Marriage is for Old Folks

As I sit here on PRIDE weekend, not out partying it up like I should be (poor), I'm listening to Nina Simone in my apartment. I'm sort of torn in that I want to be out gayin' it up but really wouldn't know where to begin? Am I supposed to just walk down the street making out with (my boyfriend) Jason? Cause I will. I've always felt at odds with the gay culture in that I really don't enjoy many of the things that they embrace. Not a huge fan of techno, Madonna, illicit drug use, and random sexual encounters. I'm obviously generalizing here, but you get the picture. I'm more into classic rock, quiet evenings, reading, that type of thing. I'm more of what they call "straight-acting." Which is funny, because it's not acting, it's just who I am. Perhaps I'm sort of a gay-nerd type.

And while I think gays should obviously be allowed to marry, I have no desire to do so. I like the word 'boyfriend.' It just has a nice ring to it. It's not ambiguous at all like 'partner.' Anyone can use 'partner.' I will admit that I've used the word 'roommate' when not sure how someone will react 'boyfriend.' I try to keep that to a minimum however. Eventually I could see 'Husband' working, but not now. In terms of gay pride, it's always been a confusing issue. Being gay is really just a small part of who I am. I don't want people to equate 'Patrick' with 'gay.' If they think Patrick = smart ass, that I'm cool with. On the other hand, like it or not, I am a part of this community and feel I should support it.

I was approached about 6 months ago at Best Buy to create a PRIDE group in an attempt to reach out to the LGBT community. Best Buy wants them to know that they care about the community because, well, gays are loyal. If you show them you care, they will continue to shop at your store. My reason? I want to do some good. Plain and simple. I agreed to head the organization and hand picked people who I saw had passion for this cause as well. The first few months were, in a word, hard.

It was hard getting things started. Our biggest goal was to make it into the parade and festival that's taking place tomorrow. Because we're a national company, they wanted about $10,000. Having just started our group, we had no numbers or facts that would show the boss men that they would get a return on their investment. Once we discovered that was a no-go, it seemed people lost interest.

I kept at it and eventually things just seemed to fall into place. We had been in communication with the Lambert House, which is similar to a boys & girls club, but for LGBTQ-oriented individuals. We're now their once-a-month meal providers, and having just completed the first meal, I can't wait to do it again. The energy, not only from the youth there (there were about 30-40 when we were told there would be 10-20) but from my co-workers as well, was amazing, It seemed like everyone had a great time, enjoyed the food, and was really glad we were there.

We're also a once-a-month crew for the LifeLong Aids Alliance. They cook a monthly meal for their various clients, volunteers, etc, that they need volunteers to cook for. While they had more of a routine set up, they were also very glad we were there. I was too. Word is spreading that Best Buy cares about the community. The brass can get what they want, and I can get what I want. Next step is to start working on getting in the parade for next year. I'll post some pictures of the events soon.

In other news, Salon.com posted a slide show of "The Year in Gay." While to me, it doesn't seem to be different than any other year, I enjoyed it. As slow as it seems to be taking, progress is being made. Marriage in NY, the potential repeal of DADT, etc. Let me know what you think.

The Year in Gay!

Best,
Patrick