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Michael C. Newman
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Michael represents companies in complex intellectual property disputes, with a particular focus on Section 337 investigations before the US International Trade Commission (ITC). His experience spans from pre-litigation investigation and litigation to appeals before the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. In addition, Michael has had extraordinary success representing patent owners in inter partes review proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeals Board (PTAB). Michael represents a broad range of clients in cases involving such diverse technologies as integrated circuits, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), carbohydrate chemistry, smartphones, video compression, semiconductor fabrication and packaging, gene expression, microprocessors (CPUs and GPUs), digital signal processors, RDIMM and LRDIMM memory modules, networking equipment, cellular communications, voice over internet protocol (VoIP), genetically engineered bacteria, medical devices, and information systems.
Michael's practice is focused on his work with the US International Trade Commission (USITC). His cases in federal courts also include patents, trade secrets, and other intellectual property matters. The areas of technology in which Michael has particular experience include biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry, computer software, mechanical devices, medical devices, semiconductors, and converged devices.
Before joining Mintz, Michael worked with the law firms Pepper Hamilton LLP and Fish & Richardson PC. He has also worked as a software engineer and has conducted biochemical research at Harvard Medical School.
International Trade Commission
Certain Flocked Swabs, Products Containing Flocked Swabs, And Methods of Using Same (337-TA-1279) - Representing Copan Italia and Copan Industries as complainants in the International Trade Commission, asserting patent infringement claims against global competitors in a case involving the use of flocking technology (common in the textile industry) in the production of biological specimen collection swabs. Evidentiary hearing is scheduled for June 2022.
Certain Human Milk Oligosaccharides and Methods of Producing the Same (337-TA-1120) – Represented Glycosyn LLC as complainant before the ITC against respondent Jennewein Biotechnologies GmbH, a large global competitor. The complaint alleged unlawful and unauthorized importation and production and/or manufacture of 2'-fucosyllactose oligosaccharides that directly infringe one or more claims of Glycosyn's U.S. Patent No. 9,453,230. Following oral hearing in May 2019, the Administrative Law Judge issued an Initial Determination finding that Jennewein had infringed claims of Glycosyn's patent and recommended that a limited exclusion order issue, including a certification provision with heightened requirement.
Certain Graphics Systems, Components Thereof, and Consumer Products Containing the Same (337-TA-1044) – Represented Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) as complainant in the ITC asserting patents covering graphics processing technology employed by smart devices such as televisions and handsets. Respondents include LG Electronics, VIZIO, MediaTek, and Sigma Designs, Inc. (SDI). Achieved settlement with LG prior to the conclusion of expert discovery. Following the evidentiary hearing, the presiding ALJ issued an initial determination finding a violation of Section 337 and recommending the imposition of an exclusion order against the remaining Respondents' accused products. The ITC affirmed the ALJ's finding of a violation on August 22, 2018. As a result, the Commission issued orders banning the importation of products made by VIZIO, MediaTek, and SDI and cease and desist orders against VIZIO and SDI.
Certain Memory Modules and Components Thereof, and Products Containing Same (337-TA-1023) - Represent Complainant Netlist, Inc., a California memory module company, in the ITC asserting six patents against the Korean-based memory giant SK hynix. The technology claimed by the asserted patents is essential to the JEDEC DDR4 RDIMM and LRDIMM standards, which are implemented by the accused imported products. The respondents are asserting novel RAND defenses in the ITC, and in a co-pending case involving the same patents in the District Court for the Central District of California. The ITC evidentiary hearing was held May 2017, while the trial in the CDCA is scheduled for July of 2018.
Certain Computing or Graphics Systems, Components Thereof, and Vehicles Containing Same (337-TA-984) – Represented owner of portfolio of graphics processing and microprocessor patents, Advanced Silicon Technologies, LLC, as Complainant in an ITC investigation adverse to a number of automotive manufacturers, and infotainment system and chip suppliers. Respondents include Honda, Toyota, BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, NVIDIA, Texas Instruments, Renesas, Harman International, and Fujitsu-Ten. The investigation instituted in January of 2016 and resolved favorably prior to the conclusion of expert discovery in August of 2016.
Certain Communications or Computing Devices and Components Thereof (337-TA-925) – Represented owner of portfolio of communications and computing patents from former enterprise communications business unit of large multinational innovation company, Enterprise System Technologies, S.A.R.L. An ITC investigation was instituted in August 2014 as to respondent entities Apple, Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics and HTC Corporation. Google participated as an intervenor. The investigation resolved prior to evidentiary hearing in June of 2015.
Certain Point-to-Point Network Communication Devices and Products Containing Same (337-TA-892) - Representing complainant in 3-patent litigation involving streaming media technology at the International Trade Commission and in parallel case in the Eastern District of Texas. Respondents/defendants include some of the most recognized global electronics manufacturers, a number of which have settled resulting in the closing of the ITC case.
Certain Consumer Electronics with Display and Processing Capabilities (337-TA-884) - Represented owners of the patent portfolio of the original Silicon Graphics, now known as Graphics Properties Holdings, as complainant in the ITC. Investigation was instituted in June 2013 and among the respondent entities were Panasonic, Toshiba, Vizio, and ZTE. Most respondents settled. After an evidentiary hearing held over several days in May 2014, on August 29, 2014 Mintz successfully obtained a recommendation for a Limited Exclusion Order against the remaining respondent, which chose to settle while Commission review of the Administrative Law Judge's Initial Determination was pending.
Certain Consumer Electronics and Display Devices and Products Containing Same (337-TA-836) - Represented owners of the patent portfolio of the original Silicon Graphics, now known as Graphics Properties Holdings, as complainant in the ITC, and as plaintiff in multiple parallel District of Delaware cases. Cases were filed between late 2011 and early 2012, and all were resolved by the end of January 2013. The technology at issue relates to LCD panels, central processor units, graphics processing units, and other microprocessor technology. Successfully licensed all respondents, including some of the largest and most recognized names in the converged device space – Apple, LG, Research in Motion, Samsung, and Sony.
Certain Portable Communication Devices (337-TA-827) - Represented complainant in the ITC and as plaintiff in multiple parallel District of Delaware cases. Successfully licensed all respondents, including some of the largest and most recognized names in the converged device space – Amazon, LG, Motorola, Pantech Wireless, Research in Motion, Sony, and more. Cases were filed in December 2011 and settled in May 2012.
Certain Electronic Imaging Devices (337-TA-726) – Represented complainant in three-patent ITC case. Filed in June 2010 against converged device manufacturers and focused on digital camera technology found in cell phones, laptop computers, and personal digital assistants, the matter went to trial in April 2011. The result was successful licenses with three out of four respondents, including recognized leaders in the electronics device manufacturing space.
Certain LED Photographic Lighting Devices and Components Thereof (337-TA-804) – Represented the complainant (plaintiff) that makes LED lighting systems for use in film and TV production, at the International Trade Commission. The ITC handed down its Final Initial Determination of infringement on September 7, 2012. On January 17, 2013, the ITC issued a General Exclusion Order (GEO) against respondents based in both China and the United States. The result in this case is particularly notable because it is rare for the ITC to issue a GEO due to the rigorous criteria and careful balancing of interests that apply to requests for GEOs.
Federal Circuit Appeals
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Micron Technology, Inc., SK Hynix Inc. v. Elm 3DS Innovations, LLC (Fed. Cir. 2019) – Represented appellee Elm 3DS Innovations at the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in defending favorable final written decisions entered by the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) in thirteen inter partes reviews.
Jennewein Biotechnologie GmbH v. International Trade Commission and Glycosyn LLC (Fed. Cir. 2020) – Represented intervenor Glycosyn LLC in defending favorable International Trade Commission final determination. Case pending.
Preservation Wellness Technologies LLC v. NextGen Healthcare Information Systems LLC, et al (Fed. Cir. 2017) – Represented appellee NextGen Healthcare Information Systems LLC at the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to affirm an Eastern District of Texas ruling from May 2016 that held unpatentable a medical records patent asserted by Preservation Wellness against long-time client NextGen Healthcare.
Federal District Court
Nanoco Technologies Ltd. v. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. et al (E.D. Tex, 2:20-cv-00038) – Representing Nanoco Technologies, Ltd. v. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. et al in a patent infringement case involving the synthesis of quantum dots, and use of quantum dot film resins in electronic display devices. Jury selection is scheduled for October 4, 2021.
Copan Italia SpA et al v. Puritan Medical Products Company LLC et al, 1:18-cv-00218 (D. Me) - Representing Copan Italia in asserting patent infringement and unfair competition claims against our client's largest competitor, in a case involving the use of flocking technology (common in the textile industry) in the production of swabs to be used for the collection of biological specimen.
Preservation Wellness Technologies LLC v. NextGen Healthcare Information Systems LLC (E.D. Tex., 2:15-cv-01562) – U.S. Federal Circuit Judge William Bryson presided over the case, granting Mintz client NextGen's motion to dismiss after oral argument in April 2017. Judge Bryson held that Preservation Wellness' patent at issue covers nothing more than the basic concept of a medical records system, which he said is not patent-eligible under the U.S. Supreme Court's Alice decision. Mintz represented NextGen on the appeal at the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the decision was upheld.
New England Biolabs, et al. v. Enzymatics, Inc., 1:12-cv-12125 (D.Mass) – Defended Enzymatics against claims of trade secrets theft and patent infringement brought by three plaintiffs in a case involving nucleic acid ligands. Resulted in favorable settlement for our client.
Velcro Industries B.V. and Velcro USA, Inc. v. Taiwan Paiho Limited and Radio Shack Corporation (DDE, 1:08-cv-00548) – Represented Velcro in patent litigation involving hook and loop fasteners. Case settled.
GE Homeland Protection Inc. v. DSA Detection LLC et. al. (D. Mass, 1:06-cv-11962) – Represented defendants in trade secrets and patent litigation relating to consumables for trace detection instruments, such as ion mobility spectrometers. Case settled.
Tate & Lyle Sucralose Inc v. Hebei Sukerui Science and Technology Co., Ltd., et al. (C.D. Ill., 2:06-cv-02102) – Represented group of defendants in patent litigation involving a process for making sucralose. Plaintiff voluntarily dismissed its complaint after defendants filed motions to dismiss for lack of standing and lack of jurisdiction.
Velcro Industries B.V. et al v. Taiwan Paiho Limited, et al. (D.N.H., 1:04-cv-00242) – Represented Velcro in patent litigation involving hook and loop fasteners. Won key claim construction on all disputed claim terms. Case settled on the eve of trial.
Insight Technology Incorporated v. Surefire, LLC (D.N.H., 1:04-cv-00074) – Represented tactical light manufacturer asserting patent for attaching auxiliary devices to weapons against competitor SureFire LLC. Case settled.
Insight Technology v. Glock, G.M.B.H., et al. (D.N.H., 1:03-cv-000253) – Represented tactical light manufacturer asserting patent for attaching auxiliary devices to weapons against major handgun manufacturer Glock GmbH. Case settled.
Inter Partes Review
Represented patent owner, Glycosyn LLC, in a post grant review of claims 1-28 of US Patent 9,970,018 relating to the methods for producing purified milk oligosaccharides. PTAB denied institution of the petition in September 2019. PGR2019-00023
Inter Partes Reviews
Represented GE Video Compression in defense of the '710 patent which claims improved techniques for using "binary arithmetic coding" to compress data and has been incorporated into leading video compression standards. (HEVC standard essential patent). PTAB denied institution of the petition in August 2019 which was filed in June by Unified Patents. IPR2019-00726
Successful Defense of 12 IPRs – Three dimensional structure memory - Mintz represented Elm 3DS Innovations in a series of 14 IPRs filed by leading technology companies, including SK Hynix, Micron, and Samsung. We were hired as replacement counsel following institution of the IPRs which had been filed in late 2015 and early 2016. Final Written decisions in 13 of the proceedings were received in June and August 2017 and confirmed validity of all but two challenged claims. PTAB's determination was upheld on appeal to the Federal Circuit.
Defense of Multiple IPRs – Point-to-Point Communication Over Computer Networks – Currently representing Straight Path IP Group in the defense of seventeen inter partes reviews filed against three U.S. patents concerning technology for facilitating point-to-point communications over computer networks. Petitioners include Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.; Cisco Systems, Inc.; Avaya Inc.; LG Electronics, Inc.; Toshiba Corp.; VIZIO, Inc.; Verizon Communications, Inc.; and Hulu, LLC.
Represented Ugandan client pro bono in application for political asylum in the United States. Client granted political asylum
Represented Tibetan client pro bono through removal proceedings in immigration court. Client granted political asylum
Patent Owner Tip #18 for Surviving an Instituted IPR: Defending Depositions
September 23, 2021 | Blog | By Michael Newman, Sean Casey
In our penultimate patent owner tip for surviving an instituted IPR, we turn our discussion to defending the deposition of your expert. At this stage of the proceeding, your Patent Owner Response has been filed, and all the facts and arguments you need have already been developed, including any necessary expert testimony.
Patent Owner Tip #13 for Surviving an Instituted IPR: When to Amend Claims in an IPR
August 6, 2021 | Blog | By Monique Winters Macek, Michael Newman
After an inter partes review ("IPR") is instituted, a patent owner has an opportunity to file a motion to amend the claims and thereby propose a reasonable number of substitute claims. Here we provide some instances where a motion to amend may be a favorable option for a patent owner to consider.
Patent Owner Tip #8 for Surviving an Instituted IPR: Additional Discovery is Possible, but Should be Carefully Planned
May 27, 2021 | Blog | By Michael Newman, Nana Liu
Discovery procedures in inter partes review ("IPR") proceedings, governed by 37 CFR § 42.51, are more limited in scope and timing compared to cases in district court.
Patent Owner Tip #3 for Surviving An Instituted IPR: How Patent Owner Experts Go from Zero to Hero
April 22, 2021 | Blog | By Michael Newman, Courtney Herndon
Drafting the expert declaration is another critical task for Patent Owners during the inter partes review ("IPR") discovery period. As noted in our previous post, IPR expert witnesses provide declarations as affirmative testimony in lieu of live testimony before the Board at the hearing.
Tip #2 for Avoiding IPR Institution: Focus on a few arguments that will affect all challenged claims
November 2, 2020 | Blog | By Michael Newman, Daniel Weinger
If you are a patent owner facing an inter partes review ("IPR") or other post-grant review at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board ("PTAB"), your best chance of success is to convince the PTAB not to institute a trial. But that does not mean that you should pack all of your substantive arguments about patentability into your preliminary response.
Tip #1 for Avoiding IPR Institution: Litigation Venue Selection
October 29, 2020 | Blog | By Daniel Weinger, Michael Newman, Peter Cuomo
Venue selection is a critical component to any patent enforcement strategy, even before the inception of the PTAB as we know it today. Venue now has even greater importance, as the speed of your patent case (i.e. time to trial) and stay statistics will have a direct impact on whether IPRs against your patents will institute in light of the Fintiv factors.
SCOTUS holds that PTAB Time-Bar Determinations are Not Reviewable on Appeal
April 22, 2020 | Blog | By Michael Newman, Serge Subach
On Monday, in Thryv, Inc. v. Click-to-Cal Technologies, the Supreme Court held that § 315(b) time-bar determinations are not subject to judicial review. In this 7-2 decision penned by Justice Ginsburg, with Justices Gorsuch and Sotomayor dissenting, the Court determined that time-bar determinations are unreviewable because they are "closely tied" to the Director's decision to institute an inter partes review (IPR).
Federal Circuit Denies En Banc Rehearing of Panel Decision in Arthrex, Which Held PTAB Appointments Were Unconstitutional
March 25, 2020 | Blog | By Daniel Weinger, Michael Newman, Matthew Galica
This week the en banc Federal Circuit declined to revisit a panel ruling that found the appointment of Administrative Patent Judges ("APJs") of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board ("PTAB") violates the Appointments Clause of the Constitution. This decision is notable for at least two reasons. First, it declined to review or disturb the panel's conclusion and its remedy—vacatur and remand of PTAB decisions made by unconstitutionally appointed APJs. Second, four of the Federal Circuit judges dissented, disagreeing with the panel's finding and saying that its corresponding remedy improperly rewrites the statute contrary to Congressional intent.
Samsung v. Prisua Engineering Corp.: Indefiniteness Rulings Off-Limits for the Patent Trial and Appeal Board
March 5, 2020 | Blog | By Michael Newman, Kevin Amendt
The Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled in February that the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) cannot cancel claims for indefiniteness in an inter partes review (IPR) proceeding. The case is Samsung Electronics America, Inc., v. Prisua Engineering Corp., case number 19-1169, in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
Mintz Rings in 2020 with Top 10 Recognition for ITC Practice
January 6, 2020 | Blog
Mintz is recognized as among the top ten firms in ITC Section 337 litigation by Patexia in its inaugural "ITC Intelligence Report". We are pleased to be among the firms included in this publication and thrilled that it has come on the heels of a great year at the ITC for the Mintz team.
Six Mintz Attorneys Listed in 2023 IAM Strategy 300 Global Leaders Guide
BOSTON- Six attorneys from Mintz have been recognized in the 2023 edition of the Intellectual Asset Management (IAM) Strategy 300 Global Leaders Guide.
Six Mintz Attorneys Named To IAM Strategy 300 List Of Leading IP Strategists
Fed. Circ. Upholds ITC Infringement Finding On Milk Patent
Law360 reported that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit recently upheld the International Trade Commission's finding that a pair of bacteria strains used by German-based Jennewein infringed a Glycosyn milk patent. The article included a quote from Mintz Intellectual Property Member Michael Newman, noting that, in addition to Mr. Newman, Glycosyn was represented by Member and Chair of the firm's Intellectual Property Division Michael Renaud, Members Thomas Wintner and James Wodarski, and Associates Courtney Herndon and Matthew Karambelas.
Federal Circuit Affirms ITC Victory for Glycosyn
Mintz Represents Glycosyn LLC in Significant Victory in the International Trade Commission
PTAB Says Mass. Biotech's Milk Patent Ineligible For Review
An article published by Law360 reported that following the U.S. International Trade Commission's initial decision that Jennewein Biotechnologie GmbH's imports infringe a Glycosyn LLC patent on human milk oligosaccharides, the Patent Trial and Appeal Board denied Jennewein's petition for post-grant review of a related patent.
The Mintz team representing Glycosyn at the ITC includes Michael Newman, Thomas Wintner, Michael Renaud and James Wodarski; and the Mintz team representing Glycosyn at the PTAB includes Michael Newman, Thomas Wintner, Peter Cuomo and Daniel Weinger.
Mintz Patent Litigation Team Featured As "Legal Lions" By Law360
Law360 featured a Mintz patent litigation team as "Legal Lions" in its weekly list of the top verdicts for its representation of Elm 3DS Innovations, a patent licensing entity.
In a precedential opinion, the Federal Circuit affirmed decisions upholding the validity of nearly a dozen Elm patents on semiconductor technologies that accused infringers challenged at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board.
The Mintz team representing Elm includes Member and Chair of the firm's Intellectual Property Division Michael Renaud, Members William Meunier, James Wodarski and Michael Newman, Special Counsel Sandra Badin, and Associates Kevin Amendt and Matthew Galica.
Mintz Attorneys and Practices Recognized By 2018 Legal 500 Guide
Mintz Secures Victory for Infobridge as Patent and Trial Appeal Board Finds that Samsung Fails to Prove Unpatentability
A team of Mintz Levin attorneys has successfully defended two separate Inter Partes Reviews (IPRs) challenging the validity Infobridge PTE LTD.'s U.S. Patent No. 8,917,772 ("'772 Patent").
PTAB Uses Recent Precedent In Backing Elm Over Samsung
This article notes that the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) has denied Samsung's request to challenge a patent it has been accused of infringing – resulting in a final win in a series of victories for Mintz client, Elm 3DS Innovations.
Mintz Secures Sweeping Win for Elm 3DS Innovations at U.S. Patent Trial and Appeal Board
A team of Mintz attorneys has successfully defended 105 of 107 patent claims across 14 instituted Inter Partes Reviews in a series of decisive wins for client Elm 3DS Innovations, LLC.
Mintz Scores Decisive Win for Straight Path Before U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit found decisively in favor of Mint and client Straight Path IP Group, Inc. in a long-fought battle over three of the licensing firm's patents. The court upheld a prior 2016 decision by the Patent Trial and Appeal Board.
Mintz Scores Big Win for Elm 3DS Innovations at U.S. Patent Trial and Appeal Board
Mintz attorneys have saved sixty-three of sixty-five challenged patent claims across eight patents in a series of sweeping Inter Partes Review victories for their client, Elm 3DS Innovations, LLC, victories that may pave the way to Elm prevailing in other pending invalidity challenges.
Fed. Circ. Affirms Nix Of Medical Records IP Under Alice
Mintz IP attorneys Michael Renaud, Michael Newman, James Wodarski, and Sandra Badin are among industry sources in this article assessing a Texas ruling that "asserted claims of patent covering medical technology are invalid as abstract and not inventive" under Alice Corp v. CLS Bank International.
Mintz Wins Appeal for NextGen in Medical Records Patent Case Dismissed Under Alice
Mintz announced a victory before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. The court affirmed an Eastern District of Texas ruling from May 2016 that held unpatentable a medical records patent asserted by Preservation Wellness against NextGen Healthcare.
Eighty-Four Mintz Attorneys Named 2016 Massachusetts Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
Fifty-three Mintz attorneys have been named Massachusetts Super Lawyers for 2016 and thirty-one have been named Massachusetts Rising Stars. The findings will be published in the November 2016 issue of Boston Magazine and in a stand-alone magazine, New England Super Lawyers.
PTAB Reverses Course, Upholds Teleconferencing Patent
This article notes that the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) upheld claims in a Straight Path IP Group patent matter. The coverage notes that the decision follows a rare reversal by the Federal Circuit that found the PTAB used an incorrect claim construction previously.
Mintz Closes Chapter on Challenges to Patents Owned by Straight Path IP Group
Mintz Represents NextGen in Dismissal of Medical Records Patent Case Dismissed Under Alice
Mintz Secures IPR Victory on Behalf of Straight Path IP Group, Inc.
Straight Path Patents Mostly Survive Samsung-Led AIA Review
This article notes that the Patent Trial and Appeal Board has upheld the validity of two Straight Path patents in Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.'s review.
LG, Hulu Tell PTAB Fed Circ. Erred in Reviving Network IP
Mintz Members Bill Meunier and Mike Newman are mentioned in this Law360 article on a challenge to the Federal Circuit's revival of a Straight Path IP Group patent brought to the Patent Trial and Appeals Board by LG, Hulu, and others.
Mintz Secures Unprecedented Appellate Victory on Behalf of Straight Path IP Group, Inc.
Eighty-Nine Mintz Attorneys Named 2015 Massachusetts Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
Mintz Attorneys Michael C. Newman and Robert J. Moore to Speak on Massachusetts Chapter of the Federal Bar Association IP Law Panel
Mintz Elevates Seven Attorneys to Members of the Firm
Eighty-Five Mintz Attorneys Named 2014 Massachusetts Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
Seventy-Nine Mintz Attorneys Named 2013 Massachusetts Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
IP Law Committee: Patent Reform Litigation
Massachusetts Chapter of the Federal Bar Association
Recognized by The Legal 500 United States for Intellectual Property: Patent Litigation - International Trade Commission (2018)
Included on the Massachusetts Super Lawyers: Rising Star – Intellectual Property Litigation list (2013 - 2016)
Named to IAM Strategy 300: The World's Leading IP Strategists (2022)
Named to IAM Strategy 300: Global Leaders – All Individuals (2023)
United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
International Trade Commission Section 337
Federal District Court Patent Litigation
Strategic IP Monetization & Licensing
IPRs & Other Post-Grant Proceedings
IP Due Diligence
University of Virginia (JD)
Saint Anselm College (BA, Biochemistry)
September 23, 2021 |Blog


By default, Windows Clipboard only stores one clip: a section of text, a picture, or a file. If you copy yet another fragment, the previously stored one will be replaced. You can keep all fragments you ever copied to the clipboard by using Hot Copy Paste. The clipboard manager offers secure storage for all of your snippets, keeps important data and quick notes.


If the medical profession you'd devoted your life to was completely taken over by liability concerns and insurance regulations, would you stay a physician?
The Color of Atmosphere tells one doctor's story and the route of her medical career with warmth, humor, and above all, honesty. As we follow Maggie Kozel from her idealistic days as a devoted young pediatrician, through her Navy experience with universal health coverage, and on into the world of private practice, we see not only her reverence for medical science, and her compassion for her patients, but also the widening gap between what she was trained to do and what is eventually expected of her.
Her personal story plays out against the backdrop of our changing health-care system, and demonstrates the way our method of paying for health care has reached its way into the exam room, putting a stranglehold on how doctors practice, and profoundly influencing the doctor-patient relationship. The stories she shares illustrate the medical, economic, and moral complexities of US health care. To understand Dr. Kozel's ultimate decision to leave medicine is to better comprehend the disconnect between our considerable medical resources and how our health-care system falls short of delivering them.


Legacy Christian senior forward Erik Uszynski (32) puts up a first-half shot in a Jan. 31 boys high school basketball game against visiting Carlisle. Uszynski led all scorers with 17 points in the Knights win.
Senior Brandon Martin (33) scored a career-high 16 points in the Legacy Christian win over Carlisle, Jan. 31 in Xenia.
Sophomore guard Roman Newsome stole the ball, scored on this play,drew a foul, and hit the subsequent free throw in the first half of Thursday's boys high school basketball game against visiting Carlisle. Host Legacy Christian won the game, 70-46.
Jonathan Riddle drives toward the basket as Carlisle defender Dane Flatter tries to poke the ball away from behind, in Thursday's Jan. 31 boys high school basketball game won by host Legacy Christian.
The Legacy Christian Academy varsity cheerleaders try to will a Knights free throw through the hoop, in the first half of Thursday's game against Carlisle, in Xenia.
XENIA — Host Legacy Christian lost a top player early on in Thursday's Jan. 31 boys high school basketball game against Carlisle, and the Knights didn't appear to skip a beat.
Erik Uszynski scored a game-best 17 points and Brandon Martin had a career-high 16 as the Knights defeated Carlisle, 70-46, Jan. 31 in the Legacy Christian Academy gym.
Martin may have saw more playing time than normal. That's because the Knights' Keano Hammerstrom fell hard after going up high for a rebound and appeared to have a head injury, 21 seconds into the second quarter of Thursday night's nonleague contest.
After a nearly seven-minute stoppage of play that involved athletic trainers tending to Hammerstrom while the coaches and officials bickered over who had the authority to rule the woozy Knight ineligible for the remainder of the contest, LCA outscored Carlisle 13-7 in the quarter to grab a solid 31-19 halftime lead.
The visiting Indians didn't get any closer.
According to LCA assistant coach Perry Williams, who was filling in for head coach Brad Newsome for Thursday's game, Hammerstrom will undergo the regular concussion protocol treatment before being cleared to play in Friday night's Feb. 1 contest in Springfield against Emmanuel Christian.
Martin's previous best scoring night had been a nine-point effort in a Dec. 20, 2018 road win at Middletown Christian.
Carlisle (4-13) was led by a 14-point effort by Nolan Burney and nine points from Austin Redavide.
The game with Carlisle was a makeup game due to bad weather two weeks ago. It puts LCA in an odd position of playing back-to-back games on a Thursday and Friday, and also adds a bit of pressure for the Knights to play well in their Friday conference road game against league contender Emmanuel Christian Academy.
Williams says the LCA-ECA game is a big one in terms of the Knights' Metro Buckeye Conference title hopes.
"A win up there has the potential to really put a conference championship in our sights. We have a few more (wins) to get, but that will really help us," Williams said.
The Knights lead the Metro Buckeye Conference with a 15-2 overall record, and they are 10-0 in the conference. They lead second-place Troy Christian by 2 1/2 games, and Emmanuel Christian by three games. LCA would knock ECA out of title contention with a win, with three conference games in the regular season remaining for both schools.


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Where The Top Six GOP Presidential Candidates Come Down on Climate Change
REUTERS/Rick Wilking
By Eric Pianin
While President Obama was concluding a two-day stint at an international climate summit in Paris on Tuesday where he and other world leaders suggested that the fate of the planet was hanging in the balance, the GOP controlled House was considering measures that would strike down Environmental Protection Agency rules on reducing carbon emissions from power plants.
Prominent Republicans on Capitol Hill and on the presidential campaign trail are skeptical of a large body of scientific evidence that the earth's temperature is rising dangerously primarily because of industrial carbon emissions. They have denounced Obama's Clean Power initiative to slow the rate of growth of emissions as another example of executive overreach that will kill jobs and undermine the economy.
Related: Obama: climate change an economic, security imperative
"I don't think we're out of step with public opinion wanting jobs, wanting economic growth, weighing the costs and the benefits," House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) told reporters. Billionaire Donald Trump, the current Republican presidential frontrunner, on Monday berated Obama from calling climate change one of the greatest existential threats to the U.S. and the rest of the world.
"I think one of the dumbest statements I've ever heard in politics -- in the history of politics as I know it, which is pretty good, was Obama's statement that our No. 1 problem is global warming," Trump said on MSNBC's "Morning Joe."
Related: Climate Summit: Can Obama Convince 130 Countries to Reduce Carbon Emissions?
As Paul Waldman of The Washington Post noted yesterday, nowhere else in the world is there a political party representing half the electorate that seems so "adamantly opposed to doing anything to address climate change."
Only a few GOP presidential candidates – such as Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and former New York governor George Pataki -- have declared that climate change is a huge problem that needs action. But they are so far behind in the polls that few are listening to their pleas.
Trump and the other top tier Republican candidates are primarily global warming skeptics who are unwavering in their opposition to tough government regulations on industrial polluters who are contributing mightily to the problem.
Here is where the top six GOP presidential candidates stand on the issue:
Related: Obama: This May Be 'The Last Generation' That Can Stop Climate Change
Donald Trump - The billionaire real estate mogul has long scoffed at scientists' warnings of the high risks of climate change and ridiculed President Obama's major push in the U.S. and overseas to try to ratchet down global greenhouse gas emissions.
In September, Trump told CNN, "I believe in clean air, immaculate air, but I don't believe in climate change." He has written off extreme weather patterns as simply the vagaries of weather. On Monday, he called Obama's assertion that global warming is one of the greatest threats to the U.S. the "dumbest things" ever said. Then yesterday, he complained that all Obama wants to talk about is "climate change," during an interview with Sirius XM's Breitbart News Daily.
Related: Obama Warns of Costly Public Health Crisis Spurred by Climate Change
Ben Carson - The retired neurosurgeon is another skeptic who has directly challenged climate-change science, saying that "There's always going to be either cooling or warming going on," and that "as far as I'm concerned that's irrelevant."
Carson, who enjoys broad appeal among evangelical Christians, denounced the use of climate change as "an excuse not to develop our God-given resources." He is a severe critic of Obama's federal regulations for cracking down on industrial carbon emissions. And he argues that the Environmental Protection Agency "should be told to work in conjunction with business, industry and universities" to find the most "eco-friendly" ways of developing our natural resources.
Related: Obama and Critics Battle Over Climate Change Costs
Marco Rubio - The Florida senator took a hard line last year against climate change science, complaining in an interview with ABC News that scientists had been highly selective in choosing a "handful of decades of research" as evidence of a longer-term trend – and blaming it almost entirely on manmade emissions.
"I do not agree with that," he declared.
He softened his stand a little in April, when he told CBS News' "Face the Nation" – somewhat nonsensically, "I believe climate is changing because there's never been a moment when the climate is not changing." But regardless of the cause, Rubio declared during the Republican presidential debate in September, "We're not going to destroy our economy the way the left-wing government we're under wants to do" with job-killing regulations.
Related: Did Kasich Just Do an About-Face on Climate Change?
Ted Cruz - The freshman Texas senator and darling of the GOP's right wing rarely minces his words, especially on the topic of climate change. Last August, Cruz insisted in a speech that facts don't support climate change and that "power-hungry politicians" like Obama are using it as an excuse to control the lives of the American people.
"If you look at satellite data for the last 18 years, there's been zero recorded warming," Cruz told a group of conservative said a speech to 450 donors to the political network organized by billionaire industrialists Charles and David Koch. "The satellite says it ain't happening."
Cruz insisted that government engineers were doctoring the data to falsify changes in the climate. "They're cooking the books," he told the audience in California. "They're actually adjusting the numbers…. Enron used to do their books the same way."
Jeb Bush - As is so often the case with the former Florida governor, Bush has struggled to enunciate clear-cut views on climate change, and what ought to be done about it.
Over the past couple of years, Bush has taken a number of nuanced positions on climate change, although each time he voiced skepticism about the extent of the problem – and the role of industry in exacerbating the situation.
"The climate is changing; I don't think anybody can argue it's not. Human activity has contributed to it," Bush told Bloomberg BNA. But in May he said it is "arrogant" to claim that the science on the issue is settled, an argument he has been using since 2011.
Then in June, he declared, "The climate is changing, whether men are doing it or not. That was followed in August by his statement, "I don't think it's the highest priority I don't think we should ignore it, either."
Fiorina Takes on Trump in a Brave Battle of the Sexes
Carly Fiorina - The former Hewlett-Packard CEO concedes there is a problem, but insists that U.S. efforts to combat climate change should be approached through technological innovation and not regulations.
"Here we have a bunch of liberals and people in the EPA who are willing to sacrifice other people's lives, other people's livelihoods at the altar of their ideology," she told Fox News.
Fiorina has repeatedly questioned the efficacy of an international climate change agreement -- like the one being hammered out in Paris -- because "we will not have a harmonized regulatory regime."
Pushback Against Trump from Mainstream Media Grows
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Eric Pianin
Washington Editor and D.C. Bureau Chief Eric Pianin is a veteran journalist who has covered the federal government, congressional budget and tax issues, and national politics. He spent over 25 years at The Washington Post.

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Oba Gbenga Sonuga clocks 70, launches Deep As The Ocean
Posted on February 23, 2015 Author JAPHET ALAKAM	Comment(0)
Oba Gbenga Sonuga is the Fadesewa of Simawa, in Makun Sagamu, Ogun State. Despite being the custodian of the culture of the community, his love and obsession for art and culture is very strong that he is always seen in many art events in the country. Before being crowned Oba, Fadesewa of Simawa, in Makun Sagamu, Oba Gbenga Sonuga, sometimes fondly called 'OBA ART & CULTURE' or BABA CULTURE was the Director for the Lagos State Council for Art and Culture.
As he celebrates his 70th birthday, art and culture aficionado and enthusiast the Freedom Park, Lagos where the occasion was marked with the presentation of his photo autobiography titled Deep As the Ocean. The book, entitled; "Deep as the Ocean: An Auto-Photo- Biography in Three Cycles," according to Sonuga, is a rich diary of his life from the cradle to royalty, and specifically touching on his roles within the country's art industry.
In his autobiography, he recounts his experience, and viewpoints as a heritage of historical photography that pans over 70 years. For his day, he launches what he proposes to become an annual lecture on the importance of retaining our essence of Art & Culture particularly in its affectation of community building, and the selection and election of leaders.
Oba Gbenga Sonuga has long been a voice for change and excellence in the Arts & Culture scene, having been under the tutelage of Prof Wole Soyinka, whom he fondly calls 'Mon Prof', then working under Demas Nwoko for a decade at the New Culture Studios in Ibadan, then running a film company called 4Reels, before becoming the director of the council under the late Governor Mudasiru where he served for another ten years.
As Director he produced a touring performance of 'Ori' by the state troupe to the United States, he also wrote and produced a play for the World Decade for Cultural Development, declared by the UN via UNESCO in 1989 called SALT, which was rehearsed for 3 months and then performed for one night only at the National Theatre Main Bowl where few have been privileged to perform. After formal public service he founded the International Centre for the Arts, Lagos (ICAL).
Remembering the performance at the National Theatre Oba 'Art & Culture' bemoaned the under-investment and limited patronage in the area of arts and Nigerian culture, siting the under utilization of the National Theatre as a big example. SALT he said was performed in the Main Bowl of the theatre, which has now fallen into disrepair, and never shown again. In celebration of his 70th birthday, he will premier the video recording of the play SALT for the first time ever since it's performance in 1989.
The National Theatre is a national heritage and should be brought back to the standard needed to support long running performances and shows in the main bowl and annex halls. He said it was a shame that the artists having worked so hard and rehearsed for three months, never got to perform that play again. In the audience then were General Mohammed Buhari, Governor Mudasiru and the Late General Sani Abacha amongst other dignitaries.
On why he wrote and produced the play SALT he mentioned the adage 'of being the Salt of the earth', that nothing in life is sweet without Salt. And art and culture is like the salt of life. Without it we can never truly enjoy life. Leadership without an appreciation for art and recognition of local culture is prone to all sorts of gaffes and misdeeds. Followership outside of a cultural context appropriate for instance to Nigerians only fosters an identity of individuals and communities that are alien to the local sensitivities of our surroundings.
They will never truly fit in well, like a square peg in a round hole. Trying to shoehorn western ideals of leadership without application of our Nigerian culture of selecting leaders with a good head through consistent demonstration of leadership in their communities leaves much to be desired. Obas and Baales and community leaders have a strong role to play.
Recalling his time at the council in Lagos, he edited and published one of the first dedicated books on Lagos Life & culture to wide and global acclaim. It serves as major feature on the coffee table of many lovers and residents of Lagos today. Oba Gbenga is truly a living legend and cultural icon in Nigerian Art & cultural history.
Recollecting how he came to be Director for art and culture, he fondly cited that that was the only job he ever applied for, and the only one he ever got. However it was not all smooth sailing as he did not get the job for another three years because it transpired that the then governor of Lagos State, Gen Jakande did not want to give the job to someone from outside Lagos.
Then he was still at New Culture Studios, with Demas Nwoko. But following the coup in 1983, and the appointment of Colonel Mudasiru, the job became his because he was deemed the most qualified for the job at the time. Smiling he recalled the Late Chief Segun Olusola calling him to say someone in Lagos clearly wanted to give him a job because the wanted advert literally published and read like his personal resume, asking for 10 years experience in art and culture, and international exposure amongst other things.
By then he had successfully taken a troupe to FESTAC 77, where working with him then was the current DG of the National Troupe of Nigeria, Akin Adejuwon. As Director of the council he would go on to work with and often help shape many of today's greats in theatre and film; Otunba Sola Fosudo, Mufu Onifade, Toyin Gbajumo, where they performed the play 'Ori' meaning head of destiny. The philosophical undertones of the play were that the greatness of the nation was key to having a 'good head' at its helm of leadership.
On leaving the Lagos State Council Oba Gbenga Sonuga set up the International Centre for the Art Lagos to promote Nigerian Art and Culture both around the continent and internationally. Chaired by the late Ambassador Chief Segun Olusola ICAL went on to stage many cultural interventions in London, the United States, Ethiopia and many others some funded by grants provided by the Ford Foundation.
Reflecting on a life well lived the man we fondly call 'Oba Art & Culture' has indeed lived a full life, and a life of impact. He said 'I am inspired by the new generation of artists, playwrights, and producers. Particularly with the focus on developing sustainable patronage, because art cannot survive without patronage, and culture cannot be preserved without being practiced and passed on to the next generation.
He cited a few good examples such as the Terra Kulture, Beeta Universal, the new Nollywood, and Theatre in the Park, The Omenka Gallery, the centre for contemporary art & culture, and so many others. He said "The baton has truly been passed on but we must continue to build an area of art and culture in all the areas we build and develop. Much like the West End in London, Broadway in New York, Le Louvre in Paris, we need more areas where art and theatre, and culture can survive and thrive.
Onikan was planned for that, with the National Gallery, National Museum, the MUSON Centre, in that area. A master plan to develop a cultural district is still very needed." He continued "I hope to continue my series of lectures on art and culture, to help and foster the next generation, and propel the ideas and lessons needed to continue to have a good head, and a good nation".
Codewit World News
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Wike, you cannot mock God!
Posted on June 13, 2015 Author Codewit World News
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." Galatians 6:7 The All Progressives Congress, APC has noted with dismay the decision of the accidental care-taker governor of Rivers State, Barr. Nyesom Wike to mock God, the church of Christ and a noble man of […]
Rivers APC Raises Alarm over Presidency's Plot to Produce Damaging Documentary on Amaechi
Posted on March 9, 2015 Author Faustinus Nwaorgu
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has raised alarm over a plot by the Presidency to produce a very damaging documentary on the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibiuke Rotimi Amaechi, in continuation of the on-going campaign of calumny against leading lights in APC by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). "The […]
PDP Plots to Write Unit Results at Collation Centres in Rivers State
Posted on March 27, 2015 Author Codewit World News
The Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress [APC] claims credible information in its possession indicates that the PDP, in collusion with the Independent Electoral Commission [INEC], have plotted to ignore the genuine results of polls of most units in Rivers State and replacing same with written results by them during the forthcoming general […]
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Poems and Poetry
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Posts tagged 'Gay'
Fans and wannabe clusters were outraged last week at the cancellation of Sense8. The Netflix show proved just too expensive and logistically unsound to continue. With two seasons under its belt, the show is no more.
My friend Theo said it best: "This show deserved better". For an analysis of the first season, check his blog here.
Sense8 was both product and victim of its time. It was meant to be consumed as it was conceived – together. Although part of the binge revolution brought on by streaming service Netflix, the show was not capable of being satisfactorily digested in one sitting. There were too many issues and complexities for us mere sapiens, unfortunately.
Part of the problem was simply explaining what it was about. Eight people from around the world are telepathically connected and are in turn, hunted for this unique ability? Yes, sure. But also, No! It was so much more, are the echoes from the many (we assume) who watched it.
How would I describe it? Stay with me here. Dom krag. Sometimes called blinde krag. For those of you not familiar with Afrikaans slang, those would translate directly as dumb strength and blind strength respectively. They are used to describe how, when confronted, someone goes into a rage and will fight with strength seemingly beyond their capabilities – going dumb or blind and not able to explain how they fought the way they did. Or maybe when you seduce someone, and you instinctively "become" someone else as you have to transform to complete this task. Getting into character, like method acting, but with the character there to help you. That's how I thought of it. These people, when in need, would take over for each other and assume the role of the other person in need. You see, for cynics and detractors, confusing!
The show unfortunately suffered from the Wachowskis usual blend of philosophically pensive and verbose monologues, and kick ass action. Simultaneously at odds with itself and its pace, while setting a new standard for "television", it was The Matrix, Cloud Atlas, V for Vendetta and other Wachowski vehicles, but in multiple hours long stretches. Apparently too much for too many of its viewers
"I fall in love with the person, not their genitals".
If there's one line that sums up how I feel about this show, it is this. Zakia, a Kenyan woman speaking to her male love interest, Capheus. Beyond the organisational conspiracy, action, intertwined plots, there was a kernel of unconditional love and being yourself that made this show so special to its core audience.
What else? Hope, strength in unity, finding your own voice. Finding others and fighting for each other and what you believe in. Survival. Regrets. Righting your wrongs. Atonement.
Another classic rant was transgender character Nomi Marks, played by trans actress Jamie Clayton, in the first season.
"For a long time, I was afraid to be who I am because I was taught by my parents that there's something wrong with someone like me. Something offensive, something you would avoid, maybe even pity. Something that you could never love. I was afraid of this parade because I wanted so badly to be a part of it. So today, I'm marching for that part of me that was once too afraid to march. And for all the people who can't march… the people living lives like I did. Today, I march to remember that I'm not just a me. I'm also a we. And we march with pride." —Nomi
Read here for more awesome quotes from the show.
But could there be hope? Fan outrage saved HBO's gay show 'Looking'. Also cancelled after two seasons, Patrick and co got a wrap-up film to tie up loose ends and give fans closure. Maybe with enough noise, and working as one, fans and follower and sensates will get the ending they crave.
Alas, Netflix has said that there will not be any reprisal for the show.
Rest in pieces, and peace, Sense8.
The cast. A family, fam.
Image: The Hollywood Reporter
The endings of dreams
"Gay kids can be selfish too, and should have more patience and empathy with parents, because what the parents are dealing with is the end of a dream".
A friend said this a few years ago and I never forgot it. It was so counter to what we're expected to believe.
Dreams might not always be realistic, but we still have them. The strangers we meet when we sleep might be manifestations of people we know and have seen, but that does not mean we have control over them . Likewise dreaming while awake also takes over and we get caught up in what we think we know.
Expectations may not be fair, but they are expected. Unfortunately we're human and we tend to hope that things will go a certain way. Stick to the script.
Normal, yes; but detrimental to happiness? Possibly… definitely.
As I deal with a breakup and wonder why I am still upset (or just disappointed?) I realise that some dreams are meant to end.
How does a dream end? We don't know, and never will. Ever think about that? There will never be a conclusion. This is not Inception.
I relate to this from an article on Salon – Why we cant remember dreams:
When we sleep, wrote English psychiatrist Havelock Ellis over a hundred years ago, we enter a 'dim and ancient house of shadow'. We wander through its rooms, climb staircases, linger on a landing. Towards morning we leave the house again. In the doorway we look over our shoulders briefly and with the morning light flooding in we can still catch a glimpse of the rooms where we spent the night. Then the door closes behind us and a few hours later even those fragmentary memories we had when we woke have been wiped away.
And that's what happens when dreams bleed over into the real world. We are opened up to a realm of possibility and endless hope. Then there's the pain.
This reminded me of anecdotal experiences from people who've said that physical pain is a sensation we can't remember. I raised this point in a conference, and I got shouted down, but the more I think about it, I realised that I don't remember the sensation of physical pain. Think about it. Come on, science, prove me right!
That time I stepped on a rusty nail and shrieked in pain; post wisdom teeth removal surgery; the time I fell on my face; my fall on a recent hike (Ok, I may have been drunk, but it still counts. Drunk hiking is a real thing, get on board). As my knee heals from that hike, I can feel the itch as my scab gets knitted from below and gets pushed off, its job nearly complete. And then it will be over.
Our bodies understand pain. Whether its pus or a scab, we get cloaked in a protective blanket for as long as we need, and then healing happens and we move on with our lives.
Emotionally and mentally we have not evolved as far yet.
Despite the dream being perfect and according to script, a feeling of dread can still set in. Fear is an enemy that never lets go. And it often leads a mark.
"Yes, we are left with (fear). Scarring can do that. Wounds heal. Scars don't," said my friend Glynn.
Ever the biologist, I tried justifying scarring as leaving us tougher and stronger.
He politely shut me down and said: "[A] scar indicates a weak spot. A specific vulnerability. That's the biological fact, not the metaphorical myth. But we can live with scars. And move. Maybe not even while "moving on" or "moving ahead". Maybe we just move. Scars have little sensory tissue. So it feels rougher. The nerves don't grow back. Maybe that could be a metaphor for trust"
I've always told you that I have smart friends.
So does a dream ever end?
One of my favourite stories, again dealing with pain and dreams, is the one where I am falling. Apparently this is an indicator of losing control. Ya think?!
Well I was a teenager and my bed was pushed against the wall. In the dream, in which I was free falling mid air, I got closer to the ground, arms flailing and panic setting in. I woke up, but as I was supposed to land, I jerked forward and knocked my head against the wall. Hard.
I fell and bruised, but I lived. I survived.
Same old story
Then you wonder, is this not supposed to get easier with age? Is experience not doing its job if this is the effect? Is it arrogant to take this as a failure?
Oh its nothing new. You've heard it a million times. A little 'like' and some love slowly morphs into something unrecognisable until where you thought the shooting star would have landed, turns into a blob of longing.
A seething blob, that whimpers at the gentlest prod.
We met online – Twitter – January 2015, when I thought I saw someone that looked like him while jogging at UCT.
"I don't go there," he said. And that was that.
Cue 10 months later when he told me someone else messaged him to say they saw him on the train. We were dealing with a doppelganger. It was our story. It was whimsical and whenever I told it I would come alive.
My face lit up and people smirked at how cute I felt, and they laughed at how animated I told the beginnings of our tale.
As my current relationship wound down to its natural end, this burgeoning friendship took off. It was purely direct messages on Twitter. It was exciting and fun and innocent.
"Hey youre somewhat of a language expert, right?" he asked while I was out on an assignment.
"Whats a bottle job wanker?" he asked.
Another of our jokes.
I replied between glasses of water and walks around the block, upon waking and well into the night. I couldn't wait for the messages. They became frequent and inquisitive – "hey" and "hey you!" were commonplace. I would light up when the chat conversation was initiated.
I was not pushing, nor was I hoping. This was new territory for me. Did I mention he is a scientist? Swoon! Later when we met he would tell me about his research and I thought how exciting that's going to be when completed. He came alive as he explained his thesis topic and I loved it. But that was only much later.
Between October and December this was the routine. It wasn't all perfect – there was the time I called him the Hitler of something. He didn't take that analogy well. Granted. We got over it pretty quickly.
He offered to donate books for a charity drive I was helping out with. It turned out it was an excuse to meet and buy me a coffee. It worked, but never happened. Not just yet.
We spoke about movies all the time. He was a nerd. I thought I was one too.
"Say something in nerd," he challenged.
"I think I'm more nerd lite," I conceded.
He was competitive. We played thumb wars and he always won. We were the dream 30 Seconds team. Every team Ive played on has won. I looked forward to winning with him.
But before we got there, I passed the audition and went from direct message to WhatsApp. It was a triumph – a logical outcome for these things, but a triumph none the less. It felt well-earned and the next step.
We met at the theatre – nerds! – to watch Singin' in the Rain at the Artscape. It was one night, and many chat conversations, where the courtship went completely over my head.
For someone who gets told that they're smart, my brain would shut down and be completely oblivious to signals being thrown my way.
I was throwing myself at you, he would later say.
I look back and the lightbulbs pop all over my mind like a faulty fuse box.
"Its not as easy as you… me…date" I texted one day in the last week of December. We were talking about dating and how hard it is to find a decent man.
"Hey Jerome. You.. me… date," he said.
I LOL'd. I was not used to forthright, candid and cute. I was used to being dealt assumptions and then next steps. Direct messages were direct!
"You could have just said no," he said.
An awkward tug-and-pull set the tone for things to come, as I said "don't go, come back, I misunderstood".
The situation was placated.
That same night I got invited to the house he was house sitting. There was a hot tub. I had already started a process of spontaneity and better living. This "say yes" mantra coincided with my leaving my house at 11pm at his invitation, with work the next day and a half-hour drive to see him. It was worth it.
I met his brother, his cousin and her boyfriend. They seemed to like me.
"Oh you're the journalist?!" was what greeted me by his slightly drunk cousin. "And you must look after him," she said between getting to know me.
Yes, yes I will, I thought. He spoke about me! He must like me! She must sense something that I don't yet! She was being maternal. They grew up together and this was a good sign! The exclamations were aplenty that night.
"Don't laugh at my body," I said.
"Don't be silly," he said.
I still thought I was a little too doughy and pale next to him. He had swum 70 laps that morning. I had sat at my desk and read tweets and made phone calls.
"Would you really not date me?!" he asked again in the pool.
This one is persistent, I thought.
But it paid off. After some jostling, and with my 1am curfew approaching, I left. But not before another "say yes" moment.
"I'm going now," I said, half inside my car.
"No really, I'm going now! I said. I have work in a few hours"
"Okaay," he said unconvincingly.
I walked up to him and we kissed. Tentatively at first. Weary. Soft. Eyes closed. I was still speaking. The words escape me as they escaped me.
"You talk a lot," he said, smiling, teasing more kisses from my lips.
I pushed him against the wall and I stopped talking.
"Where is he?" we heard his brother ask.
He jumped onto the wall and said, "I'm still here". And the jostling continued until I forced myself to leave.
New years eve was the next night – "I want to see you."
I jumped.
Work took forever. All I could think about was the impending night and seeing him. No expectations. I survived the dreaded new year's shift and rushed home to shower.
"What should I bring?" I asked.
Condoms and vodka, he said.
Ok, I thought, not over thinking – my default setting.
It was a joke, made worse by the slow cellphone reception.
But the night was perfect, punctuated by hand holding, movie watching, talk of being serious and exclusive (he asked, I said yes) and drinking games. Getting-to-know-you games as we called them that night. There was truth and dare and skinny dipping. Say yes, remember?
Then the descent. Surely you didn't think there was no descent?
Act three and the energy shifts. Messages take longer to be replied to. Time is negotiated. Jokes are taken out of context. Other jokes are made.
"I make myself too available to you," I texted. "Im going to friend zone you, just to keep things fresh".
"Are you serious?" (of course I wasn't!)
"Of course not!"
"Don't joke like that. That kind of thing will make me put up walls," he said.
It was a shock. He was the one who said 90% of what he said shouldn't be taken seriously.
"I'm the funny one. You're the serious one," he said.
I happen to think I am mildly amusing at best. At least! Hmph.
Dates were still fun, but the lightness had gone. We teased each other. Sometimes it went too far.
He rubber-necked when a hot guy would walk past. I humoured it. We all stare, I thought. But that much? In my presence? Surely I should be enough. It was not a question.
"You ARE enough," said a friend. I doubted it.
Cue to more dates being planned, but with a weariness that proved waning interest.
"You cant dump me until after Valentine's Day. Any time after that will be ok," I joked. It was to be preemptively prophetic. 19 days after the new year had started, more misunderstandings and miscommunications.
"Are you comfortable with your sexuality?" was the message I received that got the ball rolling.
Of course I am, I thought.
"Yes," I said.
I didn't kiss him when I took him home. I didn't get a kiss the previous time, so I went with what I knew and thought "Go with that. Read the signs. Respect the space and be content with boundaries". His granny was sassy, and I didn't want to cause any offence (even though that night it was dark and we were outside in my car), but I considered her and people who might have been around, instead of claiming my kiss.
It translated to an insult. I had offended the ego and it wrecked havoc with his self esteem.
I wasn't affectionate enough. I didn't place him on the pedestal, like his ex did. He later regretted comparing me to the ex, but it was out there.
The wistful mentions of said ex went over my head at the time, but the tentacles of doubt took hold. I never made a big deal, but they were there, hanging on. As was I.
As the conversation – THAT conversation – flexed and contorted down the rabbit hole like a falling cat, the clearer it became that it was over.
But we have a date in three days, I thought. What about V-day?! You cant break the binding clause of St Valentine!
But it was broken. As were we. It became clear later in the night, with my usual insomnia now in full lucidity, that while I was asking "Are we ok?" an d even "Are you awake?" despite that glaring "Online" sign, he was avoiding the issue at hand.
"But he could have fallen asleep while still online," is the rationale of the desperate. I am not 19, I thought. I am not supposed to be feeling this way. But it was over.
"I am sorry" was one message.
"Didn't mean for this to happen" was another.
I made my usual appeasing jokes and blocked him on all social media platforms. I was not taking any chances. My eyes were puffy and I still had work in the morning. I got up and prepared lunch, at 2am. Sleep was not coming anytime soon. More tears.
I thought I was special. A whole 19 days. Surely a world record. Do we even count the online time?
"Pen your thoughts down. Write," was a text from my mother. It was her birthday. I was supposed to wish her, instead I was up and wondering where it all went (goes) wrong.
Everyone thinks they're special when we collide into a wall. But as you approach, open your eyes. There are skid marks and dents where others have been before. Its just another love story with an aborted end. Others have been here. You may be alone, but you're not the only one who was here. Its just the same old story.
Ashes – a review
Stefan Erasmus and Jason Jacobs in Ashes. Image – http://alexanderbar.co.za/show/Ashes/
What came first? The staging or the script. Do the two work together? Do they happen over time as they bleed into each other. These are questions as old as theatre itself, and probably with reasonable answers, and I couldn't help but wonder while watching Ashes.
Deprecation aside, this review wont do anything to sway ticket sales for this play in its final week at the theatre at Alexander Bar in Cape Town. But good art must be appreciated where it can.
But back to the stage. Small – very small – restricting and inescapable. When the actors looked at me, I felt like they were actually looking at me and connecting, indicting and pleading; not merely looking through me as actors are supposed to.
Their performances grab you by the throat. When they break down, you will want to run up and hold them and say "It's going to be ok" even though you knows it's really not.
Ashes tells the story of two queer brown boys in Cape Town – a description that belies the depth of the story. These levels of depth felt while watching the two actors, Stefan Erasmus and Jason Jacobs's characters dance around each other is breath taking.
They flit in and out of various characters, chipping away until the nuances in the archetypes are revealed. A flick of a jersey transforms a young man into a judgmental woman; a hoodie turns the other young man into his homophobic bully. The supporting characters all float around the main two, who interact with each other only briefly, letting the audience in on their tender moments – intimate, honest and gut wrenching, as we are driven to the conclusion, which was obvious but still impactful.
The mostly epistolary (letter writing) style works well, as the characters tell their stories without reaction from other characters. But the only downside I could find, which still works in its own way, was the crutch of exposition. Parents and son tell of his coming out story, and the conversation about what to call each other – boyfriends, lovers, partners? Forced, but still necessary. By virtue of its existence, queer work is still revolutionary, but somehow still new, therefore nothing can be taken for granted.
Don't let the words queer and brown throw you off. It's a story that many can relate to – the two lovers meet by chance in the city. One a small town buy. Forces work against them and their ghostly worlds are torn apart. The notion of love, not as obvious as in other works, binds the characters, but hardly ever at the same time.
I went in not knowing what the play was about other than the risky epithet of "gay play", and was taken aback by the devastating account.
The audience was small, a lot less than the already small theatre at Alexander Bar could hold, which led me to believe that this was a play that was not being seen by as many people as it should.
Entertainment, Gender and Sexuality
Alexander Bar
My Ideal Ship (not the boat kind)
My friend Nwabisa, 'the hot mess' (her official title) who blogs here, asked me if I'm over my "ship" yet. I remembered the conversation vaguely and thought she meant my current crush. It was something similar, but a lot more insane.
Alright, here goes… I'm in a ship. This is not easy for me to admit, because I have judged Nwabisa for her own shipping ways.
A ship, as she explained it, is a vicarious relationship with a fictional couple. Here's a little description from Wiki:
Shipping, derived from the word relationship, friendship or worship, is the belief of (or desire for) two (or more) people, often fictional, to be in a romantic relationship. It is considered a general term for fans' emotional involvement with the ongoing development of romance in a work of fiction.
When we established that she was asking me about Patrick and Richie from the HBO series Looking, and not vicarious delusional relationship, it all fell into place. Some excerpts from her in our convo:
"You're almost a true shipper! Next you'll be arguing with folks on forums""Have you googled them at least? Look for like minded individuals who feel the same way about your ship?"
The she asked me if Patrick and Richie are "canon"? (Oh boy, jargon)
A ship that is officially recognised by the show. The opposite is fanon. When a pairing is created by fans but is not suggested by the show. They are not an official pairing with a chance of actually ending up together.Ron and Hermione are canon. Snape and Hermione are fanon.
She's just a wee bit obsessed.
So my ship is with Patrick and Richie *sigh* Yes, I'm already sighing. This image sums up how I felt watching them
I'm the guy in blue.
The series garnered a fair amount of press – any "gay" show would. But this one got people upset because it was so "normal" and "boring". I was a fan for the exact opposite reason. Having missed the "Queer as Folk" era and being a big huge fan of Will and Grace, I love when a TV show is focused (or heavily so) on gayness. Nay sayer critics would probably argue against this as we need to move on, and other idealistic fantasies, but minorities need focus too. And to me, anything gay, "good or bad" is great to me simply because of its subversive nature.
And that brings me to my ship, as I *sigh* again.
Richie and Patrick made me believe again. Patrick is annoying as all hell, but the fortuitous nature of their meeting, the way that they got together and got back together despite a little drama, and then stayed together for a while made me swoon like nothing else in a while.
Why this ship means so much to me? They were so blissfully happy! It may have been a fleeting moment in television series time, but it seemed and felt so real. I connected to their conversations and stolen glances, the way they opened up to each other, the laughter and quiet moments between conversations.
The adage about art reflecting life could not have been more true with this ship. I now concede that I was unfair in judging other ships, even when I did not know they were called ships.
Episode 5 was such perfection that i go back to it every so often when i want love inspiration. Read this for the best insight ever into that episode, but I would add that the relaxed nature of what they experienced – from the sex to conversation – despite Patrick's neurotic behaviour, made this one such a treat to watch. When things turned sour, I felt it, like a knife to my ribs. I even clutched my heart and gasped at certain points. I'm dramatic, can you tell?
Love the one you're with, and if you cant, then love yourself. But also, if you cant love yourself, then love the ones you're watching.
You cant tell me you don't want that. And if you cant have it, at least get it from a fantasy, right? Right?!
Those old Bronx days
Let me tell you about those Bronx days. The old Bronx days.
You would enter that place and feel either completely brazen, or intimidated as shit. This happened to me on my first night there in 2005.
I walked in and felt powerful. People would be transformed. In my case, I spoke to the cutest guy I saw. Brendan was his name, I think. The details are sketchy now, as details tend to be in hindsight, but I do remember a lovely conversation, and him being completely not into me! It was an either/or environment. I saw him a few weeks later and greeted him by name, which shocked him. Names were apparently not always important, or required.
Bronx Action Bar in Cape Town represented a microcosm that I have yet to experience. That feeling probably speaks to the well-worn sayings about first times never being forgotten, for a variety of reasons.
The décor was sailor-disco, or something.
So why write about a gay bar?
Because I woke up one night this year and just remembered what it was like. 2006 – 2007 were the best years of my life. Yes, Bryan Adams lifted that line from my memory, Marty McFly-style. I was young, had great carefree friends and just enough money to have a good time and make the most of my early 20s.
We would greet with air kisses (completely out of character for me, throwing me into a new kind of deep end) and do a quick catch-up – work, studies, family, life, nothing too distracting. Things always look different in a dark room punctuated with flashing lights. We all went there to forget the outside world. It was special, different. Reviled by some, hard to resist by all.
We were friends for a few hours, and then we left; ready to deride the mundane until the next time. But you didn't go there to make friends. Rather, it was a place to unite and escape.
And then it all came crashing down. Literally. The entire block, which had restaurants and other clubs, were torn down in a fit of yuppie development. I remember seeing it in the disrespectful Saturday sunlight – one huge pit of rubble and cranes, moulding a shiny new building.
I couldn't help but feel like a part of my formative years was being broken down. My mind hearkened to a time that I didn't even know; forced removals and buildings being torn down. A dark chapter in South Africa's history, and nowhere near comparable, but it was the closest I have felt to reading, and being moved by Richard Rive's Buckingham Palace (a biographical book about District Six I read at school). Seeing a home, of sorts, a multicultural orgy of carefree fun happiness where nothing else mattered for a while.
When it was moved, to across the road no less, the inside was preserved and looked similar to the old establishment. But it was not the same. Everybody knew that. That feeling was gone. And before you even knew it, that Bronx was torn down too.
In the interim, when "new" Bronx (as I begrudgingly referred to it) was being built, Beaulah (lesbian) Bar popped up, I saw a "friend" from the "old" days. We complained that it was not the same as Bronx. We were being prissy, because Beaulah Bar was fine, but "it's not Bronx" we nagged, to which he conceded, "it's something" as he shrugged his shoulders.
I know that what I experienced was just one tiny slice in an establishment and history a lot bigger than I could ever imagine. I've heard other stories; I've heard better.
The stories of drugs escaped my naïve eyes until pointed out to me by friends. The place always seemed filthy and the smell of drain cleaner in the toilets, (which also served as occasional hook-up areas, I was shocked to discover) and then there was also the killing of the owner.
But just for that short time, it was mine. For those weekends when we escaped, it was ours, and it was great.
How to have anal sex: a jawonthefloor presentation (totes suitable for work)
First thing, realise the power and privilege that comes with being a bottom. What? You didn't know that being a bottom comes with both power and privilege? Seems we have a lot to get through. Sit down, Uncle JAW has a few things to teach you, Floor Jawers. And thank you for ignoring all the obvious puns in that opening. I appreciate you keeping your giggles to a minimum. It was hard for me too. Ok, I'll stop now.
Often oppression does not come only from the outside, but starts within us. It's true that if we push hard enough from the margins, the centre will implode, but that can only happen if we are empowered enough to do so. Now, this is nothing new. From female subjugation to that of black people the world over, and for this discussion, gay people and sexual oppression, it starts with empowering of the self.
Which leads me to that evil word – bottom. Many people revel in this, others find it offensive. For purposes of this discussion, I use it as a blanket term and acknowledge that labels are not for everybody. It refers to the supposedly submissive one in a partnership.
I should start in a strange way – the inverse. How not to have anal sex is to think less of yourself, and the act of sex; to think of it as a duty, or something that you should be doing and do it simply because it's what you think you're supposed to be doing. Stop it right now. The power and privilege of sex comes with the fact that your partner should (while not necessarily be begging at your feet, although the thought does give me a Cheshire cat smirk like no other) be grateful.
What I have seen as an observer of gay life is the ever-prevailing dynamic of top vs bottom, privileging the top and looking down at the bottom, even from other bottoms – essentially subjugation within subjugation. Like I always say, you have the world against you, why would you make it worse by fostering a sense of competition, further ghettoising ourselves?
Of course, you can just do whatever it is you want, and I am the fuddy-duddy who is trying to complicate things. That's ok too. Take me with a pinch of salt, or just pinch my bum. Hey, I'm human too.
Regardless, how you should have anal sex is considered, thoughtful, careful, consensual, authoritatively and mutual. Respect your partner enough to respect yourself. Nothing will change if you do not change yourself. I saw an interesting debate this weekend about the role of women in porn. Someone commented about black women being the animals in porn, due to the way they were treated. As keen as I am to dissect issues of race, I initially disagreed, because, while I agree that all porn is about power and humiliation, she explained that within that realm, women are on an even lower wrung, with black women considered even lower. Therefore gay men should really, in my opinion, not disrespect themselves (and not enable said disrespect in their partners) and learn how to have anal sex
As you can tell, there wasn't any actual advice about anal sex in here. Fool ya once, shame on me. If you found this blog post via a search looking for actual anal sex, and this came up, I do apologise.
But for those of you who want that, and didn't glean any lesson from the above post, here goes (no images, unfortunately):
Take it slow. You set the pace.
You are in control.
Lots of lube. Actual lube.
If it hurts, you're doing it wrong.
Try different positions until it feels right.
Condom. More lube. Still actual lube.
Your body, your choice.
Dear Floor Jawers, Gender and Sexuality
bottom vs tops
Cape Town Gay Pride? Let's hope so
Disclaimer: I have shared many hyperlinks in this piece. I don't usually do that. They are all previous posts by me, and are relevant to what I am saying.
What is there even to say about Pride at a time like this. Please refer to Google and check out the brilliant archive that is gay rights and the year that was… all two months of it thus far.
This is the first Cape Town Gay Pride march that I will not be attending, simply because I am not in Cape Town. But even if I were, would it have made a difference? This is a question I have heard often. Also, the endless critiques of Pride marches. Do we still need them? Absolutely. I have personally seen shifts in people. I have also seen people regress and become absolute ignorant homophobes. We are here for both of them. The more that we are ourselves, the more others will have to accept that we are not going anywhere.
And yes, we. Accepting that you are part of a community is vital. You may be gay and not like that you are boxed into the same acronym as a trans-gendered individual, but you both are being discriminated against for something that is sexuality-linked and out of your control. It makes sense to me. Deal with your discomfort and realise that you are wasting the power of community. Stand up! And if you witness stupidity, stand up again. And if you see more, keep standing up until you are tired. That's why we encourage community. We need not only fighters, but supporters.
I have been hearing a lot of blanket statements lately. Let me remind you, there are no good stereotypes. Taking pride in how you are is acceptance of who you are, and your place with others – in this case, your gay self. This does not mean that you have to conform to any standard, even your own. I am so sick of pople looking down on femininity in men, and in so doing glorifying masculinities. There is no such thing as an ideal/perfect man/woman. Just be conscious of who you are and what you are doing. When someone says something offensive, stand up and call them out on it. I have not been entirely good on this, I have to admit. But how will the world change if we are not comfortable with fighting injustices, especially the small ones.
Pride is without a doubt a party. I have had the best times of my life at the last three marches. I do want the community to be more, as i wrote last year. But it also has its issues, and it is also a political statement. Who could forget Joburg Pride and what happened with the 1 in 9 campaign? If you can remember that, then we will get along just fine and I wont have to call you out on anything.
To end, a friend recently posted something on Facebook lamenting the situation in Uganda. It is pathetic and the violations of human rights being ignored around the world will come back to haunt us. Once again, people are paying a price for simply being. But we are also not entirely innocent (not that we are to blame), but how many of us have jumped on a bandwagon and been activists in isolation? Are you only campaigning and fighting for your own cause? Will we move on to the next issue as soon as Uganda has died down and the people there have found a way to deal with what is happening? Do we picket the Nigerian embassy for a few weeks then realise that some other state has implemented their own homophobic laws?
This was my take on my friend's anger regarding Uganda, and what "we can do about it":
Well, to me it'd this belief that we are powerless because we might not have resources to make a difference. What about intention? Look at that horrible Kony campaign. That was completely self-serving and it seemed to be done with an end in sight, which is a little unrealistic. This Uganda issue is a huge deal too, as is our other favourite, Palestine. We must use the resources we have at our disposal, and not be despondent when they "don't work". Here comes the esotericism (I'm sorry), but what we do will emanate outwards [to others, and touch them in some way]. So how often do you laugh at a homophobic joke? When last did you rap along and say the n-word [in a song]? When last did you walk past an incident of injustice and not speak up? That's the difference. The same can be applied to social media, and doing what we can with what we have. Be consistent, militant and conscious.
We are dealing with people and lives here. This is not a school project. If we are serious about changing the world, then it will start with us (you). Once we realise that, then it will be a brighter day.
Dear Floor Jawers, Gender and Sexuality, Politricky
Hey Homophobes. Nigeria, Uganda, good job.
Originally appeared on my News24 blog. I am, as are many other people, shocked and disgusted by the anti-gay legislation that was passed in Nigeria. Reading blogs, and especially the disheartening comments section, I am dumbfounded by how nonsensical they are, and how gay people are being used as scapegoats for political agendas. I wrote this blog post before the laws passed in Nigeria, but it still feels appropriate for what is happening there.
Hey homophobes, I have a question for you, why does your logic make sense, but mine doesn't?
I wrote an open letter to gay people on my personal blog this week, inspired by the LGBTIQA awareness week at my Uni, and then read a great piece by a fellow Voices24 comrade Kamela Mahlakwane, who, as a heterosexual male, questioned homophobia and affirming that it is not a choice. There is not all that much to add, but I thought I'd try anyway. A friend wanted to forward Kamela's article to his mother hoping she would see the light. Unfortunately for him, the beliefs around homosexuality prevent him from being open with her.
I use gay as the collective term for LGBTIQA, as this acronym appears to be forgotten. It stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, Intersex, Questioning and Asexual. You see, people forget that there are other parts of the acronym. Just as we are all meant to be equal in this country, the LGBTIQA community also strives for equality.
I do, however, want to focus on some of my favourite clichés, because like I asked, if you can do it, why can't I?
My favourite is "Adam and Steve" – God did not make them. He made Adam and Eve, dammit. He also did not make Madam and Eve. One request that I always ask of homophobes is to at least be creative in their endeavours. We know this. It's in the Bible, we've read it.
Biology also cannot be the be all and end all of an argument. I've always been surprised by the argument that homosexuality is wrong because two people of the same sex cannot reproduce and it's biologically incorrect. Again, thank you for that gem of an observation. Gay people have been managing just fine. And if this argument is true, it must then disqualify women who partake in anal and oral sex, as well as people who cannot reproduce. This is not fair to them either, yet they are often left out of the discriminatory lashings.
Another point of consternation is the amount of time that homophobes spend on hating gays. Now I won't delve into the internalised homosexual urges debate, because that would be too obvious. I often ask, to blank faces, are there not better things to do with your time? I can't help but comment when I see ignorance and this happened when I asked someone on an online forum if there was not anything better to focus on? War, rape, corruption, racism come to mind, yet gay people are the subject of hate. I can't help but think that this is a deflection of sorts, or a convenient scapegoat for repressed hate.
Just as women are often advised that no woman can steal your man, because he was not yours to steal in the first place, so it is true that someone cannot be made gay. There is no straight conversion therapy, believe it or not. If your partner left you to be with someone of the same sex, then it was not meant to be and they were most likely gay to begin with. This is a hard truth to accept and leads to pent-up anger within the individual who was dumped. Is it really fair to take out this anger on a community who probably would sympathise with you?
Black man, you've fought for liberation and freedom. Woman, you have the right to vote and freedom of movement. Even if you are a white, able bodied, heterosexual male, you have faced obstacles and opposition from others for being who you are. Maybe your father didn't want you to play on a sports team, or your boss disapproved of a decision you took. The point is that, whether you believe that homosexuality is a choice or not, you get to change your lives and make better decisions. Gay people do not.
Homophobes do not realise that Pride marches and activist activities only happen as a reaction to hate. Think about it, if there were no people telling those gays how terrible they were and that they do not deserve rights, then they wouldn't be "flaunting it" in your faces, as I've heard it. Awareness weeks, Pride marches and other such commemorations happen not because gay people enjoy being the centre of attention for that day, week or headline, but because gay people, even in the most liberal of cities or countries, are still targeted for being gay.
It does not get better for many people, so before you make the choice to hate, think about how going out of your way to do this adds to your life, and what you're taking away from someone else.
A Mass of Masculine
I had two very interesting conversations this past week. I was "interviewed" by a friend for her an assignment (probably anthropology or gender studies. I was not paying attention). The topic was masculinities.
She asked me about my own definition and my identity with regards to masculinity and my being a man. I said, to paraphrase, that it seems almost genderless, yet still pertinent in present-day society. I have come far, as have certain individuals (and not the majority of society, unfortunately) in that I don't think of myself as this John Wayne/Captain America (or Shaka Zulu, maybe?) figure of manly virility in which the fairer sex is the immediate and obvious "other". I am the fairer sex, and I am also Captain John Zulu. Because that is who we choose to be. The definition of it should be personal and the standards set by the individual. Unfortunately most people choose to be confined by these concepts of pink and blue in which they ignore the nuances which could exist in defining one's self, which should be a continual process, according to me.
Well, what a woopsie mouthful!
So also this past weekend I helped a friend move house. I met his flatmate and we were speaking between packing boxes and moving things. Later she asks me "Are you gay?"
I said yes and her friend said something along the lines of "Are you blind?" (but not really, but you know what I mean) although I had a similar thought. I was surprised that she asked that, but did not wear it with a badge of pride like most gay men would. To many the fact that the homosexuality would not be immediately obvious is seen as a token, a prize which makes them better than others. I do not see it in this way. This brought to mind the interview I had, mentioned earlier and notions of masculinities.
In the gay community, there is a term known as "straight acting" which I'm sure I have mentioned somewhere on this blog. Why boys, why?
The very word "acting" just makes me shudder. I have never been accused of this because I think it's ridiculous. Firstly, I don't subscribe to any one idea of masculinity, or gayness. I am what I am (cue music) I dress how I want and what I feel is appropriate. I won't walk into a club in takkies the same way I wouldn't show up to move house in formal shoes.
So then is this really even an issue, or is it a case of bitter gays hating on each other? When a guy dances like a stripper in a club, but calls his "manlier" friends 'bro'/'bra' (like I do at times), is this acting too, or just adapting to the situation?
Why do we, in a community where it is ok (or at least should be) to embrace femininities, decide to instead go to either extreme where we completely shun that side or embrace it so fully that we forget the masculine?
Is this even worth discussing? Like I said earlier, gender and identity should (in a perfect world) be self-determined and not imposed upon the individual.
Phew! This is exhausting, right? Well, it's all our faults.
We are way too conditioned to need a male/female situation. Where there is strength, there must be a weakling. Where there is provider, there must be a nurturer, and so on.
To flip the coin, in a hypothetical situation, if a tribe of women had to form, like an entire country of just women, I think that the same divisions would arise. Our brains and beings are so wired to have to live with these dualisms that we would immediately need tops/builders/security guards and other traditional male (or masculine) roles.
Solution: leave everyone alone and run your own race. How others choose to live their lives is their own problem. Often the problems we have with others are the problems we have with ourselves. Yes, that's right, I said it!
JAW out!


DIANA is a Canadian synthpop band, consisting of Carmen Elle (vocals), Joseph Shabason (keyboards) and Kieran Adams (drums). Their debut album Perpetual Surrender was a longlisted nominee for the 2014 Polaris Music Prize. It was followed by their second album Familiar Touch in November 2016.
Formed by Toronto musicians Joseph Shabason and Kieran Adams after another project they had planned to work on fell through, the duo later added vocalist Carmen Elle. Originally intended as a recording project which would not tour, popular interest in their early demos on SoundCloud led them to begin touring, with Paul Mathew also joining the band's live performance lineup.
Perpetual Surrender was released in August 2013 on Paper Bag Records and Jagjaguwar. They have toured extensively across Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom to support the album, both at music festivals and as an opening act for Austra.
In November 2016 they released the album Familiar Touch.
Elle is also a member of Army Girls and has played with Austra and Moon King.
^ Phares, Heather. "DIANA | Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved 2017-01-06.
^ Cills, Hazerl (September 13, 2016). "DIANA's Carmen Elle On Art And Anxiety". MTV News. Retrieved 2017-01-06.
^ a b Diana: Perpetual Surrender. Pitchfork, August 23, 2013.
^ a b "First Play: Diana, Perpetual Surrender". CBC Music, August 20, 2013.
^ a b "Radar Band Of The Week - Diana". New Musical Express, August 5, 2013.
^ WATCH: DIANA Gives Us Reason to Daydream in "Perpetual Surrender". Filter, July 10, 2013.
^ "DIANA announce 'Familiar Touch' album". DIY. September 21, 2016. Retrieved 2017-01-06.
^ Heisey, Monica (September 25, 2015). "Carmen Elle's Complicated Relationship with Compliments | Broadly". Broadly. Retrieved 2017-01-06.
This page was last edited on 4 January 2019, at 15:37 (UTC).