I'm G.L.A.A.D And Damn Proud of It! (Being a Representative of the L.G.B.T.Q Community)

I just would like to take the time to express my my sheer pride in myself as a self-proclaimed spokesperson of G.L.A.A.D (for those that don't know, G.L.A.A.D is an acronym for Gays and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) and discovering ways of continuing to progress as an upcoming artist from the L.G.B.T.Q community by offering a more positive aspect of our lifestyle. Based from the stereotypes that has plagued and poisoned our community with negative connotations of homosexuality, one already acknowledges the struggle to fight for basic equality in the terms of respect as a person and even more as an artist in this world where hate seems to plummet amongst us on a daily basis. There aren't too positive representatives from the gay community, where the media takes full glory in displaying images of men who are either infested with sexually transmitted diseases, poking fun of drag queens, hiding or denying their sexual orientation based on personal insecurity on what other people's thoughts were, locked up behind bars (or my personal favorite), exposing the down-low phenomenon as a representative of trying to fathom why is it men sleep with men. I would like to salute any of those who choose to strike hard against the odds of becoming a successful iconic artist or figure from the gay community, as we are in need of a relevant, intelligent, professional non-dramatic attention whore. I feel it is only right for someone to take on the challenge to represent for our people in a way as G.L.A.A.D so finely words it "perpetuate stereotypes, myths and misinformation about our lives... working to create a world in which we do not exist." I've wanted to entertain for so long and I as I continued to mature, I spent many nights deep in thought on what it would mean to be a public figure "openly" gay in the entertainment field. In this day and age, there's a lot of hate that comes with the territory. And I have come to peace with that I wouldn't receive any kind of slack whatsoever; I foresee anti-Kahari's signs outside the areas in which I perform, church mentors preaching the wrong-doings on homosexuality, me making personal appearances at different events to explain who I am. Is that something that I am ready for? Is my sexuality really much of a diversion from talent that creates everything in my life to be a focal point around my personal life? Will I really be the derision of everyone's eye causing my peers to not respect me on behalf of a factor of which makes me who I am? My main goal as an artist was to relate myself through personal experiences that I felt was an urgency to be heard and to shed light to the lifestyle that I choose to live, not creating a division between myself and others but exposing myself in a therapeutic, creative outlet. In closing, I would like to leave my readers with the closing paragraph from the G.L.A.A.D's website (under the about me section): "Everyday our stories-- yours, mine, those of our families and friends-open the truth of our lives to the people we share them with. In the same way, when the media tell our stories well, people in small towns, big cities and everywhere in-between find windows on our lives that broaden and deepen their understanding of who we are. Same principle-- infinitely larger scale. Fair, accurate and inclusive media images shatter stereotypes. They prove that we are connected through common, human experiences. And these are stories that we-- and the media-- have a responsibility to share." For more information on how you can contribute and joins the forces with G.L.A.A.D in the fight for understanding and equality, please feel free to go their website at www.glaad.org. Oh, and before I forget, shout-out to my baby daddy Darryl Stephens and fellow web-blogger Adam Benjamin (thank you two for being sexy and not only that, but extremely intelligent. You guys inspired me to become more aware of what's happening in our community). Also big ups to Q.B. the gay Vigilante (when you gon' put me on the track? We can make beautiful music together... L.O.L! I'm gagin' myself right now!!! Smiles and loud Laughter!) Sincerely G.L.A.A.D and always will be, Kahari.