Kids have been killing themselves over the issue of their sexuality for years ... way before the headlines acknowledged this reality as a “trend.” Even knowing this, I see their little faces in the news and it makes me so sad.

Normally, I would not suggest that you should spend your time and money in San Francisco, rather than Oakland. To be honest, I avoid crossing the Bay Bridge whenever I can. Remember Dan Savage and Terry Miller of the It Gets Better Project (the slew of cute queers pouring their heart and soul into home videos)?  They are in San Francisco with their new "It Gets Better Book." One hundred percent of the proceeds from this book go to LBGTQI youth organizations.

I’ve heard various critiques of "It Gets Better, suggestions on how it could have been done differently. The bottom line is that they did it. They did something. That something got really big, and now money could go to help a young person feel like they no longer want to die. I’m just saying, it’s possible. Plus you designate the book to be sent to a high school of your choice.

So if you can, attend the workshop from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, at San Francisco State University, Jack Adams Hall, 1600 Holloway Ave. If you can’t make it, buy the book.

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On Saturday at 8 p.m., you should take $10 and go to the EastSide Cultural Center screening of "I Will Follow" (watch the trailer). I say this for a few reasons:

A friend came up to me and started raving about this film, the soundtrack, etc. I don’t like a lot of movies, but his review made me feel like I needed to see it, stat.
The African American Film Festival Releasing Movement is aiming to distribute black film outside of Hollywood. The breakdown of Hollywood monoculture could usher in a whole new era of representation and realness in film, so everybody wins. 
EastSide Cultural Center (2277 International Blvd., Oakland) is just cool; we should support them. 

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On Sunday, get out and run the Oakland Marathon.

Huh? What does, “yeah ... ok, no” mean? Fine, at least watch people run. It might make you crave the endorphin rush and want to run yourself. It might make you grateful, and give you a deeper appreciation for your stillness within and without. It might make you mad, but then you can use it as an opportunity for self-reflection. Support those runners though, some of them are running for a good cause. This kinetic madness will be happening all over the city. Check the maps for your nearest location.