Pride

Sometimes it seems as if the United States has made a move to the extreme right. I don't like talking politics, religion, or the Great Pumpkin, but as I am fresh from my trip from San Francisco, during the Pride weekend, I will make an exception.

Many of you who know me, or know my ranting...ahum...get the feeling I don't like where I live at the moment. They are correct. I live in Ohio, or as I commonly refer to it among friends, 'O-Hell-O'. I may get a lot of slack for this negative nickname of a 'beloved' state, but heck, everyone's entitled to their opinion. I think writers are number two behind loud mouthed politicians for being outspoken, but again, that's a personal view.

Standing in an enormous crowd on Market Street, watching literally tens of thousands of spectators enjoying the spectacle, was surreal. There in the parade were hundreds of culturally diverse groups, mega companies, religious organizations ...etc...showing their rainbow colors.
I thought, 'what the heck?' Truly I am not in Kansas (or Ohello) any longer. Suddenly I was in a world that embraced diversity, love, and civil rights for all to marry, and be themselves.

I have to admit, I cried. The fact that there are areas of the country that support same sex love, marriage, and a multitude of other ideas that free thinking inspires, made me emotional. It was bliss.
Why then, are we so silent the rest of the year? How can so many corporations, including banks, huge department store chains, car manufacturers, and religious groups, stay quiet as the far right scream and stomp their anti-freedom views?

I don't know. Another question without an answer. Perhaps we are not silent, we are just not as manic. But the time I spent with my married male friends, and the sense of freedom Gay Pride gave me, will be something that will stay with me forever.

It strengthens my resolve to keep up the fight. To combat the nonsense against gay society; to stop the far right from not giving everyone the choice to live how they choose in a country as strong and open as our good ole USA. It has to change. I do believe we have the power to make it happen.
And standing in the crowd at the Pride Parade in a city like San Francisco convinced me.
It's the reason I write my novels. To open closed minds to the idea of love of all kinds. And I won't stop.

Keep fighting for what you believe in. In reality, it's what makes this country so great to begin with. We just have to find ourselves. We've become lost in a quagmire of a few who think they know what's best for everyone.

Be safe out there.

Interview with Mark Antonious Richfield

After much pestering on my account, I finally was able to book an interview with the very busy Mark Richfield. We met at his day job at Parsons and Company and I had my chance to ask the many questions on my mind about this man who is the talk of the town. When I get my first glance at this hunk he’s in his tight black slacks, (no panty-lines, so we know what that means) and a black, cotton shirt, opened at the neck. I sit down beside him on a leather couch in the employee lounge with my list of questions.

GA: Hi, Mark…we finally meet.

Mark: We do.

GA: Wow. Your handshake is electric.

Mark: Don’t get carried away already.

GA: Sorry. Uh, where was I?

Mark: (Laughs) You said hello.

GA: Yes. Right. (Sniffing the air) Is that the famous cologne?

Mark: I assume that’s what you’re smelling. (He sniffs)

GA: (Leaning closer) Holy cow. If that’s not the cologne I want whatever it is in a bottle.

Mark: Did you actually have something to ask me? Or did you just come to sniff me?

GA: I came to sniff you. Kidding. Um. Sorry. Yes, let me ask you some questions. What’s the deal with the accent? Is it really British or what?

Mark: Really British? I lived there for pity’s sake. I know how they talk. All this chatter about how I speak. Such rubbish.

GA: I hear it now. Does it come out more when you’re mad?

Mark: So I’ve been told. I can’t tell the bloody difference, but I’m reminded constantly.

GA: Okay…Some of your fans wished you’d married Jack Larsen instead of Steve Miller.

Mark: I did marry Jack, and Adam, and Steve. Shh, don’t write that down.

GA: Too late. No, I mean, lived with Jack. Chose Jack.

Mark: Jack’s had enough of me. Really. I think if we were together as a couple I would drive him mad. And not in a good way.

GA: But Steve and Alex, your son, they seem to always be in trouble.

Mark: Jack would be worse. I assure you. Steven has more willpower when it comes to Alexander. He didn’t lust after me at eighteen like Jackie did.

GA: Uh…

Mark: Yes? (Laughs shyly)

GA: Sorry, lost myself on the color of your eyes. They’re really green. Um…oh. Are you going to go to London with Steve and Alex some day?

Mark: That is the plan. Though now that Alexander is in school and working, I don’t know when he’ll have the spare time.

GA: Will you ever get tired of modeling?

Mark: The question should be, will the agency ever tire of me. The answer to that is yes.

GA: That ain’t gonna happen.

Mark: Now you sound like Steve.

GA: I wish I were Steve, believe me.

Mark: But you both worked as police officers.

GA: Uh, no, that’s not why. Never mind.

Mark: Get your mind out of the gutter, Ms. Hauser.

GA: Sitting next to you on a couch? Not possible.

Mark: (Smiles) Anymore questions?

GA: Tons. But I do have to ask you if you’ll ever write an autobiography.

Mark: No. Why? Who would want to know about my horrible childhood?

GA: Everyone? Look, there are a lot of other people who went through rough times. Maybe knowing the details of your life would not only be interesting, but would help others.

Mark: I’ll give it some thought. But to be honest, I’m a bore.

GA: Sure you are. What’s your next project? Anything new? More guest appearances on television?

Mark: I did get roped into another spot on Forever Young. I have no doubt I’ll live to regret it.

GA: Love that show.

Mark: Yes, so do I.

GA: You need to do another three-way scene with Keith O’Leary and Carl Bronson.

Mark: Ms. Hauser?

GA: Yes, Mark?

Mark: You do realize you have your hand on my thigh.

GA: Oh! Sorry. Man, is it hot in here? (Fanning myself with my pad)

Mark: (Smiles sweetly) I heard about you. (Wags his finger) Naughty, naughty.

GA: (Cleared my throat) Right. Well, how about we end this now before I really do something I’ll regret. Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to do this interview for your fans.

Mark: My pleasure. Anytime you would like to chat, feel free to call. (Stands up)

GA: Holy crap.

Mark: My eyes are up here, love.

GA: Sorry. I’ve really embarrassed myself today. I guess I didn’t really believe all the hype…until now.

Mark: I’m flattered. Really.

GA: Think about that autobiography.

Mark: I will do. If I can’t do a complete autobiography, I’d love to sit and talk about anything you fancy.

GA: Wow. That’s an offer I can’t refuse. I will take you up on that. (I shake his hand) I don’t want to let go.

Mark: Are you sure you’re not related to my Steven? (Laughs)

GA: I’m not sure of anything. My blood left my brain the minute I walked into this room. Anyway…thanks again for your time and good luck on your next adventure.

Mark: My pleasure.