Diversity Rules Magazine

April 2011 My Two Cents by Jim Koury, Editor As I write this column for the April issue, I have so much going through my head. It just prods me on with even more tenacity to bring you a print copy of the magazine. First, I am so heartened by the reaction to the debut of the digital issue of Diversity Rules Magazine. Te warm “welcome backs” and the sincere expressions of “good luck” mean so much to me. Second, I am a bit distraught over the state of our political environment in this country in terms of LGBTQ equality. We are being governed by the most hostile political leaders in a very long time. Sadly America voted their emotions in- stead of voting with their common sense. Te results of the November elections not only empowered the extreme Conservative right wing, it also has brought to a screeching halt any further advances toward fulfillment of America’s promise of equality for all. Not only did the elections jeopardize LGBTQ rights, it also has also created a hostile environment for advanc- ing minority rights generally. Te November elections also have put women’s reproductive freedoms at risk. A woman’s right to choose is being threatened daily by extemists who want to turn the clock back to the days of back alley abortions with coat hangers. It is a sad state of affairs in America and not a Diversity Rules Magazine PO Box 72 James R. Koury, Editor/Founder 607.432.1179 Website: www.diversityrulesmagazine.com Blog: www.diversityrulesmagazine.blogspot.com E-Mail: info@diversityrulesmagazine.com Copyright 2011 Diversity Rules Magazine Two Oneonta, NY 13820 good place to be if you are not a wealthy, white, heterosexual male. America deserves much bet- ter than what it got last November. Last November’s elections have also empowered the fringe cases who think they can say and do whatever they want to squelch the voices of those who are different. Tis is epitomized by a vile letter to the editor in the local paper in the community in which I reside. Te last line of the letter states, “Homosexuality belongs in the animal kingdom where the participants don’t know any better.” But yet the writer contradicts this horrid statement by saying, “Now, I’m not at all against gay people.” Te LGBTQ community cannot and will not tolerate this bigoted ignorance. Unfortunately, American voters empowered these vile creatures and put them in charge of the House of Repre- sentatives. Such misguided action by the voters has made it much more difficult to combat and drown out this hate grounded in fear of those who are different. But we must continue to look forward and work toward the ultimate goal of equality for all despite these people who spew this trash from their mouths. We cannot let one election stand in the way of achieving what is right and just; an America where everyone is treated equally, without fear of retribution for who and what they are. It is time to do battle. It will be a hard fought battle but it shall be won in the name of equal- ity for all Americans! Featured in this issue: Cover Interview: Donny Meacham Terry Ludwig: Keep Up Now Liz Bradbury: Marriage Equality Tanner Efinger: Duo Daddy Dilemma Bill Prickett: Te Mind Set on the Flesh Lee Lynch: Qpondering Renato Barucco: Spilling the “T” David Martin: Sanctity of Marriage Brian Haak: Internalized Stereotypes Special Feature Go Purple! Stop the H8!

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