POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT

There is the need for all of us to become more politically involved. Whether it be community, local, state or nationally, we really need to make our voices heard to those in power.

Local Politics

Last Friday I attended a political forum in which three candidates were running for the council position in my district. The event brought an audience of a diverse group of people. Gentrification, affordable housing, and infrastructure are hot topics in my neighborhood. The forum went along smoothly though a few times it threatened to become testy.

I see how important local politics are perhaps more so than national politics. I will be paying much more attention to the local scene. I will also be more thorough in my research of the candidates. This is a trying time in my neighborhood and I want to see that ALL residents are treated equally and fairly.

Busy Summer

This summer has been an interesting one for me. I've met a lot of wonderful people. I've done some performing and open mic. I have been asked to host an event in September and possibility be a facilitator at one of the support meetings. As you can see I'm stretching out a bit.

What can  I expect for the fall I'm not certain. For TGLBQI people life could get rough if the political climate is any indication. I'm very interested in local and state politics because what bills and laws are passed and enacted could have a huge effect on us. It's important that we stay engaged and involved in whatever endeavor we do. 

NYC Pride Parade

The pride parade here in New York City was great. My wife, a friend and I helped serve water to the marchers. They thanked us like people happy to see an oasis in the desert. This pride parade was extra special because marriage equality for LGBTQ people is now the law of the land. 

While serving cups of water I was marveling at the many floats and creative costumes. Some of them took much work, I'm sure. I said to myself people are having fun and celebrating who they are. That's the idea of the parade. There were a number of churches who marched in the parade and that was great to see.

My only lament is that with corporations participating (and more money of course), the political and radical element is not present like it was in earlier days. I believe that this needs to brought back because there are still many, many issues that need to be tackled. All in all the parade was fun  and my friend really loved participating in it.