I have tears in my eyes. Watch as President Obama talks about our community like he is our brother. Because he is...and treats us as such

The Diamond Jubilee celebrations begin for the Queen

On being valued & respected: for four years in a row, Obama proclaims June as LGBT pride month

A PROCLAMATION

From generation to generation, ordinary Americans have led a proud and inexorable march toward freedom, fairness, and full equality under the law -- not just for some, but for all. Ours is a heritage forged by those who organized, agitated, and advocated for change; who wielded love stronger than hate and hope more powerful than insult or injury; who fought to build for themselves and their families a Nation where no one is a second-class citizen, no one is denied basic rights, and all of us are free to live and love as we see fit.

The lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community has written a proud chapter in this fundamentally American story. From brave men and women who came out and spokeout, to union and faith leaders who rallied for equality, toactivists and advocates who challenged unjust laws and marched on Washington, LGBT Americans and allies have achieved what once seemed inconceivable. This month, we reflect on their enduring legacy, celebrate the movement that has made progress possible, and recommit to securing the fullest blessings of freedom for all Americans.

Since I took office, my Administration has worked to broaden opportunity, advance equality, and level the playing field for LGBT people and communities. We have fought to secure justice for all under the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr.,Hate Crimes Prevention Act, and we have taken action to end housing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. We expanded hospital visitation rights for LGBT patients and their loved ones, and under the Affordable Care Act, we ensured that insurance companies will no longer be able to deny coverage to someone just because they are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. Because we understand that LGBT rights are human rights, we continue to engage with the international community in promoting and protecting the rights of LGBT persons around the world. Because we repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," gay, lesbian, and bisexual Americans can serve their country openly, honestly, and without fear of losing their jobs because of whom they love. And because we must treat others the way we want to be treated, I personally believe in marriage equality for same-sex couples.

More remains to be done to ensure every single American is treated equally, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Moving forward, my Administration will continue its work to advance the rights of LGBT Americans. This month, as we reflect on how far we have come and how far we have yet to go, let us recall that the progress we have made is built on the words and deeds of ordinary Americans. Let us pay tribute to those who came before us, and those who continue their work today; and let us rededicate ourselves to a task that is unending -- the pursuit of a Nation where all are equal, and all have the full and unfettered opportunity to pursue happiness and live openly and freely.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2012 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month.

I call upon the people of the United States to eliminate prejudice everywhere it exists, and to celebrate the great diversity of the American people.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

BARACK OBAMA

Celebrating our sexuality...without shame or apology

Zen lesson of the day: on generosity

Gratitude, the simple and profound feeling of being thankful, is the foundation of all generosity. I am generous when I believe that right now, right here, in this form and this place, I am myself being given what I need. Generosity requires that we relinquish something, and this is impossible if we are not glad for what we have. Otherwise the giving hand closes into a fist and won’t let go. - Sallie Jiko Tisdale Via Tricycle.com

Photo of the day

From Boston.com:  Former Navy Seal, Coleman Ruiz, takes part in a 1,700-mile relay walk, May 14, 2012, near Dandridge, Tenn. Ruiz is the executive director of the Carry the Load program that benefits nonprofit organizations that help veterans, active duty service members and military families.

The tribal psychology of people when it comes to politics

From the Daily Beast:

When pollsters ask Republicans and Democrats whether the president can do anything about high gas prices, the answers reflect the usual partisan divisions in the country. About two-thirds of Republicans say the president can do something about high gas prices, and about two-thirds of Democrats say he can’t. But six years ago, with a Republican president in the White House, the numbers were reversed. Three-fourths of Democrats said President Bush could do something about high gas prices, while the majority of Republicans said gas prices were clearly outside the president’s control.

Dave Berri draws a sports analogy:

Fans of the opposite party are not against the President because he doesn’t agree with them on the issue.  They are against the President because he plays for the “wrong” team.  And unless he is willing to change teams ... , he can try to “reach across the aisle” all day and he will never make the other team’s fans happy.   

Celebrating love

Being affirmed matters

Straight boys are affirmed for their sexuality all the time, with jokes, pats of the back, and societal approval.  This plays an important role in the development of their psychology, and a positive sense of self.  

Given that American society still communicates a lot of shame around homosexuality, it is important that gay people are affirmed for their loving relationships and sexuality.  Our brains require this for us to develop healthy relationships and lives. We need to see ourselves reflected in the media and be reminded that we are whole, no matter what churches and the GOP say.  (That's why I post pictures of gay people in relationships and celebrating their sensuality/sexuality on this blog.)

That's why I am excited that the Green Lantern has decided to come out and express his love.   This cartoon character helps remind us - in a small way - that we are part of this beautiful world and have an important part to play.

My final photos of Poland

Cracow is a special city, belonging to that same league of cities as Barcelona, San Francisco, and Prague.  Beautiful, ancient, and modern.  Home to 120,000 college students.  Vibrant and relaxed.

My good friend and traveling companion, Chris.

Pope John Paul II was a local Cracow boy who made it big and remains a legend in this city.

Cracow has been the center of many trade routes for eons, and is located on the Vistula River.  We biked along here on our last day in Poland.

Schindler's factory has been turned into one of the most interactive, modern museums I have visited.  It  depicts Cracow under the Nazi occupation.

Poland is a young country with a large portion of the population under 30.  And the Poles are attractive, too. 

I loved my vacation to Poland. It is very affordable, and the people are friendly, smart, and curious about America.  I highly recommend it.