A Full Rich October
I've had a pretty hectic week or so and I'm afraid I've had no choice but to neglect my blog a little. I'm sure you understand, but still, I do apologize. I hope you guys know it really is important to me that you have something new to hopefully enjoy everytime you visit.
October has found us here in Asheville enjoying crisp, cool, beautiful weather. As a result, my taste in incense has made its traditional fall transition from the heady fragrances I usually burn to the more earthy, spicy ones. There are a few things going on today and throughout the month that I wanted to mention today.
October 1st has been named, World Hepatitis Awareness Day
The World Hepatitis Awareness Day, which takes place on October 1, 2006, aims to increase awareness about hepatitis B and C. The theme for this year is "Get Tested". Both forms of viral hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer and death. Almost 600 million people worldwide are infected, yet hepatitis B can be prevented through immunisation and, in many cases, hepatitis C can be cured.
Take a moment and visit this site for more information. You do want to stay alive, right?
October, as many of you already know, is GLBT History Month. In January of 1994, Rodney Wilson, a high school teacher in Missouri, was upset about the lack of gay and lesbian history from textbooks. He organized community leaders and teachers to educate the public about gay and lesbian historical figures and events. A nation-wide grassroots network began to work on an education and celebration campaign that continues into today. The month of October was chosen in order to commemorate the anniversaries of the first two gay and lesbian marches on Washington, October 1979, which drew over 200,000, and October 1987, which drew over 500,000 and had the first public viewing of the NAMES Project AIDS Quilt. GLBT History Month was endorsed by GLAAD, HRC, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, and other national organizations. In July of 1995, the National Education Association voted to support the concept as well.
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender people have a rich culture, and heritage that has not been spoken of, and has been hidden far too long. We finally have a voice that can be spoken proudly in the light of day. Take a moment to visit the following site, and bookmark it so you can return throughout the month. equalityforum.com
Because of its importance, I had wanted to address this topic first. I had problems with formatting and the video though, and had to place it here. (Ignorance is not always bliss...) Coming out is the single most important stage in any gay person's life. Although liberating and mind/world expanding, the process can sometimes be troubling and even traumatic. Luckily, today there are resources that can help.
October 11th is National Coming Out Day. The first big step is of course the hardest, but as those of us that are out know, the coming out process will continue throughout our lives. I find myself having to come out in one fashion or another almost on a daily basis, so the 11th doesn't have to be just for the newbies. We can all join in on this life-affirming day. The HRC has put together the absolute best resources for those of you thinking of coming out for the first time. They also have a unique project underway that is explained in the following video. You can find many viewer responses on YouTube. Please take a moment to watch, and as always...enjoy life!