If a bullet should enter my brain, let that bullet destroy every closet door.
-Harvey Milk
We know many have seen this video, but its just so wonderful that DADT is history and soldiers can come out today while on duty and there will be no punishments or consequences!
How filing our taxes as a Gay married couple are different from heterosexual, married couples:
As we all know the federal government does NOT recognize us as a married couple even though WE ARE and it doesn’t even matter where we live. Even though we are in California (one of the 18,000 legally married couples). We will pay more in taxes and receive fewer benefits than married, opposite-sex couples receive. Only point number 1 and we are already getting heated.
In regards to tax preparation. Differences in state and federal filing rules mean that married, same-sex couples must calculate 2 sets of state tax returns. Guess what? That’s more time spent on those returns and, for same-sex couples using an accountant, that’s more of an expense.
Tax punch number 3 comes through employer-based health insurance benefits. Unlike coverage for opposite-sex spouses, benefits for legally married, same-sex spouses are taxed as income to the employee.
For same-sex couples who have real estate, they can file their real state returns as a married couple! Oh but wait, since federal law prohibits them from filing their federal tax return as a married couple, the forms require tax calculations from state returns completed as if they were single.
Inhale…Exhale. Commence the love from within the home, then plant it in your backyard. It may be but a tiny seed but its a powerful plant that has the ability to grow from yard to yard, balcony to fire escape, continent to continent.
During these times, we have to remember that we are powerful beings who have the power to love stronger than hate. Too many wars have been created by man in the last century and the new century. Instead of the Gilded age of the early 1900s, it feels that we need to have a Looking Glass Age. We need to look at ourselves and see how each of us can make this place a better world. There are more generations to inherit this world. Lets look at ourselves and find out what peace we all can bring to the table.
On and off screen, Dame Elizabeth Taylor enchanted the world with her acting, style, philanthropy, and advocacy. When actor Rock Hudson, who was her dearest friend, died of AIDS, Taylor heightened awareness to a then unknown disease. Taylor has raised/given more money to research in AIDS than all of her films gross combined.
Last week, nature unleashed a fury on Japan. With natural and now man made disasters, we must realize that we are all feeble to these conditions. With that said, its not to install fear into us, but preparedness. We must prepare as much as we can to make sure if a disaster beyond our control occurs, we have the way to survive. Our thoughts and prayers are with Japan.
In regards to advances for LGBT equality, its been quite a week. Maryland’s senate approves same-sex marriage, DOMA is now NOT defended and openly Gay man, Jeremy Bernard is now President Obama’s Social Secretary! We must remember to celebrate these things! Our fight does not have to be negative, celebrate these milestones, as we keep moving forward we will get that unending ring of equality.
Love yourself!!! We feel that we are taking on obstacles from places that were once thought to be peaceful and non-attention getting.
THE BAD
INDIANA: our former neighbors, please read this courtesy of Bilerico
ARKANSAS: state of many quakes are baffled by THIS
WYOMING: a state once of progress; we all know now its erupting with inequalities
THE GOOD
HAWAII: Governor Abercrombie to sign Civil Unions into Law
CALIFORNIA: “The California Supreme Court has announced it will take up the case of Proposition 8, delaying the outcome of the decision on same-sex “marriage.” We hope it goes in favor of our brothers and sisters.
Many unfinished business to take care of that will effect the lives of everyone in the country. We should have the power to complete…it is up to all of us to fight for what is right and due.
How filing our taxes as a Gay married couple are different from heterosexual, married couples:
Inhale…Exhale. Commence the love from within the home, then plant it in your backyard. It may be but a tiny seed but its a powerful plant that has the ability to grow from yard to yard, balcony to fire escape, continent to continent.
and openly Gay man, Jeremy Bernard is now President Obama’s Social Secretary! We must remember to celebrate these things! Our fight does not have to be negative, celebrate these milestones, as we keep moving forward we will get that unending ring of equality.
