Thanks @BradleyVoorhees for your awesome endorsement and continuing support for the Give ‘em Hope Campaign!!! Respect
http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=vH04RkDi8PE&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DvH04RkDi8PE
Category Archives: GIVE ‘EM HOPE CAMPAIGN – NBI ASSOCIATES
PEACE IS POSSIBLE
When something or someone doesn’t bring you peace, they have no place in your life. You are deserving only of love and respect – nothing less can be accepted
An Essay on Gay Pride, Stonewall, Harvey Milk, and History – Tymm Conner
Tymm Conner is a valued and uniquely valuable contributor to the Give ‘em Hope Campaign and as an administrator for the Give ‘em Hope group on facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/GiveEmHope/), he has brought an abundance of kindness, wise and supportive words of guidance and inspiration. Here, he shares his perspective on Gay Pride, Stonewall, Harvey Milk, and History.
Oil on Canvas, 2002 by George Towne
During a particularly loquacious and prolific time a couple years ago, I wrote this little essay after Gay Pride. I’d heard a rather alarmingly large amount of the LGBT Community complain that Pride was a time of shame for them because of the debauchery of the weekend. Yes, I was a little pissed off. In fact, I can honestly say that the attitude still, indeed, sticks in my craw and I can’t believe that folks don’t want to be a part of the weekend when it commemorates some incredible steps toward equality. I was told, once, that if one wants to affect change, one must become a part not stand apart, (Tymm Conner paraphrase, and I like it better!! 
). I share this with you, the Give ‘Em Hope Campaign, now because we are just a few short weeks from the time that Pride festivals the world over will begin. I share with you the history of Pride and the great history of the last forty years. Young people, this is why you are able to come out MUCH earlier than many of us in our forties, fifties, and sixties. These are only a few high, and low, points in history that led to eleven states and many nations to have marriage equality. Know that you are the inheritors of a grand legacy, even with the periodic debauchery. Remember, Fat Tuesday and Mardi Gras are replete with debauchery as well.
Coming out of Gay Pride Month, I have some observations. I just finished watching “Milk”, again. Of course, I cried. I always do. Do I cry because an explosive powerhouse for the Gay Community was shot down, senselessly, by a jealous politician, before his time? Yes. Do I cry because while we have come so far since 1978 yet have so far to go? Again, yes. Do I cry because it was SO well written and acted? DUH!!!
However, there is SO much more to cry about.
I think of those who have gone before me and the crap they went through to give me and my peers, as well as the younger generation, the freedom to walk hand in hand down the street without fear of being arrested.
The reason behind our Pride celebrations dates back to 1969 in a little bar in New York. Stonewall was a wonderful little hole-in-the-wall where drag queens performed and drank; businessmen went to find a trick or simply to hang out and have a cocktail; hustlers even plied their trade, (c’mon! You DON’T think THAT didn’t happen, do you?); and everyday, common queers went to be free to be themselves without fear of retribution. Yet, there was retribution. The police raided Stonewall regularly. Then one warm evening in June, the drag queens had enough. The police raided ONE too many times. AND WIGS WERE FLOWN!!!!!
Yes…National attention on a little dive bar in New York. But the spark began the flame that burns brightly to this day. And, every year, we honor those queens and the others in the bar who said, “THAT’S ENOUGH!!!”
Then…we have Arthur Ashe and Rock Hudson. Heroes in my book. Too lately honored and not nearly honored enough. One great athelete infected through a transfusion and one gay man, who had to stay closeted, until it was discovered they had “The Gay Cancer”. Two men, who in the prime, when they should have enjoyed life, FOUGHT for life. They, mournfully, lost the fight. But, their strength lives. Again…NOT honored enough.
Harvey Milk and supporters children along with his openly GLBT nephew Stuart Milk.
Harvey Milk was a man who, at 40, decided he didn’t want to die without having “done something”. Politics literally fell into his lap. Why? He was confronted with some horrible hate-filled homophobia in his own neighborhood. But, he fought. He ran for City Supervisor three times…losing…and for a State Senate seat…again, losing. But won when the political climate was correct and the districts in San Francisco shifted so that the votes were his.
He pushed for, and won, equal rights for homosexuals in San Francisco. At the same time, many of us remember, Anita Bryant and her group were taking rights away from gays faster than an oversexed whore on the docks. (How’s that for an analogy?) Prop 6 was on the ballot in California, threatening to take jobs away from teachers who were gay. The Governor, Jerry Brown, Former Governor, Ronald Reagan, and even the President of the United States, Jimmy Carter, were against Prop 6. Harvey Milk, and others, pushed for the defeat…AND WON!!!
Today, state by state and VERY slowly, we are winning our right to marry the one we love, whether or not they are opposite gender. But the fight is difficult. The climb is uphill. But, if we remember those who have gone before us, we will realize that we CAN win.
I am weary of the ones who say that Gay Pride is foolishness. I am weary of those who say that during that time they are ashamed. I am saddened they seem to think they are “above it all”. Gay Pride is not something to be ashamed of. It is something to celebrate. Mardi Gras has a tendency to be VERY vulgar and “In-Your-Face”. It is a time to party and let one’s hair down. The same for Gay Pride Weekend, whichever weekend it may be in June for your area.
We struggle through the year. We fight for rights. We battle the homophobes at our workplace and within our families. We hear the religious rhetoric from pulpits and, yes, even legislature. So…our ONE weekend where even the MOST conservative among us appear in public in ass-less chaps or in a dress and wig SHOULD be celebrated. It is a time when politics, fun, history, present-day, and personalities come together in a conglomeration of spaghetti noodles and make for a delicious treat.
If you have spent the time to read this entire rambling, I thank you. If you have, I also ask that you take a step forward with your thinking and a step back with your cynicism and remember those drag queens of Stonewall and Arthur Ashe, Rock Hudson, and, especially, Harvey Milk, and do something for our community. I don’t know what I will do. I only know that I am contemplating ALL of my options and will do what I can, when I can, where I can, to make our country what it was built to be…FREE!!!!
I’m hoping that you’ll share your inspiring and positive energy with the world through my Give ‘em Hope Campaign; an inspirational online video initiative to inspire and uplift those who feel marginalised or isolated. We exist to bring hope to those who need it most.
The purpose of the campaign is to encourage the benefits of living authentically. We should not be limited by labels that are imposed by others, if these labels are negative and wrong; especially when it comes to stereotyping and when the result may be lowered self-esteem and a possible impact upon an individuals ability to fulfil their personal potential.
Make us a video or write about this. Your story or your video can have such an impact and would be a welcomed addition to this campaign. Here is a link to the fb group for more info: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GiveEmHope/
Please Check our UPDATED WEBSITE HERE for INCREDIBLE VIDEOS OF HOPE AND INSPIRATION: http://www.nbiassociates.co.uk/Give–em-Hope-Campaign.html
CHOOSE JOY
Our beliefs inform our thoughts. I believe there is goodness in the world and that outweighs any cruelty. I also believe that you are destined to find joy and meaning. Life has a purpose and by being your authentic self, you have more chance of finding happiness because you can fully love the person that you are and the world will love you too. It’s not necessarily easy to choose happiness but choose to try and happiness will find you. Love and respect yourself and know that we love and respect you too.
GIVE ‘EM HOPE – YOU ARE THE LIGHT
You are uniquely valuable to the world. Your purpose may not yet be known to you yourself but you have an important job to do in bringing light to the world. Just keep being you.
I’m hoping that you’ll share your inspiring and positive energy with the world through my Give ‘em Hope Campaign; an inspirational online video initiative to inspire and uplift those who feel marginalised or isolated. We exist to bring hope to those who need it most.
The purpose of the campaign is to encourage the benefits of living authentically. We should not be limited by labels that are imposed by others, if these labels are negative and wrong; especially when it comes to stereotyping and when the result may be lowered self-esteem and a possible impact upon an individuals ability to fulfil their personal potential.
Make us a video or write about this. Your story or your video can have such an impact and would be a welcomed addition to this campaign. Here is a link to the fb group for more info: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GiveEmHope/
Please Check our UPDATED WEBSITE HERE for INCREDIBLE VIDEOS OF HOPE AND INSPIRATION: http://www.nbiassociates.co.uk/Give–em-Hope-Campaign.html
EQUAL LOVE WORLDWIDE – a ceremony that brought together the Zulu and Tswana traditions
In what local news is calling a “first” for the community, two 27-year-old South African men recently married in a ceremony that brought together the Zulu and Tswana traditions. Wearing historical garb, Tshepo Cameron Modisane and Thoba Calvin Sithol were married in the town of KwaDukuza in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa in front of 200 people. CLICK LIKE to congratulate the newlyweds! (via The Advocate magazine)
THE GIVE ‘EM HOPE CAMPAIGN
The Give ‘em Hope Campaign is an inspirational online video initiative to inspire and uplift those who feel marginalised or isolated. We exist to bring hope to those who need it most.
The campaign was founded by David E Watters in early 2011 and has grown, with the support of numerous international cheerleaders and proactive participants.
IF YOU LIVE UNLIMITED BY LABELS…THEN TELL US HOW IT’S DONE
Make and send your video to: DavidWatters@nbiassociates.co.uk
MAKE A VIDEO AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE
SHARE YOUR STORY AND HAVE IT SHOWN ON:
THE NBI ASSOCIATES YOUTUBE PAGE: NBIassociateshttp://www.youtube.com/user/NBIassociates?feature=mhee
NBI WORDPRESS: http://neverblendin.wordpress.com/category/give-em-hope-campaign-nbi-associates/
THE NBI ASSOCIATES/ GIVE ‘EM HOPE WEBSITE:
http://www.nbiassociates.co.uk/Give–em-Hope-Campaign.html
TRANSLATIONS OF THE PRESS RELEASE CAN BE FOUND HERE:
http://neverblendin.wordpress.com/category/give-em-hope-campaign-nbi-associates/
JOIN THE “Give ‘em Hope” GROUP ON FACEBOOK:
http://www.facebook.com/groups/226577107352368
COME AND VISIT OUR SISTER PAGE:https://www.facebook.com/GIVEemHOPE
CONTACT
EMAIL: DavidWatters@nbiassociates.co.uk
Skype: give.em.hope
MUSICIANS, CHOIRS, SONGWRITERS AND BANDS – WE NEED YOU…
WE need music videos for the Give ‘em Hope campaign…here’s what we have so far but we’d love some cool choirs or other musicians to contribute!!!
Get in touch with me at: DavidWatters@nbiassociates.co.uk
WHAT IS THE GIVE ‘EM HOPE CAMPAIGN?
Stage One – The Give ‘em Hope Campaign is an inclusive and inspirational celebration of diversity; an online video initiative to encourage and uplift those who feel marginalised, isolated or limited by labels. We exist to bring hope to those who need it most and do so by sharing our stories.
The campaign was founded by David E Watters in early 2011 and has grown, with the support of numerous international cheerleaders and proactive participants.
All of our videos can be found on our youtube channel.
THE NBI ASSOCIATES YOUTUBE CHANNEL CAN BE FOUND BY CLICKING ON THE LINK HERE:
http://www.youtube.com/user/NBIassociates?feature=mhee
Stage Two – has included written stories of HOPE from those who have freed themselves from limiting labels and who can now celebrate their individuality.
Write your story or make and send your video to: DavidWatters@nbiassociates.co.uk
SHARE YOUR STORY AND HAVE IT SHOWN ON:
THE NBI ASSOCIATES YOUTUBE PAGE: NBIassociates http://www.youtube.com/user/NBIassociates?feature=mhee
NBI WORDPRESS: http://neverblendin.wordpress.com/category/give-em-hope-campaign-nbi-associates/
THE NBI ASSOCIATES/ GIVE ‘EM HOPE WEBSITE:
http://www.nbiassociates.co.uk/Give–em-Hope-Campaign.html
Stage Three – is the living family support network which flourishes on facebook. Both the group and sister page are staffed by an international team of compassionate administrators, of diverse backgrounds, who provide unrivalled support and guidance.
JOIN THE “Give ‘em Hope” GROUP ON FACEBOOK:
http://www.facebook.com/groups/226577107352368
COME AND VISIT OUR SISTER PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/GIVEemHOPE
TRANSLATIONS OF THE PRESS RELEASE CAN BE FOUND HERE:http://neverblendin.wordpress.com/category/give-em-hope-campaign-nbi-associates/
GARY PRIDE – ALL THE WAY
SUNDAY SILLINESS: We can be very serious, for very good reason, here but here is a picture that made me smile.
Just wanted to let all of our family who are called Gary know that you are not alone. You may be Gary but you are my friend. Being Gary is as natural and normal to you as not being Gary is to me. Let’s organise a Gary Pride event…NEVER BLEND IN – GARY PRIDE, ALL THE WAY!
GIVE ‘EM HOPE CAMPAIGN – IT’S EASY, BELIEVE ME! COME ON LONDONERS!!!
I’m planning a day of filming for the Give ‘em Hope Campaign in London. Will you join me? Share your story or leave a message of hope for our youth, saying how labels that limit are stopping them from achieving their potential….shake of the limits and fly. I know so many inspiring Londoners and London-based people; you know who you are…message me and let’s do this! PLEASE SHARE THIS POST.
WHAT IS THE GIVE ‘EM HOPE CAMPAIGN?
Stage One – The Give ‘em Hope Campaign is an inclusive and inspirational celebration of diversity; an online video initiative to encourage and uplift those who feel marginalised, isolated or limited by labels. We exist to bring hope to those who need it most and do so by sharing our stories.
The campaign was founded by David E Watters in early 2011 and has grown, with the support of numerous international cheerleaders and proactive participants.
All of our videos can be found on our youtube channel.
THE NBI ASSOCIATES YOUTUBE CHANNEL CAN BE FOUND BY CLICKING ON THE LINK HERE:
http://www.youtube.com/user/NBIassociates?feature=mhee
Stage Two – has included written stories of HOPE from those who have freed themselves from limiting labels and who can now celebrate their individuality.
Write your story or make and send your video to: DavidWatters@nbiassociates.co.uk
SHARE YOUR STORY AND HAVE IT SHOWN ON:
THE NBI ASSOCIATES YOUTUBE PAGE: NBIassociates http://www.youtube.com/user/NBIassociates?feature=mhee
NBI WORDPRESS: http://neverblendin.wordpress.com/category/give-em-hope-campaign-nbi-associates/
THE NBI ASSOCIATES/ GIVE ‘EM HOPE WEBSITE:
http://www.nbiassociates.co.uk/Give–em-Hope-Campaign.html
Stage Three – is the living family support network which flourishes on facebook. Both the group and sister page are staffed by an international team of compassionate administrators, of diverse backgrounds, who provide unrivalled support and guidance.
JOIN THE “Give ‘em Hope” GROUP ON FACEBOOK:
http://www.facebook.com/groups/226577107352368
COME AND VISIT OUR SISTER PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/GIVEemHOPE
TRANSLATIONS OF THE PRESS RELEASE CAN BE FOUND HERE:http://neverblendin.wordpress.com/category/give-em-hope-campaign-nbi-associates/
Mother’s sacrifice
My mom only had one eye. I hated her… she was such an embarrassment. My mom ran a small shop at a flea market. She collected little weeds and such to sell… anything for the money we needed she was such an embarrassment. There was this one day during elementary school.
I remember that it was field day, and my mom came. I was so embarrassed.
How could she do this to me? I threw her a hateful look and ran out. The next day at school…”Your mom only has one eye?!” and they taunted me.
I wished that my mom would just disappear from this world so I said to my mom, “Mom, why don’t you have the other eye?! You’re only going to make me a laughingstock. Why don’t you just die?” My mom did not respond. I guess I felt a little bad, but at the same time, it felt good to think that I had said what I’d wanted to say all this time.
Maybe it was because my mom hadn’t punished me, but I didn’t think that I had hurt her feelings very badly.
That night…I woke up, and went to the kitchen to get a glass of water. My mom was crying there, so quietly, as if she was afraid that she might wake me. I took a look at her, and then turned away. Because of the thing I had said to her earlier, there was something pinching at me in the corner of my heart. Even so, I hated my mother who was crying out of her one eye. So I told myself that I would grow up and become successful, because I hated my one-eyed mom and our desperate poverty.
Then I studied really hard. I left my mother and came to Seoul and studied, and got accepted in the Seoul University with all the confidence I had. Then, I got married. I bought a house of my own. Then I had kids, too. Now I’m living happily as a successful man. I like it here because it’s a place that doesn’t remind me of my mom. This happiness was getting bigger and bigger, when someone unexpected came to see me “What?! Who’s this?!” …It was my mother…Still with her one eye. It felt as if the whole sky was falling apart on me. My little girl ran away, scared of my mom’s eye.
And I asked her, “Who are you? I don’t know you!!!” as if I tried to make that real. I screamed at her “How dare you come to my house and scare my daughter! GET OUT OF HERE! NOW!!!” And to this, my mother quietly answered, “oh, I’m so sorry. I may have gotten the wrong address,” and she disappeared. Thank good ness… she doesn’t recognize me. I was quite relieved. I told myself that I wasn’t going to care, or think about this for the rest of my life.
Then a wave of relief came upon me…one day, a letter regarding a school reunion came to my house. I lied to my wife saying that I was going on a business trip. After the reunion, I went down to the old shack, that I used to call a house…just out of curiosity there, I found my mother fallen on the cold ground. But I did not shed a single tear. She had a piece of paper in her hand…. it was a letter to me.
She wrote:
My son…
I think my life has been long enough now. And… I won’t visit Seoul anymore… but would it be too much to ask if I wanted you to come visit me once in a while? I miss you so much. And I was so glad when I heard you were coming for the reunion. But I decided not to go to the school…. For you… I’m sorry that I only have one eye, and I was an embarrassment for you. You see, when you were very little, you got into an accident, and lost your eye. As a mother, I couldn’t stand watching you having to grow up with only one eye… so I gave you mine…I was so proud of my son that was seeing a whole new world for me, in my place, with that eye. I was never upset at you for anything you did. The couple times that you were angry with me. I thought to myself, ‘it’s because he loves me.’ I miss the times when you were still young around me.
I miss you so much. I love you. You mean the world to me.
My world shattered!!!
Then I cried for the person who lived for me… MY MOTHER
NEVER BLEND IN
A PRO-EQUALITY BLOG, written by Diversity Specialist, writer and motivational speaker David E Watters (NBI ASSOCIATES).
Articles on Equality & Diversity, Personal & Professional Development, Education & Management; his book, NEVER BLEND IN (http://www.nbiassociates.co.uk/Never-Blend-In.html), and the Give 'em Hope Campaign http://www.nbiassociates.co.uk/Give--em-Hope-Campaign.html)
EMAIL: DavidWatters@nbiassociates.co.uk
SKYPE: never.blend.in
