The Busy, Busy Month of April

Hey, everybody! Sorry it’s been awhile since I’ve blogged, but so much has been going on right now that I haven’t had a chance. Well, I’ve finally had a break in scholarship deadlines, which is good because all kinds of stuff have been happening lately! So this might be a pretty long post. Bear with me.

First of all, HECK YES IOWA AND VERMONT! Marriage equality for both! Within the past few weeks, the Iowa Supreme Court struck down the gay marriage ban, while legislators of Vermont overrode the governor’s veto on a bill that allowed full same-sex unions. By the time I get this online, more states could have followed suit. New Hampshire, Maine, and Washington DC are both tackling the issue, and of course, we still await the decision about Prop 8 in California. If you are a resident of one of these states, please get the word out! We need voices to make this happen. And with prom season upon us, I urge those attending to use the dance floor as a podium and don a white knot, the hottest new LGBT protest symbol during the event. Heck, if you can wear one then, you might as well wear it everywhere you go. More information can be found at http://whiteknot.org/.

Personally, I’m amazed what this month has brought me. Not only were these fantastic feats of equality accomplished, April has (and will be) a very busy month for me. Every single week has something new.

During the first week, I had the fortune to see what I am convinced is the most amazing concert ever: The Circus Starring Britney Spears. My mom and I, with my bestie Jaleigh in tow, drove up to Kansas City, Missouri, so Jaleigh and I could attend the incredible show. It was magnificent; the stunts, the dancing, the music, and every other aspect were above and beyond the status quo. I even enjoyed the Pussycat Dolls (Britney’s opening act), and I’m not a huge fan of their music. The crowd was along every step of the way; I have never heard such fanaticism. She did mostly tracks from her newest two albums, Circus and Blackout, but even brought back songs from her yesteryears. We all lost it as soon as the words “Oh baby, baby” warbled through the stadium. And I have never seen so many gay men in one place in my whole life. It was empowering. I lost my voice (which I luckily regained before a forensics meet that same weekend) and spent tons of money on merch I really didn’t need, but I wouldn’t change a thing.

Of course, to justify getting out of school, I had to do something others would deem “productive” as well. Luckily, I was able to visit the Kansas and Western Missouri office of the American Civil Liberties Union, a major force on the LGBT fighting front. The three of us had an amazing hour and half conversation with its director Dan Winter about all sorts of things: growing up LGBT, scholarships, current LGBT issues, college, and much more. I received a ton of information about LGBT rights and how to fight them, and my school didn’t mark me absent because to my visit.

This week is also special: I am turning 18 on the 9th! Finally, will be able to purchase “adult” materials, spray paint, lottery tickets, and have many more freedoms. I will not be purchasing tobacco, however, because that’s just not good. Big Tobacco has plenty of money to spend trying to get children to smoke; I’m not helping their cause. I eagerly await my first night of clubbing (alcohol-free, of course) with friends. Dance is such great exercise!

The week after that is my senior prom. My suit is EPIC (pics to come). I won’t be taking Dakota, unfortunately. We decided to both go to our own instead. I’m taking my good friend Danielle in his place. I look forward to a full night of fun and freak dancing (all while sporting my white knot!)

In the final week of April, my favorite book series still producing new novels releases its eighth book: 8th Confession. Yes, a new chapter to the Women’s Murder Club saga by James Patterson hits the shelves April 27th. You absolutely have to try these murder mysteries (and get them two at a time because as soon as you finish one, you’ll wanna pick up the next). The first book is called 1st to Die, and the entire series is amazing. Do yourself a favor.

Well, that’s it for now. After this busy month, I wonder what lies in the months that follow. Surely they won’t be nearly as exciting as this one. I’ll probably be bored out of my mind. Oh, well. I saw Britney. I can die now.