a privileged few, it is not a priority to many others.

My use of "cute" really bothered some people. They thought I was dismissing gay marriage, but the thing is, I wasn't. My statement "gay marriage is cute for a privileged few," was meant to point out how it's a privilege to not worry about your employment, housing, or benefits and you can only focus on marriage.

And speaking of "a privileged few", that's me. I am that PF. I have a job that allows me to talk freely about my partner, put him on my insurance and to reap my benefits; and he can do the same at his job.  They are many out there who don't have these opportunities. I want to make sure that they do. With a full equality plank, all in our community can reap the benefits.

I thought it was clear I was talking about full equality, but these folks just read what they wanted to read.

The interesting pieces to their rants against me proved 2 things:

1. They didn't read the full article, they got caught up with the word "cute" and they totally missed the message.
2. They proved my point in my post. They are so focused on gay marriage, they can't see anything else.

I appreciate opposing views, but to claim that I'm trying to divide the community or that I'm being dismissive is far from the truth.
If they can get past their own foolishness, they will see that I want the same thing they want. Full equality.

My Rant: Joe Solmonese, Understanding HRC and Playing the Political Game

I know many gays are glad Joe Solmonese is leaving the HRC in March. But to be honest, I really don't see what the hate is all about.

Some of the comments I've read are not really anything of substance. They blame him for the failure of ENDA and DOMA, or the dragging of DADT. But seriously, what do folks think the HRC is, the Masters of the Universe?

The reality is many people had an unrealistic view of the HRC's power. They were a consultant group to the major political peeps and they raised awareness to many LGBT activities. Yes, they gave pretty parties, but that's what fundraising is. If they were going to lobby, fight for ballot initiatives and keep the organization running, they had to raise money. And those $1000 a plate event paid the bills.

Also when it came to DOMA, DADT and other issues; many gays believed Joe was a Shaman or Wizard. I guess he was going to weave a spell to make all things gay pass every vote. That's not how politics works. It is a game; a hard, tough serious game. I'm sorry, but some of the gay bloggers and activists would fail badly trying to play this game. You can't bring grassroot philosophies on a true political playing field. I believe Joe knew that, but many within the community didn't get it. The sad part is, I don't think they would understand the game until it was too late.

So, please think about what leadership of a powerful org like HRC entails. It's not like running your local letter writing campaign, it's serious wheeling and dealing. This job ain't for the 'Pollyannas', it's for the true strategic players of the game. Joe may not have been the best leader, but for 6 years he took the HRC to a better place. He understood the responsibilities of the job. I'm not so sure that we actually do.  

My Rant: Are Fanboys Ruining Everything?

I think I have figured it out! I think I know why Hollywood ain't coming to Comic Con and why certain action movies work and don't work... The Fanboys.

I used to think the Fangirls were dangerous, but no, it's the boys. It's always the boys.

I think about the theatrical HOT ASS MESS, 'Sucker Punch'. That movie was DOA, anyone in the viewing room would have burned that movie to the ground. But at Comic Con, the fanboys got horny and stupid, and hyped that trash to the top. Then once it hit the screen... Burnt!

Think about Transformers, Clash of the Titans, Terminator, Fast and Furious and even Green Lantern... Why are these movies being made? Why are these movies insulting to the human brain? Because Hollywood believes in the toxic Fanboy.

This type of Fanboy is Hollywood's idea of a horny, lonely being, hoping to see alien sex and explosions. And the sad part is, some of them are out there.  They focus more on the hot babe vs the story. They think a Playboy playmate could play Wonder Woman, they worship Michael Bay and they beg for another 'Underworld' or Resident Evil'. These particular fanboys are killing our credibility and ruining everything. Their judgement is horrid and if they continue their madness, Megan Fox will be Xena in the series reboot in 10 years.

These particular fanboys are hurting the movement and I think it's time to hold them accountable. So Gay geeks, it's time to rise up and take control of the Intergalactic geek ship.