Diversity Rules Magazine

The Lavender Scare

2012-03-05T23:26:00.001-05:00

A Documentary Film by Josh Howard
www.thelavenderscare.com
© The Lavender Scare and Diversity Rules Magazine. All rights reserved.
www.diversityrulesmagazine.com

The Lavender Scare is the first feature-length documentary film to tell the story of the U.S. government’s ruthless campaign in the 1950s and ‘60s to hunt down and fire every Federal employee it suspected was gay.

While the McCarthy Era is remembered as the time of the Red Scare, the headline-grabbing hunt for Communists in the United States, it was the Lavender Scare, a vicious and vehement purge of homosexuals, which lasted longer and ruined many more lives.

Before it was over, more than 10,000 Federal employees lost their jobs. Based on the award-winning book by historian David K. Johnson, The Lavender Scare shines a light on a chapter of American history that has never received the attention it deserves.

It examines the tactics used by the government to identify homosexuals, and takes audiences inside interrogation rooms where gay men and women were subjected to grueling questioning. These stories are told through the first-hand accounts of the people who experienced them.

The Lavender Scare shows how the government’s actions ignited an anti-gay frenzy that spread throughout the country, in an era in which The New York Times used the words “homosexual” and “pervert” interchangeably, and public service films warned that homosexuality was a dangerous, contagious disease.

While the story is at times infuriating and heartbreaking, its underlying message is uplifting and inspiring. Instead of destroying American homosexuals, the actions of the government had the opposite effect: they stirred a sense of outrage and activism that helped ignite the gay rights movement.

The Lavender Scare is currently in production, and is produced and directed by multiple Emmy Award winner Josh Howard. Executive producers are Betsy West, a television executive and filmmaker with 25 years of experience in documentary production, and Kevin Jennings, CEO of Be the Change, former Assistant Deputy Secretary of Education, and founder and former Executive Director of GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network.

The Amazon Trail: Butches Night Out

2012-03-05T23:14:00.001-05:00

By Lee Lynch
© 2012 Lee Lynch and Diversity Rules Magazine. All rights reserved.
www.diversityrulesmagazine.com

When I first moved to the coast I was so excited to be 1) away from the queer-bashing country where we used to live 2) living on the edge of the great Pacific Ocean and 3) among lesbians who had a tradition of welcoming newcomers with open arms that I had boundless energy and enthusiam. [Four] years later reality has taken its toll. My new county hasn’t bared any ugly anti-gay fangs, the Pacific continues to be its glorious self and the lesbian community is still warm and buoying. It’s just me who’s pooped out.

There is so much writing I want to do and I’ve done so little of it; there are so many women I want to spend time with and I can’t be in two places at once; there are so many trails and towns I want to explore and so little energy left over after earning a living , keeping up the household, getting a few hours sleep at night. Sometimes I despair of successfully writing fiction: my theme has always unwittingly been finding “a place for us.” It seems that I’ve found it -- now what do I do?

Enjoy. In between being an armchair activist fighting the current anti-life, anti-civil liberties administration and performing my other endless responsibilities (sorting the recycling, keeping the car clean of sea salt, going to work) I do manage to grab some time down at the beach. I refuse to become one of those coasties who sees the ocean only on the way to the grocery store.

I also make sure I go to our potlucks, even though I’ve gotten embarassed about taking the same rice and veggie dish every month due to a dearth of originality, food allergies and time constraints. The potluck is where new dykes get connected and old dykes keep our connections. It’s been described as a bunch of short women with white hair and that is largely accurate, but what women! We even have our own short haircutter newly moved to the county and introduced at a potluck.

The other tradition I am hanging onto is Butches’ Night Out, affectionately known as BNO. When The Hotelier and I came up with it we had great plans. We’d do this at least monthly. We’d include other women who admitted to and revelled in being butch. We’d find a convivial restaurant, have an evening’s outing so to speak, and perhaps add other activities.

It’s still just the two of us. Good restaurants are scarce as hens’ teeth in this resort area. We are lucky to fit BNO into our schedules once a quarter.

It’s a darn shame. Lover and I have friends as a couple and I have friends who are single butches or that I hang with in group gatherings and friends who are flagrant femmes and friends who don’t know what the heck they are and don’t particularly care, but going wihtout seeing my “married” butch buddy would be like living in an exclusively straight world.

It’s not that we talk about our girlfriends except perhaps to report on health and activities. We don’t talk women’s basketball or cruise straight girls. Nor do we compare notes about being harassed for the way we walk and dress. As a matter of fact, we don’t have intense discussions of anything. We eat. We might check in on new recipes that have arrived for The Butch Cookbook we’re planning to publlish together. I suppose if we were big drinkers, could tolerate the smoke and I had enough hand-eye coordination to hit a ball with a narrow stick, we’d go to a bar, lift a few, maybe shoot some pool or toss darts.

And maybe not. Last night, shivering in my jacket but pretty tight-lipped about the chill, I wandered the small port with The Hotelier. We watched a seagull convention and the odd Great blue heron or Commorant. We wandered over to the beach to check for Godwits and Wimbrels (one has a bill that curves down, the other is straight-nosed, don’t ask me which is which). We ate in a small dining room where a passel of seniors was playing cards so enthusiastically we had to yell current events at each other.

The highlight of the evening was that little stroll. The Hotelier said, “Let’s go on the dock!” I’d hesitated to suggest this, afraid she’d think me a silly and immature. This is a tiny port. more like a small marina without even permanent tie-ups for boats., but it has floatting docks. The spring twilight seemed everlasting. I felt like I could tell her anything and she’d understand. At the same time I felt like I didn’t have to tell her a thing because she already not only understood, but knew and accepted it all.

We walked to the tippy end op the dock and The Hotelier said, “We’re on a boat.” We leaned from side to side to make the float heave over deep sea swells. Old salts, we found our sea legs quickly and talked about boat trips we would take, or maybe never have time to take. The sky took on the pink cast of sunset. The birds wheeled and dove around us. We’d soon be with our girlfriends, but right now, it was Butches Night out.

Let Me Get This Straight

2012-03-05T23:07:00.001-05:00

By Chad Czelusniak
© 2012 Chad Czelusniak and Diversity Rules Magazine. All rights reserved.
www.diversityrulesmagazine.com

Chad Czelusniak was born in Upstate NY and lives near Albany. Chad lives with his partner Tim. Chad and Tim have two dogs Mischa and Aiden. On Chad’s free time he enjoys working on his beautiful yard, reading, crocheting, and writing.

The wedding plans continue. For Valentine’s Day my partner and I had a wonderful meal at the location. We were very pleased with the taste of the food, presentation and service. We could not be happier with the way things are going. The guest list is being narrowed down to about 50 of our closest friends and some family that are supportive. Ideas are being discussed about how to organize the actual ceremony. I mentioned that I would like one of my best friends, we will call him Brad, to be my best man. My partner really does not want a best man but is willing to go along with it because I want one. So now it is time to ask Brad.

So one day in January I head over to Brad’s house with some Nut Brown Ale, my favorite beer. Brad and I are hanging out and we start to discuss the upcoming wedding. Brad’s wife and two sons are in the house hanging out as well. I ask Brad if he would be my best man. The first thing he said was F#&K NO. His wife and I laughed. If you knew Brad you would know that in general he is a grumpy old man type, though he is only forty. He asked why do I want him to be his best man. I told him that first I want to make sure he and his family are at the wedding but for him to be there to stop me from crying. His response was “Oh shut the F up!” I said no really I know that if I start to get emotional, not guaranteed but I might, he is the only one that could tell me to knock it off that I would not flip out on him. By the end of the time we hung out Brad agreed to be my best man.

For a bit over two weeks plans were being made around me having a best man and my partner deciding on who he would like. I was telling all of my friends and family. Everyone thought it was such a cool idea and thought it was going to be a lot of fun. One day I get an email from Brad. He is up in Lake Placid for work and is going to be there for a few days. We bantered about places to go see and places to eat. It was about 6:30 pm and time to walk the dogs. So I said see ya and left. When I got back there were two more emails. The first listed on the cue was asking if I had anything to say. This confused me. Then I noticed another from Brad. It said that he has thought a lot about this, and lost a lot of sleep over it, but he can not be my best man. My first reaction was to scream. I was shocked. My response was to tell him that I deserve a reason. Any reason would be fine and I could accept it, but without one I will end up resenting him and the friendship could not continue.

Another two weeks go by and nothing from Brad. Finally he shows up to my job, where we used to work together. He sits at my desk as if nothing was wrong, life was good and so were we. Many co-workers came up and chit chatted and laughed. So Brad and I did not have very much time together. I started to walk him out and had just enough time to ask him if he still wanted to go to the wedding. He said “Of course we want to go to the wedding.” Then more people showed up and that was the end of the conversation. A day later I sent him an email stating that I really need an explanation or this friendship will be over. The next day his wife sends an email stating that he thought everything was fine cause he stopped at the store. Brad does not want anything to do with the drama and agrees to not be friends.

Without giving an explanation the only conclusion I can come up with is that it must be about standing up for a gay man. Brad mentioned, on a few occasions, that he would not introduce me to his father because he “knows what he would say, you know in regards to you being gay.”

The wedding planning continues. My partner and I have decided to forgo the traditional wedding ceremony and design our own unique style that fits out lifestyle. There will be no best man or women. My best best friend will be there - standing next to me and for the rest of my life.

Inqueeries

2012-03-05T23:01:00.001-05:00

By Milton Wendland
© 2012 Milton Wendland and Diversity Rules Magazine. All rights reserved.
www.diveristyrulesmagazine.com

Milton Wendland is a licensed attorney and a professor of Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies at the University of Kansas, where he teaches courses in LGBT cultures, sexuality and law, and queer theory.

Dear Inqueeries: I’ve heard about daddy/son relationships? Does that mean incest? Or just really old men skeezing on twinks? Sincerely, Trevor.

The human heart is an expansive organ, and that means sometimes we fall in love with people who might not be same age as us. In the str8 world this often means an older, well-established man dating a younger woman, although str8 women too have had their younger partners. The age difference might be relatively small (10-15 years difference) or quite large (30+years); sometimes these are called intergenerational relationships to indicate the age and life-stage difference.

In the gay world the situation is slighter more complex (and about more than just sex or “skeezing”) because gays aren’t usually born into families from which to learn about the LGBT world. For example, babies born into Asian-American, southern, or upper-class families generally are Asian-American, southern, or upper-class and learn their histories and cultures through their families, . But most lesbians and gays are born into heterosexual families in which there is often no way to transmit gay culture so that gay children grow up with little or no “assumed” or “family-transmitted” cultural knowledge. An older gay man may take a younger gay man under his wing to introduce him to the (gay) world. A younger lesbian may seek an older, more experienced lesbian as her entrée into (lesbian) history and culture. These relationships can be complex blends of mentoring, affection, guidance, and mutuality, not only about gay and lesbian life but about adulthood more generally.

While they may appear curious to those not in them, these relationships have been and continue to be powerful ways of maintaining gay culture – especially for gay and lesbians who have been estranged from their families, who are from difficult social or class backgrounds, or who do not otherwise have mentors, even though not every gay or lesbian may choose to be in a relationship of this type. The phrase “daddy/son” is slightly tongue-in-cheek and does not indicate an actual incestuous relationship but rather the “social roles” each man approximates in the relationship in terms of knowledge of (gay) life.

My partner is 19 years younger than me and although we use the daddy/son language in jest the truth is that our relationship is built on mutual trust, love, and cooperation. My role as the “daddy” is not to parent my partner but to help guide him as he continues to develop a gay identity, to make sure he knows LGBT history, to introduce him to gay literature and film, to make sure the recognizes the struggles of those who’ve come before him – not far afield from the way a “parent” introduces a “child” to similar elements of culture.

(Note: My response refers to unrelated people at or above the age of consent. Adults who have sexual “relationships” with children are pedophiles or child molesters.)

Dear Inqueeries: I’m concerned that my daughter is lesbian and I just don’t know what to think or do or say. Is there any resource for families?

Yes! Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) is an organization founded in 1973, which works specifically to help increase understanding and acceptance of LGBT people. There are 350+ local chapters in the U.S, as well as a website that offers all sorts of resources for you in the privacy of your own home (www.pflag.org). The members of PFLAG have been where you are – confused, hurt, angry, joyful, curious – and will provide a non-judgmental venue for your questions and concerns.

“Inqueeries” is an interactive column where readers are encouraged to submit questions for Milton to answer! Contact Milton directly at: miltonwendland@gmail.com

Laid Bare Book Reading/Signing With Tom Judson

2012-03-04T11:39:00.001-05:00

Diversity Rules Magazine is thrilled to announce its sponsorship of a book reading/signing event with Tom Judson. The event will be held on Saturday, April 14, 2012 from 4-7 p.m. at a venue to be announced at a later date.

Tom Judson has appeared onstage as a singer, musician, actor and--in earlier days--as an object of lust and adoration as “Gus Mattox,” GayVN Award-winning adult film star.

His one-man show “Canned Ham” has been touring the country for the past two years. Also an author and columnist, Tom recently published “Laid Bare,” a collection of his essays and magazine columns.

Tom is featured in the March issue of Diversity Rules Magazine on page 11. The address is:

www.diversityrulesmagazine.com

To find out more about Tom go to the following sites:

http://tomjudson.blogspot.com
www.facebook.com/people/Tom-Judson/833005155

Mark your calendars! You do not want to miss this event. More details will be forthcoming at a later date. Go to the following page for periodic updates on this exciting event!

http://www.facebook.com/events/335372039832430

As Frank Sinatra said, "Start spreadin' the news...."

Photo Credit: John Skalicky

Room For A View

2012-03-01T23:06:00.001-05:00

By Martin Belk
© 2012 Martin Belk and Diversity Rules Magazine. All Rights Reserved.
www.diversityrulesmagazine.com

“This innocent country set you down into a ghetto, in which, in fact, it intended you should perish.”

- James Baldwin, ‘The Fire Next Time’

I’m not ‘gay’, I’m Martin. I’ve been saying that since I became aware of the distinction. Although necessary at a particular place and time, I don’t go in for parades or rainbows. My partner will never be my ‘wife’ and I will never be a ‘husband’. That’s for heterosexuals and their kind.

I don’t want to live or improve the ghetto. I want out - black, homosexual, poor - all. The acceptance of ‘status-within-a-slum’ paves a golden road to hell: selling souls to Absolut, branding with slick naked bodies, drugging ‘til the break of dawn — ‘gay’ is no longer a movement, it’s a target market, and the queer and questioning sit naively in the bull’s eye.

It’s not 1985 anymore. AIDS, addiction and suicide, not much has changed — no matter what Madonna bought you for lunch. The current PC political paraders (save a few like Larry Kramer) in the US and UK have become as handcuffed to their fundraisers as their GOP and Tory counterparts. So-called progressives ‘help you’ when it ‘helps them’. The second-classes need a new rallying point. Marriage ain’t it. Bad strategy, and a bunch of queers intent on fighting it out in the public arena with Mom & Dad. Out of the closet, into the woodwork.

You can identify with your parents all you like, it will never make you heterosexual - no matter how many babies you adopt, ‘husbands’ you marry, or houses you buy. You are queer, it is a unique and precious creation, with things to offer that haven’t even been defined yet. Surely, the most diverse group of people on the planet can come up with a better agenda. Here’s a few humble ideas:

1. Give up the word ‘gay’. It’s useless, means nothing anymore, and only serves to make life easy for the right-wing when making sure you enjoy your second class status. (Imagine, all those political spreadsheets having to be changed to “homasekshul”.)

2. Scrap ‘marriage’ in its entirety. For the purposes of legal coupling, it should be a pocket-change trip to the local registrar, homo, hetero, whatever-o. Equal rights for all. No gods required.

3. Ditch the rainbows. While well-intended, they’ve served their purpose. Fact is, these faux-security blankets usually mean higher prices (hotels, services, goods), less service, and more attitude (restaurants). The pots of gold aren’t for the customers.

5. Stop pushing teenagers to come out. Everybody ‘questions’, some are born this way and that, and change their minds. Most need a little breathing room and support, not banners and bullies. Gaga can’t save them; Glee sells them for ratings.

6. Start an underground railroad for suicidal teens. So what if it’s illegal? Harriet Tubman smuggled slaves & ActUP didn’t ask permission to riot. By any means necessary.

7. Bareback: porn, clubs, web sites? Banned. Fuck free speech.

8. Require comprehensive queer history lessons for all.

9. Bring back good music.

10. Find an empty country and wait out the current apocalypse of this loathsome society in a New Republic of Misfit Toys.

I won’t be standing by quietly while a neo-pop-culture crowd rushes to the loud stage. Nor will I allow a bunch of barnyard political hacks force me into a rainbow category to rot. There is something very new, unique, and progressive to be had, and it isn’t the cocktail party rationales which seem to be percolating these days.

Silence (still) = Death.

Building Bridges Through Listening and Sharing

2012-03-01T23:00:00.001-05:00

By Donny Winter
© 2012 Donny Winter and Diversity Rules Magazine. All Rights Reserved.
www.diversityrulesmagazine.com

While many people do not admit it, there are those in the LGBTQ community who have experienced some form of trauma throughout their lives -- whether it be through bullying, attempted suicide, sexual harassment or even sexual assault, one common thread in all of these difficult situations is the healing experiences. In my previous article I talked about how various non-profits like the ‘It Gets Better Project’ and the ‘Trevor Project’ exist to help bully victims as a resource aiming to alleviate their pain or share their experiences. The art of experience-sharing seems to be the bridge-builder between people and these two outlets are no doubt utilized for not only listening, but expressing.

After the news-rattling story of the 16 year old who took the lives of three students in an Ohio high school this past week, the possible motive of him being forced to act because of bullying was considered. Unfortunately one usual reason school shootings like these happen is because the perpetrator is provoked by bullies, granted that doesn‘t make the crime any less severe. I’ve noticed that whenever bullying is a factor one of two extremes happen to the victim: the victim lashes out against everyone around them in order to create harm to others or the victim acts out through committing an act of violence against themselves -- sometimes leading to suicide. Most of the time friends, teachers, parents and people in this person’s life have no idea of their thoughts and at times they see viable proof before the crime against self or others occurs. Regardless who was involved or present, this experience will likely be viewed as a very traumatic experience not only for students and teachers, but also the parents.

Building bridges of understanding between people seems to be the only way terrible events like suicide or school shootings can be prevented. Listening and reading between the lines is the best way to ensure that everyone is heard. For example, the 16 year old shooter before committing the crime posted something on Facebook about his plans and even mentioned something to classmates, yet nobody took him seriously. I feel that if someone reached out to him and talked him down the tragedy could have been averted. There were several instances where suicide victims posted messages on their Facebooks’ about their plans, yet they still took their lives without interference. A primary solution is to closely monitor their behavior and take everything they say or do seriously.

While it isn’t the fault of parents, teachers and friends for not constantly listening to the victim, I think it’s very important for them to build those bridges and keep an open line of communication in order to prevent further deaths. We all connect with one another through our own experiences. My best advice to anybody especially those feeling suicidal is to open up and tell your story, you might be able to touch someone else’s life which can be empowering.

Bi-National Families and DOMA

2012-03-01T22:52:00.001-05:00

By Gemma Perkins
© 2012 Gemma Perkins and Diversity Rules Magazine. All Rights Reserved.
www.diversityrulesmagazine.com

I pause to take a look at the silver, three studded diamond ring on my wedding finger and I feel happy. It glistens in the light from the overhead beams that cast down upon me. My wife, Jessica, married me on to of the Rockefeller Centre on September 16th 2011 and it was the most stunning day of our lives. Jessica is stunning, articulate, intelligent and my soul mate and when you know you’ve met your ‘one’ you should grab it with both hands…and we did.

It’s February 20th 2012 and I am flying over Nova Scotia having departed Boston an hour ago. I’m heading to the United Kingdom and this flight was not my choice. I’ve spent three months under the Visa Waiver Program with my beautiful wife and stepdaughter but now, like tens of thousands of other Bi-National couples, my wife, and I are facing time apart because she is not allowed to sponsor me to stay in her native country, The United States of America because of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) that defined Marriage as ‘one man, one woman’. This definition is crippling families financially, emotionally, physically and psychologically in a time when we should be working towards Equality. How many times have you heard someone say, “You cannot sponsor your spouse for a Green Card because you’re gay? That’s crazy, it’s the 21st Century!” I’ve lost count on how many times these words have penetrated my eardrums!

Jessica and me, we have grown together in a truly natural and beautiful manner. She is my best friend, my mentor, my ally, my travel buddy, my lover, my dream, my wife and my future. We talk about our finances, we shop for weekly groceries, we look after each other when one is ill, we laugh and we love. We want the best for our kids and most of all, we want to go to bed at night knowing that we don’t have to be torn apart by DOMA. I can summarise my marriage and my feelings towards Jessica by a quote that she read to me two months ago: “You can gauge your love not by the time you spend together but by the fear of being without one another” This holds true for me. Without her, I am lost.

Every Bi-National couple experiences this lethal cocktail of drama. For me, I decided to give up everything to be flexible enough to travel to the USA to be with my wife. I have a Bachelors degree in Criminology and I am a trained Drugs Worker for the British Government yet I struggle to gain a Working Visa in the USA. WHY? I sold ALL of my belongings to raise cash so I was able to spend my life with my true love. These stories are highly familiar to the Bi-National Community. Jessica also gave up her job with AT&T to relocate to a state that recognises her marriage; she sold a large proportion of her belongings to help make ends meet. Erase DOMA from this equation and we would not have had to had gone to extreme lengths to remain side by side. Some of you may be reading this and may say, “Your mistake, you should have thought it through” I say “NO” I’m almost 29 and I have put my life on hold too much in the past. “This time, It’s my turn to take chances because I love her and I’m not giving up”

These words are the tip of the iceberg into the issues and problems we, and almost 40,000 other couples are facing. We are grateful to all of the efforts from LGBT communities for raising awareness, writing to congress and fighting in the courts. I hope that all of us can return to our spouses soon and for the pain to end!

Deal Breakers

2012-03-01T22:48:00.001-05:00

By Robert Hoffman
© 2012 Robert Hoffman and Diversity Rules Magazine. All Rights Reserved.
www.diversityrulesmagazine.com
Contact Robert with your feedback! He’d love to hear from you! robshof@aol.com.

You’re hanging out at your fave bar with a clutch of your friends. I use the word “clutch” because it’s more fun. Like a small handbag dripping with diamonds and rubies. Anywho, you spot a guy in a pair of tight jeans and a wife-beater with his back toward you. His body is perfection. Muscles popping out of his tank, great hair in the back, and a butt you could eat your eggs on. Your friends notice you staring at this demi-god as he turns in your direction. One of your friends gasps as you throw up a little in your mouth: he’s got a face like a foot. The eyes aren’t aligned quite right, the nose is crooked in two directions, and there’s a gaggle of moles for you to play connect-the-dots. Foot-face notices you looking and he gives you a smile with his tooth. That, my friends, is a deal breaker. The body of death is trumped by the hideous face. No way you’re interested in that. What would your friends say? You start scanning the room for someone else.

When we’re young, there’s a whole different set of rules for hooking up. You want the most gorgeous guy in the room. If your friends are watching, you don’t settle for anything less. Of course you go home alone every night with Rosie Palm as your date. But still, you can’t have your friends making fun of you for sleeping with anything less than to-die-for. “I see you hooked up with Acne Face the other night. Did you use Oxy-10 for lube?”

If you’re out cruising alone, though, with no chance of your friends finding out who you hooked up with, the rules, i.e. standards, change. Well, they sink. To the bottom of your very shallow pool. You’ll flirt and go home with the guy with the sideboobs. You know the one: he’s got the shirt with the arm holes cut out and if you stand on his side, you can see his pasty, fleshy boobs resting atop his stomach. You’ll do the guy with the toupee, or the guy with the very messy hair-don’t, or the guy with the tufts of hair sticking out of the back of the neck of his shirt, or even the guy with the ping-pong paddle ears. Your standards have all but disappeared.

As you get older, you’ll notice that, indeed, your standards have disappeared. You’ll do Mr. Acne Face as a badge of honor. You can tell your friends, “I got someone who is young enough to need Oxy-10.” “Those sideboobs disappear when he lays on his back and throws his legs in the air.” “The toupee is a Dolce and Gabbana original! He’s worth millions!” Of course, bad breath is one deal breaker you can never over look. But that foot-face? Just shove his head into a pillow while you go to town.

Keep Up Now

2012-03-01T22:35:00.001-05:00

By Terry Ludwig
© Terry Ludwig and Diversity Rules Magazine. All Rights Reserved.
www.diversityrulesmagazine.com

Spring is just around the corner. The change of seasons will naturally inspire, however, you must still be mindful to negate worrisome thoughts. What are you doing to stay optimistic? This month’s activity is to create happiness and manifest abundance!

There are plenty of wonderful inspirational books to explore. Creating a daily gratitude list is also a great way to keep your mind in a good place. What’s more, if you are keeping active and exercising, you’re on the right path. But those things aren’t enough.

The real power comes when you take responsibility for your thoughts. You can change your life right now, simply by changing your mind. Your thoughts become things and they have created the life you are living now. Look around you. Who are you surrounded with? What activities are you involved in? Are you passionate about your job? Here’s the greatest question; Are you happy? If your answer is no, it’s time to look inside.

What have you been thinking and doing to create this life you’re now living? There are no neutral thoughts. Thoughts contain the power of creation. The life you’re living today is the culmination of thoughts you’ve been thinking.

Life is a projection of your imagination, much like a dream you experience at night. I remember the first time I practiced lucid dreaming. I’d had a recurring nightmare where I was being chased by a horrible creature, and fleeing in slow motion. I knew I couldn’t escape so each time the creature was about to pounce, I would faint or play dead. Then one night, during this repetitive dream, I was sick and tired of running, so I mentally rewound my dream and faced the creature. As it turns out, the creature didn’t want to pounce on me after all. It just stopped, and disappeared. What an empowering dream! My nightmares ended.

My life was on a similar path until I stopped running and started taking responsibility for my thoughts; turning my life from a fearful nightmare into a joyful wonderland where everything is possible. It’s simple and it works, but it’s not always easy. Taking responsibility for your thoughts requires vigilance.

You don’t realize you’re creating with every thought. It’s likely your mind is preoccupied with the past. What have you created with this preoccupation of the past? If you feel like you’re going nowhere in your life, it’s no wonder!

It’s time to start living and stop the recurring nightmare you’ve created in your life. First, take responsibility for your thoughts. Stop thinking about the past and bring your mind to the present; now.

Next, be grateful for the goodness in your life. Instead of longing for love out there somewhere, start loving yourself now and imagine yourself happy! Just doing this is enough to create happiness. Sending this message of love and happiness to the Universe requires the Universe to respond. What you share, you strengthen.

To manifest abundance, create a vision board. You can do this with magazine clippings and poster board, or online with tumblr.com or pinterest.com. Make sure your vision board contains all of the places and things you love, along with pictures of “you!” Get emotional about it; it will enhance the process!

Finally, put yourself in play. The Universe can’t shower you with gifts or bring the right people or places into your life if you’re at home doing nothing. Go to local events and places where the ship of your dreams can find you!

You don’t need to wait for spring to arrive to be happy - happiness is now, and abundance is yours, if you want it.

Keep up Now with the stream of higher consciousness and stay connected to the Source.

March Issue Released Featuring Sally Hall!

2012-02-29T23:27:00.001-05:00

The March issue of Diversity Rules Magazine has been released and it’s a GREAT one! This month’s issue features Sally Hall, the founder of ThatsSoGayLIVE news and entertainment network. Sally Hall has put together a Gay News & Entertainment Network, in which the community puts together LGBT news reports around their cities, PLUS, anyone can create or submit their own show in order to be part of the ThatsSoGayLive media broadcasting network.

Sally started ThatsSoGayLIVE two years ago. She looks forward to sharing the design and the efficiency behind the ThatsSoGayLive Gay Media Broadcasting Channel. Check out Sally’s personal video message for Diversity Rules readers!

Sally Hall sends greetings to Diversity Rules Magazine readers/viewers and promotes ThatsSoGayLIVE! Make sure you check out the March issue!

Discrimination is Discrimination No Matter Who’s Doing It

2012-02-26T13:21:00.001-05:00

By Jim Koury, Editor
Diversity Rules Magazine
© 2012 Diversity Rules Magazine. All Rights Reserved
www.diversityrulesmagazine.com

The debate raging throughout the country related to abortion and contraception and the intrusion into the decision-making process by politicians in what should be a personal decision related to a woman’s health generally, has prompted me to ponder the whole issue of discrimination.

We are used to talking about discrimination in the context of public entities and protecting the rights of minorities and others through established laws and legal precedents. As unexamined cases arise that have not been dealt with, new laws are passed and subsequent legal precedents are set advancing us forward toward fulfilling our constitutional guarantee of equal protection to all, albeit we have a ways to go!

Our constitution and current legal precedents, guarantee our unfettered ability to practice any religion we want, or to not subscribe to any religious philosophy at all, and rightfully so. In a truly ideal situation, religious institutions should be practicing their faith in their churches on Sunday and whatever other day one wishes, and not be engaged in political activity and lobbying that infringes upon the rights of others to enjoy the constitutional guarantee of equal protection.

We all know that the ideal situation does not exist, and religious institutions, daily and relentlessly try to influence our political figures to pass laws that take away rights instead of granting additional ones in order to fulfill the American promise of liberty and justice for all through intimidation and expenditure of literally millions of dollars that could be used to feed the hungry, clothe and shelter the poor, and on and on.

Religious institutions are granted the free exercise of their faith, and unfortunately, with that has come legal precedents that allow them a lot of leeway and flexibility to engage in political activity and to legally discriminate against those they believe are not following God’s will, under the subterfuge of “religious liberty.” Additionally, many religious entities believe they do not have to adhere to established laws and decrees that guarantee equal protection and access to the rights and privileges accorded to all US citizens. They also believe that they can accept and use government money and exclude those from benefiting from that government money, that they deem “sinners” and not in sync with their respective religious philosophies.

The impetus against same sex marriage and equality generally on all fronts for this nation’s queer people is grounded in religious persecution and prejudice, and in some cases a hateful and angry reaction against queer folks ensues by supposed “religious” and understanding people when queer folks are granted rights that everyone else enjoys and takes for granted. Their premise that we “love the sinner, but hate the sin” is simply a guise to shroud their inherent fear of people who are different and allows them to turn their backs on what I believe Jesus Christ (although I don’t believe in his omnipotent power) taught; love people for who they are, and that we are all God’s people, unique in its image.

Sin is sin, no matter what it is. So if religious institutions wish to take the bible literally and discriminate against queer people because the bible justifies that discrimination, then they need to be consistent and discriminate against all sinners! Adulterers should be put to death right? Pedophiles should be exposed and sent to prison right? The list can go on and on!

One must also take issue with the statement that the bible is the end all and word of God. It is probably the most inconsistent book there is when it comes to telling people what and what not to do! So for every passage a “religious” person can find to deny someone a right or ability to do something, there is one that justifies and allows it. Therefore, how can we take religious people seriously that want to deny a queer person equal access to the same things everyone else has? Some examples (source: www.evilbible.com):

1. Robbery commanded (Ex 3:21,22/ Ex 12:35,36), Robbery forbidden (Lev 19:13/ Ex 20:15)
2. Lying approved and sanctioned (Josh 2:4-6/ James 2:25/ Ex 1:18-20/ 1 Kings 22:21,22); Lying forbidden (Ex 20:16/ Prov 12:22/ Rev 21:8)
3. Judging of others forbidden (Matt 7:1,2); Judging of others approved (1 Cor 6:2-4/ 1 Cor 5:12)
4. Baptism commanded (Matt 28:19); Baptism not commanded (1 Cor 1:17,14)
5. Marriage approved (Gen 2:18/ Gen 1:28/ Matt 19:5/ Heb 13:4); Marriage disapproved (1 Cor 7:1/ 1 Cor 7:7,8)
6. Freedom of divorce permitted (Deut 24:1/ Deut 21:10,11,14); Divorce restricted (Matt 5:32)
7. Adultery forbidden (Ex 20:14/ Heb 13:4); Adultery allowed (Num 31:18/ Hos 1:2; 2:1-3)
8. Marriage or cohabitation with a sister denounced (Deut 27:22/ Lev 20:17); Abraham married his sister and God blessed the union (Gen 20:11,12/ Gen 17:16)
9. Women's rights denied (Gen 3:16/ 1 Tim 2:12/ 1 Cor 14:34/ 1 Pet 3:6); Women's rights affirmed (Judg 4:4,14,15/ Judg 5:7/ Acts 2:18/ Acts 21:9)
10. There is an unpardonable sin (Mark 3:29); There is not unpardonable sin (Acts 13:39)

Now, I do not claim to be a biblical expert but this short list of contradictions is a clear indication that the bible is NOT the end all, nor is it a reliable barometer to judge one’s actions against, since the very book they use to condemn others, also empowers and promotes the very things they say are cause for eternal damnation.

Therefore one must conclude and surmise that the vehemence expressed against queer people is simply a man-made hate and dislike, and is grounded in the prejudices of humans who find use of an inconsistent book to hurl insults, express contempt for others who are different and condone and promote prejudice and injustice all in the name of “religious liberty.”

I reject this premise. I reject the statement that queer people are somehow less of a human being because we love another of the same sex. I reject and am offended at and with politicians who subscribe to biblical “truths” and then do the direct opposite of what they are holding up to be the truth. I reject and will fight until my last dying breath, any attempt by those religious people of “faith” that use that faith to promote their own selfish ends at the expense of the well-being and freedom of another.

Equality knows no restriction. Equal treatment for all will win in the end. That is the one truth I hold near and dear to my heart, not, the falsified and abridged truth of one’s flippant interpretation of a book that is inherently and unequivocally flawed and is no way the “end all” of anything!

Keystone Alliance/Gaylife Newsletter Reader’s Choice Awards

2012-02-23T22:26:00.001-05:00

Dear Diversity Rules Magazine Readers and Supporters,

It is time for the Keystone Alliance/Gaylife Newsletter Reader’s Choice Awards and just like those honored in the past, and they have honored many, they are once again down to the wire of the finalists and those that can be chosen by you, the readers, for these awards. This is an opportunity for you, the reader, to give your input and for them to honor those that have given so much. So don’t hesitate, get involved now, put forth and vote for your favorites. Send all ballots to:

gaylifenewsletter@yahoo.com.

Diversity Rules Magazine is in the list of those LGBT Publications to be voted on in this semi-final round. Semi-Finalist votes will be accepted between February 15th thru March 10th. Please take a moment a copy and paste the ballot below and add your scores for your Favorites and send back to:

gaylifenewsletter@yahoo.com

Finalist votes will take place between March 15th thru April 15th.

Winners will be announced in the May 1st issue of the newsletter.

SCORING FOR NOMINATIONS SELECTED

4 points: Best Choice

3 points: Better Choice

2 points: Good Choice

1 point: Average Choice

0 point: No vote or choice

1. STRIPPER OF THE YEAR

Scandal from Johnstown

Pa Montaz @ V.V

Lady Spice

Brandon Lewis

Brock Armstrong

Jake Steele

Jason Michaels

Freakzilla Diego

Preston @ P-Town

Ben @ P-Town

Demarco @ P-Town

Lonnie @ P-Town

Patrick @ P-Town

Pierre Filch

DC Chandler

Michael Brandon

Jason Adonis

Matthew Rush

Jimmy at P-Town

Brandon at P-Town

Anthony Streussing

Francois Sagat
Luke Garrett
Adam Champ
Lukas Ridgeston
Marco Blaze
Rafael Alencar
Alex Collack
Daniel Marvin

Dean Phoenix
Ricky Martinez

Marcus Irons

Columbus Beef

2. MR GAYLIFE ALL-MALE

Keith Greene aka Drew Michaels

Cayleb aka Rob

Mark Robert Cash

Ben Leo Alt

Brian Pavic

Joe Cooper

Matthew Rush

Rocky Huston

Neil Patrick Harris

Brian Simms

Elton John

Mario Lopez

David Stanton

Gary Van Horn

Chris Porter

Tony Molnar

Chris Colfer
Alan Ball

Billy Porter

Leslie Jordan

Judas Elliott

Kevin Carlson

Phillip Alexander

3. ANY NEWS MEDIA STAFF OR COLUMNIST

Lee Lynch: Author and Columnist for Gaylife Newsletter/Amazon Trail

Jade Nite: Columnist Gaylife Newsletter/A Nite to Remember

Joe King: Cue Publication Writer

Walter Meyer: Author and Columnist of the Gaylife Newsletter/Heading for Home

Lauren E Harvey: Author and Columnist of the Gaylife Newsletter/Uneven Bars

Joe Christopher: Publisher and Owner of Cue Publication

Brian Pavic: Columnist of Gaylife Newsletter/Brian's Story

Christian Diane: Columnist of Gaylife Newsletter/Christian's Debate

Alysin Wonderland: Columnist of Gaylife Newsletter/Diary of a Mad Drag Queen

Charles Lightwalker- Columnist of Gaylife Newsletter/ Complimentary Healthcare

Jewel Sage- Columnist of Gaylife Newsletter/ Shine with Jewel Sage

Frank Bittinger- Columnist of Gaylife Newsletter/ Lair of the Scarbae

Michael Mahler- Editorial Staff of Erie Gay News

Deb Spilko- Editorial Staff of Erie Gay News

Mike Lipiec- Grapics/Layout of Erie Gay News

Phillip James- Columnist at Cue Magazine

Reed Gray aka Thingahmajig -Columnist of Gaylife Newsletter (The Things Thingamajig Thinks)

Sue Maravilla- Columnist of Gaylife Newsletter/ Diary of a Vampress/Ravens Grove

Terry Urban / Editor and Founder of West Virginia Queer News

John DeBartola- Gaylife Newsletter/ Managing Editor/Switch Hitter Romance Series

Daniel Kincade- President of The Rainbow Review

Christopher Paolini- Vice President and Chief Editor of The Rainbow Review

GayPornBlog's Jack Shamama

Thomas Waters, ThomasWaters.com

Jen Coletta, PGN

Thea Trix/ Gaylife Newsletter Columnist/ Thea's Trixs

Jack & Jenna/Gaylife Newsletter/Column of Interest

Keith Morrow/ Gaylife Newsletter Columnist/Keith's Kooking Korner

Janine Boe/ Gaylife Newsletter Columnist/The Artist's Easel

Melinda Beazer/ Gaylife Newsletter Columnist/ Mindy's Thoughts

Meg/ Gaylife Newsletter Columnist/ Life in the Gay Lane

J.P Whitacre Whoever/ Gaylife Newsletter Columnist/ Our Dear Queer

Becky Chase/ KA/GN Catty Corner

David Doorley/ OUT Publication, Pittsburgh, PA/ Editor in Chief

David Stanton/ Former OUT Publication, Pittsburgh, PA

Jason Trimbur/ PJC News:

4. ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

Marsha Monster Mellow

Mark Robert Cash

Boom Boom Larue

Eddieoke

Dylan Dickhersoon

Chad Michaels aka Cher Impersonato

Thea Trixx

Sharon Husbands

Jade Nite

Bunny Bixler

Denise Russell

Danyel Vasquez

Ladie Pink

Scarlet Fever

Robin Hearts

Christian Diane

Fi Fi D'OPulence

Roometta Bathaus

Wilma Badass

Trixie Treat

Sasha

Mona Lott

Peter Goesinya

Lady Diamond

Lucy Lipps

Anna Steezia

Ricky Martin

Sean Hayes

Clay Aiken

Boy George

Adam Lambert

John Waters

Jezebel D'OPulence

Stormy Vain:

CJ-Blu:

Nicole St. George

J.J Cox:

Alesha Thunderfuck 5000

Cherri Baum:

Pandora Boxx/Uniontown, PA

Vercua LaPirrana

Hedda Lettuce

Le Wolfina

Diva St. James

Miss Pickles

Michelle Bailey

Molly Belle Cummings

Josh Duhamel

Harry Feltersnatch

Blaize

Hot Metal Hardware

Kevin Yohn/Alysin Wonderland

5. MR GAYLIFE MALE OF THE YEAR

Tony Molnar Strejcek

Edward Molnar Strejcek

Gary VanHorn

Joe King

Zach Broadwater

Philip Bayush

David Stanton

Bob Hagerman

David Shields

Gary Bollinger

John Freeland

David Brooks

Kevin Yohn

Jack Carbasho

Richard Layhew

Shane Broege

Reed Gray

A.J Best

Weaven Steven

Joshua Crawford

Michael Mahler

Junior Landman

Adam Ferguson

Eddie Pellien

Michael Geist

Paul Lauteri

Mitchell Lieb

Terry Urban

Bob McGrogan

Joe Wilson

Jim Koury

Daniel Boyd

Matthew Bruno

Jay Basinger

Bill Eakman

Chet Crouser

Daniel Lamorte

Brett Czarneck

Chuck Pongibove

John Brownfield

Rupert Everet

Barney Frank

Nathan Lane

George Michaels

Ian Mckellen

Dave Casker

Brian Tee

John DeBartola

Howard Bennett II

Terry Stefl

Michael Logan

Chad Ross

Keith Greene

Papa Bear/James @ Vice Versa

Michael King

Keith Vario

Scott Noxon

Nick Masi

Joe Christopher

David Doorley

Gary Nestor

David Crow

Scott Dipofi

Jack Carbasho

Roger Howell

Keith Firestone

Jeremy Beall

Tom Schnurr

Barry Jones

Ben Born:

Wayne Moon

6. LESBIAN OF THE YEAR

Kimberly Rech

Weeze Michael

Catherine Cox

Lyndsey Sickler

Jess Porter

Sue Kerr

Adrian Mussio

Amy Klink

Lee Lynch

Laura Dunoff

Jaclyn Mihalik

Liz Saluga

Crystal Rummel

Kristen Huf

Lauren E. Harvey

Liz Folta

Shannon Matty

C.J Marion

Katina Stewart

Ellen DeGeneres

Melissa Etheridge

Jane Lynch

Michelle S./Mikee Stylz

Joy Souder

Jaimee Gaster

Brandi L.

Jen Costello

Kelly Gunsallus

Michelle Baldwin

Bridgett Weber

Shawna Gaffey

Heather Guyer

Marcy Kash

Jen Liptock

Lisa Benco

Shelley Godissart

7. GLBT COUPLE OF THE YEAR

C.J (Blu) and Kimmie R.

Montaz and Papa Bear at V.V

Sue Kerr and Laura Dunoff

Scott Johnson and Jerry Clarke

Mark Plowman and Vincent McCutchesn

Patryce Yeiser and Susan Musselwhite

Blaine Coleman and George Cooper

Brandi L. and Michelle S.

Scott Dipofi and Lonnie Minerd

Steve (Lady Rose) and Matt Pirl

Jim Lohr and Bill May

Richard Patterson and Michael Logan

Tim Myers and Ben Cook

Angelo Bartic and Michael DiMeo

Jeff Wallace and Terry Bodes

Gary Bollinger and Chris Palaski

Brion Bish and Joe Dunlap

Kristopher William and Sam Sheginaw

Philip Bayush and Eric Svenson

Robin Hearts and Andy Ferguson

Greg Basinger and Bob Carnes

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia deRossi
Edina Monsson and Patsy Stone

Elton John and David Furnish

Melissa Etheridge and Tammy Lynn Michaels

Facebook cofounder Chris Hughes and his boyfriend, Freedom to Marry Political Director Sean Eldridge

Chad Ross & Chip Winters

Keith V. & Ed D.

Tony & Ed Molnar-Strejcek

Curt Martin & Jay Stanforth

Shawna Gaffy & Bridgett Weber

Lauren E. Harvey & Vicki Shire

Jeffrey Kash & Jeff Nytch

Jack Carbasho & Dhaval Pena

Joy Souder & Lisarae Gatty-Koch

James R. McClelland & Justin R. Guth

8. SHOW DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR

Miss Diana Ross -Former Owner of Miss Tri-County Pride Pageant

Nicole St. George - Owner of Miss Tri-County Pride Pageant

Jade Nite/Show Director at Club 231

Scott Johnson/ Continental Pageant

Dimitria Blackwell/ Show Director at Vice Versa

John DeBartola/ Show Director at Lucille's

Danyel Vasquez/ Show Director of Club Utopia

RePaul, for RePaul's Drag Race

LOGO Network, for putting on quality programing that enteratins us all

The Tim and Roma Show, Tim and Roma
Jennifer Saunders, the Return of Ab Fab

Dolce and Gabanna

Jezebel D'OPulence/ The Link Show Director:

Thea Trix/ GLCC Bingo

Howard Bennett/ Owner of Miss Laurel Highlands Pageant

Lindsey Sickler/ Mr. Pittsburgh Drag King Pageant Owner

Steve Stotler/ Events Coordinator at M & J's Lounge

9. MR GAYLIFE HUNK 2011

Mark Robert Cash

Joe King

David Brooks

Jonathan Sumey

Richard Guy

Chad Ross

Tony Ruiz

Joe Christopher

Ryan Madison

Anthony Streussing

Todd Jones

Ryan Skyy

Steven Smith

Montaz at Vice Versa

Brian Pavic

David Davi

Cayleb/Rob

Judas Elliott

Jeremy Scott Burnworth

Adam Lambert

Justin Beiber

Stevie Nevling

Chadd Maund

Chad Altman

Jason Lucarelli

Keith Goodwin

Sean Garet:

Mark Bohn:

Nathan Pennington

Ricky Martin

Chad Allen

Lance Bass

Reichen Lehmkuhl

Kevin Yohn

10. GLBT PERSON OF THE YEAR

(A few short sentences as to why a person is nominated is required)

1.Scott Peterman:

For all the work he does in the Shepherd Wellness Community as Director.

2.Brandon Harper:

Certified Counselor. Speciality area of counseling is with LGBT issues with a focus on Transgender Care.

3.Lyndsey Sickler:

Youth Programs Manager at Persad Center.

4.Rich and Ray:

New owners of Rainbow Mountain. Continuing a friendly camping resort.

5.Christian Diane:
She goes out of her way to get to shows and benefits and always comes through for the community

as a supporter for many benefits and not always expecting to be paid for her performance.

6.Jim McGreevey:

For coming out of the closet and stepping down as Govornor of New Jersey.

7.Russell Simmons:

For his charity work.

8.Elizabeth Taylor:

She was a gay advocate long before it was fashionable and contributed so much to AIDS research and support

for those of us who needed a spokesperson.

9.Joe Tomlinson:

The President of Butler, Pa PFLAG.

10. Stephanie Meyers:

for creating characters that instill passion.

11.Nancy Pelosi:

For speaking out for support of AIDS in Congress and drawing attention to the

GLBT communty and offering help.

12.Barrack Obama:

For repealing DADT and supporting gay rights.

13.Christopher Rice:

For writing such great gay novels that bring awareness.

14. Philip Bayush:

For always helping out and donating his time to the community.

15. Wenche Benini of Community Care Management:

For all her charity work and for making a difference in the Laurel Highlands Region.

16. Michael Vlassick and Joshua Crawford the owners of M&J's Lounge in Butler Pa:

Providing a wonderful establishment for the GLBT Community.

17. Brian Pavic:

For performing at alot of benefit shows and helping others.

18. Sue Kerr:

For her involvement within the GLBT Community and the Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents: www.pghlesbian.com

19. Chaz Bono:

For coming out in the transgender process and beng a role model.

11. D.J OF THE YEAR

D.J Tony Ruiz

D.J Eddieoke

D.J Trevor Benyack

D.J Tech

D.J Tyler

DJ Ronnie Thomas

DJ.Danny @Club231

D.J Tanner

D.J Fisher

D.J R. Dubbs

D.J Brian Staley

D.J Shawn

D.J Billy

D.J Daddy

D.J Adele

D.J Nick

D.J Steve Henderson

D.J David Stanton

D.J J. Stevens

D.J Mike/P-town

D.J Ted/ Lucille's

D.J John/ Escapade

D.J Keith V./The Link

D.J Teddy Michael

D.J Red Phoenix

D.J Jason Nevins

D.J Randy Leonard

J.C's Karoake and D.J

12. HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR

Gary VanHorn

Scott Noxon

Tony Molner-Strejcek

Mayor Luke Ravelstall

Frank Bittinger

Wes McMichael

Ray Miles

Bruce Kraus

Rosie O'Donnell, always giving back to the community and educating.

Andrew Cuomo, for being the Govornor of New York that signed marriage equality and allowing us to get married.
Harvey Milk

Gary Nicklow & Debbie Hixon of Club 231

Cathy Cox

Keith Vario for all his charity work

John DeBartola

Nancy Dunlap

Brian Sims: Director of Equality PA

Ellen DeGeneres, she changed the face of television when both she and her character came out in 1997. She continues to call for equality.

Elton John, he burst onto the rock scene in the 1970s, he constantly helps out the community .

Melissa Etheridge, w hen Prop 8 passed, Etheridge said she would not pay her taxes because she was so upset at

the passing of this proposition.She is an inspiration and always helps out all of us.

13. BARTENDER OF THE YEAR

Jeff Boden @ Lucille's

Chad Altman @ Lucille's

David Shields @ Cruze

Andrea Y. @ Cattivo

Michael Mayberry @There

Shanea @ Club231

AJ @ Club 231

Troy @ Club 231

Alex Bolen @There

Justin Smith @ There

Shawn Speer @ There

Lola LeCroix @ There

Jeff @ P-Town:

Michael Logan @ Escapade

Frankie @ The Saloon

Gary @ P-Town

Joe @ P-Town

Gary @ Club 231

Tom Hovan @ Escapade

Keith @ The Link

Richard @ Escapade

Jeremy @ Escapade

Angelo@ Escapade

Frank @ Escapade

Brad @ Utopia

Rob Infantozzi @ Utopia

Montaz @ Vice Versa

Allen Garrett/Weezies

Adam/ Wild Coyote

14. BAR STAFF OF THE YEAR

(This group includes Bar Staff working the door,

bouncers, wait staff and any other employees of

an establishment. This excludes D.Js, Bartenders,

Show Directors.)

Paul Lauteri @ THERE

Crystal R. @ Club 231

Rodney Benyack, formereally at Pegasus

James Kelley @ The Link

Sonny @ 941 Saloon and House of Tilden (afterhours)
Shantel/ Kyle liggons @ Club 231

Tyler @ Club 231

Adam Clossin @ Lucille's

Bo Harmon/Former Shotboy at Pegasus

Shawn @ Club Pittsburgh:

Phillip Johnson/ Door person @ Lucille's

Frank/ Door person @ Escapade

Jim Foster @ Images

Natasha hunt/ Weezies

15. GAY ESTABLISHMENT OF THE YEAR

The Former Headquarters in Pittsburgh, PA

Vice Versa in Morgantown, WV

THERE Ultra Lounge, Pittsburgh, PA

M & J's Lounge in Butler, PA

Cattivo in Pittsburgh, PA

Weezie's Pub & Club in Morgantown, WV

The Former Pittsburgh Eagle/Pegasus Complex in Pittsburgh, PA

Club Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, PA

Club 231 in Uniontown, PA

Spin Bartini in Pittsburgh, PA

Rainbow Mountain Resort/ Central PA

Candida's

The Stonewall

Escapade

Eldolyn Terrace

Diamonz

The Lark Secrets

The Link in Herminie. PA

The Zone Dance Club,

The Village Supper Club

Mary's Brownstone

Neptune's Lounge

Pink Lizard

Shimmer

Stallions

Strawberry Cafe

Lucille's

Tally Ho

12th Air Command
Shampoo, Uncle's

Venture Inn

The Westbury

Woody's

Leather Central

House of Tilden

Images

P-Town
Cruze
5801 Real Luck Cafe

Red Star

Altlands Ranch

Chumley's

Vertigo/ Butler, PA

Camp Davis/ Boyers. PA

CRAZE/ Erie, PA

The Embassy Theatre

16. MR GAYLIFE CONGENIALITY (Drag King)

R'mond

J.J Cox

Blu

Mikee Stylz

Brandon McQueen

Harry Feltersnatch

Peter Goesinya

Orion Blaize Browne

Chance Encounters

Dylan Dickerson

DJ Banger

17. MISS GAYLIFE CONGENIALITY (Drag Queen)

Christma LaFoxx

Alyssa Matthews

Alysin Wonderland

Adyllah Cardz

Victoria Nite

Lady Rose Amore

Jewel Sage

Jade Nite

Lady Ashley Gilbert

Repaul

Kiarra Carter Fontaine

Costa Lottabucks
Coco Peru

Clitorella Dou'Chey

Diva St. James

Ivanna Trayor

Countess Von Douche

Buffy Hollow

Christian Diane

Tiffany Dyamond

Beya Cummings

Aneda Tension

Tyler Perry

Medea

Marsha Mellow

Kitty Klottsalot

18. MR GAYLIFE (Favorite Drag King)

J.J Cox

Ivan Beatinov

Harry Feltersnatch

R'mond

Chance Encounters

Dylan Dickhersoon

Orion Blaze Brown

Aiden Cox

Blu

Gaberiel Sky

Stefan LaRue

Britton Mauk

Maxwell Gurth

Peter Goesinya

Mikee Stylz

D.J Bangher

Kevaughn Browne

Maycum Dizzy

Christopher Crash

Slade Styles

Brandon McQueen

Shane Fulldesires

Will Pop UR Cherry

Josh Jong Current

Zak Havok'

J.K Weezy

Even Danger

19. MISS GAYLIFE (Favorite Drag Queen)

Claire Voyance

Robin Hearts

Georgia Bea Cummings

Sharon Needles

Marsha Monster Mellow

Phoenix ARising

Angelique Young

Milan Yre'Zur

XTC

Molly Belle Cummings

Shamya Banx

Sasha

Enya Hearts

Messy Elliot

Shantel Cummings

Dimitria Blackwell

Beya Cummings

Alysin Wonderland

Nicole St. George

Avona Richman

Jewel Sage

Starr Mirage Cummings

Victoria "Porkchop" Parker

Hedda Lettuce

Lady Bunny

Ladie Pink

Lady Rose Amore

Lady Ashley

Miss Diana Ross

Glynda DeNor

Izabella Rae

Seduce A' Lottamen

Jade Nite

Jezebel D'OPulence

Christian Diane

Akasha LeStat

Sister Roma
Lady Gaga

Thea Trix:

Cherri Baum

Anna Steezia

Kourtney Brown

Lady Diamond

Danyel Vasquez

Bunny Bixler

Vita D'OPulence

Costa Lottabucks

Blaize

Mahogany

Brionna Brooks

Coco VanCartier

Truly Devine

Divine LaRue

Paradise LaRue

Alysin Wonderland

20 FAVORITE GLBT ORGANIZATION GROUP

1.SHEPHERD WELLNESS COMMUNITY: www.swconline.org

2.PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL LESBIAN & GAY FILM FESTIVAL: www.plgfs.org

3.DELTA FOUNDATION: www.pittsburghpride.org

4.PERSAD: www.persadcenter.org/

5.ACLU-PA

6.GAY SOCIALITES: www.gaysocialites.com

7.CLOSET TALK: www.closettalk.com

8.MARRIAGE EQUALITY USA

9.LGBT Community Center Coalition of Central PA

10.NEPA Rainbow Alliance and GayNEPA.com

11.Capital Region Stonewall Democrats

12.Pennsylvania Diversity Network

13.Mahoning Valley Stonewall Democrats: http://mvstonewall.com

14.GLEC: www.glecpitt.org

15.Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force

16.www.ourbiggayborhood.com

17.GLBT Community Center - Pittsburgh

18. GLSEN Pittsburgh

19.PFLAG Pittsburgh

20.Gertrude Stein Political Club of Pittsburgh: http://www.gertrudesteinclub.org/

21.Steel-City Stonewall Democrats: www.steel-city.org/

22.Keystone Progress: www.keystoneprogress.org/

23.Human Rights Campaign (HRC): http://www.hrc.org/

24.National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF): http://www.thetaskforce.org/

25.SoulForce: http://www.soulforce.org/

26.National Organization for Women (NOW): http://www.now.org/

27.HeartStrong!: http://www.heartstrong.org/

28. PFLAG

29. Impulse Pittsburgh http://facebook.com/ImpulsePittsburgh

30. Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons

31.Lambda Legal

32.Log Cabin Republicans (LCR)

33.OutServe

34.Stonewall Democrats

35.Utah Pride Center

36.Washington Families Standing Together

37.Penn Action

38. Planned Parenthood

39.Pennsylvania Advocates

40.Pennsylvania State Education Association

41.Capital Alliance

42.Penn State Harrisburg

43.Elizabethtown College Allies

44.HACC Allies

45.Reading Pride

46.Rainbow Roundtable (State College Pride)

47.Pride Festival of Central Pennsylvania

48. Purple Jeasus Coalition

49. Transpitt

50.Steel City Bowling League

51. Dining Out Pittsburgh

52. Renaissance City Choir

53. Thursday Night Live (TNL)

54. Pittsburgh Prime Timers

55.AFSCME AFL-CIOAmericans for Democratic Action

56.Southeast PA America Votes

57.Democracia USA

58.MoveOn.org

59.Philadelphia Neighborhood Networks

60.The League of Young Voters

61.Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now-PA

62.Westmoreland Pride Coalition

63.Delta Foundation of Pittsburg / Equality Partners of Western PA

64.Lez Liquor House

65.Central Voice

66.Lavender Letter

67.PFLAG Butler

68.IUP Pride Alliance

69.UPJ Alliance

70.St. Francis Gay Straight Alliance

71.GLCC

21. FAVORITE GLBT MEDIA PUBLICATION

1. ERIE GAY NEWS: www.eriegaynews.com
2.WEST VIRGINIA QUEER NEWS: www.wvasqueernews.com
3.PHILADELPHIA, PA GAY NEWS: www.epgn.com
4.EDGE / UNITED STATES: www.edgeunitedstates.com
5.PINK NEWS: PinkNews.co.uk
6.PITTSBURGH LESBIAN CORRESPONDENTS: www.pghlesbian.com
7.THE RAINBOW REVIEW: www.therainbowreview.com
8.KEYSTONE ALLIANCE/GAYLIFE NEWSLETTER: www.gaylifenewsletter.com
9.DIVERSITY RULES MAGAZINE: www.diversityrulesmagazine.com
10.CUE MAGAZINES: www.cuemagazines.com
11.QUEER WORKS: http://www.queerworks.net
12.ADVOCATE MAGAZINE
13.GAY.COM: www.gay.com
14.BANANA GUIDE: http://bananaguide.com/home
15.PANZEE PRESS
16.SHE MAG: http://www.shemag.com
17.PITTSBURGH OUT: www.outonline.com
18.NAKEDSWORD
19.GAY CITY NEWS
20.STUDS MAGAZINE
22. Miss Gaylife Newsletter 2012-2013

1.Jade Nite

2.Christian Diane

3.Victoria Nite

4. Jewel Sage

To see Bio, Questions and picture of the contestants for Miss Gaylife Newsletter,

please scroll down to the bottom of the navigation at: www.gaylifenewsletter.com

Please take a few moments to check this information. Thank you.

Defining Moments

2012-02-12T13:54:00.001-05:00

By Jim Koury, Editor, Diversity Rules Magazine
www.diversityrulesmagazine.com
© 2012 Diversity Rules Magazine. All Rights Reserved.

During the course of our lives we have encountered situations that may have been stressful, painful or just something you wanted to forget. There are also those moments that are joyful – ones that made us feel happy and contented. Most times these situations pass without much thought and life continues. However, there are some instances in our lives that can be considered “defining moments;” moments that will greatly impact how we perceive ourselves, and will influence our life decisions and how we move forward with our lives.

According to Dictionary.com, a defining moment is “a point at which the essential nature or character of a person, group, etc., is revealed or identified.” It is a time at which a person discovers their true essence or something about themselves that when revealed or identified, will allow for personal growth and an expansion of one’s worldview.

In my 51 years I have experienced many defining moments in my life which have brought me to where I currently am. The most notable, obviously, is related to the point at which I decided to cast off my façade of lies and self-deceit and came to grips with being gay. That defining moment was a two pronged decision. First I came out to myself, and second, is when I came out to others; my family, close friends and subsequently work and other professional associates. What a liberating feeling it was when my “essential nature” was finally revealed and I no longer had to hide and live within a fabricated lie. I could begin to live a life based upon my true essence and not what others thought I should be.

The decision to embrace my true self, brought other defining moments forward. While living my fabricated lie, I developed a worldview that was premised upon a false foundation. I began to question all aspects of my life; most notable my spirituality and political orientation.

I was brought up Catholic. I was the last one in my family to really cling to the traditions and precepts of the church. I would go to Mass every Sunday and on Holy Days of Obligation as we were taught. But after coming out, something happened. I began to question why I wanted to be part of an organized religion who constantly expressed their contempt for homosexuality and it being the downfall of society.

After many anguishing discussions within myself, I arrived at a defining moment and essentially cast off the religious façade I had constructed. I set out on a path of self-introspection and began to research and analyze what really being a spiritual being meant. That process continues to this day but I am in no way reflective of what I once was and embraced as the “truth.”

Politically, in order to hide myself, I projected an outward, and somewhat extreme conservative façade that deep inside I despised and I hated myself for. But at the time I felt it was a necessary evil because I thought I would never be able to live the way I really wanted to. The defining moment was to finally remove the shackles of my false conservatism. With this decision, I have now become what I really was all the time inside, a compassionate liberal, dedicated to the advancement of progressive causes that help people instead of harm them.

I am currently within the midst of arriving at a another defining moment. I was told by a very special person, that I would come to a fork in the road, where I would have to make a major life decision, one that would determine and resolve many issues and conflicts. I firmly believe I have chosen the right path, as my gut tells me it is. When the time is right, that defining moment related to which path at the fork I decided upon shall be revealed.

What are your defining moments? What instances in your life impacted you so much that you made a conscious decision to reveal your essential nature or character? Have you decided to be true to yourself, and be who you were born to be? Are you living your life the way YOU want to or are you still living it according to how someone else thinks you should be living it? No one knows that truth except yourself. If you are not being the real you, then it will fester and bubble inside you until you can’t stand it any longer. You will arrive at your “defining moment” and make decisions that will be good for YOU and not someone else.

Embrace your individuality. Do not be ashamed of who you are. As Auntie Mame said, “Live, live, live…. Life’s a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death.” Don’t starve any longer! Quit thinking too much, live in the “NOW” and live your life according to your plan and what you want! Make it your “defining moment” to liberate yourself unto yourself. Do it TODAY!

March Feature Interview Announced!

2012-02-12T11:33:00.001-05:00

Diversity Rules Magazine is proud to announce that Sally Hall, Founder of ThatsSoGayLIVE, will be the March feature cover interview.

Sally has put together a Gay News & Entertainment Network, in which the community puts together LGBT news reports around their cities, PLUS, anyone can create or submit their own show in order to be part of the ThatsSoGayLive media broadcasting network.

Sally started ThatsSoGayLIVE two years ago and she looks forward to sharing the design and the efficiency behind the ThatsSoGayLive Gay Media Broadcasting Channel.

The Promise of Daffodils

2012-02-11T11:00:00.001-05:00

By Lee Lynch
© Lee Lynch and Diversity Rules Magazine. All Rights Reserved
www.diversityrulesmagazine.com

Lee Lynch wrote the classic novels The Swashbuckler and Toothpick House. The most recent of her 14 books, Sweet Creek and Beggar of Love, were published by Bold Strokes Books. She lives in rural Florida with her wife and their furry ruffians.

Here in Florida, our daffodils are coming up. No blooms yet, but I have high hopes we’ll have a chorus line of yellow dancing in the breeze come Valentine’s Day.

Back in the big bad 1970s, Valentine’s Day was not so popular in my lesbian-feminist crowd. It was another capitalist ploy to get us to spend our money; a patriarchal tradition designed to snare women into enslaving themselves to men; a sexist ritual that excluded lesbians - did Hallmark ever make a card for us?

Now I read in Ms. Magazine that St. Valentine was kind of on our side. Apparently, he got busted by Emperor Claudius II for marrying Christian couples when old Claudius nixed doing so, sometime around 270 A.C. It’s a pretty bloody story. Nevertheless, it’s now cool to celebrate the saint’s day because so many Christians (and other religions) won’t marry another group: us.

I don’t really see St. Valentine doing his bit for gays if he was around today, but I’m a romantic. Nobody can dampen my enthusiasm for the trappings of love. Any excuse will do, even an ancient martyr. Sweetheart doesn’t discourage me. She appreciates the displays of affection I foist on her.

Not that they’re lavish. In past years, I’ve made quick visits to dollar stores. Maybe a Happy Valentine’s Day banner for the front door - or not, given our neighborhood. Maybe some decals scattered around the house – one year it was love bug stickers we later couldn’t get off the mirrors. My sweetheart’s not big on stuffed animals so there’s no collection of red and white teddy bears covering our bed. This year? I’m thinking a few heart-shaped balloons so every room she goes into, she’ll see “Be My Valentine,” “Cloud Nine,” or “#1 FAN” floating overhead, near the ceiling fans.

Our first year presented a logistical problem. We would be on the road, at the Bold Strokes Books Palm Springs LGBTQ Book Festival, for Valentine’s Day. It was a perfect place to celebrate, but how could I decorate our beautiful room at the Casitas Laquita Lesbian Resort Hotel? I found red hearts, a dozen shapes and sizes, the kind that cling to glass surfaces, and I festooned the room with them. I don’t know which of us was more delighted.

Candy-wise, Peeps are out. Other holidays, I’m glad to ply her with yellow chicks or orange pumpkins, but those putrid-pink and regurgitation-red marshmallow hearts ruin the Peeps concept. One year, I sought out the prettiest box of chocolates I could find and was gratified when my sweetheart even saved the empty box. I remember that my mother used one my father had given her as a sewing basket for decades: Aww.

Now, we’re both fighting middle-aged spread – and spread and spread - so the candy is actually minimal, if any. Probably I should consider sending the money to Freedom To Marry, not Ghirardelli. (www.freedomtomarry.org). The corner Walgreens, however, might have a small tasty treat. More likely, a whole aisle of them. Who can deny her wife a traditional sweet?

I just took a glance at the Walgreen’s web site for Valentine’s Day. One of their categories is “sexual wellness.” Hmmm, I thought and clicked on it. Up came the header “Queen.” This was getting pretty weird. There was only one product, though, a supplement called Reservatol. It was a buy one/get one free deal (BOGO). Did I even want to know what it was? Turns out, it contains red wine and Polygonum Cuspidatum Root. I drilled down further and found that Polygonum Cuspidatum Root prevents certain tumor growth. The whole product helps to provide antioxidant protection and helps to promote cardiovascular health. Thank goodness for BOGO – I can give my sweetheart one for Valentine’s Day and one for our anniversary. Hats off to sentimental Walgreens for the romantic suggestion.

One year, I had a Groupon for a nice restaurant, but Groupon has changed. I’m not going to tell my sweetheart that I love her with a Groupon for cosmetic surgery, a Five-Window Car or Truck Tinting Package or a Birthday Party for Up to 16 Kids. None of those quite express why I married her.

I know Ellen likes to shop at Cartier, but that’s out for us. It’s not that I don’t want to bedeck my sweetheart with diamonds and gold, it’s the money thing. Yes, we have daffodils in February, but the mortgage on our home, like almost half of Florida’s home mortgages, is so far underwater we could sell the house as waterfront property.

Harking back to the feminists of yore, I don’t need Cartier, Groupon or Walgreens to show my love on Valentines or any day. I’m planning a homemade card, a funny refrigerator magnet and all my attention. Or maybe the attention and the promise of daffodils are enough.

Fear and Homophobia

2012-02-04T23:59:00.001-05:00

By Jim Koury, Editor
Diversity Rules Magazine
www.diversityrulesmagazine.com
© 2012 Diversity Rules Magazine. All rights reserved.

There are many instances in our lives where fear grips us to the point where it can create such inertia that we stop taking chances or begin to second guess our every move. When we are gripped with fear, it allows irrational thinking to guide our actions. Fear is irrational because it is not premised on facts and truth. During such period of irrationality, we may say and do things that we really do not believe or wouldn’t do otherwise due to the lack of facts or the influence of other’s fear and irrationality is preventing us from thinking for ourselves. When riddled with fear, we may take actions based on emotions rather than thinking things through in a logical way.

Fear on a mass scale can create political forces and policies that are grounded in irrational thought, and result in a group of people being discriminated against and persecuted simply for who they are. Examples of this; the anti-immigrant sentiment in the early 20th century, slavery and the subsequent discrimination against African-American persons; the slaughter of innocent people of the Jewish faith under Hitler’s reign of terror, and more recently the queer population that is denied basic civil rights accorded the rest of the population.

The fear of homosexuality or more commonly known as “homophobia” has created a hateful environment for this nation’s queer community to live within. Every day we hear stories of beatings, murders, bullying in schools, suicides of our youth, workplace discrimination and marriage inequality.

On a more personal scale, I certainly have experienced the result of homophobia. The threat to my life, as I have mentioned in my blog in prior articles, clearly stands out as the most visible manifestation of fear and hate by another individual simply because of who I am. It certainly brought discrimination right to my front door step!

A second instance was related to the social group that I tried to start in Oneonta (which I have not given up on) called “Queers United.” I had a very awesome logo made up with a fist in the air regaled with queer colors. Then one night while at the venue, I was asked if I would consider changing the name of the group because they were getting complaints from the local churches. I did not succumb to that fear driven request, but after more flack, I simply walked away from it, the event was taken over by others, and it now has a more “acceptable” name. I was clearly offended that the fear and bigotry of local religious institutions could compel the venue’s owners to ask if I could change the name of an independent group because it didn’t suit the religious community.

Another more recent instance, was some anecdotal information relayed to me about my having a gay pride American flag flying proudly in the front of my house right along with Old Glory. It appears this person felt that the flag was a denigration to Old Glory and a mocking of what America represents (the way they see it, mind you!). The same person also told me that when told that he had come to my house and had a beer on the deck, the homophobic person replied back incredulously with, “you went to his house?” The person telling me this stood up for me and said that “he’s a good guy and is just like everyone else.” For that I appreciate very much and is a sign of a true friend and supporter.

To quote a recent picture I saw on Facebook, “bigotry is a lifestyle choice.” Clearly this is true when it comes to fear and homophobia. Homophobes choose to discriminate against the queer population because of fear and misunderstanding, and a lack of conscious desire to reach out and find out about a person and KNOW them as a person. It is a choice to not seek information and facts before making emotionally based opinions based on tales in a book written by men in a very unenlightened age. So yes, bigotry clearly and most unequivocally is a lifestyle choice!

So what choice should one make? Clearly a more progressive, liberally based worldview would be the preference. But the homophobes will always base their perception of life on their fear and alas, my utopian liberal world will always be compromised. However, I do believe we as a society are working toward that, despite the setback of the GOP taking over the House and wreaking its untold and horrific terror on America.

We can do better! Our nation is premised on freedom, liberty, and justice for all. We cannot continue to allow fear and homophobia to keep us from achieving full and unequivocal equality on all fronts. Fear and homophobia only creates dissension and distracts us from what is truly important. The very essence of our representative democracy is at stake if we allow a small group of unenlightened individuals grounded in fear to prevent us from achieving the American ideals we hold so close to our hearts. We cannot continue to disallow a group of people, queer people, from participating in this representative democracy fully and without reservation or conditions.

The battle continues… there will be some losses and setbacks … but the ultimate goal of equality for all will be achieved. I will never lose faith that it will. Grasp on to what you know in your heart is true and never let go until the battle is won!

February Issue Released!

2012-01-31T22:50:00.001-05:00

The February Issue of Diversity Rules has been released featuring James Hornik.

On August 31, 2009 James Hornik was raped by another male in Hollywood, California. Mr. Hornik found himself in great need of police assistance and called on the LAPD, trusting that they would help him in his sudden predicament. When asked if he could press charges against his attacker, the LAPD officers simply responded, "A gay man can't be raped."

James Hornik has been fighting for more understanding and recognition that men (gay or straight) can be raped ever since that muggy night in August of 2009 with very little help at all.

Diversity Rules will present James' case to its readers and hopefully can play a role in bringing some justice to James.

Negativism or Activism?

2012-01-11T23:11:00.001-05:00

By James R. Koury, Editor, Diversity Rules Magazine
www.diversityrulesmagazine.com
© 2012 Diversity Rules Magazine. All rights reserved.

As I sit here thinking about this blog and what I am going to say, I look back upon my past, and I am just amazed at where I am at this point in my life right now. I am certainly not the man I was when I moved back here to Oneonta in 1992. What’s more incredulous to me is that I am not the person I was just a mere year ago.

If someone were to tell me back in 1992 that I would eventually become a queer activist with a publication catering to the needs of the queer community here in Oneonta, my hometown, and that I would be totally out and proud of who I was as a gay male, I would have said “you are nuts and you have lost your mind.” But lo and behold that is where I am!

As I reflect upon the events and occurrences in my life that have brought me to this point in time, I can see linkages, and fragile connections, that have propelled me to the next level in my evolution as an out and proud gay male. In the beginning, I met various people who helped me cope with my sexuality and my individuality. At that time it was pretty much an internal period of growth and evolution culminating with my eventual self-realization that I was gay at the really young age of 27.

After that point it took an additional 10 years to actually muster up the courage, at age 37, to come out publicly. When that happened, I decided that there would be no holds barred and that I would do whatever I needed to do to become a whole person with my true self. There would be no going back. I would never return to that dark, musty closet. In fact when I came out of the closet, I took the door frame and hinges with it!

I started to look around for support networks, publications and other outlets that could provide some support and comfort. There were very few. So I decided to start Diversity Rules Magazine and in May of 2006 I launched the first issue. I was so proud of it! It started to take on a life of its own to the point where I was distributing 10,000 copies all across New York State.

It was during that initial period of time when I had my first direct exposure to homophobia. I received a threat to my life from an anonymous coward. It was at this point in time, where something inside me clicked where I just decided that I would do anything and everything at all cost, to work toward equality and freedom from bigots and narrow minded people and became literally possessed with getting myself out there more and more and just becoming a visible activist. The threat is included below just as a reminder that homophobia is alive and well:

“Dear Mr. Koury it has come to our attention that not only have you been spreading your heterophobic filth thruout the region but also include your faggoty shit where young children have access to it.They don't know what even normal sex is in their impressionable minds.You WILL stop distributing in these areas and keep this shit in gay bars,etc.We have your name,associates,phone numbers,where you live and where you work as well as your routines.You are giving an even worse impression of homos when you freely distribute among kids.It's called recruting and you WILL stop if you know what's good for you.You see Mr. Koury we are EVERYWHERE.We have also infiltrated your queer organizations AND distributorship. You boast of 10,000 issues a month.It's really only 1/2 of that as OUR people destroy the rest.We are invisible and we are LEGION.We are 14-72 YEARS OF AGE.We are in your schools,law enforcement,churches and government (national and local) and we are EVERYWHERE.If you continue in your indiscriminate distribution of your filthy rag someone-an "associate" perhaps will come up to you UNEXPECTEDLY to render you a personal TUNEUP!!!!! IFYOU'RE SMART YOU WILL TAKE HEED OF OUR MESSAGE.THE MAR/APR EDITION WILL BE THE LAST ONE THAT YOU DISTRIBUTE INDISCRIMINATELY.MARK MY WORDS.
ALSO IF YOU THINK "HATE CRIME "LEGISLATION WILL STOP OUR ACTIONS YOU'RE WRONG.
DEAD WRONG.In the present economy we can hire almost anyone to do WHATEVER needs to be done.Have a day. YOUR WORST NIGHTMARE”

Clearly this small minded person did not scare me or make me go back into my closet and least of all stop publishing Diversity Rules Magazine. If anything it made me more resolute in my efforts and just faced the threat head on, squarely and firmly by devoting an entire issue to homophobia. This instance set the stage for what would become my passion in life – to combat homophobia, prejudice and fear of people who were different.

With the advent of Facebook, the message of Diversity Rules has been resonating to the point where I am garnering attention from all over the United States and in other countries. I have also become much more firmly entrenched in my activism, to the point where I just don’t care what people think of what I do or say. I just want people to think for themselves and not be swayed by the opinions and influences of others. As Aristotle said, “It is the mark of an educated mind to entertain a thought without accepting it.”

With this visibility come those who find fault with everything you do and say. In the past few weeks I have been called envious, intolerant and hateful. As far as I am concerned, all marks of accomplishment because I have gotten someone to think outside of their comfort zones. Their striking out at me just appears to be a feeble attempt for whatever reason to hide their own insecurities of who they are and what they have not yet become. So I certainly don’t harbor any resentment toward these people and my only hope is that they can become one with themselves and be happy with who they are.

I have also been accused of being angry and many of my posts on Facebook are reflecting that anger. Am I angry at a country that does not recognize the inherent equality of all its citizens? You bet I am! Am I angry at a Pope who says homosexuality will be the downfall of humankind while hiding their pedophile priests for so many years and not doing anything about them? You bet I am! Am I angry at Republicans who wish to take away rights and equate gay parents to common criminals? You bet I am! Am I angry that 33 percent of the queer community voted for these vile GOP’ers that are trying to relegate queers to the sidelines and put us back in the closet? You bet I am! I could go on and on about what I am angry about.

However, my anger is not just idle lashing out and being negative despite what some people may think. I am taking proactive steps to call these homophobes and bigots out for the small minded people they are. If it comes across as negativism to some then so be it. I do not apologize for my zeal and my manner by which I work toward equality. Being nice to a homophobe and hoping they do the right thing has not and will not work!

As my friend Jennie said, “Its a big challenge swimming against the river - harder than conformists usually realize. Every group that has "come out" - accepted themselves as full humans with human rights in America - faced opposition. That opposition can come in the form of "why do you take yourself so seriously?" - check out the women's movement for example. Or "you always seem so angry!" check out the black rights movement. People are people with human emotions - its challenging to both accept yourself as you really are and live normally in a world that can easily crush you simply by continuing the status quo.”

I REFUSE to allow the status quo to crush me! Those who propelled the Stonewall Rebellion did not let it crush them. Martin Luther King, Jr. did not let it crush him, nor did any of the other activists of our time who worked for equal rights and fought injustice. I simply will not stand idly by and hope things change by being nice and polite!

Dig deep within yourselves and come to grips with who you are and what you represent! Don’t be afraid to step out and say “that is just wrong and I won’t allow it to continue!” Be strong and diligent in your efforts to combat injustice and inequality. Most importantly don’t let ANYONE tell you that you are being negative and you should “accept yourself” and “stop constantly bitching and lashing out.” NEVER stop bitching and lashing out at injustice! As long as you do it constructively and offer solutions you are on solid ground. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

Coming Up in February: Can a Man Be Raped?

2012-01-11T00:44:00.001-05:00

Check out the current issue too at: www.diversityrulesmagazine.com

Help “Kickstart” Diversity Rules Magazine!

2012-01-07T11:57:00.001-05:00

Let the Kickstarter campaign begin! Spread the word please?

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1995909135/diversity-rules-magazine

Imani The Misfit Has Arrived!

2011-12-31T21:49:00.001-05:00

The January issue of Diversity Rules Magazine has arrived featuring Imani The Misfit. You do NOT want to miss this issue.

www.diversityrulesmagazine.com

Resolve to Embrace Change

2011-12-31T12:28:00.001-05:00

By Jim Koury, Editor, Diversity Rules Magazine
© 2011 Diversity Rules Magazine. All rights reserved.
http://www.diversityrulesmagazine.com

It is certainly hard to believe that another year has passed. A new year awaits us and only the universe knows what it shall bring.

As I reflect upon this past year, all in all it has been a great one. Personally, it has been a very gratifying year, albeit intertwined with stressful moments caused by my failure to live in the now and be one with the power of the universe. However, we are only human, and moments of self-doubt are inevitable but as long as we remain focused on the true meaning of our lives and what makes us happy, those moments are eventually drowned out of our consciousness.

The highlight of my year has nothing to do with politics, socio-economic equity or professional advancement. It has everything to do however, with my personal journey of self discovery. This past year I have delved into my inner psyche more deeply than I have ever before and have become more intimately acquainted with who Jim Koury really is. Some of the things I discovered were not pleasant ones but we all must face those things that are buried deep within ourselves in order to move forward.

Self evolution is directly related to the degree one embraces change. The intensity of one’s desire to foster change will determine the degree to which that change will occur. How willing one is to change their personal situations will determine how quickly one discovers the true essence of who they are.

I have always embraced change. I seek it, yet I fear it at the same time. However, we must overcome our fear of change and step out of our comfort zones. Comfort zones are made to restrain us from achieving great things. Look inside yourself and ask what is it that you are comfortable with that is holding you back. Create discomfort and jettison yourself to a higher and different level of comfort.

In 2012, resolve to look inside yourselves. Strip back the veneer of fear and begin to reconstruct your internal thought patterns. Intensify your desire to become a better person; the real you! Resolve to be proud of who you are and express your true self and forge ahead with your lives without the entrapment of your closet, your fears and insecurities. Make your mark on society as the person you truly were born to be.

Understanding

2011-12-25T23:40:00.001-05:00

By Jim Koury, Editor
Diversity Rules Magazine
www.diversityrulesmagazine.com
© 2011 Diversity Rules Magazine. All Rights Reserved.

It’s Christmas time again! The hustle and bustle of the commercialism of the holiday is over. Christmas Day has come and will quickly be gone until next year. Compassion for others and the focus on human needs many times is held in one’s heart for the day or a couple days on either side of the holiday and then is quickly forgotten.

Each year we all lament how the spirit of the holiday gets lost in the focus on buying gifts, and going into debt to buy those gifts and how the true meaning of the day and its purpose is hidden because our politically correct society dictates we cannot say “Merry Christmas.” Mention of Jesus and the “Greatest Story Ever Told” is taboo and banned from public displays, and other areas that once were adorned with symbols of the true meaning of the holiday. We have been relegated to the politically correct drivel of “Happy Holidays” out of fear of offending others.

I do not really believe in the main premise of Christmas any longer, as I question and doubt the omnipotence of a man, who is alleged to be the Son of God personified. However, I do always (well most times) maintain in my heart compassion for others and try to live by the Golden Rule – “Do unto others as you would want others to do unto you.” While I may not show it many times, Christmas does still tug at my heart. It brings back many wonderful memories of Christmas’ past, of family members and close friends of the family that are now gone, and just great recollections of gatherings with those who mean and meant so much to us.

As I look back and reflect on this Christmas night, as a child, there seemed to be a greater understanding of what truly was important. People seemed to treat people differently, with more respect, compassion and understanding. This compassion and understanding was grounded in the solidarity of the family and the willingness to help and assist family members in time of need. People talked to their neighbors, they looked out for each other and acted as extended eyes and ears for others.

Today one can walk down the street and people turn away and don’t even say hello. Neighbors are at each others’ throats and many just have a desire to make life miserable for others for no apparent reason, other than just that they are able to. Many people don’t even know the names of the people living next door to them. To me that is sad and makes me long for the days from my youth, when people understood what it meant to be together and how to interact more as a human family.

Peoples’ opinions are disregarded, and some are mocked and ridiculed and called all sorts of names, and accused of being “phobic this” and “phobic that.” Instead of simply listening and respectfully disagreeing, many people go right to the jugular, and will try to win and make sure their position prevails at all costs. As Aristotle said, “it is the mark of an educated mind to entertain a thought without accepting it.” Greater understanding of people and what makes them tick is needed along with more patience and acceptance of the differences in people and their perceptions of how they fit in society.

We are all individuals with a unique internal map that drives us to do and say what we do. It many times conflicts with others’ internal maps and their missions. However, there is common ground that needs to be agreed upon such as being a human family, respecting and understanding others and letting people live their lives without fear of prejudice and injustice. While we may not agree with others all the time, what is needed is more tolerance, compassion and understanding of peoples’ differences and what they think about life and their interaction within it.

Of late, I have been the subject of some people’s rage, but being a queer activist, it sort of is a natural phenomenon, which I have embraced and am willing to accept if it means equality for all can be achieved. How I undertake my mission to achieve that end clearly is different from what some others perceive their and MY mission to be. I do understand that I am not going to make everyone happy, nor am I deluded into thinking that I can. But their disagreement and lack of understanding of my positions shall not sway me from fulfilling my destiny. I can only hope that all people can simply step back and look at others for what they are; unique individuals, with desires and hopes for themselves and for society.

We can achieve great things as individuals collectively, but there must be more understanding of people’s differences and what drives them forward. There will always be conflict and disagreement over how we perceive each other and our missions. However, decide to have a better understanding of others and how they think, and try to work within those parameters instead of resorting to mean, nasty personal attacks with name calling and all the rest of the ego based emotions that plague us. Decide to move forward but do so out of respect and understanding of others and what they are all about.

Why Diversity Rules?

2011-12-18T22:47:00.001-05:00

By Jim Koury, Editor, Diversity Rules Magazine
www.diversityrulesmagazine.com
© 2011 Diversity Rules Magazine. All Rights Reserved.

Periodically, I get asked why I started Diversity Rules Magazine. Of late, I seem to be getting asked the question more and more, so I thought I would devote a blog post to answer the question, “Why Diversity Rules?”

Throughout history great movements of social change have been premised on the dreams of one individual or a group of individuals. These dreams are passionate and alive in the hearts of those harboring visions for social change.

Diversity Rules is very much like the visions of the great men and women before us who affected change in our lives for the better. Diversity Rules Magazine attempts to facilitate changes in the way people perceive the queer community. It gives voice to the queer community, its friends and supporters throughout New York State and beyond.

While the focus of Diversity Rules is on the needs and concerns of the queer community, it also addresses diversity beyond sexual identity, including gender, race relations, and equality for all. It is a broad based publication appealing to a wide range of interests that also provides an outlet for expression for those outside the queer community.

The publication also takes seriously diversity among the queer family, not simply by understanding sexual identify as a form of diversity, but also recognizing that people who fall under the queer tent are themselves diverse. The diversity of the queer tent spans issues related to ethnicity, gender, class, nationality, citizenship status, race and regional differences. The diversity within the queer world, often creates as much friction and unrest within as much as diversity generally in society at large.

As a point of history, the publication started in May of 2006 out of my desire to provide a print media geared toward the queer community and its interests, since in this part of New York there was no such publication. It was initially designed to provide a vehicle for coalition building among people of differing backgrounds and to educate people on what the queer community is and isn’t and was limited to the Central New York region. As the months progressed, the publication expanded to many parts of New York State.

Unfortunately due to the bad economy, the print version ceased publishing. However after a brief hiatus, it retuned in March of 2011 as a digital publication, with the intent to have a print copy once again, when resources allow.

While the primary focus of the magazine has not changed since its original inception, I also see the magazine as a way to provide aspiring writers a forum to express themselves, who may not be able to break into the more mainline media outlets. It is also for others to promote projects and causes they are passionate about. There are few restrictions on content, and some content has been on the edge, being insightful and questioning core beliefs and perceptions of the queer community.

With each monthly issue, the readership and exposure to the magazine increases, as does my passion for what it represents as well as my desire to get Diversity Rules back in print again.

To that end, I have begun a fundraising campaign to pay off some straggling debt from when it was being printed and to lay the groundwork for returning it as a print medium as well as a digital one. An IndieGoGo campaign has been started and a Kickstarter campaign in being developed as well.

There are also patron and investment opportunities for those individuals who wish to take a more proactive stand to solidify the magazine and allow it to grow. There are also digital advertising opportunities as well. I am also looking for staff support. Information on patron, investment, advertising and potential independent contracting opportunities is available at the website at:

www.diversityrulesmagazine.com

The vision of Diversity Rules is still intact. With your support, it can and will become a stable voice for the queer community for many years to come. Feel free to contact me if you have any thoughts, questions or ideas regarding the magazine and it’s mission at: editor@diversityrulesmagazine.com.

We have the power to change the world for the better. Together we can!