Then I re-read the story, and the sexual abuse part clarifies the case for me: He was prosecuted because he was perceived as queer himself. The judges and the police didn’t buy his argument that they’d just somehow met in a bar and that he’d discovered arriving at Bishop’s home that Bishop was gay. They thought (rightly I presume), that he was cruising himself, and had committed the worse when he actually went along with the raping.

So what’s really striking is that while this story looks pro-gay at first (for once, a gay basher prosecuted!) it’s actually very homophobic. If he hadn’t raped Bishop and just murdered him after Bishop had made advances to him, I’m pretty sure he would have gotten out scot-free. They might even have thanked him for getting rid of a queer. Or, more likely, the Police would never have pressed charges against him.

In several Latin American countries, it is celebrated by children receiving gifts. For many years, this was THE day to receive gifts as the Santa Claus tradition is a new tradition in Latin America. So to my Latin brothers and sisters Feliz Dia de Reyes.

Today is the official 12th day of Christmas. Yes, the 12 days of Christmas that are spoken on the song are not the 12 days prior and culminating on Christmas, but the 12 days that start ON Christmas. So what did your true love gave to you on the 12th day of Christmas?

Today is also Christmas for Orthodox Christians and those who follow that calendar. So merry Christmas to all readers who follow the Orthodox Calendar.