Last Post

Dear peopleoftheweb,

This is my last post on here and it's really sad. This past weekend I set up for several events involving anonymous addictions to various drugs including crystal meth, cocaine, and tobacco. As I was leaving, I saw the random people coming to the event and to my surprise, they looked quite normal. I guess I expected them to look like stereotypical drug users from shows like Breaking Bad or Skins. I feel like media, although doing drugs is horrible, kind of exaggerates a little bit, or even quite a lot. I feel bad for a lot of these people, because I know from watching documentaries that people who do these drugs are trying to fill a void, something that hurt them in the past that they are trying to fill with this drug that makes them feel temporary happiness. I am glad these people are actually trying though to better their life and get off these drugs and into the real world. The concept of addiction to me is really interesting to learn and research such as what actually goes on in one's brain. I watch documentaries a lot that cover the science going on inside one's body when they take such drugs. I am aware of the different neurotransmitters that are active in response to these drugs. However what I don't know is what exactly goes on inside one's brain when they are experiencing the affects of addiction. Although this is my last post technically, I will still be volunteering and using this experience as a tool for ideas to research. The whole LGBT community is know dear to my heart and I will do anything in my power to promote their happiness and find cures to their diseases. I am very grateful for this volunteering experience and everything I have learned with it. Thank you viewers for reading my posts!

Thanks,
Nadine Obeid

LGBT Rights

Dear peopleoftheweb,

I volunteered this weekend and found it rather fitting that I talk about LGBT rights because the event I volunteered at was centered around rights and interesting news surrounding LGBT issues encompassing government liberties. This weekend, the Vatican made it clear that it would never back down from its opposition to marriage equality because straight couples deserve “privileged legal recognition.” I thought this news was very interesting and I had a discussion with other volunteers over this pertinent issue. Being from a catholic background and attending a catholic university, I am somewhat versed in its teachings; however, this particular teaching I cannot rap my head around. Catholics tend to poke fun at LGBT marriage by stating things such as "Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve." Although this comment comes off somewhat corny and funny, it reflects intolerance and ignorance from the person who dares utter those filthy words. The bible fails to comment on LGBT marriage as well as a countless number of other subjects. This is why indeed this issue is so controversial. I don't believe the bible states anything for or against marriage. Even though it is contiguous with the traditional customs of man and woman, it never clearly states anything other than that. Thus, I feel just going off a 2000 year old text somewhat de-evolutionizes us as human beings. We do not live 2000 years ago, we live in the present. We in the present are the product of a 2000 evolution; however I am sad to present that the ideology of the church is still in the past, which, by the way, makes no sense to me. It's sad how our society is still dictated by these ancient principles. To me, there is no way someone would want to CHOOSE to be laughed at and ridiculed for a choice they have made. So, how can being part of the LGBT community be a choice? It is not something you chose, but rather part of their innate capacity. I hope that someone can please make sense of this tragedy...

Thanks,

Nadine Obeid

Lesbian Health Initiative

Dear peopleoftheworld,

Last evening, I had the opportunity to volunteer at an even called the "Lesbian Health Initiative." I helped set up and clean up at the end of the event. I thought it was really awesome that they are willing to support these people financially for health care. It showed how people in a community can stand up and support one another. I feel like a lot of times in this country we get lost in our own struggles and don't observe the events happening around us. I think it is super important to give back to ones community because you never know when one day you are going to need the help as well. Yesterday also was the first time I voted and I really finally felt like I made a difference, since the opponent I voted for won the precinct by 2 votes! I am excited for the next four years and what it means for the LGBT community. More states are supporting LGBT marriage: Maryland legalized gay marriage yesterday! I think it's so amazing how the world around us evolving. I think people should embrace change than rather to stay with outdated and traditional values. They need to take a look at what's happening around them and accept what is naturally occurring. I have had a rough semester, but this volunteering really helps me forget about my stress and help me focus on the important things in life. The lesbian health initiative is just one of the many great things to come for advocating a healthy lifestyle in the LGBT community. I hope you have been enlightened by my post!

Thanks,

Nadine Obeid