The O-town Scene

Jim Koury Visualize equality, regardless of race One’s race, ethnicity and sexual orientation are not usu- ally topics that are discussed together as an inclusive and dynamic entity. We are accustomed to focusing on minority groups in distinct and separate terms. It is not often that we visualize a perspective in which sexual orientation is considered as a sepa- rate inherent trait and part of the whole being within the context of race and ethnic background. A way to personalize this visualization is to understand how we see ourselves and how we interact with others. Some people very rarely visualize themselves in a good way; enjoying life and being truly happy. For the white population, envisioning this condition is much easier than the visualizations of various LGBTQ individuals of different ethnic and racial backgrounds. Not only do internal feelings of self-doubt due to race and ethnic background have to be overcome, the self-doubt related to inherent sexual orientation must also be dealt with. This further delays the ability to visual- ize oneself as a truly happy person, living life in an open, meaningful and recognized way without prejudice or discrimination. Full, complete minority equality can be achieved if we visualize ourselves as a unified and complete community working toward the same goals and objectives that will benefit all racial, ethnic and LGBTQ minority groups encompassed within. We need to begin to change our thought patterns away from the more focused attention we seek to achieve for our own individual constituencies. Our detractors seek to exploit that fracture amongst and between minority groups to further exploit their own narrow focused tunnel vision view of how society should be. They prey on feelings of insecurity and self-doubt in an attempt to further entrench their narrow view of society on the rest of us. Visualizing ourselves as being equal to everyone else in society entitled to all the benefits that are bestowed on the rest of society empowered by a unified minority vision will begin to foster feelings of self-worth and self-respect. This will ultimately create an environment where true personal happi- ness may be found. The visualization of oneself will be based upon the true self, not influenced by racial, ethnic and LGBTQ prejudice and discrimination. Visualize yourself as the ideal person you want to become. LGBTQ Events Thurs. 11/11 Trash Thursday with Katrina, 9 p.m., Merlin’s, 201 State St., Binghamton. Fri. 11/12 College Night at Merlin’s, 201 State St., Binghamton. College ID’s in free before 11 p.m. Uzuri social for LGBT People of Color, 6:30 p.m. Fun people, good food, great conversation. SAGE/Upstate Resource Center, First English Luthern Church, 501 James St., Syracuse. Sat. 11/13 EON - Expressing Our Nature: An organization of our transgendered community, 7 to 9 p.m. EON-List@ya- hoogroups.com or www.eonsyr.net. First English Luthern Church, 501 James St., Syracuse. Kate Clinton:The Lady Haha Tour with Special Guest Roy Zimmerman, 8 p.m., Colonial Theater, 111 South St., Pittsfield, Mass. $35. Thurs. 11/18 Safer Sex Gathering at The Stone Mill, Little Falls. Sign up by calling Bob Forbes at (800) 475-2430 or e-mail CONNECT@aidscommunityresources.com. Sat. 11/20 SAGE-EON Transgender Combined Potluck, 5 to 9 p.m., First English Luthern Church, SAGE offices, second floor library. Bring a dish to pass, if possible. Movie Night at The Cube: “Paris is Burning,” 7 to 9 p.m., 208 State St., Binghamton. Cornucopia of Music: Capital Pride Singers Fall Concert, Emmanual Baptist Church, 275 State St., Albany. Tues. 11/30 The Miss Empire State New York 2010 Pageant, 8:30 p.m., TREXX Night Club, 319 North Clinton St., Syracuse. $10. Starring Miss KeKe Valasquez Lord- Miss Empire State NY 2009. (315) 345-7143 or CWProductionsNY @aol.com. 40 O-Town Scene Nov. 11, 2010 the Diversity Scene Nov. 11-17

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