Activism in Saipan, Battling Gay Agenda?

So there I was last night surfing the net for interesting topics to discuss on this blog as the misses went to bed early as she was coming down with a bad cold. I stumbled across a Google search titled “Teens Battle Gay Agenda in Schools” and Saipan is listed. I followed the link to CBN.com, a Christian News site. In an article the author states that the Alliance Defense Fund assists students to initiate a “Day of Truth” (DOT) event in their schools. The DOT event is to present their Christian views on homosexuality to counter the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network’s (GLSEN) “Day of Silence”. At the end of the article the author states “the Day of Truth is also working internationally against the homosexual agenda, as Tokyo, Saipan and the United Kingdom are now involved in this event.” (Haverluck, 2007)

Wow, is the first thought I had. Then in more depth I questioned is there actually any GLBT clubs in ANY of the schools in Saipan? I searched for more information to see how Saipan is connected with the DOT or Alliance Defense Fund and could not find any connections however, that does not mean there isn’t the connection they state.

In my search I did find the “Family Research Council” site. They declare they are “Defending Family, Faith, and Freedom”. Hmmmm. I thought freedom is the ability to be whom one is. I really do not see how the GLBT community is asking heterosexuals to become like us, as if that could be truly possible. I do hear the GLBT community asking for EQUAL RIGHTS, which again brings up the word ‘freedom’! The scary thing is that on this site they list eight resources to assist preventing homosexual activism in your school. (No author listed, 2007)

To my bloggers who do not think that there are GLBT issues "now days", go take a look at the link resources and see.

Island Dyke


Reference:

Haverluck, M. (2007). Teens Battle Gay Agenda in Schools. US News on CBN News.com. Retrieved on December 20, 2007, from http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/133034.aspx.

No author listed. (2007) Family Research Council. Retrieved on December 20, 2007 from https://www.frc.org/get.cfm?c=CONTACT_FRC&iss=HSED&step=2.

Marketing Saipan to Gay and Lesbian Travelers

According to the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau, consumers nationwide online travel behaviors studies have shown that 79% of gays and lesbians will book their vacation hotel rooms online compared to 54% of straights booking online. The study also revealed that 71% of gay/lesbian travelers top choice for picking a vacation spot is the price compared to 64% of straights having that as their top choice. Additionally, 22% of gay/lesbian travelers say one of the most important factors to picking a vacation location is if they feel they will received "fair treatment of guests like me". (MEDIA, 5th)


So if close to 80% of gay/lesbian travelers will book their vacation online, what would it cost to market these vacation packages online? The second part of the topic is if you think Saipan will show fair treatment to gay/lesbian guests. In one of my first blogs I wrote about a gay travel critic and his wonderful stay at Saipan's Pacific Island Club. Also I have shared how I feel excepted by most everyone living here. Saipan also currently has at least one gay club and has had others in the past and I recently had a blogger request information on gay bars in Saipan as they were planning to travel here.


So here it is all you energetic, business savy marketers, and computer geeks (ok, computer savy) people; can someone go strum up some business at the hotels and bring the GLBT tourists here! We want rainbow money here! ;0)

Island Dyke

Reference:

MEDIA 5th WWW DOCUMENTS. Tourism Industry Update, May 2, 2006. Retrieved on December 19, 2007 from http://www.hvcb.org/media/documents/TIU06-09.pdf.

California's Rally for Equal Marriage Rights

The "Love is Love" video posted above is from Equality California Institute. They are promoting a project called "Let California Ring". It is a project to educate the public about the freedom to marry. Follow the link below to their web page and click on "find out more" followed by "facts". Scroll down close to the end of the page and you will find what rights are not afforded to gay and lesbian couples by not allowing legal marriage. After that you will also find some interesting statistics taken in a 2000 Census. This is one of the statistics mentioned; "There are an estimated 3.1 million people living together in gay or lesbian relationships in the United States." (n.a.l., 2007)

Island Dyke

Reference:

No Author Listed. (2007). Let California Ring. Retrieved on December 06, 2007 from
http://www.letcaliforniaring.org/site/c.ltJTJ6MQIuE/b.3554233/k.C3D3/Videos/apps/nl/newsletter2.asp

Being a GLBT Parent in Saipan

I recently wished all of you a happy Thanksgiving Holiday and then dove right into the celebration of our son's first birthday. He turned the big one on November 28th and we, both mommies, took the day off to celebrate the happy occasion. This was followed up with a big party on Saturday with hamburgers and hotdogs. For our daughter's first birthday, who is now three, we had a very small party. (It is recommend one child guest for every year the child is) However, this time we decided when the child is only one years old the party really is for the parents, not the child. Additionally, in this community we have been invited to many children's birthday parties and they are usually full of lots of adults and children. One tends to feel obligated to invite all of those who have invited you to their children's birthday party, not to mention if you invite one you have to invite all as word gets around. Ultimately you still miss inviting people out of pure short-sidedness and hope in the end to not have offended too many.

This leads me into talking about how it is to be a GLBT parent living in Saipan. I have only known of three other GLBT parents here is Saipan. (one gay local couple, one gay mainland couple, and one lesbian Asian couple) When I think of there being four GLBT parent couples (that I know of) in Saipan it makes me think it must be a fairly supportive environment. Yes there isn't any GLBT parent clubs or social support groups. However, I do not feel as if my life is in danger or feel contempt from others living around me which can happen living in other places. I can say that 99% of me feel's just like everyone else. The one percent that doesn't was based on less than a hand-full of experiences here in the past seven years. Living in those places where one does feel a threat it is important to have support groups however, living here I do not feel different from others and that need isn't so important. Every now and then I do miss the GLBT community support group though because it is nice to be around people like myself.

Island Dyke

Thanksgiving Cheer

Hi all,

Hope your having a nice Thanksgiving Holiday. I just completed my course on musculoskeletal physical therapy and can finally relax and have a nice holiday with the family. Sorry for neglecting this blog. I'm headed back for more desert and snuggling up for a movie with the honey. But not to leave you empty-handed I found this gem of a story on line....worthy of sharing.

David L. Wylie shares his story titled "My First Gay Thanksgiving: Trading Indians & Pilgrims for Drag Queens & Lesbians". Check it out, it really is touching. http://www.24-7pressrelease.com/view_press_release.php?rID=36501


Happy Thanksgiving,

Island Dyke

UN panel talks international GLBT discrimination issues

Last month the United Nations hosted a panel discussion to explore GLBT issues of discrimination. The event was co-sponsored by Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. The event was scheduled to discuss the Yogyakarta Principles. (Grew, 2007)

I have been busy the past month, surviving personal and family illnesses and amongst a pile of doctoral studies that I have not kept up on the latest GLBT news. I have to admit I had not heard of the Yogyakarta Principles. Please take some time to follow the link in the references and read them. These individuals from 29 different countries are real heroes for human rights in my book.


"Q. What are the Yogyakarta Principles? The Yogyakarta Principles are a set of principles on the application of international human rights law in relation to sexual orientation and gender identity. The Principles affirm binding international legal standards with which all States must comply. They promise a different future where all people born free and equal in dignity and rights can fulfil that precious birthright." (PRINCIPLES, 2007)

Island Dyke

Reference:

Grew, T. (2007) United Nations hosts LGBT rights panel. pinknews.co.uk. Retrieved on November 7, 2007 from http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-5987.html.

PRINCIPLES (2007) WWW The Yogyakarta Principles: The Application of International Human Rights Law in relation to Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. Retrieved on November 7, 2007 from http://www.yogyakartaprinciples.org/principles_en.htm.

Monthly poll results: Is it nobodies business?

Ok, so the monthly poll tallies are in AND....(drum roll please) results for: Should prominent community figures in Saipan be held accountable to be honest about their sexual orientation?

• 75% say it's really no ones business
• 15% say no
• 10% say not sure

Well, one thing you can be sure of is that over on www.saipanmiddleroad.com there is a heated debate as to whether Nahal, a teacher/actor resident here in Saipan, has scruples as she did an acting job for a local political parties television advertisement. Nahal, after being railed, responds that she didn't get paid and that she did it to add credits to her resume which needed some bolstering up for when she sheds this island in search of future employment.

My question is: Would these individuals, who are pointing out and accusing Nahal of having no scruples, continue on if they learned she actually does support that political party? And would these individuals be in agreement with the 75% above saying it really is no ones business when it comes to sharing one's sexuality? Is there a double standard for something's? I feel like I'm starting to sound a little like Harry B. in sharing "some food for thought". (LOL)

Thanks to the writers over at saipanmiddleroad for spotlighting my site this week.

Island Dyke

GLBT Teenagers

So did any of you read the GLBT History Month's presentation of Virginia Uribe on day 15? Some of you, who may be school teachers, may have heard of Project 10. Virgina was a science teacher and school counselor in the Los Angeles Unified School District. She founded Project 10, a drop-out prevention program for the GLBT teens, after seeing the problems that these students endure. Since the 1984 birth of Project 10 many of the aspects of Project 10 have been incorporated in high schools across the nation. She received the National Education Association's Annual Human and Civil Rights Award for Creative Leadership in Human Rights in 1992. Currently she is the Executive Director of Friends of Project 10, Inc. This is a nonprofit program that assists with lobbying for educational issues and assisting with gay and lesbian proms. Her famous quote is: "As long as I have a breath in me, I will continue to fight for the rights of gay and lesbian students." (GLBTHISTORYMONTH, 22nd)

After reading about the gay and lesbian prom, it took me back to some memories of living in San Diego. I use to volunteer at the North County Gay and Lesbian Center from time to time and an opportunity came up to volunteer as a chaperone at a gay and lesbian prom down in San Diego's Hillcrest community. Now some of you may be thinking why does there need to be a gay and lesbian prom? I have to say until you have walked in another's shoes please don't judge. The happiness that these teens had was evident on their faces. The individuality they all shared openly I could only imagine felt safe and satisfying. Until society is more excepting of the GLBT individuals within our communities then perhaps these events are needed.

Island Dyke


Reference:

GLBTHISTORYMONTH 22nd WWW 2007. Retrieved on October 22, 2007 from
http://www.glbthistorymonth.com/glbthistorymonth/2007/icon.cfm?LeaderID=15&tab=bio

Celebrating Coming Out Day

The PT's from CHC celebrated "Coming Out Day" last week together in the colors of the rainbow. Can you guess which one is coming out? (HINT) You have seen her on this blog site before.

Island Dyke

OK Men Here are Your Facts!

After my last posting I started to think about you men. Last month, September, was National Prostate Cancer Awareness month. If lesbians are at greater risk I was wondering if the same is true for gay men. Johnson (2007) shares with us that the American Cancer Society thinks gay men ARE at an increased risk for prostate cancer as well as skin, colon and lung cancer. The ACS attributes this increased risk to:

• Lack of health coverage
• Healthcare discrimination and negative experiences
• Gay men and smoking

According to one citation gays that smoke are 36% of LGBT adults compared to 25% of all adults.

For a PDF file copy of Cancer Facts for Gay and Bisexual Men follow this link: http://gaylife.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=gaylife&cdn=people&tm=1209&gps=297_914_1276_640&f=00&tt=2&bt=0&bts=1&zu=http%3A//www.cancer.org/downloads/COM/Gay%2520Men%2520CF%2520Brochure.pdf

Island Dyke

Reference:

Johnson, R. (2007) Gays Have Higher Cancer Risk. About.com: Gay Life. Retrieved on October 8, 2007 from http://gaylife.about.com/od/healthfitness/a/smokingcancer.htm

Lesbian's Risk of Breast Cancer

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in which the month is dedicated to increasing awareness of the importance of early breast cancer detection. I found a web site that gives a simple test to calculate your risk of developing breast cancer. Follow this link I found it very informative (even men are at risk for breast cancer and can take this quiz):

http://www.divine.ca/en/breast-cancer-corner/breast-cancer-risk-calculator/c_244/

So are lesbians at a greater risk of developing breast cancer? Well I found a site on lesbian life and Kathy Belge answers this question for us. She tells us that lesbians as a group do have higher incidence of certain risk factors that are known to be associated with developing breast cancer. These risk factors are:

• obesity
• smoking
• alcohol use
• having never birthed a child

In addition to these increased risk factors on the whole there is also the factor that lesbians are less likely to visit a doctor for fear of homophobia or being uncomfortable with answering questions that would have them coming out. Another noted factor is that lesbians are less likely to have health insurance which is partially due to plans not offering domestic partner benefits. The interesting information I found though, according to Dr. Hudson, is that lesbians are less likely to perform self-breast exams. (Belge, 2007) Hmmmm.

Island Dyke

Reference:

Belge, K. (2007) Are Lesbians More at Risk? About.com.: Lesbian Life. Retrieved on October 5, 2007 from http://lesbianlife.about.com/cs/healthconcerns/a/brcancer.htm

Coming Out Day

October 11 is National Coming Out Day with the aim to raise awareness of the GLBT community among the general populace number one and number two an additional aim is to give a familiar face to the GLBT rights movement.

This year is also the twentieth anniversary of the 1987 Gay and Lesbian March on Washington when the AIDS Quilt was unfurled on the National Mall.

You can make your own You Tube coming out video to celebrate this special event. This link will take you to the HRC site with instructions to making your video: http://www.hrc.org/issues/7649.htm

I encourage community members to wear some identifying symbol to celebrate this day.

Island Dyke

National Coming Out Day 2007

Gaydar

Wikipedia describes gaydar as "the intuitive ability to determine whether another person is gay or not". They go on to describe gaydar as a sense or intuition. It can also rely on an individual's sense to mannerisms that are associated with being gay. (WIKI, 18th)

You can take the test to see how well your gaydar is. This was very difficult for me as with looking at pictures it is difficult to get a sense of who a person is. I really didn't do that well as I scored a 60%. Check it out and see how well you do.
http://www.okcupid.com/gaydar

Have fun.

Island Dyke

Reference:

WIKI 18th WWW GAYDAR Retrieved on September 18, 2007 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaydar

OK, Let Talk About Larry Craig

So, there I was this morning replying to a comment, a second reply, about why am I not posting something about Larry Craig. Later, as I was driving the island to work, I started asking myself why I was not interested in talking about Larry and his recent run-in with the law. Thinking about it some I came to the realization that it had pushed a button of mine. I am learning that when my buttons get pushed I either (a) get defensive or (b) turn the subject around back onto the other person. SHHH don't tell Lori, my S.O., that I am admitting to this! At any rate, I would like to apologize to blogger pictytaz and anonymous for turning my reply back. You make an excellent recommendation to talk about Larry Craig.

So, an hour later after thinking about writing this blog after my above realizations, I picked up the Saipan Tribune September 5, 2007 edition, and saw in bold print "A prayer for Larry Craig" written by former Governor of New Jersey, James E. McGreevey. If you have not read this article, please do. It is a short, heart felt, coming out story of Governor McGreevey. I applaud the Saipan Tribune for printing this article.

So back to that button of mine that was pushed, the one that I didn't come out until I was 27 y/o. I was raised in an ultra religious family environment and it was understood from day one that being "gay" was a sin, not natural, and not talked about period. I'm not a famous movie star or political figure that needs to hide in fear of hurting a career, at age 27 I finally found that honest person I could trust talking about who I am. I finally was set free and at that point it was one of the easiest things I've done, coming out of the closet. But I still think back about how come I didn't do it sooner? What prevented me? There were several times I ventured a bit, however, quickly retreated in fear.

So, let's talk about Larry Craig. Has he been an 'in the closet' gay man all this time? Well I found two web-sites written by Michael Rogers. The first site is named blogActive.com and has been touted by Yahoo News as "He's starting to make Capital Hill look like Brokeback Mountain". (Rogers, 2007) His second site named "Proud of Who we are" is his other site dedicated to holding government officials accountable for hiding their truth. (PROUDOFWHOWEARE, 5th) Check out those sites and let's talk.

Island Dyke

Reference:

Rogers, M (2007) Senator Larry Craig.....What's with the gay bashing? Retrieved on September 5, 2007, from

http://www.blogactive.com/2006/10/senator-larry-craig-whats-with-gay.html

PROUDOFWHOWEARE 5th WWW Retrieved on September 5, 2007, from

http://www.proudofwhoweare.org/

Not So Long Ago on a Close by Island.....

Two hundred nautical meters east of the Great Barrier Reef is the location of the Coral Sea Islands AND the Gay and Lesbian Kingdom. Yes you heard it right, there is an island, Cato Island, that has declared independence from Commonwealth of Australia and naming the island Gay Kingdom of the Coral Sea.

The Emperor is Dale Parker Anderson, the 19 x great grandson of King Edward II of England and Queen Isabella of France via their son King Edward III. On September 13, 2004 the Gay Kingdom declared its self an independent country. This came about as a self determination due to Australia's government deciding to amend the marriage act so as to prevent homosexual couple who were married overseas to have their marriages recognized. Under the "Unjust Enrichment" law, this states: "If something is unjustly taken, compensation must be made". (HISTORY, 3rd)

On June 14, 2004 the rainbow pride flag was formally raised and declared the territory as an independent gay and lesbian state. A historical plaque on the north east of the island reads:
"On the 14th day of June 2004, at this highest point in the Coral Sea, Emperor Dale Parker Anderson raised the gay rainbow flag and claimed the islands of the Coral Sea in his name as homeland for the gay and lesbian peoples of the world. God Save our King!" (HISTORY, 3rd)

Wow, what formal declarations, I love it!

Island Dyke

Reference:

HISTORY 3rd WWW Gay and Lesbian Kingdom Retrieved on September 3, 2007 from,
http://gayandlesbiankingdom.com/history.htm

Hmmm....Homophobia

Remember, from my previous posting when I discuss the difference between a theory and a hypothesis? Here is a hypothesis mentioned in the Psychiatric News. When homophobic men are viewing homosexual stimuli it can causes feelings of anxiety. Anxiety is known to enhance penis arousal and erection. Thus (A +B = C), an increased arousal in the homophobic man is a response to a perceived threat rather than to stimuli they find sexually arousing. (BIN, 28th) Hmmmm....

Leave it to those Canadians' once again. This is from the Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance. It is too good to paraphrase so here it is a direct quote:

"The desire to discriminate against gays and lesbians, and thus to reserve special privileges to heterosexuals, appears to have many causes. Some are:

• Inability or unwillingness to change the information received during childhood.
• Fear of people who are different.
• Promotion of homophobia by a religious group.
• A heterosexual's natural feeling of repulsion at the thought of engaging in same-sex activity. Realizing that homosexual behavior is unnatural for them, some people generalize this feeling into the belief that homosexuality is wrong for everyone.
• Actual homosexual feelings that a person cannot acknowledge or handle.
• Low self esteem leading to a need to hate other group(s)." (BIN, 28th)

Well, it looks like not all homophobic individuals are 'in the closet' gay people. Should we be tolerant of homophobic people? We ask them to be tolerant of us. I say, yes, as long as they are not being discriminatory or inappropriate, then why not.

Island Dyke

Reference:

BIN 28th WWW PROCON Retrieved on August 28, 2007 from
http://www.gayprocon.org/bin/procon/procon.cgi?database=5-G-Subs-3.db&command=viewone&op=t&id=9&rnd=439.22677665929785

The Gay Germ Theory

Several nights ago I was surfing the net and stumbled across "the gay germ theory". I had never heard of it. Yes, there have been movies perhaps implying such a theory, such as "It's in the Water"(1997), a movie where a rumor starts that the town's water is contaminated and it 'turns' people gay.

Wikipedia (WIKI, 24th) is quick to set the record straight, no pun intended ;0), that it can only be a hypothesis, as 'theories' represent well-tested scientific scrutiny. Wikipedia therefore describes it as a pathogenic hypothesis of homosexuality. This hypothesis argues against a genetic component for homosexuality in that evolution would strongly select against it and that there is not a strong twin concordance for homosexuality.

The two gentlemen responsible for this hypothesis are Paul W. Ewald, a biology professor at Amherst College in Massachusetts, and Gregory Cochran, an independent physicist in Albuquerque, New Mexico. According to Wikipedia (WIKI, 24th), Cochran compares this hypothesis to the theories of the cause of narcolepsy, which is that it is an auto-immune disease triggered by a virus.

Wikipedia (WIKI, 24th) reports on the social controversy to Cochran and Ewald:
"William Byne who is a brain researcher at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, suggest that 'Cochran and Ewald are guilty of pathologizing homosexuality' (in the words of Crain, 1999). In contrast, Michael Bailey, professor of psychology at Northwestern University, asks, 'Suppose we found that a form of genius was also cause by a virus. Would that mean that genius is a disease?' (Crain, 1999)"

I have always thought and felt that individuals are born with their sexuality. I have never given it much thought though as to if it is via a genetic component or some other component. After reading up on this topic though I would seriously consider that there is not a genetic component involved in individuals being gay or not. I would seriously not agree though with the 'gay germ theory' either. Could it be that it is a character trait, similar to being introverted or extraverted? I have heard people refer to sexuality as being a spectrum. More at a later date on this 'spectrum' idea.

Island Dyke

Reference:

WIKI 24th WWW PATHOGENIC Retrieved on August 24, 2007 from,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pathogenic_hypothesis_of_homosexuality

Hillary Clinton's View on Gay Marriage

I was somewhat disappointed after watching this video. I was hoping for greater change in the past seven years since I have been gone from the Mainland. I suppose for any Presidential candidate, still today, it would be political suicide to say they think all gay people should be allowed to get married in any State they choose.

First, let me say that I am a firm believer in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution and that there should be a 'separation of church and state'. Since a large population of society views the word 'marriage' as being something that is sacred and religious, it should stay that way then. In my opinion, "marriage licenses" or "marriage certificates" should be only issued out by churches, not by the States officials. There should be a "civil union" issued out by the States officials' and that would include gay or straight unions. This would then leave the various churches to decide if they wish to issue out "marriage licenses" to gay couples or not.

Second, if it is left up to each State to decide on this issue, some states would not even allow gay people to have a "civil union". Some of these states, if it was left up to them, would allow slavery still, nay. Federal laws are set up and designed to ensure equality for all people regardless of the state they wish to reside in. Civil rights is just and equality for all. Gay people deserve the same rights and benefits afforded to straight couples that receive marriage licenses today.

Island Dyke

No smoking!

Well, life has been very busy for me the past week or more and so here I was checking my e-mails and a friend sent me this sign. Thinking I just want to share some light-hearted humor and not get all deep and thinking, however, as I sit and type this I'm going there anyway. Remembering how I was on a bowling league here in Saipan, back a few years, and really enjoyed playing. However, I had to quit as the smoke was too much to handle. Now all I can think of is what if there was sex going on in the lanes instead? Would I have still stayed on the league? Oh, I'm not thinking too deep, I was fantasizing, sorry.

Island Dyke

Medical Evidence: Circumcised men at less risk for HIV infection

According to Szabo & Short (2000) over 40 studies have shown that the circumcised male has less risk of HIV infection. The epidemiological evidence is conclusive and the answer lies in the foreskin. On the inner surface of the foreskin are Langerhans' cells that have HIV receptors which are the primary point where the virus enters into the penis of uncircumcised men. Additionally, research of HIV receptor blockers is being studied to develop some type of application that could be applied before sex.

The BBC News reports that HIV infection can be reduced by 50% in circumcised heterosexual men according to study trials done in Africa. The World Health Organization fears circumcisions may increase risky behaviors and recommends the continued use of other preventions, especially the correct usage of condoms.

Thanks to 'The Reveler' on http://www.saipanmiddleroad.blogspot.com/ for the blog titled "Study: Good to be cut". It was because of one of the comments made that I decided this to be important information to share with the GLBT community and friends.

Island Dyke

Reference:

Szabo, R. & Short, R. (2000) How does male circumcision protect against HIV infection? British Medical Journal, June 10, 2000. Retrieved on August 08, 2007, from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0999/is_7249_320/ai_63089402

PLAYER 8th WWW NOL BBC News Video Clip. Retrieved on August 8, 2007, from
http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/newsid_6170000/newsid_6178000/6178001.stm?bw=nb&mp=rm&nol_storyid=6178001&news=1

Gay Teens in Guam at Greater Risk of Suicide Attempts

Here is the research data that confirms what I was feeling and thinking in 2004 when I drove up to Capital Hill, here in Saipan, to testify against the proposed anti-gay marriage law. When I heard about the proposed law I had an intense internal struggle to go and speak against it. For me that was a very difficult day in that I am a shy, introverted individual, and fear speaking in front of others. I would not have gone to speak out on my own behalf. However, what persuaded me to pull enough courage to go and speak was the thought of all the GLBT youth that struggle for acceptance here in Saipan. Additionally, I had the intense feeling that some youth have, and in my opinion still continue to struggle with acceptance and may have attempted suicide, or in the least contemplated suicide.

Pinhey & Millman (2004) studied the effects of gay and lesbian suicide risks for Guam's Asian/Pacific Islander teens. There have been previous suicide studies done, however none of them had studied the effects of sexual-orientation. The results of the study found that there was a greater risk of suicide attempt, more so for the boys, in the gay/lesbian teens in Guam.

Pinhey & Millman's (2004) research also indicated that:

"female adolescents with same-sex orientation are at greater risk for suicidality
compared with their heterosexual peers, it appears that corresponding supportive
communities might not exist in Guam or that the effects of such support may not
be sufficient to counterbalance the potential detrimental effects of same-sex
orientation. Indeed, our findings strongly suggest that both male and female
Asian/Pacific Islander adolescents in Guam deserve intervention and counseling
programs to reduce suicidal risks. Recent research shows that gay-sensitive HIV
programs in schools decrease sexual risk for gay, lesbian, and bisexual adolescents.
Similarly, gay-sensitive interventions targeting relationship physical abuse, binge
drinking, and feelings of hopelessness might help reduce risks of suicide."

Although this research data is evidence to me that GLB teens are at a greater risk for suicide in Guam, the 'T' in 'GLBT' is missing in this research paper. I wonder why Pinhey & Millman excluded the transgender teens.

Island Dyke

Reference:

Pinhey, T. & Millman, S. (2004) Asian/Pacific Islander Adolescent Sexual Orientation and Suicide Risk in Guam. American Journal of Public Health. 2004, July, 94(7): pp1204-1206. Retrieved on August 3, 1007, from http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1448422

The Mariana Resort Hotel: A Lovely, GLBT Friendly, Place to Stay

Finally, I have had the most wonderful vacation, and I think the rest of my family probably agrees. In the past three years, since the birth of our first child, we have been senselessly pressured into mainland vacations. You know the, got to go see the grandparents and family. Well that can be nice and all, however, it is really not considered a vacation. It is more like a working-vacation, not to mention financially draining. Those of you that have children probably know what I am talking about. After last summer's mainland working-vacation we vowed ourselves to vacation in a 'vacation location'. We were thinking Hawaii, however after little contemplation we decided, why not Saipan! Yes, we do live in a beautiful 'vacation location', and Saipan definitely tipped the scales in favor as we did not have to take a long painful 'keep track of your children' airplane flight to some other location. However, it does get better; we also could leave the children home with Yaya when ever we pleased!

We chose the Mariana Resort Hotel mainly on location. It is located in the north end of the island near many beautiful tourist attractions and close to home. We had also stayed in the bungalows at the Mariana Resort before and enjoyed the Japanese style 'luxury townhouse', however, we decided to stay in the main hotel rooms this time and were very pleasantly surprised. The rooms have hardwood flooring and are very spacious. The above photo is a snapshot off our balcony and looking further to the left we had a full view of Managaha Island. The room included a complimentary breakfast, served from 7 am to 10 am that had enough variety to accommodate any appetite. We found the staff to be very friendly, helpful, and we felt right at home.

A pool-side view.

Sexuality and Individual's with Disabilities

Do people with disabilities think and participate in sexual activities? Can people with disabilities be gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender? These are probably questions that we do not ask ourselves everyday or maybe even never, however, there 1 out of 5 persons who are disabled according to the ADA. (Mauro, n.d.)

Robert Mauro (n.d.) reports that "about 13.5 million people, 7.5 per cent, [1 out of 20], have a severe disability--defined as unable to perform activities such as walking, lifting, hearing, or reading, or only with the help of another person. This percentage is based on the number of people with at least one disability, although many have multiple disabilities."

Recently I was reviewing a colleague's paper on transitioning needs for the adolescent individual with cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is just one of the many diseases people can be born with which lends the individual a disability. Cerebral palsy is a disease that affects 1 to 2 per 1,000 births. Cerebral palsy affects the motor function and coordination which can often lead to involuntary movements of the head, arms, and legs. Additionally, balance and posture are affected and individuals may have difficulty with walking and the more severe rely on wheelchairs for mobility.

What caught my interest, and critical judgment, in my colleagues' paper is that there was no mention of sexuality discussions in planning the transitions for the soon to be young adult afflicted with a disability. Individuals with disabilities are just like you and I in that they have the same sexual needs and desires, and yes they can be GLBT as well.

Leave it to the Canadians to put out a booklet for individuals with cerebral palsy and sexuality. This booklet is titled "Sexuality and Cerebral Palsy". Lindenberg (2003) states the people with cerebral palsy (CP) are as likely to be GLBT as anyone else. "Acknowledging a difference in their sexuality may be harder for people with CP, and a little more risky." Additionally he recommends "Tell others gradually: preferably supportive people you trust. Not everyone will be comfortable with your 'coming out'. You'll need encouragement and help from people who care about you."

Island Dyke


Reference:
Mauro, R. (n.d.). Disability Statisitics. Retrieved on July 23, 2007, from
http://codi.buffalo.edu/graph_based/.demographics/.statistics.htm

Lindenberg, M. (2003). Sexuality and Cerebral Palsy. A booklet for the Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy. Toronto, Ontario. pp. 9 Retrieved on July 23, 2007, from http://www.ofcp.on.ca/pdf/sexuality_book.pdf

Tattoo Locations: Gay or Not?

One of my friends recently asked me if I know if the placement of a tattoo on a man's buttocks is known to be a 'gay thing'. I have never heard if it is, so I told my friend I would research it on the Internet. In my recent quest I have to warn the reader that lots of adult sites came up when searching with the terms: tattoo location butt. I have found three references, however none of them mention location as being an indicator of sexuality.

According to Pravda (2006) "straight men should stay away from tattoos shaped like unicorns and handshakes with a flower between the palms - those are normally favored by gays."

According to Rovny (n.d.) the sexier body parts men get tattooed are the upper back, along the hip, shoulder, calves, and chest. The less sexy parts are the neck, face, forearm and hands/fingers. There is no mention of the buttocks.

My third reference advises the individual "when choosing a place for your tattoo, you should first analyze what type of tattoo you are getting, and what type of person you are." However they did not mention any locations associated with meaning that a person is gay either.

Despite coming up empty handed to answer my friend's question I did come up with a new juicy choice in tattoos. It is called the "smart tattoo" and was created by the latest Japanese technology. "The tattoo is flesh-colored and can be seen only after the person takes a hot bath or has an orgasm...." (Pravda, 2006)

Stay tuned for an upcoming survey to assist my friend with their dilema.

Island Dyke

Reference:

No author listed. (2006) Intimate tattoos spice up your life and give you sex drive. Pravda: Society, Real Life stories. Retrieved on July 16, 2007 from http://english.pravda.ru/society/stories/85035-0/

Rovny, C. (n.d.). Stylish Tattoos. AskMen.com. Retrieved on July 16, 2007, from http://www.askmen.com/fashion/fashiontip_60/66_fashion_advice.html

No Author listed. (2004). Choosing a Body Part. Tattoo Information - Know the Facts - Be Informed. Retrieved on July 16, 2007, from http://www.tattooinfo.net/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=15

History: GLBT movement pioneer

Karl Heinrich-Ulrichs
(August 28, 1825 - July 14, 1895)

Karl was born in Aurich, Germany. He obtained a law and theology degree from Gottingen University and studied history at the Berlin University. It was when he was an official legal adviser for the district court of Hildesheim in 1859 that he was dismissed when his homosexuality became apparent. Shortly after this dismissal he started writing under the pseudonym of "Numa Numantius". His first essays, translated into "Researches on the Riddle of Male-Male Love, ....coined various terms to describe different sexual orientations/gender identities." (WIKI, 14th)

Several years later he started publishing with his real name. He came out "on August 29, 1867, Ulrichs became the first self-proclaimed homosexual to speak out publicly in defense of homosexuality when he pleaded at the Congress of German Jurists in Munich for a resolution urging the repeal of anti-homosexual laws." (WIKI, 14th)

"In the 1860s, Ulrichs moved around Germany, always writing and publishing, and always in trouble with the law.....In 1879, Ulrichs published the twelfth and final book of his Research on the Riddle of Man-Manly Love. In poor health, and feeling he had done all he could in Germany, he went into self-imposed exile in Italy." (WIKI, 14th)

For more on the life and works of Karl follow the research link below. I enjoyed reading his "Araxes: a Call to Free the Nature of the Urning from Penal Law" which was published in 1870 and has been commented on it's similarity to the modern GLBT movements. (WIKI, 14th)

Island Dyke

Reference:
WIKI 14th WWW KARL_HEINRICH. (n.d.). Retrieved on July 14, 2007, from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Heinrich_Ulrichs#References

Til the Break of Dawn

The CNMI's First & Official Pride Dance named "Hairspray" had people dancing til the break of dawn. The event was held recently on June 28, 2007 in the Club V at the Saipan Grande Hotel. The event was DJ'ed by Ken Loo and my inside scoop stated that he rocked the night away. Yes, sorry to say I missed this event. (which proves we need a back up baby-sitter) One of my inside scoops has shared these photos.

The CLOSET: GLBT Terminology

Coming out of the closet: According to WIKI (n.d.) 'coming out of the closet' is a voluntary public announcement of one's sexual orientation or gender identity.

Being out: Not concealing one's sexual orientation. (WIKI, 10th)

Being outed: When one's sexual orientation, against one's wishes or without one's consent, is made publicly. (WIKI, 10th)

Outing: A process of disclosing another's sexuality, deliberately, when that person wants to keep this information private. (WIKI, 10th)

In the closet: One who has no heterosexual contact and simply wants to not reveal their sexual orientation. (WIKI, 10th)

Why am I sharing this terminology with the reader? In my opinion, although there are varying spectrums of sexuality, the predominant choice of displayed sexuality in most cultures is heterosexuality. Additionally, there is a still in most cultures, a varying degree of non-acceptance of the other spectrums of sexuality other than heterosexuality. For the non-heterosexual individual there is a varying degree of comfort in exposing one's sexuality publicly for many personal reasons. In my opinion, it is important to be aware and respectful of one's 'being out' or 'being in'. Before writing this post I was not completely knowledgeable on the above terminology and would sometimes say that a person was 'in the closet' when I thought the person in a straight relationship to be gay. Also, before this posting, I was not always the most mindful person before opening my mouth and stating that a particular person was gay. At a later date, I will write more on coming out as, in my opinion, it is an important topic to talk about in any community.

Reference:

WIKI 10th WWW Coming_out (n.d.) Retrieved on July 10, 2007 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coming_out

Is there a similar 'don't ask, don't tell' philosophy in Saipan similar to Guam's?

The appointment of openly-gay Guam's supreme court justice Benjamin Cruz is old news, however in an article I found written about how his appointment came to be, it is my opinion that the island of Guam and the CNMI is similar in it's 'don't ask, don't tell' philosophy of GLBT issues, at least in the 70's & 80's.

Silva (1997) shares that "Cruz resumed to Guam in 1975 and for four years served as counsel to the governor. His eyes on election to the governorship, Cruz decided to keep his sexuality "under wraps for a while" and date women. He says Guam's social and political culture maintains a "benign intolerance" of homosexuality--a sort of "don't ask, don't tell" philosophy that has allowed the island's gays and straights to coexist in peace, if not equality."

However, in the 90's it appears that Guam is accepting of openly-gay individuals serving the community as Silva (1997) shares "in 1995 Cruz stunned both his supporters and detractors when he publicly proclaimed his homosexuality in an issue of Latte, a Guam periodical on local culture. While he worried he might be "putting a glass ceiling over my head by granting the interview, I decided that whatever happened, happened. I had to be true to myself and the community." His fears proved unfounded. "Ninety-nine percent of the reaction to the Latte piece was positive," he recalls. "People just came up to me and hugged me, saying I gave them hope.""

Is there a similar 'don't ask, don't tell' philosophy in Saipan and if so is it changing?

Reference:

Silva, D. (November 25, 1997) Cruz control: newly appointed Guam supreme court justice Benjamin Cruz may be the nation's highest-ranking gay judge. The Advocate. Retrieved on July 8, 2007 from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1589/is_n747/ai_20013295/pg_2

Saipan's PIC: A recommended site for gay/lesbian travelers

I found this travel review on the Internet and wanted to share it and ask what you think. Do you think Saipan is a place to recommend for gay/lesbian travelers?

"Traveler rating: 4.0
Saipan: Pacific Islands Club: "THE place to stay in Saipan"Kaisei, Expat in Japan Mar 1, 2005

My experience with this property took place in:
January, 2005
My ratings for this hotel are:
Value 4.0
Rooms 3.0
Cleanliness 3.0
Service 5.0
I traveled to this hotel with: spouse/partner
I recommend this hotel for: An amazing honeymoon, Gay/lesbian travelers, Families with young children, Families with teenagers, Tourists
My visit was for: leisure" Reference link: (http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g60716-d313953-r3237614-Pacific_Islands_Club-Saipan.html)

I thought the appraisal rating that Kaisei wrote was accurate except there is no mention in the review to why PIC is a recommended hotel for gay/lesbian travelers. The only possible mention could be that Kaisei may have implied by stating "I traveled to this hotel with: spouse/partner" that they are gay themselves and enjoyed the visit therefore other gay/lesbian travelers may also enjoy their stay.

Island Dyke

Finding Our Own True Nature

In life, its not about being the best person, or the good person, or the fair person, or the worst person. Life is about finding our own true nature and speaking from that. Our wealth and beauty comes from that quality and that is what people respond to.

An example of how that happened in my life: Shortly after consciously becoming aware of my sexuality, when I was 27 y/o, and choosing to live my life in accordance with my true nature, I had changed my place of employment back to a location I had worked in previously. My co-worker upon my first week back said to me that I seemed different. I did not look different, I had not changed my style of dressing, and I did not talk openly about being gay. I just said to her "oh". The following week we were sitting and chatting and out of the blue she says to me "you're gay aren't you". When I said yes, she then went on to tell me how she noticed that I am a happy individual now and not angry. Where was she when I was 16?

Island Dyke