Though we speak anonymously, we speak truthfully. We share stories that need to be shared. We give voices to those who are silent. We are Truth.
California has finally come to its senses—Prop 8, which banned same-sex marriage in California, has been overturned. This is an incredibly significant step forward in GLBT rights in this country.
This year’s theme is “Live Your Life Well”. Chances are that if you are not dealing with a mental health issue yourself, you know someone who is. Look out for yourself, learn how to take care of your mind, and live well.
Is this where we should draw the line between church and state? Those who would oppose the National Day of prayer say that having such a day set aside violates this separation. But does it? No one’s requiring anyone to spend their day in prayer, and no one’s strictly stating what religion anyone should practice. This isn’t a matter of pushing for government-backed religion. It’s a matter of setting aside a day—not even an official holiday—for prayer, should anyone choose to recognize it. There are dozens of days like this on the books. Why is this one causing such a stir? Furthermore, should it?
Obama has declared June 2010 GLBT Pride Month, just as he did last year. Events will be going on around the country all month; check and see if there’s anything in your area.
Changing Identities Online
There have certainly been plenty of things written on the subject, but it comes to mind now because I’m reading an article about the idea of online avatars “lying” to those viewing it.
Is this lying? Is presenting as a different race or sex in your avatar than you are in real life really lying? The wording alone bothers me, because it reminds me so much of the people who talk about transgendered people as if they’re “lying” about their identity. (Warning: link goes to a .pdf file.) How can you prove what anyone identifies as behind the screen? Maybe their online avatars are a more accurate representation of themselves than their physical bodies could ever be—be it a different sex than their physical body or a different species entirely.
I think the deeper question is not whether these people are in some way lying by presenting themselves in any particular way online. I think the question is whether or not we should start re-evaluating the way we see identity and representations thereof. The internet is changing the way society functions; we’re just not changing fast enough to keep up.
