Be Cause

I Want to Get Married Too

2008-07-27T13:39:00.000-07:00

On Wednesdays I like to focus on non-profit organizations with worthy causes. This past Wednesday, I didn't post, not because I couldn't think of an organization that does great work, but because I wanted to write about an organization that I found a sincere connection with. This afternoon, I made a decision: My organization for the week is Equality California.

Equality California is dedicated to creating equality in California, focusing on members of the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered) community. Their current battle is educating people about Proposition 8, and encouraging them to vote no in November. This proposition would eliminate the right to marry for LGBT people, granted to them on May 15th by a California Superior Court.

Personally, I have been hashing this topic over in my mind. I have so many reasons why Californians should should not vote for Proposition 8. It seems clear to me that we, as Americans have been down this road before: Separate but Equal does not exist. You can not deny one segment of the population rights, and offer another right - usually substandard, in its place. It doesn't work, and history has proven that repeatedly.

But arguing this point with those who believe that granting marriage to same sex couples is against God is really a moot point, in my opinion. In most cases, its not personal. Most Christians, and those of other religious backgrounds that do not accept homosexuality do not feel deeply connected to someone - a specific person that they know and love - who is gay. This point is arguable, but the bottom line is that the religious individuals against gay marriage are not seeing gays as human - people that love and live and want the same things they do. They are seen simply as sinners performing acts that are abominations against God, and they must be stopped. (My humble opinion on the validity of that belief is a whole separate blog).

Back to the point - all I really want to say is that I want to get married. And I don't want it to be up to other people who subscribe to beliefs that I don't share to determine that for me. Personally, I don't think its anyone else's business who I marry. If I am happy with a woman, then so be it. If I am happy with a man, then so be it. But why does everyone else get to determine the worthiness of my love. Its actually a little arrogant. But if God really does take issue with my lifestyle, when the time comes, I am sure He/She will let me know. That being said, I support an organization that is legally fighting for my rights. I am an American. And I am no less an American because I am queer. I encourage anyone who believes this to vote no on Proposition 8, and to also encourage others to do the same. Support Equality California. You can visit their website at www.eqca.org.

And if you know or love someone, as I most certainly do, that is possibly on the fence about Proposition 8, I invite you simply to tell them, "I want to get married too." To me, it is that simple. I want to get married, too.

***I am in no way affiliated with Equality California and my beliefs expressed here are not necessarily a reflection of their beliefs. They are not responsible in any way for the content of this blog.

Tuesday Tune Day - Adele & Alanis

2008-07-22T10:15:00.000-07:00

I love this song!
Adele "Hometown Glory"

Her album was released on July 14th. I just picked it up and it's amazing.

Musical Memory of the Week:
Alanis Morissette "Uninvited"

The last few weeks have been hip hop, but since I am a fan of music in general, I have musical memories from a lot of genres. So, I chose this song in honor of talented women artists who have a unique sound.

***This is not an official video, just clips that someone compiled from the movie City of Angels.***

Where We Like to Give - My Friend's Place, Hollywood, CA

2008-07-16T09:37:00.000-07:00

Non-Profit of the Week:

I am a huge fan of non-profits and the work that they do.

This weeks non-profit is My Friend's Place. According to their website, more than 1.3 million children are homeless at some time each year. Their mission is to "assist and inspire homeless youth to build self-sufficient lives. "

You can check out their website at www.myfriendsplace.org. They have a plethora of programs to help get teens and youth off the streets and into stable homes. Though they have a day shelter program that brings a sense of normalcy to the youth, many of them still need a place to sleep at night.

If you are interested in contributing to their efforts, they accept In-Kind Donations as well as monetary donations in the form of annual memberships starting at $50. Check out their wish list or their membership information.

Los Angeles is the homeless capital of the United States, which is a shame, considering that Los Angeles also has one of the biggest economies not only in the country, but in the world. I have a special place in my heart for organizations that focus on homelessness, so you may see many more listed in the future.

***Though I have donated and contributed to My Friend's Place over the last few years, I am not affiliated with the organization in any way.

Tuesday Tune Day - Jean Grae

2008-07-15T17:09:00.000-07:00

In honor of Jean Grae's album Jeanius dropping today, here is a video from her new album.
Love Thirst:

Musical Memory of the Week

Taking you back to some feel good, from one female emcee to another - Monie Love "It's a Shame"

Reading List

2008-07-14T09:53:00.000-07:00

I love to read. Last night I walked into Barnes and Noble and lost my mind. I went in to buy a book on screenwriting. I came out with:

Making a Good Script Great by Linda Seger
Oscar Micheaux - The Life of America's First Black Filmmaker by Patrick McGilligan
Artemis Fowl: The Arctic Incident by Eoin Colfer
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
and
Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss (a gift for my niece who is turning 5 and starting kindergarten)

I am already reading Into Thick Air by Jim Malusa which is excellent. I purchased it at a little bookstore/gallery downtown called Metropolis Books. The women there were very knowledgeable about books and recommended a number of authors. I picked up this book because I wanted to read about someone who was traveling. I haven't been disappointed yet.

My summer reading list is now full (sorry Oprah). And I have a number of books already at home that I haven't yet read. So many words, so little time.

Forced Opportunities

2008-07-10T17:28:00.000-07:00

Over a year ago, I began substitute teaching for LAUSD. After only a month of work, I wrote a blog venting my frustrations. I am happy to say that most of those have passed. Really, I gained further understanding. It was a roller coaster of emotions and experiences with highs and lows, learning about myself, and finding my best fit - which happened to be 6th grade.

Just as I was getting to the point where I loved my job, looked forward to going in every morning, and found a system that helped me manage 53 students with 53 very different personalities, I was uprooted. Out for the Summer. I was actually supposed to be working this Summer, but as fate would have it - apparently I have other things to do right now. So, in my time off, I am finishing a script for a producer. It has also allowed me to get in touch with another passion. I am hoping to do some work with the homeless.

The point is: I am very glad that I made the decision to leave entertainment as a day to day work environment. I love writing and creating and directing, but I also love serving in my community. I love having time to be with family and friends - something I felt I was constantly sacrificing when I worked in television. Even though I didn't anticipate not teaching this summer, I am glad that I have this forced opportunity to continue exploring ways that I can work in my community.

You want it, I got it. Dripping Like Water

2008-07-09T18:35:00.000-07:00

Musical Memory for the Week:
Digable Planets 9th Wonder

The Pharcyde - Passin' Me By

2007-06-24T12:11:00.001-07:00

Musical Memories

Delusions of Grandeur

2007-06-11T19:36:00.000-07:00

For about 3 years, I worked in Television. I wasn't a hot shot in the industry by any stretch of the imagination; I was at that point where you have to make a decision about your career: Am I going to stay here, working my way up the ranks and into a very comfortable lifestyle, or am I going to step out and hope for something grander.

I opted for the latter.

Several noteworthy accomplishments later, I find myself as a substitute teacher. Here is where the real delusions begin. My main gripe with the area of television I was working in was that there is no depth, no meaning. I felt like the imprint I was helping to leave on society damaged more individuals than it helped. What kind of person did that make me? I thought being a teacher of some sort was more noble. (This does not mean that I don't have any passion for creating in the entertainment field - but I prefer to do that independently.) Just over a month into my subbing career, I am already frustrated, to the near point of paralyzation. I have spent most of my time working in the inner cities - which is where I would like to be - but this is where the delusions come in. How many teachers, administrators, substitutes have come flying into the inner city, capes in tow, thinking that they could save the entire student body without wrinkling the "S" on their chests?

Was I one of these people? Did I really come in thinking that I would be able to penetrate the layers of generational oppression from a variety of sources and breathe new life into these young people, who, obviously, must be thirsting for a quality education at the hands of someone who has soooo much to offer? I want to believe that my intentions weren't naive at best, and arrogant at worst. But I am not sure.

This past week has been trying! I have had good days and bad days in the past - some students that really had a grasp on the value of education, and others who, for whatever reason, valid or not, couldn't care less about school. I have had to call security on more than one occassion. I have broken up fights. I have heard students no older than 12 and 13 discuss their jail time, and very generously offer advice into what judges were better, what halls they preferred, and who was "gonna get it" for snitching on them. Needless to say, my jaw stays on the floor. I was an African American studies major at UCLA. I have worked in Watts before. But nothing could prepare me for the hard and callous exterior of some of the students I have encountered. And now, I am left saying, "What should I do?" Where is Mr. Clark when you need him? I haven't been to fair East Side High yet, but some of the schools have seemed as scary to me. I don't want to tuck my tail and run, but I am left standing here, unsure of what to do and how to proceed.

Maybe what I really felt in the beginning, was the audacity of hope, as Barack Obama has put it so many times. But, while hope is a great thing and an impetus for change, it is not an action. And what I need right now is some tangible advice.