Our hearts are breaking

After having been subjected to watch our LGBT brothers and sisters die on TV week after week, the mass killings in Orlando happened

It's hard not to draw a comparison, since it seems to have been the trope of 2016. "Bury your gays" and "Queer bating" has been in use far more in the first months of this year than the last ten years combined.

 

HeatherHogan has made a list over at Autostraddle, and it is beyond sad to look at this statistic. 

Still, this year just took a reality turn of the truly heartbreaking kind, when 49 LGBT people were brutally murdered at the Pulse night club in Orlando, Florida, on June 12, 2016. 

Right in the middle of our people celebrating Pride month.

Words cannot express the heartbreak and sadness, and yet somehow it feels like we've been experiencing this for months already. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to compare fictional characters with real, flesh and blood human beings.

Still, the fact that we've been watching ourselves get killed on screen has had a real impact on flesh and blood human beings all along. Depression, suicide and overall feelings of being worthless have been the very real and dangerous side effects of showing these LGBT characters dying left and right. Often right after finally finding someone to love.

If that's not a sick and twisted way to tell young LGBT people that our "lifestyle choices" come at a price, then I don't know what is!

While we're coming together as a LGBT family, we're also being subjected to having everyone - including those that have never attempted to hide their contempt and hatred of us - stating how awful this is. And yes, it is truly awful, but every single person who has been preaching hatred of LGBT people is part of this tragedy.

 

This Friday, I'm in love with life for those who no longer have one. 

I will stand with my entire LGBT family as I always have... and we need our allies to do the same. Not just when it's trendy or convenient, but every single time someone makes a joke and talks of hatred or disgust for any LGBT person or issue. And the same goes for gender, race, religion, etc.

 

If you're not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem. 

We cannot be nice or pleasant in a world that is still filled with people, who would rather we didn't exist at all.

 

We must be the light in this time of darkness.

Peace and love,

- GayGirl

 

P.S. There's been talk of the killer, Omar Mateen, being a closeted gay man himself, and while I don't know if this is true, I do think it is a beautiful rumor; If you are willing to die to show you hate us, then in death we will make you one of us!

That's Not Us - Quick and Dirty review

Looking for a sweet and realistic little film about relationships, then That's Not Us is just what you need!

Relationships can be hard work, but really, communication is key - and I do say this as someone who has been married for +10 years. Trust me, just talk to each other!

Anyway, That's Not Us focuses on three relationships: On consisting of two women, another consists of two men and then there's a straight couple. Yeah, I know, don't you just love it, when we're the majority!

Oh, and no lesbian dies in this movie... no need to bury your gays in movies made for us!

These three couples are friends because one half of the lesbian couple is best friends with one of the men in the gay couple and the other half of the lesbian couple is the sister of the woman in the straight relationship. Got it?

Yes, the lesbians are at the heart of everything... and they're good at helping everyone else talk about things, but very bad at talking to each other.

In fact, the problem in all three relationships is communication. There's plenty of love, and lots of "I want what's best for you even if it's not what I want".

I don't want to spoil anything (hence the "quick and dirty" review), but I will say this: That's Not Us is a wonderful and sweet FEEL-GOOD movie... with some pretty steamy scenes. You feel me?! ;-)

Here's the trailer for it:
Directed by William Sullivan, who also co-wrote the script with Derek Dodge, the movie stars Elizabeth Gray (Liz) and Nicole Pursell (Jackie) as the lesbian couple, David Rysdahl (Spencer) and  Mark Berger (James) as the gay couple and finally Tommy Nelms (Dougie) and Sarah Wharton (Alex) as the straight couple.

And also, for good measure, this is the official storyline synopsis:

Three twenty-something couples – gay, lesbian and straight – travel to an upstate New York beach house to enjoy the last days of summer, but what was meant to be a fun, carefree retreat transforms into an intimate exploration of sex and commitment. Moment-to-moment, relationships are tested as tensions between the couples and friends begin to simmer. THAT’S NOT US is a romantic comedy that questions what it takes to sustain a healthy long-term partnership. While gender and sexuality may vary, the struggles to make love last do not.

Strand Releasing is distributing, which is always a good thing in my book. Click this link to head on over to the official page at their website.

Look at those happy lesbians not dying!

For the record: No, I'm not getting paid to write about this movie... Wifey and I just saw the film on Netflix this past weekend and loved it.

Loving the LGBT love,
- GayGirl

I just love this Liberal Redneck

Don't you just love it, when someone words what you've been thinking? Thank you, Liberal Redneck. 

Liberal Redneck is the BEST and - for once - I'll just let someone else rant on. Especially because I agree with every word he says!


Okay, I do have to share just one quote from the video with you:

"... because like most things that disgust you, you lack the capacity to understand it. You know, [like] homos, algebra... shit like that!" 

That's right, he said it! Thank you, Liberal Redneck. Just... thank you!

To whoever is reading this; I hope you have a beautiful and safe day!

Much love,
- GayGirl

Woohoo, that's my Drew!

Yes, I know, TWO entire posts in just one day... What is the world coming to? Anyway, I've always adored Drew (she's got "The Drew" status just like Ellen, but I'll humor those in doubt) Barrymore. She's always so happy and seem to genuinely wish to make other people happy. And she has always been a great support for all LGBT issues. Still, I can't help but get a huge smile across my face, when I just now stumbled across pictures of her taking part in a protest march in California against Prop 8 and the need for marriage equality.

I've loved her book "Little Girl Lost" since I first read it many years ago, and she has come so very far - both personally and professionally. Usually, I say either "my Drew" or "that's me" when I see her. The first because I'm proud of the things she does and the second because she always wears outfits that would look great on me. :oP Now, I would need to get in better shape and go to the hairdresser a lot more often to tame my WILD hair - my hair is the one thing about me my Wifey can't tame, LOL - but other than that there is quite a good resemblance. ;o)

Oh, Drew, if only you would "turn gay" it would be the coolest day. Not because I'd trade Wifey in for you (or anyone one else), but I would just be so proud to have you on our team. Hmm, then again, I suppose we already have that. :o)

Rock ON with your bad self and God(dess) bless you, Drew Barrymore!

One happy homo-camper,
- GayGirl

P.S. I am SO back... Can you feel my blogging-mojo? ;o)