“A World Perspective”: Wise Words from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Once again, let’s give Dr. King the floor today:
inspiration
Watch: LGBTQ Artists of Color Sing Out Strong in Virtual Performance of Sesame Street Classic
Here’s a great video to brighten your day: an a cappella virtual rendition of “Sing,” the classic song from Sesame Street, by a talented group of LGBTQ artists of color (plus some family and friends).
Watch: Melissa Etheridge and Daughter Bailey Sing Us Songs
Melissa Etheridge formed much of the soundtrack for my coming-out years, back before either of us had children. Now, she’s teaming with her grown daughter Bailey Cypheridge to entertain us while we’re all in quarantine. Have a listen—even if, like me, you’re astounded at how fast the years have flown.
Watch: “Mammas” Music Video Celebrates Many Kinds of Moms
Just in time for Mother’s Day, Houston-based soul band The Suffers has released a new video for their song “Mammas,” celebrating many kinds of mothers and family connections.
Lesbian Moms Are Funny — At Least This One
Judy Gold has been a stand-up comedian for 20 years and won two Emmys for writing and producing The Rosie O’Donnell Show. She’s also a “Jewish lesbian mother of two,” and spoke recently with Forbes about where she gets her sense of humor, how she got started in standup, her one-woman shows, and what she thinks about labels.
Colorado Lesbian Moms Wed Each Other for 4th Time; Son Says, “Again?”
Colorado lesbian moms Fran and Anna Simon have married/civil unioned/committed to each other four times. Their seven-year-old son is a little tired of all the fuss.
Watch: Video Poem Celebrates Marriage Equality
I can think of no better way to start today than with this video of U.S. Inaugural Poet Richard Blanco’s new poem, “Until We Could.” It captures the spirit of the fight for marriage equality — but more than that, it captures the spirit of marriage.
Let This Lesbian Mom Help You Win at Scrabble
Like many writers, I love word games, and am eager to get a copy of the just-published fifth edition of The Official Scrabble Players Dictionary, which includes more than 5000 new words. One of the new entries is the Yiddish word “schmutz” — and for those of you unclear on its meaning (hint: it’s not the same as schmuck), Judy Gold, a “comedian, actress, writer, and Jewish mother” (also a lesbian mom) is here to help you out.
The Power of Matthew Shepard’s Story — and All Our Stories
Most of you likely know the story of Matthew Shepard, the University of Wyoming student brutally murdered in 1998 for being gay. Cathy Renna was working for GLAAD at the time, and was asked by the LGBT student group at the University to help manage the overwhelming media attention in the wake of the attack. She recently gave a TEDx talk on her experience, the impact of Matthew’s death, and the power of stories.
Australian Senate Opposition Leader (and a Lesbian Mom) Speaks Against Homophobia
Australian Senator for South Australia and Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Penny Wong, last week gave a pointed Senate speech against homophobia in sports, schools, and elsewhere.