I knew I had to leave. I had to get out. I couldn't explain it, and I didn't tell anyone else. I was only 16; I didn't have a plan. I didn’t know when, or how, but I knew that at some point, an opportunity would present itself, and I would take it – I would leave my hometown and my family behind. I love my family and New Orleans, but as I hit puberty and began to … [Read more...] about Born to Run: The Gay Migration Away from Home
Opinions
Spirituality, Solace, Mindfulness: What Path to Take?
Sometimes I think we have lost the ability to just “be” with ourselves. If we don’t use the time alone to the greatest advantage, it goes away, and is no longer there for the taking. One can view ‘alone’ and ‘lonely’ as two different but equally interesting concepts. Perhaps there have been times lately that you have felt a bit lonely while being with others. Conversely, … [Read more...] about Spirituality, Solace, Mindfulness: What Path to Take?
Fire Island 2020: Pines Party Weekend
“Through the Looking Glass” This year, COVID-19 has proven to be a big wet beach blanket tossed over the summer of 2020; as a result, the flames of New York’s scorching Fire Island are little more than embers. In the winter of 2019, I eagerly made my reservations on Fire Island for Pines Party, which was scheduled to be the weekend of July 24-26, 2020. The theme of this … [Read more...] about Fire Island 2020: Pines Party Weekend
The New Leprosy
I grew up in an extremely Catholic family. We went to church every Sunday. Every meal began with a prayer. Being involved in the church was a sort of requirement growing up. Religion meant so much to me that I decided to major in theology when I began college. One of my favorite things to do during my time studying was reading the Bible. I was fascinated by … [Read more...] about The New Leprosy
Compassion and Loyalty: Where’s Ellen?
We are in the midst of a health crisis the likes of which no living American has seen as well as an impending economic disaster, a looming national election that will undoubtedly change our world, and the critical Black Lives Matter movement. And some members of our LGBTQ+ community seem to be focusing on – Ellen DeGeneres. Really? The focus on her troubles, accusations … [Read more...] about Compassion and Loyalty: Where’s Ellen?
Our Authentic Journeys Together
Imagine being an openly trans athlete. Imagine a career path that encompasses fashion design, commodities trade, hospitality, and philanthropy all of which led to a passion for running. Imagine tackling ambitious goals, then facing the challenges of existing. That is exactly what I, George Melichar, am doing. To many, I am known by my chosen name Geo or my nickname GiGi. … [Read more...] about Our Authentic Journeys Together
The Insanity of Some
Let's face it. Some folk are simply crazy in a Julia Sugarbaker kind of way, “I'm saying this is the South. And we're proud of our crazy people. We don't hide them up in the attic. We bring 'em right down to the living room and show 'em off. See, Phyllis, no one in the South ever asks if you have crazy people in your family. They just ask what side they're on." If you are … [Read more...] about The Insanity of Some
Partnered vs. Unpartnered: Lessons from Both Sides
As we continue in our COVID-19 world, the months are speeding along for many, but seem to creep by for others. That may vary day to day, making it difficult to maintain a balance of all the parts that make up a life. Think of it as “calendar disruption,” and we love our calendars, don’t we? We are still quarantined and lots of people are more anxious & depressed than … [Read more...] about Partnered vs. Unpartnered: Lessons from Both Sides
Isolation; powerful estrangement.
“A person is a person through other persons; you can’t be human in isolation; you are human only in relationships.”Rt. Rev. Desmond Tutu The city is opening up. Or, so it would seem. Just today bars now have to place tables outside. Last week it was inside social distancing. One of the rants is the very phrase “social distancing.” Such should be “physical distancing” because … [Read more...] about Isolation; powerful estrangement.
“History of PRIDE in New Orleans Panel” – Lessons Learned
We’re hearing so much about history, what’s real, what’s true, what never was true. History is vital in our lives, because our personal history, our experiences, and what we’ve learned through them, help shape our lives going forward. Memories take hold of our brains, our hearts, and often impact the choices we make. There are helpful aspects of having strong memories, which … [Read more...] about “History of PRIDE in New Orleans Panel” – Lessons Learned
