Family Week in Provincetown

IN COMMUNITY

Celebrating Family's Many Forms

A pride parade, clambakes and campfires, workshops for parents and plenty of fun for the kids at Family Week from August 1 to 8 . . . See full story >>

See what's going on in town these days. Friday evening and Saturday "The Families" arrive for their special week. . . ..http://www.provincetown.com

When I was a younger kid (ahem!) growing up in town most of the baby strollers
belonged to the straight couples who'd roam Commerical Street taking in the "local color". It was funny to watch the wives grab onto their men's arms lest they wander into gay dens of iniquity, leather bars, and whatever. LOLOL

Fathers would rein in their teenage sons as they approached the groups of us gay boys just hanging out. It was often obvious the "str8 boys" wished they could stop and talk and hangout with us for a while to check us out too. But parents held their leashes closer.

They were always welcome here and there were announcements that at 9 p.m. the str8 tourists and their packages should head for the various check-out booths: Faerie Town was now ours ! LOL

THIS May Be A Mistake. . .but. . .

A few days ago someone mentioned H1N1, flu. before Shannon got ill, and weren't we wearing masks to protect ourselvs, etc. Tongue-n-cheek, I referred to those with colds as being 'immune deficient". Medically, - look it up, - the common cold results from a deficiency in the immune system. I get run down, over-tired, I am more apt to catch a cold. . because my immune system is weak.

One of the readers felt I was pointing the finger at him and brought my "insensitivity" to my attention. Then this morning I was poking around some links and came upon this, and more, about my ignorance, etc. Things I read only by chance.

I wrote this in my blog earlier:"

“it is summer and some immune-deficiency tourists are getting colds and we locals who cater to them avoid them as much as possible . I do say, though, I haven’t yet seen anyone wearing a protective mask. And, wondrous to report, I haven’t experienced any decline in amorous oral contacts, aka deep tongue explorations, kissing in saundry cozy nooks and crannies.”

"""Some young people do not know how to choose their words carefully… I can’t express to you Justin enough that being ignorant is not cool, especially when you seem so smart…Picking out certain people to point a finger at is not very wise when you write on a gay blog, we all know who you are talking about, and it strikes me as STUPID…

Read more at: Justin Dunes

I really take it personally as a member of a community of men and women who have lived to see hell and survive to tell the story get written about in a derogatory way. I think that our young friend needs to be educated in the ways of seeing men and women as equal and not “other” and or those who should be avoided. This kind of behavior is so 1990…

Youth has its ignorance. There is no room for ignorance. Not today !!! """"

FIRST OFF, I am very sorry you mistook my comments as referring to HIV/AIDs and to you personally. Obviously they were not. I am very sorry with you that you have this problem and happy you are one of the survivors. Hopefully you have taught us younger guys something.

I wasn't born yet when this disease hit the world. I didn't go through those awful days/years with loved ones becoming sick, lingering, dying. . . and folk didn't know what the hell was going on.

My friend, I didnt live thru this era and I do not live in the survivor culture. I would never denigrade HIV positive people, nor point the finger at you. AIDS is not in the forefront of my mind. Everyone isn't pointing at you, shunning you. Even in this gay blog system this is not the main issue in our minds.

I have some grasp of your sensitivity here. I am not a mean guy. I would never do what you mistakenly think I did. I am sorry for you that you thought so. I mean you no harm or hurt.

Peace and all good things. Much,much 'meta'. .

Namaste!

Justin O'Shea

GAY : YOU. ...YOUR CHURCH

Thanks for your contributions thus far. May I ask a few questions about your and church affiliation? First I shall repost my previous comments.

JustinO'Shea said...

Thanks, DREW, J and STEW for your sharings. Right now I think I shall save these and when time comes use them verbatim.

Yes, Stew, growing up in an accepting environment makes life so much easier. And like both Stew and Drew I grew up in a strict toe-the-life Church [RC in my case]. Being part of a church family in a wide and open gay town is quite different from other places. I never heard the pastor rant and rave about or against glbt
folk.

Like, I never knew I was "objectively disordered" and "inclined to intrinsically evil acts" as I've heard some gays are told by their church/minister.

When I told dad about this later on he put on his best down-eastern drawl: "Pshhaaaw, boy. . t'aint true! God never made anybody like that! And just ignore that fella and tell him your dad said he was full of shit! You're MY son and I know bettr'n he does!"

Earlier I had come out to my parents about the time I turned 15 having had my first boy-boy lovin' a few months earlier, they said "We know,Justin, we know. We were wondering when you'd get to telling us.. " They were so awesome cool and still are. . more so. When I bring a BF home he becomes one of the family. . .LOL. . they know. .they know.. .we talk! LOL Lucky guy, aren't I? I think so.[btw, they like Peter very much.]

ciao ~~ justin

July 26, 2009 11:17 AM

A few general questions. General but deeply personal. Were you raised in a church-going family? Did Church play a significant role in your growing up? Do you attend / are you a member of a church community? Is your community accepting of GLBT people, etc? Are you OUT in your church? How much does the teaching of your church re/homosexuality affect your living? Positive or negative ?

Will YOU help me ? Please

"Passing it on" = Tradition Maybe you might like to help?

In about one month -- where DID it go? -- some of us will be
getting ready to go back to school. I am doing a bit of pre-entry
homework for my project about growing up gay: any ways to
make that easier. . . .

Will you share any specific areas which, had you known about
and been able to talk about, would have made your growing up
gay easier/ better ? Having input from real guys can make the
program I am working on practical and hopefully better for the
participants. This a group therapy / discussion for late highschool,
undergrad college students.

Any and all input greatly appreciated.
ciao ~
justin

Sleepy Time

Peter has gone home. Early bakery open in the morning. LOL
It has been a gorgeous summer day here at this end of the world.
Lots of tourists here this weekend. Some are still playing. hehe
Check the 1:15am pic below. See anyone you know? hehehe

Now it is time fo me to turn out the lights. . . . and catch some
zzzzzzzzzzs.

Good night all y'all.

justin, , , , yaaaawwnn.

Sat Nite - Sun Morning in Provincetown

Hey Guys. . .this is 'the' gathering spot after 1a.m.watering-holes closings. . . Spiritus Pizza on Commercial Street. . .
It has also been called THE LAST CHANCE CORRAL. . . . the url is http://www.spirituspizza.com

You never know. . . you might meet some very interesting people here.
Hyper-kinetic ambianc. . . . ;-) Btw, they make good food here. . . . .
Eventually people do drift off and go home. No sleeping camp. LOL

HOW ABOUT a little Brazilian heat. . ..?

Micael Borges and Caio Castro, stars of the popular Brazilian teen soap Malhação, recently posed for a clothing catalog. View more behind-the scenes pictures from the shoot at Ego.
click EGO for more photos.

In his blog today my mate Shannon complains about Winter and people getting cold and the misery that goes with lousy snotty colds.. . LOL. Here in the opposite side of the of the world
it is summer and some immune-deficiency tourists are getting colds and we locals who cater to
them avoid them as much as possible . I do say, though, I haven't yet seen anyone wearing a
protective mask. And, wondrous to report, I haven't experienced any decline in amorous oral
contacts, aka deep tongue explorations, kissing in saundry cozy nooks and crannies.

I noticed the other day that a certain part of the deck at The Boatslip where the boys tend to gather for the after-beach T-Dance, prior to the pre-dinner nap, seemed busy with nibblers and samplers . What was I doing there? Why I was busy gathering data for the research on my thesis due in Spring 2010 as part of the master's program I am in. (I am a psych major hoping
to work as a therapist "mending hearts". Work is in progress. LOL) My topic is The Amourous Non-Commited Sex Life of the Migrant Soft-Shelled Summer Crab at Herring Cove and Race Point Beaches. The title of my thesis is as exciting as their casual chatter while surveying the landscape . . . "Ya come here much? Hmmm, wonder who he is?Is he alone? Look at those buns . . .wow, check that bulge! Ya think it's real? What are /who are ya doing later?

Sorry, cloud cover made me slip into snide tongue in cheek. We've had a lot of cloudy days with brief sun showers. I've noticed an increase of tan-in-a-bottle at checkouts. It was cold in my room last night and the down comforter was a good bed-warmer sub. hehe But the summer people as here. You need to watch out for gawking breeder-with-stroller.


Hey! The sun is out. . .and so am I.. Ciao, ciao. .. . justin

Justin

My Third Peter

Justin continues his comments about name and guys named Peter.
Cf previous entry.

I mentioned that there have been three special guys named Peter in my life.
The third a very special one is a good buddy whom I call *Peter Pan.
Mr Pan is a real flesh and blood faerie who adds excitement
and laughter wherever he 'flits'. [I use the word flit to retain some of the
faerie story of the original Peter.] He brings care and concern, insight and
mystery, love and just enough excitement and fun
to balance the stable side of life, and through his eyes very simple and
ordinary things show the hidden beauty and mystery hidden there, waiting
to be explored and enjoyed.

I guess I'd say my relationship with Peter Pan happened quickly and intensely
.and yet here was a feeling we weren't beginning but rather continuing
something we already knew. . . a sense of being in touch and often in synch
especially on an emotional level of being tuned in, already sensitized to the
other's needs and feelings.

He energizes, stimulates and draws out my inner best . . . .and says I know
just when and how to say what is needed at the right time and manner.

My new relationship with Peter the Portuguese takes nothing from the
relationship with Peter Pan, nor the reverse. Each relationship is different,
has its own dynamic and so the response is separate takes nothing way but
only adds.

Let me say it this way: Have you ever felt someone touching your very soul
and zapping it into new life and vitality? I have and do. . . .from both Peters.

I'd very much appreciate you comments here shared from our own
experience and loving. I am trying to better articulate this myself: my mind
wants to know and more deeply understand what my heart/soul is doing

I be grateful.
justin

Provincetown Colors

Provincetown

The Peters in My Life

Or should I sub-title this "The Life in my Peters"? roflmsao
I think this might sound a tad salacious, so let me rush to assure you, dear Bloggers, that 'salacious', like beauty, in the eye of the beholder. N'est-ce pas?

For some reason - must I have reason? - I've been musing on names. . .and one leads to another. . .it seems to me there have been a number of Peters in my one score of years, of various types and styles, color and panache.

Three Peters stand out especially. May I tell you about them? Peter Numero Uno enters around the time of my 4th birthday. His family lived a dune or two down the road from us and we played together of course. The memory which stands out for me is the birthday party. Peter was sitting on the floor next to me opening gifts. I remember his present. . . a wind-up duck which quacked, sounding like the Afflack duck on TV lol. Most of all I remember Peter .. his thick longish brown hair and his flashing dark brown eyes. As I narrate it dawns on me his hair and eyes very similar to mine.

More important, though, are the feelings for him. Peter #1 was my first boy-boy crush! [The next crush was in first grade. . on a curly haired red head. I ran into him recently. Life has not been kind. haahahaa ] Those early-on warm feelings for Peter are still there. I wonder what became of
him . . . .

Thinking back as I do often [ I am a psych major always tryingto connect things] I know I have always been gay. . .well 'different' Know what I mean? Growing up I didn't have the vocabulary but. . .I knew.


Pole-vaulting to the present I wish I could introduce you to my current Peter. . my Portuguese Peter, but I will tell you a bit: right now still rather possessive. LOL He is a Provincetown native, of a fishing family who originally came from the Azores, islands off the coast of Portugal. Fishing as a major industry has greatly declined from "the good old days" but you can still go to the docks and buy your supper from"the catch of the day".

Some wag wrote of us "Provincetown is a quaint drinking village with a fishing problem." Baitch. LOL

If you have time here is a link to some marvelous photos slides of the harbour, the fishing fleet, and other objets d'art. ;-)

http://www.capecodecotours.com/blessing.html

Though I have seen Portuguese Pete around town I didn't know him. A couple weeks ago I was at a club wearing the required wristband which means though I look old enough I am not legal age to drink. A recent birthday removed the tell-tale band. Peter came over and said "I've been sitting over there watching you, trying to get my nerve up to come over here and say ' I'd like to talk with you. Please don't say NO!" Then that killer smile and flashing eyes. Says I to myself "Baby oh yeah, for as long as you'd like. . "
LOL

Wednesday morning I stopped at the Portuguese Bakery in town. Added to the fishing Peter works here also. This is part of the entended family business. They make wonderful stuff and it does a great business. Everybody stops here to get coffee,etc on their way to work. Peter asaults me with "I need a break. C'mon with me!" as he bags two huge 'elephant ears' [flaky flat cinnamon thingy] and I fix the coffee.

photo

We head to the town hall sitting benches, almost diagonally cross corner to the bakery. This is the great place to it and gawk, and also to cruise and be cruised, sometimes referred to as 'the Meat Rack'. lol

Since that first 'break' on Wednesday I've had supper with his large family. Mama says there's always room for one more, as she gives me a big kiss. They are all very cool and very warm. Looks like I'm IN ! Huuaaaaaahhhhh

PADDLE SURFING

Hey Dudes.. . .have you seen this? Looks great. Even if ou dont have an ocean you can do this on lakes and ponds, puddles. . . LOL

Given the right venue you could create your own biblical scenes. . . . .Ooopzss. Naughty. . . . .;-)). . . ..

bad boy justin

http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/04/13/travel/escapes/13Adventurer.html

DONT HIDE!

Hey Guys. .boyz n girls. . . ALL

I want to post this mail re: US Military "Don't Ask,Don't Tell" and what it does to other gays. . . just for more awarenss and suportive karma. . .metta....

To:

jstn_oshea@yahoo.com

On Thu, Jul 9, 2009 at 4:30 PM, Lt. Dan Choi, for Courage Campaign <info@couragecampaign.org> wrote:

Dear Justin --

At West Point, I recited the Cadet Prayer every Sunday.

It taught me to "choose the harder right over the easier wrong" and to "never be content with a half truth when the whole can be won."

The Cadet Honor Code demanded truthfulness and honesty. That's why I said three words -- "I am gay" -- that the Army is now using as grounds to fire me under the military's discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.

The Cadet Honor Code also imposed a zero-tolerance policy against deception -- or hiding behind comfort. That's why I now often wear a T-shirt at public events that my sister made for me. It says, quite simply:

"DON'T HIDE"

Don't hide who you are. Don't hide who you love.

That's what the Courage Campaign is all about -- empowering people like me and so many others to proudly stand up and come out for equality in their communities, from "red county" regions like Fresno to institutions like the Army. It's also what Knights Out -- the organization of 70 West Point graduates that I co-founded to fight "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" -- is about.

I will not stop fighting. And the Courage Campaign and Knights Out will not stop fighting either. But -- to help these organizations continue their work to end "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" -- we need your financial support. Will you help us now?

http://www.couragecampaign.org/DontHide

I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the 424,343 signatures of support that Courage Campaign members have collected on my behalf, calling on President Barack Obama, the Army and Speaker Nancy Pelosi to put an end to "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

When I presented your signatures as "Exhibit E: Courage Campaign" to the four members of the Army's Federal Recognition Board, they were shocked. To the best of my knowledge, no one had ever submitted that many signatures in support of a service member before.

Now, I am planning to personally deliver your signatures of support to Speaker Pelosi, asking her to take leadership on DADT. With Rep. Patrick Murphy -- a fellow Iraq veteran -- reintroducing the "Military Readiness Enhancement Act" in Congress yesterday, I think your signatures will now have an even bigger impact on Speaker Pelosi.

This would not have been possible without the Courage Campaign community. Or my friends and fellow service members at Knights Out. To continue to push for an end to DADT, these organizations need your help. Can you make a contribution to support us?

http://www.couragecampaign.org/DontHide

I've said it before and I'll say it again. National security means many things, but the thing that makes us secure in our nation and homes is love. What makes me a better soldier, leader, Christian and human being is love. And I'm not going to hide my love.

Love is worth it.

Thank you for your support.

Daniel W. Choi
1LT, IN
New York Army National Guard

P.S. My wonderful sister created the "DON'T HIDE" shirt that you can see in the picture above. I wear it everywhere I go as a statement against "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." If you donate $100 or more, we can send you your very own "DON'T HIDE" shirt. Just click here to make a contribution and send us your shirt size:

http://www.couragecampaign.org/DontHide

---

Courage Campaign Issues is part of the Courage Campaign's online organizing network that empowers more than 700,000 grassroots and netroots supporters to push for progressive change and full equality in California.

To power our campaign to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" please chip in what you can today:

This email was sent to:
justin.oshea@gmail.com

Which direction?

Hello All y'all. I didn't intend my blog to turn into geography or virtual tourguiding, but I did say "Let's see where this goes!" I guess telling you about Cape Cod will alsotell you a bit about me. ;-))

First off, thanks to my mate Shannon for the SHOUT on his blog. Sweet. Thanks to you who looked up my blog and posted your pics and signed up as co-conspirators.. lol I appreciate you and your comments.

Vinnie asked for some larger photos. That is in the works. Yepper, summers on the Cape are excellent. . . or as excellent as one decides they are going to be. he he And YES, Winters on the Cape can be very cold, dank, damp. . . but from late Summer into late Spring I go to university "on the mainland" but I do come home to the ocean for breaks and when I need to get back to the Dunes to shore my sanity and recharge my energies. Some of you will know what I mean immediately. ;-)) Maybe more about Winter a bit down the road.

This is Provincetown's main street at low tide. . he he

During High Tide it is people-to-people.. . .everywhere. . .with bikers and cars to watchout for. There are many places to sit and watch, where peeps tend to gather. Here is a live cam at http://www.spirituspizza.com of one such spot. Food is terrific. Scenery can be awesome...day or night. LOL After bar and club closings around 1 a.m. maybe it is 2 a.m.?] the "tourists" converge here to see and be seen. . .maybe,hopefully someone / something may develop. I call it "The Last Chance Corral". . . . Food also takes "the edge"off the booze consumed.

You can run into mates in unexpeced places. . . .or so I have been told. . . even if you are a bit of a space cadet like this duuude here. LOL

Justin watching Carnival parade or counting? or playing strings?

He'll be OK, he doesn't get lost much. LOL

So much for now. [that is a threat. .he he ]

~ ciao, bambini!

justin

This 'wind/snow' fence creates a path looing like a striped towel to the water protecting dune vegetation. Standing on the beach, facing East is the closest US point to Europe. I can stand here and turn my back on the entire USA! LOL This is Race Point Beach, on the Atlantic side of the hooked Cape. . .