Post by Deleted on May 26, 2011 15:59:57 GMT -5
(The clouds once again cover the light blue sky, giving it a silver appearance. The weather is chilly and the wind is piercing. Such is the reason why the Double Dragons, Jeff Bogard and Johnny lee, are wearing identical leather jackets and pants, Jeff Bogard in blue, and Johnny Lee in red, as always. With Johnny in the wheel of a small Pager car, they are on their way to Mariano’s house.)
Jeff Bogard: “So what do you think Mariano is going to tell us?”
Johnny Lee: “I don’t know, but I’ll take anything from him. After all, out of all of us, he’s the pro.”
Jeff Bogard: “You think we may have to do some ring work? Practice the moves and all of that?”
Johnny Lee: “No, he knows that we can pull the moves. I’m taking he may give us another insight on how to prepare in matches.”
Jeff Bogard: “And probably a crazy mission like we usually do.”
(Johnny Lee smiles)
Johnny Lee: “Wouldn’t have a doubt. Ah, we’re here.”
(He pulls over, and after getting out of the car and approaching to the door, Jeff rings the bell. Mariano comes out with Rei, smiling.)
Mariano: “Right on time, fellows.”
Jeff Bogard: “Hey man.” (He gives her a handshake and kisses Rei’s hand.) “Hello, lady.”
Rei: “Hello boys!”
Johnny Lee: “How are you doing today?”
(After exchanging pleasantries and sitting down, as always, in Mariano’s living room over some hot chocolate, fitting for the weather outside, Mariano directs their attention to their match ahead.)
Mariano: “So you guys got a tag team match, good!”
Jeff Bogard: “Yeah, how we got them I don’t know, but we shall do our best not to let the crowd down.”
Mariano: “I hear it was the tag champs themselves who gave you the opportunity. I wouldn’t want to let them down either if I were you.”
Johnny Lee: “But the problem is, we don’t know what to say to them.”
Mariano: “Then do what I do most of the time: Make a research trip on them.”
Jeff Bogard: “Field work, right?”
Mariano: “Exactly. So, let’s start by the basics. What do you know about Nathan and Aaron Warrens?”
Johnny Lee: “Let’s see… they’re brothers. They’re wrestlers. They’re the tag champs. They’re very good friends with James Baker, Danielle Lopez and the rest of Da Xtreme Dynasty.”
Jeff Bogard: “And, they are gay.”
(Johnny Lee chimes in, pointing with his finger)
Johnny Lee: “And THAT is a huge factor. They’re gay and we can only imagine the suffering and trouble most gay people have to go through.”
Jeff Bogard: “But instead of suffering in silence, they are gay rights advocates and do all in their power to help gay people. That is why they joined an organization named PFLAG.”
Mariano: “Okay, you hit an interesting point right there. What does exactly this PFLAG organization do?”
Jeff Bogard: “From what I gather…”
Johnny Lee: (Interrupting) “Which is not much…”
Jeff Bogard: “Hey!” (Johnny Lee chuckles) “Anyway, from what I gather, they help gay people get a better acceptance in society.
Johnny Lee: “Their acronym stands for Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, and their goal is to promote the health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, their families and friends through: (starts enumerating with his right hand) support, to cope with an adverse society; education, to enlighten an ill-informed public; and advocacy, to end discrimination and to secure equal civil rights.
Mariano: “That’s a nice start. What activities does this organization have?”
[b]Jeff Bogard:[/b] “Apparently they have meetings with speeches, they make parades, and they have ga… (has difficulty saying the word) galas? What are galas?”[/color]
Mariano: (Explaining gesture with his hand.) “Galas, yes. “Gala” in Spanish means a formal celebration or party, like awards shows or weddings.”
Jeff Bogard: “Ah! I get it, it’s a stylish expression. Well, they have that.”
Mariano: “And there you have your next step. Why don’t you hit one of their meetings or parades in town? You’re bound to find straight people too, like their acronym says.”
(Jeff and Johnny look at each other, seemingly thinking something.)
Johnny Lee: “Well, why not? We have no problem with gay people, and perhaps it will be a gesture of goodwill.”
Jeff Bogard: “Yeah, but it’s not publicity we’re looking for, we’re doing research to see how we can deal with them at Slamathon. After all, the tag titles are on the line!”
Johnny Lee: “Damnit, I had forgotten about that!”
Mariano: “Bear in mind that no amount of goodwill can prepare you for your challenge. I mean, they’re the champs for a reason. Not to mention they’re the Dynasty protégés, and by that, not any pushovers. And you know that being openly gay makes them even stronger. It gives them an extra will to fight and to prove themselves to the eyes of the world.”
Jeff Bogard: “RIGHT! Indeed A great challenge for the…”
(Jeff and Johnny strike their poses)
Jeff Bogard / Johnny Lee: “POWER RANGERS!” (They look among each other and facepalm) “Oh wait no! Again…
(Once again they strike their pose)
“DOUBLE DRAGONS!”
Mariano: “So what are we STILL doing here?”
Johnny Lee: “You’re right!” (He points at the outside door). “TO THE MIRTHMOBILE!”
(Seconds later, the gang is inside the Pager, Mariano and Rei in the back seat, this time Jeff Bogard on the wheel, and Johnny Lee in the accompanying seat. They are approaching a local park, rather crowded, given the inclement weather. Upon a closer look, people are holding out yellow signs with the words “PFLAG” on them, and several stands are set along the park. A stage is set with assorted musical instruments.)
Mariano: “This must be it. Find a place to pull over and then you can begin your research.”
Jeff Bogard: “What? You won’t get down with us?”
Mariano: “Get down yes, but you’ll have to roam around by yourselves. That is exactly the important thing about this trip. You’re the ones fighting for a belt this week, and that is why it falls upon yourselves to prepare as best as you can. Rei and I won’t be far, we’ll help you out if you’re in trouble. But the merits of this investigation must be only yours.”
Johnny Lee: “I suppose you’re right.”
Mariano: “Now boys, don’t be shy. These seem to be good people if they’re helping out gay people, and you’re not exactly intolerant or violent people, so why would you be in any danger?”
(Jeff Bogard seems encouraged.)
Jeff Bogard: “There’s no danger that we cannot face!”
Johnny Lee: “Right!”
Jeff Bogard / Johnny Lee: “IT’S MORPHIN’ TIME!”
(They take out their masks and simply put them on).
Jeff Bogard: “TRICERATOPS!”
Johnny Lee: “TYRANNOSAURUS!”
(After pulling over, Jeff and Johnny get out of the car and rush forward to the PFLAG meeting. Mariano and Rei approach the convention, a prudential distance behind.)
Mariano: “They’ll be fine. They are amiable people.”
(Jeff and Johnny find themselves in the middle of a crowd coming and going, seemingly lost.)
Jeff Bogard: “So what do we do now?”
Johnny Lee: “Well, let’s ask around in the people in the stands.”
(They approach the nearest stand, where a boy in his teens is sitting placidly, several paper sheets perfectly ordered placed atop the stand table.)
Jeff Bogard: “Hmm… Hi.”
Stand boy: “Hello… (he looks at them) Nice masks, Power Rangers. My name is Kyle. How can I help you?”
Johnny Lee: “Hello Kyle. Yeah, um… we wanted to know what exactly this convention is about.”
Kyle: “Why, you’re at a PFLAG meeting!”
Johnny Lee: “We know that yes, and we have an idea of what PFLAG is. But we thought we’d like to learn more about the organization.”
Kyle: “Well, you’ve come to the right place. Are any of you two gay?”
Jeff Bogard: “No.”
Johnny Lee: “Me neither.”
Kyle: “That’s not strange, many straight people now come to the meetings.”
Johnny Lee: “Are you gay, then?”
Kyle: “Yes, I am. And a proud one at that.”
Jeff Bogard: “That’s great to know. We haven’t had much contact with gay people before, but we figure being gay mustn’t be easy.”
Kyle: “You are correct, unfortunately. Luckily that has not been my case. My family still kept loving me once I came out of the closet, and thank goodness everyone in my school was receptive to me once they found out I was gay. But many gay or lesbian people are mistreated, shunned and despised by their familiars and peers. Not to mention the ever-present gay jokes or terms like “fag”."
Jeff Bogard: “Yeah, we know. We don’t use that word, by the way.”
Kyle: “Of course you don’t, silly! You’re the Double Dragons!”
Johnny Lee: “You KNEW about us?”
Kyle: “Well of course I did! You’re friends with Mariano! Besides Generation Xtreme, I’m also a Mariano fan. He was here a moment ago, with Rei, and they signed one of our pledges. Very nice people in front of the camera, but even better in person.”
Jeff Bogard: “Umm… he didn’t happen to TELL you we’d be coming over… right?”
Kyle: “No, although it’s not every day you meet two guys dressed as the Power Rangers when he’s around.”
Johnny Lee: “Yeah, I guess that’s true. By the way, you mentioned something about a “pledge”?
Kyle: “Yes. PFLAG has an education program named “Straight for Equality”, to basically give the idea that gay and straight people are equals.”
Jeff Bogard: “Well, you’re not very different from Johnny and me, from what I see.”
(Kyle sighs)
Kyle: “There’s still some people who don’t see it that way. Thus the need of this program.”
Johnny Lee: “We understand.”
Kyle: “Anyway, that education program begins with a Straight for Equality Pledge.” (Hands out two copies to Jeff and Johnny).
Jeff Bogard: “Let’s read it. What’s it say…
(Reading out loud)
As a straight ally committed to supporting and advocating for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) people, I will:
Come out.
I will acknowledge and work on any uncertainties I may have in “coming out” as a straight ally, and, as I grow in confidence, I’ll increasingly let my family, friends, and colleagues know that I support equality for GLBT people.
Speak up.
Whenever I have an opportunity, I’ll say something supportive of GLBT people, whether I’m responding to a homophobic joke or remark, commenting positively about a current event, or making the case for equality in a discussion.
Join in.
I will review the many recommended actions provided through Straight for Equality that will help me create change in big and small ways and incorporate those with which I am comfortable into my growth as a straight ally to help move equality forward.”
(Both Jeff and Johnny nod in approval.)
Johnny Lee: “Sounds like just using common sense.” (He turns to Kyle.) “You happen to have a pen?”
Kyle: “Sure!” (He produces a pen and hands it to Johnny. Gladly, Jeff and Johnny sign their respective pledges.)
Jeff Bogard: “Now what do we do with these? Hand them to you?”
Kyle: “No. You hand me one and you keep the other. As if it were a contract.”
Johnny Lee: “Ah, I see.” (Both Jeff and Johnny grab another pledge each and sign it, then they give them to Kyle.)
Kyle: “Thank you. By the way, good luck on your match on Saturday. I will be rooting for Generation Xtreme, for obvious reasons, but I’ll be happy anyway if you guys happen to win.”
Johnny Lee: “Don’t worry, we’re not trying to take away fans from Generation Xtreme.”
(All of them, Kyle and the Dragons, laugh.)
Jeff Bogard: “By the way, Kyle.” (He points towards the stage.) “Who’s playing?”
Kyle: “Hmm, that I don’t know… (he winks at Mariano and Rei, who are approaching.)
Mariano: “It’s our turn on stage, boys.”
Johnny Lee: “WHAT!?”
Kyle: “Mariano and Rei knew about this PFLAG convention and suggested you all could play a song for us. He also said it was going to be a surprise for you two.” (Starts laughing, while Jeff and Johnny look at Mariano, their eyes wide open. Jeff Bogard tries to hide his laughter with an expression of anger, and points at Mariano.)
Jeff Bogard: “You… you…! (He starts laughing) “You had it all planned, right?”
Mariano: “Well, I was barely involved. All I did was give you guys a little nudge out the door.” (Starts laughing himself)
Johnny Lee: “But what do we play?”
Mariano: “I have a song in mind. It talks about triumphing over hardship, fighting until the end, and on top of that, the one who sang was influential towards LGBT. He was a living proof that sexual preference doesn’t matter in succeeding in life.”
Jeff Bogard: “Freddie Mercury.”
Mariano: “Precisely.”
Johnny Lee: “Queen! Damn did they use to rock.”
Mariano: “I got that from my dad. He is a big Queen fan. Even went to see them live when they went to Argentina.”
Jeff Bogard: “Then what are we waiting for? LET’S DO IT!”
(They take the stage, Mariano on drums, Rei on a piano, Jeff Bogard on lead guitar and lead vocals, and Johnny Lee on bass guitar, among the crowd’s applause, and Mariano takes the microphone.)
Mariano: “Good afternoon people of PFLAG! I am Mariano Fernandez, this is Rei Ayanami, and these are Jeff and Johnny Lee, The Double Dragons! You see, Jeff and Johnny here wanted to give their salutations to all the LGBT community out there, so I’ll leave the speech and the lyrics to them! Take it away boys!”
(They start playing the song, as the crowd roars in approval. They end the song to a massive ovation, and Jeff and Johnny step forward)
Jeff Bogard: “Thank you, you’ve been a great audience! Now it’s time for us to prepare for Slamathon, but as a final salutation…
(They approach their right hands to their hearts.)
Jeff Bogard/Johnny Lee: “WE PLEDGE TO! COME OUT! SPEAK UP! JOIN IN! THANK YOU ALL, AND GOODBYE!”
(Fade to black.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello! We’re PCW’s resident Power Rangers, the Double Dragons! As is of public knowledge we will be facing the Warrens Brothers, the current tag champs, at Slamathon. Now we understand they’ll be unlike anything we have fought before, and it’s not just because they have two shiny gold belts, no. You see, these two brothers are hardcore to the bone. They come out with Kendo sticks, they do highflying, homicidal, suicidal, death defying moves, and they don’t mind locking in a bloody brawl. But that alone doesn’t make someone hardcore. Being hardcore means to keep on fighting no matter how adverse circumstances they get. And Nathan and Aaron have had plenty of those in their lives.
Because, as you know, they are gay. And being gay is one of the toughest positions someone has ever had to be in in this big bad world. Thank goodness, many nations are becoming gay friendly in these modern times, but think about it: Homosexual people have had trouble since Rome. The Romans despised them, the Christians persecuted them, England had homosexuality as a crime, and don’t get us started on that guy with the moustache from Germany. And in the times the propagation of AIDS was unjustly thought to be only a homosexual disease.
So think about it, even now people from all around the world have either to hide their homosexuality (Ricky Martin, for example, he hid something obvious for ten years) or suffer for it and be subjects of hatred and ridicule by peers, and even familiars. We have only an unpleasant idea of how that is like, can you imagine how hard it must be for them?
That is why we decided to find out what standing for homosexual people meant, and Mariano suggested we attended a PFLAG meeting. And after we found out what it was about, we couldn’t do anything else but join forces for their cause. We signed the Pledge of Equality, and we are nothing but proud. With examples like Nathan and Aaron out there, we couldn’t find a better sign of respect. Nathan and Aaron, hardcore as they are, are proof that homosexuality is not an impediment for success in life.
And that reminded us of another homosexual success story. Because even now it’s somewhat easier to find them, there are LGBT people who fight through adversity and triumph. You see Rob Halford from Judas Priest, Ricky Martin now that he came out of the closet (after 10 years, yes, but that is why organizations like PFLAG must be around, because if they fulfilled their mission, he would had expressed himself earlier), and one of the most famous icons in rock’n’roll history: Freddie Freaking Mercury. That is why we dedicated “We Are the Champions” to everyone present, and to the Warrens brothers: Because a true champion isn’t one who never faces adversity. A true champion is someone who OVERCOMES it.
Under these circumstances it makes us rather nervous that we have a chance to take your titles away from you, but this is also a proof of valor for us as well. In the few years of career we have, there is nothing that we want any more than to get a belt recognition, no matter how small it is. We too want to be able, at least once in our lives, to say like Freddie Mercury, “WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD!!!”
So Nathan and Aaron, be prepared, even with our utmost respect as LGBT advocates and as champions, we will nevertheless attempt to present you the greatest challenge in our possibilities. We hope you will find us worthy.
So the best of luck to you, and may the best team win!
Jeff Bogard: “So what do you think Mariano is going to tell us?”
Johnny Lee: “I don’t know, but I’ll take anything from him. After all, out of all of us, he’s the pro.”
Jeff Bogard: “You think we may have to do some ring work? Practice the moves and all of that?”
Johnny Lee: “No, he knows that we can pull the moves. I’m taking he may give us another insight on how to prepare in matches.”
Jeff Bogard: “And probably a crazy mission like we usually do.”
(Johnny Lee smiles)
Johnny Lee: “Wouldn’t have a doubt. Ah, we’re here.”
(He pulls over, and after getting out of the car and approaching to the door, Jeff rings the bell. Mariano comes out with Rei, smiling.)
Mariano: “Right on time, fellows.”
Jeff Bogard: “Hey man.” (He gives her a handshake and kisses Rei’s hand.) “Hello, lady.”
Rei: “Hello boys!”
Johnny Lee: “How are you doing today?”
(After exchanging pleasantries and sitting down, as always, in Mariano’s living room over some hot chocolate, fitting for the weather outside, Mariano directs their attention to their match ahead.)
Mariano: “So you guys got a tag team match, good!”
Jeff Bogard: “Yeah, how we got them I don’t know, but we shall do our best not to let the crowd down.”
Mariano: “I hear it was the tag champs themselves who gave you the opportunity. I wouldn’t want to let them down either if I were you.”
Johnny Lee: “But the problem is, we don’t know what to say to them.”
Mariano: “Then do what I do most of the time: Make a research trip on them.”
Jeff Bogard: “Field work, right?”
Mariano: “Exactly. So, let’s start by the basics. What do you know about Nathan and Aaron Warrens?”
Johnny Lee: “Let’s see… they’re brothers. They’re wrestlers. They’re the tag champs. They’re very good friends with James Baker, Danielle Lopez and the rest of Da Xtreme Dynasty.”
Jeff Bogard: “And, they are gay.”
(Johnny Lee chimes in, pointing with his finger)
Johnny Lee: “And THAT is a huge factor. They’re gay and we can only imagine the suffering and trouble most gay people have to go through.”
Jeff Bogard: “But instead of suffering in silence, they are gay rights advocates and do all in their power to help gay people. That is why they joined an organization named PFLAG.”
Mariano: “Okay, you hit an interesting point right there. What does exactly this PFLAG organization do?”
Jeff Bogard: “From what I gather…”
Johnny Lee: (Interrupting) “Which is not much…”
Jeff Bogard: “Hey!” (Johnny Lee chuckles) “Anyway, from what I gather, they help gay people get a better acceptance in society.
Johnny Lee: “Their acronym stands for Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, and their goal is to promote the health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, their families and friends through: (starts enumerating with his right hand) support, to cope with an adverse society; education, to enlighten an ill-informed public; and advocacy, to end discrimination and to secure equal civil rights.
Mariano: “That’s a nice start. What activities does this organization have?”
[b]Jeff Bogard:[/b] “Apparently they have meetings with speeches, they make parades, and they have ga… (has difficulty saying the word) galas? What are galas?”[/color]
Mariano: (Explaining gesture with his hand.) “Galas, yes. “Gala” in Spanish means a formal celebration or party, like awards shows or weddings.”
Jeff Bogard: “Ah! I get it, it’s a stylish expression. Well, they have that.”
Mariano: “And there you have your next step. Why don’t you hit one of their meetings or parades in town? You’re bound to find straight people too, like their acronym says.”
(Jeff and Johnny look at each other, seemingly thinking something.)
Johnny Lee: “Well, why not? We have no problem with gay people, and perhaps it will be a gesture of goodwill.”
Jeff Bogard: “Yeah, but it’s not publicity we’re looking for, we’re doing research to see how we can deal with them at Slamathon. After all, the tag titles are on the line!”
Johnny Lee: “Damnit, I had forgotten about that!”
Mariano: “Bear in mind that no amount of goodwill can prepare you for your challenge. I mean, they’re the champs for a reason. Not to mention they’re the Dynasty protégés, and by that, not any pushovers. And you know that being openly gay makes them even stronger. It gives them an extra will to fight and to prove themselves to the eyes of the world.”
Jeff Bogard: “RIGHT! Indeed A great challenge for the…”
(Jeff and Johnny strike their poses)
Jeff Bogard / Johnny Lee: “POWER RANGERS!” (They look among each other and facepalm) “Oh wait no! Again…
(Once again they strike their pose)
“DOUBLE DRAGONS!”
Mariano: “So what are we STILL doing here?”
Johnny Lee: “You’re right!” (He points at the outside door). “TO THE MIRTHMOBILE!”
(Seconds later, the gang is inside the Pager, Mariano and Rei in the back seat, this time Jeff Bogard on the wheel, and Johnny Lee in the accompanying seat. They are approaching a local park, rather crowded, given the inclement weather. Upon a closer look, people are holding out yellow signs with the words “PFLAG” on them, and several stands are set along the park. A stage is set with assorted musical instruments.)
Mariano: “This must be it. Find a place to pull over and then you can begin your research.”
Jeff Bogard: “What? You won’t get down with us?”
Mariano: “Get down yes, but you’ll have to roam around by yourselves. That is exactly the important thing about this trip. You’re the ones fighting for a belt this week, and that is why it falls upon yourselves to prepare as best as you can. Rei and I won’t be far, we’ll help you out if you’re in trouble. But the merits of this investigation must be only yours.”
Johnny Lee: “I suppose you’re right.”
Mariano: “Now boys, don’t be shy. These seem to be good people if they’re helping out gay people, and you’re not exactly intolerant or violent people, so why would you be in any danger?”
(Jeff Bogard seems encouraged.)
Jeff Bogard: “There’s no danger that we cannot face!”
Johnny Lee: “Right!”
Jeff Bogard / Johnny Lee: “IT’S MORPHIN’ TIME!”
(They take out their masks and simply put them on).
Jeff Bogard: “TRICERATOPS!”
Johnny Lee: “TYRANNOSAURUS!”
(After pulling over, Jeff and Johnny get out of the car and rush forward to the PFLAG meeting. Mariano and Rei approach the convention, a prudential distance behind.)
Mariano: “They’ll be fine. They are amiable people.”
(Jeff and Johnny find themselves in the middle of a crowd coming and going, seemingly lost.)
Jeff Bogard: “So what do we do now?”
Johnny Lee: “Well, let’s ask around in the people in the stands.”
(They approach the nearest stand, where a boy in his teens is sitting placidly, several paper sheets perfectly ordered placed atop the stand table.)
Jeff Bogard: “Hmm… Hi.”
Stand boy: “Hello… (he looks at them) Nice masks, Power Rangers. My name is Kyle. How can I help you?”
Johnny Lee: “Hello Kyle. Yeah, um… we wanted to know what exactly this convention is about.”
Kyle: “Why, you’re at a PFLAG meeting!”
Johnny Lee: “We know that yes, and we have an idea of what PFLAG is. But we thought we’d like to learn more about the organization.”
Kyle: “Well, you’ve come to the right place. Are any of you two gay?”
Jeff Bogard: “No.”
Johnny Lee: “Me neither.”
Kyle: “That’s not strange, many straight people now come to the meetings.”
Johnny Lee: “Are you gay, then?”
Kyle: “Yes, I am. And a proud one at that.”
Jeff Bogard: “That’s great to know. We haven’t had much contact with gay people before, but we figure being gay mustn’t be easy.”
Kyle: “You are correct, unfortunately. Luckily that has not been my case. My family still kept loving me once I came out of the closet, and thank goodness everyone in my school was receptive to me once they found out I was gay. But many gay or lesbian people are mistreated, shunned and despised by their familiars and peers. Not to mention the ever-present gay jokes or terms like “fag”."
Jeff Bogard: “Yeah, we know. We don’t use that word, by the way.”
Kyle: “Of course you don’t, silly! You’re the Double Dragons!”
Johnny Lee: “You KNEW about us?”
Kyle: “Well of course I did! You’re friends with Mariano! Besides Generation Xtreme, I’m also a Mariano fan. He was here a moment ago, with Rei, and they signed one of our pledges. Very nice people in front of the camera, but even better in person.”
Jeff Bogard: “Umm… he didn’t happen to TELL you we’d be coming over… right?”
Kyle: “No, although it’s not every day you meet two guys dressed as the Power Rangers when he’s around.”
Johnny Lee: “Yeah, I guess that’s true. By the way, you mentioned something about a “pledge”?
Kyle: “Yes. PFLAG has an education program named “Straight for Equality”, to basically give the idea that gay and straight people are equals.”
Jeff Bogard: “Well, you’re not very different from Johnny and me, from what I see.”
(Kyle sighs)
Kyle: “There’s still some people who don’t see it that way. Thus the need of this program.”
Johnny Lee: “We understand.”
Kyle: “Anyway, that education program begins with a Straight for Equality Pledge.” (Hands out two copies to Jeff and Johnny).
Jeff Bogard: “Let’s read it. What’s it say…
(Reading out loud)
As a straight ally committed to supporting and advocating for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) people, I will:
Come out.
I will acknowledge and work on any uncertainties I may have in “coming out” as a straight ally, and, as I grow in confidence, I’ll increasingly let my family, friends, and colleagues know that I support equality for GLBT people.
Speak up.
Whenever I have an opportunity, I’ll say something supportive of GLBT people, whether I’m responding to a homophobic joke or remark, commenting positively about a current event, or making the case for equality in a discussion.
Join in.
I will review the many recommended actions provided through Straight for Equality that will help me create change in big and small ways and incorporate those with which I am comfortable into my growth as a straight ally to help move equality forward.”
(Both Jeff and Johnny nod in approval.)
Johnny Lee: “Sounds like just using common sense.” (He turns to Kyle.) “You happen to have a pen?”
Kyle: “Sure!” (He produces a pen and hands it to Johnny. Gladly, Jeff and Johnny sign their respective pledges.)
Jeff Bogard: “Now what do we do with these? Hand them to you?”
Kyle: “No. You hand me one and you keep the other. As if it were a contract.”
Johnny Lee: “Ah, I see.” (Both Jeff and Johnny grab another pledge each and sign it, then they give them to Kyle.)
Kyle: “Thank you. By the way, good luck on your match on Saturday. I will be rooting for Generation Xtreme, for obvious reasons, but I’ll be happy anyway if you guys happen to win.”
Johnny Lee: “Don’t worry, we’re not trying to take away fans from Generation Xtreme.”
(All of them, Kyle and the Dragons, laugh.)
Jeff Bogard: “By the way, Kyle.” (He points towards the stage.) “Who’s playing?”
Kyle: “Hmm, that I don’t know… (he winks at Mariano and Rei, who are approaching.)
Mariano: “It’s our turn on stage, boys.”
Johnny Lee: “WHAT!?”
Kyle: “Mariano and Rei knew about this PFLAG convention and suggested you all could play a song for us. He also said it was going to be a surprise for you two.” (Starts laughing, while Jeff and Johnny look at Mariano, their eyes wide open. Jeff Bogard tries to hide his laughter with an expression of anger, and points at Mariano.)
Jeff Bogard: “You… you…! (He starts laughing) “You had it all planned, right?”
Mariano: “Well, I was barely involved. All I did was give you guys a little nudge out the door.” (Starts laughing himself)
Johnny Lee: “But what do we play?”
Mariano: “I have a song in mind. It talks about triumphing over hardship, fighting until the end, and on top of that, the one who sang was influential towards LGBT. He was a living proof that sexual preference doesn’t matter in succeeding in life.”
Jeff Bogard: “Freddie Mercury.”
Mariano: “Precisely.”
Johnny Lee: “Queen! Damn did they use to rock.”
Mariano: “I got that from my dad. He is a big Queen fan. Even went to see them live when they went to Argentina.”
Jeff Bogard: “Then what are we waiting for? LET’S DO IT!”
(They take the stage, Mariano on drums, Rei on a piano, Jeff Bogard on lead guitar and lead vocals, and Johnny Lee on bass guitar, among the crowd’s applause, and Mariano takes the microphone.)
Mariano: “Good afternoon people of PFLAG! I am Mariano Fernandez, this is Rei Ayanami, and these are Jeff and Johnny Lee, The Double Dragons! You see, Jeff and Johnny here wanted to give their salutations to all the LGBT community out there, so I’ll leave the speech and the lyrics to them! Take it away boys!”
(They start playing the song, as the crowd roars in approval. They end the song to a massive ovation, and Jeff and Johnny step forward)
Jeff Bogard: “Thank you, you’ve been a great audience! Now it’s time for us to prepare for Slamathon, but as a final salutation…
(They approach their right hands to their hearts.)
Jeff Bogard/Johnny Lee: “WE PLEDGE TO! COME OUT! SPEAK UP! JOIN IN! THANK YOU ALL, AND GOODBYE!”
(Fade to black.)
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Hello! We’re PCW’s resident Power Rangers, the Double Dragons! As is of public knowledge we will be facing the Warrens Brothers, the current tag champs, at Slamathon. Now we understand they’ll be unlike anything we have fought before, and it’s not just because they have two shiny gold belts, no. You see, these two brothers are hardcore to the bone. They come out with Kendo sticks, they do highflying, homicidal, suicidal, death defying moves, and they don’t mind locking in a bloody brawl. But that alone doesn’t make someone hardcore. Being hardcore means to keep on fighting no matter how adverse circumstances they get. And Nathan and Aaron have had plenty of those in their lives.
Because, as you know, they are gay. And being gay is one of the toughest positions someone has ever had to be in in this big bad world. Thank goodness, many nations are becoming gay friendly in these modern times, but think about it: Homosexual people have had trouble since Rome. The Romans despised them, the Christians persecuted them, England had homosexuality as a crime, and don’t get us started on that guy with the moustache from Germany. And in the times the propagation of AIDS was unjustly thought to be only a homosexual disease.
So think about it, even now people from all around the world have either to hide their homosexuality (Ricky Martin, for example, he hid something obvious for ten years) or suffer for it and be subjects of hatred and ridicule by peers, and even familiars. We have only an unpleasant idea of how that is like, can you imagine how hard it must be for them?
That is why we decided to find out what standing for homosexual people meant, and Mariano suggested we attended a PFLAG meeting. And after we found out what it was about, we couldn’t do anything else but join forces for their cause. We signed the Pledge of Equality, and we are nothing but proud. With examples like Nathan and Aaron out there, we couldn’t find a better sign of respect. Nathan and Aaron, hardcore as they are, are proof that homosexuality is not an impediment for success in life.
And that reminded us of another homosexual success story. Because even now it’s somewhat easier to find them, there are LGBT people who fight through adversity and triumph. You see Rob Halford from Judas Priest, Ricky Martin now that he came out of the closet (after 10 years, yes, but that is why organizations like PFLAG must be around, because if they fulfilled their mission, he would had expressed himself earlier), and one of the most famous icons in rock’n’roll history: Freddie Freaking Mercury. That is why we dedicated “We Are the Champions” to everyone present, and to the Warrens brothers: Because a true champion isn’t one who never faces adversity. A true champion is someone who OVERCOMES it.
Under these circumstances it makes us rather nervous that we have a chance to take your titles away from you, but this is also a proof of valor for us as well. In the few years of career we have, there is nothing that we want any more than to get a belt recognition, no matter how small it is. We too want to be able, at least once in our lives, to say like Freddie Mercury, “WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD!!!”
So Nathan and Aaron, be prepared, even with our utmost respect as LGBT advocates and as champions, we will nevertheless attempt to present you the greatest challenge in our possibilities. We hope you will find us worthy.
So the best of luck to you, and may the best team win!
