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
Sindara
Aw, it is so so um, so beautiful, but I was trying to think of a better word to describe it. High School is a load of Bull Poopie!
Yes it is pretty sad, you don't have your license, but whatever suits you!
Oh honey it is not skills! It is luck! I took it in a different town, same lady, but she is nicer over there. Too bad you don't live in Indiana, if you did you WOULD ABSOLUTELY pass!
Keypoints, Don't be nervous. Watch what you say, no damnmits, jesus swearing and such. They may speak quietly, so have someone speak quietly like turn left, right, parallel park behind ____ car. Get used to that, just in case. Be careful parallel parking. 🙂 Watch your signs. 🙂
Nugget
I love your speech. You're an amazing writer, and I bet it even sounded better during orientation.
Power Rangers–I always got up early to watch an episode when I was little. I became obsessive. And then Power Rangers got screwed up.
Shekinah
Interesting. You're a great writer! Seriously! I'm already 16. A College Freshie. I'm starting to miss my High School life. My Friends, everything.
Debbie/Mom
This is such an excellent blog. It made me cry. This is so heart-warming and inspiring. I love it!! Very well said!! The green Power Ranger, really? I thought that you liked the blue one. Anyway, this is my favorite blog that you've ever written (the cop blog when you had to drop to your knees, is my second favorite. That still cracks me up). Really good stuff, Justin!!
Emma
Wow well said. I used to love the power rangers haha, takes me back!
Well I'm 21 and just starting to learn so I'm even sadder! 🙁
Veronica
I so remember watching the power rangers when they were the MIGHTY MORPHIN ones… they got really crappy now… and yes Tommy was one hot mo'fo!
Deanna
You are such a good public speaker. And you always know how make something serious into something funny. I think that is a great talent to have. I wish I could be even a little bit funny. I have no jokes at all lol.
Chynna
Power Rangers are immense. Seriously – they blew my mind when I was younger. People who didn't watch it when they were younger seriously had a poor childhood. Lol!
Wireless Festival is a music festival that's held every year over here in Hyde Park. It's held from 2nd – 4th of July. I'm going to the one on the 2nd – P!nk is the headliner 😀
x
Alex
Sorry buy in my last comment I forgot something. Thanks for becoming a fan of my website!
Alex
Well iPhones are for AT&T but my cell phone carrier is t-mobile so I had to unlock my phone so I could use it lol. Thankfully I got it
Morgan
I think he did. 🙂
Amy
Whoops, forgot to reply to your comment on my website! xD
I've gotten most of it, ya'know the part where he goes:
"A singer in a smoking room
The smell of wine and cheap perfume
For a smile they can share the night
It goes on and on and on"
My hands can't reach the chords for the next part(strangers waiting up the bouldevard)
And then my sheet music stops. I really gotta ask my mom to buy me it, rather than me finding a cover on Youtube. ^_^;
Amy
Ohmygosh I remember watching that show! (even though I'm a girl, I'm not exactly girlish, not even back then). xD I don't remember much about it besides my friend Justin and I were watching it, and we actually pretended to be power rangers. We chose which one we wanted to be by the colors we liked. I was the blue one. LOL.
I don't think sexuality is that much of a deal. It's just a fact. And it's not like your love life is the only reason you live. Yeah, some people are strictly religious and against all that stuff, but I'm like screw it. It's just another fact about a person. Like if someone has black hair, or brown. I'm personally straight, but I don't think of any bi or gay/lesbian people any different than I am. It's just a matter of choice. I have no opinion on religion. Just another matter of belief. :/
And besides, people are just downright mean these days. I've seen and heard many things about other people who are different in one way or another. Are they bashing people that are different? Really. Huh.
Holly
Yeah funny books are amazing!
Haha it must be useful then 😛 I'll use it to scare people away!
I think that the best way to touch on subject that particular subject is with humor. Those who don't have an open mind will take to it much better.
I know about this subject from my brother who is also gay. He was about 20 when he actually told us he was homosexual and he explained that he had always kind of knew he was. When he was younger he played with girly toys such as Barbie so I think even my parents knew he was too.
I hate people who aren't opened minded and can't except gays. Everyone has the right to do whatever they want and be whoever they want to be. I must admit having a gay brother has opened my eyes. I've grown up with him and his sexuality so I suppose I'm use to it. I wouldn't have him any other way 😀
Alice
LOL. GO POWER RANGERS! That's a great monologue. (: It's great that your university welcomes diversity and doesn't discriminate.
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Hahahahaha. Thanks for the creepy gift! (: I better not turn into that. If I do, I'm blaming you.
Still "making movies" with your boyfriend? LOL. I actually made a movie, but it was an actual movie, not a "movie" movie. You know? And it wasn't a movie; it was only 3 minutes long. XD It was for a project for English class.
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