Gayish.

Being faithful subscribers to DirecTV, Earl and I are delighted to see the addition of channel 263 – “LOGO” from MTV Networks. “LOGO” is the first non-subscription all-gay network.

The very first thought that came to my mind is that while I’m very excited about the existence of this channel, it’s a shame that we have to have a separate gay network. But if some of these shows were to show on mainstream television, the conversative right and all that would have an absolute hissy fit. Though they wouldn’t have the panache to call it a “hissy fit”. They’d just scream “moral values” and beat some people over the head with Bible.

One of the shows we’ve watched on LOGO this weekend is “The Evolution Will Be Televised”, which outlines gay history from the Stonewall riots in 1969 to current day. There’s commentary from gay celebrities, gay community activists, etc. I find it all very interesting, especially since I lived in Boston in the late 1980s and took part of a couple of the pride celebrations. I also had friends that were in ACT=UP. I once spat on a man that was trying to “cure” participants in a pride parade.

Anyways, one of the topics addressed in this hour long documentary is Anita Bryant’s anti-gay crusade in 1977. Being nine years old at the time, I wasn’t really all that politically or socially aware, but I do remember seeing Anita being “pied” on the evening news. I also seem to remember my mother saying that she wasn’t a very nice woman. I guess my mom was always cool that way. Anita looked harmless enough to my nine-year old eyes, but as an adult I realize what a horrid, hateful, venomous woman she was. And I will state again (as many others have before me): if anyone, gay or straight truly believes that a gay man or lesbian can be “cured” or “converted” to heterosexuality really has no idea of what they’re talking about and must have nothing less than a weak personality, low sense of self worth and a great deal to hide about themselves.

While we were watching this show, I wondered whatever happened to Anita Bryant. For some reason, I just assumed she’s passed on. But I was wrong. She’s still alive, but apparently silent on her social beliefs, thank god. Having lost her orange juice endorsement deal (due to a boycott of Florida oranges and other social pressures), she divorced her first husband and declared bankrupcy in 1997 and again in 2001. Sounds like all that hate has led her to the good life. Maybe she should shack up with Dr. Laura.

I think one of the most important things a gay man or lesbian can do in society today is just be themselves. If you’re not ashamed of yourself, you have nothing to hide. What’s the risk? People may shun you? Big deal. You didn’t want to know them anyways. If everyone would just let others live and let live and be themselves without judgment, the world would be a better place. I can even accept the views of others, however hate inspired. If they would just shut up about it.

“The Game Of Love”, Santana feat Michelle Branch.

O.k., everyone can calm down, my iPod is working once again. In case you suffer the same trouble as me, here’s what I did.

1. I downloaded a nifty program called YamiPod. You can find it here.
2. I ran the program on my Mac, with the iPod plugged in and iTunes closed. Actually, iTunes kept crashing so that second part was easy.
3. I opted to “restore” my iPod, which gave me a few ominous messages but did what it needed to do.
4. I unmounted and remounted my iPod and then opened iTunes. iTunes promptly did it’s thing and updated all the music on my iPod, bringing everything back to normal.

I see light once again!

“Get Up, Stand Up (Phunk Investigation Radio Edit)”, Stellar Project featuring Brandi Emma.

Now that I’m able to enjoy my tunes again I am able to blog in style! I’m finding myself reading more and more blogs these days and actually going beyond lurking and dropping comments all over the place. As I typed that last sentence I had visions of a pigeon in Central Park leaving his mark. Isn’t that lovely? It gives you insight to my self-esteem, comparing my thoughts to pigeon poop. Oh well. I’m really not that screwed up in the head.

Really.

“Relax”, Frankie Goes To Hollywood.

With this very hot, sticky weather here in Upstate N.Y. I am reminded of my club days when I was spinning tunes at the local bar. It’d be a hot Saturday night in July. The bar would be crowded with men and women, all drinking beer, pop or foofy drinks (it was a gay bar after all). The dance floor would be a sea of bare chested men, hairy bears and a smattering of drag queens marinated in some outrageous perfume, all punctuated by a few bare-chested lesbians. I’d keep the floor moving and the crowd pumped with tracks like “Relax”, “Brand New Lover”, “Let The Music Play”, “Point Of No Return” and other 80s and 90s dance tracks. Of course I’d compliment the mix with a “Stars On 45” jingle and then segue into some late 70s stuff. That was always a popular mix. Something like “Come To Me” by France Joli or “Searchin'” by Hazell Dean.

“Two To Make It Right”, Seduction.

Thinking about this stuff is getting me in the mood to go out and celebrate gay pride this year. Earl has mentioned a couple of local gay pride celebrations coming up. I think we might have to join in the festivities.

“Tell Me When”, The Human League.

We were recently talking about our first crush. I remember my first crush. I was seven years old. If I could have made out with the television without experiencing an electric shock, I would have.

My first crush was on the character Rick Mason, played by Brian Cutler on “The Secrets of Isis.” Even at seven years old, I just *knew* that he was the bees’ knees. The tossled blond hair, the mustache, the boyish charm… *sigh*

And here he is from an earlier film, “Catalina Caper”. Even 30 years later, I still find him the bees’ knees.