LIVING YOUR TRUTH: The influence of video games vs. media in violence and representation
“Have an argument with me,” I texted to my friend Jason McLain. McLain is a fellow video game nerd, and we tend to have pretty deep philosophical discussions on feminism, politics, and various other topics. He’s often served as a sounding-board for when I’ve found myself in moral/ethical quandaries in the past, and I really […]
LIVING YOUR TRUTH: This ‘special snowflake’ doesn’t need a ‘safe space’ – just respect
“Are you a special snowflake?” she asks. No masking, no beating around the bush, just asking me outright. “Yes,” I reply, with a big smile pasted across my face. “I am a special snowflake.” I say it, and I mean it. She has no idea what to do with that… because her lord and savior, […]
LIVING YOUR TRUTH: Why the Transgender Day of Visibility is necessary
March 31 has been designated the International Transgender Day of Visibility, and so it has been. It was founded by transgender activist Rachel Crandall in 2009 as a reaction to the lack of LGBT holidays celebrating transgender people and envisioned to run counter to the Transgender Day of Remembrance, where we read and remember the […]
LIVING YOUR TRUTH: As Republicans say no to AHCA, so does NEPA at health care town hall in Scranton
“How are we still talking about this in 2017?” asked Peggy Mannion at a town hall to discuss health care in Northeastern Pennsylvania at the Jewish Community Center in Scranton Thursday evening. Of course, we know how – and why. Seven years to the day that President Barack Obama signed the Affordable Care Act, we […]
LIVING YOUR TRUTH: 2017 Geisinger Transgender Conference is strangely missing trans representation
As we come up on the 2017 Transgender Awareness Conference, scheduled to take place on Monday, April 10 at the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine (formerly the Commonwealth Medical College) in Scranton, I feel compelled to be there. In its fifth year, we see that the conference has undergone something of a name change, now […]
LIVING YOUR TRUTH: LGBT support in NEPA music scene clear at Wilkes-Barre punk rock benefit
Here we are, in Donald Trump’s second month as president, with a new Muslim ban to replace the extremely unconstitutional one that came before it and a worse health care plan designed to replace the Affordable Care Act, titled – I kid you not – H.R. 1275 – World’s Greatest Healthcare Plan of 2017. I […]
LIVING YOUR TRUTH: Transgender bathroom repeal isn’t about safety – it’s about alienating others
It would appear that, so far, Donald Trump is doing exactly what he said he would and making good on his campaign promises. Promises such as the promise to defund Planned Parenthood; the promise to repeal the Affordable Care Act; the promise to tear families apart and make life a living hell for Muslims and […]
LIVING YOUR TRUTH: Giving thanks for acceptance and the new ‘traditional’ American family
“You met my mom before, though, right?” Andrea asks me as we drive out of New York City. “No, never,” I tell her, but it only leads to more confusion. “I couldn’t have met her. You forget, we’ve only been together for about five months. I only met you last summer.” “Why does it feel […]
LIVING YOUR TRUTH: Keep your post-election safety pins – we need action now against bigotry
The past few days have been extremely difficult for me. My feelings come in waves, and they revolve between anger, depression, fear, and despair. I literally quaked in fear on Tuesday evening as I sobbed and had to have a friend drive me home. I did not sleep for at least 24 hours and, when […]
LIVING YOUR TRUTH: Don’t give up on government just yet – passing LGBT equality in Wilkes-Barre
Last night, I did something that I have only dreamed about my entire life. I stood up, as myself, and faced the establishment. I made my voice heard. I made a difference. And it felt wonderful! On Aug. 11, Wilkes-Barre City Council met for a regular session where they would vote on a proposal brought […]
