Publically Yours ... ?

I think most people agree we have a health care problem in our country. The whole conversation around the healthcare legislation is exciting to me -- we may actually decide to implement a program that focuses on making sure people's basic needs are met. Queer people, especially, tend to be underinsured-- which means we go to the doctor less frequently and are more likely to catch serious illnesses in later stages when the prognosis is more likely to be grim.

So, as a queer person and activist, I'd really like to see results. And I am personally for a public option. And I wonder, will a federal health care plan be inclusive of gay and lesbian families? I can't claim to understand the complicated outlines I have read. What I do understand is they talk about "family" plans. And legally, according to the federal government, our families don't count.

The Gay Bomb

Come out! Come out! Whever you are!

12:05 Nuclia Waste / Queen

12:30 Aimee Herman

1:00 Something About Lulu

2:00 CYNOVA

3:00 Chasing Jenny

4:00 DJ Shannon & DJ Markie

BLOCK PARTY AFTER DARK Starts at 5pm!

6:15 Jill b / Solo Jazz Guitarist

7:00 - Till Close Back Room b-side Lounge (free Sushi) Rocky Mt Oysters DJ Shannon

DJ Earth

How we kill ourselves.

The Colorado Daily boldly claims the Houseman argument began after John announced he was gay. It's a catchy title, if a little misleading. According to the story, Traci Houseman was angry that her husband told a group of friends he was gay and walked home, finding him there when she returned. Supposedly he was angry that she left, they fought, the end result being his death by stabbing. According to a Denver Post article on August 3rd, John Houseman had a history of domestic violence, although no reported cases with Traci.

This story is about a human tragedy -- whatever the assignation of guilt. Traci will live forever with the loss of someone she loved. And John will not be coming back. This is also a story about the price of shame in our society. I'm not a person who likes to focus on the negative. I think queer folks in general are strong, stronger than your average person, often because they have to be. That doesn't mean that some of us don't break. Shame and repression can lead to physical and mental health issues. Our community uses tobacco and other substances at a higher rate than the "norm". And domestic violence is more possible in families that are already hiding who they are or what they want.

This story is about the work we do at Boulder Pride. The work you do when you can claim your whole self without shame. This story is about the importance of creating a Boulder County where people can safely and honestly embrace themselves.

My heart is with the Houseman family and friends. My heart is with everyone else who faces these kinds of challenges.

Queerty options?

I love the diversity of opinions in our community. One site that often gets me thinking is the Queerty blog. Aside from the ever engaging use of a pun as the title of the blog, the blog covers a variety of topics with some interesting perspectives.