After teaching abroad for 40 years, I retired here a couple of years ago and have filled my social life with the activities of several male groups; consequently I’ve had little contact with the lesbian community. I have definitely been influenced, however, by several of its prominent members who offer a welcome relief from the mindless TV fare which enthralls much of the public.
There are other out lesbians on TV, but the quartet I refer to consists of the popular and powerful role models Suze, Rosie, Ellen and Rachel. Suze Orman is a gold mine of vital financial information and advice beautifully articulated for the average person. Brave Ellen DeGeneres made it out of the closet and left the door open for others. She certainly made it easier for Rosie O’Donnell whose fan base includes many conservatives who like her comedy while struggling to overlook her political views.
On the other hand, the wonderful Rachel Maddow socks it to them to the point they pretend she doesn’t exist – as I do the bombastic Rush and his ilk. She terrifies the right wing to the point only the bravest dare to appear on her show, for which I give them credit.
Finances, comedy, interviews, discussions and politics are well-covered by these powerful pioneers. Lesbian acceptance and recognition in the male dominated workplace have been greatly strengthened by these four. And let’s not forget our local trio of Bonnie Dumanis, Toni Atkins and Christine Kehoe.
The struggles and triumphs of all these leaders offer encouragement and hope for a better world for the whole LGBT community. I wanted to begin the New Year with a shout-out to such inspirational women.
Tough choices for some in 2015
Another birthday and another year have crossed the finish line. Remember wishing birthdays would hurry up so we’d be older? Darn it. They did and we did. I know people are supposed to be in a happy mood as they welcome in the New Year, but for seniors, the situation may be looked at differently. Among other things we find sofas and car seats are so low we can barely get out of them, putting on socks is an effort, stairs are steeper and longer and the smallness of the print in books and newspapers nowadays is a scandal.
For the aging LGBT population there is the possibility of a more serious challenge. That is the task of choosing a retirement community or an assisted living accommodation. We can’t help wondering how we will be welcomed by the residents who may be the very people who persecuted and reviled us in the past and who still may be strongly antagonistic to our lifestyle and to us. Not a happy prospect.
Thinking positively, we should be aware of the recent anti-discrimination laws and policies of many establishments and that some are going so far as to welcome us. Best of all, specifically pro-LGBT residences have passed the talking stage and a few have actually been built. If such places are not available and you find yourself entering an unknown environment, I would avoid crusading with the old, aggressive “I’m here. I’m queer. Get used to it” tactic. If it didn’t win them over in the past, it won’t now. While acclimating yourself to your new surroundings be pleasant, smile and accept the friendship of those who offer it and ignore those who withhold it. Don’t waste the time; turn the page; enjoy the rest of the story.
