Another example of how our future is in good hands...

This is Duncan McAlpine Sennett. Last month Duncan celebrated his Bar Mitzvah at Portland's Congregation Beth Israel.

During his Bar Mitzvah speech, he explained the Torah portion he was reading from, and used it to draw a parallel to an issue he feels pretty strongly about—nationwide marriage equality.

Duncan said:

"In my Torah portion, Jacob works for seven years to earn the right to marry Laban's daughter, his love Rachel. Before marrying Rachel, Jacob is first tricked into marrying her older sister Leah. I find my parsha [Torah portion] interesting because it is a window into what was life was like back in the days of the Torah.

"Back then, this seemed to have a perfect definition of what traditional marriage meant for their time, when as time passes we have a completely different definition today. So the question is: how has the definition of traditional marriage changed since the days of the Torah? Just looking at my Torah portion as a proof text, I think it has changed a lot.

"Leah and Rachel had absolutely no say in marrying Jacob — it was like a business deal between Jacob and Laban. Today in the United States, marriage is very different. No longer do the fathers arrange marriages and women can marry whomever they want.

"While studying my Torah portion and comparing and contrasting marriage — past and present — I found it would be irresponsible to exclude the topic of gay marriage. I am a very very strong supporter of equal rights and the freedom of men and women to marry whomever they love.

"People who disagree with me like to quote the Bible and say that traditional marriage should only be between one man and one woman. But after seeing my Torah portion that I've just read, the definition of traditional marriage is nothing like what people think it is today. Jacob married two sisters who were his first cousins."

Duncan mentioned close family friends who are same-sex couples, who taught him about the importance of marriage equality. He then ended his speech by saying:

"My Torah portion taught me that the definition of traditional marriage has changed a lot since the days of Torah. So why can't it change just a little bit more so everybody can marry who they love? And now that I'm a Bar Mitzvah, I will not only continue to support but encourage other people to support equal marriage rights. Shabbat shalom."

Here's Duncan's speech:

I'm so blown away by Duncan's maturity and empathy, and his decision to make his Bar Mitzvah more than just a celebration of religious maturity. Clearly, living in a community like Portland and having the opportunity to get to know same-sex couples has helped broaden his understanding and acceptance, but this is still an impressive action, as he paralleled what he learned for his Bar Mitzvah with his awareness of the world around him. (I think my Bar Mitzvah speech rhymed, but that about sums it up, although it was 30 years ago.)

It's so easy to get cynical and pessimistic with so many people in power trying to hold back the tides of equality and choosing to discriminate, but when you see an example like Duncan's, it helps make you feel a little more hopeful about the next generation.

Book Review: "Two Boys Kissing" by David Levithan

David Levithan, you have slayed me once again. Every Day, and, of course, Will Grayson, Will Grayson, which you co-wrote with John Green, have taken their place among my favorite books of all time. And while I didn't think it could be possible, I loved Two Boys Kissing more than those. Seriously.

Seventeen-year-old former boyfriends Harry and Craig are planning to set a new Guinness World Record for continuous kissing. To do so, they'll need to kiss continuously for over 32 hours. This will take physical strength, yes, but also significant emotional fortitude and support from many, many people, since the sight of two boys kissing at all—let alone publicly for 32+ hours—will be difficult if not downright unacceptable for some.

While Harry and Craig undertake their record-setting quest, navigate their true feelings for one another, and deal with the myriad number of issues that will arise during this period, two other young couples are dealing with their own issues. Peter and Neil, who have been together for over a year, are struggling with trying to determine what their expectations of each other and their future should be, while Avery and Ryan, who just met, are struggling with issues of gender identity and all of the nerves of a blossoming relationship. Meanwhile, Tariq, a friend of Craig and Harry's, is trying to overcome his fears after being beaten up by a group of thugs, and Cooper is dealing with the aftermath of his parents' discovery of his homosexuality.

All of these storylines may seem somewhat typical, but Levithan develops each with depth and empathy in a short number of pages. And what lifts this book up even further is that it is narrated by a nameless Greek chorus of men who died of AIDS. Part lamentation for what they lost, part reflection on the struggles each of the characters are going through, since they've seen it all, their words are so insightful, so moving, so dead-on in many, many ways, I literally found myself tearing up multiple times as I flew through the book.

"You must understand: We were like Cooper. Or at least had moments when we were like Cooper. Just as we had moments when we were like Neil, Peter, Harry, Craig, Tariq, Avery, Ryan. We had moments when we were like each of you. This is how we understand. We wore your flaws. We wore your fears. We made your mistakes."

I read this entire book in one day, and I was moved and inspired beyond my expectations. Levithan made me laugh, think, and, as I mentioned earlier, cry with his words. I can't even begin to count the number of times he so perfectly captured many of the feelings I had as a teenager struggling with my sexuality, with self-esteem, with bullying, with wondering if my parents and family and friends would ever be able to accept me for who I was. And the book was pitch-perfect in its portrayal of the rush of emotions when you first meet someone you like and realize they feel the same way, the anxiety of wondering whether there will be a second date, the beauty of a first kiss.

I've said before how much I marvel at the state of YA fiction today, especially LGBT-themed fiction. I wish that Two Boys Kissing had existed when I was a teenager, because it would have been a tremendous help and comfort to me. I wish there was some way this book could be required reading for those struggling with their sexuality and with self-acceptance, as I believe it really could make a difference. Levithan doesn't create an unrealistic world where there are no problems and no struggles, but he shows how wonderful life has the potential to be, even when you don't think it can.

This is honestly one of the best books I've read in some time. Thank you, David Levithan, for this experience. I feel changed for the better.

Never forgetting those around you...

President George H.W. Bush and I might not see eye-to-eye where political issues are concerned, but there's never been a doubt in my mind that he is a good man. And his recent actions definitely reinforce that belief.

Patrick, the two-year-old son of a member of Bush 41's security detail, is fighting leukemia, and has lost his hair as a result of his treatment. After learning (and seeing) that many members of his security detail had shaved their heads in solidarity with Patrick and his father, Jon, the former president did so as well.

Security detail members also created a website, www.patrickspals.org, to help defray medical costs. They also raised funds with a 50-mile motorcycle ride through Maine, followed by a lunch and silent auction. Once President and Mrs. Bush learned of this effort, they made a donation and then President Bush volunteered to shave his head. (The Bushes lost their four-year-old daughter, Robin, to leukemia 60 years ago this October.)

It's always heartening to see the goodness in people when the spotlight is no longer on them. Hopefully this picture will just be a good memory for young Patrick years from now, and may his battle with leukemia will be a successful one.

Living your life isn't flaunting it...

Since NBA player Jason Collins announced he is gay earlier this week, response within and outside the world of sports has been largely positive and affirming, with the NBA, the Washington Wizards (the last team Collins played for), and numerous athletes expressing their support for Collins, as well encouraging tweets and phone calls from the President and First Lady, and many celebrities.

As expected, however, there have been those less than enthused or impressed by Collins' announcement as well. Sure, there have been the typical "God hates fags" comments, plus the Westboro Baptist Church has done its usual saber-rattling. Collins received some death threats via Twitter, and a few sportscasters, including ESPN's Chris Broussard (who leaned on the Bible and said Collins was living "in open rebellion to God") and CBS announcer Tim Brando first called Collins' sexuality a lifestyle choice and then said Collins shouldn't be called a hero despite being the first athlete in a major sport to publicly announce his homosexuality. (He tried to couch this by saying heroes were people like first responders, but previous Tweets have shown Brando has referred to Hootie and the Blowfish and golfer David Toms as heroes, just for doing good or playing well.)

Obviously, everyone is entitled to their opinions. But ignorance is no excuse for prejudice, as is the case with Atlanta Falcons cornerback Asante Samuel.

Samuel told FOX Sports Radio that he doesn't understand why gays have to flaunt their sexuality when asked about NBA center Jason Collins. He said, "Straight people are not announcing they're straight, so why does everybody have to announce their sexuality or whatever? You know, what they prefer...So that's just how I see it. That's my opinion on things. All respect you know, I have nothing but respect for the people whoever decisions they make and whatever, but you know, you don't have to show it and flaunt it like that. You know what I'm saying, we have kids out here, too."

Really? Straight people don't flaunt the fact that they're straight, but finally taking the chance to be a role model and live your life openly is flaunting it, because Asante Samuel doesn't agree?

Has Samuel ever been to a shopping mall, theme park, airport, sporting event, or any public place and seen a straight couple kiss and hug? As long as the public displays of affection don't get out of hand, no one seems to care—in fact, people even smile. But what some people don't realize is that gay couples have been asked to leave malls, theme parks, restaurants, and other places, simply for hugging or kissing their companion, because these are apparently "family establishments" where it's perfectly fine for a straight couple to do the same thing. Gay couples have even been cautioned on airplanes because people complain.

Samuel tried to explain his feelings on ESPN.



Whenever I see things like this I am reminded of a line from Wicked: "Some people are so empty-headed they'd believe anything." Yep, sounds about right.

A role model to look up to for more than one reason...

"I'm a 34-year-old NBA center. I'm black. And I'm gay."

So begins an article penned by Jason Collins, a 12-season basketball player who played for the Washington Wizards and Boston Celtics this year, in an article which appears in the May 6 issue of Sports Illustrated.

For a few weeks, rumors have swirled around the sports world that there were several athletes considering coming out of the closet, although that number has shrunk recently. And with allegations that Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe, an outspoken advocate for marriage equality, might be pushed out in favor of a player with less "distractions", the possibility an athlete would take that step seemed less and less a reality.

But Jason Collins has stepped into the limelight. As he said, "I didn't set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport. But since I am, I'm happy to start the conversation. I wish I wasn't the kid in the classroom raising his hand and saying, 'I'm different.' If I had my way, someone else would have already done this. Nobody has, which is why I'm raising my hand."

Will this be the show of courage that athletes in professional sports need to know it's okay to step forward and be who you are? Will this be an example for boys and men who know they feel different but worry about the stigma to be more comfortable accepting who they are? Will disclosures hamper an athlete's ability to succeed in their sport, or will they face animosity from fans?

Those answers will take time to uncover. But for now, it's easy to say, Bravo, Jason Collins. And thank you for your bravery.

Read more about Collins' story at sportsillustrated.cnn.com/magazine/news/20130429/jason-collins-gay-nba-player/#ixzz2RrnoYACJ.