A little something I put together over the weekend...
Sunday, 25 September 2011
Saturday, 24 September 2011
Memoirs of a money-grubbing, invisible terrorist.
Yes, that's me! Apparently.
Over the last few weeks I've been subject to all manner of name calling, by people who don't even know me. But they are in authority, so they must be right... right?
It all started when I read the Pink News article about Sally Kern, politician from Oklahoma, claiming that gays are more dangerous that terrorists, that "homosexuality is dangerous and is spreading ...and will destroy this nation". This right on the eve of the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Talk about tact. How this mad-eyed bint ever got into power is beyond my comprehension; I'm just guessing there are a fair few like-minded bigots out there who agree with her poisonous view, which is a truly frightening thought.
This was followed by a report about Linda Harvey, another bonkers bible-basher, who claimed that LGBT people do not, in fact, exist. Man, did I have an existential crisis over that one. But, to borrow a quote from Alvin McEwen's excellent blog 'Holy Bullies and Headless Monsters':
"Actually when you think of it, her ramblings are in accordance to the religious right mindset when it comes to the gay community. To them being gay is not a sexual orientation, but an act. A "filthy, wild, passionate, hot, sweaty" act involving lots of sex.
I wish."
You said it, Alvin.
Between these two outrageous attacks on my person, I get tarred a "money-grubber" through my being a Trade Unionist. This was actually from a comment posted from a report from an online paper (forget which one), about the planned November strikes mooted after the recent TUC conference. This particular person was not happy with us naughty Union lot, causing disruption just 'cos, you know, we ain't getting paid enough and want more cash, innit. (Don't know why I went all Cockney then...).
Never mind the fact that we're actually planning action to make the government back down on job cuts, pay freezes, reduction in pensions while making people work longer and contribute more to them; you know, basic, decent wage stuff. I didn't think that was a particularly bad thing, myself. But, hey, what would I know, non-existant terrorist that I am; I've been labelled a money-grubber, so I must be. Not like those nice bankers and rich people who always pay their taxes, turn down big bonuses and generally help to drive down the deficit that we find ourselves in.
[sarcastic rant over]
Yes, you can probably tell I was not a happy monkey with all this being levelled at me. Actually I do know it wasn't aimed at me personally (hope to hell it wasn't anyway - I'd have one hell of a complex) but it just amazes me how ill-informed and judgemental people can be, especially those in positions of authority. It really gets on my man-boobs.
Anyhoo, to go back to Sally Kern's mad drivel, I was a little tiddly when I read the article and consequently was drinking and seeing red at the same time. So I penned this little bit of fluff in response.
PLEASE NOTE!
It wasn't my intention to mock any form of religious belief by this; rather it was just a little something to make me feel better and (hopefully) be enjoyed by those who like a little irreverent fun.
If you don't like it, please add a new entry to my growing list of pejorative designations.
hasta la próxima vez.
Over the last few weeks I've been subject to all manner of name calling, by people who don't even know me. But they are in authority, so they must be right... right?
It all started when I read the Pink News article about Sally Kern, politician from Oklahoma, claiming that gays are more dangerous that terrorists, that "homosexuality is dangerous and is spreading ...and will destroy this nation". This right on the eve of the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Talk about tact. How this mad-eyed bint ever got into power is beyond my comprehension; I'm just guessing there are a fair few like-minded bigots out there who agree with her poisonous view, which is a truly frightening thought.
This was followed by a report about Linda Harvey, another bonkers bible-basher, who claimed that LGBT people do not, in fact, exist. Man, did I have an existential crisis over that one. But, to borrow a quote from Alvin McEwen's excellent blog 'Holy Bullies and Headless Monsters':
"Actually when you think of it, her ramblings are in accordance to the religious right mindset when it comes to the gay community. To them being gay is not a sexual orientation, but an act. A "filthy, wild, passionate, hot, sweaty" act involving lots of sex.
I wish."
You said it, Alvin.
Between these two outrageous attacks on my person, I get tarred a "money-grubber" through my being a Trade Unionist. This was actually from a comment posted from a report from an online paper (forget which one), about the planned November strikes mooted after the recent TUC conference. This particular person was not happy with us naughty Union lot, causing disruption just 'cos, you know, we ain't getting paid enough and want more cash, innit. (Don't know why I went all Cockney then...).
Never mind the fact that we're actually planning action to make the government back down on job cuts, pay freezes, reduction in pensions while making people work longer and contribute more to them; you know, basic, decent wage stuff. I didn't think that was a particularly bad thing, myself. But, hey, what would I know, non-existant terrorist that I am; I've been labelled a money-grubber, so I must be. Not like those nice bankers and rich people who always pay their taxes, turn down big bonuses and generally help to drive down the deficit that we find ourselves in.
[sarcastic rant over]
Yes, you can probably tell I was not a happy monkey with all this being levelled at me. Actually I do know it wasn't aimed at me personally (hope to hell it wasn't anyway - I'd have one hell of a complex) but it just amazes me how ill-informed and judgemental people can be, especially those in positions of authority. It really gets on my man-boobs.
Anyhoo, to go back to Sally Kern's mad drivel, I was a little tiddly when I read the article and consequently was drinking and seeing red at the same time. So I penned this little bit of fluff in response.
PLEASE NOTE!
It wasn't my intention to mock any form of religious belief by this; rather it was just a little something to make me feel better and (hopefully) be enjoyed by those who like a little irreverent fun.
If you don't like it, please add a new entry to my growing list of pejorative designations.
hasta la próxima vez.
Friday, 9 September 2011
Trifle, Waitresses and Wheelbarrows
Our little creative writing group, formed after the finish of the Creative Writing course earlier in the year, is proving - well, really quite creative.
Here are a couple of the stories I submitted to the group:
[WARNING! CONTAINS MATERIAL THAT SOME PEOPLE MAY FIND OFFENSIVE!!]
Trifle
The Waitress and the Wheelbarrow.
Enjoy.
Here are a couple of the stories I submitted to the group:
[WARNING! CONTAINS MATERIAL THAT SOME PEOPLE MAY FIND OFFENSIVE!!]
Trifle
The Waitress and the Wheelbarrow.
Enjoy.
Thursday, 8 September 2011
A Gay Old Time!
Last weekend saw Coopers Field in Cardiff explode into colour for the annual Wales LGBT Mardi Gras, billed as 'Cardiff's Biggest Free Party'! This year I was helping out on the PCS Wales stall, which proved to be a long but really enjoyable day. From what I could see, it was a lot busier this year than the last couple and the atmosphere there was just terrific.
What is great about the Mardi Gras is the mix of people - drag queens, leathermen, daddies, transvestites, butch dykes, lipstick lesbians and twinks in purple shorts all mingling with the straights who just want to be part of the day, all sharing the same space. It really is an inspiring sight just watching everyone being able to be themselves. Shame it can't be like this in the real world, eh!
The stall was a big success too, with a lot of attention from people who were after the freebies. This year we had two petitions on the go (in support of gay marriage and to save the Equality and Human Rights Commission from government cuts) for which you could get a free lollipop. We got a lot of signatures!
Luckily, the predicted rain held off until we were packing up to go. And when Mike kindly dropped me back at my lodgings I was still wired from the days events - took two or three glasses of Tesco Value Whiskey to get me back down. And then later (when Stu and I had planned to go to the newly opened Eagle Bar in Charles Street) I crashed big time. Needless to say we spent the night in!
Still, it had been worth it. And I'd happily do it all over again next year.
Here are pictures from the day. Big thanks to Jan and Mike for letting me be part of it!
What is great about the Mardi Gras is the mix of people - drag queens, leathermen, daddies, transvestites, butch dykes, lipstick lesbians and twinks in purple shorts all mingling with the straights who just want to be part of the day, all sharing the same space. It really is an inspiring sight just watching everyone being able to be themselves. Shame it can't be like this in the real world, eh!
The stall was a big success too, with a lot of attention from people who were after the freebies. This year we had two petitions on the go (in support of gay marriage and to save the Equality and Human Rights Commission from government cuts) for which you could get a free lollipop. We got a lot of signatures!
Luckily, the predicted rain held off until we were packing up to go. And when Mike kindly dropped me back at my lodgings I was still wired from the days events - took two or three glasses of Tesco Value Whiskey to get me back down. And then later (when Stu and I had planned to go to the newly opened Eagle Bar in Charles Street) I crashed big time. Needless to say we spent the night in!
Still, it had been worth it. And I'd happily do it all over again next year.
Here are pictures from the day. Big thanks to Jan and Mike for letting me be part of it!
Friday, 2 September 2011
Life Immobile
[That title makes it sound like I'm disabled or unable to move. It's actually neither. I just thought it would make an interesting header]
Back in July, I lost Rowdy. That's the name for the Peugeot 306 that my niece kindly gave to me before she started her travels back last year. I took Rowdy to the garage for the yearly MOT. They told me Rowdy was very sick. Would probably not survive. That is not without a large injection of cash - were talking about £500+ (and my garage always underestimates to a quite alarming degree). So, with much heartache, I had to put Rowdy down. Or at least cancel the tax/insurance and make sure I left him in a place that would safely be considered "off-road" for legal purposes. Currently outside Stu's flat in Rumney. And just when I want some lout to nick it, no bastard would. You just can't rely on the youth of today, eh?
But I made the most of old Rowdy - he got us safely down to my nephew's wedding party in Hampshire at the end of the month and back (his last big trip) no problem. And I do miss him. Little money trap that he was.
So what now? Well, I've embraced public transport. And I have to be honest, it's pretty good. Cardiff Bus offer a particularly good deal where you can get a weekly ticket for Fourteen of my hard earned Pounds and it gets me unlimited travel around Cardiff for seven days. AND to Newport (where I work) and back as well! How good is that!!
But what about trips to the family home in Abingdon I hear you ask? Well, I have to rely on Great Western Rail for that, which is pretty pricey. Not so bad if I travel after six o'clock. And to be honest, it's quite nice just to sit back and watch the countryside roll by instead of having to focus on an infinite piece of tarmac. I can enjoy a glass of wine and everything! How cool is that!! There's a lot to be said for this public transport lark, I must say.
Inevitably though I will succumb and get myself yet another vehicle at some point. I have been through four different cars since 2003. It's the MOT that kills them off. Why can't we just run cars until they fall apart on the road??
As a somewhat ironic footnote to this, I have to attend a 'Speed Awareness Course' in a week's time. I was caught doing 35 in a 30mph zone on Newport Road into Cardiff a couple of months back and now have the choice of attending the course or having three points on my licence. The irony is that I no longer have a car. Ha!
Back in July, I lost Rowdy. That's the name for the Peugeot 306 that my niece kindly gave to me before she started her travels back last year. I took Rowdy to the garage for the yearly MOT. They told me Rowdy was very sick. Would probably not survive. That is not without a large injection of cash - were talking about £500+ (and my garage always underestimates to a quite alarming degree). So, with much heartache, I had to put Rowdy down. Or at least cancel the tax/insurance and make sure I left him in a place that would safely be considered "off-road" for legal purposes. Currently outside Stu's flat in Rumney. And just when I want some lout to nick it, no bastard would. You just can't rely on the youth of today, eh?
But I made the most of old Rowdy - he got us safely down to my nephew's wedding party in Hampshire at the end of the month and back (his last big trip) no problem. And I do miss him. Little money trap that he was.
So what now? Well, I've embraced public transport. And I have to be honest, it's pretty good. Cardiff Bus offer a particularly good deal where you can get a weekly ticket for Fourteen of my hard earned Pounds and it gets me unlimited travel around Cardiff for seven days. AND to Newport (where I work) and back as well! How good is that!!
But what about trips to the family home in Abingdon I hear you ask? Well, I have to rely on Great Western Rail for that, which is pretty pricey. Not so bad if I travel after six o'clock. And to be honest, it's quite nice just to sit back and watch the countryside roll by instead of having to focus on an infinite piece of tarmac. I can enjoy a glass of wine and everything! How cool is that!! There's a lot to be said for this public transport lark, I must say.
Inevitably though I will succumb and get myself yet another vehicle at some point. I have been through four different cars since 2003. It's the MOT that kills them off. Why can't we just run cars until they fall apart on the road??
As a somewhat ironic footnote to this, I have to attend a 'Speed Awareness Course' in a week's time. I was caught doing 35 in a 30mph zone on Newport Road into Cardiff a couple of months back and now have the choice of attending the course or having three points on my licence. The irony is that I no longer have a car. Ha!
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