Let’s Celebrate Gay Power… Rangers
I used to be obsessed with the Power Rangers. Not anymore. Nowadays, they’ve turned into wizards with wands and capes, and it’s Power Rangers and the Chamber of Secrets or whatever. But as a kid, that show was mighty.
I even had the bed sheets. The schoolyard boys would rant and rave about how hot the Pink Ranger was. Her name was Kimberly. They’d chant, “Kim’s sexy! Kim’s smoking!” I, on the other hand, was more partial to the Green Ranger.
So yeah, I guess I always knew I liked guys. But I didn’t know I was gay. I know that sounds contradictory, but what I mean is, ever since I was four, I had this vague sense of who I was, but before puberty, there was no real context for it.
It didn’t help that I’d turn on the TV and see religious authorities preaching about how gay people were a danger to society and kids. I’d think, “Well, that can’t be me. I can’t be gay. I’m just a kid myself, doing normal kid stuff.”
Growing up, I heard so many false, misleading, and downright mean things about who I was and what I was going to become just because of my sexual orientation—something I have absolutely no control over.
When I first went to college, I was incredibly nervous. I attended a religious university, and I was all like, “Oh snap, Jesuits.” But fortunately, I didn’t face a single problem. My high school was way worse. Back there, I once got called an abomination for having a sticker with a rainbow on it. You know, really dark stuff.
But at college, the environment was always positive. The staff were super supportive of diversity and celebrating what made everyone different. That’s probably the best advice I can give to others. If professionals and leaders are willing to look beyond society’s labels, why should you be afraid to do the same? No one is just athletic, just intelligent, just funny, just Latino, or just Jewish. Likewise, no one is just gay.
So embrace it all! Be your true Mighty Morphin’ self… cape and all.
43 Comments
Catherine
That's a great monologue ^_^ It can be hard getting up and speaking in front of people but I'm glad it went well for you =] It's also great that homosexuals in your school are accepted 🙂
Libbyann
That was a great monologue. It's nice to be in a school that is open and accepting of everyone. I for one liked the yellow & black power ranger.
(Oh goodness, now the theme song is stuck in my head lol)
Felisa
I am clapping. You just can't see it. 😉
I love that you're going to a Jesuit school and don't feel like your sexual orientation is hindering you in any way. If anything, I feel like any Christian school/ denomination/ group/ pamphlet should preach about this kind of love and acceptance because isn't that what Christianity should be about? Shouldn't love be the ultimate aim? At least that's how it is for me.
Yay you for being graceful about who you are. Your sexual orientation is undoubtedly a part of who you are but I also like that you recognize that isn't the story of who you are entirely. Mad props. (I haven't said that in awhile…)
Passion
"Where have you been lately? ;)"
offline 😛
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Well done 😀
gosh, I can't remember what the green one looked like.
I really admire you for doing this speech. Most gay people tend to hide it, which I hate.
I'm glad you didn't face any hate in your University. I wouldn't expect you to, because it's a religious school.
lol, "rainbow sticker".
Haily
That is so true. It's great how you feel comfortable in a university that religiously opposes homosexuality, yet that does not translate to opposing you as a person. THAT's progress. People need to understand that they have the right to form their own opinions and follow their own beliefs, but as a society we will not tolerate it when that is used to fuel hatred and bigotry. I consider myself lucky to be born in this era in which we have conquered (mostly) that type of hatred.
Angelica
That’s a great monologue and I really admire you for talking in front of so many people! 🙂
Man I’d never dare to stand up and speak in front of so many people! I’d stutter, blush and probably faint from all the attention. I hate attention. O_o
Gail
I didn't know you are homosexual. I love you guys, you are so fun to be with 🙂
Veronica
Haha The Green one was pretty hot – especially when he became the White One 😉
That must've been an awkward place to put you in, though! Great work, coming through
Jess
That's a really great speech! It's really inspirational and I can see why they asked you to do it again 🙂 I used to watch the Power Rangers for a while. It grew old (the effects… even at like… eight, I knew weren't incredible) I think you're incredibly brave to be able to stand up in front of a college orientation at a religious school and talk about diversity and differences. I couldn't do it.
Hah, Pokemon tamagotchi-type thing? That sounds very interesting. I like the whole pedometer thing, though. I think if my friends had all gotten into that instead of those pixel-y toys I might be more of a health nut now 😀
I have a sudden urge to look up Power Rangers and to buy a pedometer now… huh.
Georgina
You're absolutely right – no one is JUST gay. I really found this speech quite inspiring and I like that you feel so strongly and you aren't afraid of who you are. I'm really glad your speech was so well received, and it did have a gentle sense of humour in it. Best of luck in your next monologue. :3
Mandie
I agree with your monologue. No one is just gay, they're a little of everything. The same as everyone else.
I believe that people should be more open with a persons beliefs, religion, and sexuality. It's not fair to judge someone just because they're different than you.
Also, thank you for the comment on my blog too 🙂 I am glad you like my layouts xD I love your site layout as well. It's amazing.
Kristina
You're a really good writer Justin! I really admire you for speaking to so many students, we really need more people like you around. Funny and just.. great. XD
"because I had a sticker with a rainbow on it. You know, really dark stuff. "
almost died. so funny. lmao.
and yes power rangers! I always wanted to be the pink one, but never got the opportunity. So you know, maybe one day..
Robmarie
Hey, I was a fan of the Green Ranger too! Tommy was HAWT! xD Great monologue!
Jenny
Love your monologue, and I'm sure the audience would've enjoyed it 🙂
I used to watch Power Rangers too, and that was was awesome! I didn't know they have capes and wands now, that's just messed up -_-
Aashni
Man, I used to love the power rangers to! Especially the red one, and eventually the black one, i think it was. And I agree, they have so many different types of Power Ranger shows, that I lost track…
Back to the point of your post – wow, this sounds like it would have been a great monologue! I once wrote and performed one based on a picture of a pregnant girl on a swing. It's not easy! And I applaud you for taking such a positive approach to it, and showing the incoming freshman that they should feel free to be who they want 😀
Great post!
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