focus voices
From the Editor, Speak Out and Out Front Panel Voices
George Gramer, Cecil Bethea and Phil Nash weigh in on this week’s question.
We, in the LGBT community, are a self-critical bunch. One of our community’s distinguishing characteristics is that we struggle – a lot – with each other and ourselves. There’s a reason for that.
Carl Shepherd, my partner, now lives in a nursing home. I try to take him out to prevent bouts of cabin fever, but because I no longer drive, we have to use RTD, which is not bad considering the alternatives.
The year’s end closes with a chill that strikes our bones through below-freezing temperatures and snow-dusted building tops, but also a momentous strength to continue pushing forward. As we hunker down for the winter ahead, we become aware of our successes over the past year. It’s certain, now, perhaps more than ever, that everything moves in cycles – and though we have much to be thankful for, our vision keeps us looking ahead. As the celebratory holiday season consumes us, we now have the chance to take a break from the anger and anxiety of political fights, and submit to peace and celebration as we reflect about the past year with gratitude and an enduring sense of inspiration and passion. The year’s end marks a field of milestones as we are filled with a sense of hope and celebration in successes.
George Gramer, Jo Niblock, Phil Nash, Jen LaBarbera and Nita Henry weigh in on this week’s question:
For many in our LGBT community, The Center is home.This year, 38,206 gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and allied visitors came to our space and found hope, encouragement, love and support. All of our programs are made possible through generous support from our Colorado community; individual donors, volunteers, grantors, sponsors, and community partners like Out Front.
Growing up, I was not spared from being bombarded with advertising directed at young women. Products such as cosmetics – eyeliner, mascara and foundation – garments designed to enhance your breasts and diminish your waistline, crippling high heels, cancer causing hair removal products, are everywhere.
I left Catholicism carrying something resembling post-traumatic stress disorder. A sick feeling arose in my stomach whenever I came face-to-face with the rituals and traditions that had once meant so much to me. I think this is a common experience, though not as much as it was for gay Catholics 50 years ago.
Many years ago, as a young adult, I thought I was alone with my experience of being a transsexual.
I called the Salt Lake City gay crisis line when I thought there was no other place to go: It was within the gay community that I found support – an experience that has been true for many other transgender people of my generation. I welcomed our inclusion in the LGBTQ movement. Even though our issues come from different orientations, we’ve had enough in common to be in solidarity with one another.
Yet the emotions and sentiments of the holiday season warrant different gut reactions for each individual. Alongside the sugary treats, eggnog, hot buttered rum, candied popcorn and pumpkin spice candles that give our senses a sweetness overload, there can also be a tinge of bittersweet melancholia weaving in to the winter season.
