LGBTQ+ Pride Month: Documentary Recommendation: Sally

 Sally is a documentary currently streaming on Hulu and Disney+ about the first American woman astronaut in space: Sally Ride. 

There are spoilers in this blog post, so stop reading if you want to watch the documentary and not be spoiled. 

Sally was not only the first American woman in space, she was also gay. 

But she hid that part of her life from everyone except her very closest friends.

She gave her life partner of 27 years, Tam, permission to tell the world after she died. 

Sally died at the age of 61 of pancreatic cancer. 

She and Tam had known each other since they were kids. 

They were together for 27 years. 

So why did Sally choose to stay in the closet? 

A number of reasons. 

She grew up in a family that did not express their emotions. 

She worked in a male-dominated field.

She was friends with Billy Jean King and witnessed what she endured when she was outed. She was taken to court, lost many of her endorsements, and was dragged through the mud in the media. 

Sally became a celebrity when she was selected to be the first American woman astronaut. 

She became a hero to many, especially girls. 

She and Tam started a program to get more girls involved in STEM. 

She was scared that if she and Tam were outed, then the program would be discontinued. 

With celebrity status comes intense media scrutiny. 

She was trying so hard to fit into the male-dominated world of NASA, and then she had to field ridiculous misogynistic questions. 

When reporters referred to her as miss, she would rely, "You can call me Sally, or you can call me Doctor. Do not call me Miss."

It is very sad that Sally felt she could not live her live out in the open. 

Given her situation, it makes sense. But it doesn't make it any less sad, for her and for Tam. 

librarianintx

LGBTQ+ Pride Month Documentary Recommendation: Will & Harper

When comedian Will Ferrell learns that his friend of more than thirty years has transitioned, they embark on a cross country road trip. It is an opportunity for them to reconnect as friends, and for Will, and the audience, to learn about Harper's transition. There are a lot of laughs, some tears, and unfortunately some nerve-wracking and hurttful moments,  most notably in my great state of Texas.

In sharing her story with such candor and bravery, Harper teaches Will and us the importance of living life fully and authentically. 

The documentary is also a testament to the power and sustainability of friendship.

librarianintx

LGBTQ+ Pride Month: Hotlines for the LGBTQ+ Community

 THIS IS NOT A POLITICAL POST.

It is simply stating facts. 

In July, the Trump administration will eliminate funding for the section of the 988 Crisis and Suicide Prevention Hotline that serves LGBTQ+ youth. 

LGBTQ+ will still be able to call 988 and receive help. But there will no longer be a section specifically for them with specially trained staff to meet their needs. 

Here is a list of other hotlines that are available for anyone who identifies as LGBTQ+:

https://pflag.org/resource/support-hotlines 

It is important for people to know these resources exist.

That there is help available. 

Please share.

librarianintx

LGBTQ+ Pride Month: "It Gets Better" organization

 https://itgetsbetter.org/about/

It Gets Better is a non-profit organization that seeks to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer youth around the globe. This is accomplished by sharing stories, educating, and connecting globally. 

By uplifting, empowering, and connecting LGBTQ youth, the goal is to create thriving LGBTQ adults, who can then help the next generation to thrive. 

"It Gets Better" is an important concept for all LGBTQ youth. 

And everyone can get involved in helping these young people feel safe to be themselves.

librarianintx 

LGBTQ+ Pride Month: Book Recommendation: The T Guide

 I finished reading the T Guide last week. 

It has a longer title. 

I'm lazy. :)

Written by Gigi Gorgeous and Gottmik (both Drag Race alums, authors, and influencers among other jobs), this book contains everything you wanted to know about being transgender (including questions you shouldn't ask)

Contributors to the book are other members of the LGBTQ community, including Adam Lambert, Sasha Colby, and Senator Sarah McBride. 

It's designed to be both a handbook for those somewhere in the transition process, or thinking about it, and an educational tool for allies who want to know about the physical, mental, and emotional changes experienced by trans friends and family. 

I learned a lot by reading this book. An important thing to know is that transitioning is not a quick and simple process. Most people spend years transitioning. And there are a lot of options when it comes to the physical aspects.

librarianintx

LGBTQ+ Pride Month: Book Recommendation: Red, White and Royal Blue

 It's a completely implausible book that I absolutely loved. 

When will it ever happen that the son of the President of the United States falls in love with an English Prince? 

And the President is a woman from Texas, who is also a Democrat. 

Well, a girl can dream. 

And read a book about it. :)

Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston was so up my alley - a gay storyline, one family from Texas, the other English royalty - I couldn't ask for much more. 

librarianintx

LGBTQ+ Pride Month: Trans Lifeline

https://translifeline.org

Trans Lifeline operates a hotline that connects trans individuals to community resources and provides support.

Call or text 877-565-8860 if you or someone you know is in need.

The trans community is under attack.

Be a safe person for someone who needs that.

librarianintx 

LGBTQ+ Pride Month: Book Recommendation: Guncle

Guncle, by Steven Rowley, is a novel about a gay uncle who takes in his young niece and nephew over the summer after their mother (his best friend and sister-in-law) dies and his brother goes to rehab.

It's a funny and touching story about love, loss, starting over, guncle rules...and caftans.

I have not read the sequel yet - Guncle Abroad.

librarianintx

LGBTQ+ Pride Month: Drag Brunch

Went to Drag Brunch today.

It was a wonderful celebration of drag performers.

It was a safe space where everyone felt supported and included.

It was also super fun.

#pride

librarianintx 

LGBTQ+ Pride Month: Special

 Based somewhat on his memoir: I'm Special, and Other Lies We Tell Ourselves, Ryan O'Connell stars as his himself in the two-season comedy "Special" on Netflix, as he starts his first job and negotiates adult life as a gay man with cerebral palsy. 

He's open about being gay. 

About being disabled - not so much. 

I'm very interested in intersectionality, so I enjoyed this show. I liked that the show dealt with ableism, co-dependency and body positivity, among other topics. 

I also liked that the character of Ryan wasn't inspirational and faultless. 

He was human. 

Sometimes he was a jerk. 

He was figuring out his life, just like everyone else. 

Does the Ryan in "Special" figure out his life by the end of Season 2? 

I don't spoil storylines! :)

Two years ago, the real Ryan published his first novel, Just by Looking at Him, which is about a writer who is gay, has CP, and is struggling with alcohol addiction and acceptance in our ableist world. It's on my TBR list (To Be Read).

librarianintx

 

LGBTQ+ Pride Month: Matteo Lane

 I watch very little stand-up comedy, so I'm no expert, but...

Matteo Lane is FUNNY.

He's also smart, talented, hot, and gay. 

He speaks four languages. 

He's a painter, a cook, and he sings opera. 

In April of this year, he released his first book: Your Pasta Sucks.

He's naturally funny, and he has a real gift for interacting with members of the audience and making them part of the show. 

Here's an example: Matteo Lane - Italians, Germans, And The French

If you attend one of his shows, ask him how he feels about the Olive Garden. :)

librarianintx 

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