For those of you, who may be tired of the political ads from all sides, spewing negativity and inaccuracy every day, I offer empathy and join you in your probable annoyance. Sadly, for the next few weeks, our area will be inundated with partisan politicos, stumping rallies, group grousing, and mailings to convince us to give support to…whomever. During the past two … [Read more...] about Fight or Flight: The Impact of Chaos
Eating Disorders and Body Image: How to Help Fight the Epidemic
As we approach National Coming Out Day on October 11, it’s fitting to dedicate this column to the topic of eating disorders andbody image dissatisfaction, with a focus on gay men. According to a study NEDA (National Eating Disorder Association) published in 2017, the occurrence of eating disorders is three times higher in gay men than in straight men, and nearly 15% of all gay … [Read more...] about Eating Disorders and Body Image: How to Help Fight the Epidemic
I Couldn’t Get a Good Cup of Coffee for 5 Days, and Other Causes for Outrage
It’s true. While I was in Chicago last week for a conference, I tried every morning to find a strong, yet tasty cup of coffee. I figured I wouldn’t find chicory, though there may have been some place in Chicago that I could have found online. But I was working, no time to search for what I have every single day. I’m not really a coffee-aficionado. But I drink it every morning. … [Read more...] about I Couldn’t Get a Good Cup of Coffee for 5 Days, and Other Causes for Outrage
2019 Gay Appreciation Awards: Personal Reflections
O What a Night! It’s 5:45 pm, on the corner of St. Ann and Bourbon Streets. Hot, still dripping a bit of shiny raindrops around the mugginess that is New Orleans in July. Tourists traipse along Bourbon, some moving quickly, more moving slowly so they can see what Bourbon Street is all about. They’ll never really get it, will they? I was focused on the groups, … [Read more...] about 2019 Gay Appreciation Awards: Personal Reflections
Affirm Yourself: Find Purpose, Go Forward
Affirmation of self is something we may forget about sometimes, deny, or just not know how to do, because we’ve never felt self-affirming. It strikes me that many in our community, spanning age and stage, are asking difficult questions about life, goals, expectations, with a healthy amount of trying to figure out a personal kind of existential angst. Younger members of … [Read more...] about Affirm Yourself: Find Purpose, Go Forward
The Importance of Freedom: Is Inner Freedom Like Inner Peace?
You will probably be reading this the first week of July, when we will celebrate the Fourth of July. Historically, freedom is the overarching theme of this holiday. We celebrate freedom in all of its forms--for the opportunity to achieve at the highest levels; to worship in any way you would choose; and freedom to be who you are, love who you love, and act … [Read more...] about The Importance of Freedom: Is Inner Freedom Like Inner Peace?
Viewing LGBTQ History Through Stage and Film
Gay Pride is celebrated throughout the world on different weekends during the month of June. World PRIDE, in New York City, will be celebrated June 26-30, and that should be a ball! New Orleans PRIDE, which we celebrated June 7-9, was superb! In our great city, anyone who could view our flag flying and rainbows draped around doorways & windows in the French … [Read more...] about Viewing LGBTQ History Through Stage and Film
Past and Present: Pride and Freedom for ALL
In 2019, we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Stonewall, Woodstock Nation, Women’s Liberation, and Gay Pride. And so much more in our brave community of LGBTQ individuals, groups, and organizations. I’ve included Woodstock Nation and Women’s Liberation in order to give background and context to where we are now, and why we can actually celebrate Pride as we do. … [Read more...] about Past and Present: Pride and Freedom for ALL
