the Uranian Catalog

A Gay Man of Brilliance and Courage

2010-07-03T08:27:00.000-07:00

A man of brilliance and courage, Harvey Bernard Milk marked a celebrated history in an era of homosexual tyranny. His brilliance and courage, which brought him on pedestals, had been instruments to gradual acceptability and change in societal perception toward the gay community.

Not only until around age 40 when Milk began to take part in civic matters--and be open about his homosexuality. Though he acknowledged his sexual preference in his teens, he kept it under wraps. Playing it well, not one of his friends doubted that he was gay. Even so, he became a subject of ridicule because of his big nose, protruding ears, and huge feet. Nevertheless, it didn't push him away from being sociable.

Born in New York from Lithuanian Jewish parents, William Milk and Minerva Karns in 1930, Milk graduated in then New York State College for Teachers in Albany, majoring in mathematics. From New York, Milk moved to San Francisco in 1972 and settled in there until 1977 Milk won a seat as a city supervisor after three unsuccessful tries. Cashing in on the burgeoning economic and political power of the town, he pushed forward his advocacy for gay rights and social progress.

Serving for 11 months in office, Milk passed a city ordinance on gay rights. Amid opposing opinions to it across the United States, Milk remained indomitable of his ideals. He also pushed for "larger and less expensive child care facilities, free public transportation, and the development of a board of civilians to oversee the police." All of these causes were done through Milk's known campaign strategies: "human billboards, hours of handshaking, and dozens of speeches calling on gay people to have hope." (wikipedia.com)

Milk's romantic life was as challenging as his career however was not as successful. He had relationships to gay men but most of them didn't go well; Joe Campbell being his longest, for six years.

Milk's path was for a greater end. His life was offered to many homosexuals who have long been yearning for acceptance. Despite his short political career, "he became an icon in San Francisco and a martyr for gay rights, according to University of San Francisco professor Peter Novak." Also considered as one of the most admired gay men globally, Milk was considered the "most famous and most significantly open LGBT official ever elected in the United States," and was "posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009." (wikipedia.com)

Together with Mayor George Moscone, Milk was assassinated by Dan White, another city supervisor on November 27, 1978.

In 2008, Milk was honored through a film entitled 'Milk' directed by Gus Van Sant, which won 2 Oscars; 34 other wins and 56 nominations.

Truly, Milk's brilliance and courage paved the way to significant changes for a better society. May we take the same path and be Milk in our own little way.

A Gay Man of Compassion and Pragmatism

2010-01-31T21:16:00.000-08:00

Life has been "unsure" for Ian Rey Alegarbes.

Ian, as fondly called by friends including myself—being one of the closest—has been quite confused of his sexuality. He may not have had talked about it in particular but Ian has had a handful of relationships with straight women amid his interest and attraction to men—a matter in question that lives up to the present. It may have brought several friends to the same state of confusion but it has never been an obstacle for Ian to grow more great friendships.

Ian’s life is a life of service. He enjoys freedom in helping individuals. His talents in hosting and events management paved the way to successful activities in school and in the larger community. Moreover, his unique and delicate sense of humor has brought people to considerable happiness, bringing them more closely to him. He can simply pull off laughter.

Being one of the closest friends, Ian is a fellow in crime. He takes the same fight with you—whether it is a battle against others or a personal struggle.

More importantly, Ian has been praised for his pragmatism. When asked how he sees life years from now, Ian quipped: “I will have a wife and I will have children.” He may have been attracted to the same sex but Ian takes life practically. He shared that he doesn’t want to grow old without anybody taking care of him, without anybody having to share his joy with—and to him, having his own family is the only way this dream can be achieved.

Ian was born from Filipino parents on September 5, 1987. He graduated in 2009 with an Arts degree in English. To date, he teaches in a private school for international students in the Philippines.

Amid a colorful life, Ian lives it unpretentiously. Ian is also practical when it comes to spending. Though simplicity is his way of living, he has made and turned lives extraordinarily.

Ian is a classmate of mine in high school and a friend for nine years now.

Truly, Ian’s compassion and pragmatism paved the way to significant changes in the lives of many individuals. May we take the same path and be Ian in our own little way.

Special Edition: Gay Films That Matter

2010-01-29T21:53:00.000-08:00

Movie marathon is my pastime. It always has a place in my to-do list for weekends.

I enjoyed movies particularly romantic comedy, heavy drama, inspirational & family, and LGBT. Of these genres, my widest collection comes from the LGBT. No wonder I got a lot to speak about homosexuality, discrimination, gay battles, and what-not.

Here, I will make a rundown of my favorite gay movies. That being said so, I mean these are the movies I've watched over twice.

Love! Valour! Compassion!

A 'simple' movie with great warm shots of a 19th-century home in upstate New York, a very laid-back town, this is every homosexual's film. Simplicity was evident in its story line--less conflicts and story flow was clear and smooth. I liked a lot because of its timely theme though shot in 1997. It revolves around a group of friends who have different stories but whose lives and struggles are all interconnected. Their stories were shared in one setting during a summer vacation in Gregory's (one of the members of the group) home. Each of the seven friends has a different tale to tell, which are real life stories of gay people--struggling with AIDS, fighting for relationships, fighting over lust and betrayal, keeping friendships, and most of all, finding Love! Valour! Compassion!

Prayers for Bobby

Heavy yet enlightening, this movie is for every mother who does not understand what homosexuality is and how every gay son feels being rejected by a mother who does not 'take chances' of understanding and acceptance. It tells us a real life story of a gay son who struggled for acceptance from his mother who believed her son's 'illness' was brought about by an evil spirit--as influenced by her religion. Having been a strong believer of her religion, she did all she can--had her son seen by a psychiatrist and offered prayers--in hopes that he can be 'healed.' Every single day for Bobby was a test and for her mother, a hope, until time past when it was too much for Bobby to handle the pain of rejection--and killed himself. It was a heart-rending story of a mother and a son who both want things right--the mother who wants the best for his son and the son who only wants the support from his mother. The Prayers for Bobby weren't heard. Bobby's mother shared: "I know why God didn't heal Bobby. He didn't heal him because there was nothing wrong with him."

Were the World Mine

Filled with dreams and music, this movie is for every man--gay or straight--who dreams that the world be his. Magic filled the halls of a private boy's school when protagonist Timothy discovered "the recipe for a magical flower wielding the power of love" in the lines of Shakespeare's Midsummer's Night Dream. The magical flower turned almost all the townspeople as homosexuals and fell in love with their same-sex friends and co-workers, which brought total chaos in town. Much more, it turned his crush, the school rugby captain, falling for him. Exceptional acting prowess and voices from the actors and outstandingly exhilarating story line, this movie is a perfect pair for a heavy drama. But it's not just 'just funny,' it poses some great lessons of acceptance, love, and dreams of Were the World Mine coming into a reality.

Milk

Well-applauded, this movie is for every gay who thinks 'gay life' is worth fighting for. It made it clear to all of us what life there is for the gay community. Revolving around a real life story of a gay rights activist and politician Harvey Milk, this film shows us a real battle in the face of deviance. Set in the 1950s and 1960s, it demonstrates a battle fought by gay people against the ill-treatment of the government--raiding gay bars and arresting patrons--Milk's own political crusade and his assassination, and every gay person's struggle of finding love and acceptance from the society. Much lessons to share, Milk's life has become an inspiration to the many ordinary gay men to always stand up for a cause.

Love of Siam

Cute, sweet, moving, this movie is for every gay who finds real love from friends but left only with friendship. This Thai romantic-drama film, narrates a story of best of friends--Mew and Tong--whose friendship went beyond borders. Mew was portrayed a stubborn kid teased by other children [of his sexuality] later found genuine friendship from Tong, who always defends him against jeering kids. Tong, who used to have a perfect family turned to a difficult situation when his sister left them and lived in with his boyfriend. It brought Mew and Tong's friendship to a fall when Tong's mother asked Mew to stop seeing his son after she knew Mew's feelings for Tong--prompted by her fear that she might lose another member of the family. Given such a good character, Tong continued being friends with Mew. There is always a way to end things right--talk and work it out. That's what both friends did. Friendship is the best love The Love of Siam offers.

These are some of the excellent films, which nabbed several awards; films that show us the true essence of a gay life---love, valour, compassion, dreams, prayers of understanding and acceptance, rights struggle, friendship, and real love.

These are a few of my favorites from the wide collection I have of LGBT films. I wish to add more in the next few days.

Meanwhile, try watching one!

Special Edition: Gay Films That Matter 2

2010-01-29T06:42:00.000-08:00

This is a continuation of the first post I wrote about 'Gay Films That Matter,' as promised.

Please read the first post if you have not read it so as you will not lose track of this article.

Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros (The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros)

Shot in the slum areas of Manila, Philippines, this independent film is for every family whose love for each other blinds the real circumstances. It revolves around a young gay boy, Maximo, fondly called 'Maxim' by his friends and family, whose venture into the world of 'gayness' has been well-guided by his supportive father and caring siblings--both straight and virile. The film tells a story of an easygoing, unworried gay boy, who, amid losing his mother at an early age and poverty, still able to enjoy life and entertains lives through homosexuality--and falls in love. Maxim, fell in love with a young cop. However, put to test under certain circumstances, love between these two leading characters has changed the lives of many people significant to Maxim. Torn between the love for the cop and the loyalty of family,Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros is definitely something not to miss.

Latter Days

An American romantic drama about a gay relationship of a closeted Mormon missionary and his openly gay neighbor, this film is for every gay man baffled between pursuing forbidden love or sticking to what religion tells him. Grappling over hostile-to-homosexual-religious-beliefs and unsupportive family members, Aaron (protagonist) was excommunicated by the church elders for love beyond the pale. Aaron's coming out went under trials of remorse, sorrow, mercy, and perseverance brought about by love and true desires. Days pass but Latter Days remains a timely, well-defined film that touches a contentious subject.

Rent

Though it focuses more about relationships among friends who also have personal stories to share, homosexuality is a major issue tackled here. It is for everyone who stood the test of time. It ventures on a journey of Bohemians through life struggling over sexuality, drugs, AIDS, loss, and paying their rent. With shots of the East Village of 1980s New York, Rent runs its story through beautiful music and funny and vulgar dialogues. This is an American film adaptation of the Broadway Rent. Rent had impeccable casting--actors delivered an incredible flawless acting. Rent is worth a buy.

Say Uncle

Light and playful with a touch of drama, this film is for every gay man who truly loves children. It tells a story of an independent eccentric artist and a gay man, Paul, who offered sheer fatherly love to his godson, Morgan. But became upset when Morgan's family moved to Japan from Oregon. He compensated his sadness with visits to a neighborhood playground. To his joy, he didn't realize that his visits were a head start to a crusade by parents led by Maggie, a local mom, who thought of Paul as a pedophile--a head start to the funny and dramatic scenes of the film worth thinking. Touching on a contentious subject in a light manner, don't 'say uncle' to Say Uncle.

Angels in America

Award-winning Angels in America is truly a film for everyone who wants to see the genuine faces of America. It shows us some of the most pressing issues of today--politics, poverty, AIDS, religious turmoil, and above all, homosexuality. Loving beyond borders, overcoming feelings of despair, dealing with losses, keeping powers,Angels in America has got these great lessons to share for us to ponder. Angels in America is one film you shouldn't miss.

Films are the best mirrors of society. They reflect both the present shape of our countries and the dreams of the human race. Oftentimes, they serve to teach us lessons. At times, they are an escape from realities.

Whichever a film serves a purpose, the most important thing is you are entertained by it. That is what it is after all.

For all that, LGBT films matter to me--a lot--because they reflect the lifestyle I have, reveal the dreams I hope for, and they are often the instruments for me to escape from realities.

Now, what genre matters to you? What films do you buy?

Who Deserves A Space

2010-01-28T00:52:00.000-08:00

I will be featuring gay men I have known who have done extraordinary acts, gays whose lives have been shared with many and made instruments in changing many other ordinary souls.

I will be writing about these people whose contributions paved the way to acceptability and respect to the gay community.

I would want to give them due credits through this blog for not only putting their names on pedestals but also for changing the mindsets of the society as to how they see homosexuality.

In my life, I have also met ordinary gays whose contributions though small but have significantly brought several changes not only to the gay community but more importantly, to the community at large. Likewise, they deserve a space here.

In most cases, people are recognized only after their deaths. It is important that we acknowledge them now and thank them for their good deeds. Let them be an inspiration to everyone and models of social transformation.

If you are a member of the gay community and has given a hand to helping our fellows or has shared a talent to a few others, allow me to thank you and to congratulate you for having been a good person and a great inspiration to all. Continue doing such act. I will always take our hats off to you!

You may list a name in the comment box if you would want to recognize someone from the gay community. Show a hand.

I also author the following blogs:

the Homosexual Writer-Teacher-Gardener takes you on to a tread of the homosexual lifeway as it touches different aspects and issues of homosexuality--and how I see them. You can also read posts on gardening, which is my pastime besides writing, and other social issues of my interest.

the Peregrination takes you to the realities of life and what lies ahead in this puzzling processes of living. It details both relevant and petty, I must say, aspects of our journey to life posing some of the most important lessons of it that we would come to the end of this journey well and good.

2009-03-28T04:12:00.000-07:00