Michael's Thoughts and Ramblings

The Fight for and the Right to Independence

2011-07-05T13:32:00.000-04:00

We have just concluded another 4th of July celebrating the independence of our great country. It seems quite ironic that for many in this country this fight for independence and freedom, for which many have fought and died carries conditions. I'm reminded almost daily that for many Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender U.S. Americans, independence is still not possible...but we must not give up the fight for equality for everyone of our citizens.

I am honored and happy to share with you this amazing piece composed by friend and colleague, Dr. Warren Blumenfeld. I hope you will let him know how much you appreciate the great work he continues to do in the fight for equality and freedom. "None of us are free, until all of us are free."

Why Do You Call Me “Faggot”?
An Editorial in Verse by Warren J. Blumenfeld

As you drive down the boulevard
Why do you call me “faggot”?

Alone or with your fellows
You shriek menacing refrains
Bellowing in mocking intonations

You blast your horn
Or slow your pace
Or circle back to reprise your taunts

What fuels this need inside?
Who gives permission and cover?

Where does this entitlement stem?
Who offers tacit approval?

When I express gender traditionally
Why do you call me “faggot”?

When I gender non-conform
Why do you call me “faggot”?

When I walk alone or in company
Why do you call me “faggot”?

For I am a person, like you, making my way in the world

I am a professor at your university
I am a neighbor in your town
I shop where you shop
And I breathe the air you breathe

Sunlight shines on me as on you
Rain and snow wash over me as over you

Like the Eastern Goldfinch, the Cardinal, and the Dove
Heartland winds tug and lift me
Do they lift you too?

And I am comfortable in my skin
Are you comfortable in yours?

So why do you call me “faggot”?

Dr. Warren J. Blumenfeld, Associate Professor, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Iowa State University. He is co-editor of Investigating Christian Privilege and Religious Oppression in the United States, Editor of Homophobia: How We All Pay the Price, and co-editor of Readings for Diversity and Social Justice.

Permission granted to forward, post, or publish this essay. wblumen@iastate.edu

Dr. Warren J. Blumenfeld
Associate Professor
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011
Office 515-294-5931
Home 515-232-8230
Email: wblumen@iastate.edu
Blog: http://www.warrenblumenfeld.com

Advocacy Days, 2011

2011-04-25T22:47:00.000-04:00

One of the great things I get to do, in addition to being a part of the faculty and staff at the University of Central, is to be a student. As a graduate student at the age of 60, sitting next to my cohort of students, many who are much, much younger, I am constantly reminded of the amazing people who continue to work tirelessly to change our world.

In the School of Social Work, we are required to participate in "Advocacy Days" in Tallahassee to better understand how to effect public policy. It is what I love...here is a "capture of brilliance" that is my friends and colleagues in UCF's School of Social Work at Advocacy Days, 2011!!

Where Did the Human Go?

2010-02-21T13:09:00.005-05:00

The journey to "wholeness" is often fraught with condemnation, judgment, and alienation. Xavier Persad, my dear friend, student of life, and justice seeking colleague begs a critical question in his new writings, "Where Did the Human Go?" Take a few minutes to read his powerful and painful words that continue to express the experience of many in our community who seek a place of belonging and being. Thanks, Xavier, for letting us into your life.

https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0BxO45zp2hcvzOWYxMzllMGItN2I3MS00NTk1LTkzNjMtZjk2ZjRmOWZjNWZh&hl=en

Follow Xavier: http://www.facebook.com/xpersad

Iffy Unleashed - An Interview with Information Fluency

2009-12-22T10:44:00.003-05:00

I had the opportunity to do an interview with my good friends through the Information Fluency Initiative around diversity work on our campus. Thanks, Neil for the opportunity to say what's so for me and to challenge my institution. It was a great experience.

http://if.ucf.edu/audio/

A Manifesto-It's Time to Move On

2009-10-21T11:35:00.002-04:00

"I have made a decision. I will no longer debate the issue of homosexuality in the church with anyone!" These are the words of Bishop John Shelby Spong and reflect the sentiment of many who have engaged those in our faith community around the issue of God's children who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or any variation beyond heterosexual. His words and the manifesto it represents resonates deep in my Christian spirit. I'm tired too! Read his words posted through our good friends at "Walking with Integrity." Let's discuss

http://walkingwithintegrity.blogspot.com/2009/10/manifesto-from-our-friend-bishop-john.html?spref=fb

Inclusive Policies Make Sense, Part I

2009-10-04T13:22:00.003-04:00

Inclusive policies for any institution or organization makes both business sense and supports a sense of fairness and value. President Judy Genshaft of the University of South Florida recently announced during her "state of the university" speech, that USF plans to start offering full domestic partner benefits to its heterosexual, gay and lesbian employees at the university. She noted in her speech, "We believe it's the right thing to do, and we'll work to make it happen this year." The University of South Florida now joins the University of Florida in ensuring fairness to all of their employees as inclusion becomes something to see and experience rather than a concept that is often viewed in the abstract of a stated goal.

My hope is that the University of Central Florida with a goal of becoming more inclusive and diverse begins these steps to inclusion by examining the policies that remain both archaic and contrary to sound business acumen as well as out of step to a city-state concept inconsistent with are business and community partners.

The attached editorial reminds us once more, how critical the efforts of creating an institution that is just, right and fair become in student success, which includes the attraction and retention of the critical faculty and staff talent worthy of being the third largest educational institution in this country.

http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/editorials/good-social-policy-good-business/1035521

"War For Your Soul," a film that demands a dialogue

2009-05-31T15:25:00.003-04:00

"War For Your Soul," is an independent 15 minute film created by Reginald Bullock. Mr. Bullock has been a high school and college educator for the last twenty years. His intent in the creation of this film was, "To empower mankind with spiritual and social change." Mr. Bullock's primary interest remains in helping out our youth.

This was sent to me by my daughter, Lori. She is the mother of two children of color and I am their Grandfather. I believe this film, albeit, painful because of its truth and its impact to our young people of color, needs to be seen by all of our people. Personal and institutional racism is not a people of color issue, but it is an issue that hurts us all. This film speaks to the residual impact to a country still stuck in a belief that this history is just that, history. Some would say we have to just forget about it, move on. But the film reminds us of the lives and dreams lost because conversations requiring us to face each other, across racial lines can't be held. They must. Space must be created to hear the stories, understand the cost to us as a community and as a nation and then action must be taken to address the reality that each of us own responsibility in the creation of a more inclusive community filled with hope and success. Our children and our children's children demand that we do so.

http://www.vimeo.com/3686946

Supreme Court nominee Judge Sonya Sotamayor as a racist?

2009-05-28T20:39:00.009-04:00

The nomination of Judge Sonya Sotamayor, by President Obama, is monumental in several ways. The first is that, as a nominee for the nation's highest court, she brings the greatest amount of judicial experience than any of our colleagues on the high court at the time of her nomination. Secondly, as a Latina, she provides a voice for the fastest growing population of this great country.

The rhetoric has begun as to whether this appointment, by the first African American President, was the best selection. Criticism of her judicial prudence centers around a statement where she said she believes her experience as a a Latina enables her to reach a better conclusion than a "white male who hasn't lived that life." Former Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich, radio talk show host, Rush Limbaugh, among others, have condemned those comments as "racist," for which she should withdraw her nomination.

The great debate that will soon ensue requires those in power, with their privilege, both around skin color and gender, to confront each of these as a reality that leaves them stuck in a place of their own"dumbupness," as Robert Terry discussed in his "Parable of Ups and Downs." Let's see how those, both as members of the dominate culture and those of the subordinate culture, navigate this conversation. It won't be pretty, but it will be necessary. Let's be clear...racism can not exist, where there is no privilege coupled with power. Judge Sotomayor MAY be prejudice and I'm not certain that is true, but what I do believe is that she is not and can not be a racist.

Here is a commentary from the conservative site, World Net Daily.

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=99256

Gay Rights Making Gains in UNC System HBCUs

2009-05-25T22:31:00.003-04:00

Three years ago, Winston-Salem State University’s nondiscrimination policy didn’t include sexual orientation. Neither did those at most of the historically black colleges and universities in the UNC system. But today, four of the five public historically black colleges and universities, or HBCUs, including Winston-Salem State University, have policies that include sexual orientation.

The change is happening at a time when just in the past few months, Iowa, Vermont, New Hampshire and Connecticut have taken steps to legalize same-sex marriage.

http://alumniunit.com/?p=2670

Judy Shepard's Response to Rep. Foxx's Hoax Comment

2009-05-02T15:51:00.004-04:00

During testimony regarding the passage of the Hate Crimes bill in the House, Rep. Foxx (R-NC) said the idea that Matthew Shepard's murder is a hate crime is a hoax. Judy Shepard, Matthew's mother, sat in the audience as Rep. Foxx, who voted against the bill, made her statement. How is it possible to be so disconnected from the reality of what is life and how is it possible such folks end up in places of power? Her opposition to this legislation stims from her dislike of LGBTQ people. My hope is that in the next election she will have to find other employment.

The following link is to Judy's interview with Rachel Maddow. Rachel also gives a clear explanation of the need for "Hate Crimes" legislation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCPR2Uyak80

The Cause for Including Gender Identity and Expression in Non-discrimination Policies

2009-04-30T17:15:00.000-04:00

Florida Atlantic University students have created a petition seeking gay and transgendered protections.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/palmbeach/sfl-fau-gay-discrimination-p042209,0,1517824.story

More than 230 colleges and universities in the United States include "Gender Identity and Expression" as a part of their non-discrimination policies. The University of Central Florida does not.

The common argument is that this protection is "unneccesary" as these policies include "sex or gender" as a part of protected classes.

Is this enough?

Creating Spaces for the LGBTQA Students

2009-04-30T16:50:00.000-04:00

The Campus Pride Blog: Campus Q&A provides a forum to ask questions and get answers. Now you can hear perspectives, issues, news and events from LGBT & Ally student leaders at colleges and universities across the United States.

This is a great way to connect with other LGBTQA student leaders across the country.

http://www.campusprideblog.org

Black: The New Color of Privilege

2009-04-30T16:30:00.000-04:00

Mr. Joseph Farah, founder and CEO of World Net Daily and syndicated columnist with Creators Syndicate provides his response to the speech given by Attorney General Eric Holder. Mr. Holder's comments were a part of a program for African American History Month at the Department of Justice on February 18, 2009.

Mr. Farah states the "black" has become the new color of privilege.

I wonder if Mr. Farah would be willing to change places with many of the African Americans that are a part of our country?

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=89891

Thoughts on Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice

2009-04-30T16:02:00.000-04:00

Hi, my name is Michael Freeman and I am one of the Education and Training Coordinators with the Office of Diversity Initiatives at the University of Central Florida in Orlando Florida. This is my blog. I would like to use the space to post news articles, events and thoughts around the challenges we, as individuals, institutions and as a community, face in understanding diversity, inclusion and social justice. We may not be able to solve the issue of world peace, but I do hope we can create a space to talk about the everyday events that impact our building institutions and communities of justice. My comments do not reflect those of the University of Central Florida or it's administration, faculty, staff or students. These are mine alone and as such, I will take full responsibility. Let's get this thing started...