July 2010

The nomination of Elena Kagan for the United States Supreme Court is, by now, old news. But the controversy that surrounds her is still spawning conversations inside and out of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered community. Since President Barack Obama nominated her, it seems the conversations across the country are more about a stereotypically perceived possibility that she is gay, and less about her actual ability to sit on the highest court in America.

Kagan is an intelligent, successful woman who happens to be older, single, has never been married, has short hair, wears suits and was photographed playing softball. Therefore, she must be a lesbian. Oh, and if she's a lesbian, there's no way she is intelligent enough to sit on the high court without having bias. Blah!

First, Kagan has never stepped out of a closet and professed to be homosexual, so why must we assume that any woman in her position that isn't with a man must be gay? Not all women and men who choose to be single are gay. Why must society make assumptions? Being married with 2.5 kids just really isn't the norm these days. And it's time that we accept that and move on. Come on, it's the 21st century, people.

Second, if she is, in fact, a gay woman, why would that impact her ability to be fair and just? Just because people in the LGBT community may not be waving their rainbow flag at work, church, among friends or family, doesn't mean they aren't there. In fact, the LGBT community contributes greatly to society as a whole. They are tax payers, business owners, doctors, nurses, teachers, bankers, CEOs, etc. - even here in Pueblo. And many times, you may not even know it. Would your opinion of their professionalism change if you found out otherwise? Doubtful.

Times are certainly changing. Just this year alone, several celebrities have come out of the closet, Ricky Martin, Sean Hayes from Will and Grace, and country music singer Chely Wright, just to name a few. And unlike in past years, no one really seemed to notice. As far as I'm concerned, the fact that no one really noticed says something about society. I may just be an optimist, but I believe that people are starting to be more accepting and less judgmental about sexuality as a whole, and homosexuality in particular.

I can recall watching the movie Milk, the true story about Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man to win a political office in California. Although the entire movie made me think about how far the LGBT community has come, one point made by Milk particularly stuck with me. In order for society to begin to be more open to the LGBT community, the LGBT community needs to step out of the closet and put a face to the word "gay." The more society sees that the gay people of their community are everyday citizens, friends and loved ones, the more accepting they become.

Who a person chooses to love, live with, or sleep with has nothing to do with their professional abilities. Whether Kagan is or isn't a heterosexual woman should not be an element in examining her nomination. Let's start looking at people as just that: people, individually.

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Pueblo Pride 2010

It's just about that time of year again, when Pueblo comes together to support the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered community. Pueblo Pride will be held next month, August 22, 2010. The all-day event will be held at Lake Elizabeth on the Historical Arkansas Riverwalk. The celebration includes a parade, all day entertainment, food, vendors and fun!

Thousands of people from Southern Colorado, gay and straight, attend the annual event. In fact, Pueblo Pride gets bigger every year, but the Southern Colorado Equality Alliance is looking for help, sponsors, vendors and volunteers.

Anyone interested - business owners, artists, craftsmen, non-profit organizations, or volunteers - can find information at socoequality.org/pueblopride2010.htm.

July LGBT Happenings

Fremont County Pride in the Park

Friday, July 16 at Rouse Park* from 4-9pm

Bring a place setting and a dish to share.

1600 Park Ave., Cañon City

Mr., Miss and Mrs. Gay Pride Pageant

Saturday, July 17

Pirates Cove, Pueblo

9pm, No Cover

Colorado Springs PrideFest
Platinum Pride - 20th Anniversary Celebration!
Sunday, July 18
Downtown Acacia Park