silencia

"When we cannot bear to be alone, it means we do not properly value the only companion we will have from birth to death - ourselves." ~Eda LeShan

Hey, you!

So, I was recently interviewed by a lovely individual about how budget cuts have been affecting homeless youth (especially queer homeless youth) in the city that I live in. I was not anticipating being interviewed when I walked into work that day, but it happened. The video itself (which I would share, but it has some personal information I dont feel comfortable associating with my SG persona on public web) was not scripted, didnt really have flow, and we both nervously overused valley-sounding conjunctions. BUT, we touched on how when it comes to budget cuts for youth programs, queer services are usually the first to be affected. We also talked about the importance of attempting to redistribute the massive amounts of dollars people spend on larger issues, and using a small portion to build a few more shelters in larger metropolitan areas. AND we talked about the importance of respect. The video runs for about 4 minutes, but looking back on it, I wish I wouldve said more.

The person who interviewed me, kept wanting to address that its ridiculous that were spending $122 million on trying to pass gay marriage when we could use a small portion of that to build a few shelters to accommodate queer homeless youth on the streets. But why just argue the money were spending there? Weve spent billions on jet fighter planes and weapon construction. You know how much it costs to build a functional shelter? Less than $10,000. Weve got thousands of homeless youth sleeping on the streets, and the main youth shelter in our city only sleeps about 30 per night and this is just one city. Redistributing some of that funding towards building more shelters, heck, even just donating to some of the agencies that help homeless people get off the streets (yes, they do exist) would make a world of a difference.

People might argue that building more shelters enables people to be homeless, but I would like call bullshit on that matter. Although there are a variety of reasons that people are homeless, statistically, there is an overabundance of queer youth on the streets because their parents couldnt stand the fact that their child is a fag. Many of the queer homeless youth in my city left abusive households and/or were kicked out because they are gay. Where are these kids going to go? Like I said, our citys main youth shelter only sleeps about 30 people. Lets think about this, folks.

Also, people could spend $5 everyday on a latte ($35/week)or they can skip one day, and use those $5 to provide socks for 6 people through whichever homeless shelter/organization theyre accessing. Again, just something to think about.

If youve made it this far, I thank you for reading and will welcome any and all discussion.

Onward!

Ive been listening to this band a lot lately. They give me a funny feeling in my belly:


For those of you who have been following me over the years, you might have noticed that I usually get really depressed around the time of my birthday. I plan on making this year super different. I've started planning myself a little birthday party. Whether people show or not, I am not going to wait around for things to happen. I'd like a birthday party, so I'm gonna throw myself one (and there will be Galaga!) You are all welcome to join me in spirit... unless you know where I lurk in reality land... then, you know, you can show up to my party

The last note I will share with you all will be dedicated to all you fathers out there. Happy father's day. Whether you have human or animal children, I hope you feel the love and joy that being a parent bring. Cheers!

Silencia