Marriage is a milestone, not a destination

The cause of marriage equality is a white bread issue: It was thus perfect to bring people to our cause in the millions. So many people in the LGBT community seek that right, but perhaps even more importantly so many of our friends, families, and coworkers have seen our relationships grow and flourish, but hampered by the lack of equal protections. Marriage equality is an issue even the liberal religious could get behind to help normalize LGBT relationships.

Tens of millions of people became armchair activists, galvanized by the constant stream of court victories in the easy-to-measure march of liberty through the courts over the last five years. But after marriage, what are our issues? Job security, housing rights, the personal security of our youth in schools, protections for trans people (including not on the aforementioned, but also a whole bevy of other needs, from birth certificates to healthcare), to name only the most obvious. These fights will be made all the more difficult by the inevitable conservative legislative responses.

But in marriage equality we were all in the same boat, for the most part. Many LGBT people work for companies that have anti-discrimination policies for their employees, and many can afford housing in neighborhoods where discrimination is unlikely. In future fights, LGBT people and their allies will be asked to fight for issues that affect the weakest members of their community, but which may not be personal “top priority” issues.

It is essential that we continue to fight at one another’s side. If you aren’t convinced that those fights are yours too by the simple fact that all fights for civil rights are your fights too, then be convinced by the fact that until this fight is over, all victories are temporary. Marriage equality will not be secure until all LGBT rights are secure.

Marriage equality won’t truly be secure until every stronghold of bias is worn down by the sight of what a beautiful place our country could be if everyone were free and equal, and even the least of us was protected from the legislation of the personal biases and dogmas of a loud and powerful mob. So before this battle is won, it’s time to start planning for the new front. I encourage everyone to examine the Tennessee Equality Project’s Local Government Advocacy Agenda 2015-2019 to start planning how you can best help!

 

 

 

 

WhistlePig + Alfa Romeo F1

SHOREHAM, VT (September 13, 2023) — WhistlePig Whiskey, the leaders in independent craft whiskey, and Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake are waving the checkered flag on a legend-worthy release that’s taking whiskey to G-Force levels. The Limited Edition PiggyBack Legends Series: Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is a high Rye Whiskey selected by the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake drivers, with barrels trialed in their wind tunnel to ensure a thrilling taste in every sip.

The third iteration in WhistlePig’s Single Barrel PiggyBack Legends Series, the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is bottled at 96.77 proof, a nod to Valtteri Bottas’ racing number, 77, and the precision of racing. Inspired by Zhou Guanyu, the first Chinese F1 driver, this Rye Whiskey is finished with lychee and oolong tea. Herbal and floral notes of the oolong tea complement the herbaceous notes of WhistlePig’s signature PiggyBack 100% Rye, rounded out with a juicy tropical fruit finish and a touch of spice.

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by Spectrum Medical Care Center

Nurse Practitioner Ari Kravitz

When I started medical transition at 20 years old, it was very difficult to get the care I needed for hormone replacement therapy because there are very few providers trained in starting hormones for trans people, even though it’s very similar to the hormones that we prescribe to women in menopause or cisgender men with low testosterone.

I hope more providers get trained in LGBTQ+ healthcare, so they can support patients along their individual gender journey, and provide the info needed to make informed decisions about their body. I’ve personally seen my trans patients find hope and experience a better quality of life through hormone replacement therapy.

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Descanso Resort swimming pool and lounge area

Descanso Resort, Palm Springs' premier destination for gay men, just received Tripadvisor's highest honor, a Travelers' Choice "Best of the Best" award for 2023. Based on guests' reviews and ratings, fewer than 1% of Tripadvisor's 8 million listings around the world receive the coveted "Best of the Best" designation. Descanso ranked 12th in the top 25 small inns and hotels category in the United States. Quite an accomplishment!

Open less than two years, Descanso Resort offers gay men a relaxing and luxurious boutique hotel experience just minutes away from Palm Springs' buzziest restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping. Descanso has quickly established itself as a top destination for sophisticated gay travelers, earning hundreds of 5-star guest reviews and consistently ranking in Trapadvisor's top positions alongside brother properties Santiago Resort and Twin Palms Resort.

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