kissing against homophobia

[ailuropoda melanoleuca torontonensis]

a fun seasonal tune, and images from the kiss-in contre l'homophobie,
Paris, 2009 12 12

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOzLESxchz0

manly aw isnt' that cute panda

[Arne Adolfsen]

Big group kiss-ins in frighteningly, *murderously*
homophobic places like central Paris inspire me with
courage. I mean, it's like coming out as gay at a
coming-out rap session at the LGBT community
center! I couldn't imagine having the strength to
do that! Me, I like to play it safe and give the bf
a huge snuggly hug and plant a big ol' kiss on his
lips in supportive places like Lynwood (working
class Latino barrio, gang-infested, horrible
drive-by shooting murder rate, but it has some
spectacular regional Mexican restaurants -- it's got
the only Huaxtecan place I'm aware of, for instance)
or in Orange County where I'm especially particular
about wearing my "Friends Don't Let Friends Vote
Republican" t-shirt when I bid him adieu at the
Anaheim Amtrak station opposite the Los Angeles
Angels of Anaheim stadium. Sure, the gang bangers
stare in Lynwood and the deep fried pork
rind-munching fatties can't believe their eyes in
Anaheim, but I feel like I'm with family when I'm
there. (Yes, I'm being sarcastic; no, I'm not
making any of this up.)

Arne