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2013 Highlights – Including Twerking!

02 Jan Posted by in Monica Palacios | Comments Off on 2013 Highlights – Including Twerking!
2013 Highlights – Including Twerking!

2013 is over and done with–good lord it was challenging but there were also some highlights.

I shook the hand of Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor–jealous? I attended an event where actress Eva Longoria interviewed Sotomayor about her new book My Beloved World. At the end of this amazing meeting of two powerful Latinas, Sonia humbly walked through the entire audience greeting people. I waited patiently in my seat until this high profile woman presented me with her right hand and sincerely said, “Thank you for coming.” I stood up, shook her feminist paw and curtseyed. This was my “Virgen de Guadalupe appears before Juan Diego” moment. I blurted out, “Love is never having to say your sorry.” I’m sure she wrote about me in her diary that night.

For months I was struggling financially and of course I couldn’t afford a cell phone. One night I was driving home on the 101 Freeway and I got a flat tire. Hellish to the max. I have no idea how I got my wobbly car from the fast lane to the shoulder in a matter of seconds but I did. Without a phone, I stood outside my car waving a white towel alerting the universe that I needed help. I know–totally dangerous but it worked. A highway patrol dude pulled up and called a Triple A tow truck dude. The patrol dude scolded me by saying, “You must be the only person in America without a cell phone.” He made me mad so I punched his nuts.

Although looking for work sucked big time and money wasn’t steady, I did get some cool acknowledgments. I was named one of the Latinas of Influence 2013 by the television program HispanicLifestyle.com. I was featured in two publications: Fall 2013 Chicana/Latina Studies, the journal of MALCS; and the book VIVA Records 1970-2000 Lesbian and Gay Latino Artists of Los Angeles. My play Prom was featured in Brown & Out Festival 3 in Los Angeles. My play Miercoles Loves Luna was selected for the International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival. And my play Clock will be produced for Teatro Bravo’s 2014 Season in Phoenix. And I was hired once again at UCSB and UCLA.

Obama Care. That’s all we talked about throughout 2013. I was constantly listening to the radio for the deadlines, the workshops–the lesbian daisy chains. And just when I was about to sign up through Covered California, UC Santa Barbara informed me I was now eligible for full benefits. But as a part timer I was given only 5 months of health care so I had to act fast. I got an abortion, had triple heart bypass surgery, liposuction, replaced all my bones (even my phalanges) and had a head transplant–which was inspired by prosecutor Marcia Clark.

Dealt with and still dealing with insomnia. Dang. I don’t want to give this sleep challenge any power but it has wreaked havoc on my life. But I believe as does my team of professional chicks, (acupuncturist, therapist, gynecologist, mail carrier) that I am dealing with a hormonal imbalance. So I am staying positive, being proactive and doing all that I can. Send me good sleep vibes, please.

I realize death is a part of life but sheesh–death was prominent throughout 2013. I know so many people who dealt with a loss in their family. Maybe I’m more sensitive about how precious life is now that I’m in my 50’s. But it seemed the news was constantly reporting about deaths and homicides. Even in my own beachside Venice neighborhood that I adore, a 21 year old man got stabbed walking home a block away from my house.

But being by the ocean has saved my life. I was reminded by a dear friend that it is a great honor and privilege to be living next to the mighty Pacific. Many times throughout this demanding year, I would walk out to the ocean and inhale calm, beauty, peace, love, patience. I kiss Mother Ocean everyday.

Same sex marriage made a big splash in 2013. The supreme court struck down DOMA, California resumed queer matrimony and we now have 18 states that recognize same sex marriage. And history was made today January 1, 2014 at the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena as gay couple Danny Leclair and Aubrey Loots got married on top of a wedding cake float sponsored by AIDS Healthcare Foundation. There were reports of protests and boycotts of the landmark parade because people went to social media sites stating a gay marriage is “offensive” “unbiblical” for this “family event”. But the men exchanged vows, rings, and kissed in front of millions of people.
Marriage equality for all.

GMA’s Robin Roberts came out. Finally. The more TV celebrities come out, the easier life will be for all queer people.

I’ve decided 2014 is going to hug me.  I want to try new things this year even if I’m afraid. I tried twerking–but I crapped my pants. Aging sucks. Let’s all have a positive and loving 2014.

Book Monica Palacios  for your upcoming university and cultural events focusing on: LGBT, Chicana/Latina, Theater, Women, Gender, Performance, Race, Class, Sexuality, Vegetarian Food.

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