RIP Thom Fuller

Just got word from my brother that one of my mom's best friends, a man by the name of Thom Fuller, died yesterday.

Thom was significant in my life for several reasons. 

He was not just one of my mom's best friends, but her partner in several joint theatrical ventures. When our local community theatre denied my mom and Thom permission to put on the musical "Little Shop of Horrors" and bring in Broadway caliber stars to lead the cast in a community theatre production, those two took matters in their own hands.

They ended up producing the show themselves and found enough backers to support the production. Thom and she turned it into one of the most successful theatrical productions our small town had and has ever seen. All proceeds to that show benefitted the local children's therapy center. 

I was a child actor, and Thom directed me in many, many productions as a kid and teenager. I was the Charlie in his "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever". I was his Benjamin in "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" and I was thrilled to be cast in the chorus of "Little Shop of Horrors".

Thom was a fantastic, visionary artist of a director, and perhaps the most creative  theatrical person I ever worked with in my 20 years of doing theatre and stage productions.

I was involved in more than 10 shows that he was a part of- be it him starring in, directing, set design, or what have you. I will always be inspired by his artistry and his fierce commitment to his craft. He was a talented sculptor, painter, designer and could imagine an entire production- the lights, sets, costumes, songs, EVERYTHING- before he had even begun auditions.

Thom was one of my inspirations for moving to California immediately after I graduated high school. He had gone to college out here, and something inside my head told me that if someone like Thom could pick up and leave everything he knew in his small town in Missouri and move to the big city of Hollywood, that I could too.

Growing up as a closeted homosexual of divorced parents in rural, conservative Missouri, I could count on my one hand the amount of male role models that I had around me to support me and that actually guided me.

Thom was one such person. Though I didn't realize it then, it was important for my development to see, for the first time in my life, an out gay man who was fearless and uncompromising in who he was and what he stood for. He knew people openly talked about him and down at him and he didn't care. He knew his artistic abilities and he knew his strengths. It didn't matter that he was different because he knew that he had gifts that those hating on him would never possess. He was unafraid to challenge the mold of society and in my mind, he succeeded.

Thom gave me theatrical opportunities I never would have received anywhere else because he believed in me and my talent. Something that very few would help me foster before him and since. Perhaps he knew that I also was gay and wanted to help out his brethren. Perhaps he just appreciated my strengths and artistic abilities. Whatever his motivation, I will be forever in his debt for the opportunities he gave me and the role model he was for me. 

In a day and age where being gay was still not very accepted, Thom was unwavering. He didn't care what people thought of him. He was bold, brash, hilarious, and extremely clever. He used his strengths to counter the gossip and rumor mills surrounding his "lifestyle" and never once compromised who he was to try and assimilate. 

The biggest single lesson I learned from Thom Fuller was this: 

It is ok to be different. It is ok to not fit in. It is those of us who fight to stay different that will challenge and change the world.

Thom Fuller- you changed my world. You inspired several generations of kids: gay and straight to want to be artists. You inspired gay kids to not be afraid of who they are. You inspired me to be the independent person I am today and inspired me to never give in to the harsh words critics can say about you.

And I will never compromise. I will never change. 

Thom wouldn't want me to.

RIP Thom Fuller- one of my heroes. 

Therapy 16: What's up Doc?

Today my therapist broke the 4th walk and asked me if it was ok if he was real with me for a second.

I said, "Sure Doc!"

He proceeded by asking me where I thought his desk should go in his office. I gave him my opinion, pros and cons, and he listened intentively. 

I was thrilled. I felt like I had a new breakthrough:

My doctor may think I'm bat-shit crazy, but he at least trusts my opinion!

#winning

RACEing Arizona

Oh lord Jesus- please save me from your followers!

What is it about people with "strong religious beliefs" that find it so impertinent to inflict their beliefs on others, even if said beliefs are actually contrary to the teachings of their religion and are no better than impractical dogma?

Arizona is dealing with just such a situation. There, Governor Jan Brewer is weighing in on whether or not she will veto SB 1062- a law deemed by liberals as the Turn The Gays Away law. 

The language is minimal, but it does allow businesses to turn anyone away based on the owner's religion. So while gay people feel they could be the brunt of it all, this could mean Muslims against Jews, Catholics against unwed couples or single mothers, or any other religious group denying someone something based solely on the excuse of religion as a veil. 

I find it interesting that the conservatives that backed this law are now backing away from it due to all the backlash. This law, and their blind support of it, is why I will never, ever vote for a republican. The day they stay out of our bedrooms and go to the core of their beliefs is the day I quit voting green or independent and will actually consider voting for one of these yahoos. 

Because the tide of American politics is changing:

Just today, a judge ruled in San Antonio that Texas' marriage ban is unconstitutional. This is huge because Texas is the US's largest conservative backed state. Governor Rick Perry and Texas Attorney General Abott have already sworn to appeal the ruling. Statistically, this will probably prove to hurt Abbott when he runs for governor against Democratic challenger and filibustering, pink shoe wearing Wendy Davis.

In Florida, Charlie Christ, the once republican governor running two decades later as a democrat candidate for the state's highest office, has applauded the judge's decision in Texas.

While his opponent, current Floridian Governor Rick Scott, not only supports marriage bans in his state and others, he said just today I an interview that he "hadn't heard of Arizona's SB 1062" so he couldn't talk about it.

What kind of leadership hasn't been informed of one of the top 3 news stories all week? And what kind of governor cannot see the writing on the wall that eventually this country will have full triage equality that does nothing to harm religious rights?

Taking a stance contrary to what the majority of Americans think and feel and what 80% of young people feel is right will prove to hurt Scott, Abbott, and even Brewer if she doesn't veto the bill.

Republican and conservatives need to realize this is a losing, uphill battle that the Democrats are using to show fracturing in the conservative party and to illustrate to the American people that conservatives aren't listening to the tide of change in this country- nor to what the majority wishes.

Though I am all for checks and balances, I worry the Repubs will continue to shoot themselves in the foot with this issue and will only help uber liberals take control of the government. 

The political landscape is changing. But the Republicans seem to be the ones leaving themselves out standing in the rain, and wondering how they got there in the first place, when they were the ones who refused to bring umbrellas despite everyone informing them of the forecast ahead of time. 

Scissor me THIS!

God Mondays can be so fucking boring!

Sorry to be real people. But you know it's going to be one of "those" Mondays when all you have to look forward to in the world is whether or not the citizens of Vennezuela or Ukraine will off each other even more. 

But alas! Hark! Good heavens! Good news on the horizon? I think yes. (And I don't mean the rain storm LALALAnd is set to get on Friday night...)

I wasn't too happy when I found out my lovely Pop Princess Kylie would be joing the UK show The Voice as a judge. 

In my mind, those shenanigans are better left for her tackier, horse like sister Danniiiii. But I have to admit, any screen time with the biggest pop star in the world is ok with me.

Well, the #IntotheBlue singer just took to her Facebook to make this announcement:

Jake Shears of the Scissor Sisters will be joining Kylie Minogue as a guest judge on time Kylie! Fab! 

We live and love when these two bffs get together and display their kooky and krazy friendship to the world. 

I never thought I would support another vocal reality show but

Go Team Kylie!!!

Respect yourself enough to walk away

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#gay

Ellen Page came out, ya'll! So did Michael Sam!!!

Gayness all around!!! I'm celebrating and working out crazy fashion in Palm Springs... 

Shitting at the Office

Now that I'm deeply embedded in my 8-5 job, I find myself struggling with a situation on the daily that has proven to be most perplexing for me: 

Where does everyone take a shit while during their working day? Or do they shit at home? What is the protocol for pooping while on a project?

I thank god that my new job features two seperate restrooms, and one that is completely private with its own sink. Because I'm a fashionable guy: I love to wear awesome shoes. But that also means I can't just shit anywhere for fear of my shoes being recognized later and having everyone know that I was the poopetrator!

I mean, I know everyone poops... But it's not something I want the entire office knowing I'm doing...

Yet how do people not poo at the office if they are there for 8+ hours. When I have been waking up the last few days at 6 am, I think my body has still been in such shock that I have to be up, awake at that hour, and at work by 8 am, that it doesn't know what to do with myself.  So I can't typically poop at home before I head off to work.

So here I sit. Well, here I shit. In the private stall. The stall that most of know that that's where the scared ones go to poo. Hopefully no one walks by. I've got my reputation to uphold and the last thing I want people to think of me as is a shitter!

Am I crazy it what?

Show Me State equality

The ACLU officially announced that they will be suing the state of Missouri today on behalf of 8 couples who say the state's ban on same-sex marriages is a constitutional violation of equal rights under the law.

I'd love to see the nation's first marriage equality ban overturned!

Being able to get married in my birth state would be like icing on the cake.

Surely Shirley

RIP Shirley Temple :(

You made the world smile for a while!

#shirleytemple

Work it boy!

Today is a new day for me. I step out of the abyss- and into a new life.

I got a new job last week as the official blogger for a company and start today.

More details to come later. But what I know is, this could be a very big break for me. Not only is it my first corporate job, it is also my real first professional job in an industry that I care about!

So basically a lot is at stake. My life and future could be totally changed, thanks to this new opportunity.

So why do I feel like Melanie Griffith in Working Girl? Probably because I'm filled with an excitement of the prospects of a new adventure for me: one that means me going to an office versus jumping into an airplane. I'm starring out onto an unknown future, and I like it.

Wish me luck on my first day!

ARIANE

As a writer and blogger, I'm able to constantly chronicle people in my life that inspire me and move me to be a better person. But rarely, if ever, do I get to publicly celebrate them.

Today, I introduce my online world to my best friend: Ariane. Today is her birthday, and being her best friend means never telling her real age. But it does mean I get to tell you about her!



Ariane and I have known one another and been friends for almost 20 years. (Sorry girl- cats outta the bag!) We attended the same middle school together and have been friends ever since. Like any friendship, ours has seen highs and lows, and a lot of celebrating each other's lives.

As I sit here writing this, a thought occurs to me: how can one blog entry summarize a lifetime of adventures, conversations, loves, relationships, and experiences shared between yourself and a bestie? Alas, I simply cannot write all of our experiences down in one sitting. But the infinitesimal amounts of love and adventures we have taken on in our lives are memories that will last me my entirety of mine.

What I can tell you is this- something I should tell her every single day:

I love Ariane so much and am so damn proud of her. She inspires me to be a better person every day.

On December 18, 2010, she married the man of her dreams.



Her soul mate. I was lucky enough to be her man of honor that day in what proved to be one of the best days of my life.



She and Richard have built a beautiful life together.



On May 17th, 2012, they welcomed the newest addition to their family: Hadley Mae



I know from being raised by a single mother that being a wife and mother is the hardest job on the planet. Many people would have quit school or quit working to be able to raise their child at home.

While Ariane spends as much time as she can with her daughter, she decided against halting her own life, and instead turned herself into ROBOMOM.

To this day, Ariane is a full time mother. A full time wife. But she is also a full time student. And an artist. And still works as a cosmetologist while she is finishing her degree. There was even a time last year when she was attending two different universities on separate sides of the city, at the same time, just to be able to conquer her dreams and get the classes she needs to graduate. At the moment, she is also student teaching as a fulfillment of her education.

I laugh when people tell me they are busy in 2014. Yes there are times when life can be stressful, but the way I see it, the two busiest people on earth are Barack Obama and my best friend Ariane Vagen. (Yet I have never seen the President pick up my phone calls!) Ariane is truly a juggler of life.



I honestly don't know how she does it. I am constantly inspired by her perseverance and her dedication. She wants the best for herself, the best for her daughter, and the best for her family. Through all of this hard work, I never see her get down. She is always kind, always sweet, always funny, and always living.



I have been so blessed to have been here to witness my friend on her journey and to have been there for several of the most important events in her life and mine. I cannot wait to see where our paths take us next.

While I cannot see the future, I know in my heart that we will always be friends. I will always be proud of her, and she will always inspire me to achieve my dreams.

Somehow, through all of it, she remains my biggest fan. She is my biggest cheerleader- constantly encouraging me along the way and applauding my victories, as well. I wouldn't be where I am at now without the support and love that she has shown me through the years. She has not only been a friend to me, but has made me a part of her family.



I will always be grateful to you Ariane, for just simply being you. I love you so much and hope you have a fantastic birthday!

#NOchi14 #NOlympics

In case you don't know what this means, it is the Russian Federation flag and means that I stand by the lgbtia community in Russia. 

For the first time in my 31 years on this earth I will be boycotting the Olympics that are taking place in a country that does not value it's human rights.

 Even China didn't go this far. I stand in solidarity with the lgbt men and women in Russia. 

America is behind you, just not your despicable government.

In case you didn't know, the Russian parliament made any homosexual propaganda illegal as of July 2013, and this has led certain groups to rape, beat, murder, and torture members of the Russian lgbtia community, all virtually condoned under Russia's new anti-gay stance. 

This is no place to host the Olympics. The Olympics are supposed to be about unity among diversity. Physical attributes over prowess. 

   Shame on the #IOC for not condemning the terrible acts taking place every day in #Russia and for their lies and deceit leading up to these games. I still say boycott this spectacle and let the world know that the Western World does not stand for human rights violations that set a country back 50 years.

 #NoChi14 #olympics #IOC #NOlympics

#men

Here's what I don't get:

Why would you message me, flirt with me, and keep up the charade...

But when I ask you for your number, you never respond...but you still gave me your fucking number?!?

Grow some balls and bloody tell me to get fucked! Scram! Piss off! If you don't like me, don't put a ring on it!

I'll never understand the mentality of men.

James Marsden- will you please just swoop me up and take me away from all of this shit?

GREAT SCOT!!! Scotland now 17th country to legalize marriage!

A vote was taken in Edinburgh today, and  Scotland just became the 17th country to legalize marriage equality!!!

In a vote in their parliament of 105 in favor of versus 18 against, Scotland passed the Marriage and Civil partnerships bill. Scotland joins 16 other nations around the world who have taken further steps to insure full equality to its lgbt citizens!

Snaps for Scotland!!!

Downton Abbey 4 just arrived!

Muchos gracias a mi parents for getting me a gift card to amazon.com for Christmahanzukwanzakuh! 

Just today my package arrived and I was stoked to see a DVD of the best show on television: 

Downton Abbey. Season 4.

I know what I'll be doing for the rest of my night.

Eat your heart out #AHS

This is the supreme show!

Coke goes gay but is it too late?

Though Coca Cola has long been a supporter of lgbt rights, the company has been an official Olympic Games sponsor for longer.

The company has recently fallen under attack for its continued support of the Games in Sochi, Russia later this year, and most recently for a failed ad campaign in which lgbt rights activists call afoul over Coke not permitting the word "gay" to be written on a fill-in-the-blank digital campaign that was shortly removed.

Fearing the wrath of the gay propaganda machine, Coke featured today, for the first time at any Super Bowl, an ad called "America the Beautiful" in which two gay, mixed-race dads are portrayed holding hands and taking their daughter roller skating.

This is a huge step for Coke, whether or not they are trying to score brownie points with the community. 

Watch the ad here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8iM73E6JP8&sns=em