By Sir Kippy Marks–
(Editor’s Note: Sir Kippy Marks has been a part of the San Francisco Bay Times team in various ways over the years, utilizing his many talents including his remarkable musicianship as a violinist of international acclaim. He has also been a columnist for the paper. This issue debuts a new column by Marks, Practice Makes Love Easy. We are proud to introduce it here, and to welcome him back as a regular contributor. Look for his column each month in the Bay Times.)
I started using the phrase “Practice Makes Love Easy” (PMLE) around 9+ years ago during the 1st administration of POTUS (45) D.J.T, as a way to help navigate my higher-self, on how to mentally and spiritually get through the tough times we were all about to face. I felt an overwhelming knowing that I had to continue in my ongoing efforts, to inspire joy, fortify spirit, have a healthy balance, and to maintain a stable peace of mind, for not only my inner authentic higher-self, but also for my fellow human family and for my community as a whole. How could I do this, and what could I do to perpetuate a continual practice of the art (one’s reality) of love and loving?
The phrase “Practice Makes Love Easy” suggests that love, much like any other skill or endeavor, improves with consistent effort and dedication. Just as athletes train to perfect their techniques or musicians practice to refine their craft, or freedom and democracies fight to stay free democracies, human relationships factually benefit from an ongoing active commitment and attention. I have found that love requires understanding, patience, and the willingness to learn and grow together.
By continually practicing acts of kindness, empathy, open communication, complete acceptance of individuals and communities, we the people can strengthen our bonds and create a more harmonious global connection. The phrase emphasizes the idea that love is not merely a passive emotion, but an active process that requires work, dedication, and persistence; consistency is key.
Furthermore, Practice Makes Love Easy highlights the notion that, over time, the challenges and complexities of human relationships become more manageable, as globally we are all partners in developing a deeper understanding of each other’s needs and desires. As humanity navigates the ups and downs of our universal journey together, we build resilience and find more effective ways to support and care for one another. Through practice, we learn to navigate conflicts with grace; we celebrate each other’s successes; and we cherish the moments of humanity and connections. In essence, the phrase encapsulates the belief that love becomes more fulfilling and effortless when all peoples are committed to continually nurturing and growing human relationships.
All communities practice love in some fashion. We gather together for festivals, shows, performances, fundraisers, protests, and the overall doing of good deeds. A lot of this happens behind the scenes and out of the mainstream media, so with the help and continued support of the San Francisco Bay Times, I am extremely honored to shed light on individuals who do not get nearly enough recognition. This column is written to honor, to give gratitude for, to praise, and to give recognition to the countless unsung champions within our communities who practice the art of love on a daily basis. These individuals are true representatives of love in action and I am blessed to share these individuals, their stories and thoughts, and the loving deeds they serve within their communities.
This column will present select honorees with The PMLE Recognition Champion Award. Our inaugural award goes to Gary Virginia, who inspires, supports, uplifts, and builds bridges to love for so many of us every day and who practices love unbound. He is a beacon of light who shines brightly for our beloved community.
Kippy Marks: Who or what motivated you to become the community activist that you are today?
Gary Virginia: I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and both sides of my family were very compassionate and helped people in need. My mother raised me and my sister, ages 14 and 15, after a divorce. So, my desire to help others and develop a strong work ethic were ingrained at an early age.
When I moved to San Francisco in 1987 for a job at San Francisco State University, I witnessed the devastating HIV/AIDS pandemic. A year later I lost my best friend to the disease. We were good friends in Pittsburgh before I moved to San Francisco. Over time I’ve lost 500 friends to the disease that I am still surviving 30 years later. I’ve expanded my activism beyond HIV/AIDS to the broader LGBTQ+ community in America and globally over the years.
Kippy Marks: How old were you when you made that decision?
Gary Virginia: My activism started when I was a student at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh.
Kippy Marks: What advice would you give to others on how to practice love on a daily basis?
Gary Virginia: My best advice is to learn to love yourself unconditionally. There are a lot of family and society pressures, including religion, which impact us in our formative years. If we don’t receive love unconditionally as children and teenagers, it could have negative consequences immediately and throughout our lives. The sooner we learn to love ourselves unconditionally we are in the power seat.
Extending love in its various forms is an easy task. Just making eye contact and nodding or smiling at a stranger can change their day. We are social creatures and need to have authentic human interaction. To me, giving and receiving love is its own reward. One is not better than the other.
Kippy Marks: If you were granted two universal wishes, what would you wish for?
Gary Virginia: I envision the evolution of consciousness, such that humans understand their responsibility to protect our life-supporting, host planet; and to respect the divinity and diversity of human life and all lifeforms. Other species have become extinct; we are not invincible. Love must prevail.
Sir Kippy Marks is a spirited solo entertainer whose shows are permeated with an infectious joy. His distinctive sound arises from his heart, through his 1822 violin consort, Izabella. Marks’ rare talent, broad smile, and radiant warmth will brighten any event to create lasting impact. He is also Grand Duke XL of The Grand Ducal Council of San Francisco. He is the first ever elected African-American Grand Duke.
Practice Makes Love Easy
Published on February 27, 2025
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