She The Universe Has Spoken

Female Presidential Hopeful of France Supports Gay Marriage

2007-04-24T01:07:42-04:00

Meet Segolene Royal, age 53 who is racing to become the first woman president of France. On November 16, 2006 Socialist party members elected her as their candidate for the 2007 French presidential election.

She's a feminist, who as a junior minister dispensed the morning after pill to teenage girls. Her family consists of four children, but as a personal choice opted not to marry the children's father.

Royal comes from a large family, she has 2 sisters and 5 brothers. Jacque Royal the patriarch of the family believed girls and women were meant for obedience and breeding. He often told his daughters, that they would never amount to much of anything. She and her sisters had to fight for their primary education.

The polls are showing that she has the voter's trust. A few changes to be made once Royal takes office is raising the minimum wage and bringing over 500,000 subsidized jobs for their youth. Women's issues play a big part in her campaign.

Where She Stands on LGBT Issues

"In 2000 Royal, as the then Minister of the Family and Children spoke out against anti-gay bullying in schools, saying, “School must be a place of tolerance, of welcome. Too many young people face teasing, social exclusion because of their sexual orientation… Some consider drugs, suicide attempts. It is time to stand up to this hostility shown towards homosexuality.” She later introduced an educational packet in high schools and colleges called “The Happiness of Loving”, designed particularly for teachers and nurses. It comprises a video, educational information and printed copies for students which address the different issues of homosexuality and homophobia. It includes information on the Civil Partnership scheme, the situation of homosexuals and the discrimination they face abroad. Royal commented further on the issue later that year: “It is necessary, in my opinion, to step up against homophobia, to recognise and respect each other, with our differences”.

"A law passed in February 2002, introduced by Royal on behalf of the Jospin government, gave legal recognition, for the first time, to families with same-sex parents, part of the law’s object. Article 7 of the law amended Article 337 of the Civil Code in allowing the parents to “[delegate] all or part of the exercise of their parental authority to a third person, member of the family [or] trustworthy near relation,”. Article 337-1, added by the law, ensures that “delegation may provide, for the needs of education of a child, that the father and mother, or one of them, shall share all or part of the exercise of parental authority with the third person delegatee."

"In a June 2006 interview with LGBT publication Têtu, Royal said "opening up marriage to same-sex couples is needed in the name of equality, visibility and respect" and said that if her party formed the next government, she would introduce a bill to legalize same-sex marriage and adoption.^[23]"

Transgender Student Loses Title for Prom King

2007-04-22T15:51:11-04:00

"Well, we're movin' on up to the east side we've finally got a piece of the pie!" Remember those words to the song that the character George Jefferson would sing? You remember him and Wheezy and their feisty maid named Florence, right? They're not the only ones singing those words right about now.

A landmark decision was made and this past weekend it will have forever changed the course of Fresno High School, located in Fresno California. Seventeen year old Cinthia Covarrubias, who often calls herself Tony ran for Prom King. He was nominated by his fellow peers and classmates.

Vice Principal Sheila Uriarte said to comply with a 2000 state law protecting a students' ability to express their gender identity on campus, is how they arrived to the decision this must take place.

Cinthia is originally from Jalisco, Mexico and comes from a nice size family. There's a total of eight siblings. Trying to explain who and what was happening to him wasn't one of the most easiest of things to be done.

Unfortunately, Cinthia didn't go home with a trophy or the Title on Saturday night. Many of the parents who have children attending Fresno High weren't happy about this change of venue to begin with. Their belief, prom queens are meant for girls and prom kings of course are meant only for young men.

Fresno High was met with loads of news reporters and journalists. The prom goers didn't want to really speak. Cinthia refused to have her picture taken and requested that the media leave her family alone. When the prom came to a close Cinthia and the family ducked out a back entrance.

Covarrubias, is just glad to have broken a barrier for future transgender students. And, Cinthia Covarrubia I applaud you! YaY!

The Virginia Tech Murderer Reeks Havoc From The Grave

2007-04-21T19:23:06-04:00

Well, I truly hate to use those words but I'm only speaking the truth as I read it...

Nikki Giovanni, famous book author and poet once was a professor of the Virginia Tech student Cho Seung-Hui. She, along with the rest of the students in her class, especially some of the females found it to be a very unpleasant encounter to say the very least.

Cho and Giovanni met in September 2005, when he enrolled her introduction to creative writing class. From the onset Cho never tried to blend or mix in. He separated himself from everyone in the class.

"He wore sunglasses to class and pulled his maroon cap down low over his forehead. When she tried to get him to participate in class discussion, his answer was silence."

Shortly thereafter the female students began lodging complaints. Cho had began taking snapshots of their legs and knees under the desks by way of his cellphone. What a sick and disturbed man. I don't know how come this didn't get him thrown off campus right then. We expect 5 and 6 year old little boys to get down on their knees and slither across the floor and maybe try and take a peek under a little girl's dress, but a grown man? I think not!

Cho was so obtrusive the female students opted to start sending in their assignments via computer. They were no longer willing to show up for class and that's pretty bad. Nikki wrote a letter to the department head. In return Cho was expelled from class.

I found this by way of Black America Web/Tom Joyner Morning Show. It really knocked me off my feet, as I read some of the comments in the forum. Many feel Ms. Giovanni failed Cho, that she was 'too self-absorbed to help him.' That, IF she would have given him the needed help this massacre would have never taken place. Ouch Wow and they must be crazy!

His parents knew long ago, their son was out-of-control. They knew he needed mental help and it's nothing to be ashamed of. When someone is in the true throes of mental illness and it doesn't mean crazy, they often need someone to be their voice. Not everyone can be their own sound of reasoning.

That's a tall order to put on Nikki Giovanni, who is one of my heroes. She is a native of Cincinnati, just like me. But, it did give me something to think about. My dog Ruby died several years ago for unknown reasons. I think it was her fault, yes I do.

2007-04-20T01:38:59-04:00

Miss Vicki's Poisonous Pen

Homosexuality Was The Destruction of Virginia Tech

2007-04-19T05:41:14-04:00

Those aren't by any means my thoughts nor suggestions. I can only give credit to the members of Westboro Church the most notorious anti gay hating religious group led by Fred Phelps.

Phelps' belief, that Cho Seung-Hui the Virginia Tech student responsible for the killings was sent by God to murder these innocent people. Why? Because Virginia Tech has a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Alliance. Phelps' daughter believes the teachers and students brought this wrath upon themselves by not being true Christians. This organized hatred is a family affair.

Now what's so ironic, is that the Phelps also believe Cho Seung-Hui has been sent to Hell. What a contradiction. If you've truly been instructed an ordered by the Creator why would he/she punish you? I thought you were only punished for doing wrong and Phelps is saying, this a good thing if it was instructed by God. This man is crazy.

How crazy is he? Well, he has picketed the American Soldiers funerals for the same very reasons, for fighting for our freedom. They carried signs in protest at the late Coretta Scott King's funeral. Basically, these cowards watch the obituaries. They're like vultures waiting on their next feast.

My aunties were faithful servants for the Lord, paid their tithes every Sunday morning. Had big old hearts of gold. Fed the hungry, on auxiliaries and committees. Once a month put on them white usher board uniforms with matching white gloves, they were the gatekeepers of the church. Yet, there was one thing my aunts always told me 'Don't Let Religion Drive You Crazy!"

It took me awhile to understand this, but I personally have never know an atheist to bomb an abortion clinic in the name of 'God Who We Trust'. I've never know an atheist to blow up any buildings in the name of Allah Jesus or Superman. Yet, I've witnessed on too many accounts with my very own eyes and heard with my own ears, as these perpetrators stood in front of the camera and said, "In the name of God the Most High, He told me to do it.

Now the Phelps should truly be glad that the families members of those whose funerals they protest know something about God, his word and his love. Because, if they didn't it's a good possibility on such a day of hopelessly and despair, some of those family members could retaliate and the Phelps' could wake up and find themselves dead.

And lastly, each one of them best pray we've misinterpreted the Bible Scriptures and there is no Hell for us to go to. 'Cause if there is then not only do they have a front row seat, they'll be our Keynote Speakers.

Students Suspended for National Day of Silence

2007-04-19T02:47:12-04:00

Schools across the globe spoke out yesterday in protest by not saying a word in support of gay lesbian bisexual and transgender students, who face discrimination and violence everyday, while in a classroom setting.

"Please understand my reasons for not speaking today. I am participating in the Day of Silence, a national youth movement protesting the silence faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their allies in schools. My deliberate silence echoes that silence, which is caused by harassment, prejudice, and discrimination. I believe that ending the silence is the first step toward fighting these injustices. Think about the voices you are not hearing today. What are you going to do to end the silence?"

Yet, students at Rio Linda High School in California who had opposing view points were met with suspension after refusing to take off anti gay tee shirts in protest of National Day of Silence.

While the majority of the classmates at Rio Linda High were in participation of this day there were 6 students carrying signs, picketing and protesting on the school grounds. Several felt the suspensions were unfair, because in the past students have worn t-shirts with phrases such as "Sodomy is Sin" and "Hate is a Sin." The students who wore these shirts weren't met with any type of disciplinary action, let alone a suspension.

Lesbian and Gay Parents Good or Bad

2007-04-16T21:36:40-04:00

You know I read in Queer Thinkers his post and thoughts about was gay parenting harmful to children and it really got me to thinking, a lot. You see I knew that I was a lesbian by the time I was 10 years old. I just didn't have a name for it. By the time I was twelve me and my girlfriend had named it. Her mother had threatened to tell my mother and a big I would go straight to Hell if I didn't quit my sinful nature...man. Kissing my girlfriend was so natural, having crushes on girls was what do you mean go to Hell for?

But, from the fear of God Almighty being penetrated inside of my very soul I fought tooth and nail not to be one of those filthy dirty homosexuals so I went and had me some sex with a man and got me a baby. And, from that point on gay parenting never ever entered my thoughts . Gay parenting in the late 70's and early 80's are you serious? I don't know what in the world, society would have done to me back then. Shoot kill burn tar or feather?

In 1985, I had the audacity to enter into the hospital because I was severely depressed. The next thing I knew the court system and my ex husband was ripping my 3 yr. old son right out of my arms. Can you imagine what would have happened if I would have said not only am I bipolar but I am a bipolar black feminist lesbian? Oh, my goodness I'm listening to myself right now and I've got myself screaming up in here! This is very therapeutic, at last I can laugh. Thank you blog sphere.

Yet, now in the year 2007 with Spongebob Square Pants and Patrick & those guys. Dancing with their black lace fishnet stockings and wearing their pink clothing...well. I sit with my grandchildren and watch cartoons I truly become well informed an educated. Dora and the bunch it's about acceptance. It's about embracing everyone and the differences in our cultures our ways of living and life.

We have children in cartoons with dreadlocks, in wheelchairs, they teach about aids, children who come from same sex families there are no ism's it's all about the love. Cartoons are just entertaining they are educational now. My ten and eleven year old nieces and nephews don't flinch when they see same sex couples kissings, no big deal...whatever.

So, the answer to the question Queer Thinker, Gay Parenting is no more harmful than Straight Parenting is. And, oh by the way my son knew before I told him as a grown man that I was gay.

"I'm Ready"

i was trying to follow the yellow brick road Dorothy
when i realized my house was built on sand
and it was quickly sinking

life can throw you a series of nuts and bolts
plus leave you with many unfastened screws
so now it's time for me to live my life
by the original blueprint, from the creator himself

today my new voice
came in the form of tears
i poured tears for the woman
i use to be

i cried tears for the woman
i'm developing myself to be
i sobbed tears for the woman
i will be

and i gagged on the tears
for the woman
i once thought
i should become

my raw an uncontrollable emotions
spilled from a rushing stream of relief
by coming out of the closet
i had been bound & held captive in

at last finally i could be me
my red eyes became swollen and shut
but i was still able to see

the pain pinched the nerves of my heart
and it was released thru the river that flowed
there's no turning back the journey
must be traveled

the new horizons have been painted
with each tear that stroked the brush
fear is leaving me now
acceptance has sprung forth

yet the tears were shed
left an aching heart

i ached for the grandmother
i wished to be
and the mother
i never was

the daughter they labeled black sheep
and the sister they said fell short
but thru the mighty infinite wisdom
of my She God your Lord

i was given the power to release
even this which broke my heart

i know a woman's tender love
will one day grace my heart
she will possess
a tenderness
a softness
with a masculine
feminine touch

i seek no drama
but, want a queen
what my process
has prepared me for

who would have ever known
my knight and shining armor
was the handsome girl next door

created in the image a portrait sketched before the age of 13
the prison i was confined in has set me free
i've found a place in my heart where i can rest in peace

there is no more blurred vision
the writing is on the wall
the wine has been opened
and now it must be drunk

Author's Comments
My self discovery of Who I really was, I'm living OutLoud and not in the closet.
copyright 2000

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Isaiah Washington of Greys Anatomy Wins a GLAAD Award

2007-04-15T16:16:41-04:00

As the ol' folks use to ring out in a state of disbelief, "Lord have mercy say it ain't so...say it ain't so!" Has GLAAD lost their ever loving minds? I mean foreal, what seems to be the problem may I ask?

Let's see, here! Networks isn't permitted to submit any work or submissions based on the fact GLAAD wants to honor those who aren't gay lesbian bisexual or transgender for representing us in such a positive manner in the media. Uh I guess calling us faggots is totally positive, acceptable and of course by all means, okay.

The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation awarded Isaiah Washington for the episode of 'Where the Boys Are.'

Washington should really feel good and satisfied with himself he just recently received an award from the NAACP Image Awards (seen in the photo), he's on a roll.

You know I wonder how his co-star on Grey's Anatomy will feel looking at the sight of him come Monday morning. I'm sure his thought can only be, "You called me a faggot and GLAAD honors you with an award."