As I do each year to mark this anniversary, I'll point you to my entry on 9/11 from three years ago, if you're curious about my memories of the event and my thoughts on its aftermath.

Feel free to comment there with your own thoughts if you wish--I invited that sort of feedback at the time, and the invitation still holds.

I certainly feel better about the state of the world in general, and the United States in particular, than I did at this time last year. The change in American leadership has led to an important shift in tone and focus, and for that I'm grateful.

I did indeed make it to Winnipeg's Pride March on Sunday (as promised earlier), and I'm glad I went, on what turned out to be the first weekend of the year for completely decent-without-qualifiers weather. :) I'm actually pleased to have some sunburn on my neck and shoulders, because it means this "summer" thing everyone talks about is more than just a rumour...

Given the warm, sunny weather, the turnout was great, and I saw a number of people I knew along the way--but fewer than I expected. :/ I'm not sure what's up with that.

Most of my marching time was spent seeking out a float with decent music to walk beside, and it was a decidedly mixed bag until I found a winner in the "Adam and Steve" float. ;)

After that, it was just a matter of hanging around Memorial Park, watching some of the requisite song-and-dance acts, and checking out the display booths before heading home...

Speaking of which, you know the demographics have shifted at an event like this when companies like Investors Group and Sears Portrait Studio make an official appearance. :}

Having missed out on Winnipeg's Pride March over the past couple of years (for a number of reasons), I want to be doubly sure I make it this Sunday...

In the meantime, the status of various GLBT issues in North America is the same mixed bag as it was at this time last year. One (pleasantly) shocking turn of events was discovering that President Obama actually proclaimed June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month:

I call upon the people of the United States to turn back discrimination and prejudice everywhere it exists.

I couldn't have said it better myself.

There are plenty of places in the States where discrimination and prejudice in this area need to be turned back, too. While same-sex couples there are still struggling to get the same immigration rights and adoption rights as their heterosexual counterparts, and some public schools are blocking pro-GLBT websites, marriage rights continue to be a primary battleground--with the good news out of New Hampshire seemingly cancelled out by the upholding of the same-sex marriage ban in California (and you all know how I feel about that).

Lest we Canadians look upon those problems and pat ourselves on the back for being so much more enlightened, I would remind you that Alberta just passed a law allowing parents to pull their children out of class when lessons on sexual orientation are being taught.

Things might be all right where I'm sitting, but they continue to be worse elsewhere--for our neighbours to the south as well as so many other parts of the world.

And that's why I need to show my support at Pride this year.

One of the great drawbacks of the Star Trek franchise over the years has been its failure to acknowledge that GLBT identities were a part of its utopian future...

At first, that didn't make it terribly different from the rest of the television landscape, but as time went on and this reality was incorporated into other series--not just shows with a GLBT focus like Queer as Folk, but a lot of mainstream fare and even other genre shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Doctor Who--without society falling apart, Star Trek started to seem overly conservative compared to its franchise neighbours, ignoring such expressions of equality when it could've been a trailblazer.

In a week when the good news out of Vermont can be mixed with this sort of continued idiocy, it would be nice to be able to point to some fictional examples from filmed Star Trek of GLBT humans (as opposed to some of the SF-analogy species they have shown) existing in the next few centuries...but thus far, there aren't any. :/ For many people, this seems to go against the series' portrayal of and advocacy for a better, united future for humanity as a whole.

Fortunately, the world of licenced Star Trek fiction has done quite a bit to make up for this shortcoming. A discussion on the TrekBBS forum about former franchise head honcho Rick Berman writing a memoir, and whether he might've been the cause of this lack of inclusion, led to this very cool thread about GLBT characters in Star Trek tie-ins. :)

If you're one of those people who wonder why you should bother reading the novels/comics when you could just be watching the episodes themselves, this is one of the more important reasons, from my perspective...sometimes, an official tie-in can provide what the official episodes lack.

With apologies to Gerald Ford, our long international nightmare is over.

Barack Hussein Obama is now the 44th President of the United States of America.

I've been saying that to myself over and over, just as a reminder that it's actually, really true now.

There were a few moments I really liked in the inaugural address, including his reaffirmation that "all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness," and this:

...we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus, and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself...

I couldn't think of any statement more different from the philosophy and viewpoint of his predecessor.

President Obama, you're right that we in the rest of the world are watching (we in Canada, particularly, are also looking forward to your upcoming visit), and though we realise that mistakes will be made along the way, I think we all hope that America can be a friend again.

Break's over.

I know, it's been nearly two weeks since the American election and I still haven't posted about my Election Day experience in Atlanta, but the least I can do is offer up some quick thoughts...

First off, thanks to everyone in the States who voted. :) Voter turnout was higher in the US than in Canada (which never happens), and I'm grateful to see that so many people saw the importance of taking part. History is made by those who show up.

(Having said that, I have that extra bit of gratitude for the people who voted in the blue states. ;))

On the flip side, majority votes led to the passing of Proposition 8 in California, along with similar constitutional amendments in Arizona and Florida, even though two of those states also went Democratic. :/ I find that sad and troubling, but (without going into wonkish detail about it) there are possible paths to the US Supreme Court on the issue of same-sex marriage which will hopefully resolve things for the best. Once again, I'm grateful to live in a country where we've already worked this out.

Thinking about President-Elect Barack Obama still seems a little surreal after all those months of anticipation. Once it sinks in, the hardest part for me will be watching President Obama while knowing we in Canada still have to deal with this guy as Prime Minister.

I was really glad I got the chance to bookend the Bush Era with Scott and Kimberly, given that we witnessed the Bush v. Gore shenanigans together in Sydney. They're largely the reason I've visited the United States at least once a year during every year of the Bush Administration, so doing so during the Obama Administration will at least leave us in a better mood on a political level. :)

To my everlasting regret, I sat next to Steve James (director of such documentaries as Stevie and the classic Hoop Dreams) on my flight back from Chicago to Winnipeg, but didn't talk to him. I feel like I should've said something, but given that I shouldn't've even known who he was, I realise intellectually that it's probably better in the long run that I kept my mouth shut.

More details are sure to follow, especially now that I've transferred my photos of the trip over from my digital camera. Stay tuned...

There's been a fairly popular meme around here over the past couple of days which I imagine came about because of Proposition 8, a ballot initiative in California which would amend that state's constitution to ban same-sex marriage there. (On my friendslist alone, amysisson, daytonward, ineti, infinitydog, and kradical have already paid it forward.) The meme is meant for you to post "if you're in a heterosexual marriage, and you don't want it 'protected' by the bigots who think that gay marriage hurts it somehow."

I'm not married, but coincidentally, I already had to do some pruning on MySpace this week because of the same issue, so for those of you who don't follow me there, I'll offer up a verbatim copy of the MySpace Bulletin I wrote on Monday morning, which is definitely in the spirit of the meme:

---

Date: 27 Oct 2008 11:29
Subject: An Open Letter to the Haters

To Any Californian Voting Yes on Proposition 8,
and Anyone Who Supports Them:

We all have our political differences, and I respect that.

In the American presidential election, for example, I can respect that you might have legitimate policy reasons to support McCain/Palin as opposed to Obama/Biden.

I can't imagine what those policy reasons could possibly be, but I respect that you can imagine them.

What I can't respect is the idea that you're against equality, that you're against civil rights for all, that you would take away rights already granted, that you would restrict people from being with the people they loved and embracing all of the joys and responsibilities of forming a family as they see fit.

These are the people you would reject in favour of imposing your own definitions of "child," "couple," "parent," "loved one," and so much more:


If you would reject them, then I reject you.

Consider this your 24-hour notice. I've learned that you're planning to vote Yes on Hate, or that you support the notion, and I want you to know the reason for your removal before I take you off my list of friends here...

...because if you're that bigoted and fearful, I'm not interested in being friends with you.


Sincerely,

Edgar Governo.

---

Harsh? Inflammatory? Perhaps, but honestly, I stand by what I wrote. The main person I was directing it to had already posted many bulletins of her own, full of regurgitated right-wing talking points and insinuations about Barack Obama, before her vocal support of Prop 8 became the straw.

Unsurprisingly, she inferred her subject status, and a minor row ensued in the bulletin's comments where she trotted out the usual standards--the "I have a gay cousin with kids, but" argument, the "it takes something away from the church" argument, the "this country was based in Christianity" argument, and the "it's a slippery slope" argument--before saying that if I deleted her, it would "only scream [my] intolerance."

"Really?!" ask Seth and Amy. My intolerance, you say. Give me a break, 'cause I sure need one.

I spent the rest of Monday feeling really worked up over that whole exchange, and I'm starting to feel The Rage again just thinking about it.

All of those arguments are unfortunate echoes of the exact same arguments used in decades past to support slavery and segregation, to deny voting rights for women and minorities, and most particularly to argue against "miscegenation." Same-sex marriage doesn't lead to society's downfall any more than giving women the vote led to giving gerbils the vote, and encountering people who don't realise that is sad, frightening, and offensive at the same time.

As someone living in a country which has had same-sex marriage nationwide for several years, such arguments seem especially ridiculous. Remember when Canada descended into a pit of debauched anarchy? Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together, mass hysteria? Well, I don't, either.

In the same set of MySpace comments, seweccentric suggested that my approach to and characterisation of the other side was "not what [she]'d call catching flies with honey," and I can understand where she's coming from, but this is a civil rights issue, full stop. If I encountered someone today in favour of slavery, segregation, or restricting suffrage, I wouldn't have much patience or understanding for that level of ignorance, either.

"Separate but equal" is not equal.

On this Canadian Thanksgiving Day, along with all of the other things (and people) I'm lucky to have in my life, I am thankful that I live in a country with universal suffrage.

Canada's system certainly isn't perfect (there are problems with current election law, for example, which are troubling), but considering that most Canadians wouldn't have been able to vote in a federal election a hundred years ago (and some, not even fifty years ago), this country has come a long way.

I hope that any Canadians reading this keep that in mind on Election Day tomorrow, and that any Americans reading this keep it in mind as November 4 approaches. Many people in the world today don't share this democratic privilege with you, so it's important to exercise your franchise and fight those who would try to keep your opinion from being counted.

Besides, Apathy Is Boring.

Canadians can visit Elections Canada if they need more information on voting requirements, while Americans can visit the Federal Elections Commission (or Rock the Vote).

Once again, I'll point you to my entry on 9/11 from two years ago, if you're curious about my memories of the event and my thoughts on its aftermath.

As I said at the time, feel free to comment there with your own thoughts if you wish.

I would only add that I share the disgust and outrage expressed by others at the exploitative video shown at the Republican National Convention (which you shouldn't watch if 9/11 footage makes you at all uncomfortable). Keith Olbermann's reaction at the end of that clip echoes my own, and he offered a longer comment on it last night.

Most of you, regardless of where you live, are already aware of the recent murder of Tim McLean, a Winnipegger. One of the consequences of this being the story that finally garners Winnipeg and Manitoba some international media attention is that unsavoury elements can come out of the woodwork and derail events in favour of their own agendas.

The Westboro Baptist Church is one such group, and (in line with their bountiful surplus of time and travel money) they announced plans to protest at Tim McLean's funeral on Saturday afternoon, despite warnings from the government that they should be turned away at the border.

Many locals quickly came together to stage a counterprotest...including me and my brother, Tony.

( Shine on Me, Shine on Me )

Around five in the afternoon, it was clear that the group had chickened out and not shown up, so Tony and I decided to leave. After a quick check of the parking lot at the (alleged) hotel for Kansas plates (it was a longshot, but you never know), we went on our way.

With so many divisive conflicts involving religion and politics in this day and age, it was gratifying to see so many strangers come together to keep religious zealots from inserting themselves into these proceedings.

Score one for the good guys.

Despite originally planning to, I did not end up attending Winnipeg's Pride March today, but GLBT issues have still been on my mind...

Fortunately, I think the situation in Canada is pretty good (though not perfect) at this point in history, and hopefully, things are starting to turn around in the United States as well. I'm encouraged by the recent court decision allowing same-sex marriage in California (even if there are those already trying to undo it), and if some people could keep themselves from getting worked up about things like girls kissing at baseball games, the more rational Americans would be much better off.

(One of the few things that makes me sad about Barack Obama's presidential candidacy is that, while he's pretty good on these issues, he does not support same-sex marriage. :/)

Before I go, I should also offer up a somewhat related (and belated) plug, even though I'm quite behind on my viewing, for lampbane's excellent analysis of sexual orientation in the writings of Russell T Davies, ultimately arriving at the conclusion that Torchwood Isn't Gay Enough.

I recounted my memories of 9/11 and gave my opinion on what's happened to the world since then at this time last year, so I'll just direct any of you who are interested to that entry (especially if you've added me to your friendslist since then).

As I said at the time, feel free to comment there with your thoughts if you wish.

This was as close as I ever got to the World Trade Center.



A friend of mine was showing me around Greenwich Village in May of 2001. After taking me through NYU (and its Film School), Washington Square, the Shakespeare and Company bookstore, and several points in between, I caught this view of the towers and considered whether I wanted us to make our way down there as well--after all, they were a famous and iconic Manhattan landmark. Ultimately, though, it seemed late in the day to add in such a visit, so I nixed the idea, secure in the knowledge that I could just go there the next time I found myself in New York.

My friend and I went to Serendipity, the well-known dessert spot, instead.

( Five years ago... )

I find it hard to believe that five years have already passed. In a lot of ways, I feel like this just happened, and I still have to occasionally confront the reality of those attacks existing as a part of our collective history.

The world came together that day in a way that I found gratifying. Here, clearly, was an event that horrified everyone, regardless of nationality or other background, and typical lines of division between people fell away as irrelevant (which they always are, really, though we scarcely notice this as we draw those lines). People discovered what was best and most noble in themselves through their reactions, and that initial unifying force could've (and seemed to be starting to) show us all a lot about our common humanity.

How unfortunate, then, to see what has become of the world since that day: a climate of jingoistic fear mixed with outright racism, as people of influence everywhere are only too eager to take advantage of this and launch an attempted clash of civilisations. I look at the front page of our local paper ("Canadians shift blame to U.S. for 9/11") and think of how many other countries must now share that view, after initially declaring on that day, "We are all New Yorkers."

I imagine what might've been--a renewed spirit of international cooperation as the world came together to capture and prosecute what was really a small but radically violent group of criminals--and instead wince at what is, blocs of countries isolating themselves in their respective corners as even the "defenders of freedom" commit egregious human rights violations that degrade us all.

There is no way that I could predict what will happen to the world in the next five years, and I'm not going to try any detailed analysis. What I would hope is that we can still live up to the promise of those first days, that our leadership can change and that we can avoid giving in to fear. What I dread is that we will get more of the same, that our leadership will still be fixated on manufacturing the Other and then warring against it, and that our fears will consume us.

Either way, the future beckons.

---

Where were you on 9/11?

How do you feel its events have affected you, if at all?

What do you hope the world will be like on September 11, 2011? Is that the same as what you expect the world will be like then? If not, what are the differences?

It's never too late to comment here.