Recently I've been evaluating just who my "Real" friends are. From who is more of an associate, just trying to use me, or who is a genuine friend.
Just two weeks ago, I was told by a so called "Friend" how I annoy him, how he could only take me in small doses, and how I don't value our friendship. But, I'm sorry, for the longest time, he has been broke and struggling, and I've been treating him out for meals and drinks just about every time we hanged. Maby I was too generous, but I don't like to see those close to me struggle and being without. I never once asked for anything in return. I listened to his problems, was there, even when he didn't want to talk about the issues in his life. But, over all he didn't think I valued our friendship and I annoyed him.
I'm sorry, but isn't the point of holding onto friendship is to deal with who the individual truly is? You know what your getting into as soon as you consider this person a friend. Why try to change someone months after knowing them? Why try and change someone period? You can either put up with me or leave, right? Isn't there a limit as to telling someone how much they annoy you and not sound like you can't be around that person period? Well that's how he told me off. A week later he texted me and wanted "ME" to apologize. I evaluated our friendship and realized he was using me and if he were to find me that annoying and still hang till he burst, it's a definite "use". If it were a genuine friendship, he would not of have an outburst of all my flaws like that. It would of never came up. So, he had to be dropped. Ba Bye.
In other news, I came to realize an old friend of mine is just an associate. We used to hang out alot, but recently it seems every time we speak, he wants to talk "Business" or colab in some way. I'm sorry, but we tried that several times and it NEVER worked. How about we go back to being just "Friends". But that wont click, it seems he lost the thrill of just enjoying life and having "real friends", it's all 'Business, Business, Business' with him now. Sort of dissolving our friendship completely as we speak less and less to each other these days.
My point of this blog is to really look at who you associate with, if you have a hunch of it not being genuin, be careful and not put too much into it.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
From Vibrancy to Death- Can Main Street come back to life?
From vibrancy to death- Can Main Street come back to life?
By Giovanni Centurione
(Main Street today; Former AM&A's Department Store with so called Main Place Mall across the street- the gloomy building on the left with only a few junk stores left.)
Main Street, Downtown Buffalo. Once home to at least one department store per block surrounded by smaller retailers, restaurants, jewelery stores, movie theaters, and more. Once a destination, not only for city residence's but for those in the burbs and near by cities such as Toronto, Rochester, and beyond. A place where people once dressed up to go to these multi-floored department stores such as L.L. Bergers, Hens & Kelly, AM&A's, to either shop, browse or to be seen.
Today, ALL of these great department stores are gone. The former buildings have either been converted into offices, living spaces or left abandoned. The smaller storefronts are clearly vacant and the sidewalks left abandoned most hours of any given day. On weekends, one would feel they are on a movie set for a horror film where everybody had escaped or vanished with out a trace.
Many locals blame the death of retail on this block on the construction of the Pedestrian Mall with a metro rail that banned auto traffic since work began around 1980. This was an idea to lure people from the burbs and beyond to return to downtown since the construction of suburban malls and plaza's were going up like crazy since the late 1960's. But, if the Mayor (Jimmy Griffin) at the time was smart, he would have done his research on Pedestrian Malls and would have never of torn up Main Street in Buffalo as this concept was found not to of worked in other American Cities. During the time Buffalo was putting in the Metro Rail, other cities were tearing theirs apart or re-constructing it to make room for auto traffic since it was killing businesses.
In the last few years, local developers have been good at transforming some of these former retail stores, warehouses and offices into residential spaces in hopes of turning Downtown Buffalo into a 24/7 hot spot. But, even with a few thousand new people calling this neighborhood home, Retail lacks and Main Street still looking like a ghost town. What gives?
Look at Main Street today and it is void of retail and more importantly, people. The good news is (fingers crossed) the city and NFTA will begin re-constructing the street starting with the Theater District block this Fall by making room for single lane traffic and parking on both sides. Let's hope Buffalo Place and city leaders use this time to promote this new avenue to local and national retailers in hopes of landing them.
Down on the Inner Harbor/Erie Canal Harbor District, the city is working with local developer, Benderson Development to totally re-do the waterfront around the historic Erie Canal, lower Main Street and Cobblestone District near the HSBC Arena. This drastic plan is allegedly going to bring in local and national retail, eateries, museums, living spaces, offices, and so on to a now deserted part of town. If this is a boom, one can only imagine the spin off it may have for the rest of downtown Buffalo....if it happens.
(Main Street, July 1962, auto traffic, buses, Retail and PEOPLE!!!!!)
By Giovanni Centurione
(Main Street today; Former AM&A's Department Store with so called Main Place Mall across the street- the gloomy building on the left with only a few junk stores left.)Main Street, Downtown Buffalo. Once home to at least one department store per block surrounded by smaller retailers, restaurants, jewelery stores, movie theaters, and more. Once a destination, not only for city residence's but for those in the burbs and near by cities such as Toronto, Rochester, and beyond. A place where people once dressed up to go to these multi-floored department stores such as L.L. Bergers, Hens & Kelly, AM&A's, to either shop, browse or to be seen.
Today, ALL of these great department stores are gone. The former buildings have either been converted into offices, living spaces or left abandoned. The smaller storefronts are clearly vacant and the sidewalks left abandoned most hours of any given day. On weekends, one would feel they are on a movie set for a horror film where everybody had escaped or vanished with out a trace.
Many locals blame the death of retail on this block on the construction of the Pedestrian Mall with a metro rail that banned auto traffic since work began around 1980. This was an idea to lure people from the burbs and beyond to return to downtown since the construction of suburban malls and plaza's were going up like crazy since the late 1960's. But, if the Mayor (Jimmy Griffin) at the time was smart, he would have done his research on Pedestrian Malls and would have never of torn up Main Street in Buffalo as this concept was found not to of worked in other American Cities. During the time Buffalo was putting in the Metro Rail, other cities were tearing theirs apart or re-constructing it to make room for auto traffic since it was killing businesses.
In the last few years, local developers have been good at transforming some of these former retail stores, warehouses and offices into residential spaces in hopes of turning Downtown Buffalo into a 24/7 hot spot. But, even with a few thousand new people calling this neighborhood home, Retail lacks and Main Street still looking like a ghost town. What gives?
Look at Main Street today and it is void of retail and more importantly, people. The good news is (fingers crossed) the city and NFTA will begin re-constructing the street starting with the Theater District block this Fall by making room for single lane traffic and parking on both sides. Let's hope Buffalo Place and city leaders use this time to promote this new avenue to local and national retailers in hopes of landing them.
Down on the Inner Harbor/Erie Canal Harbor District, the city is working with local developer, Benderson Development to totally re-do the waterfront around the historic Erie Canal, lower Main Street and Cobblestone District near the HSBC Arena. This drastic plan is allegedly going to bring in local and national retail, eateries, museums, living spaces, offices, and so on to a now deserted part of town. If this is a boom, one can only imagine the spin off it may have for the rest of downtown Buffalo....if it happens.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Relationships and Marriage; Is THIS Community Ready?
Now that the Pride Parades have ended and the politics are back to campaigning, are we in the LGBT Community still interested in Marriage Equality? Do we even know what a REAL Relationship is?
I find it irritating and sad every time I hear from those in this community that say they want a boyfriend or they want a girlfriend. BUT, ask them what is important to them and the answer is all the same; depends on how the sex is, dick size, he or she got money, etc. And this is all based on their first date... Well call me old fashion, but maby this is WHY YOU ARE SINGLE???? If you don't take the time to get to know someone for who they are first, how will you know if you actually have anything to talk about after sex? If your going to jump in the sack as soon as you meet, is it EVER not awkward waking up the next day and not knowing what to talk about? And are you NOT surprised when they don't call back? Maby this is the reason WHY YOU ARE SINGLE???? Did you ever wait a few weeks to hang out with this potential partner to see if you can trust him or her? To see if you actually LIKE being around each other? Have fun together????
It's not just the 18 year old's that have this problem, I have witnessed 30 and 40 somethings with the same issues. Many in this community don't know how to get out of that stereotyped sex object craze and start looking at people for who they are. Yeah, looks are a plus, but talk to that good looking guy or girl first. See what they are interested in. Do you click intellectually? or is it going to solely be based on random sex? If so, then don't complain of being single or not having the right to get married.
As far as fighting for Gay Marriage (which I haven't heard anything since Pride ended) ,Why not start learning HOW to have a relationship first. Do most of you know what true love is? Or is it simply a lust for you? If Marriage was offered today for this community, would you take advantage of it simply for the publicity and free gifts? or would it actually be because you LOVE your partner?
I really find it nerve racking, tasteless and find myself sometimes ashamed to be a part of a community that wants a right, but makes it obvious they wouldn't know how to use it correctly if it were available. My point being, we need to learn how to approach, start and hold long lasting, relationships before we fight for that right such as Marriage for the LGBT Community.
I find it irritating and sad every time I hear from those in this community that say they want a boyfriend or they want a girlfriend. BUT, ask them what is important to them and the answer is all the same; depends on how the sex is, dick size, he or she got money, etc. And this is all based on their first date... Well call me old fashion, but maby this is WHY YOU ARE SINGLE???? If you don't take the time to get to know someone for who they are first, how will you know if you actually have anything to talk about after sex? If your going to jump in the sack as soon as you meet, is it EVER not awkward waking up the next day and not knowing what to talk about? And are you NOT surprised when they don't call back? Maby this is the reason WHY YOU ARE SINGLE???? Did you ever wait a few weeks to hang out with this potential partner to see if you can trust him or her? To see if you actually LIKE being around each other? Have fun together????
It's not just the 18 year old's that have this problem, I have witnessed 30 and 40 somethings with the same issues. Many in this community don't know how to get out of that stereotyped sex object craze and start looking at people for who they are. Yeah, looks are a plus, but talk to that good looking guy or girl first. See what they are interested in. Do you click intellectually? or is it going to solely be based on random sex? If so, then don't complain of being single or not having the right to get married.
As far as fighting for Gay Marriage (which I haven't heard anything since Pride ended) ,Why not start learning HOW to have a relationship first. Do most of you know what true love is? Or is it simply a lust for you? If Marriage was offered today for this community, would you take advantage of it simply for the publicity and free gifts? or would it actually be because you LOVE your partner?
I really find it nerve racking, tasteless and find myself sometimes ashamed to be a part of a community that wants a right, but makes it obvious they wouldn't know how to use it correctly if it were available. My point being, we need to learn how to approach, start and hold long lasting, relationships before we fight for that right such as Marriage for the LGBT Community.
Friday, August 14, 2009
My First of many Artist Write Ups: Nathaniel
Here is my first of many Artist Write Ups. This is for another great blog site, "The Future", check it out: http://thefutureforward.blogspot.com/
By Giovanni Centurione
At only 19 years of age, standing 5'6 in height, a humble, singer, songwriter, and producer, known simply as "Nathaniel" or aka: Nate Fly is getting the attention of many. And if you ever get the chance to hear his music or meet him in person, you see why... Nathaniel started singing in local churches and talent competitions with the encouragement of his mother. At one time, Nathaniel was singing with two of this brothers and called their group, "No Identity" The group were signing songs by the likes of Boyz II Men and The Drifters, and even performing at the world famous Apollo Theater.
The three brothers eventually branched out and Nathaniel went solo with a goal of putting his hometown of Brooklyn, NY back on the map. Staying true in the R&B genre, his style is both club banger as well as influential. Nate has given his talent away at movements such as the Annual Week of People hosted by HUB Ent. Newarks campaign to Stop the Violence; Another Peace Night/No Time for Crime in Boston, Ma sponsored by Chez Vous' community activist, Greer Toney and hosted by 106.1 Touch FM; "Cover Up" an event by Silent Voices to increase HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention in which Nathaniel performed the memorable Get Tested; Covenant House's first Annual "Youth Explosion" raising awareness of the services offered by Covenant House to troubled youth and families.
So far, 2009 has been a busy year for Nathaniel with lots more planned for the near future. From winning the 'Battle of the Boroughs' on June 28Th at the Times Square Arts Center to opening the Brooklyn Community Pride Concert for Papoose on July 25Th in Tompkins Park. Performing at Best Buy in Chelsea to Amachi Lounge in Brooklyn and many more. It's almost daily he and his dancers are out performing and/or rehearsing.
On August 6th, Nathaniel introduced the world to his first ever music video, "Let Me In". Filmed in Boston, Ma at the Chez Vous Ice Rink. People from Boston, Philly, Baltimore and beyond came to his premier at Bamboo 52 in Midtown Manhattan to support and meet this rising star in person. With the increased exposure, his fan base is definitely growing.
What's next for Nathaniel? Well, he and his team, "Fly Nate Team" are booking shows here in NYC and beyond. In the meantime, the next show is August 17Th. for The 1st Annual Marcus Mosiah Garvey Festival in Harlem; A performance at the Times Square Arts Center on August 28Th for the Annual Jambalaya event; September 12Th. at Indiana State College's' Annual Dream Chasa Event.A second music video is in the works, so stay tuned and so many more exciting shows and other projects soon to come. To follow Nathaniel, you can check out:
www.myspace.com/flynate
www.youtube.com/toflynate
Facebook under: Nathaniel
At only 19 years of age, standing 5'6 in height, a humble, singer, songwriter, and producer, known simply as "Nathaniel" or aka: Nate Fly is getting the attention of many. And if you ever get the chance to hear his music or meet him in person, you see why... Nathaniel started singing in local churches and talent competitions with the encouragement of his mother. At one time, Nathaniel was singing with two of this brothers and called their group, "No Identity" The group were signing songs by the likes of Boyz II Men and The Drifters, and even performing at the world famous Apollo Theater.
The three brothers eventually branched out and Nathaniel went solo with a goal of putting his hometown of Brooklyn, NY back on the map. Staying true in the R&B genre, his style is both club banger as well as influential. Nate has given his talent away at movements such as the Annual Week of People hosted by HUB Ent. Newarks campaign to Stop the Violence; Another Peace Night/No Time for Crime in Boston, Ma sponsored by Chez Vous' community activist, Greer Toney and hosted by 106.1 Touch FM; "Cover Up" an event by Silent Voices to increase HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention in which Nathaniel performed the memorable Get Tested; Covenant House's first Annual "Youth Explosion" raising awareness of the services offered by Covenant House to troubled youth and families.
So far, 2009 has been a busy year for Nathaniel with lots more planned for the near future. From winning the 'Battle of the Boroughs' on June 28Th at the Times Square Arts Center to opening the Brooklyn Community Pride Concert for Papoose on July 25Th in Tompkins Park. Performing at Best Buy in Chelsea to Amachi Lounge in Brooklyn and many more. It's almost daily he and his dancers are out performing and/or rehearsing.
On August 6th, Nathaniel introduced the world to his first ever music video, "Let Me In". Filmed in Boston, Ma at the Chez Vous Ice Rink. People from Boston, Philly, Baltimore and beyond came to his premier at Bamboo 52 in Midtown Manhattan to support and meet this rising star in person. With the increased exposure, his fan base is definitely growing.
What's next for Nathaniel? Well, he and his team, "Fly Nate Team" are booking shows here in NYC and beyond. In the meantime, the next show is August 17Th. for The 1st Annual Marcus Mosiah Garvey Festival in Harlem; A performance at the Times Square Arts Center on August 28Th for the Annual Jambalaya event; September 12Th. at Indiana State College's' Annual Dream Chasa Event.A second music video is in the works, so stay tuned and so many more exciting shows and other projects soon to come. To follow Nathaniel, you can check out:
www.myspace.com/flynate
www.youtube.com/toflynate
Facebook under: Nathaniel
Monday, August 3, 2009
Bad Dating Experiences...Now What?
Due to my recent rash of bad experience's in the dating game, I was compelled to blog about it. From falling for someone who doesn't feel the same way for me as I do for him to just plain rude guys hitting me up in public expecting things from me they will never get.
Lately I've been asking myself, "Why do I always have the worst luck with men? Why is it so hard to just have a normal date these days? Really, who did I hurt so bad in this lifetime or kill in a previous life to deserve this kind of punishment?"
First of all, let me say it takes me some time to really be fully open with anyone as I have trust issues (this is due from being too trusting at a younger age and learning my lessons). So, just when I put my full trust into someone, he turns around and destroys it by either cheating, or leaving. The best example of one leaving me with out notice happened in 2005. This guy and I were together for six months and we even talked about getting married someday. We practically lived together since he never left my apartment for most of the time we were together. Anyway, one morning out of the blue, he calls me at around 5am (I was too tired to answer) to say, "I enjoyed our time together, it's been alot of fun, but I don't want to pursue this relationship anymore, take care".) After that incident I refused to date anyone or even acknowledge anyone who tried to talk to me for almost two years.
Then their are the ones that just want one thing and get pretty aggravated when I don't want to give then none, like something is wrong with me. No, I just don't do strangers. I'll admit, I did it for awhile after just coming out at age 16, but I think it had more to do with my age and getting all the years I wasn't able to be with another guy out of my system. Believe me when I say, I know guys who are in their thirties and forties and even older who still believe they can get in bed with anyone and think nothing of it, which I find sad and funny at the same time. Try holding a normal conversation with someone like that and they want to stop what they are doing to focus their attention on someone walking by like they never seen a human being before. This is sort of how I lost friends over the years, because they will ask me to repeat what I was saying before they got distracted and I would always refuse. I'm just so glad I'm not living with that mentality and never did.
Back to the topic now. Online dating? Been there, done that. Each one of those experiences ended up in disaster. I've tried the bar/club scene which obviously have not been successfully either. So what can I try?.... I don't holla at people in the streets or flirt in random places to complete strangers, that is alittle difficult for me to do. So what should I do? I'm tired of hearing from my close friends "He's out there, just gotta wait" or "You look in the wrong places", etc...just gets really tired and irritating.
As for falling for someone who doesn't like me back. This has happened twice this year so far. One almost ruined a new friendship. Hanging out with this guy almost every day, sharing life experiences with each other, and I ended up falling for him. It was eating me up so bad inside, I had to tell him how I felt. When I did, he got mad and didn't speak to me for almost two weeks. Thankfully we cleared things up and stayed friends. My other crush never knew how I felt, and I'm so glad I never told him. I eventually learned who he really is and we were not compatible at all.
One thing I can't really do anymore is a guys nite out. All my friends are in a relationship. The only single friend I have at this time is a female and she don't like going to the same places that I do. I feel like the old maid or third wheel sometimes and to be honest, I always thought I'd be in a relationship before most of my friends did.
Am I alone in this rant and rave? Please leave your comments and suggestions below or email them if you will. Let's keep this discussing going for as long as we can. Thank you.
Giovanni Centurione
g_centurione@yahoo.com
Lately I've been asking myself, "Why do I always have the worst luck with men? Why is it so hard to just have a normal date these days? Really, who did I hurt so bad in this lifetime or kill in a previous life to deserve this kind of punishment?"
First of all, let me say it takes me some time to really be fully open with anyone as I have trust issues (this is due from being too trusting at a younger age and learning my lessons). So, just when I put my full trust into someone, he turns around and destroys it by either cheating, or leaving. The best example of one leaving me with out notice happened in 2005. This guy and I were together for six months and we even talked about getting married someday. We practically lived together since he never left my apartment for most of the time we were together. Anyway, one morning out of the blue, he calls me at around 5am (I was too tired to answer) to say, "I enjoyed our time together, it's been alot of fun, but I don't want to pursue this relationship anymore, take care".) After that incident I refused to date anyone or even acknowledge anyone who tried to talk to me for almost two years.
Then their are the ones that just want one thing and get pretty aggravated when I don't want to give then none, like something is wrong with me. No, I just don't do strangers. I'll admit, I did it for awhile after just coming out at age 16, but I think it had more to do with my age and getting all the years I wasn't able to be with another guy out of my system. Believe me when I say, I know guys who are in their thirties and forties and even older who still believe they can get in bed with anyone and think nothing of it, which I find sad and funny at the same time. Try holding a normal conversation with someone like that and they want to stop what they are doing to focus their attention on someone walking by like they never seen a human being before. This is sort of how I lost friends over the years, because they will ask me to repeat what I was saying before they got distracted and I would always refuse. I'm just so glad I'm not living with that mentality and never did.
Back to the topic now. Online dating? Been there, done that. Each one of those experiences ended up in disaster. I've tried the bar/club scene which obviously have not been successfully either. So what can I try?.... I don't holla at people in the streets or flirt in random places to complete strangers, that is alittle difficult for me to do. So what should I do? I'm tired of hearing from my close friends "He's out there, just gotta wait" or "You look in the wrong places", etc...just gets really tired and irritating.
As for falling for someone who doesn't like me back. This has happened twice this year so far. One almost ruined a new friendship. Hanging out with this guy almost every day, sharing life experiences with each other, and I ended up falling for him. It was eating me up so bad inside, I had to tell him how I felt. When I did, he got mad and didn't speak to me for almost two weeks. Thankfully we cleared things up and stayed friends. My other crush never knew how I felt, and I'm so glad I never told him. I eventually learned who he really is and we were not compatible at all.
One thing I can't really do anymore is a guys nite out. All my friends are in a relationship. The only single friend I have at this time is a female and she don't like going to the same places that I do. I feel like the old maid or third wheel sometimes and to be honest, I always thought I'd be in a relationship before most of my friends did.
Am I alone in this rant and rave? Please leave your comments and suggestions below or email them if you will. Let's keep this discussing going for as long as we can. Thank you.
Giovanni Centurione
g_centurione@yahoo.com
Sunday, July 26, 2009
A Rally To Stop the Gay Bashing
Dear LGBT Community of NYC,
In the last two weeks, two Transgendered women in our community have been attacked both physically and verbally in Queens, NY. It's not just coming from regular people on the streets, but these attacks are also coming from the very people who are supposed to Serve and Protect us All. Yes, that right, one attack came straight from the NYPD and the other involved a physical and verbal attack by two men throwing bottles and rocks. It's not just a NYC issue, it's a world wide issue and we need to let the world know "We are here to stay so stop harassing us!"
Today in Jackson Heights, several activists, political leaders and others came out to support the two women who were attack in that borough in the last two weeks and to demand that Albany pass legislation to stop the violence. With email blast and bulletins sent out to promote this rally, you would think more people in this community would show up and give support for these two women. These heartless attacks could happen to anyone of us and any given time at any place.
As I left my house today and heading to this rally, I was thinking, this Rally is going to be HUGE. I was expecting to see many familiar faces and many more unfamiliar. When I arrived, I only seen a small group. Don't get me wrong, this was better than no one showing up, BUT, one would expect more support from this community.
With so many people in the NYC LGBT Community speaking out about equality and being there for each other...WHERE WERE YOU TODAY????? This would have been the perfect rally to practice what you preach, voice your opinion on this issue and give SUPPORT to those treated badly for simply being who they are.... Is it because CNN or FOX wasn't there? No BOOZE? or no party in the street afterwords? Too serious of an issue for you?... As I've heard so often in this community, it's easier to pack a bar full of booze and half naked men than it is to get people to come out and support each other in times of need. I guess today's rally turn out really proves that point.
Just because these attacks didn't happen to you or someone you know, does not mean it can never happen. The point of today's rally is to prevent it from ever happening again. To give the residents of this City and the Nation that we are tired of being mistreated, attacked and to let Albany know we want the violence stopped.
As someone who knows first hand what it's like to be harassed by complete strangers for simply being myself, I take any attack on any individual very close to the heart. I am tired of hearing from others in this community and those who are not, "Oh, he or she probably deserved it", or "they shouldn't be so open", or "what were they doing over there in the first place?"...I'm sorry, but isn't this AMERICA in the year 2009? So why do we, in the LGBT Community still have to live in fear of where we go? how we act? how we look? and so on? Does it really take a senseless attack on one of us, a close friend or family member to wake up and see that this is a serious issue?
Some of you may feel that is not an issue. You may be able to hide your gayness, or pretend you don't care what people think of you, but at any given time, you may find yourself attacked with a bottle or a brick, arrested or searched by police for no reason, called derogatory names by complete strangers in the street or looked at funny for no reason..... Sound familiar? Or have you never experienced at least one of these awful treatments or just in denial?
My question being, "What will it take for you to wake up and realize we have a serious problem in this community? What will it take for you to give support to the victims of hate crimes towards those in your community? When will you stop caring more about yourself and start caring for others in this community? When will we see your faces outside of the nightlife scene? Wouldn't you want your community to support you if you ever became a victim?"
My heart and prayers goes out to Leslie Mora and Carnella Etienne, the victims and survivors in which this rally was for, and for others who have ever been a victim of a hate crime.
Sincerely,
Giovanni Centurione
In the last two weeks, two Transgendered women in our community have been attacked both physically and verbally in Queens, NY. It's not just coming from regular people on the streets, but these attacks are also coming from the very people who are supposed to Serve and Protect us All. Yes, that right, one attack came straight from the NYPD and the other involved a physical and verbal attack by two men throwing bottles and rocks. It's not just a NYC issue, it's a world wide issue and we need to let the world know "We are here to stay so stop harassing us!"
Today in Jackson Heights, several activists, political leaders and others came out to support the two women who were attack in that borough in the last two weeks and to demand that Albany pass legislation to stop the violence. With email blast and bulletins sent out to promote this rally, you would think more people in this community would show up and give support for these two women. These heartless attacks could happen to anyone of us and any given time at any place.
As I left my house today and heading to this rally, I was thinking, this Rally is going to be HUGE. I was expecting to see many familiar faces and many more unfamiliar. When I arrived, I only seen a small group. Don't get me wrong, this was better than no one showing up, BUT, one would expect more support from this community.
With so many people in the NYC LGBT Community speaking out about equality and being there for each other...WHERE WERE YOU TODAY????? This would have been the perfect rally to practice what you preach, voice your opinion on this issue and give SUPPORT to those treated badly for simply being who they are.... Is it because CNN or FOX wasn't there? No BOOZE? or no party in the street afterwords? Too serious of an issue for you?... As I've heard so often in this community, it's easier to pack a bar full of booze and half naked men than it is to get people to come out and support each other in times of need. I guess today's rally turn out really proves that point.
Just because these attacks didn't happen to you or someone you know, does not mean it can never happen. The point of today's rally is to prevent it from ever happening again. To give the residents of this City and the Nation that we are tired of being mistreated, attacked and to let Albany know we want the violence stopped.
As someone who knows first hand what it's like to be harassed by complete strangers for simply being myself, I take any attack on any individual very close to the heart. I am tired of hearing from others in this community and those who are not, "Oh, he or she probably deserved it", or "they shouldn't be so open", or "what were they doing over there in the first place?"...I'm sorry, but isn't this AMERICA in the year 2009? So why do we, in the LGBT Community still have to live in fear of where we go? how we act? how we look? and so on? Does it really take a senseless attack on one of us, a close friend or family member to wake up and see that this is a serious issue?
Some of you may feel that is not an issue. You may be able to hide your gayness, or pretend you don't care what people think of you, but at any given time, you may find yourself attacked with a bottle or a brick, arrested or searched by police for no reason, called derogatory names by complete strangers in the street or looked at funny for no reason..... Sound familiar? Or have you never experienced at least one of these awful treatments or just in denial?
My question being, "What will it take for you to wake up and realize we have a serious problem in this community? What will it take for you to give support to the victims of hate crimes towards those in your community? When will you stop caring more about yourself and start caring for others in this community? When will we see your faces outside of the nightlife scene? Wouldn't you want your community to support you if you ever became a victim?"
My heart and prayers goes out to Leslie Mora and Carnella Etienne, the victims and survivors in which this rally was for, and for others who have ever been a victim of a hate crime.
Sincerely,
Giovanni Centurione
Friday, July 17, 2009
A letter to the LGBT Community of NYC
Dear LGBT Community,
I have supported you since my coming out twelve years ago. I have come to as many events such as Gay Pride's, house parties, club parties, especially to the most recent forums which were intended to bring a sense of unity in the LGBT, especially in the Press and Media Community.
During the weeks leading up to Gay Pride-NYC 2009, alot of talk of 'UNITY' and bringing everyone in the "Community" together to support each other, work together, and promote each others events was the big dream that caught my interest...What happened?
From my view looking in. I witnessed some great speech's, not enough interactions, a conference call to be on a board and no follow up. BUT during my last attendance. I see the very people who were supporting "Unity, Working Together, invited me on the board", all getting their photos and video taken, interviews......I'm sorry, but If I'm on the board, why was I not included in any photo shoot or Interviewed that day? Oh, at one point, just because I over heard interviews were going to take place, I was I told that my guest and I would be interviewed. But the way I was told was of "oh yeah, we can include you two as well". Let me remind you, If you had taken a moment to come over and introduce yourself to my guest, you would of found out that it would of benefited you as he has a great connection with the music industry, Public Relations and celebrity contacts and so on. Your loss, not mine.
After Pride Week had ended, no more follow ups, no emails, no calls, just done. So was it all just a scam to lure us all to these events and spend money? or was their actually an intention that never followed through?
My point being. If you want "UNITY" and help, and respect from others, you have to create it and earn it, if you keep crying wolf to lure people to your events and spend money, your eventually going to be caught.
Do as you say for once. Come out to other people's events, support them as they have for you and your functions. If we keep this up, we are not going to have a community at all. Just a bunch of clicks with no leaders. Yet it seems we really have no leadership right now to begin with.
As for the next event at the end of this month.... Funny your video promo shows all the same topics I already spoke about in one of my blogs and video from the month of MAY. I did receive alot of feedback via email and support from people on the streets afterwords. I see I wasn't included in your event (not surprised) but invited to attend for a $10 admission. Will I be there?... Nope, I'd rather spend it where I'm supported.
Sincerely,
Giovanni Centurione
I have supported you since my coming out twelve years ago. I have come to as many events such as Gay Pride's, house parties, club parties, especially to the most recent forums which were intended to bring a sense of unity in the LGBT, especially in the Press and Media Community.
During the weeks leading up to Gay Pride-NYC 2009, alot of talk of 'UNITY' and bringing everyone in the "Community" together to support each other, work together, and promote each others events was the big dream that caught my interest...What happened?
From my view looking in. I witnessed some great speech's, not enough interactions, a conference call to be on a board and no follow up. BUT during my last attendance. I see the very people who were supporting "Unity, Working Together, invited me on the board", all getting their photos and video taken, interviews......I'm sorry, but If I'm on the board, why was I not included in any photo shoot or Interviewed that day? Oh, at one point, just because I over heard interviews were going to take place, I was I told that my guest and I would be interviewed. But the way I was told was of "oh yeah, we can include you two as well". Let me remind you, If you had taken a moment to come over and introduce yourself to my guest, you would of found out that it would of benefited you as he has a great connection with the music industry, Public Relations and celebrity contacts and so on. Your loss, not mine.
After Pride Week had ended, no more follow ups, no emails, no calls, just done. So was it all just a scam to lure us all to these events and spend money? or was their actually an intention that never followed through?
My point being. If you want "UNITY" and help, and respect from others, you have to create it and earn it, if you keep crying wolf to lure people to your events and spend money, your eventually going to be caught.
Do as you say for once. Come out to other people's events, support them as they have for you and your functions. If we keep this up, we are not going to have a community at all. Just a bunch of clicks with no leaders. Yet it seems we really have no leadership right now to begin with.
As for the next event at the end of this month.... Funny your video promo shows all the same topics I already spoke about in one of my blogs and video from the month of MAY. I did receive alot of feedback via email and support from people on the streets afterwords. I see I wasn't included in your event (not surprised) but invited to attend for a $10 admission. Will I be there?... Nope, I'd rather spend it where I'm supported.
Sincerely,
Giovanni Centurione
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