Sean's Soapbox

Well, it’s time. Along with millions of others, tomorrow I embark on a difficult journey toward better health. Both Michael and I have a few pounds to lose and we’re planning on losing it smartly. The problem is, I love to cook. I think a potential solution is to learn to cook and be creative with healthier food options. The plan is to follow the 17 Day Diet. While we could probably have figured out how to do it ourselves, having a plan to follow makes it seem a bit less daunting. The plan is based on sound nutrition, I think…centered around lots of vegetables, a moderate amount of lean protein, minimum carbohydrates (to start, then complex carbs are added after 17 days).

I plan on making this journey pubic and each time I post to Facebook, the entry will begin with my current weight followed by total pounds lost. Ive done this before. I can do this again.

In addition, I’m really going to pay close attention to what my inner dialog is…to get rid of any inner voices intent on damaging my sense of self worth. I think this is the harder goal.

Happy New Year all..

A few things have me thinking these days. On one hand it doesn’t seem like it’s getting better…or maybe this is what happens when controversial issues are in your face and people are forced to address them. However, the ignorance is shocking.

I was disgusted as I watched a news report interviews with parents, responding to the news story that a teacher was put on administrative leave (paid) while investigations were launched about his past performances in pornography — GAY pornography. Parents were concerned for the safety of their children, suggesting that they were somehow threatened by this gay man. I kept asking myself if he were straight would this have been as big an issue. The tack of the story was, we have a sick individual…after all, he was in a gay pornographic movie, and now he is around our children.

The one heartening outcome is the reported responses:

A poll on the Fox News site finds a staggering majority (81 percent) of readers believe Hogan should be allowed to keep his job, compared with a mere 18 percent who feel he should be fired.

Then there is the controversy over a Manhunt Ad as reported by the Atlantic Wire. Blatant sexuality, one homosexual, one heterosexual…the Koors ad, a bit more explicit in my opinion…yet the Manhunt ad was removed after complaints.

Maybe this is what happens when society is forced to really look at controversial or, previously hidden issues. It can be a scary time given that there will always be the vocal “crazies” that get the news coverage. I only hope that this is the kind of exposure that shows the world that gay people live among society. You know them, and we are just like you. Shocking concept, isn’t it?

Yesterday I was lucky enough to participate in an outreach concert with the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus.

Although I knew that the chorus did perform outreach concerts, I never really understood what good work they are. On Sunday we sang for a combined group; Hosted by the First Parish Church of Groton, this concert will benefit several Gay Straight Alliance programs in the area including the Parker Charter Essential School GSA, Groton School GSA, Lawrence Academy GSA, Groton-Dunstable Regional High School Drama Guild, and North Middlesex Regional High School GSA. All proceeds went to Gay Straight Alliances in the four local high schools. Youth from the schools are being asked to identify the best use for this gift as a means to spread awareness of GLBT and bullying issues.

I firmly believe that hate and prejudiced are the result of ignorance (unless being promoted by certain fanatical right-wing groups…but this isn’t a political post). And performing in front of and for groups like this, I hope, helps to bridge the divide…helps to educate people and stop ignorance and hate.

The most touching part was when we sang our closing song, Everything Possible by Rev. Fred Small and were joined by a junior choir. The song is touching by itself, but with that accompaniment, I couldn’t help but tear up. Imagine what the world could be if everyone were taught tolerance at a young age…The only measure of your words and your deeds is the love you leave behind.

We have cleared off the table, the leftovers saved
Washed the dishes and put them away
I have told you a story and tucked you in tight
At the end of your knockabout day
As the moon sets its sails to carry you to sleep
Over the midnight sea
I will sing you a song no one sang to me
May it keep you good company

You can be anybody you want to be
You can love whomever you will
You can travel any country where your heart leads
And know I will love you still

You can live by yourself, you can gather friends around
You can choose one special one
And the only measure of your words and your deeds
Will be the love you leave behind when you’re done

There are girls who grow up strong and bold
There are boys quiet and kind
Some race on ahead, some follow behind
Some go in their own way and time
Some women love women, some men love men
Some raise children, some never do
You can dream all the day never reaching the end
Of everything possible for you

Don’t be rattled by names, by taunts, by games
But seek out spirits true
If you give your friends the best part of yourself
They will give the same back to you

You can be anybody you want to be
You can love whomever you will
You can travel any country where your heart leads
And know I will love you still
You can live by yourself, you can gather friends around
You can choose one special one
And the only measure of your words and your deeds
Will be the love you leave behind when you’re done

I wish every child could be put to bed hearing these words sung to them…but I hope, little by little, having organizations like the BGMC sing it to them now can help evoke change.

Here is a video of the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus singing the song: and if you want to come see us sing, we have several Holiday concerts coming up…check out the BGMC site for more information.