A Comment on the Passing of Same-Sex Marriage in New York.

I had to write about this. I just didn't know any other way to express what I'm feeling.

It's amazing. This feeling... Amazing.

Thinking of all the possibilities that this opens for us now... it makes my eyes water. I mean, yes, I could go get married in Mexico City, or Sweden, or even Connecticut. But I am a New Yorker. I can marry in my city now. I have rights in my own city! Fuck! That's huge!!!

Before, I could go to Connecticut and get married and then come back and have my marriage recognized in NY, but how shitty is that? "Yeah, OK, we'll recognize it, but you can't do it here." C'mon! Being able to DO it in my city, the place I consider to be my home (even if I live abroad), it's an amazing feeling.

This whole thing is not about marriage for me. Andre and I have little interest in marriage. Our life is great as is, and sure, I hope we get married some day (Why not allow myself to be a romantic?), but it's not a goal we're working towards; It's something that will happen when the time is right and we want to do it. The reason this excites me so, is that I can get married.

'Can'. What a wonderful word. I have the ability to do 'x' action. Before this law, I was able to say: "I can go to the supermarket." or "We can leave the city for the weekend." or even "I can haz cheezburger." But, "Honey, we can get married whenever we want." was not a statement I could make and have it be true. It's that possibility. I'm freaking out over the fact that a giant obstacle has just been removed from our lives. A door has just opened, and there is no obnoxious sign at the entrance telling us what we can and cannot do due to our sexual orientation. This is a battle that I will no longer have to, someday, wage; And it brings me great relief.

And still, I can't and won't ever forget that there are people who don't want me to have this right. I don't think they're evil or anything melodramatic like that, but it makes me sad. The law now favors my community and I, but there are still those who will see and treat us like second class citizens, which is why we must continue to rally, to educate people, to reach out peacefully and openly to those who believe we are less, or wrong, or depraved, or sinners and help them see that we are people too. We too struggle with our lives, and love, and get angry, and get sick. And just because I love someone who has the same genitalia as I, it doesn't mean I support or will be involved in Pedophilia or Bestiality.



Today is Pride in NYC and I really wish I could be there. But since I can't, I want to wish all New Yorkers (gay or straight) a happy Pride. Because today, it's not about Gay Pride, it's about New Yorker Pride. Today, we are ALL New Yorkers. We ALL have the same rights (marriage, adoption, property) and that, if any, is a great reason to go celebrate on the streets of the greatest city in the world and let everyone know that love is stronger than hate.

Let people see our joy so that someday they can let go of their fear and hatred.

Happy Pride to ALL!!!!

Santiago Murals II

Hipster or Homeless?

What do you think?

Color II - Valparaiso

Gettin' yer herr did.

I really enjoy the mix of colors in this picture. It gives it a very Caribbean feel.

Update

Hey there, reader! I'm sorry. I know; I know. I've been away for a while, but I swear I have a good reason! Actually, I've got several:

- In December I got a new part-time job, working the Front Desk at a very cute and trendy apart-hotel, right here in Santiago! The name is Ameristar Apart-Hotel and, if you'll forgive the shameless plug, it's one of the best places to stay at during your visit to Santiago. It has comfortable accommodations, 24 hour staff assistance, and it is quite cost efficient. If you are ever planning a visit down here, let me know and I'd be happy to help you get around and arrange your stay.

- In February, this new part-time gig became a full-time one, thus leading to my early retirement from the field of English teaching. It has also affected the amount of free time I have, since the shift is 10 hours long. Trust me, it's not as bad as it sounds; The day pretty much flies by. Plus, I'm well compensated :)

- In March, my mother came down for a visit (which was fabulous, and those pictures will be up soon enough), and that took up no less than 2 weeks of my time. Yes, we had an incredible time. Yes, it was amazing spending time with her after almost 3 years of being apart. And yes, we kept it fierce.

- In April, I hosted some black lady friends from NYC. We were crazy, loud and ate loads of chicken. I'm not being racist; We ate A LOT of chicken.

- Now, in May, two other New Yorkers will be visiting Andre and I, so lord only knows how busy that all keep us. Plus, you've gotta remember, I party hard (which is time consuming as well).


So, that's more or less what's been going on. There is always some random adventure here and an unexpected twist of fate there, but everything is generally well. Life in Chile is great. Amazing friends; a wonderful boyfriend and home; a stimulating and well paying job.

I'm happy. Ridiculously so. What else could I possibly ask for?

200th Post!!!!

To celebrate this 200th post, I thought I'd leave you a bit of couture graphic design done for me by my good and very talented friend, Naty Contreras.

A toast to all you ones of faithful readers out there. Cheers!

Richard