Another day, another dive into the pool of life lesson's, semi-reasoning and folks talking out loud for all the hear. Of course, first up to bat is myself, with my daily musings and coverage of pertinent events. I ususally try to sort through the noise and find those interesting items that will fullfill our mission position to educate, inform and empower unilaterally. Often I'm not sure where to began or what will make the cut, but somehow I always find my way to stay on point and cut to the chase. Therefore, without further delay, let's see what's really going on....
Oh KUAR: The UALR radio station KUAR featured programming on the subject of Homosexuality on it's show, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow on 10.23
.07 with guest Norman Jones, Randi Romo and Timothy Kessler offering intergenerational perspectives on the topic. Phil Mariage, host and moderator anted up some interesting questions and observations for panelist response. What I heard was a eyeopening mix of candidness, factual references and throaty banter. The questions ranged from personal stories about coming out issues to the future of gays in Arkansas. I was intriuged by the panelist and their personal take on the questions posed by the moderator, but felt that some answers painted a broad picture of the GLBTQI community (such as it is) with wearing rose colored glasses with lots of disposable cash. Even though this may be true for some, it's not steeped in reality for most in this state. According to E-canned, an online income watchsite, the median income in Arkansas is in decline, averaging about $37,000 to $34,000 yearly. Meanwhile, contrasted against other States throughout the US, the State of Arkansas can be recognized as having a relatively high poverty rate amongst the population, with a poverty rate of 15.8 percent of people living in a family with an income below the poverty level in 1999. Yes, Virgina this is just one of the stark realities within the rainbow community juxtaposed to a host of other issues that warrant more air time and discussion. I listened to the long version podcast which covered overviews about civil rights vs. gay rights, work place attitudes and gay assimilation that barely scracthed the surface of the issues. For instance there was no mention of the ENDA dilemma in the workplace, stratergies for additional political gains or what defines the GLBTQI construct. I sensed that the moderator or perhaps his producers should have done a bit more homework in this effort. Despite my perceived shortcomings of the program, KUAR and Mr. Mariage deserve kudos for this excercise as well as an attempt to spotlight gay life in Arkansas yesterday, today and tomorrow. If you didn't hear it and I encourage you to listen in and judge it for yourself. Then, come back here to share what you thought about it with me. I'll be waiting.....click on http://www.kuar.org/ Go to the programming tab, then scroll down to the show.
.07 with guest Norman Jones, Randi Romo and Timothy Kessler offering intergenerational perspectives on the topic. Phil Mariage, host and moderator anted up some interesting questions and observations for panelist response. What I heard was a eyeopening mix of candidness, factual references and throaty banter. The questions ranged from personal stories about coming out issues to the future of gays in Arkansas. I was intriuged by the panelist and their personal take on the questions posed by the moderator, but felt that some answers painted a broad picture of the GLBTQI community (such as it is) with wearing rose colored glasses with lots of disposable cash. Even though this may be true for some, it's not steeped in reality for most in this state. According to E-canned, an online income watchsite, the median income in Arkansas is in decline, averaging about $37,000 to $34,000 yearly. Meanwhile, contrasted against other States throughout the US, the State of Arkansas can be recognized as having a relatively high poverty rate amongst the population, with a poverty rate of 15.8 percent of people living in a family with an income below the poverty level in 1999. Yes, Virgina this is just one of the stark realities within the rainbow community juxtaposed to a host of other issues that warrant more air time and discussion. I listened to the long version podcast which covered overviews about civil rights vs. gay rights, work place attitudes and gay assimilation that barely scracthed the surface of the issues. For instance there was no mention of the ENDA dilemma in the workplace, stratergies for additional political gains or what defines the GLBTQI construct. I sensed that the moderator or perhaps his producers should have done a bit more homework in this effort. Despite my perceived shortcomings of the program, KUAR and Mr. Mariage deserve kudos for this excercise as well as an attempt to spotlight gay life in Arkansas yesterday, today and tomorrow. If you didn't hear it and I encourage you to listen in and judge it for yourself. Then, come back here to share what you thought about it with me. I'll be waiting.....click on http://www.kuar.org/ Go to the programming tab, then scroll down to the show.The Twilight Years: The KUAR panel briefly touched on the subject of senior gays, I found a truly enlighten
ing article in the New York Times, that brings the issue full circle and needs the attention of you my readers. I have been made aware by many seniors and those rapidly approaching that threshold that they feel isolated, discarded and often misunderstood from the younger set who place no value on their life experiences. I've personally be referred to as "old school" or "Mr. yesteryear", even though I'm in the prime of my life. These attitudes are the result of the GLBT lifestyle being internally promoted as youth and beauty driven to a fault. It's prevelant in the pages of our media and hearlded throughout our sub-culture. I do try to offer a balance in this forum by bringing the issue to the forefront for dialouge even though we use such images. Anyway, It's worth the read and thought process. Check it with this linkhttp://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/09/us/09aged.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
ing article in the New York Times, that brings the issue full circle and needs the attention of you my readers. I have been made aware by many seniors and those rapidly approaching that threshold that they feel isolated, discarded and often misunderstood from the younger set who place no value on their life experiences. I've personally be referred to as "old school" or "Mr. yesteryear", even though I'm in the prime of my life. These attitudes are the result of the GLBT lifestyle being internally promoted as youth and beauty driven to a fault. It's prevelant in the pages of our media and hearlded throughout our sub-culture. I do try to offer a balance in this forum by bringing the issue to the forefront for dialouge even though we use such images. Anyway, It's worth the read and thought process. Check it with this linkhttp://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/09/us/09aged.html?_r=1&oref=sloginDID YOU KNOW...??
Of the estimated 1.6 million homeless American youth, between 20 and 40 percent identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT).
Why do LGBT youth become homeless? In one study, 26 percent of gay teens who came out to their parents/guardians were told they must leave home; LGBT youth also leave home due to physical, sexual and emotional abuse. Homeless LGBT youth are more likely to: use drugs, participate in sex work, and attempt suicide. Also, LGBT youth report they are threatened, belittled and abused at shelters by staff as well as other residents. Locally CAR, The Center for Artistic Revolution offers a youth support group to help. Contact them at 501.244.9690 or e-mail: ArtChangesU2@sbc.global Tell em we sent ya!
Why do LGBT youth become homeless? In one study, 26 percent of gay teens who came out to their parents/guardians were told they must leave home; LGBT youth also leave home due to physical, sexual and emotional abuse. Homeless LGBT youth are more likely to: use drugs, participate in sex work, and attempt suicide. Also, LGBT youth report they are threatened, belittled and abused at shelters by staff as well as other residents. Locally CAR, The Center for Artistic Revolution offers a youth support group to help. Contact them at 501.244.9690 or e-mail: ArtChangesU2@sbc.global Tell em we sent ya!
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