If you’re like me, you’ve been waiting for Maxwell to come out with some new music for years. It’s been 8 years since he released Now, but Maxwell is back! Yesterday he released BLACKsummers’night, part one of a trilogy of albums set to be released over the next few years. I grabbed it right away and am definitely back in love with his smooth hotness. He’s lost a lot of hair, much to my dismay, but he’s still got it. Here’s a performance of his debut single, Pretty Wings, from the BET Awards. Check out the entire album, it’s fantastic!
Sigh. Apparently Governors aren’t supposed to have thick skin. Governor Palin could have walked away from the campaign and continued to govern her state instead of quitting. I understand the stress that last fall has caused, but this is politics and a leader needs to be tough. She isn’t a fighter, she’s a hypocritical coward. Hopefully she stops milking the media now…you know, the media that she hates so much.
Take off the fishing gear in an interview you tool.
I’ve thought a lot about the word “freedom” and what it means to me. If i had a partner whom I loved and was committed to, would the state legally sanctioning my relationship make me free? Probably not, though I do long for the day when all relationships between loving adults are treated equally under the law (whatever they’re called). However, my personal freedom comes from my faith, my character, my family, my friends, the love I share and the love I receive. Not from the government.
Perhaps when talking about civil rights, I should make it clear that I do feel free in many ways. Maybe it’s just semantics, but I do love this song. When I’m at church, in prayer or reflection or with someone I love…I am free.
As we celebrate Independence Day in the United States, many of us lose the true meaning of this day in the glitz and glamour of hot dogs, fireworks and days off of work. This day celebrates the birth of a free nation dedicated to protecting the civil liberties of its citizens and to the advancement of freedom and democracy. A nation that doesn’t turn its back on citizens but takes care of the vulnerable, the sick and the poor.
“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
Those words ring true for many Americans, past and present, whom have felt the protection of this great land. Yet right now, this great nation fails to protect many of its citizens. Our poor is still very poor and without ample resources to help them find housing and jobs. Our children, many raised in such poverty, are uninsured and unable to receive the proper medical attention needed to help them thrive. Our disabled and mentally-ill are struggling in underfunded social service agencies across this nation (side-note: if you’re in Illinois you are painfully aware of how devastating the lack of funding for these services can be).
Women in this country are still competing for employment equality and in many areas do not make an equivalent salary. We are 40 years past the civil rights movement, yet our schools and neighborhoods are still segregated in many areas of the country. This has led to an imbalance within the school system causing minorities to be put at an unfair disadvantage with regards to college and careers.
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Trans-gender individuals are still brutally beaten, harassed and murdered on the streets of this free nation. These citizens lose jobs, housing and even the ability to serve their country because of their sexual or gender identity. These citizens have trouble protecting their families under legal systems that fail them daily (in most states). This great nation still treats the GLBT community as second-class citizens when it comes to basic civil liberties.
The tone of this blog may be seen by many as pessimistic and unhappy. I get it; why ruin a perfectly fun holiday by talking about how much we fail? The point is, a nation that is truly free offers that freedom to not just some of its citizens, but all of them. I wouldn’t be able to write this blog entry in many countries and would probably be arrested if I did. I understand and appreciate that. I am thankful for all that I have. We are a nation of progress and I truly love this country.
Just because I think everyone has been listening to MJ this week. This song, as you might know, is about a rat. I can’t help but think he sees himself in Ben. MJ’s life will always be controversial and I have no idea what to think about a lot of things he was involved in. However, I do know that we lost a tremendous artist last week and his music will prove timeless.
Gene Simmons on why he’s telling Adam Lambert to stop being gay:
I don’t think I’ve been talking smack at all. In fact, if anything, I’ve been soft-peddling. He’s enormously talented, best talent ‘American Idol’ has had, but I think he killed his career because now the conversation is not about his talent but about his sexual preference. He’s done. You’re forcing people to deal with issues they may not be interested in. Life is unfair, and the masses don’t all live in L.A. They live in Wisconsin and Nebraska, and you’re on crack if you think the same rules apply there. My advice is still the same, shut the f*** up, just sing and let people say whatever they want. But I do wish him the best because he’s got all the talent in the world. If only the world was not homophobic, but it is. I would be the first one to vote for equal rights for gay women and men, and get the church and the state to stop telling everybody how to lead their lives, but do I think he’s killed his career? Oh, in an instant. I hope I’m completely wrong. I hope he becomes the next Beatles and proves me wrong.
I wonder if Gene realizes that by asking someone to be untruthful about his/her sexuality he is only perpetuating homophobia. Adam isn’t “forcing” anyone to deal with his sexuality. No one has to deal with it but him! The media speculated and people were obsessed; Adam chose to acknowledge the obvious. Big deal!
If Simmons really was a supporter of gay rights and wanted to help he should have said something like this:
“Adam Lambert is a talented musician whom has an amazing career ahead of him. I’m glad he felt comfortable acknowledging the rumors and was honest about who he was. Hopefully people will realize that none of this is a big deal and understand that Adam is a gifted human being.”
I haven’t been around much the last few days. Because it’s Pride weekend in Chicago and I’m trying to get to the parade on time, i’ll make this short. I heard this song the first time I went back to church at Holy Covenant. I went that day because the pastor was preaching about homophobia in Christianity and how the church can be better and welcoming all. This song sums it up: draw the circle wide. I really do believe Jesus was radically inclusive and would be spreading a lot of love on this day. Happy Pride to everyone in Chicago and also to those around the country and world whom have already celebrated.
ps: watch the video for some amazing solos in this choir!
With June being Gay Pride Month and the Chicago Gay Pride Parade just around the corner, I thought it fitting to post a video by a queer musician today. The song We Are The Same is one of my favorites from the wonderful Eric Himan. Eric is a queer indie musician from Tulsa, Oklahoma. I had the pleasure of seeing him last year at Chicago’s Market Days; he’s amazing live. He doesn’t have a video for this song, but I found a pretty nice live version of it. The lyrics should speak to everyone.
I don’t know why
Some birds don’t fly
I guess they all have their ways
I know the lord makes no mistakes
I don’t know why
Some people try
To throw stones in others’ homes
To teach them right from wrong
But what if you knew me, personally,
If I struck a chord?
What if you saw me, vivid and clearly,
Could I be ignored?
If we could talk and we both could listen
Understand how we are different…
Then maybe we could see….
That we are the same
I don’t know why
Fear swells inside
When we are faced with difference
This world is too small to be scared of it
I managed to make 3 out of 4 podcasts this month with Queer Messages. I was to exhausted so missed the third, but came back for a rousing finish! Listen to it by clicking here. We talk a lot about Stonewall, Obama and our first Pride parade experiences. It’s all good fun, so take a listen!
My grandfather, Ted Schueller, always loved the song How Great Thou Art. It is, of course, one of the most beloved hymns. I have heard so many people sing this song, it’s hard to keep track of all the wonderful performances. I really do love Yolanda Adams power on this one. There is something so beautifully believable in her delivery. You get the feeling she isn’t really just singing this song.
I don’t have a lot to to say today, but wanted to post this song for my gramps in celebration of Fathers and Grandfathers everywhere. Hope your day is peaceful and celebrated.
I managed to make 3 out of 4 podcasts this month with Queer Messages. I was to exhausted so missed the third, but came back for a rousing finish! Listen to it by clicking 