Feasting On Cleve Jones

I just finished listening to today's episode of Feast of Fools and I can't help but let the activist gene in my out a bit more. First of all, for those not in the know, Feast of Fools is a gay comedy podcast produced locally in Chicago. The hosts Fausto and Marc are an adorable couple that's been together for years now and have been working ardently on the podcast and the various other iterations of the show for just as long. The show has won multiple podcast awards and shows absolutely no signs of slowing down. If you are looking for an excellent example of what podcasting is and what it can be, you need to check out Feast of Fools.

Ok, now that I completely shilled for these guys (ok, not really shilled, I just really like them and think everyone should give them a listen), now to the point. Today's episode featured Cleve Jones. Cleve is the man who birthed the concept of the AIDS quilt, and may also be recognized by everyone who saw MILK as the young kid that gave Harvey some sass only to later take on his mantle. He's just as inspiring to hear as he is to see personified on screen, and I think everyone should listen to hear what he has to say about our current political situation.

At one point in the conversation, Cleve makes the case that we should stop meddling with these state and local issues and bring the fight to the Federal system, and I have to say that I agree. Fighting for our freedoms in our neighborhoods is nice, but if I'm only protected in one are of the country, have I really won any freedoms or have I been confined to a corner by those who oppose us? As far as marriage is concerned, the biggest power of marriage equality is that the Federal government ensures that all marriages are seen and recognized from state to state. While marriage in California and New York or wherever is important, if it isn't recognized while you're on vacation to Texas or Oregon, then again, have we really won?

This is not to say that we shouldn't build the movement on local issues, but we should be keenly aware that the Federal level is the goal. With the current structure of our Federal Government, there is little to no reason we should not push very hard for our protections, rights and freedoms. It's time our community grab itself by the balls and realize that we do not have to be subservient any longer. We do not have to live by someone else's ideal of who we are. Be Proud and demand your rights!