So, I'm trying to get in the habit of writing at least once a week. And, as I sit here trying to think of something to write about, I realize that there are lots of things to write about. Andy, my husband, always gives me a hard time about how much time I spend on the Internet, scouring for information about gay politics, pop culture, etc. And it's true, I do
So, for the last few weeks, Target and Best Buy have been feeling the heat for contributing to MN Forward, a political group that endorses anti-gay, super-conservative Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer. Normally I scoff at boycotts, because usually it's right-wing conservatives that want to "send a message" to pro-gay companies like Disney. But in situations like that, it's only the super-conservative, politically-aware, anti-gay groups that take those boycotts seriously. The mainstream population who might be conservative, but not to the extreme, usually don't pay too much attention to boycotts.
But when the shoe's on the other foot, I really don't know what to think. I have stopped shopping at Target and Best Buy, because I feel that by not shopping there, I am sending a message. Also, I think it's important the Target and Best Buy really look at the damage that can be done by endorsing politicians who deny gays and lesbians equal rights. Both companies have been supportive of the gay and lesbian community in the past, and we do acknowledge this. Both companies have stated that the reason for their donations is because Tom Emmer supports tax cuts for big businesses and other economic reasons. But when Tom Emmer (and other anti-gay politicians) uses his power to do harm to gay and lesbian Americans, it's wrong.
True Blood has got to be one of my favorite shows ever. Alan Ball is a genius. Yes, he took the characters and some of the storylines from the "Sookie Stackhouse" series of books by Charlaine Harris. But by making them his own, he has really raised the bar on the vampire mythos. At the time of this blog entry, there are 3 more episodes left in season 3. And, I'm not a spoiler-junky like I used to be. (The last 2 seasons of Buffy were ruined for me because I couldn't keep my eyes off of spoiler websites.) I'm happy to state that I have no idea how the season will end and that's how I like it. For all those nay-sayers out there who are burnt out on vampires because of the Twilight series, I just gotta say you're missing out on one of the most fun, exciting and sexy shows in a long time.
But, one of the main reasons I enjoy TB is because of the multitude of gay/bi characters on the show. The fact that some characters are gay/bi/sexually-fluid are just matter-of-fact and it's never an issue. I watch a lot of television (just ask my husband) and it does bother me that there aren't a lot of gay characters on mainstream shows. I'm not saying there have to be major gay characters on every tv show, but some gay supporting characters would be nice.
While I'm sad that gay and lesbian couples won't be able to get married yet, I'm happy that the court is taking this seriously and getting to the case as soon as they can. And, I'm scared because as much as I'd like to think that we (the gay community) will win and justice for us will prevail, I'm realistic in the fact that this might not go our way and that our rights will once again be taken from us. I still can't believe that in this day and age, there is so much misconception and hatred towards gays and lesbians. People still use the Bible to justify their ignorance instead of opening their hearts and minds and seeing us as people.
Well, that's all I got for now. Thanks for reading and check in next week.
