Give me your tired, your poor (as long as you’re not Syrian)

Statue of LibertyIt seems like Americans are more comfortable talking about our nations’ ideals rather than living up to them.  The inscription on the Statue of Liberty says:

Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses, yearning to breath free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore,
Send these, the homeless, tempest tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door.

I can understand the need for carefully screening refugees from Syria and the Middle East, but to date we’ve welcomed approximately 1,500 refugees; a pitiful few considering we are a nation of immigrants some 300 million strong. The terrors taking place in Syria have resulted in more than 250,000 civilians killed and more than 22 million forced to flee their homes (that includes children). I can’t think of another nation more in need of the United States, but it seems like our country’s “Christian ideals” have been forgotten or are simply lip service.

Explain to me how having 22 million displaced Syrians living in poverty in the Middle East (because nobody will take them) won’t result in providing ISIS and others with a new generation ripe for recruiting.

NYT: G.O.P. governors vow to close doors to Syrian refugees
CNN: 
More than half of the nation’s governors say Syrian refugees not welcome
FOX News:
Where are the Syrian refugees now?
NBC:
House Speaker Ryan: “Pause” needed in resettling Syrian refugees

Transforme screening at Fenway this week

Transforme LGBT Film BostonSaturday morning Fenway Health is hosting a screening of documentary TRANSFORME.  The film is an investigation into the lives of four transgender teenagers. Alex, Dan, Luna, and Piper share their personal stories about coming out, and the difficulties and triumphs they faced throughout the process. A panel discussion on trans youth will follow the screening.

When: Saturday, November 21, 2015 at 10:30 AM
Where: Fenway Health Clinic at 1340 Boylston Street, Boston

For more information visit the Facebook events page, here.

Watch this powerful video #VowToProtect

MassMutual has launched a social media campaign that asks who do you #VowToProtect and created this video talking about marriage equality. You needn’t be a romantic to be touched by this powerful video. Watch and share it.

Thanks to the blog Accidental Bear for bringing this to my attention.

Temptation Tuesday

Temptation Tuesday, handsome, hunk, legs, musclesIt is a triple threat this week.

Past Temptation Tuesday Posts

Boston Home Decor show Nov 19-22

Boston Home Decor ShowLater this week the inaugural Boston Home Decor Show will open at The Cyclorama, Boston Center for the Arts in the South End. The show will include 35 exhibitors offering furnishings, fine art and design from antiques to cutting edge contemporary home decor. Weekend admission is $15, but you can skip the line by purchasing advance tickets at www.BostonHomeDecorShow.com.

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Hmm… now where did I put that shirt?

Hmm... now where did I put that shirt

What to do this week: November 16-22

BoysWhat to do this week: November 16th – November 22nd

Opus Affair After Work Social starts at 6PM at the W Boston Hotel in the theater district. All are welcome on Monday, November 16 in Boston

Indoor rock climbing at Brooklyn Boulders followed by some cocktails at a nearby bar if you join TWC on Tuesday, November 17 in Somerville

Fellows November monthly social will take place starting at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, November 18 in Boston

Golden Girls Lost Christmas Episode comes to Club Cafe and will run through Jan 10th – opening night is Thursday, November 19 in Boston

Outryders monthly social is an informal after work get together open to all at Cathedral Station on the 3rd Thursday, November 19 in Boston

Boston Home Decor Show takes place this week in the South End at the Cyclorama, opening Thursday, November 19 in Boston

Boyfriends is the monthly gay party at the Milky Way Lounge in JP so come over and check it out on Friday, November 20 in Boston

Back To Basics Tea Dance takes place each week at Club Cafe starting at 5PM on Sunday, November 22nd

I’ve started posting a weekly listing of upcoming activities.  Send me information about your upcoming programs and events in my blog’s comment section or message me the details on Facebook.

Opus Affair gets social at W Boston, Monday, Nov. 16

Opus Affair at W Boston November 2015One of my favorite social groups in Boston, Opus Affair, is hosting a cocktail party at one of the coolest hotel lounges in the city – W Boston Hotel on Monday, November 16th.

Take the opportunity to swing by solo or with friends for a drink or two and mingle with this group which is a mix of artists and those who appreciate the local art scene. There is no cost to attend but to help them keep track of RSVPs, please register on their eventbrite page here.

Scruffy Sunday

Scruffy Sunday I see youPeek A Boo

Previous Scruffy Sunday Posts

Missy Elliott – WTF (Where They From)

This week rapper Missy Elliott released her new song WTF (Where They From). Missy teamed up with this Pharrell to produce the catchy song that I predict will be playing in a lot of gay clubs this weekend so I thought I’d share the official video which I can only describe as over the top.

Controversy Boston’s weekly LGBT Hip-Hop & Reggae Party is tonight

Controversy at Machine LGBT BostonLooking for  something different to do tonight? Check out Boston’s handsome DJ Begbick and the hostess for the evening, The Legendary Teashaboo, for Controversy, Boston’s weekly LGBT hip-hop & reggae party.

All the fun will start upstairs at  Machine at 10PM  at 1254 Boylston Street in the Fenway. For more information check out their Facebook page, Controversy.

The rent is too damn high

Boston Rent

Source: trulia.com

Trulia recently published a map indicating which neighborhoods had the highest percentage of 1-bedroom apartments renting for more than $2,000.  According to Trulia, the median rent for a 1-bedroom in Boston is $2,300 but that may be viewed as a deal if you are looking for a place in the heart of Boston where rents continue to skyrocket.

Source: trulia.com

Source: trulia.com

In the national ranking Boston had the third highest percentage of 1-bedroom apartments for more than $2,000.  San Francisco had the dubious honor of taking first place with 90.6% of 1 bedroom apartments over $2,000 and Manhattan was a close second with 89.3%.  Boston was a distant third most expensive with 66.8%.

Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that

ParisLet’s not try to rationalize the irrational. This is an attack on everyone who values personal freedoms and individual liberties; unfortunately it happened to take place in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.  Despite that obscenity the spirit of Paris and the French will rise above this tragedy.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that.
Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”
-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Saturday morning comics: Casey At The Bat

CLICK ON IMAGE BELOW TO ENLARGE TO READgay comic, gay cartoon

Casey At The Bat is a comic strip follows the adventures of a young, gay man and his friends in life, love and sports!  Casey At The Bat is the work of the very talented Bob Glasscock who resides in NYC.

You can read back issues and order Casey At The Bat volume 1 from his website, caseyatb.com.

Saturday morning comic: Adam and Andy

gay comic strip, gay cartoonClick on the comic strip to enlarge

ADAM & ANDY is set in the fictional New England town of Woodfield, CT. You can learn more about this strip by visiting, adamandandy.com.  To see previous Adam and Andy cartoons link here.