Mar 25
If you remember back in October I wrote about my introduction to the legendary Gauchito Gil mythology one evening while visiting my friend Cristian in Nuñez. Well the very shrine that captivated my attention has been destroyed by scoundrels! I am so upset, that I’ve decided to start a foundation to raise money to restore the shrine back to its former glory. Okay, no I’m not, but I’m outraged damn it! Who would do such a thing?
Cathedral of La Plata
La Plata is the capital of Buenos Aires province. The most impressive landmark in the city is the Cathedral, which is dedicated to the immaculate conception (because you know how maniacally important it is to Catholics that Mary be a virgin), and located in the geographic centre of the city.
I could bore you with facts and dates but it’s not all that important really. Wait there is one important fact. Apparently the church underwent a major renovation in the 1990s because architects feared that the foundation was too weak and that the church could have caved in on itself. Scary.
However, all you need to know is that like most cathedrals throughout the world it’s a marvel to look at. Similar to the Church of Our Lady in Guelph, Ontario, the Cathedral of La Plata is the tallest and most photographed building in its home city. In fact It is among the four tallest churches in America.
I say America for a reason. Latin Americans are taught that North and South America is one continent, whereas in Canada we learn that they are separate. Argentines do not refer to the United States as America. That name is reserved for the entire continent. Got it? Was that clear? Oh who cares!?
Here are some photos from my outing.
From Plaza Moreno
It's so high! Extremely loud and incredibly close!
I don't think I captured how ornate the exterior is, but I tried
So many pieces of brick and concrete
"Enough columns already!" That's what I would have said if I were allowed to speak inside the Cathedral. Wait, would these be columns or pillars?
They could have at least painted a mural on the ceiling. I mean, slackers!
This is me, Franco. I couldn't get me and the church into the shot. "There can only be one queen in this town!" This is what I told the Church.
Feb 8
Those people who are opposed to civil rights, are on the losing end of the argument. History will reflect their bigotry. Trust me.
Argentina and Canada are two countries that support and legalized marriage equality and they should be commended, no doubt. I am proud to be a Canadian for many reasons, primarily because gay people are equal members of our society, protected under our Charter of Rights and Freedom and the Bill of Rights.
The U.S. still has some ways to go. In many states it is still illegal for gay people to adopt. Illegal. Can you imagine that? I can’t fathom going through my life with restrictions that my fellow heterosexual citizens don’t have.
Ellen Degeneres is one of the more vocal gay celebrities and recently she teamed with J.C. Penny to be their new spokesperson. Not everyone was happy with this news. An organization called One Million Moms started a campaign to get Ellen fired. They argue that because she is gay, she doesn’t represent “traditional values” and that J.C. Penny is not “remaining neutral in the culture-war” between heterosexuals and homosexuals.
Here’s my thing about people of any religious (but in this case Christian) organization, who oppose gay rights. There is no greater lifestyle than a Christian lifestyle. If you want to talk about choice, let’s talk about your choice to be hateful. If you believe that gay people are an abomination, perverts, and corrupting the morals of society you’re not living in reality. Because you choose to be religious and follow an antiquated doctrine, does not mean that everyone else in your country should or even wants to.
I understand that to justify your choices you want people to accept your worldview, but as a gay person, I don’t live a lifestyle, and I certainly don’t choose to be discriminated against by narrow-minded simpletons like yourselves.
If you’re straight think about how difficult it is for gay people. You can walk in public holding your partners’ hand without the threat of violence. Gay people, even in countries like Canada, face the potential of physical violence if they display public affection. How would you like it if that was your reality?
Anyway, Ellen discusses the entire debacle in the video above. Enjoy.
Chau.
Jan 11
I’ve been mistaken for a jew many times in my life. I don’t know why. Two months ago I was sitting enjoying a coffee in Palermo when two jewish men approached me and introduced themselves in Hebrew. Embarrassed I confessed that I wasn’t jewish, much to their surprise. They were from NYC traveling in Buenos Aires. We struck up a conversation that lasted a few minutes and then they sauntered off. Similar incidences like that one have happened to me countless times in my life. To this day, I have no idea why. Next time someone mistakes me for a jew, I’m going to ask why.
I love this documentary and therefore I share it here.
Julia Sweeney became famous as a feature player on Saturday Night Live, particularly portraying the androgynous character Pat.
Recently she has gained critical acclaim through her series of confessional one woman shows that chronicle the death of her brother from cancer, her own diagnosis with a rare form of cervical cancer and her conversion from Catholicism to atheism after discovering critical thinking.
The most famous of these shows are God Said Ha! and Letting Go of God, both of which are poignant and humorous monologues about very serious topics.
If you get a chance watch them and also read her blog, it’s very funny.
I swear to God religion drives me crazy. Richard Dawkins consistently asks this arrogant Imam what the penalty is for apostasy in the Islamic faith, and he refuses to answer.
The penalty for apostasy (leaving the Islamic faith) is death. DEATH. And this Imam is attempting to convince the audience that the Muslim religion is peaceful and egalitarian. Dear God I want to scream when I see shit like this.
Brilliant.
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