Sunday, November 29, 2009

Five for Fred - Please Donate!

About

Five for Fred is asking its supporters to spread awareness and donate $5.00 (the priceof a latte + tip) to help with Fred's costly legal battle. He's a citizen activist fighting against a team of high-priced lawyers from the National Organization for Marriage and the Christian Right legal organization, the Alliance Defense Fund. They want to silence him.

Log onto www.fiveforfred.com and get involved today!

Positions

  1. Fred filed complaints in California and Maine with their State Ethics Commissions that have led to investigations of the Mormon Church and NOM!
  2. The National Organization for Marriage and their team of lawyers has subpoenaed Fred, trying to destroy and silence him.
  3. Please donate $5.00 right now and spread the word about Fred’s legal battle. He needs our help.
  4. The fight for equal rights is now. Plese give to Fred's Legal Defense Fund.
  5. Visit www.fiveforfred.com today for more information and to make a donation.

From JMG

Los Angeles Times Condemns The Manhattan Declaration

In an editorial published yesterday, the Los Angeles Times strongly condemned the anti-gay Manhattan Declaration, calling it "irresponsible and dangerous" and warning that the document may embolden anti-abortion terrorists.
The impression left is that the legal environment in which churches must operate is reminiscent of the Roman Empire that threw Christians to the lions. Never mind that advocates of same-sex civil marriage and legal abortion have made significant concessions to believers or that religious groups have recourse to courts, which have aggressively protected the free exercise of religion guaranteed by the 1st Amendment. In 1993, Congress passed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, exempting believers in some cases from having to comply with applicable laws.

This apocalyptic argument for lawbreaking is disingenuous, but it is also dangerous. Did the Roman Catholic bishops who signed the manifesto consider how their endorsement of lawbreaking in a higher cause might embolden the antiabortion terrorists they claim to condemn? Did they stop to think that, by reserving the right to resist laws they don't like, they forfeit the authority to intervene in the enactment of those laws, as they have done in the congressional debate over healthcare reform? They need to be reminded that this is a nation of laws, not of men -- even holy men.
Meanwhile Bill O'Reilly complains on Townhall that the "secular media" has given the Manhattan Declaration little attention and wonders "are people of faith as upset as some of their leadership with the secularism of America?"

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courtesy of JMG

Saturday, November 28, 2009

World AIDs Day - December 1

Started on 1st December 1988, World AIDS Day is about raising money, increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education. The World AIDS Day theme for 2009 is 'Universal Access and Human Rights'. World AIDS Day is important in reminding people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done.
According to UNAIDS estimates, there are now 33.2 million people living with HIV, including 2.5 million children. During 2007 some 2.5 million people became newly infected with the virus. Around half of all people who become infected with HIV do so before they are 25 and are killed by AIDS before they are 35.
Around 95% of people with HIV and AIDS live in developing nations. But HIV today is a threat to men, women and children on all continents around the world

AIDS attacks the body…
Prejudice attacks the spirit…
One is caused by a virus.
One is caused by ignorance.
BOTH KILL!!

PLEASE WEAR RED ON TUESDAY 1ST DECEMBER, 2009 to show support for people who have AIDS, those who have died from it and those who are working towards a cure.

One love

Hockey Dad, Gay Son

Filed by: Dana Rudolph

November 27, 2009 12:00 PM

This ESPN story is breaking all over the sporting news. hockey_skates.jpgBrian Burke, president and general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, "a most public example of hockey machismo," has a gay son, and accepts him. Not only that, but the son, Brendan, plays hockey for Miami University. As an out player, he is helping break down the walls of homophobia in sports.

Here's what Brian Burke had to say about his son

Bil Browning sent a message to the members of The Bilerico Project.

Subject: Weekly Reader: iPhone apps, hockey dads, & a San Francisco mixer

Bilerico is coming to San Francisco! On Friday, Dec 4, we'll be hosting a mixer at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel. Stop by and say hello to Jerame and me plus tons of other contributors and readers! You can tell us what you thought of posts like these:

Sunday
In Honor of our Fallen Brothers and Sisters on this Day of Remembrance
Filed by: Kelley Winters
http://www.facebook.com/l/e1812;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/in_honor_of_our_fallen_brothers_and_sisters_on_thi.php

GayCities iPhone App Review Redux
Filed by: Jerame Davis
http://www.facebook.com/l/e1812;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/gaycities_iphone_app_review_redux.php

Monday
Outing Catholic Priests Is a Fair Game at http://www.facebook.com/l/e1812;Churchouting.org
Filed by: Father Tony
http://www.facebook.com/l/e1812;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/outing_catholic_priests_is_a_fair_game_at_churchou.php

If S/he Were Positive, Would You Stay?
Filed by: Betty Greene Salwak
http://www.facebook.com/l/e1812;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/if_she_were_positive_would_you_stay.php

Tuesday
The Horrible Truth About Gay Marriage
Filed by: Diane Silver
http://www.facebook.com/l/e1812;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/the_horrible_truth_about_gay_marriage.php

FOUND: Strangest beauty contest ever
Filed by: Gloria Brame Ph.D.
http://www.facebook.com/l/e1812;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/found_strangest_beauty_contest_ever.php

Wednesday
Chairman Miller, Don't Reach For That Turkey Yet!
Filed by: Dr. Jillian T. Weiss
http://www.facebook.com/l/e1812;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/chairman_miller_dont_reach_for_that_turkey_yet.php

Sympathy fatigue
Filed by: Alex Blaze
http://www.facebook.com/l/e1812;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/sympathy_fatigue.php

Thursday
The 2nd Thanksgiving: A Personal Story On Conflict Resolution
Filed by: Bil Browning
http://www.facebook.com/l/e1812;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/a_thanksgiving_story.php

Friday
Hockey Dad, Gay Son
Filed by: Dana Rudolph
http://www.facebook.com/l/e1812;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/hockey_dad_gay_son.php

Anatomy of a furry convention
Filed by: Austen Crowder
http://www.facebook.com/l/e1812;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/anatomy_of_a_furry_convention.php

BONUS:

A Bilerico Mixer in San Francisco!
Filed by: Bil Browning
http://www.facebook.com/l/e1812;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/a_bilerico_party_in_san_francisco.php

Don't forget:

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Gay Star Trek





jump to the explanation here

Friday, November 27, 2009

Quote of the Day

"Love is a feeling, marriage is a contract, and a relationship is work."

- Lori Gordon

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

This message from the Courage Campaign

Courage Campaign

Dear Daniel --

I want to tell you about a heartfelt conversation I recently had with a family member who opposed marriage equality. I hope it will motivate you to have one of your own with someone you care about this holiday season.

I'm a straight ally, a community organizer, and a volunteer photographer for Camp Courage. Those experiences showed me that the best way to build momentum for marriage equality is by having a conversation with those you know best about why you personally support marriage equality. And there is no better time to do that than during the holidays, when we gather with our friends, family, co-workers and neighbors.

I know that is true because I helped my mother-in-law open her mind to marriage equality by having my own "Courageous Conversation" with her earlier this year.

Elinor, my mother-in-law, voted for Proposition 8. And it was really hard for me to talk with her about her decision. I felt like we were going in circles -- she thought gay marriage was "wrong" and a threat to "traditional" marriage -- and there was nothing I could say to her to change her mind. But one day I had an idea. I opened up my photo album.

See, I've taken thousands of photographs at Camp Courage workshops, Meet In The Middle in Fresno, and the National Equality March in DC, to document the marriage equality movement since Proposition 8 was passed last year.

So I asked her to look at the people in these photos. I told her how I recognized the love in their eyes, their souls, and their hearts because I saw it in myself and in my husband. I told her that I look at the man I married 13 years ago -- her son -- and think about all we've shared and done, suffered and celebrated. I told her I can't imagine a world where society and the law says our love isn't as equal as any other couple in a committed relationship.

The conversation that followed was the most open one we'd ever had about gay marriage. I don't think I've changed her mind -- yet. But I do know we aren't talking in circles any more, and that the door is open to many more conversations to come.

It took courage to have that conversation. But that is how we will win marriage equality -- by being courageous.

That's why the Courage Campaign is asking you to have a "Courageous Conversation" this holiday season. Make your pledge here and share with us the name and location of the person with whom you'll be having a "Courageous Conversation." Help us build momentum and inspire thousands of Courage Campaign members to join you. Bring equality and joy one conversation at a time:

http://www.couragecampaign.org/CourageousConversations

Sometimes the most courageous act is a simple conversation with someone you know and love. I know these conversations are not easy. But that is why they are so important. Our research shows that the most effective way to change someone's opinion about marriage equality is to have someone they know and trust explain to them why it matters.

We'll help you make these conversations a success. We will offer support and advice about where and when to start the conversation. We'll also help you tell your "story-of-self" with a guide on our website.

And we'll let you turn your "Courageous Conversation" into a gift -- we'll send an online card to an LGBT friend or family member of your choice, letting them know that for this holiday season, you will pledge to help win equality for them by having a "Courageous Conversation." Click here to get started:

http://www.couragecampaign.org/CourageousConversations

One "Courageous Conversation" at a time we can change the hearts and minds of those in our lives about marriage equality. Thank you for giving the gift of equality.

Marta Evry
Community Organizer and Camp Courage volunteer photographer


The Courage Campaign is an online organizing network that empowers more than 700,000 grassroots and netroots supporters to push for progressive change and full equality in California and across the country.

To support our innovative campaigns for full equality, please chip in what you can today:

Monday, November 23, 2009

Mrs. Betty Bowers: Less is Mormon!

"Its a good thing"

Quote Of The Day from JMG - Billy Arnone

"If they were put in front of me I’d probably watch it." - Billy Arnone, the brother of Miss Ladyfingers USA, telling Radar Online that he'd watch her sex tape. What IS it with that family? (And note Billy's "Loose Lips" t-shirt.) He goes on to slam same-sex unions, saying, "I’m all the way against gay marriage. I don’t feel that it’s right that a man and a man should raise a kid. That’s just how I was raised and how Carrie was raised. We’ll stick by that ‘til the day we die." So hate IS a family value.

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Courtesy of JMG

Bush Lied. Soldiers keep Dying.


4,365 U.S. Military Fatalities in Iraq
927 U.S. Military Fatalities in Afghanistan
31,557 U.S. Military Maimed in Iraq (source: DoD Update as of October 31, 2009)
102,844 Iraqis Reported Killed (source: Iraq Body Count)
1,339,771 Iraqis Reported Killed (source: justforeignpolicy.org)

Here are the original content stories featured on the BuzzFlash for Today

Faced With Video of Fear-Mongering Anti-Government Groups, a Majority Think Armed Militias Should Be Illegal -- BuzzFlash News Analysis

Greatest Healthcare? Has Anyone Tried Calling for a Nurse When Hospitalized? -- BuzzFlash Editor's Blog

Third World Women Suffer the Most from Climate Change While Bloggers Use Sex to Save the Earth -- Green Is Good

A Few Thoughts On FOX's Latest 'Apology' -- Verse-Case Scenario by Tony Peyser

Jacqueline Marcus: Cheney & Rumsfeld Are Still Running the War, The Wall Street Boys Get Rich -- BuzzFlash Guest Commentary

Bill Corcoran: Do Republicans Know What It's Like in the ER? -- BuzzFlash Guest Commentary

Barbara's Daily BuzzFlash Minute for November 23, 2009

BuzzFlash Mailbag for November 23, 2009

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Rainbow Panthers

Wolf Mc Intosh sent a message to the members of I Support The Dallas Principles.

--------------------
Subject: Please Take A Moment To Join Our New Facebook Group

Hello,

I would like to thank you for taking the time to support the Dallas Principles.

There is exciting news tonight of the creation of a new facebook group called the "Rainbow Panthers." This group will advocate the support of our LGBTQI youth who are painfully harassed, abused, and murdered all for being SELF.

This past week, as you may have heard in the news, 2 gay teenagers were brutally murdered.

A third gay teenager in Texas was assaulted after his pleas for help to his school principal, and school bus driver, were ignored.

The goal of the Rainbow Panthers is to offer assistance and support to LGBTQI youth who are often marginalized and targets for violence.

I would like to invite you to join our group, and as it is still in the beginning stages of creation, we welcome any and all input from you.

http://www.facebook.com/#/group.php?gid=187453406851&ref=mf

Cheers,
Wolf
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http://www.facebook.com/n/?inbox%2Freadmessage.php&t=1177551682425&mid=1730611G2c4faed8G331452cG0

Saturday, November 21, 2009

LGBT Lessons for Right Wing Christians: How Hate Crime Laws Silenced the Church

Gay EducationThe hardcore religious (they are anything but) right has become so paranoid that their twisted logic has led them to believe that they are the victims. Their solution? The Manhattan Declaration, a statement of Christian convictions on the matters of life, family, and religious liberty. Let’s go through parts of it.

The preamble to the declaration reads, “While the whole scope of Christian moral concern, including a special concern for the poor and vulnerable, claims our attention, we are especially troubled that in our nation today the lives of the unborn, the disabled, and the elderly are severely threatened; that the institution of marriage, already buffeted by promiscuity, infidelity and divorce, is in jeopardy of being redefined to accommodate fashionable ideologies; that freedom of religion and the rights of conscience are gravely jeopardized by those who would use the instruments of coercion to compel persons of faith to compromise their deepest convictions.

jump to read the rest here

Keith Olbermann: Sarah Palin's Fans Turn On Her At Book Signing

Gay Marriage Gets Boost From 9th Circuit

The Recorder

November 23, 2009

Not one to be left out of a constitutional thicket, 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Chief Judge Alex Kozinski granted health benefits Thursday to the same-sex partners of court employees.

Kozinski's order comes a day after his colleague, Judge Stephen Reinhardt, issued his own published directive that a federal public defender be awarded back pay because his same-sex partner's benefits had been denied.

Jump to the full article here


Weekly Reader: Hugs, Honduras, & Grandma's Dress

Bil Browning sent a message to the members of The Bilerico Project.

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Subject: Weekly Reader: Hugs, Honduras, & Grandma's Dress

While this week brought news that ENDA has been delayed for a few weeks, we didn't let that stop us from bringing you a ton of popular posts about almost every aspect of our community. Here are the best from this week.

Sunday
The sexual politics of a hug
Filed by: Cassandra Keenan
http://www.facebook.com/l/b4ac1;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/the_sexual_politics_of_a_hug.php

The DC Catholic Church's red herring
Filed by: Nancy Polikoff
http://www.facebook.com/l/b4ac1;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/the_dc_catholic_churchs_red_herring.php

Monday
LGBT Resistance to the Coup in Honduras
Filed by: Jessica Hoffmann
http://www.facebook.com/l/b4ac1;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/lgbt_resistance_to_the_coup_in_honduras.php

Toward a better understanding of age in the gay community
Filed by: Alex Blaze
http://www.facebook.com/l/b4ac1;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/can_gays_talk_about_age_without_sounding_like_idio.php

Tuesday
Don't Ask, Don't Tell: "Jess, Bend, Oregon, 2009"
Filed by: Jeff Sheng
http://www.facebook.com/l/b4ac1;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/dont_ask_dont_tell_jess_bend_oregon_2009.php

Needed: A Better Definition of Bigotry
Filed by: Patricia Nell Warren
http://www.facebook.com/l/b4ac1;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/needed_a_better_definition_of_bigotry.php

Wednesday
Jorge and Will: Tragedy and Hope
Filed by: Kate Kendell
http://www.facebook.com/l/b4ac1;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/jorge_and_will_tragedy_and_hope.php

Simon LeVay and the Biology of Sexual Orientation
Filed by: Betty Greene Salwak
http://www.facebook.com/l/b4ac1;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/simon_levay_and_the_biology_of_sexual_orientation.php

Thursday
In My Grandmother's Dress
Filed by: Father Tony
http://www.facebook.com/l/b4ac1;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/in_my_grandmothers_dress.php

What will President Obama do about that pesky federal Prop 8 suit?
Filed by: Phil Reese
http://www.facebook.com/l/b4ac1;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/what_will_president_obama_do_about_that_pesky_fede.php

Friday
Irene Vilar's Impossible Motherhood: Testimony of an Abortion Addict
Filed by: Paige Schilt
http://www.facebook.com/l/b4ac1;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/irene_vilars_impossible_motherhood_testimony_of_an.php

Historic Declaration of Christian Conscience?
Filed by: Donna Pandori
http://www.facebook.com/l/b4ac1;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/historic_declaration_of_christian_conscience.php

BONUS:

BREAKING: ENDA Postponed
Filed by: Dr. Jillian T. Weiss
http://www.facebook.com/l/b4ac1;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/enda_postponed.php

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Friday, November 20, 2009

Statement from Judy Shepard on the Murder of Jorge Steven Lopez Mercado

Blank_MSF_Banner

Statement from Judy Shepard on the Murder of Jorge Steven Lopez Mercado

Dennis and I, and the entire board and staff of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, stand with all who are grieving the loss of Jorge Steven Lopez Mercado in one of the most shockingly brutal hate crimes in Puerto Rico’s history.

While we are grateful to the local law enforcement officials for their swift work to apprehend the suspect in this terrible crime, we remain deeply saddened that yet another family should have to suffer the pain of such a tragedy, and that such breathtaking violence continues to be directed at gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people who are simply trying to live their lives honestly and openly.

For another young person to lose their life and be taken from their family and community due to fear, prejudice and hatred is simply unacceptable. Each of us who believe in freedom and equality must remain vocal, active, and unrelenting in calling for justice.

Our thoughts are with Mr. Lopez, all who knew and loved him, the members of his community and the millions worldwide who have been touched by his senseless death. Our family and the Foundation will continue to work to prevent similar tragedies in any way we can.


Grey Line

MSF Logo

Bilerico News

Good news or bad ideas? KY, MI, OH, TX re-examine marriage amendments

Filed by: Bil Browning

November 19, 2009 7:30 PM

The marriage equality drumbeat has rumbled on with news that several states will be attempting to re-examine their state constitutional amendments banning same-sex marriage and/or civil unions. Surprisingly, this hasn't received as much attention as I assumed it would in the LGBT blogosphere.

read the rest here


Thursday, November 19, 2009

Decorating hints... via JMG

Gay-Friendly GOP San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders To Testify For Olson/Boies

Thank you JMG for sharing this...


Republican San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders, who in 2007 changed his mind on same-sex marriage in a tear-filled press conference with his lesbian daughter, will testify in the federal suit to repeal Prop 8 being brought by superstar lawyers Ted Olson and David Boies.
San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders will be a witness in the upcoming federal court trial over the constitutionality of California’s Proposition 8, according to San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera. Herrera announced Sanders’ participation today at a San Diego fundraiser for Herrera’s reelection. Herrera said he traveled to San Diego last week to meet with Sanders and that Sanders readily agreed to testify in the case, which seeks to overturn the constitutional amendment banning same sex marriage narrowly approved by California voters last year.
The City of San Francisco has been allowed to join the lawsuit, hence Herrera's involvement. In August a judge ruled in favor of Olson and Boies' request to block the ACLU, Lambda Legal, and the National Center for Lesbian Rights from joining the suit after the groups' earlier denouncement of the attempt.

FLASHBACK: Here is Sanders' beautiful 2007 speech. If you haven't seen it, get out a hankie first.

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Courtesy of JMG

That's Gotta Hurt...

Equal Benefits for Equal Work:

Support the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act

Dear Friend of NCLR,

Yesterday the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform held a committee vote on the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act (DPBO), legislation that would provide equal benefits to the domestic partners of federal employees. The committee passed DPBO at 23-12, an important step in securing federal protections for the LGBT community. We must secure this victory and work to pass other crucial pieces of legislation pending in Congress.

DPBO moves to the House floor for consideration, and it’s up to us to make sure that it passes and protects the thousands of devoted, hard-working LGBT government employees.

Equal work demands equal compensation. We must speak up and remind Congress about this basic principle of fairness, to ensure that the domestic partners of government employees are able to receive their partners’ benefits, including health insurance and access to pensions.

Please take a minute and call your representative at (202) 224-3121. We must make sure that a House vote on DPBO will happen soon and that our representatives support DPBO. We need to stand together as a community and urge our representatives to fight for the rights of the domestic partners of federal employees.

President Obama is ready to sign DPBO into law but we need to make sure that it passes in Congress. Call your representative today and ask them to vote for equality and fairness. Ask them to pass the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act.

In Solidarity,

kate signature
Kate Kendell, Esq.
Executive Director

Quote of the Day

“I would say respectfully to my fellow Christians that people who deny others the blessings they claim for themselves should not assume they speak for the Almighty."

-- Rev. John Bryson Chane, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, quoted in today's Washington Post announcing his support for legislation legalizing same-sex marriage in the District of Columbia.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

California Petition Drive Launched For 2010 Proposition 8 Repeal

Love Honor Cherish has launched an internet drive to gather one million petition signatures in California to place the repeal of Proposition 8 on the 2010 ballot.
The signature-gathering drive will use social networking tools such as Facebook and Twitter, organizers said in a statement. “We’re taking names,” said John Henning, who is heading the SignForEquality.com effort launched to collect the signatures. "People throughout California can now help us win marriage back by the simple act of signing and collecting signatures.” Prop. 8 was approved by California voters a year ago, reversing a California Supreme Court decision, which held that same-sex couples were guaranteed equal marriage rights under the state Constitution.
The group has until April 12th to gather the names. Visit their site here.

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another gem courtesy oif Joe

Say Cheese! Flash Mob On Bondi Beach

Another great find from JMG

A Moment Of Light At DC's Hate Rally

Now THIS will give you a smile. When the guy hired to provide the sound system for yesterday's Power Rangers For Jeebus hate rally in DC found out what his customers stood for, he donated his fee back to the gay activists counter-protesting the event and even let them use the haters' own microphone! The Washington Post cannot restrain its glee:
Instead of getting arrested, the ministers got something else: A couple of dozen gay activists, surrounding them with rainbow flags and signs announcing "Gaga for Gay Rights" and "I Am a Love Warrior." By the end, the gay rights activists had taken over the lectern and the sound system and were holding their own news conference denouncing the ministers. "We're here to say, my love is legit!" announced David Valk, an organizer of the National Equality March for gay rights. Another speaker, Ian Thomas, went to the microphone and announced: "I was created a bisexual male. Just like many figures in the Christian Bible, I like boys and girls!" [Organizer Gary] Cass turned angrily to the AV guy. "We're not on the clock, are we?" He turned with equal anger to Valk. "You guys gonna help us pay for the microphones?" The gay activist smiled. "God," he said, "works in mysterious ways."

In this case, God took the form of Chuck Fazio, from DC Podiums. Fazio was hired by the religious conservatives to provide the sound system for the event, but upon learning of their cause, he decided to donate his proceeds to the gay rights activists and to give them a chance at the microphone before shutting down the amplifiers. "I don't want bad karma," he explained, noting with some pride that the lectern they were using was the same one used by Borat on a recent Washington visit. The conservative activists could not have anticipated this unusual turn of events when they arrived, some wearing "Fear God" T-shirts and one carrying a sign spelling AIDS from the biblical phrase "the wages of sin is death."
Our hero for the day, Chuck Fazio! Event planners, activists, party promoters: please consider giving your future business to DC Podiums. And Chuck Fazio might be the guy to hire for your Washington DC wedding. FTW!

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courtesy of JMG

Monday, November 16, 2009

Marriage Equality For Buenos Aires

After a gay couple won their lawsuit charging that a city law banning same-sex marriage was illegal, the mayor of Buenos Aires says he won't challenge the court's ruling, bringing marriage equality to the capital of Argentina.
The court ruled that two articles in the city's civil code that say only people of different sexes can get married are illegal. The court decision applies only to Buenos Aires. Same-sex unions in most of the rest of Argentina remain illegal. The legal challenge was initiated by a gay couple, Alejandro Freyre and Jose Maria Di Bello. Judge Gabriela Seijas ordered the city's civil registry department to honor their union. "The law should treat each person with equal respect in relation to each person's singularities without the need to understand or regulate them," the judge said in her ruling. The city code prevents people from "enjoying the rights that couples who enter into matrimony are entitled to," she said. Those rights include inheritances, pensions and the ability to make decisions for the other person when he or she is incapacitated. Macri called the ruling a "very important step," adding that "we have to live together and accept reality. ... The world is headed in that direction."
And soon, our own nation's capital! Congratulations Alejandro and Jose!

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great news courtesy of JMG

Mr. And Mr. Name Hyphen Name

This from JMG

We've discussed this here a couple of times, but today the New York Times tackles the issue of the difficulties and expense in trying to change your name after a same-sex marriage.
Couples who live in states that don’t allow or recognize same-sex marriage or its equivalents (civil unions, for instance) generally can’t just rely on a marriage certificate as proof of a name change and instead have to go through the in-court name change process. This means they will have to pay a $100 to $400 fee to file a petition at court, publish a notice in a local newspaper and get a court order officially changing their name and that they can use to change everything else (just one more area where being gay can cost you more). Even more, couples who live in states that do allow or recognize same-sex marriage and civil unions often in practice don’t have it that much easier. While changing a name on a driver’s license can be done without a problem in such states, changing federal documentation can be trickier.

Since the federal government doesn’t recognize the right to same-sex marriage, even if you get married in a state that allows it, whether you can get the name change processed by Social Security or the passport office merely with the marriage certificate and required forms currently tends “to be hit and miss,” said Emily Doskow, an attorney in California who specializes in same-sex and transgender family issues and writes about marriage and divorce issues for the legal information publisher Nolo. “It depends on what local office you are going to, what the opinion is at the moment and whether you get a staff person who cares or doesn’t care,” she said.
The above article doesn't address the issue of why gay people might wish to assume a new married name, which I think is far more interesting.

thanks again to JMG


Ten Year-Old Boy Won't Say Pledge Of Allegiance Until Gays Can Marry

A hero to us, a brainwashed victim of the homo-nazi agenda to others.

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thanks to JMG


Sunday, November 15, 2009

HomoQuotable - Sir Ian McKellen

"I increasingly see organized religion as actually my enemy. They treat me as their enemy. Not all Christians, of course. Not all Jews, not all Muslims. But the leaders. . . . Why should I take the judgment of a declared celibate about my sexual needs? He's basing his judgment on laws that would fit life in the Bronze Age. So if I'm lost to God, organized religion is to blame." - Sir Ian McKellen, speaking to the Los Angeles Times. McKellen appears in the remake of the 1960s classic series The Prisoner, which debuts tonight on AMC.

thanks to JMG for this find

TERROR CAMPAIGN AGAINST LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER IRAQIS CONTINUES UNCHECKED BY IRAQI G

Ali Hili sent a message to the members of SOS: Support Iraqi LGBT.

--------------------
Subject: TERROR CAMPAIGN AGAINST LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER IRAQIS CONTINUES UNCHECKED BY IRAQI G

IRAQI LGBT – November 2009 – The rise of fundamentalist groups in Iraq since the 2003 U.S. led invasion has proven deadly to LGBT Iraqis, who are now being forced to either hide or face the consequences.

Using the internet as a means to track down new victims, militia members are now employing computer analysts to monitor traffic on gay dating and networking websites in the region. They work with internet café owners to single out people who frequent these sites and set up fake profiles in the attempt to lure them out.

On the 28th of August, police raided the houses of Asad Galib and Faeq Ismail, both 24 years old, and took them into custody. They were held and questioned for about four hours, accused of viewing gay websites in an internet café on the 21st of July. Both men denied the accusations and explained that the websites had already been open when they had begun using the computers. They were later released and are now in contact with Iraqi LGBT, a London based organization working to support and protect LGBT individuals in Iraq.

Others who have been accused or are suspected of such activities have not been as lucky.

On the 2nd of September, the body of 21-year-old student Mizher Hussien was discovered in Al Najaf, a city south of Baghdad. His head and genitals had been severed, and he had the word “pervert” written in black across his chest. The details of his murder are unknown, and Iraqi police have refused to launch an investigation into the cause or motivation of the crime.

On the 18th of September in Al Shatra Amara, two bodies were found exhibiting signs of torture. They had both been decapitated and left with a paper stating, “This is the end of all pervert homosexuals”.

Iraqi LGBT has been working since 2003 to raise awareness of the abuses being committed against LGBT people in Iraq, as well as provide protection to those who have been targeted. The organization currently funds a number of safe houses in the region, with nearly 100 individuals in Iraq directly benefitting from their work. In addition, Iraqi LGBT has been involved in securing asylum for Iraqi refugees who have been forced to flee the country.

Unfortunately, Iraqi LGBT has not been able to help everyone. The organization estimates that over 720 LGBT men and women have been murdered by these extremist militias in the last six years. The Iraqi government has largely been absent in pursuing the roaming death squads who carry out these acts, likely due to the influence of extremist Shia religious parties that are calling for a moral cleansing of Iraq.

With extremist militias threatening all those known to support LGBT rights, including the 2006 raid of an Iraqi LGBT planning meeting in which five activists were arrested, there is little hope for Iraqis suffering under the new socio-political climate. Once the most liberal and secular of the Arab nations, nowadays a religious extremism has taken hold of the country to the detriment of its people.

Iraqi LGBT calls for immediate international action to prevent the further torture and execution of LGBT people in Iraq. More information and details on making donations to the safe houses effort can be found at the Iraqi LGBT blog:


http://www.facebook.com/l/90abf;iraqilgbtuk.blogspot.com/2009/11/terror-campaign-against-lesbian-gay.html

Friday, November 13, 2009

Bil Browning sent a message to the members of The Bilerico Project.

Weekly Reader: Fruit Bat Fellatio, Las Vegas, & Scaring Our Elders

While I took a few vacation days this week to travel to NYC, the Editorial Team kept things plugging right along and the great contributor content didn't stop for an instant. These posts really stood out this week:

Sunday
Fellatio in fruit bats
Filed by: Gloria Brame Ph.D.
http://www.facebook.com/l/08e51;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/fellatio_in_fruit_bats.php

Are you normal?
Filed by: Michele O'Mara
http://www.facebook.com/l/08e51;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/are_you_normal.php

Monday
Is Violence Inevitable In Our Fight For Equality?
Filed by: Father Tony
http://www.facebook.com/l/08e51;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/is_violence_inevitable_in_our_fight_for_equality.php

Vegas still casts desert mirage of equality
Filed by: Cassandra Keenan
http://www.facebook.com/l/08e51;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/vegas_still_casts_desert_mirage_of_equality.php

Tuesday
About that LGBT boycott of the Obama Campaign, the DNC, and Organizing for America....
Filed by: Alex Blaze
http://www.facebook.com/l/08e51;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/about_that_lgbt_boycott_of_the_obama_campaign_the.php

Zenyatta: Why Should We Care About a Horse?
Filed by: Patricia Nell Warren
http://www.facebook.com/l/08e51;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/girl_power_zenyatta_rules_supreme_now.php

Wednesday
Why I'm So Damn Frightened of You
Filed by: Diane Silver
http://www.facebook.com/l/08e51;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/why_im_so_damn_frightened_of_you.php

Counterpoint: trans-inclusion is distracting to LGB legislation
Filed by: Austen Crowder
http://www.facebook.com/l/08e51;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/counterpoint_trans-inclusion_is_distracting_to_lgb.php

Thursday
For marriage victories, we must face and use religion
Filed by: Matt Comer
http://www.facebook.com/l/08e51;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/for_marriage_victories_we_must_face_and_use_religi.php

I've signed on to Don't Ask, Don't Give (and you should too)
Filed by: Bil Browning
http://www.facebook.com/l/08e51;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/why_ive_signed_on_to_dont_ask_dont_give_and_you_sh.php

Friday
When Its Not Your Fight
Filed by: Antonia D'orsay
http://www.facebook.com/l/08e51;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/when_its_not_your_fight.php

Video WH 'held for review': Obama official Melody Barnes' support for marriage equality
Filed by: Pam Spaulding
http://www.facebook.com/l/08e51;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/video_wh_held_for_review_obama_official_melody_bar.php

BONUS:

Bloggers honored at 2009 Courage Awards - The NYC Anti-Violence Project
Filed by: Pam Spaulding
http://www.facebook.com/l/08e51;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/bloggers_honored_at_2009_courage_awards_-_the_nyc.php

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Thursday, November 12, 2009

Catholic church trying to 'blackmail' D.C. in attempt to erode lgbt equality

After pouring a huge amount of money into defeating same-sex marriage in California and Maine, the Catholic church is now jumping into the D.C. argument with a little blackmail:

The Catholic Archdiocese of Washington said Wednesday that it will be unable to continue the social service programs it runs for the District if the city doesn't change a proposed same-sex marriage law, a threat that could affect tens of thousands of people the church helps with adoption, homelessness and health care.

make the jump to the rest of the article here

Gay Rights Go Global

Gay Rights Go Global

by: Peter Tatchell | GlobalPost

London - A new bill before the Ugandan parliament proposes the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality” and “serial offenders.” A sentence of life imprisonment will be imposed for touching a person with homosexual intent. Membership in gay organizations, advocacy of gay human rights and the provision of condoms or safer sex advice to gay people will result in seven years jail for “promoting” homosexuality. Failing to report violators to the police within 24 hours would incur three years behind bars. The new legislation will also apply to Ugandans who commit these "crimes" while living abroad, in countries where such behavior is not a criminal offense.

Jump here to read the rest


Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Mormons Endorse Not Leaving the Gays To Rot.

Mormons Endorse Not Leaving the Gays To Rot.

Stop the presses! The LDS church, via spokesman Michael Otterson, held a special news conference today to announce to every soul in the entire universe that they support "the right of people (gays) to have a roof over their heads and the right to work without being discriminated against."

Wow... what a stance.

A truly groundbreaking day in the progression of civil rights. Gays can now have a roof over their heads and not be fired from their jobs thanks to the stamp of approval from the Mormons.

C'mon, really? How is this even news? Did gay folks really need the church's nod of approval to have what Otterson himself admitted are "common-sense rights"?

jump to read the rest here

SHOCKER: Salt Lake City Passes LGBT Rights WITH Support Of Mormon Church

Last night the city council of Salt Lake City unanimously passed an ordinance outlawing discrimination against gays in employment and housing, the first such law in the entire state of Utah. Very surprisingly, among those speaking in support of the bill were official representatives of the LDS Church.
Hours after the LDS Church announced its support Tuesday night of proposed Salt Lake City ordinances aimed at protecting gay and transgender residents from discrimination in housing and employment, the City Council unanimously approved the measures. "The church supports these ordinances," spokesman Michael Otterson told the council, "because they are fair and reasonable and do not do violence to the institution of marriage." They also are consistent with Mormon teachings, he said. "I believe in a church that believes in human dignity, in treating people with respect even when we disagree -- in fact, especially when we disagree." Normally more deliberate, the council opted to vote after dozens of residents in the overflowing crowd expressed their support. "Guaranteeing a right to fair housing and fair employment is not an issue of compromise," Councilwoman Jill Remington Love said. "We are a stronger, better city this evening. I'm proud to serve on a City Council where this isn't even controversial."

The LDS Church's endorsement was hailed by leaders of Utah's gay community -- some of them stunned -- who called it a historic night they hope will set the stage for statewide legislation. "This is a great step," said Will Carlson, director of public policy for the advocacy group Equality Utah. But, he noted, four out of five gay Utahns live outside the capital and should be afforded protection as well. "Equality Utah will continue to work for that." Councilman J.T. Martin said some will dismiss the church's move, arguing LDS leaders blinked or caved to pressure. "That's not the case," he said. "I can tell you they do have compassion. They have church members who have gay sons and daughters, and they know this is an issue that touches everyone's life."
Do you think this is penance for Prop 8? Damage control? Does it matter?

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thanks to Joe

HomoQuotable - Lee Daniels

"Precious is really not a black story. I told it originally for a black audience, and I'm a black, gay filmmaker. So I told it with a gay sensibility, and I gave a black sensibility to it, because I'm African-American. But I think it's a universal story, and it goes beyond sex and/or culture to be universal.

"I met this lady who was 60 or 70 years old and attending the Sundance Film Festival, and the day after our first screening, she started sobbing in my arms. It was the most beautiful moment in all of this for me. I realized that it didn't matter if you were gay, black or from Philadelphia. This woman, who could barely speak my language, had embraced the moment and understood Precious." - Director Lee Daniels, whose film Precious shattered box office records for a limited release last weekend when it opened on 18 screens. The most Oscar-hyped film of the season, Precious opens nationwide on November 20th.

(I know I should see it, but it looks soooo depressing.)

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Courtesy of JMG

Aussie! Aussie! Aussie! !

Australian territory becomes first to legalise gay unions

SYDNEY — An Australian territory became the first to legalise civil partnership ceremonies for same-sex couples, in a move supporters hoped would spark national momentum.

Under the new laws, gay couples will be able to hold a legally recognised civil union ceremony in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), home to the nation's parliament.

The region's legislators approved the bill on Wednesday, moved by the ACT Greens party, after an amendment banning heterosexual couples from being recognised under the system.

The amendment means the law will not go against national legislation that says civil unions must not mimic marriage.

"We understand that this is not same-sex marriage," said Greens MP Shane Rattenbury, who drafted the bill.

jump here to read the full article

From Bilerico

About that LGBT boycott of the Obama Campaign, the DNC, and Organizing for America....

Filed by: Alex Blaze

November 10, 2009 5:00 PM

I have the following problems with the LGBT boycott of the DNC that a few bloggers launched yesterday:

1. I thought we were already boycotting the DNC. Am I the only who thought that the gAyTM was already supposed to be shut down?

2. The list of charges against the DNC, in its current form, contains some half-truths and unconfirmed rumors on it. According to MLK, self-purification was an entire step when it came to executing a social justice action, and it should be instinctively obvious as to why. If we're seeking justice, we have to base our actions in truth.

3. They say the boycott ends once ENDA is passed and DOMA and DADT are repealed, but they don't specify whether they mean a transgender-inclusive ENDA or not. Since a known and unapologetic transphobe is organizing this, it's a very appropriate question. (And, yes, I would say the same thing if a homophobic transsexual person were organizing something like this.)

4. There has been some movement forward on LGBT issues. Hate crimes legislation passed, discrimination against trans folks in government was banned, a slew of LGBT people were appointed to high-ranking positions, LGBT-specific health care provisions were included in the House bill, an inclusive ENDA's plugging along, the HUD opened up their definition of family to include LGBT families, the Census Bureau will release data on same-sex couples who put themselves down as "married," the HUD will study LGBT housing discrimination for the first time ever, increased HIV/AIDS treatment funding through the Ryan White CARE Act was proposed in the House, the DHHS lifted the HIV travel ban, abstinence-only education is most likely gone, and the DHHS has promised to create an LGBT senior resource center.

These are important changes for lots of people in the community, and if the biggest thanks the DNC can expect to get is a boycott, then what motivation do they have to move on more issues?

Continue reading "About that LGBT boycott of the Obama Campaign, the DNC, and Organizing for America...." »