May 17, 2012 | 5:10 pm

Protecting Our Youth From Homophobic Messages

Posted by Lia Mandelbaum

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Since President Obama made the choice to come out and show his support for gay marriage, his statement has pervaded the media.  Everywhere I turn, I am witnessing discussions regarding marriage equality.  While I am really proud of my president, and have been so touched by the level of support I have observed coming from all directions, I am also having some deeply rooted internal pain being triggered.  A lot of the commentary I am reading by those who are very evidently against marriage equality is truly painful to take in.  While I am able to step back and let the pain go, I cannot help but think about the LGBT youth in this country, and how all of the harmful messages may be affecting them, as they come at them from left and right.  What about those who are struggling over being in the closet, observing family and friends, making statements such as “I would disown my child if they were gay,” “I don’t want my children brainwashed to believe that homosexuality is a valid option,” “same sex marriage is a desecration of marriage.”  I believe that these conversations are harmful to all of our youth, regardless of what their sexual orientation may be.  It may make children who are not gay, no longer feel safe to just completely be themselves, out of the fear of receiving the same form of rejection they are witnessing.  It is so important that we let our youth know they have someone to openly talk to about what they’re witnessing, and help to protect them from being tainted by the hateful messages.  I believe that it is also very important, that when we talk with our youth, to make sure to not demonize those who may be demonizing them, similar to Mahatma Gandhi’s message ” An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.”

I have stepped back and decided to observe what is happening in the media, and take it out of the context of being all about Marriage Equality.  As I observe the endless fights between those who are for and opposed to marriage equality, I see how easy it is to get stuck in the fights, and continually loop around one another.  It is kind of like a boxing match that sometimes does not end.  I want to mention, that I am by no means devaluing the beautiful support of those who are for marriage equality.  It has been healing for me to witness. 

Here is an example of a harmful passage I read in an article:

The “evolution” of Obama—and Vice President Joe Biden, and Education Secretary Arne Duncan, and so many prominent Democrats (and libertarian Republicans)—toward accepting “same-sex marriage,” is really a story of the corruption of modern liberalism and, indeed, America’s slide into moral decadence. The chattering classes dwell obsessively on politics—and certainly Obama’s capitulation was driven by pressure from his well-funded “gay” activist base. But America’s precipitous moral decline—represented by the slow, and then rapid, embrace of evil (organized sin) by its leaders—tells a more important story: America is losing its goodness because we are leaving God behind. 
- Christian Newswire, Americans for Truth About Homosexuality (AFTAH)

I am not making a judgment over this passage, but rather observing how on an energetic level, I can feel it being driven by anger, fear and blame. 

As I have observed within some of the discussions, where individuals speak about love, Jesus, G-d, the Bible and equality, I cannot help but notice the negative energy being associated with them, that is looping and permeating within the context that they are being used.  I imagine that this negative energy is the same energy, which has reared its toxic head throughout some of our darkest moments in history.  It is like a wildfire that takes its own shape and size.  I have found that it is crucial to step back and observe it out of context and look at it as a single and massive force and how it influences our behaviors and quality of life.  We must question it and understand it.  Ask ourselves “What is it about?”  “Why does it exist?” “How can we stop it?”  If we must identify it by a name, I would say that the best word to describe it is hatred.  I believe that we are born into the world as innocent beings.  How does hatred manage to taint our innocence?  How does it harm our mental, spiritual, emotional and physical health?  How long are we going to feed into it?  When have we had enough?  “Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired?”

The less I let that negative energy inside me, the more healthy and alive I feel.  It is not welcome, and when it rears its ugly head, I snuff it out.

And again, remember to protect our youth.  Protect yourself.

The Kids Are Listening:  LGBTQ Foster Youth

May 15, 2012 | 1:12 pm

LA Food Justice Matinee - Forks Over Knives (5/20/12)

Posted by Tera Greene

[Fast Facts]: Food Justice Matinee - May 20, 2012 at the Workmen’s Circle Socal. Tickets are a $10 donation. Doors open at 12:45PM, Matinee starts at 1:10PM.

[Full Details]: The Workmen’s Circle SoCal in Los Angeles is screening the insightful food justice documentary, “Forks Over Knives”, in partnership with Bend The Arc: A Jewish Partnership for Justice.

***RSVPs in advance are encouraged!*** Please call the Workmen’s Circle at 310.552.2007 or email FJcampaign@bendthearc.us.

Can’t make it but want to support? Need more info?
Please click the following link: http://bit.ly/KqxBNH
Your donations go toward helping to develop, support and encourage young Jewish adult participation in local + national social justice leadership.
*

Event: Food Justice Matinee “Forks Over Knives”
Location: 1525 S. Robertson Ave, Los Angeles (Workmen’s Circle Socal/Arbeter Ring)
Date: May 20, 2012
Time: 1PM
Entry Donation: $10
*This is a fundraiser. We are raising money for the Bend The Arc Jeremiah Fellowship

Doors open at 12:45PM. Matinee

STARTS PROMPTLY

at 1:10PM.

People are encouraged to eat before hand and/or bring a light snack to the matinee!

Tell a friend! Bring a friend!

Come early and please RSVP!

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Other blogs we like: Y-Love is Ready For Love (Jewish Journal)
FYI: The First ever Food Revolution Day is May 19, 2012.  Take Action TODAY - Click this link for more information on how to get involved!

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May 10, 2012 | 3:25 pm

My Hat Goes Off to You, President Obama!

Posted by Lia Mandelbaum

The intention of this article is not to go into depth about the politics surrounding President Obama’s decision to show his support for marriage equality, but to rather relay how impressed and grateful I am for what I found to be such a courageous act. 

Elie Wiesel said, “We must always take sides.  Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim.”  Obama chose to go with his faith, which is to “treat others the way you would want to be treated.”  His act yesterday showed me a sense of congruence and integrity with his values.  I am not going to pretend that I fully know and understand the politics and character of our President, and so I think it is important to not idealize who he is by his recent statements, but rather acknowledge his act of support and bravery, which I believe spoke volumes. 

“In the end the values that I care most deeply about and [Michelle] cares most deeply about is how we treat other people.  We are both practicing Christians and obviously this position may be considered to put us at odds with the views of others but when we think about our faith, the thing at root is not only Christ sacrificing himself on our behalf, but it’s also the Golden Rule, you know, treat others the way you would want to be treated. And I think that’s what we try to impart to our kids and that’s what motivates me as president and I figure the most consistent I can be in being true to those precepts, the better I’ll be as a dad and a husband and hopefully the better I’ll be as president.”

As most of us know, the presidency is one of the most powerful and desired positions in the world.  When I was young, there were countless times when I would talk with fellow classmates, about how we wanted to be the president when we grew up.  To me, it was the ultimate (but slightly improbable) goal to attain.  What was so beautiful about what President Obama did, was that he chose to risk re-election, in order to do what he felt was just and right, by showing support for marriage equality.  Obama has been touched by the lives of people in the LGBT community, and decided that he could no longer stand idly by.  It is so much more often then not, that leaders are driven by a desire to attain and maintain power.  By relaying his support to the world, President Obama definitely took the road less traveled. 

“Over the course of several years as I have talked to friends and family and neighbors when I think about members of my own staff who are in incredibly committed monogamous relationships, same-sex relationships, who are raising kids together, when I think about those soldiers or airmen or marines or sailors who are out there fighting on my behalf and yet feel constrained, even now that Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is gone, because they are not able to commit themselves in a marriage, at a certain point I’ve just concluded that for me personally it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same sex couples should be able to get married…”

I have heard many individuals, who are both for and against marriage equality, state arguments such as “He did it to get money for his campaign,” “It was all just a political strategy,”  “It took him way too long for him to say something about marriage equality.”  Regardless of whether or not there is truth to those statements, my response is “so what?!?!”  It took me 18 years to be in my truth and stand taller, out of fear of loosing the support of others.  I can have total empathy for President Obama’s hesitance to come out and show support, considering that there are some very valid fears and potentially humungous consequences.       

In my opinion, the fight for marriage equality has meaning that goes way beyond the intended focus.  Marriage equality is such a hot button topic, because it profoundly challenges people’s religious views, gender roles, politics…their entire belief systems are challenged.  It can make people feel anger, discomfort, threatened, and fearful.  It challenges a person’s capacity to find compassion and acceptance, towards those who may totally defy and threaten their core values.  When I mention compassion and acceptance, I am not saying that I believe a person must change and agree with the lifestyle of someone who goes against his or her core values.  A professor of mine always says, “acceptance does not mean agreement.”  Acceptance to me, says that I can still acknowledge your humanity, regardless of how much I disagree with your choices.  It is way too often, that human beings from all walks of life, are dehumanized and “othered” by those groups or individuals, who are extremely opposed to what they may represent. 

I have found that when I experience very intense and reactive emotions towards another human being that I may not agree with, and have “othered,” it ultimately hurts me the most.  I get defensive and shut down, and I feel disconnected from my essence.  I often loose sight of rational thinking, and my perception is shaped by my fear and anger.  The people who provoke those feelings within me, are often my greatest teachers.  They have taught me how to free myself of any reactions that are ultimately harmful and cause me pain.  There are people within and outside of this country, who feel disgusted by my sexual orientation.  There are people who if they had the chance, would want to hurt and possibly even kill me.  There are countries where by law, I would be imprisoned and killed for my sexual orientation. The reality is that I can empathize with those people, while also being fully aware and smart about the unfortunate reality.  For many years, I was disgusted with my sexuality and wanted to kill myself.  I felt tremendously ashamed, and was imprisoned by that shame.  I bullied those who were outwardly gay.  If I cannot empathize with those who may hate me, I cannot empathize and find healing and forgiveness towards the part of myself that had the same views as them, for the majority of my life.  It took me years, to move beyond those feelings.  I no longer have any room in my belief system for any sort of hatred towards myself or another person.  I refuse to allow hatred into my heart, and I do so through compassion, and by making sure to break the hate down if it arises within me.  I do not believe that any human being is born into this world with hateful thoughts.  We are conditioned by society to have those beliefs.  One may say that my feelings and their feelings are totally different and should not be compared, but I disagree.  I totally get it… however I refuse to agree with those specific beliefs.  I love myself today, and know that I am totally worthy of love. 

People who may want to harm me, have the right to believe what ever they want, however I hope that they would reconsider their anger and strong contempt, because I feel it ultimately harms them. 

Yesterday, I witnessed one of the most powerful people on the planet, stand up towards the whole world, and say that regardless of what the consequences may be, he chooses to support a commitment of love.

I believe that he set an amazing example to the world through his tremendously bold act, of choosing love over power.  I felt tremendously invigorated and empowered knowing my president took that risk.  I also felt more safe.

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May 10, 2012 | 12:37 am

Thankful For Obama’s Gay [R]Evolution

Posted by Tera Greene

Follow Tera* (@djnovajade) on Twitter by clicking here.
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THE NEWS HAS BROKEN:

Obama thinks LGBTQ people should have marriage rights.

Who knew?  I didn’t!

No seriously, I had no idea. 

I’ve always actually thought that my vote in 2008 had more to do with me supporting a Black person than it had to do with me supporting an LGBTQ ally/advocate. 

Let’s just be honest here.

But, apparently, The POTUS has been evolving on this issue for some time now.  He’s actually gone back to his roots.  Would that mean that the evolution is actually a re-evolution? Or, a revolution?

Or is it a ploy for votes?

I doubt it.  You see, people under 40 and most Americans have recently been polled to be well over 50% in favor of gay marriage.  I could look up the exact numbers, but frankly, we all know that statistics can fail us about 27% of the time.  It is to be noted, though, that if you were to focus just on the Jewish American population vote alone, you have 75% of this demographic in support of gay marriage.  By my calculations, that’s a lot of people, and a lot of power can be attained in the organization of people, especially when it comes to human rights. 

What of the 30 states that have voted-in anti-gay amendments around marriage? For now, I’ll not even go there. I’m trying to get to bed before one am tonight.

I admit I found this “change of heart” a might suspect before I dove into my research. It is important to highlight the facts, though: by some amazing shift in the matrix, the last ten years have really swung open the doors for dialogue around this issue of marriage and the LGBTQ community.  I don’t know if I’d personally go as far as to give all the credit to the show Will & Grace, however, great as it was. (PS: See Daily Show Video below)

Since society has already begun to organize ourselves in support of equality for any partners who want to be wed, the President is seemingly the one following suit on this historic stance, not the other way around. 

November is fast approaching - we are hitting election time heat. But after some due diligence, and election day aside, I think The POTUS genuinely seems to have come to an enlightened stance on marriage like most of his constituents.

Emphasis on most.

Random in speech, consistent in thought?

It seemed like Biden was the one who kicked off everything recently by spilling his personal beans on the subject of gay marriage as seen in the following video…:

(via Hulu - The Daily Show With Jon Stewart: Tue, May 8, 2012. First segment)

…but as noted, from 2009, it is clear that Obama Once Supported Same-Sex Marriage ‘Unequivocally’ (via the Huffington Post)

In the 7 min ABC News Interview recap video found at the end of this blog, reporter Robin Roberts also mentions about the consistency and longevity of his thought on this heavily discussed issue as it pertained to the timing of the oral delivery of his sentiments to the public. 

I’m kinda glad Biden may have jumped the gun, though.  It allowed space for the President to speak for himself on this hot topic. And in turn, he’s probably going to get a few unexpected extra votes in autumn.  That’s of course, if people don’t start thinking he’s really begun a full-on offensive against marriage. Because we all know how touchy that subject can be.

Really, people? A war?

FOX thinks another war is breaking out.  Now go and learn.
Some publications tout that he is committing “political suicide”. 

I adore hyperbole as much as the next person; but really, people? A war?  And suicide?

If anything, I think President Obama is creating change.  He is truly delivering a message of hope.

In the segment from May 8, 2012, Stewart said that we were a “long way” from hearing President Barack Obama support gay marriage. But, I dare say that we’ve all been duped somehow. 

Obama, you! Talk about knowing how to not let the cat out of the bag!

Every time I teeter about liking Obama or agreeing with some of the things he has done during his term, he says, “not so fast - increase your faith,” and just like that, he’s won me over again. 

Around this issue, I am truly thankful he has won me over because you see, I, too have evolved. 

I stumbled upon a song I made in 2001 where I declared we should impeach the president.  I was 17 at the time and couldn’t vote, but man was I pissed and the term still had seven more years to go.  My angst was only heightened by the fact that I was debating going into the military… except for the fact that I would have had to deal with DADT.

And now, we are here and I’ve still never personally been married, but I am so wanting to give Obama a hi-5 for his ability to evolve and grow like a human being.  Not to mention, he helped say adios to DADT.  That’s huge.  I’m still that angsty, “expression not repression” type of person, but like Obama, I have come to think and act more humanely over time.  Is that not the goal for us all?

So, “Forward” on, Mr. President!  Now that you’ve evolved from a human being to a candidate to a bonafied President and back to a human being, I hope the next evolution is a second term.  There, I said it.

Watch the 7min Video: Obama tells Robin Roberts in ABC News Exclusive Interview, “I think gay couples should be able to get married.” Click this link to watch the video on youtube.

For more on this story, click here.
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**CALL TO ACTION***CALL TO ACTION**

Want to tell Obama thank you for his recent evolution? Head over to Bend the Arc: A Jewish Partnership For Justice’s Call To Action Page by clicking this link.

Exerpt: Today, the president showed himself as a leader who is in step with a majority of Americans, and millions of people of faith all over this country who support the right of gay and lesbian people to marry, including more than 75 percent of American Jews.

Tell President Obama that you, too, support marriage equality.

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Tera Greene is an Artivist/Writer/Social Entrepreneur and award-winning DJ. She has blogged with the Jewish Journal Online’s “Oy Gay” blog since 2010. Follow her on twitter @djnovajade.

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May 8, 2012 | 4:01 pm

Gay, Jewish and Imaginative - Maurice Sendak

Posted by Tera Greene

Follow Tera* (@djnovajade) on Twitter by clicking here.

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A week ago I was in New York for a Jewish leadership conference. It was the first time I’d visited Brooklyn since I was a baby.  To visit a place of roots for my family was such a great experience.  I felt so connected.

Unfortunately, it seemed as though as soon as I visited and returned to Los Angeles, news of MCA’s death from the Beastie Boys and now, of Maurice Sendak, flowed forth as though a fire hydrant had burst in the city, spilling out the news incessantly.

My condolences to the family and friends of both.

In the midst of this latest news, though, let’s not forget that Maurice Sendak was a Gay, Jewish man.

Yes, I said gay.

The more we share who we are as LGBTQ Jews in media, politics and everyday life, then more people will see just how innovative and positively influential we can be when it comes to the rearing of society’s children. 

Children need role models; more so, Jewish children need LGBTQ Jewish role models to come forth and be vocal and proud alongside their straight Jewish counterparts and allies.  This sentiment is reflected in the actions propelled by the 2wice Blessed Project.

Look, I wasn’t even Jewish, nor born, in 1963 when “Where the Wild Things Are” came out.  It would be another 20 years after its roll out until I was born, another 5 years after that, at least, until I got my first copy of the book and another 47 years after publication for me to become Jewish “officially”.

...and yet, this morning as I rolled over to check my BlackBerry, I, too, was punched in the heart a little to hear that Maurice Sendak had passed.

Seven hours later, I finally am getting a moment to reflect. I stumbled upon the Colbert interview with Sendak a few years back, wherein Sendak proudly clarifies that he is a gay man. 

Which means that it took just shy of 50 years since “Where the Wild Things Are” for me to also know that he was a gay man.

Maybe I knew and just overlooked it.  Maybe it really was my first time hearing it a few moments ago.  But, to know that an author whom I enjoyed for his innovation and outward directness was also a homosexual propels me to strive further to be a visible Queer Jewish person.

Because regardless if I am out or not - which I am -, children evidently will always have LGBTQ Jewish role models, whether or not they realize it themselves almost fifty years after one of their favorite picture books is launched into circulation…

Check out my message to anyone out there who may need an extra boost of support in being who they are:

2wice Blessed: Tera Greene- “I’m quadruple blessed”

Lastly, though it is brilliantly joked about in the video below, it is important that we note the power and influence of Gay/Jewish folk in society.  Maurice Sendak, thanks for the imagination!

 

The Colbert Report
Get More: Colbert Report Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,Video Archive

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Tera Greene is an Artivist/Writer/Social Entrepreneur and award-winning DJ. She has blogged with the Jewish Journal Online’s “Oy Gay” blog since 2010. Follow her on twitter @djnovajade.

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May 7, 2012 | 12:58 am

4/17/12 - 10’¢ Cinema Slam [[[Video]]]

Posted by Tera Greene

Follow the Workmen’s Circle Socal/Arbeter Ring on Twitter by clicking here Follow Tera* on Twitter by clicking here.

There’s a lot going on at the Southern California chapter of the Workmen’s Circle!

Here is the footage from the 10’¢ Cinema Slam, held in Los Angeles at the Workmen’s Circle Socal/Arbeter Ring on April 17, 2012.  To learn more about the event, please click this link.

True to form, the audience in attendance was both diverse in age-range and background.  We were treated to educational history and laughs during this edition of the Cinema Slam. 

The next four 10’¢ Cinema Slam events will be scheduled and dates announced as soon as we finalize everything.  Hooray!

You can find out more information about special guest playwright, Terry Baum’s, upcoming Mother’s Day Show in San Fransisco by clicking this link.  The show happens May 12 and 13th.

SAVE THE DATE: I will be hosting a food justice matinee screening of Forks Over Knives on May 20, 2012 at the Workmen’s Circle.  For more information, please click here.

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Tera Greene is an Artivist/Writer/Social Entrepreneur and award-winning DJ. She has blogged with the Jewish Journal Online’s “Oy Gay” blog since 2010. Follow her on twitter @djnovajade.

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