“Radical” Gay Family Agenda

Another slice of life post from Family Equality Council Board
Member Tommy Starling and his Radical Gay
Family Agenda Blog

Last night I had the pleasure of taking my sweet grandma (Ma) to
dinner. Over the last 5 years, my grandmother has been in and out
of ICU, had a stint in a nursing home, and has even been told she
only had a few days left to live. Remarkably, she is still kicking!
I called her and let her know I was in town and wanted to take her
to dinner. She was thrilled by my invitation. She wanted to go to
Hot Dog World, her favorite place, but I suggested we go somewhere
a little nicer. Ma is not very fancy, so Outback was the top of the
list for her. It was a challenge coordinating efforts to get her
out since she is wheelchair bound but we made due. We had the BEST
conversation. We even joked about her coming to visit me at the
beach. I suggested we find her a nice string bikini and flop her
down on the beach. She hooted! As I cut her Victoria’s Filet into
small pieces, I got a little choked up thinking about all the times
she cut my food up for me as a toddler. It is really interesting
how life comes full circle with needs and care.

Today I am working a food show in Asheville, NC, my hometown. Every
time I come back to my area of birth, I think of all the wonderful
lessons I have learned from my family. Those lessons are being
instilled in my daughter. We teach compassion, respect, love,
manners, and empathy just like my sweet Ma taught me. I’m sure
these lessons must be what the politicians and religious leaders
consider our radical gay agenda. These things are sure to destroy
the world. On second thought, maybe THEY should take a lesson from
Ma.

My daughter is in school today. She has to miss her piano lessons
since I am out of town. I guess her Lady GaGa aspirations will have
to wait until next week. I can’t wait to get home tonight to my
family. I hope I get there in time to get my hugs and kisses from
my little angel.

As I work today, I will take a list of leads for business. These
people have no idea of my radical gay agenda….I’m sure their
marriages will slowly come to an end just by being in my presence.
They are doomed!