For those of you still following this blog, I definitely appreciate it. I have gotten a few emails from people saying they wish that I still posted on here, so I am going to make an effort. Obviously I cannot post on current issues in Richmond, since I am not there. The best blog for your GLBTQ news is still www.gayrva.com.

More to come later….

I wish Richmond good luck. Good luck in becoming more welcoming to people and accepting those who may not have been born here or have blood ties here, but those who are looking for acceptance, friendship, and community in your small city.

Tuesday Morning – Melissa Etheridge

10:03 on a Tuesday morning
In the fall of an American dream
A man is doing what he knows is right
On flight 93
He loved his mom and he loved his dad
He loved his home and he loved his man
But on that bloody Tuesday morning
He died an American

Now you cannot change this
You can’t erase this
You can’t pretend this is not the truth

Even though he could not marry
Or teach your children in our schools
Because who he wants to love
Is breaking your Gods’ rules
He stood up on a Tuesday morning
In the terror he was brave
And he made his choice
And without a doubt
A hundred lives he must have saved

And the things you might take for granted
Your inalienable rights
Some might chose to deny him
Even though he gave his life
Can you live with yourself in the land of the free
And make him less of a hero than the other three
Well it might begin to change ya
In a field in Pennsylvania

Stand up America
Hear the bell now as it tolls
Wake up America
It’s Tuesday morning
Come on let’s roll

So todays journey began downtown at the Great Shiplock Park – this is a nice park. The trails aren’t really developed yet, but there are some great sites. You can also see a lot of the new Loft Apt’s in Shockoe Bottom. Here are some pics:

Here is the one end of the ship locks

No Fishing, No Swimming, No Diving, Don't Look To Long!

The River Lofts of Shockoe Bottom

The James at Great Shiplock Park

The Second Stop was the North Banks and Texas Beach (I haven’t really figured out where the one starts and the other one ends). Here are some pics from there.

Flower at the North Banks

This Herring did NOT like me getting close

Texas Beach on a Beautiful Day!

The James at Texas Beach

This large dragonfly didn't have a chance

Not the Geico Gecko, but still cute - with a blue tail

I finished by going to the Pump House, then wandering around Carytown. I am not looking like a Rock Lobster after coming out of a boiling pot of water (sunscreen… remember sunscreen).

I hope you enjoy my journey’s today. If you live in Richmond – these are all at your fingertips!

My goal is to get more active with the blog again – also to get more active in my life.

My mother and Great Aunt came to visit me last week. It was a good visit, it made me homesick a little. This was the first time that my Aunt has been in my space. While I am very open and “out” about who I am, with her (due to her very conservative views) we do not talk about it much. This trip she was able to see pictures of me and my friends, able to meet my gay friends and her our conversations and finally, she was able to her and see my mom and I interact – with my sexuality not being an issue of discomfort. I think that at times, it may have been a little too much for her. My mom said that on their drive home she made quite a few comments about how in shock she was at how “openly homosexual” I and my friends are. But guess what… that’s who I am. So maybe in the longrun some positive progress can be made from it. If no, at least she knows a little more about WHO I am.

Here are some pictures from our journeys. We went to Hollywood Cemetery, Maymont, drove the Blue Ridge Mountain drive, and went to Roanoke. Enjoy.

The pyramid at Hollywood Cemetery

Sign explaining the pyramid

Flowers at Maymont

Gardens at Maymont

More Gardens at Maymont

Mountains

Old stairs leading to an old railroad trail

Old RR tracks off the Blue Ridge Parkway

The very random Roanoke Star

History/ Info of Roanoke Star

Roanoke from the look out spot

I think that when I first moved to Richmond I tried… maybe a little too hard, to fit in. When I lived in Detroit, I worked at 2 of the “hotspots” and it was always a huge circle of friends, parties, and social opps. Moving to Richmond, I think I was under the impression that it shouldn’t be that difficult to find a group and feel my nitch again. Maybe my ego prevented me from really getting to know people? I also think that I expected Richmond to embrace a new member of the community with wide open arms. When they didn’t, I think that my pride was hurt a little and I became bitter.

What I will say is that Richmond is very different from any other town I have lived in or visited. Maybe it is a southern thing, maybe it is just this town – I don’t know. What I do know is that if you are from Richmond, you will have an easier time being accepted. That seems pretty clear not only in the gay community, but in pretty much ANY community here. There is a certain power that those of Richmond blood have. But as I talk to more people, I hear a mix of reactions. Some agree with the things that I have said – they have tried, but to no luck. Others have found their nitches pretty easily.

For me, personally, the other adjustment I have had to make is that Richmond doesn’t really have the social outlets that a lot of other cities have. When I lived in Detroit there were sports teams, Pride events, film festivals, comedy festivals, and just a large, OUT community. I have been to some of the events here and they are always small crowds. The outlets in Richmond seem to be the bars, gay.com, and the other online sites. For me, this has been hard to get into, because I am not a bar person and since I sit at a computer all day at work, sitting at the computer when I get home gets really boring.

Another challenge for me is that in large social settings, I am very shy (which people who know me never believe, but it is true). I also avoid the bars, because in large, loud settings – I can’t hear what people are saying. So, when I do venture out to the bar, I usually just stand and people watch – which people view as me being stand-offish. But again that is just me.

So… what to do? I guess that’s where I am left now – wondering how to make something happen naturally and organically, when I don’t really have a want to utilize the outlets that seem to be the most effective.

Thoughts? Comments? Let me know.

If you also feel like an outsider, what have you done to try to change this? What do you think has helped? Are there more outlets out there that maybe others aren’t aware of?

But, I am back… sort of. Today I am heading to Northern Virginia (or NoVA as people like to call it), to enjoy a day of relaxation and maybe some kayaking. There will definitely be pictures and a post! In the meantime, here are some random pics that I have taken down and Texas Beach and Robious Park – both great places for walking trails! Enjoy!!

My favorite area to just sit

The waterfall under the RR tracks

Deer at Robious Park

Trail at North Banks (w/ hint of my finger)

Art Works Studio and Galleries and the Richmond SPCA are partnering up for a night of Pet Art, a silent auction, and a Pet Fashion Show.

You and your pet are invited on Friday, August 28th from 7-10pm. If you are not able to make it to this event, then show runs through September 18th.

Art Show, Silent Auction and Pet Fashion Show!

Mark your calendars for Aug. 28th 7-10pm

This following information was taken directly from the Richmond SPCA’s website, but gives more information on the event:

Art Works Show to Benefit the Richmond SPCA
A DOGmatic CATasTROPHY!

Fri, 28 Aug, 2009 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Each year Art Works partners with the art community to create a summer project and exhibit. In the past you’ve seen paint dropped from towers, paint blown by jet exhaust and last year the gallery partnered with the Richmond SPCA and raised over $1,000 for homeless animals. It was so much fun that we’ve decided to do it again!

The exhibit is called DOGmatic CATasTROPHY – Canines and Felines at Art Works. This juried all-media show is strictly about dogs and cats. Half of all proceeds will help support homeless animals.

The August 28 opening night for this exhibit will feature:

* Silent Auction
* Adoptable Pets
* Fashion Show
* Treats from Three Dog Bakery
* Raffle Prizes
* Live Music, Food and More!

The DOGmatic CATasTROPHY art show is a juried show. Work that pertains to dogs or cats is accepted by any artist, any medium Call for Entries is on August 21 and 22 at Art Works. The gallery talk and awards are presented at 7:30 at the opening reception.

We hope to see you there!
Location: 320 Hull Street
Richmond, VA 23224
(Map)
Fees: No charge.
Contact: 804 291.1400

I personally have been involved with HIV work since 1999 as a volunteer for AIDS Walk Michigan, AIDS Walk Flint, and AIDS Walk Detroit. In 2002 was a member of the National AIDS Funds/ Michigan AIDS Fund Americorps program and worked in HIV prevention, education, testing and counseling at Michigan’s largest and oldest HIV/AIDS organizations, AIDS Partnership Michigan until I moved to Richmond in 2005. In the years that I did testing and counseling I had told roughly 20 people that they were HIV positive. These were people of all backgrounds, social and economic status, sexual orientations, etc.

How this relates to Richmond? Roughly 3,700 citizens of the Metro Richmond area are HIV positive. 234 of those were diagnosed last year alone. Men, women and children of all ages, races and sexualities rely on the multiple Healthcare Clinics which offer low cost or free HIV related services. AIDSWalk Richmond understands that the services clinics offer at free or reduced rates can become very costly for the providers. In an event to show support to these organizations, AIDSWalk will offer donations and grants to these clinics. Funds raised by AIDSWalk Richmond will be put back directly in to the community. Rest assured AIDSWalk Richmond is dedicated to supporting RICHMOND. Your participation and generosity will make a big difference in the lives of those most affected by HIV/AIDS in our community.

Rocky Horror Week for AIDS Walk Richmond

The freaky festivities kickoff Saturday at 4 p.m. with a special shopping party at Rumors Boutique! Godfrey’s just announced free cover next Wednesday if you come dressed in character. Be sure to check www.gayrva.com/rocky for updates.

Saturday, July 11 :: Shop For A Cause & Concert
Rumors Boutique
404 North Harrison Street
Richmond, VA 23284

Get some new threads, rock some fishnets with the Rocky Horror cast, and shop for a cause with 20 percent of the Rumors’ sales going to AIDSWalk Richmond from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. At 8 p.m., Richmond punk band, The I-las, perform. All ages.

Sunday, July 12 :: Time Warp Karaoke
Barcode
6 East Grace Street
Richmond, VA

It’s a Sunday night tradition and Frankfurter’s taking part. Join the cast as they make an appearance from 10 p.m. to midnight and perform a number or two. From 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., Barcode will be donating 10 percent of all liquor sales to AIDSWalk Richmond. As an AIDSWalk Richmond partner, you can make contributions at the restaurant anytime time to the donations box at the bar.

Tuesday, July 14 :: Tuesday Turnabout
Papa Ningo
1707 East Franklin Street
Richmond, VA 23223

Papa Ningo is bringing nightlife to all Richmonders on Tuesdays with a full menu of Dominican fare. The Rocky cast performs at 11:30 sharp. The $3 cover goes to AIDSWalk Richmond. Ages 18 and up.

Wednesday, July 15 :: Wednesday Hump Night
Godfrey’s
308 East Grace Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219

Catch a short performance from the sweet transvestite and company as part of Godfrey’s amateur night. The show starts at 11 p.m. Pay no cover if you come dressed as a Rocky Horror character. Ten percent of the evening’s liquor sales go to AIDSWalk Richmond. Ages 18 and up.

Thursday, July 16 :: Rocky Hors d’ouevres
BlackFinn Richmond
1001 Haxall Point
Richmond, VA 23219

Get access to complimentary appetizers and drink specials from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Grab a drink from the bar and mingle in style with the cast, then catch their performance at 8 p.m. BlackFinn will match all donations from the evening. A $5 minimum is suggested.

Friday, July 17 :: The Midnight Show
Movieland at Boulevard Square
1301 North Boulevard
Richmond, VA 23230

The event culminates with a shadow performance by the cast Friday night at Movieland during a screening of the film version of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The cast will be donating their personal proceeds from this special performance to AIDSWalk. Be ready to throw some toast and get in on the action. Come at 11 p.m. for a cocktail hour in Movieland’s lobby.

Melissa's album 'Brave & Crazy' played through my house when I was a child

As times went on I had my obsessions with musical artists. I longed to be the 6th New Kid on the Block. Since I knew that I couldn’t, I just idolized Jordan Knight to the point that my peers started realizing something was a little different about me. I had my hair done the same way – even with the same off-center line that Jordan had shaved in his hair. I thought I was cool beyond cool.

Melissa & k.d. lang smooch at the end of the Lifebeat Concert

In 1992 a new artist grabbed my attention. Newly “out” lesbian singer, k.d. lang. On a fluke, I happened to be in a bookstore at Genesse Valley Mall in Flint, MI and looked up to see this boy-looking girl on the cover of The Advocate. I stood right there and read the whole article. I had seen this woman before… my mother and aunt had made MANY a joke about her being a man in a dress for years. So started my obsession with k.d. lang – same hairstyle, same clothes – but luckily she has moved onto wearing men’s clothing (I even dressed up as her for Halloween last year).

Yes I Am - helped me to come out and be strong

Soon after that a familiar name was mentioned as just “coming out” – Melissa Etheridge. Wait, the same Melissa Etheridge that sang to me as a child? It was now 1993 and her album “Yes I Am” was climbing the charts and not an hour went by that you didn’t hear “Come to My Window” on the radio. That loop, “I don’t care what they think. I don’t care what they say. What do they know about this love, anywaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyy?” - is STILL my favorite line of all time! It spoke to me and let me know that I was not strange, I was not wrong. Even though I was not yet out to my family… I knew that one day I would be just like Melissa and I not care what anyone else thought.

Melissa during her Live and Alone tour

I have seen Melissa Etheridge enough times in concert, I think that I could have hands down paid for at least one of her 4 kids education at Harvard or Yale. Her music has been there to sing me to sleep during times of love, heartbreak, struggle, and success. I think of all the musicians that I listen to her – Etheridge has the more personal lyrics and soothing voices. She also puts on one HELL of a live show, sometimes going on for 3.5 hours. After a Melissa show I feel that I am just as tired from singing and dancing as she must be. Though her ticket prices have gotten high, they are still worth EVERY cent!!

Melissa and ex - Julie Cypher with Beckett (left) and Bailey

Melissa has been the face of coming out, gay relationships, gay parenting, and gay divorce. After her break-up with Julie Cypher (to whom her first two children Bailey and Beckett were born), she showed us that you can love again and get everything you want in. She met, dated, fell in love, and married Tammy Lynn Michaels (now Etheridge) and her music has not let up any in its passion. Melissa and Tammy now have twins to add to the Etheridge household. Melissa also has been the face of survival with her battle against Breast Cancer.

Tammy Lynn and Melissa at their wedding

Melissa helped me to come out and be the out, proud, political person I am today. When I start to sway from activism I can listen to “Silent Legacy”, “Scarecrow”, or “Tuesday Morning” Her music has helped me in my own break-ups, my own hardships and times of glory. Each of her albums bring something to the table: personally, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. She is a complete artist if there ever was one. Plus, let’s be honest – even at 48, she looks damn good with a guitar (even to a gay man).

Promo shot from the Greatest Hit album - I love Melissa's short cut

If you are not familiar with Melissa Etheridge, I HIGHLY recommend checking out her music. If you get the chance to see her live, do it! You can find page upon page of live stuff on Youtube. You can also learn more about her at www.melissetheridge.com or at her Facebook or MySpace pages.

Melissa and Tammy

My dream in life is to be able to sit down to lunch or dinner and just talk to her. I would love to just be in her presence to feel her spirit and energy. I also think the we would be very close friends! Maybe a dream, but I think we would have many things to talk about and very similar opinions on life, love, and the journey we’ve both walked.

Melissa at the Democratic Convention

So in the chance that you or Tammy may read this little blog, from a simple man in Richmond, VA – know that you have help this guy through the best and worst of times and I look forward to your new album (which began work this week). Also, if you may need another gay in your life…. feel free to email me! I am always looking for more lesbian friends!!!

Tammy (with my current haircut) and Melissa