God Bless America; and Lady Gaga

The Super Bowl is an American tradition;
Where a bunch of sweaty jocks fight for pigskin.
...and they call me gay.
Still, I gather around the screen––mainly because a bunch of sweaty jocks pile on top one another;
But also for the commercials.
And this year the star of the show was Lady Gaga,
Who managed to unite the country through a spectacular performance, subtly planting seeds of education, acceptance, and equality––without coming across like she had an agenda.
God Bless America, and Lady Gaga;
Inspiring through art instead of fear!

Love and Marriage

Twelve years together;
Two years legally recognized by the state of California.
Now, officially acknowledge across the United States.
As a kid I dreamed of being married with children.
(I also dreamed of being rich and famous.) Both are a work in progress.
Earlier in my life I struggled to accept that I was gay, it meant giving up on a committed relationship and raising a family.
Thankfully (and at the exact right time in my life) I found a man who would inspire me, challenge me, support me, and validate me; all while making me laugh.
I believe in God for the very reason that He lead me to my dreams––despite the fact that they look a little different than the “normal” I grew up believing in.
Love comes in many different packages, mine although not perfect, is still the best gift I’ve ever received.

#LoveWins

A rainbow sea of love and support;
I was reminded today that light and love win over fear and darkness.
As a teenager I struggled and ultimately condemned myself to live a lie.
Thankfully, over time and support from friends and family, I found the authentic me.
I had accepted that I could follow my dreams and love who I want; but would never be married.
Two years ago in California, I provide myself wrong––after 11 years of unconditional love, support, and creativity I was married to my best friend.
Today, everyone in this country, regardless of race, religion, or sexual orientation, can experience the joy and safety of equality.
Love is love and marriage is marriage.

It's Official!

After 11 years of happiness, love, success and a lot of laughter...
It is official!!!
I didn't think I'd feel a "change" but I was wrong-
Nothing would have prepared me for how huge an impact yesterday was.
I'm so blessed to be surrounded by a loving, accepting group of friends and of course my family!
Here's to a lifetime of continued joy!

Tying The Knot

After 11 wonderful years,
A proposition of hate,
And a ruling for Equality-
Love will prevail today.
Jeff and I are tying the knot.
There's never been a person in my life that has influenced, inspired, challenged or loved me more!
I hope that I can be that for him too!
For the rest of our lives.

Homophobia at Prom... Really? Still!

It's hard for me to believe that there are still people in this country that (call themselves Christian's) and continue to condemn others.

Homophobia, fear, ignorance...

There are a lot of words to describe these people, but in the end, the word that sums it up best is: HATE.

The following article is almost unbelievable.

Now by "traditional" do you think they mean the kind of Prom where the "jock" date rapes the Prom Queen?

Thank You Mr. President

A country still divided,

Hopefully not for long.

No leader has ever had the blessings of all-

Their ability to soar in spite of that is what makes history.

"Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers & sisters are treated like anyone else under the law..." - President Barack Obama

Amen. 

Instinct Magazine Article

I'm so excited to share a fun interview that Jeff and I did for the April 2012 issue of Instinct Magazine.
I'm especially honored to be a part of this particular issue, because it features Jason Mraz on the cover.  It's the first time Instinct has featured a straight man on the cover... More importantly, it's an issue that focuses on Equality!  Please go out and buy a copy of the April Issue of Instinct Magazine and stand up for love!

I Do.

I'm proud of California. Yesterday "The Golden State" lived up to its nickname and officially joined the twenty-first century- by reversing the ban on gay marriage. Equality for all is now one step closer for everyone in the United Stares of America.

I'm especially moved by reading a portion of Chief United States District Judge Vaughn Walker's ruling; “the evidence shows Proposition 8 does nothing more than enshrine in the California Constitution the notion that opposite sex couples are superior to same sex couples.”
Walker also concluded that “gender no longer forms an essential part of marriage; marriage under law is a union of equals.”

I applaud Judge Vaughn Walker for understanding that every person regardless of gender or sexual preference should have the same rights.
Now all gay couples are entitled to share in the same sex-less, unhappy relationships of their straight counter parts!
I joke, of course- I'm truly grateful for the progress that we as a country continue to achieve. Moreover, I'm encouraged by the clarity and enlightenment that continues to grow in the human heart!
I'm anxious for the day I get to say: I Do!

Over It.

People who act like they care.
People who DEMAND respect, but offer none.
People who want you to "do it" their way, but make it your own.
People who forget they live in a glass house.
People who call themselves a friend, and offer no friendship.
People who take advantage- EVERY opportunity they get...
...and then act like you're the asshole for calling them out on it.
People who forget that we're ALL on the same "level" regardless of titles, money or
background- we're ALL human beings that deserve EQUALITY.

Divorce or Marriage...

Depending on where you search the internet, the divorce rate in this country can be anywhere from 43% to just over 50% of all marriages ending in divorce. Though it is almost impossible to find a straight answer or statistic on the matter... even the National Center for Health Statistics, despite all of their surveys, charts and graphs offer only a projected percentage.
Nevertheless, I think it's safe to say, that divorce is a very common solution to married life.
When I was growing up, I remember thinking how lucky I was that my parents were still together, as the majority of my friends' parents were divorced...
Then that day happened to me and my family... I was a junior in high school when my parents decided to separate. I never thought that day would happen, and though I know my parents tried very hard to work through their problems, the inevitable D-day still came. I hold no judgments on my parents. I love them both very much, and I believe that they are both very happy in their lives now.
That being said, I have four wonderful role models when it comes to marriage... My Grandma & Grandpa Shaffer have been married 52 years, and my Grandma & Grandpa Smith 51 years. Their love, dedication and hard work give me such hope!
That's why I'm so shocked that there are people in this country who fight so hard against allowing equal rights to everyone in regard to sharing a loving bond and commitment to one another until death do them part.
What exactly is "Traditional Marriage?"
How many people live without sin? I'm no authority on religion, but my general belief was that we are all sinners... So why then are some above the rest? Why is it okay to preach hate and fear? Didn't Jesus Christ preach love and forgiveness? Why with so many marriages ending in divorce, abuse, adultery... Should anyone stand as the authority on who can and cannot marry.
Yes. The Bible. Everyone always quotes the Bible.
Ironically, the same people who defend the term "Traditional Marriage" as one man and one woman- have a wonderful way of overlooking the Word of the Bible that no longer suits their needs:
i.e. you shall not commit adultery, love thy neighbor, let he who is without sin cast the first stone... The list goes on and on, and of course like almost everything in the Bible- either side can find a justification or exception.
So here is my thought, since we are ALL sinners and the "Traditional Marriage" divorce rate is at nearly 50%... Why not encourage the bond between two people. Encourage love, honor and monogamy for all people, and maybe future generations will be able to get the divorce rate down...