Call to Action

As we approach the next presidential election, I think we can expect both the rhetoric and the physical demonstrations of homophobia to increase. Our first challenge is to be safe and to keep our friends safe.   Be vigilant and be smart.

In fiction, the underdog can get away with making a pithy remark when surrounded by bullies. In real-life? Not so much.

Does that mean I'm advocating that you walk away? Under those types of dangerous circumstances? You bet I am. There are already enough victims of hate crime, there is no sense offering yourself up as one more. There is NOTHING you can say in that moment that will change the minds of anybody there-so get someplace safe.

We are smarter than the narrow-minded bigots spewing their hate-filled messages. Smarter means we have an obligation to ourselves, to each other and to our cause.

None of us has anything to to be ashamed of regarding or sexual orientation, GLBTQS, it's all alphabet soup. We are human beings, and as such deserve a fundamental level of respect.  We are citizens of countries with supposedly enlightened governments. We have fundamental rights, and it is imperative that all citizens be guaranteed of their equality under the laws of their respective nations.

Call to Action

What can I do? What can any of us do?

1. VOTE - if you're not already registered, stop reading this blog and register right now...here's a link to get you started> Register to Vote NOW


2. Speak up - Ever find yourself in the middle of an uncomfortable conversation? You know, coffee break central and someone makes a racist, sexist, or homophobic remark? That's the place where your quiet words or pithy remark stand a chance at making a difference. Don't answer ignorance with your own hate-filled remarks or even worse...silence. Instead, speak up. Calmly, tell the offender and everyone else within ear shot why the comment is offensive, or if you prefer no confrontation simply stand...give a long look...then walk away.

Remember, over the next six-months, stay engaged, stay calm, stay safe, and stay the course.

All of you who respond with a positive action you're willing to take to promote the rights of the GLBTQ community will be entered into a drawing for a $25 Gift Card for All Romance eBooks.

Hop Against Homophobia

Greetings, friends! It's been a busy month with not a lot to report, but I wanted to take the time to blog about this important topic. This weekend, a group of bloggers is coming together in hopes of educating people about the dangers of homophobia. I'm going to ask you to think bigger than this weekend. Think about real change, real progress to secure civil rights for all US citizens.

I believe this single topic will drive the presidential election.

I am not going to debate the merits of any political party. For me, the conversation is not about Fox versus CNN. These types of arguments are merely distractions and you will increasingly see people trying to divert the conversation from the real issue by stirring shit between the Conservatives and Liberals, Republican and Democrats, Doms and subs...wait. Okay, maybe not the last one.

My challenge to you is to consider whether you can set aside politically charged rhetoric and engage with people of all political, religious, and personal beliefs in order to focus on the single issue of gay rights.

I posted this on my Facebook page, but I believe it deserves another look. Sure, these could all be actors, and no...we don't really "Know" they're in love - yep, you guessed, I got a note from someone claiming this was all a fake for the sake of making a point.

I believe I had that covered when I pointed out that these were expressions of love and expressions of hate. What is far more terrifying is the current trend  of extremists who profess to believe in an omnipotent and loving God, and then presume to speak for him with messages of hate and exclusion.



All right, so what are we going to do? Tell me what positive action you're willing to take in the next six months that promotes the rights of the GLBTQ Community.

Post your response here on my blog this weekend in honor of the International Day Against Homophobia

All of you who respond with a positive action you're willing to take to promote the rights of the GLBTQ community will be entered into a drawing for a $25 Gift Card for All Romance eBooks.

Please visit these other bloggers and support the Hop Against Homophobia.