Calling every Gay person in the United States Of America. Calling every person in the United States Of America who knows and loves someone with HIV. Calling every parent of a Gay man or woman. Calling all siblings of Gay human beings. Calling everyone who loves someone that is Gay. Calling everyone who has shed tears over HIV.

The United States Of America, Iraq, China, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Sudan, Qatar, Brunei, Oman, Moldova, Russia, Armenia, and South Korea BAN almost all HIV+ foreigners from entering their country for ANY REASON. Should the United States Of America be keeping such bedfellows?

No major AIDS conferrence has been held in the United States since 1993. So much for being the leaders of the “Free World!”

Excuse me……Ummm…. when did we fashion our policies and beliefs to even remotely mirror

 such “regressive” governments? Stupid question actually. If you answered George Bush you are correct. If you are wondering what the problem is then “you are the weakest link” but maybe by the end of this post I can pound some sense into your head.

What? Where? Huh? How did this happen? Initially it made sense. The AIDS pandemic made us panic. Our beautiful young men were dropping like flies. Our Gay neighborhoods looked like “Night of the Living Dead”. The year was 1987, I was 27 years old and had already spent a few years in terror of getting infected. Strange, we forced the government to recognize a “pandemic” (although they still don’t recognize it as such) and the reaction was “lock all the doors and hide.” I understand the “lock the doors” part, initially, but hide? Good Lord….. leave it to freest society on earth to stick their heads the sand and their butts in the air. Which is a really good way to get HIV in the first place ……. if you get my drift.

Last year (July 30, 2008) former President Bush signed a bill lifting the ban. Don’t give the jerk to much credit. Congress has finally embodied our American Values and passed the apporopriate ammendment to the law. Although Bush officially lifted it he did not instruct the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to remove HIV from the “no entry list“. My ……. how convenient….. makes you want to puke doesn’t it? Yep, a nice “pea and shell game.” Once a con-artist always a con artist eh?

Now we have intelligence in the White House. HHS has been instructed by President Obama to make the change and have HIV removed from the “Fuck You Stay Out!” list. Much like the global warming ruling that recently swept through the EPA.  This mandate from our President requires that HHS wright a new “Rule.” Once written the “Rule” must be presented to the public for comment. Now is the time to put this discriminatory, phobic, cruel, ridiculous, hypocritical law to rest in a nice deep grave. The American Public (you and I) have 45 days to comment on the new rule.

Still not sure? Ten years ago my lover (I’ve had two in my 49 years) and I traveled to Hong Kong (don’t confuse Hong Kong with China). We took our medication with us. Yes, both of us are HIV+. It was very difficult/scary for us to do that. We knew that the medications would be heavily scrutinized. We knew that we would have to stand there in front of many, many other people and say “Yes, I have HIV.” When you travel with medications it is important to use the actual prescription bottles and not little “make shift” travel bottles. The end result is an “extra” bag full of drugs. We were fortunate, Hong Kong customs officials were great. Ironically, they had never encountered guys like us being so open. Bottom line…… they were shocked when they saw how much medication we needed and asked “do you guys have to take all of this?  Wow?” We had a wonderful time in Hong Kong! (Not that it is anyone’s business, but it’s relevant…… no, we only fucked eathother while we were there……. feel better?) My point? HIV+ travelers don’t bring their meds with them to the United States because they will be denied entry. Result, they go off of their medication for the duration of their trip. Makes us look like real leaders in prevention doesn’t it? Discouraging/preventing responsible behavior in the land of the free and the brave?

The threat of HIV infection is not from tourism or immigration. The threat of HIV is with our uneducated youth and with our Injection Drug Users (IDU’s). The threat is here at home not at our borders.

Still don’t buy it? If you are HIV+ you may visit any country in the Western World EXCEPT the United States Of America.

All the experts agree. This law/policy no longer makes any sense and is, in fact, counter productive. The only people that want to keep it are those that are telling you that Gays have an agenda to take over the world and rape our children. If you buy that line there is nothing I can do but pray for you. Regardless of who you are, I want to ensure that your health status and that of your children  and loved ones will not exlude you from seing the wonders that our planet has to offer. From the architecture of Rome to the peaks of  Machu Picchu you should be able to see it all if you want to.

In the United State of America we believe in the right to mobility. We can travel within our own vast country without having to have “special papers.” We have prided ourselves for generations that a U.S. Passport allows us to go anywhere in the world. We must live up to our beliefs, we must treat others with the same respect we demand for ourselves.

Those of us living with HIV span the spectrum of life from the very poor to the very rich. We are more concerned about the spread of HIV than any of you can ever imagine.

What needs to be done? What do you need to do? Click on this link and send your comment to HHS. No Stigma! Opinion, values, beliefs do nothing for any of us (including you) if all you do is sit around and drink coffee and mouth off. The President of the United States is giving you the opportunity to end this horrible form of discrimination. Are you going to use your fingers for a few seconds and do something or are you going to continue talking about it over coffee? It takes you almost no time at all to end this embarrassment. Do it do it now. You do make a difference……. really you do…… to me, my friends, my family, your family, your friends. It is right here, just a “click” and a couple of key strokes.

This is the first time I’ve mentioned my HIV status on the World Wide Web. A new chapter in my life now opens. It will be a painful and dangerous chapter. Changing our discriminatory policies regarding HIV is worth any pain or danger I will now encounter. I’m willing to do this. Are you willing to step up to the plate and click the above link and help?

Whether you do or not, may peace be with you and may you  be able to return kindness 10 fold more than you receive.

 HybridKid

First and foremost: Everyday kids reach voting age. Most of the daily influx of new voters doesn’t care if we want to get married. They don’t feel threatened by Gay Marriage and would rather we (as Americans) would “just get over it and move on.” That is not to say they don’t support us, they do. As one local kid put it to a bigot slamming Gay Marriage in my morning coffee hangout, “You just don’t get it Dude. We don’t care……. read my lips…..I don’t care!”

We would all like to see Gay Marriage become legal NOW. It is the right thing to do. The pressure for legalization must continue and it must be intense. However, take heart. Everyday we add more supporters to our cause than opposition.

Secondly: On the other end of the “time line” from the new, young, supportive voter, is the older (much older) voter. Some of this crowd hates us and some of them don’t.  Overall, they can’t handle Gay Marriage. It is just plain out of their scope of reason and understanding. There is nothing that you or I can do to change that. Nature, however will have it’s way. Everyday one of them dies……. LOL…… no I don’t want them to drop dead.

I know that this doesn’t relieve the deep pain, frustration and anger that is in your hearts. But, I hope it assuages it a little. We will win the right to legally marry. It will just take a little more time. As I see it, we are on the teetering edge. During the next ten years we will see our opposition loose ground, crumble and collapse.

Let’s have some fun! Enough of the logic. It’s time to bitch, scream and yell and say politically correct things in an incorrect way.

Prop 8 Supporters, you are some kind of throw back to a pre- homosapian. Whether you believe in evolution or intelligent design you got neither. The human brain has extraordinary ability for reason and logic, but it has to be plugged in. Your unplugged!

If I can’t get married in your church that is fine. I’m not asking to. Frankly, why would I want to? I want to get married in my church. My pastor would love to perform the ceremony (legally). Who the hell do you think you are to tell me and my pastor that I can’t get married in my own church? Do I tell you what you can do in your church? What would you do if I did? You would go “Ape Shit”and ignorant on us. Oh what am I saying? You already have!

You bigots are making me spend my precious resources combating ignorance where it shouldn’t be. I should be spending my time helping to figure out how to feed the poor and shelter the homeless. I should be fighting illiteracy. I should be championing a clean and safe planet for us any our (yes “our”) children. BUT NO……. I’ve got to fend off rabid, evil jerks whose brains have become dysfunctional and pose a threat to everything they touch.

Mormons ……… what can I say? No, you can’t take me with you when you die because I’m not planning on going to Hell. I tried and tried and tried to get along with you and accept you. I’ve given up. You have caused incredible unhappiness. You have split families apart. You have caused many beautiful young Gay people to take their own lives. You don’t believe in “separation of church and state.” You are bound and determined to control all of our lives.

In my book, one of the biggest “sins” we can make is to cause hate in another individual where hate did not previously exist. Now in addition to having to deviate from just causes to fend you off, I have to expend energy trying not to hate you. Worse…… I have to try not to hate you for putting me through the daily process of trying not to hate you.”

Every day I try to bring a smile to others faces. Everyday I listen to others and do my best to see the world through their eyes. Everyday I realize the world is a different place for each of us. The guidelines I use for my life are usually inapplicable to the lives of others. I accept that. I rejoice in it.  My closest friendships in life have developed through a common bond of “how to treat my fellow man.” How you treat your fellow man is unacceptable.

In closing, bigots, I will go to my grave defending our society from the evil, black smoke and fowl slime that you are intent on retching all over your fellow human beings.

So sit back bigot, put a little  grease on it, stick “Prop 8″ up your ass and enjoy the movie. You know, just like you do at the Adult Movie’s on the other side of town.

Aren’t they cute!?

HybridKid

Well let me tell ya Hun. Spending the day pressed between a multitude of people always brings out the best in me. But when we are gathered together to ensure the quality of our air, the very air we breath, the very air that flew up my skirt, I get well …… enthralled with the circumstance and the pleasure.

Last Thursday (May 21st) was the Climate Change Rally down on the docks (God I love to go there especially with a ….never mind)….yes down on the docks. Thousands of us gathered to voice our opinion on Global Warming while the EPA held their public opinion conference. Our goal was to support the EPA now that it has made the decision that pollutants caused by Global Warming are a danger to human health.

The EPA held only two of these conferences in the country. This made the affair all that more special for all of us here in Seattle.

As you can see we had a wonderful day for a rally. This lovely shot is provided by Fuse. Fuse did a fantastic job helping to coordinate the rally. If you havn’t checked them out you really should. They make is easy for you to scream bloody murder over what matters to us most and then just skip off for a little drinky poo at your favorite hangout to brag about it.

Now, check this out. The Governor is not one of my favorite people. Yes I support her…… but still. I have to hand it to her on this one though. She did a very nice job! And excuse me, she looks good! I think she got a little “peppermint” also  don’t ya think?

I know most of you did not get a chance to join us last Thursday, but I got a little secret for ya. The EPA is accepting “opinion” for the next 60 days. Here is your link to tell them what you think.My best to all of you. I hope to see you on this page again tomorrow AND I hope to run into you on the pages of Fuse.

HybridKid

 We all know our President is Internet savvy (that’s an understatement isn’t it?). I, for one, have been waiting for his cyber tornado to swarm the web. Well babe get ready it’s starting. This ain’t Kansas no more.  Glenda “The Good Witch” is on our side and she doesn’t care if Cheney wants the “Slippers”. She’s got a special place to put that wand when it comes to “Dick” (Cheney that is).

So, anyway, Yes…. I’m on the bus and I get an email from Barack. I’m saying “Barack” because the email is not signed “The President” . It is simply signed Barack Obama. Now, I know, I know, I know….. the DNC puts this out and zillions of people have gotten them. I’m no idiot. That is not the point. The DNC hasn’t the smarts to put it together this way. If they did “Bush” would have just been something we trimmed once a week. The point is that Barack Obama does have the smarts. You may dislike the late Ronald Reagan (stop wadding your panties!) but Barack Obama has a great deal of respect for him and has studied how he accomplished what he did.  He has taken what he has learned, merged it with his Internet skills and his skilled people. And now we enter a new era/venue of influence. Thank God it is in a progressive direction.

Now, aside from the above, why does this get me higher than a Gin Martini for breakfast? Because he shows up on my little smart phone. Because, if he asks me to sign a petition and send it to my congressman I can do it on my smart phone. Because if he wants me to watch a video I can do it on my smart phone. Because I get sick of watching Opera on my smart phone. Most importantly……. I can start a conversation immediately on the bus, at the coffee shop, or in the bar by saying “Oh its another email from the Barack.” Do I do whatever anyone says? No, “size does matter.” Do I do what Barack asks me to. At this point in time…. Yes. We got a problem in this country folks and we all have to do something about it. The great thing is? That phone on your hip is a very powerful tool. Use it!

In closing, Barack asked me to forward his email to friends. I’m happy to oblige and fill his request, and I hope you will help him, help us, turn this country around.

My Best,

HybridKid

Good afternoon,You are receiving this email because you signed up at WhiteHouse.gov. My staff and I plan to use these messages as a way to directly communicate about important issues and opportunities, and today I have some encouraging updates about health care reform. The Vice President and I just met with leaders from the House of Representatives and received their commitment to pass a comprehensive health care reform bill by July 31. We also have an unprecedented commitment from health care industry leaders, many of whom opposed health reform in the past. Monday, I met with some of these health care stakeholders, and they pledged to do their part to reduce the health care spending growth rate, saving more than two trillion dollars over the next ten years — around $2,500 for each American family. Then on Tuesday, leaders from some of America’s top companies came to the White House to showcase innovative ways to reduce health care costs by improving the health of their workers.Now the House and Senate are beginning a critical debate that will determine the health of our nation’s economy and its families. This process should be transparent and inclusive and its product must drive down costs, assure quality and affordable health care for everyone, and guarantee all of us a choice of doctors and plans. Reforming health care should also involve you. Think of other people who may want to stay up to date on health care reform and other national issues and tell them to join us here:http://www.whitehouse.gov/EmailUpdatesHealth care reform can’t come soon enough. We spend more on health care than any country, but families continue to struggle with skyrocketing premiums and nearly 46 million are without insurance entirely. It is a priority for the American people and a pillar of the new foundation we are seeking to build for our economy.We’ll continue to keep you posted about this and other important issues.

Thank you,
Barack ObamaP.S. If you’d like to get more in-depth information about health reform and how you can participate, be sure to visit http://www.HealthReform.gov.

A little less than two years ago I flew down to Seattle from Anchorage for a job interview. It was a quick in and out visit. I arrived the night before and stayed at…… well being a Gay single male we will leave that for another article….. but it was cheep and I had a good time. The next day, after my interview, I promptly took off ”on foot” to see  (get into trouble) what I could of Seattle before my evening flight back to Alaska.

Tooling up Pike Street from downtown in my coat, tie and dress shoes that were killing my feet, I headed for (the infamous) Capitol Hill. God I wanted out of those shoes! Then it dawned on me, “this is Seattle.” I sat down on the steps of Bank America, removed my killer, yet professional, shoes and peeled off the Calvin Klein dress socks, replacing all with my Nike’sand…… well yes….. Calvin Klein athletic socks. Hey, the “pink stripe runs deep.” Ahh… so much better and Seattle didn’t bat an eyelash over my naked feet (try that in DC…. yeah right).

My dogs taken care of, up the Hill I went pulling my “tag along” suitcase behind me. Stopping at the Edge Of The Circle book store, I asked where the closest Gay bars were. I was enthusiastically referred to RPLACE by the straight owner.

So, a few moments latter there I was standing at the bar in RPLACE staring into the face of my bartender Jefferson. Little did I know that Jefferson and I would become friends over the months ahead. Mohawk skillfully waxed up to about four inches above his head, bright welcoming eyes and a big warm smile, Jefferson welcomed me to Seattle and asked what brought me here. Before I knew it he had maps of the area spread out over the bar and was directing me to places I could go that afternoon. He was quick to inquire from other customers exact addresses and hours of business for the places he was sending me.

I enjoyed a couple of beers at the first floor bar. Sitting at the polished wooden bar I enjoyed the back and forth foot traffic along Pine St. visible through the large street side windows. With it’s long L shaped bar, small round tables and a large “booth” you are very comfortable talking, watching video, and observing the never ending street show that one can only find in Seattle.

Three months later I moved to Seattle. Upon walking into RPLACE Jefferson greeted me by name and asked “So, a pitcher of Bud? Tell me did you get the job?” Needless to say, my teeth about hit the floor. Did I feel all “warm and fuzzy?” You bet!

RPLACE has something to offer everyone. I go there weekdays in the late afternoon for the “Pub” atmosphere. I also enjoy going on weekends as well . Eric is your bartender on the weekend and proudly serves up complementary hot dogs. RPLACE provides free WIFI. I love finishing off my weekday or squeezing in a little more work on the weekend with laptop, beer and a Dog. I like to say “My office serves me beer and feeds me while I work .”Others go there to play pool on the second floor. Later in the evening a transformation occurs. The third floor opens up and is a hot spot for shows. Often customers start at RPLACE for Happy Hour, move on to dinner in the area, return home to change for an evening out, hit a couple of other clubs in the neighborhood and then return to RPLACE for a show. Click on the link at the beginning of this post for a picture of RPLACE. Notice all the glass? Whether you are on the third floor for a show, playing pool on the second floor, or saddling up to the bar on the first floor you have an “eye” to the outside world of Capitol Hill.

Here is your link to RPLACE on the WEB. And just for fun here is one of their shows on YouTube.

I hope you enjoy RPLACE as much as I do. Hope to see you there.

 HybridKid

P.S. National Underwear Day is a great program to help those in need. Please consider buying a “fresh pair” below. At least take a look see…kind of a sexy sight anyway

At one time or another everyone (Gay or Straight) passes through Seattle. When we plan on taking that trip we jump on the internet to find out what is going down. We gotta “hit the pavement running” ya know? Those “internet adventures” are great and always helpfull. Unfortunately they are often very “static.” In a Gay mega city like Seattle “static” just doesn’t cutt it. We are diverse, dynamic and fluid. Change happens everyday. The pages and links we find are only for those establishments that have the time and the money to upload them and keep them updated. Unfortunately the “update” part doesn’t happen very often.

 So, living here in Seattle, I’m going to do my best to provide a constant flow of information on What’s Up In Seattle. After all, we like turists that “jump in with both feet. You will find posts and links the standard webpages for established Gay and Gay Friendly establishments. You will also find articles and listings for businesses and events that are not easy to find on the internet. I’ll also keep you updated on what just happened and what is about to happen here in our beautiful city.