LGBTQ+ Pride Month Organization Spotlight: The Trevor Project

 The Trevor Project: www.thetrevorproject.org

The Trevor Project operates a 24/7/365 hotline for LGTBQ+ young people in crisis. 

The organization is also involved in advocacy, research, peer support, and public education. 

The Trevor Project saves lives, and changes minds. 

Donate if you are able. 

Consider volunteering. 

Spread the word about this vital resource for a vulnerable population. 

librarianintx 

LGBTQ+ Pride Month: Gay Men's Chorus

On May 18 I went to the Capital City Men's Chorus (CCMC) concert. 

I had not been to a concert in several years - since before the pandemic. 

I was so glad I went. 

It was an afternoon of beautiful music, heartfelt personal stories, and a wonderful sense of community and inclusivity. 

CCMC does not discriminate. 

You do not have to identify as gay, and you do not have to identify as male, to be a member of the chorus. 

You do have to be able to sing. 

And sing they did.  

If you have a Gay Men's Chorus in your city, go to a show. 

Support the arts in your community.

Now more than ever, support queer art where you live. 

Many programs are losing funding and need ticket sales and donations to remain operational. 

There are costs associated with choruses that many don't consider, such as venue rentals, paying musicians, printing programs, etcetera. 

I feel privileged to have a Gay Men's Chorus where I live, and I hope they have the opportunity to continue serenading the community for years to come. 

librarianintx

Me and the Queens

 I promise, all my posts for Pride month are not going to be about drag queens. 

Although they could be. :)

Anyway, here are some pictures of me meeting some of them. 

Most of the pictures are from Drag Race tour shows. 

The last picture is of me meeting Yvie Oddly at her book signing event. 

Two stories about me and queens. 

Story #1:

I met Eureka (blond in the red dress), who I absolutely adore!

After we hugged and took the picture and I told her I loved her, she said, 

"Girl, that hair color is everything!!"

It was one of the best moments OF MY LIFE!

A drag queen complimented my hair!

Life doesn't get much better than that. 

Story #2:

When I met Yvie, we did the sideways hug thing when we had our picture taken. 

Then she said to me, "Okay, now I need a real hug,"

And she gave me a full-on, just the right type of tight, big hug. 

It was wonderful. 

If you don't know Yvie, look for videos of her on YouTube. 

She has the most unique laugh I've ever heard. 

I love it. 

librarianintx

LGBTQ+ Pride Month Show Spotlight: "We're Here"

 Remember how I said in my last post that many queens from Ru Paul's Drag Race have gone on to star in other shows? 

Ladies and gentlemen, exhibit A: "We're Here."

We're Here was on for four seasons on HBO Max. 

The first three seasons starred Eureka, Shangela, and Bob the Drag Queen.

Season Four starred Sasha Velour, Priyanka, and Jada Essence Hall. 

On the show, the drag queens traveled across the country, recruiting people (see what I did there?) to get drag queen makeovers and star in a town drag show. People from all walks of life, all genders, all colors - inclusive. 

True confessions - I have not watched Season Four yet. 

But I ADORED seasons one through three. 

So fun. 

So touching.

So much heart. 

So fabulous. 

These makeovers were transformative. 

I wish every homophobe was made to watch this show. 

Maybe it would change their narrow-minded views about gay people, especially about trans people. 

If you only watch two episodes, watch Florida Part One and Florida Part Two of Season Three.

But really, watch all of it. 

It will make you have all the feels.

Here's a clip from Season 1, with Hunter, and her Drag Mother Shangela: 

https://youtu.be/uBiLhWSl334?si=XerXSIUjVMxH04SD    

librarianintx

LGBTQ+ Pride Month Show Spotlight: "Ru Paul's Drag Race"

Happy LGBTQ+ Pride Month!

LGBTQ+ Pride Month is celebrated every year during the month of June to commemorate the Stonewall Riots, which occurred in 1969. 

You might be saying, "Why do you keep typing "LGBTQ+? We know what Pride is."

But Disability Pride is celebrated in July every year, so that's why I'm making the distinction. 

Ru Paul has been the face of drag for decades. 

His show, Ru Paul's Drag Race, began in America 18 seasons ago, and has since become a franchise and worldwide phenomenon. 

It is a weekly reality show where drag queens compete to win the title of "America's Favorite Drag Superstar" which includes a cash prize and gifts. 

It's a show filled with fun, camp, pain, heart, and fabulousness. 

There have also been "Drag Race All Star" seasons, Ru Paul's Drag U, Ru Paul's Secret Celebrity Drag Race, and Ru Paul's Drag Race Global All Starts.

At least fifteen other countries have had their own Drag Race competitions. 

Ru Paul's Drag Race has won 27 Emmy Awards, and 6 MTV Movie & TV Awards, among other awards. 

Contestants from the show have used their exposure to carve out success in the entertainment industry, including touring; creating music, art, and fashion; appearing on Broadway; writing books; and staring in other television shows. 

Ru Paul's Drag Race will make you laugh, tear up, and show you how to "throw shade," "spill tea", and "be sickening." 

Check out Ru Paul's Drag Race on Paramount+.  

librarianintx

Survivor Season 48 Finale: My Thoughts

 Um...

It was okay. 

I'm conflicted. 

Kyle deserved to win - because he won the final challenge, and because he did the best in the final tribal council. 

You never know what a jury is going to want. 

But lately they seem to go for big reveals. 

That's what this jury seemed to want. 

And Kyle and Eva gave them what they wanted. 

Joe did not. 

I knew Joe wasn't going to win when he weakly said, "I'm just a fireman."

Joe was a comp beast, a family man, a compassionate and caring man.

But he did not outplay, outwit, and out last. 

I'm just kind of confused. 

Ever since the merge, it was "Get Joe out. We gotta get Joe out." 

And then at five they vote out Mitch?!?

But Kyle was right. He thought he could beat Joe, and he did. Solidly.

But I kinda feel like he and Kamila should have been co-winners. 

And it was Kamila's comments while sitting on the jury that backed up Kyle's claims of plotting to get out Shahin. 

After the vote, instead of basking in Kyle's win, it turned into more of the Eva show. 

I really enjoyed this season. 

Mitch, Eva, and Joe were my favorites. 

But the finale was kind of meh for me. 

I wanted to see Joe fight for the win, and earn it. 

librarianintx

Survivor Season 48: Predictions

Who will win?

Who should win?

There's still a lot of game to play.

There's five people left.

So I don't know who will win.

Too many scenarios. 

In my opinion, Joe should win.

He's won the most competitions.

He has the record in sight.

And he's played a great social game.

The tight four almost made it to the end.

And this is where Joe faltered.

He let Kyle and Kamilla get to him.

They were able to convince him that Shauhin had an idol and was plotting against him.

Did Shauhin express thoughts of getting out Joe?

Of course he did.

Everyone on the island did.

Except Eva.

Eva will never write Joe's name - until the final tribal council.

Does Eva deserve to win?

Does Mitch deserve to win?

No, and no.

But I'm a big fan of both, and I'm proud of both of them.

Do Kamilla or Kyle deserve to win?

Plotting (and succeeding) in getting out Shauhin has given them some cred.

If they get out Joe, one of them deserves to win.

But I hope Joe takes it.

And I hope Sia gives some love to Mitch and Eva. That would make me so happy.

No matter what happens,  it's been a great season. Can't wait to see how it all plays out. 

librarianintx 

The 5 AM Club

You know that book, The 5 AM Club?

I haven't read it.

But I aspire to do what I think it talks about.

I dream of meditating upon waking.

Stretching

Journaling

Sipping coffee on my patio

Listening to the birds and soaking in that "healthy amount" of Vitamin D.

And then there's my reality.

Another day of hitting the damn snooze for 20-30 minutes

Taking the world's fastest shower.

Rushing out of the apartment with damp hair 

And nearly 15 hours later, I'm still up,  because I'm a damn night owl.

Which is why I will never be part of the 5 AM Club.

Also - I don't like coffee

librarianintx 

"Be on Time Chronicles": Driver Dilemma

Metro Access went all Sophie's Choice on my poor driver this afternoon.

He had two choices:

Take the lady already on the bus way south, because she was bitching that she had to be home when her granddaughter got home from school.

Or...

Take me first, way north, because I had a medical appointment. 

IMO, my bone density scan trumped the granddaughter (see what I did there?)

But I didn't complain. 

My driver already looked like he was having a migraine. 

Or an aneurysm. 

So I kept my mouth shut and hoped I wouldn't be late.

At one point we were on 1-35 (the first of two freeways that currently resemble war zones) when we were suddenly alongside an EMS vehicle. I wanted to gesture toward the driver and yell, "Here's your patient!" 

But in a few weeks past Passover miracle, we survived Kamikaze drivers and freeways in varying stages of transformation. I got to my appointment on time.

Who knew you could be shlepped an hour in the opposite direction, and still get to where you needed to be at the appropriate time.

librarianintx 

Writing Prompt for May 4th: Hobbies and Activities You Enjoyed When You Were Younger

 1) Swimming

I LOVED to swim! It was my only form of exercise besides walking. I'm a Pices. I loved the feeling of being in the water, how light my body felt. I also loved swimming under the water and could hold my breath for a pretty long time. I feel bad for my sister though. When we were young, my sister had the responsibility of getting me out of the pool when it was time, and I fought her all the time. She had to drag me kicking and screaming, which caused a scene at our apartment complex. 

2) Needlework

I enjoyed cross stitch as a teenager. I never learned counted cross stitch; I did the ones with the x's. Most the pieces I did, I gave away as gifts. My eyes won't let me do cross stitch anymore.

3) Dolls

I loved playing with dolls. I didn't have a huge Barbie collection, but it was big enough for me. A friend of one of my aunt's hand-made some barbie clothes for me. They were so nice, but they were also very 70's! I looked at them recently and planned to give my collection to my oldest niece for her daughter, but the dolls and clothes did not age well. 

4) Reading

I was also an avid reader (and still am).

I was (and still am) a devoted Little House on the Prairie fans. I read all the books. I have three nieces, but none of them read the books. They were all into Harry Potter. I also loved Beverly Cleary and Judy Blume books. I had the honor of meeting Judy Blume at a book signing a few years ago. 

5) Journaling

I am an avid journal writer and have been since I was eight years old. I recently brought journals from my mom's house, but I haven't counted them yet. Thirty maybe? Maybe more. 

librarianintx

Writing Prompt for May 3rd: Activities That Make You Lose Track of Time

 This can also be called a flow state. 

reading a good book

watching a good show

journaling and blogging

playing phone games 

some examples: Sudoku, Cross Math, Triple Tile, Boggle, Minesweeper, Waffle, etcetera

doing word searches, cryptograms, and other puzzles 

cooking 

librarianintx

Writing Prompt for May 2nd: Times You've Felt Most Like Yourself

 I would say when I'm having a productive day at work.

It feels really good being busy at work.

Helping people

researching information

creating fact sheets and guides

Jumping in to help co-workers when needed.

Twenty-five years in...and I still love my job. 

librarianintx

Writing Prompt for May 1st: Things You'd Do If You Knew You Couldn't Fail

 The quick and easy answer: everything

But it's not realistic

And even though failing sucks...

It's often an element of success.

Success is even sweeter and more triumphant when you survive failure on the path. 

I think a better question for me would be:

What would I attempt if I knew I wouldn't get hurt doing it? 

If I could physically do it.

Like run a marathon

Or swim the English Channel. 

I've watched videos of the Boston Marathon recently. 

Seeing the joy and pride as people cross the finish line - I'd love to experience that feeling. 

librarianintx

Should one moment define your life?

Something happened yesterday -

I don't mean to vague-post, but I would rather not go into specifics. 

Someone made a comment during an online event that was...not nice. 

Happens frequently these days, unfortunately. 

Today this person sincerely apologized and took responsibility for their actions. 

So, my question is, should this one moment of thoughtlessness, frustration, bad temper, whatever was going on, define that person? 

Will the person be remembered for that one moment of poor judgement, communicated without forethought?

Two examples:

Will Smith 

One minute he's a wildly popular actor, rapper, comedian.

Then he slaps another actor onstage at the Oscars in front of millions of people, and in that instant, he becomes persona non grata.

He is banned from the Oscars. 

He loses job opportunities.

The public turns against him. 

He is almost arrested. 

Travis Kelse

One minute he's a successful, respected football player 

He's also Taylor Swift's hunky boyfriend. 

Then he shoves his coach during a heated moment in the Super Bowl, and suddenly he's not only a man capable of violence, he's also suddenly an abuser. 

Many people go online, urging Taylor to leave him before she gets physically assaulted. 

If she hasn't already been. 

From America's best boyfriend to "run away, run fast".

Is this right? 

Is it fair? 

Should who you are be defined by one moment in your life? 

In my two examples, should Will and Travis have been able to control their temper? 

Of course. 

But are we holier than thou to insist that WE would have been able to? 

We are all capable of good and bad.

Some mistakes are bigger and more public than others. 

But we are all capable of screwing up.

That is part of what makes us human. 

I think how we handle the aftermath of our mistakes should define our character more than the mistake itself. 

And as humans, we should also be capable of understanding, grace, and forgiveness.

librarianintx

 

Winning quote

 "Winning doesn't always mean being first. Winning means you're doing better than you've done before" - Bonnie Blair, professional speed skater

I like this quote. 

I would even take it a step further. 

Winning can mean taking the step to do anything, especially if it's something you haven't done before. 

Winning can mean having the courage to try. 

Making the attempt. 

Seeing something through to its conclusion.

Maybe you didn't win the writing or art contest.

But you signed up for it, you created something, and you submitted that creation.

You didn't win the race. 

But you finished it. 

And maybe you beat your own record. 

That's a win for you.  

Your team didn't win the game.

But you all played hard, you worked together as a team, and you didn't give up.

Winning is a tremendous feeling.

But trying and finishing should feel awesome too. 

librarianintx

Paratransit Survival Kit

It only took me how many years of riding paratransit to think of this?

Too many.

I mean, I always have my phone with me, which has books, music, and games on it.

And sometimes I bring my journal. 

Or a print book.

But today was the first time I brought what I'm calling the "Metro Access Activity Bag."

In a small, easy to carry bag, I put my journal, two pens, earbuds, phone, a word search book, and a box of colored pencils, because the word search book includes pictures to color.

My rides have been so long lately that i want a variety of activities with me to help me pass the time. If I'm too tired to read, or my phone is low on charge, i can journal, color, or do a word search. 

Being engaged is much better than staring at the traffic and the construction, wondering how long the ride will be.

Coloring and writing are a challenge sometimes because the bus can be bumpy. But there's always traffic, red lights, and loading and unloading passengers when the bus isnt moving.

Always trying to look on the bright side.

librarianintx 

The Oscars

I watched a few of the Oscar-nominated movies for this awards season.

But that isn't what I want to talk about. 

I want to vent about the acceptance speeches.

It's a 3 hour show, people.

If there's an important political or societal comment that you want to make - fine.

I'm not opposed to that.

But do it as briefly as possible. 

Be respectful of everyone's time - the viewers, as well as the winners in other categories.

Winners in some of the minor categories were "played off", but Adrian Brody was allowed to keep speaking, taking way more than his alloted time. I understand that winning an Oscar gives you a platform where you can speak out about issues that are important to you.

But other awards were handed out after his category. And the show was already running thirty minutes over.

In fact, Hulu's feed ended before the show was over, so viewers didn't get to see the presentation of the final two awards. 

The person who wins for sound editing or special effects should receive the same time and respect as the people who win the acting awards.

And if you want to speak on a particular topic, realize you might not have time to thank your agent, your parents-in-law, your college roommate, and your fifth grade teacher.

librarianintx

Living a Healthier Lifestyle

It can feel overwhelming sometimes. 

All of the advice and guidelines

Eat the rainbow

Drink 8 glasses of water per day

Get 150 minutes of exercise per week 

Sleep 8 hours

What if you can't achieve all of that?

You might feel defeated. 

Like, why even try

You might procrastinate

Feelings of failure could lead you to make bad choices

I know I can't drink 8 glasses of water per day.

I think my diet is good, but could be improved.

What helps me is to focus on doing the best that I can.

And taking at least small steps to improvement. 

Doing at least ONE extra thing a day can give you a sense of accomplishment. 

And tiny steps are a way that you can build habits.

So I have a goal now.

Do at least one extra thing per day.

Something for my physical health

Something for my mental health 

I started yesterday.

The extra thing was strength training.

Probably spent less than a minute doing it 

But it was something 

And I was proud of myself.

Today I did ten leg lifts on each leg when I was doing my bed exercises.

Took me how long?

Thirty seconds maybe?

But I could feel the stretch.

I am one day into possibly making that part of my routine

Making it a habit

But if not

At least I did it today

Every little bit helps.

librarianintx

In This Political Climate...

My advice if you are in the minority...

And by minority, I mean anyone who is not...

Male 

White

Christian 

Cis

Wealthy

Keep a journal

It doesn't have to be handwritten

There are journaling apps

Some are free

Day One is an example

Some have the ability to upload audio files

If you can't physically type or have a reading or writing disability 

Maybe you don't like writing 

Maybe you think you don't write well

Doesn't matter

Write anyway

Journals are records

Of personal history

And what is happening in the world around us

Journals communicate our:

Thoughts

Emotions

Fears

Failures

Triumphs 

Journals teach future generations:

What we experienced

What we endured

How we survived

They are trying to:

Intimidate us

Silence us

Shame us

Devalue us

In some cases erase us

Your voice

Your accomplishments 

Your humanity

Your essence

Will live on

In your journals

Get to it

librarianintx

Super Bowl Performances - My Thoughts

A LOT of chatter about the Super Bowl - the game and the musical performances 

My thoughts:

The Game:

Whoa

I thought it would be WAY closer.

And I thought KC would win.

The musical performances:

I'll say this:

Just because I don't care for a band or singer / artist doesn't mean they suck or are talentless.

It simply means they aren't my cup of tea.

Lady Gaga:

I adore her.

"Hold My Hand" was an absolutely beautiful, heartfelt ode to anyone who is struggling.

Lauren Daigle:

I don't know her, but I thought her rendition of "America the Beautiful" was lovely. 

Jon Batiste:

I'm a big fan.

I think he's a genius.

I didn't mind the jazz spin on our National Anthem.

I'm not an anthem purist.

He's from New Orleans, performing in New Orleans.

It made sense to me.

His version certainly wasn't disrespectful in any way to me.

Kendrick Lamar:

I don't know his music.

I like some rap, but he's not my cup of tea.

That being said, I don't think he's terrible or talentless.

He's won multiple awards,  including Grammys.

I know his music has messages.

But unfortunately I couldn't understand him most of the time, so I didn't get what he intended to convey.

It's perfectly fine to like what you like, and give props to your favorite artists.

But that doesn't have to mean that what you don't care for is terrible. 

You can be respectful of what others like and value.

One more thing:

I am not a Swifty, but I like Taylor.

I think she is very talented and very generous.

And I think she and Travis are a beautiful couple.

I'm happy for them, and I hope fame doesn't ruin their relationship. 

Now their fashion sense yesterday - that's another story :)

librarianintx 

Elon Musk - Did He or Didn't He?

You be the judge

https://youtu.be/-VfYjPzj1Xw?si=PnVCojiSBwoiqUyh

Was it a Nazi salute?

Was it an homage to Celine Dion singing "My Heart Will Go On"?

Was it an unfortunate gesture made in a moment of unbridled exuberance?

If you are talking strictly mechanics, it is not a Nazi salute. The arm and palm placements are not the same. The Nazi salute does not include a thump on the chest that Elon did.

The problem is, there is mechanics...and then there is intention.

It also matters what you do and what you say in the face of such a controversy.

He has not offered an explanation. 

He has not apologized.

He has done nothing to dampen the firestorm.

If anything, he has poured gasoline on the inferno.

He has posted tweets making puns about the Holocaust. 

He also alleged that Taylor Swift has made gestures that resembled Nazi salutes.

Joking about the Holocaust - never okay

Period

Since he hasn't offered any kind of explanation, we can't know motive or intention.

From what he has tweeted post incident, we're also not seeing any signs of concern or remorse.

How he is handling the fallout speaks to me louder than the gesture itself.

librarianintx

"Just put on an extra sweater"

People who tell me that don't know enough about me. 

So I am here to educate. 

Many people with neuromuscular diseases are cold intolerant. 

But unfortunately, but with limited physical abilities, including arm movements, wearing extra layers of clothing can make moving even more difficult, if not impossible. 

This morning it had snowed a little, so I wanted to go outside. 

I put on a thermal undershirt, long sleeved turtleneck, zip up fleece jacket, and a puffer jacket. Getting the puffer jacket on over the other layers was difficult, but I made it. But even without the jacket, wearing the other layers made it hard for me to raise my arms to reach things, carry things or comb my hair. Not just difficulty moving my arms; my shoulders feel heavy too.

Today I chose warmth over ease of movement. 

But I could make that choice because I didn't have to go anywhere. 

I didn't have to worry about how my hair looked.

I didn't have to get on a bus or reach the elevator buttons or assemble packets of resources at work. 

So just keep that in mind the next time you see that I'm cold, or that I say I'm cold.

Decisions aren't easy.

Solutions sometimes result in problems. 

But we do the best we can. 

librarianintx

 

 

"Storytelling is a Powerful Form of Advocacy"

The title of this post is a quote from Shane and Hannah's new book interabled. 

The book includes stories from their dating and married life, as well as interviews of other interabled couples. 

Representation matters.

Visibility matters.

And storytelling can come in various forms -

Videos / reels on social media

Books / articles

Blogs / web sites

Movies and television - including acting, writing, producing, and directing

If you are part of a marginalized group and want to see that group represented in society (and represented accurately!), then be an agent of change. 

Make it happen.

Be an actor

Be a writer

Be an illustrator

Be an influencer

Be a public speaker

Start a non-profit 

Use your voice

Be visible

A spoiler from the book:

One of the interabled couples is a husband and wife who are Orthodox Jews.

Orthodox Jews usually find spouses through a matchmaker.

The husband had a difficult time with this process, because as a person with a disability he was not treated as high quality husband or father material.

In order to educate the population and make the process easier for people with disabilities, the husband and wife have both become matchmakers in their community. 

That is how you enact change.

You experience a problem.

And then you become part of the solution.

"Be the change you wish to see in the world" - Gandhi

Words to Live By

"You can't wait until life isn't hard anymore before you decide to be happy."

A singer known as Nightbirde uttered this amazing phrase during her performance on "America's Got Talent." 

She was dealing with cancer at the time, and has since passed away. 

Life can be hard. Harder for some than others. Finding light in the darkness can be uplifting, empowering. 

For me, gratitude is that beacon. Even on the most challenging days, finding at least one thing to be grateful for gives me hope and a feeling of satisfaction. 

Goals are important.

They give meaning and purpose to your life.

But don't wait for those achievements to be happy.

"You will get there. Until then, be here. This moment matters."

librarianintx 

Favorite Books from 2024

 I read 36 books in 2024.

I am only in competition with myself when it comes to how much I read.

I have friends who read many more books than I do. 

I was in a reading slump for part of last year. 

I hate reading slumps. 

When I am enjoying a book so much that I don't want to put it down, that is a happy place for me. 

Here are my favorite titles from last year:

"I Will Always Write Back" by Martin Ganda and Caitlin Alifirenka: The true story of two middle schoolers, one from the Midwest and the other from Zimbabwe, who began a lifelong friendship as pen pals.

"The Goldie Standard" by Simi Monheit - a Jewish grandmother is on a mission to marry off her granddaughter to a 'nice Jewish doctor' 

"Have a Little Faith: A True Story" Mitch Albom - Mitch connects with his childhood rabbi and an African American pastor and learns about faith and connection

I also found two new authors to like:

Carolyn Meyer - YA historical fiction

John Glatt - true crime

librarianintx

Great Quote for the New Year

We have no idea what tomorrow will bring, but today is overflowing with potential.

Allan Lokos

A great quote to remind us to be present and live in the moment. 

Living in the future can lead to anxiety, worry, and feeling overwhelmed. 

Live for today.

Live fully.

Happy 2025!

librarianintx