FC, JC, and SC in D.C.

Thursday, July 16
And if you stay with me, I can see that it's only getting better for me. Lift your hand triumphantly, and I feel like we're in flight to the moon. I'll be there soon. I love you, I really do.

I didn't get any sleep because when I went to fall asleep I forgot to put down my pillows. There was also no real breakfast. This is no way to start the day.

Do you have a story?

A story? What kind of story?

One for lobbying! We're going lobbying for health care reform with attention to incorporating and securing Reproductive Health Care in Obama's big bill! You don't have a story? No.

Oh well... I went to support my friends who did have stories! Sometimes that's just the case; you cannot be affected by every mess up in society. I suppose that's a good thing, but it was interesting exploring my role as someone who wasn't (seemingly) directly affected by lack of reproductive health care. In fact, the experience gives me some perspective for how others may perceive my causes and social justice concerns.

The rest of the day was spent tooling around with my favorite sex educator, and Planned Parenthood Mama (Auntie), Ginny Winter. The two of us experienced Jesus manikin making a statement that God is always in government. I thought the woman was loony, and I promptly said, "Woman, you outta' your head!" when she literally told me, "Bluh Blee Jesus! Holla' duh' in da' Capitol!" I thought my response was appropriate.

After lobbying (once), she and I walked through the hot swell that is D.C. to attend an amazing senatorial panel addressing the pertinent issue: teen pregnancy in foster care. I expected to be confronted with the same stories that I witness as a child of my mother, but I was taken aback by the seriousness of the problems plaguing the foster care system! For instance, foster care children on average go through 8-11 social workers, who then on average merely meet their young person once a month. This was brought up when someone suggested that social workers should simply address the topic of "sex education" with their foster care teen to patch the 80% increased risk in unwanted/teen pregnancy that youth in foster care face. What was most moving was the solid acknowledgment that it is the system's fault, and that federal intervention and foster care alumni should (and will?) be utilized to keep the marginalized .5% of our nation's young people safe and successful.

Stumbling for a Starbucks, Ginny and I wandered into a flower museum. Not a gallery, but a building sectioned off into marvelous biomes and ecosystems dedicated to the flowering plants of the world! The Jungle held plants that eat bugs when they fall into them. There was a room full of the most beautiful orchids. The desert had very phallic sprouts -- that was our least favorite.

As our day wound down in D.C., us peer educators made our way back to the Plaza. We quickly tumbled into cold showers and clean clothes in preparation for the dinner cruise on the Potomac! It was a drag -- all the boat staff sucked, and therefore the attempted dance party was a disgrace. However, I heard it picked up afterward with a wonderful rendition of the Time Warp. Most importantly, I made new friends! Zak and Sharanya revealed themselves to me, and I love them for it!

In culmination, Starling arrived at the Plaza. Or I should say we ran into one others' arms! We talked. And talked. And Zak came and talked. And we had an adventure -- I stole candy.

CONRAD'S MUST-DO'S:
** SIT NEXT TO CHARLIE ON A BOAT.
** CHILL WITH YOUR BESTEE
** BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE MORE REPUTABLE THAN YOU REALLY ARE.
** TAKE A PARFAIT BREAK.

CONRAD'S MUST-NOT'S:
** BLEED OUT THE FACE WHEN MEETING IMPORTANT PEOPLE.
** FORGET TO WEAR YOUR SHIRT.
** WALK AROUND IN THE SUN IN DRESS SHOES.
** PUSH YOUR WAY INTO THE METRO.

Obama Cooties

In the hustle and bustle of New York City this morning, I lost my keys. Everyone look for them.

More importantly, I met the President, Barack Obama, and his wife, the First Lady, Michelle Obama.

Eliza, Eve, and I took the shuttle plane to D.C. I strongly discourage ever doing this because it was one of the most terrifying landings, and the weather was perfect! Fortunately, we survived, and were able to meet my parents for a long lunch at Cafe du Porc, where I sheepishly ordered Pommes Frites and sauteed vegetables. Before hand we'd made an overly dressed visit to the Museum of Native Americans, where I learned that skateboarding and surfing are Native in heritage.

Before I go on, I want to say that I was wearing a crisp white shirt rolled quarter-length, a black vest, black fitted dress pants, a silver and navy stripped bow-tie, and my silver leather dress shoes with James Dean on the bottom!

After lunch we casually walked to the White House with a group called Seniors Advocating in a Gay Environment (SAGE), and met up with the rest of the reception outside the gates by the East Room. There we mingled in the heat with rich gay people and prominent gay rights activist. Notably, I was introduced to Gene Robinson - one my dearest heros. He was fabulous!

When in the White House we mingled some more before being ushered into the "Green Room" (which is green), and lined up to meet the President. At this point I was forcing myself to breathe; "I'm on a mission!" I kept thinking to myself. On entry into the room, I heard Obama's poignant and comforting voice greet me. His handshake was firm. Instantly, "Hello Mr. President! Thank you for being a visible ally for teens like me." No real response, and then:

"Those are THE coolest shoes that have ever been in the White House!"

No time to think about compliments from the President. He wasn't listening so I moved to Michelle who I feel I might have fallen into her embrace (which makes sense because this was called a "clutch"). I told her how important it was for her and her husband to stand up and be allies, and she commented that it was far more important that I keep doing the work I was doing, and I said, "Yes, but it would make the difference if you were visible!"

Snap. Picture taken. My clarion call to action was over in less than 45 seconds. My parents and I delivered our message and huddled outside the room giggling like children.

I run into the East Room as soon as I hear his voice; Barack Obama is delivering his reception speech. He spoke so eloquently and realistically, and accommodated for someone's "gay duck" ring tone to go off with humor and laughter. His promise was this, "LGBT people will appreciate and find strength from him by the end of the administration." He didn't ask us to be patient, and he acknowledged not doing anything now will hurt real peoples' lives, but that this should serve as evidence of the urgency of the issue. I HOPE he knows what he's doing, and I do have a feeling he will come through with what he says.

It's back to mingle time! During this time I introduce myself to State Senator of Connecticut, Andrew J. McDonald, and Secretary of State of Oregon, Kate Brown, who both seemed interested in my person. Yay!

Finally, Michelle and Barack were off - no more mingling for them. I smiled and waved and mouthed, "Thank you!" to Michelle, and without missing a beat, she opened her arms for a hug, and beckoned me to her; I swiftly fell into her arms, and whispered one last time, "Thank you for being an ally - it means the world to me!"

And my White House experience was a success. As Senator McDonald imprinted on my mind that view of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial staring out of the windows of that White House, I do look forward to returning.

CONRAD'S MUST-DO'S:
** FIND COMFORT IN THE FIRST LADY'S AFFECTION.
** TAKE RISKS AND WEAR CLOTHES THAT STAND OUT; CLOTHES THAT PEOPLE CAN'T RESIST COMMENTING ON.
** LOOK CUTE AND GAY AND SMILE SO THAT PEOPLE TALK TO YOU.

CONRAD'S MUST-NOT'S:
** SPIT ON IMPORTANT PEOPLE BY ACCIDENT.
** ORDER A SHIRLEY TEMPLE AT THE WHITE HOUSE.
** TALK TO TAXI DRIVERS.