MasculineCurves

Tammy Faye Messner 1942-2007

In a recent posting on his blog, Keith Boykin asked the question “Why do gay men love female divas?” If I had to guess I think it might be because many of us have witnessed the strength of remarkable women in our childhoods and have been attracted to them ever since. As a child of the 80s my single mother raised my sister and me with Kraft macaroni and cheese on the stove and the TV tuned to Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker’s Christian network, The Praise The Lord Club (PTL). At that time I didn’t understand my attraction to this bubbly, painted woman who raised her hands and rejoiced with tears in her eyes and mascara running down her face.  I now realize I was fascinated by her because no amount of makeup could mask Tammy Faye (Bakker) Messner’s unbelievable courage. As I write this post I’m saddened by the news of Tammy Faye’s passing. It’s as if a bit of my childhood has died with her.  I watched in utter awe as Jim Bakker’s scandals brought down the walls of the PTL Club. It is a part of pop culture and Tammy Faye became an icon.

What makes Tammy Faye such an iconic diva? She entertained and amused us for decades. She wore her makeup and fake eyelashes proudly and unapologetically. She wasn’t afraid to poke a little fun at herself from time to time (The Surreal Life). She survived the PTL scandal unscathed and went on to live a life in the limelife. She was one of the first televangelists to reach out to people with AIDS when no one else would even broach the topic. She embraced the gay community and never came across as a person who passed judgment regardless of what her personal views may have been. It was obvious that Tammy Faye believed first and foremost that God is love.

This past Thursday, just a day before her death, a gaunt 65 pound Tammy Faye appeared on Larry King Live – in high spirits and in full makeup. According to Larry King she requested the interview. It’s as if she wanted the world to hear her last words and witness her faith to the very end. I’ll miss her. May she rest in peace.

View more of Tammy Faye Messner's final interview on YouTube:

Part 1 of 3

Part 2 of 3

Part 3of 3

Award Winning Gay Authors Give Their Book Away – FREE!

When authors Dale Colclasure and David Jensen were asked the question, "Why are you giving your book away?" Both responded simultaneously, "Why not?" The two authors have launched a website, named after their book entitled, GIFT OF THE SOUL (www.GiftOfTheSoul.com) where readers can download the entire book as a PDF file for FREE.

Colclasure and Jensen, award-winning authors, columnists and public speakers, both strongly believe in giving back to society. "There is such a shortage of inspirational material for the gay and lesbian community and we feel strongly about making this type of material accessible to anyone and everyone who wants it," states Jensen.

Colclasure follows up with, "In today's world, we are constantly confronted with negativity, threats of terrorism and fear. This book is uplifting and inspirational and helps counterbalance with positive messages and feel-good exercises. Now, more than ever, the world needs this kind of book."

In just a short period of time, the word of mouth site is quickly becoming one of the most popular destinations for gays, lesbians, bisexual, transgender and queer individuals seeking inspirational words in novel form.

GIFT OF THE SOUL is the story of a gay youth questioning his place in the world who meets up with a master - one who teaches him many life lessons. An inspirational and simple read, the book is touching right to the soul.

Colclasure and Jensen want to encourage others to pursue their dreams while making a difference in the world.

For a free copy of their book, visit: http://www.GiftOfTheSoul.com