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Don’t Judge

The world would be a better place if people were not so quick to judge. There has always been some group in society that has been looked down upon, whether it was the Jews, the blacks, or any other minority because people judged. In today’s society, one group that often gets oppressed is the non-heterosexuals. This includes lesbians, gays, transgendered individuals, and bisexuals.

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The reason societal oppression occurs is because people have a more difficult time accepting people who are different from themselves. This can be seen over and over again in history. People need to learn that just because someone is different, it doesn’t mean that they are inferior, and it especially does not mean that they do not deserve respect. The non-heterosexual community deserves the same treatment as others in society. Everyone has the freedom to believe what they want and live their life the way they choose.

The best way to reverse society’s thinking is to teach your children not to judge others. Let them play with anyone they want, regardless of their skin color or other differences. Friendships should be based on the commonalities that are more than skin deep. For instance, racism is still an issue in the world, but more and more children are learning to accept differences, and it has become less of a problem in schools. However, the world still has a long way to go before every race, gender, or difference is accepted in society and is no longer the subject of oppression.

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PrideFest in Milwaukee, WI

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The city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin is known well for its’ summers. The city is better known for the wide variety of festivals it hosts every summer. While etchnic festivals such as GermanFest and IrishFest taje place, one other festival is immensely popular–PrideFest.

PrideFest, was first held officially in 1994, but the festival first began as a  pride march in 1989. The first official Pridefest was held at Veteran’s Park and showcased three stages of entertainment and numerous food vendors over a two-days span. The festival grew in size and popularity, and by 1996 had outgrown its home in Veteran’s Park. PrideFest ’96 was moved to the spacious Henry W. Maier Festival park on the lakefront, where it has tkane place each year since.

The point of Milwaukee’s PrideFest is to celebrate the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community throughout the communities that make up the city.

This year, PrideFest wil be held June 10th, 11th, and 12th at the Maier Festival park on the lakefront. With twelve different stages boasting an array of entertainment, there’s sure to be something for everyone. Some of this year’s most popular entertainment acts include Mo’Nique, Pam Ann, Salt-N-Pepa, and LeAnn Rimes, among many others.

A weekend pass can be bought for $40 and one-day admission is priced at $16. Reserved seating tickets are $75 for Mo’Nique, $49 for Salt-N-Pepa, and $75 for LeAnn Rimes. VIP packages are also available for these acts at $500 a piece. Daily VIP packages can be purchased for $100.

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Supporting Gay Teens

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In the last year, it has been hard toturn on the television without seeing something about the bulying of gay teens or even worse, the suicide of a gay teen.

Many people refuse to accept that this is a problem, but it is, and we need to offer support to gay teens whenever possible.

Nearly all of us have heard an anti-gay sur used, whether it was directed at a gay teen or a straight one. In either case, the words such as “homo” and “faggot” should be avoided completely, even if the have become all-too-familiar in the vernacular of teens in school today. In addition to having to endure these insulting words, gay teens also face many other challenegs that straight kids may not. Some gay teens don’t receive support from their families and are turned away. Others are constantly told that their lifestyle is a “choice.” This, in fact, is a belief that many people still hold, even though studies have shown  a “gay gene” does exist.

Bullying of gay teens happens just as often, if not more often, as it does to straight teens. It happens at school, on the street, and even in the home sometimes. What isn’t surprising is that the bullying comes from other students and adults as well. Some schools have begun to support gay students by creating safe havens for them. LGBT centers have been established in some school, as have no-tolerance bullying policies. While not all schools have follows this lead, many are, and that is a big step in the right direction.

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Getting to Know PFLAG

PFLAG (known as Parent FLAG) was a grassroots organization started in 1972 by Jeanne Manford, a mother of a gay son, who decided to begin a support group after the New York Gay Pride parade.  Shortly after, similar groups began to spring up around the country and offered support and safe havens for parents with lesbian and gay children.

Momentum for the organization built up in the early 1980’s and it gained recognition and support from celebrities such as “Dear Abby” and First Lady Barbara Bush.  It changed its formal name to Parents, Families, and Friends of Gays and Lesbians and by the late 1990’s added bisexual and transgender individuals to its mission.

PFLAG is a nationally known non-profit organization with more than 200,000 supporters and members throughout the United States.  They are formally known as a national advocacy, support, and education organization for LGBT individuals and their families, friends, and supporters.

The vision of PFLAG is through respect, equality, and dignity for all to celebrate diversity and embrace society as a whole. Their mission is to promote the health and well-being of LGBT persons and their families and friends by supporting, advocating, and educating.

PFLAG goals include:

  • Building the organization to capacity and making resources available creating an impact on the nation
  • Creating a world where people are raised and educated with the freedom from fear of discrimination, violence, and bullying regardless of their orientation or gender identity
  • Making the organization’s vision and message accessible to all ethnic and cultural communities in hopes of ending isolation of LGBT family members
  • Working towards full inclusion of LGBT individuals within their chosen faith
  • Creating a society where LGBT individuals can safely and openly pursue careers of their choice and feel encouraged and valued in the workplace

Through its efforts, PFLAG has developed nationally coordinated programs including Safe Schools for All, the Diversity Network, Bringing the Message Home, and Welcoming Faith Communities.

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Challenges for LGBT Home Buyers

With current laws, the concept of owning a house as a LGBT couple is quite different from home ownership by a heterosexual couple whom are legally married.

Unlike a heterosexual marriage and divorce which is recognized by the federal government, this is not the same case for gays and lesbians. A LGBT couple may marry in a state where their marriage is legal, but what happens when they move elsewhere? How is property divided in a divorce if the new state doesn’t recognize the marriage and thus will not grant a divorce?

There are a few ways to avoid real estate problems related to an LGBT marriage or partnership. Experts agree that LGBT buyers should do the following:

  • Hire a LGBT Realtor

A broker or agent that is LGBT or even gay-friendly has a great deal of professional experience with LGBT clients. They understand the unique challenges of buying property and obtain a mortgage, have solutions to potential problems, and connections to consultants and qualified experts accustomed to the facilitation of real estate transactions for LGBT partners.

  • Put communication in writing

Contracting real estate or cosigning a loan is legally binding for both parties and a serious financial step. It is important to avoid any misunderstandings by asking questions, refraining from signing a contract without understanding, and knowledge of the legal commitments the agreement represents. In the event of dissolution of the marriage or partnership, everything in writing ensures that communications between co-owners are clear and unnecessary disputes avoided.

  • Hire a legal expert

Hire legal representation such as a real estate attorney that has complete knowledge and experience in dealing with LGBT partnerships and their mortgage and real estate transactions. Special documentation can be drawn up by the lawyer stipulating how the property is shared and what will happen in the event of death of one of the partners or divorce.

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Challenges Facing Elderly LGBT

All elderly persons want a place they can call home to grow old in, with grace and proper care. For LGBT elderly individuals finding housing that is LGBT targeted or LCBT friendly is hard to find. Their wish and objective is to find a community that is accepting, avoids the feeling of isolation, and has culturally competent care.

To date, there are small number of LGBT housing communities for the aged in existence with twenty more in various planning and development stages. Additionally, elderly care housing facilities for the general population has begun to establish LGBT friendly practices and policies. There are several initiatives under way throughout the states to support culturally experienced care to LGBT elders at existing senior housing.

Housing options and care for LGBT elders:

  • Homecare

Most elderly Americans want to age in the place they have resided in and called home for most of their lives, but it ultimately requires a varying degree of community or home based services. Many LGBT older adults have fears of admitting homecare workers in their homes due to discrimination, exposure, and disapproval of lifestyle.

To address these concerns, chore assistance networks and local visitor programs have been established by some LGBT organizations. Additionally, a number of for-profit providers in homecare service have penetrated the market which is explicitly LGBT friendly.

  • Assisted living

There are very few retirement communities which target LGBT individuals offering assisted living care units causing LGBT elders to move into facilities designated for the general population. This has resulted in the push for cultural competence training to be mandated so that the needs of LGBT clients and residents are provided for accordingly.

  • NORC

Retirement communities formed by natural occurrences happen when individuals get older in their own home or as the result of elderly individuals moving near one another. They naturally form a community that fulfills the psychological, social, and practical needs required to age with independence, dignity, and grace.

  • LGBT targeted housing for the elderly

Full-scaled retirement communities tailored specifically for the needs of LGBT elderly including units ready for purchase or rental with full amenities are slowly being developed and are under construction.

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Challenges Facing College Bound LGBT Students

Talk to the average high school senior and they will show excitement when discussing going to college the following year. Unfortunately, this same excitement is not shared by most LGBT high school seniors. Instead of just looking at schools and what their educational offerings are, a LGBT student has to look at other deciding factors.

The most pressing question on their mind is “what school will I go to that makes me feel safe and respected?” When considering a college or university to apply to they put finding a school that has a safe, stress, and worry-free living environment for all students on the top of their list.

Recent reports have shown that more than 22% of LGBT high school students have been physically assaulted at school because of their sexually orientation. Upwards of 86% of LGBT students have been verbally harassed with 44% physically harassed. With these staggering numbers it is no surprise that personal safety and acceptance comes to the forefront when searching for a college.

LGBT students want to find a place to go to school where they are respected and appreciated like anyone else. The prospect can be tricky and daunting as they wade through college marketing materials. Those with great initiative and confidence will ask questions of school officials, teachers, and current students concerning the school’s climate. However, some LGBT students have not come out to family and friends and are left alone trying to find resources to answer their questions.

There is some good news as more resources are becoming available to help LGBT students find a school that is a correct fit. One such resource is the Campus Climate Index which rates over 186 different schools by specific inclusion factors. Another great source of support for the college bound LGBT student are organizations who understand their special concerns and are willing to provide mentorship and guidance such as PFLAG and GLSEN.

Don’t overlook speaking to a school guidance counselor and an independent college consultant. You might be surprised that they know more than you expected on the subject.

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How To Support Your Children

Children are going to make lifestyle choices that go against your beliefs. It doesn’t matter how you raise your children, they are eventually going to grow up and develop their own ideas.

This does not have to be a point of contention. You can learn to support your children by just making up your mind to do so. For example, if your child makes a choice that you don’t agree with- don’t immediately start criticizing them and telling them why they are wrong. Give them a chance to explain themselves and then you can ask any questions that you have. If you still don’t agree with them, understand that it’s okay. You don’t have to agree with every choice your child makes.

The next part of learning how to support your children is very difficult. Once you have accepted that you don’t have to agree with every choice your child makes, you also need to accept that you don’t have to make comments on the choices either. It can be hard to hold your tongue when you really want to express yourself, but if you only have negative things to say then it’s best not to say anything at all.

Learn to control your emotions, and keep in mind a few standard phrases you can say instead of being negative. For example, “that is interesting” or “ok thanks for explaining that”.

You don’t have to agree with who your child marries, the type of job they take, how they raise their children, or the types of hobbies they enjoy- but if you want to have a good relationship; you need to learn how to be supportive. If you can’t be supportive, then learn how to be silent.

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Loving Someone Like You

There is a lot about homosexuals that heterosexuals often do not understand.  After all, why would a person love someone who is so much like themselves?  While hetero people may ponder that question endlessly, a homo person may just ask the exact opposite question.  Why in the world would a man want to love a woman, whom he can barely understand, who communicates differently than he does, and who has completely different needs than he does?  Why would a woman want to love a man, who is loud, hairy and gross, when she can have a smooth, pretty, sweet smelling woman who can whisper sweet things into her ear as no man ever could?  It might almost seem as if it were far more natural to love someone is more like you than it would be to love somebody who is different from you.

Consider how men and women typically act around one another.  Until puberty hits, they tend to avoid one another in almost every situation in which it is possible to do so.  Only when their desire to mate comes into play do they want to have much of anything to do with one another.  And in our modern society, even during adolescene, guys and gals tend to flock together, even at dances.  So obviously, a gender wants to be among its own group at least as often as it wants to be with the opposite gender.  So it makes one wonder whether the genders actually should be loving one another, and not themselves.

Of course, if everybody were homosexual, our species would probably die out due to a lack of mating.  If we did not become attracted to people of the opposite gender, maternity wards would soon find themselves very bored, and downsizing employees left and right.  But what about loving someone who is similar to yourself?  Have you ever noticed how beautiful people of your own gender can really look?  Both men and women have their lovely points, and their advantages.  Instead of hating this beauty, we should all embrace it as something to be treasured.

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