Tag Archive for marriage

Be prepared for the “worse case scenario” BEFORE it happens

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It is sometimes very hard to think of the worse case scenario, but its important to do so.  Should you find yourself in the hospital incapacitated, you will need your wishes followed.  The best way to do this is communication BEFORE anything happens.

Make sure you reach out to your partner (if applicable) and a trusted family member and let your wishes be known and tell them of documents to support your wishes.  You want to do both should you have a partner, not just one so as to diffuse any conflict that could arise later on.

Room 620 by Muffet

Room 620 by Muffet

 

Ready for my next Chapter…..heck yeh!!

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When I launched OutMaturity several years ago, I was very unsure as to what I thought it really meant by the term “chapter”. I know that myself I thought that I was moving into a new chapter in my life, but looking back at that time, I wasn’t really sure in what way. I thought that I could write about it, share it, and enlighten others. Using my life as the template. Perhaps I was right, but in some ways I might have been wrong.

One often thinks that a chapter is purely something to do with a change of job or vocation. Perhaps even greater, a change of career. Perhaps a new chapter for you is a change of physical location or place of residence. It can however be so much more if you are ready for it to be.

In my case, the Chapter starting now in my life is going to be a change of mindset! Having a new perspective on a part, or perhaps parts of my life. Having a new understanding of some of the complexities of how I feel about things, or how I relate. In my case, being a new chapter is all those things, and perhaps a bit more. It’s my ability to see myself in a different way! No, not when I look into a mirror, but instead how I see myself and BELIEVE in myself!

I’m ready for my next Chapter, are you?

Mirror to reflect outdoor art of José Rodrigues, photo by Dimas Sequeira. by Cea.

Mirror to reflect outdoor art of José Rodrigues, photo by Dimas Sequeira. by Cea.

 

Bill Clinton signed this?!?!

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I guess I never researched it and perhaps was never told, or because of my hearing never heard it, but Bill Clinton was the President who signed DOMA – Defense of Marriage Act.  I must say that I am disappointed to find this out, especially after my admiration for him these many years!

Bill Clinton Dickinson College Carlise, Pennsylvania by bronayur

Bill Clinton Dickinson College Carlise, Pennsylvania by bronayur

This is the statement he made prior to signing DOMA on Friday, September 20, 1996.:

Statement by President Bill Clinton

Throughout my life I have strenuously opposed discrimination of any kind, including discrimination against gay and lesbian Americans. I am signing into law H.R. 3396, a bill relating to same-gender marriage, but it is important to note what this legislation does and does not do.

I have long opposed governmental recognition of same-gender marriages and this legislation is consistent with that position. The Act confirms the right of each state to determine its own policy with respect to same gender marriage and clarifies for purposes of federal law the operative meaning of the terms “marriage” and “spouse”.

This legislation does not reach beyond those two provisions. It has no effect on any current federal, state or local anti-discrimination law and does not constrain the right of Congress or any state or locality to enact anti-discrimination laws. I therefore would take this opportunity to urge Congress to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, an act which would extend employment discrimination protections to gays and lesbians in the workplace. This year the Senate considered this legislation contemporaneously with the Act I sign today and failed to pass it by a single vote. I hope that in its next Session Congress will pass it expeditiously.

I also want to make clear to all that the enactment of this legislation should not, despite the fierce and at times divisive rhetoric surrounding it, be understood to provide an excuse for discrimination, violence or intimidation against any person on the basis of sexual orientation. Discrimination, violence and intimidation for that reason, as well as others, violate the principle of equal protection under the law and have no place in American society.