Really! Totally girt.
Today I was conferred Australian citizenship by the Lord Mayor of Sydney and NSW MP Alex Greenwich.
In a large room filled to capacity with people and guests from 59 countries, I found it surreal and joyful that between both lovely statements by Clover Moore and Alex Greenwich, there were two references to how welcoming Sydney is to its gay and lesbian (et al) population. One reference was a thank you from MP Greenwich to the Lord Mayor for all of her wonderful work and cited the relatively new rainbow crossing on the pavement at Taylor Square as an example. In his statement, MP Greenwich also made reference to his soon-to-be husband. There were whispers all around me, but nothing too alarming. At once, I felt proud and in a good place.
The other fantastic thing arising from the opening statements was the Lord Mayor's comical, but nevertheless biting dig at the Daily Telegraph. She's pretty fantastic. After I posed on stage with her and Greenwich for the obligatory photo, I shook her hand and said, "See you at the dog park!" Which I do very often.
I have received a number of congratulatory wishes via social media and sms, and I thank each of you who has offered them. Although I would never had been opposed to the
idea (only confounded that it would present itself to me), I do have to
say that of all the places I would end up pledging a second allegiance, I would probably not have guessed Australia. But that was before I met Mark
and Zane and was introduced to a world of relationships, some familial, some astronomically close, some beautiful and really meaningful friendships...you get the point. I can
still taste the sweet bitter that I sensed while
sitting in the ceremony without them as guests. Thankfully, that was
shortlived, because I had two new friends there to felicitate with me.
I'll say this now and hope that it is one of the very, very few times I'll have to do so. [sidebar: I really don't like repeating myself, which is why I chose to teach university rather than kids.]
I dig Australia. I mean, I really get it. And I admire it greatly. There are problems, yes, but let's face it. There will never be a generally accepted Utopia. But if you take the time to learn why you like/dislike a place, regardless of its geographic position on the planet, you discover a fascinating world of knowledge and power. I am elated to be able to vote in the upcoming election.
I adore the US. I really do and would never renounce my ties to the country. During my life, I have had uncountable events there that, I can tell, shaped who I am today. Everything from my youth, to early adulthood, to university, to the Fulbright, to the career. And to what would become family, ie, partner and son, for nearly a third of my adult life.
I appreciate that I can hold dual citizenship. There are many who cannot. I thank and extend fondest thanks to all the Australians (or Aussie residents) I have met during this journey. I expect the next [x] years will be equally enchanting.
I'll say this now and hope that it is one of the very, very few times I'll have to do so. [sidebar: I really don't like repeating myself, which is why I chose to teach university rather than kids.]
I dig Australia. I mean, I really get it. And I admire it greatly. There are problems, yes, but let's face it. There will never be a generally accepted Utopia. But if you take the time to learn why you like/dislike a place, regardless of its geographic position on the planet, you discover a fascinating world of knowledge and power. I am elated to be able to vote in the upcoming election.
I adore the US. I really do and would never renounce my ties to the country. During my life, I have had uncountable events there that, I can tell, shaped who I am today. Everything from my youth, to early adulthood, to university, to the Fulbright, to the career. And to what would become family, ie, partner and son, for nearly a third of my adult life.
I appreciate that I can hold dual citizenship. There are many who cannot. I thank and extend fondest thanks to all the Australians (or Aussie residents) I have met during this journey. I expect the next [x] years will be equally enchanting.
Finally, I have an anecdote that seems fitting to share. At the reception following the senior recital that culminated my undergraduate studies, one of the faculty came up to me (Dr. John Cowell, Professor of Organ), grabbed my elbow with the hand that wasn't miraculously holding his wine and cheese plate--but then, he was an organist and, therefore, fairly coordinated--and took me to the side of the room to say something in relative privacy. He congratulated me on a fine recital and honestly told me he thought it was of an extremely high standard. And then he said, "And if there's one piece of advice I can give you, it's never to get tied down by the local scene."
Those words have stuck with me to this day. And, fair dinkum, I am happy about that.
03 April 2013
You Could Call Me Bubba (but I'd rather you didn't)
Recently, I have been accused of not being Southern.
Well, I am.
If the recrement of down-home phrases, which my forbearers have left me and of which I'm very proud, that I have posted now and again to Facebook do not serve as testament, I submit the following. Let it serve as evidence to all those who think my Southern lineage, as far back as the 18th century, is false.
[I'm not proud of the following; but here we go.]
I was taught how to skin a slaughtered squirrel at the age of 10. Daddy nailed the half-dead varmint to a tree and, after making a few, strategic slices here and there, flayed the sad creature from limb to limb in less than a half-dozen tugs.
I vomited.
Daddy said, "Son, you're gonna have to get over this."
Fuck that.
