John Szlachetka, also known as Jasz to many of his friends, has been an activist, speaker, and writer for LGBT rights, for a number of years. A former high school teacher, he has seen the discrimination and bullying LGBT youth face everyday. He himself has lived through discrimination and homophobia both from his family and society in general. This has made him stronger and more determined to fight for the equality of his LGBT brothers and sisters. Besides his activism, he also councels LGBT couples with problems that arise in their relationships. He is also a pastor for the Universal Life Church. When he is not marrying couples, he is saving them from crisis. You can also find him in many different facebook groups, fighting along side his LGBT brothers and sisters.
As a member of the 10,000 couples team, Jasz hopes to promote both the e-magazine, and to to bring more couples into our 10,000 couples family. Now that Same-Sex-Marriage has become an important subject world wide, he wants bring together everyone in the LGBT community to fight for the rights of our community.
Thu, Jun 24, 2010
Gay Pride doesn't mean precisely the same thing to all people. This author expresses his desire for more family-friendly activities at Gay Pride festivities, along with a stronger emphasis on marriage equality.
Sat, Dec 31, 2011
If we want a new generation of acceptance, respect, and harmony, it is our responsibility as same-sex parents to raise our children so that they can open the minds of those around them.
Sat, Jul 24, 2010
It’s that time of year again, to pack up the family mini-van, and hit the open road. Here is a personal invitation to an LGBT-family-friendly vacation destination from Jasz and his family who live there.
Wed, Aug 25, 2010
Even though we supposedly live in a society which is more tolerant and accepting of same sex families, at school many situations can arise which can cause problems.
Fri, Aug 20, 2010
When you throw a pebble in the water, you start a ripple effect. Sometimes a single idea can also cause such a ripple effect. In the case of a Facebook page called “Wipeout Homophobia On Facebook,” the ripples continue to grow larger and larger, and a new hero of the LGBT community is born.
Sat, Sep 25, 2010
"This is my story of how I came out to my four kids, and of their reactions to the news."
Wed, Feb 01, 2012
A Hawaiian Love Story
Sat, Oct 30, 2010
As a child, I was a victim of bullying. As a teacher, I saw myself as someone who would save the children who were being bullied in school. As a parent, I saw one of my children become a victim of bullying in his school. For the sake of our future generations, we must all get involved in solving this epidemic.
Fri, Oct 22, 2010
As I look outside my window, I see that Thanksgiving is soon upon us, and I contemplate all the things during the past year that I am thankful for.
Sat, Nov 13, 2010
To find solutions to the serious problems facing the LGBT community, and to be part of those solutions, we'd better understand the problems, their roots, their causes, and their consequences.
Sun, Nov 21, 2010
Parenthood is a blessing, but every parent couple needs date nights. In this month's "Parenting with Jasz," we learn a little about Jasz and Yvon's experiences.
Wed, Nov 24, 2010
The Christmas season is upon us, and at our house, preparations for Christmas are well under way.
Wed, Jun 15, 2011
Wayne Hincks and Gerardo Gallardo have unwittingly unleashed a new battle for Canada as its bid to host World Pride in 2014 may now be in jeopardy.
Tue, Dec 28, 2010
Now that 2010 has passed and 2011 is greeting us, we're looking within ourselves to evaluate the lessons learned and take them with us into the new year.
Tue, Mar 01, 2011
Although society has a way of accepting May-December relationships these days, this kind of love affair is not without its challenges.
Thu, Apr 14, 2011
One of the European Union's most anti-gay countries, Poland, is beginning to see a change.
Fri, Apr 01, 2011
A few weeks ago, I became acquainted with a young man with a difficult dilemma on his hands. Due to legal issues and the fact that there is a court case pending, I have been asked not to publish real names here. We will call him Will and his partner, Chris.
Thu, Mar 24, 2011
Members of Westboro Baptist Church are planning to picket the funeral of Elizabeth Taylor. A 10,000 Couples contributor responds.
Sun, Mar 27, 2011
With a new election looming, there are three LGBT concerns at the forefront: LGBT seniors, transgender issues, and violence toward the LGBT community.
Fri, Apr 01, 2011
A Journey to Equality for All, with a couple on their way to making history -- with your help, that is.
Sun, May 01, 2011
Judge refused to rule on the question of Canada recognizing same-sex marriages and unions from other countries. Rejected spouse returns to UK
Wed, Apr 06, 2011
The State of Washington has jumped on the bandwagon of states which recognize out-of-state same-sex marriages.
Fri, Apr 15, 2011
According to yesterday's experience of one local resident, Canadian LGBT voters may be having the wool pulled over their eyes during this Canadian election.
Sun, May 01, 2011
Three years ago this month, I married the most amazing man I have ever met. He is my best friend, my lover, and since May 17th, 2008, my husband.
Tue, May 10, 2011
10thousandCouples Commentary for same-sex married couples in the U.S., whom DOMA continues to penalize.
Wed, Jun 01, 2011
You may start reading this with a little bit of dread, expecting to be told once more that all that is needed is for you to be an understanding partner. You must know that the healthy same-sex marriage requires more than understanding.
Tue, May 31, 2011
Do you wonder what impact you've had on the lives of your children?
Fri, Jul 01, 2011
VIEWPOINT: During the last federal election, Canadians elected the Conservative party and, in so doing, may have set LGBT rights back several years. In May, a gay woman from Asia was seeking refugee status in Canada on the grounds of her sexual orientation.
Mon, Aug 01, 2011
A few weeks ago, the author and his family vacationed in Niagara Falls. Even during his holiday, Jasz took time to share with us his positive impressions of the city and its hospitality.
Mon, Aug 01, 2011
The plight of LGBT seniors cannot continue to be ignored.
Mon, Aug 01, 2011
When Cupid's arrow struck...
Wed, Aug 31, 2011
The final call for the saga of former Canadians Wayne Hincks and Gerardo Gallardo
Wed, Aug 31, 2011
Most of the USA's estimated 3 million LGBT youth are reported to have nowhere to turn when they are faced with homophobia, discrimination, and violence.
Thu, Sep 01, 2011
Meeting by Chance. Loving by Choice.
Sat, Oct 01, 2011
An Iranian Journey to Love Freely
Sat, Oct 01, 2011
Barbara, who is 73, and Lavonne, who is now 72, have spent a lifetime together.
Tue, Nov 01, 2011
The hope and drama of two couples whose lives will never be the same.
Thu, Dec 01, 2011
December incorporates celebrations and special days around the world, across faiths, and in diverse cultures, including the LGBT community. Is there one common element flowing across all of them?
Thu, Dec 01, 2011
A Transition from Friendship to Love
Sun, Jan 01, 2012
Building a Happy Family
Sun, Jan 01, 2012
A Call to Arms for everyone in, and supportive of, the LGBTQ community around the globe
Thu, Mar 01, 2012
February was Black History Month in the U.S., and I could not help but notice a lack of discussion about our African American LGBT community.
Thu, Mar 01, 2012
Being born a male was very difficult for Anna Grodzka. She had always known that there was something missing in her life.
Sun, Apr 01, 2012
As Piotr Bielski and Marek Kowalczyk are now preparing to become one on July 14th, we wish them well on their path through wedded bliss.
Sun, Apr 01, 2012
What makes anyone, gay or straight, a legal parent?
Tue, May 01, 2012
Looking at some of the changes we all can make for a better world without homophobia
Tue, May 01, 2012
Meet Yvon, John, and their boys.
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