The O-town Scene - Oneonta, NY
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/23074
Jim Koury Take the high road Life is complicated. We all know this as we experience drama every day in some form or fashion, whether it is at work or in our personal lives. We learn to cope with it the best we can, and just hope tomorrow will be better. As a LGBT individual, life’s compli- cations are compounded, since living our lives as we truly are can be chal- lenging, especially in light of society’s bigotry and homophobia. We like to think that we can nestle back into the comfort of the LGBT community that understands us and accepts as we are. However, this is not always the case. As in the straight world, there are those within the LGBT community that insist on tearing others down, belittling them and making them feel inferior to other LGBT individuals. This is so is beyond me, since one enced something similar from another magazine publisher. Since we both were in the same field trying to help advance the overall equality and dig- nity of the LGBT community, I did not expect to be attacked and mocked by this other individual in his publica- tion not just once but on a number of occasions. While I understand there is going to be some rivalry and competition, I was not expecting the level and intensity of the attack that I received. I assumed, wrongly, that we could work together and be a unified voice in furthering LGBT equality, since both our publications were distinctly different and unique. would think that all members of a mi- nority that are discriminated against would seek to comfort and assist those within their community. Ego, power and the desire to better oneself at the expense of someone else runs rampant within the LGBT community, as it does within society generally. I know while I was publishing Diversity Rules Magazine, I experi- The animosity exuded by this person permanently placed a veil of mistrust and apprehension between us. Sad, yes, but true, and it is the reality of our community. Being petty and mean due to an overactive ego will not further our cause but only provide a wedge that our detrac- tors can use to try to divide us. Do not fall “Ego, power and the desire to better oneself at the expense of someone else runs rampant within the LGBT community.” victim to ego. Be stronger and take the high road. Be part of the solution and not part of the problem. Jim Koury was born and raised in Oneonta. He is a gay activist, and the city clerk of Oneonta, a position he has held for 18 years. He was the editor of Diversity Rules Magazine, which may be re-launching in 2011. He can be reached at editor@diversityrulesmagazine.com. LGBTQ Events Thurs. 1/13 Trash Thursday with Katrina, 9 p.m., Merlin’s, 201 State St., Binghamton. Fri. 1/14 College Night at Merlin’s, 8 p.m., 201 State St., Bingham- ton, free before 11 p.m. with college ID. College Night at Twist Ultra Lounge, 252 West Genesee St., Syracuse. Sat. 1/15 Transgender Coffee Hour, 9:30 to 11 a.m., Express Cafe and Bakery, 164 N. Main St., Elmira. Hosted by Gen- der Education and Expressions of Central New York. For info, Angela Radka at angie14845@hotmail.com. Pride Along the Mohawk annual dinner, 412 Rutger St., Utica. For info, reservations: (315) 734-1653. Thurs. 1/20 Transgender/Cross Dressers Discussion Gatherings, 7 p.m., every third Thursday, 412 Rutgers St., Utica. For info, Joan at (315) 337-3659. Sun. 1/23 Vintage Pride Potluck, 1 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 362 State St., Albany. Bring a dish to share, drinks and dessert provided by the Capital District Gay and Lesbian Community Council. A casual social opportunity for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people 55 and older. For info, (518) 292-8140. Men’s potluck, 5 p.m., 412 Rutger St., Utica. For info: (315) 734-1653. Wed. 1/26- Mon. 31 QFest LGBTQ Film Festival, Proctor’s Theater in Schenectady is holding its first annual LGBTQ film festi- val. For info: www.proctors.org/events/q-fest. Fri. 2/11- Sun. 2/13 My Furry Valentine Weekend, The Bears of Binghamton hold its Valentine-themed weekend with a meet-and- greet at Squiggy’s on Friday night. Merlin’s will play host to the big weekend party starting at 9 p.m. 26 O-Town Scene Jan. 13, 2011 the Diversity Scene Jan. 13-19