Happy Thanksgiving!!!

I see that it has been a couple weeks since I wrote the last post.  So much has happened in my life. Suprisingly, both good and bad, I’m thankful for all of it.  I truly believe in that saying that things happen for a reason. I’m not going to get too personal and teary-eyed on you ladies (and few gentlemen that stop by), but I’m sure you all know the things that life throws at us. Especially while being in a relationship, being a homosexual, along with everything else. But I am truly thankful for it.  So with that being said, I’d like to list 10 things that I’m personally thankful for:

1. LIFE – We are all here for some reason. It’s up to us to find our reason and be thankful that we woke up this morning so that we can leave the past in the past, and live for the present, which prepares us for tomorrow.

2. MY IMMEDIATE FAMILY - I stress immediate family because I can finally be my true self around them. Growing up as a homosexual teen was quite difficult (another story). But as I became an adult, with goals and aspirations, they were able to see that my sexuality does not define who I am.  I am truly thankful for my mom, my father (deceased), my older sister (deceased), and my neice.

3. MY WIFE - This lady has been my rock, my stabilizer in every situation you can think of. She keeps me sane in a world full of chaos. Like any relationship, we have our ups and downs; but our love for each other creates a level of respect that keeps us loyal, honest, and in love.  Whew! I love that woman!

4. MY EX’S – I’m thankful for my past relationships because they made me appreciate what I have now.

5. MY HEALTH – For many years (over a decade), I’ve always stressed about my weight. I’ve been on crazy diets that were successful, but expensive. And I’ve been a gym rat, working out 1 1/2 hrs a day / 4-6 days a week. Luckily, I’ve been able to maintain the 50lb lost. Even though I want to lose more, I feel that the stress and anxiety is what’s making it so difficult for me.  I finally began to acknowledge that even though I’m overweight, I have NO MAJOR HEALTH ISSUES WHATSOEVER!! No heart problems, no problems with my cholesterol or blood pressure. I’m truly thankful for that and hope that I can continue to lose without stressing so much.

6. HIGH SCHOOL EXPERIENCE – I’m a product of the private/catholic school system. It wasn’t until high school that I began to develop into the person that I am today. I hear all the stories in the news about how crazy some of these teachers are nowadays, and how they’re on strike or don’t care about the welfare of the kids.  I can honestly say that my high school teachers actually cared about us, they cared about our situations at home, how we conduct ourselves in public, and made sure that we stayed out of trouble both in school and out of school. I can imagine that it was a tough job for them, especially being located in Southwest Detroit, but they managed to do a great job at it.

7. FRIENDS – I’m thankful for the very few friends that I do have. I can honestly count them on one hand. It takes a lot for me to call you a friend. Those that are my real true friends, know who they are. If I can confide in you; if you know what I’m going through whether it be good or bad; if you invite me and my wife over for an occasional dinner or shin-dig; if we hear from each other more than once a month; if I can be my real self and you refuse to judge me but have love for me unconditionally; if you’re not afraid to tell me that I’m wrong but give some constructive advice on how to fix my wrongs; if you can come to me for the same; then you are my friend.  Like I said, you know who you are.

8. BAD JOB EXPERIENCES – I’m just now beginning to not be so bitter towards my last two employers. Those that know me personally know who they are.  I’m thankful for those experiences because it showed me what kind of boss/manager/supervisor NOT to be, and it made me appreciate the job that I do have.

9. BEING HIRED AT TIME WHEN PEOPLE CAN’T FIND JOBS – I never thought that I would work for someone else.  But I am thankful because it’s a job that I love, the people are not intimidated by my education because they are educated as well, and I’m given the opportunity to help others.

10. LeadTheWayOut – I’m thankful that I have the strength, patience, knowledge, and desire to create and maintain this site. And I’m thankful for the supporters, contributors, and visitors for showing that all my hard work was not done in vain.

So…what are you thankful for?

Racism at Proposition 8 Protest

Again, you all read right. There was a protest for Proposition 8 out in Hollywood, and some folks started dropping the N-word to African-American protesters.  People were out there shouting that black people are the reason that California’s Proposition 8 (ban on gay marriage) was passed.  For the smart folks in the community, let’s take a look at the facts. What got me was that there were African-American homosexuals in the crowd protesting WITH these knuckleheads. African Americans represent only 6.2% of the California population and they were only 10% of those who voted (thanks SaKiya). Now, with that information, you be the judge and check out the stats for yourself.  Will it ever stop?

LeadTheWayOut’s mission is to empower, encourage, and enlighten the women within the LGBT community. I’m not going to go on a rampage about all this negativity in the world. I think I’ve done enough of that with my past posts relating to the election.  But if you all are interesting in reading more about this story, check out the link below.  Let’s get it together people!

Source

Transgendered Mayor

You read right! A town in Oregon elects the nation’s first transgendered mayor. Stu Rasmussen, 60, has been in the political scene before I was born, as a man; however, his new found identity didn’t matter to those who voted for him.  Yes, I said him because Mayor Rasmussen identifies himself as a heterosexual male who appears to be female (interesting). His longtime live-in girlfriend, Victoria Sage, told The Oregonian newspaper that she and Rasmussen have been an item for almost 35 years (interesting).

I’m saying interesting because I’ve never understood the whole transgendered community. I have a friend who is transgendered (M to F), and she identifies herself as a female.  But I’ve always wondered how does that work when it comes to dating.  If you’re a M to F, do you like women or men? Does that make you heterosexual or homosexual?  I have so many questions about it but I’ve never had the opportunity to pick someone’s brain about it.  Not that I’m discriminating, I’m just curious and want to have a better understanding of those within our LGBT community. So ladies, and you few gentlemen, feel free to share some insight on it.  In the meantime, let’s congratulate Mayor Rasmussen for breaking those barriers!!!  LeadTheWayOut!!!

Source

Just Be Me

Written by yours truly…

Ever since I was little girl
I felt lonely like it was just me in the world
So much sorrow and pain, I was going insane
Trying to be everything I’m not when God didn’t make me that way
No one to talk to and say how I really felt
Instead I grew up seeing a back full of welts
So, I kept quiet and buried my head in the books
Until I discovered a pen, paper, and a hook

This ain’t poetry but a book on my life
They really hated me when I said I wanted a wife
So, what am I suppose to do
Live a lie just to satisfy you
Bump that this is me and this is all I can be
Dr. King fought hard for us and we still not free
Locked up and chain, bound to the game
All these celebrities misusing their fame
All I, ever wanted was for you to love me
Do you really care, do you love me unconditionally
Well, if so then accept me for me
Worry about your own cause I got my heart beat
I may not speak so intelligently
Stumbling over my words cause my brain regurgitating
Can’t focus can’t sleep well at night
Everyday is a struggle, I want to turn on the light

Live my life in the dark too long
Everything I write turns into a sad song
Should I take a pill or schedule therapy
End up in rehab just like Amy
Wine, I need a glass a big one that’ll last
Live ya life in the fast lane you’re bound to crash
Take it slow and see how far I can go
Learn from your mistakes that’s how we all grow
So, no need to dwell in the past
I’m still gon’ be me with limited cash
I’m black, but not “ghetto”
Sophisticated, but not white
Ain’t no one gon’ tell Trice how to live her life
From 3-1-9 to 2-6-8
Now that I’m smaller, you calling for a date
It’s the same ole me, under the skin
If I live for you, and not me, I’ll never win

Meefers!!!

I know it’s been a while since I’ve shared my thoughts on what’s going on in our world.  First and foremost, I’d like to acknowledge and congratulate our new president as of next year, Barack Obama.  I’m not going to share who I voted for, nor will I make this a political debate or issue. But I’m glad that I was able to witness this historical moment and I’m also glad that some of us were able to come together and practice our civil duty to vote. Whether or not you wanted Senator Obama to win, that’s your perogative. I see it as a real life example of equality and the synergy of racial backgrounds.  I mean, let’s not forget that this man is bi-racial, and not 100% African American. THAT MEANS SOMETHING! Race should never be an issue. What is important is whether or a not a person is capable and qualified to handle the job and handle it well.

To continue the discussion of unity, equality, and coming together for a common good, I had the pleasure of meeting with one of the founders of Meefers.com.  I highly recommend you all to check out their website. Meefers.com is a social networking site that focuses more on positive gay news in selected areas.  They have an area for job postings, art/film/music reviews, and a list of upcoming events.  I initially met the founders at a local social gathering for LGBT businesses. One of them reached out to me to learn more about LeadTheWayOut and to discuss future business collaborations.  This is why I love what I do. The people I meet or have met keeps me going and gives me the drive to continue LeadingTheWayOut. Not everyone is so arrogant and conceited to where they refuse to help the next person.  More communities, groups, entrepreneurs, and organizations need to reach out to one another to offer/seek advice, and show those who despise the LGBT community that we can join hands and fight this cause together.  Much love goes out to those over at Meefers.  Thanks for reaching out and creating an environment where we both could share our knowledge, connections, and experiences.