The tragic news hits me today that Tyler Clementi, an 18-year-hold Rutgers freshman killed himself after his roommate secretly broadcasted his same-sex encounters live on the web (story: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/30/nyregion/30suicide.html?hp).
This is no isolate event. A string of gay bullying tragedies occurred recently, including the suicide of 13-year-old Asher Brown from Houston on September 23. Billy Lucas, a 15-year-old from Greensburg, Indian, hung himself after being bullied for years by classmates who suspected that he was gay. (story: http://www.opposingviews.com/i/update-ca-anti-gay-bullying-victim-dies-following-suicide-attempt).
This exactly underlines the fact gays live in such a hostile environment in U.S. These cultural prejudices and anti-gay bullies makes growing up an especially challenging process for gay teens. That's why the gay rights battle should be fought not only in economic terms but also on cultural/societal grounds. How many more lost lives are needed to wake up the "mainstream"?
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
A few more photos at the proud festival
The American Idol performer (Frenchie Davis) sang while another performer danced around her.
Someone from the audience stepped up and dance to Frenchie's song.
A moment at lover's arms.
the two male dancers posed for guests.
A dynamic performer broke a sweat performing for us.
A male dancer.
I have to say I loved my telephoto lens more.
A few more photos
A newly wed couple who were both volunteers.
Adopted kid?
Our eloquent and humorous host. A star host in a local gay club.
DE Proud Festival
Johnz and I went to the Delaware Proud Festival at the Rehoboth Beach, two hours from our home. The weather could not be better, with blue sky and autumn breezes. The festival was held at the parking lot of a beach park (of course with access to the beach). It is small but nonetheless full of festivity. Two American idol alums performed at the festival and a few drag queens. This was the first time I watched an outdoor drag shows at day time. People were so happy so were we. As night fell, we went back to the beach. We decided to take a stroll on the sand beach holding our hands. This was one of the few places where we felt comfortable holding hands at public. Neon lights of the many shops on the boardwalk were still flashing but most people except a few brave kids avoid the darker beach. So we had the beach all to ourselves, and the waves bathed in the moon light.
Our stay at the Hampton Inn was much better than the last time but our trip only got better the next day. We visited a couple at their beach house and they took us to spend the afternoon at the north beach. Finally, we got to enjoy the comfort of beach chairs and umbrellas. Our friends taught us how to handle the waves -- jump if it is not too high, go under otherwise. Unfortunately, I gave up early on because I was buried by two powerful waves before I knew the tricks. Our hosts also took us to a leisurely hike at the beach park to the bird sanctuary with sightings of deers, yellow-legs, egrets. Before we separated, they treated us with a wonderful dinner at their favorite restaurant (which was a short walk from their house & from the beach). The three-course dinner was so well-presented and rich in flavor (I ordered the mozzarella cheese salad, crab cakes, and Tiramisu, most were locally made). We enjoyed ourselves thoroughly at the dinner and throughout the two days despite this was our second visit to the Rehoboth beach -- we first met our friends/hosts during the first visit.
two volunteers
We stayed for a short while at Poodle Beach , only to find that the festival was hold elsewhere
I stole a shot of this young man at the other side of the tent (but we're not that close; this is because of the telephoto lens that i have).
Our stay at the Hampton Inn was much better than the last time but our trip only got better the next day. We visited a couple at their beach house and they took us to spend the afternoon at the north beach. Finally, we got to enjoy the comfort of beach chairs and umbrellas. Our friends taught us how to handle the waves -- jump if it is not too high, go under otherwise. Unfortunately, I gave up early on because I was buried by two powerful waves before I knew the tricks. Our hosts also took us to a leisurely hike at the beach park to the bird sanctuary with sightings of deers, yellow-legs, egrets. Before we separated, they treated us with a wonderful dinner at their favorite restaurant (which was a short walk from their house & from the beach). The three-course dinner was so well-presented and rich in flavor (I ordered the mozzarella cheese salad, crab cakes, and Tiramisu, most were locally made). We enjoyed ourselves thoroughly at the dinner and throughout the two days despite this was our second visit to the Rehoboth beach -- we first met our friends/hosts during the first visit.
two volunteers
We stayed for a short while at Poodle Beach , only to find that the festival was hold elsewhere
I stole a shot of this young man at the other side of the tent (but we're not that close; this is because of the telephoto lens that i have).
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