Keeping the world at arm's length- Wake UP!

When are we going to stop holding our hands out in a defensive posture, and turn our hands outwards to welcome all people to the table to create change. I'm just really getting fed up with the way activism seems to work these days. We have so many national groups that seem to want to throw as many fancy galas and cater to the stars as possible. We have local groups that wish they were the national groups so they forget about the struggle in their own backyards because the ego of the group has gotten to be the size of Mt. Fuji.

We throw parties and have events- and really its fun to come together and share with like minded people... because that's easy. I don't have to be anyone but myself and if I get on bull horn and scream "Let's create change!!!" I'll have many happy voices applauding my statement. Not so easy when we have to get in front of a group of what we might consider non-like minded people and to do the same thing--but it is so much more powerful when we do. Otherwise it is like going to a vegetarian festival and telling people not to eat animals.

We need to get our issues and our faces in front of people who do not know us. We need to hold events that are open to ALL, and we need to stop saying that just because you do not see eye to eye with me- there is no room at the table for YOU. How the hell are we supposed to change if we have such a narrow view of the world around us. And yes, I too am an angry activist- I'm angry at the way WE do things, and continue to do things. We sell tickets for an equality ride only in places where we know people will buy the tickets, yet think of the impact it will have to sell them at places that are not exclusively gay-- Oh and don't forget its an EQUALITY march, and an "We only want you to come along if you are gay and see only what we ask you to see March".

Are we too afraid to be ourselves? Are we too afraid to really ask for change? Are we too afraid to step out that rainbow colored bubble for one fucking moment to say- I am not afraid anymore.

When are you REALLY going to be part of change? When are you going to BE the active part of activism?

If you are afraid, that's okay too. Hang around all the people that will only agree with you, that will always see you as the person they know you to be-- And when you are ready to come out of the secondary closet you've created... The rest of will be there to welcome you.

Much love and peace to you all....

Sorry for the rant, just am tired of all the crap I see in this world... and sometimes.. ya have to vent.

Mike