I'm in a state, myself

Waking up this morning far too early from a restless sleep, I was not in the best of moods. Although last night's panel went well, I'm an introvert at heart and it takes me a day or so to recenter myself after a big public event. Wednesday press deadline is imminent, as always. A medical crisis with family back in Kentucky has both me and my sister out of sorts. And I'm growing more horrified by the day at what it's actually going to cost for me to marry Cavin in a simple, home-based ceremony.

So as I dutifully began my early-morning Web surfing, I came across one of the early reviews of last night's panel, from D.C. blogger Jimbo. He had an interesting take on the discussion, but what popped out to me was this: "Sean Bugg from MetroWeekly was the moderator of the panel discussion, and he's quite woofy. He has a sexy voice too, so was the perfect choice for emcee."

And in an instant, my mood went from dour to giggling school girl. Does that make me shallow? Okay, don't answer that. I could ditch the happy pills if I could convince a blogger a day to say something nice about me. Of course, neither God nor I can take credit for my speaking voice -- that's the work of 16 years of Marlboro Lights. Although I think I sound totally girly -- good thing I'm a writer, not a broadcaster.

Anyway, as to the State of the Movement, I thought the panel went well. It's never easy to corral eight panelists and about 100 audience members into an engaging and productive discussion, but overall I think we got some interesting stuff covered. Despite my warnings and admonitions about time, I probably should have cut people off sooner. I generally erred on the side of letting people have their say, at the cost of not being able to get to every person who wanted to ask a question. Jimbo's characterization of the night as "mostly civil" pretty much sums it up, although there was a moment that, without getting into the politics of the situation, visually made me think I was in the middle of an angry version of those Apple "Mac vs. PC" ads.

I'm sure others will better summarize the evening -- Metro Weekly will have a story tomorrow, naturally -- but I should say that I'm appreciative not only of the panelists, but of all the people who came to hear them out and ask them questions. I think blogging and internet activism has had a profound effect on getting the voices of individuals into the higher reaches of the GLBT establishment -- but it never hurts to have a little face time.

Comments

[jimbo]

"...16 years of Marlboro Lights"?

I didn't think you sounded remotely like Patty or Selma Bouvier.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patty_and_Selma_Bouvier

[Bufftuff]

WOOOF, I confirm that, Sean.

I look forward to the coverage in the upcoming Metro Weekly. Will look for your byline.

Congratulations. Would like to participate at the next one.