Penguins

While studying for my psychology final I came across a section on members of species other than humans being homosexual.  The most touching story would be about two penguins at a zoo.  When penguins pick partners, they are choosing their partners for life.  So when two male penguins chose each other, they encountered the small problem of not being able to incubate an egg.  They even went as far as to try to incubate a rock.  One zookeeper was so moved by their struggle and desire to have a baby, he gave them a fertilized egg.  They incubated it for the necessary 34 days and raised it just as well as a heterosexual penguin couple.  They penguin community did not mind that two males had chosen each other, why do humans care so much?

Secret Gay Mass

The worldwide leader of the Anglican Church held a private mass for gay clergy and their partners in London…read more

I think this is kind of hysterical because a worldwide leader of a church that does not necessarily condone same-sex partnerships is basically saying that it is okay with him for them to unite.  The conservatives have got to think that their world is crumbling around them.  It just goes to show that anyone can have their own opinion on the issue regardless of their faith.  For example, I am a practicing Catholic, who is straight, and believes that gays and lesbians should have the same opportunity to get married.  It’s a personal opinion, not a community one.

AIDS/HIV in Brazil

I was confused when I began to read an article about Brazil’s government planning to install condom dispensers in 100 public schools.  As I continued to read though, I realized that this strategy could actually be quite beneficial to the country.  By teaching people at a younger age that safe sex is very important, they very well could decrease the spread of HIV and AIDS.  Many Americans might think it’s wrong to have condom dispensers in school because schools should teach abstinence but I think that adults don’t realize just how sexually active young kids are in today’s society.  Personally, I am disgusted when I find out what 5th and 6th graders are doing.  I don’t think I knew what oral sex really was at that age let alone even think about giving or receiving it.  I think that before parents start criticizing the government for trying to protect adolescents, they should take a good look at what their own children might be up to.  In Brazil’s case, the country is pro condom dispensers.  I think that it’s great.  It just shows how more mature other cultures can be about issues like sex than the United States.

 Read the article here.

Thesis statement

I am having such a hard time writing a thesis statement.  I feel like it interrupts the flow of my paper and just makes it sound too formal.  Personally, I would rather read an informal essay that I can relate to so that’s how i write my papers.  For me to say, “I think gay marriage should be legalized in the United States” just feels so redundant.  I know it’s a requirement and I understand that all ‘good’ papers have theses but it just doesn’t sound right in my paper, no matter how I tweak it.  Also, having to come out and directly state “I think this” or “We should do this about that” makes me feel like I’m underestimating the intelligence of my audience.  From reading my paper, everyone can figure out where I stand.  I’m not keeping it a secret.  I have strong opinions about a very controversial issue because, as hard as I try, I cannot bring myself to see any sense or reason to the other side’s points of view.  People can believe whatever they want but have validity behind instead of bullshitting excuses to try to prove a point.  I think discrimination is very wrong and I don’t care who is being discriminated.  Anybody is capable of falling in love with anybody.  You can’t choose who you fall in love with.  I just get worked up when I put myself in the shoes of those couples who can’t get married.  My dream is to fall in love, get married, and have kids.  Who has the right to tell anyone that that’s wrong and make a law banning it?  It’s just crazy.  Treat others how you want to be treated.

Wanda Sykes

I found this video of Sykes’ take on gay marriage thoroughly entertaining.  She makes valid points while bringing humor to all.  enjoy!

wanda sykes

It’s all about equality

I really enjoyed reading an article by Ani Arakelian in which she talks about how it’s not about definitions or religion, gay marriage is all about equality.  Same-sex couples do not receive the same benefits as married couples even when joined in a civil union.  It’s honestly a tragedy that they cannot be considered the next of kin in emergency situations.  The next of kin could be their parents who disowned them because they were gay but their partner of 10 years cannot make the decisions.  No one in their right mind can think that this is fair treatment.  I firmly believe that same-sex unions should have the same benefits as marriages and if that were to happen, then the gay and lesbian community would not care what title was given to them.  All they care about is being able to support their partner and receive healthcare, adoption, and legal benefits.  Can the government deny these rights to an interracial couple? No!  So why are they allowed to discriminate against same-sex couples.  Merely a decade ago, interracial couples were not allowed to marry.  Absurd to think of nowadays.  Infamous couples such as Heidi Klum and Seal would not be together if this law was not changed.  Changing that law did not hurt society so what makes people think that same-sex marriage will?   

Ohio is finally coming around!!

It seems that certain cities in Ohio such as Toledo and Cleveland Heights are taking measures to allow domestic partner registry.  I thought Ohio would never get to that point.  I know from living there my whole life that it is overwhelming Republican.  Many people are not open to such changes.  I’m just so happy that people are finally starting to open up and see that the world is changing, society is changing & the government must change too.  Change is part of evolution and this country faces new obstacles every day it seems.  Congrats OHIO!!

Majority Rules?

I was ecstatic to recently read that in a recent poll, 55% of Americans believe that same-sex unions should have the same rights & priveledges as heterosexual marriages.  I cannot believe that our country has finally come to their senses & sees that gay marriage is really no big deal.  I am honestly at a loss for words.  I guess it’s only a matter of time before the government meets the demands of society.  Just read the article for yourself.

AIDS Rates Going Down

I recently read that AIDS rates in Zimbabwae are decreasing. (read more)  I was so pleased to see this.  The AIDS epidemic is widespread throughout the world and is a terrible, uncurable disease.  The fact that we are actually finding ways to educate the population on safe sex and prevention of AIDS and HIV is awesome.  The only way to control the spread of AIDS is to press the importance of safe sex.  AIDS was originally known as the ‘gay disease’ but now, althought it is more common in the gay and lesbian community, it is not exclusive to it.  The fact that our education programs in third world countries are actually beginning to make a difference is outstanding.  I’m intrigued to find out what will happen wiht the AIDS crisis in the next decade.

Presidential underdogs manupulizing gay community

While I was reading about the presidential campaign, I came across a section on the Democratic candidates’ views on same-sex marriage.  I was upset to learn that all of the front-runners support civil unions but not same-sex marriage.  Even further, the one candidate I was starting to really like seems to oppose gays and lesbians all together even though they cannot come right out & say it.  The two candidates that have no chance of receiving the nomination for presidency by the Democratic party are pushing their support of full same-sex marriage.  In my opinion, they are just trying to gain more support and receive more votesbecause they know that they have a slim chance of actually entering the election in 2008.  I doubt that once in office, they will follow through with their ‘views’.  Dennis Kucinich is one of these “supporters” of same-sex marriage.  He also happens to be the congressman for my district back in Ohio.  I know for a fact that a couple years ago, he did not support gay marriage and am outraged that he has now changed his mind in an attempt to gain more support.  This really enfuriates me and I hope that the truth comes out about his true views so that the gay and lesbian community can see what he is really trying to do.  I don’t know much about the other candidate but I hope that he is genuine because the gay and lesbian community need someone in the federal government sticking up for their rights.