Matthew Shepard Candlelight Vigil TV Coverage (Nov 1998 - Houston)

It was November 11, 1998 and the news of Matthew Shepard's haneous death just rocked the world. Candlelight vigils were being held in cities all across the globe and Houston was on the list.

I was 22 years old when my phone rang that fateful day. Steve Baker, producer of TV Montrose, called and asked me to cover the candlelight vigil in a park near downtown Houston. Without any previous news reporting experience and no prior knowledge of Matthew's crime, I hopped in my car and headed down to the park.

It was raining that evening, but it didn't deter hundreds of supporters from gathering to pay respects to a fallen gay brother.

City Councilwoman Anise Parker spoke about hatred, acceptance and the need for increased protection for LGBT citizens. Little did we know, 11 years later Congress would pass the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act on Thursday, October 22, 2009.

This video is an inside look at the candlelight vigil held for Matthew. Although a young, unsuspecting college student had to endure such horrible beatings, torture and ultimate death, millions of LGBT persons have Matthew Shepard to thank for making federal hate crimes protection for LGBT citizens a reality in 2009.

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NY Gay Marriage Bill Could Go to Vote Soon - NY Governor to Call Special Sessions for Hung Senate

New York Governor David Paterson ordered the state Senate into special session beginning Tuesday in an effort to end the struggle for power over the chamber. After a staged coup by Republican Senators two weeks ago, the New York Senate became "hung" when the GOP leader (a Democrat who originally joined the renegade Republican takeover) stepped down and left the chamber vote at a tied 31-31, an incomplete forum for passing bi-partisan legislation.

For LGBT citizens of New York, this could mean that the proposed gay marriage bill by Governor Paterson may go up for vote after all. When polled by NY1, a local news station, nearly two thirds of the Senators either did not respond or indicated that they did not support same sex marriage.

The Governor said he will make Senators stay in Albany indefinitely until they act.

According to the Associated Press, Patterson said "I will convene a special session every day until they do. That means Saturday, Sundays, that includes July 4. There will be no excuses and there will be no tolerance to noncompliance with this order."

The 2009 session ends today.

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NY Gay Marriage Bill Up for Vote: Senators Who Would Vote 'No'

Gay Marriage Rights are up for vote in New York!
(pictured left: NY Governor David Patterson)

New York Governor David Patterson introduced a gay marriage bill that would legalize same sex marriage in New York. On Tuesday, May 12, 2009 the bill passed an assembly vote of 82 to 52, moving the legislation to the NY State Senate.

In an interesting turn of events on Monday, June 8, Republicans staged a coup and seized power of the NY Senate. Some speculate Republicans are attempting to take seat in an effort to majority rule on upcoming legislation like the same sex marriage bill. Democratic Senators have only been seated for five months when the Republicans voted them out today, just two weeks short of a term.

A frustrated and angry Governor Patterson released a statement today in a live press conference regarding the Senate take-over:

"The actions taken on the senate floor today need to be exposed for what they are, an unnecessary distraction to government, dressed up in the cloak - falsely - of reform and good government," Paterson said in a statement.

"...I don’t care if I am the only one standing, but someone has got to stand up and say that this is wrong."


NY1, conducted a poll among all 62 New York State Senators recently on the legalization of same sex marriage. Below are the results, and they are astonishing!

This is a perfect opportunity to stand up and do something: write these Senators! Tell the ones who would vote 'Yes' - 'Thank you!'

Especially for those Senators who would vote 'No,' now is the time to make your voice heard. These Senators need to know what the people think! Urge them to vote FOR the legalization of same sex marriage in NY.

I've done an extensive amount of research FOR YOU to help make this process easier. Click the name of the Senator to send a personal email! THAT'S ALL YOU NEED TO DO! You can also connect to those Senators who have a Facebook page listed. A download link for all Senators' email addresses is at the end of this blog entry.

Would vote "Yes" (Email All Supporters)

Eric Adams, D-Brooklyn: Email | Facebook
Neil Breslin, D-Delmar: Email
Martin Dilan, D-Brooklyn: Email | Facebook
Thomas Duane, D-Manhattan: Email
Pedro Espada, D-Bronx: Email
Craig Johnson, D-Nassau: Email
Jeffrey Klein, D-Bronx/Westchester: Email
Liz Krueger, D-Manhattan: Email
Velmanette Montgomery, D-Brooklyn: Email
Suzi Oppenheimer, D-Westchester: Email | Facebook
Kevin Parker, D-Brookyn: Email
Bill Perkins, D-Manhattan: Email
Diane Savino, D-Staten Island/Brooklyn: Email
Eric Schneiderman, D-Manhattan/Bronx: Email | Facebook
Jose Serrano, D-Bronx/Manhattan: Email
Malcolm Smith, D-Queens: Email | Facebook
Daniel Squadron, D-Brooklyn/Manhattan: Email
Toby Ann Stavisky, D-Queens: Email | Facebook
Andrea Stewart-Cousins, D-Westchester: Email | Facebook
Antoine Thompson, D-Buffalo: Email

Would vote "No" (Email all NON-Supporters)

Darrel Aubertine, D-Cape Vincent: Email
John DeFrancisco, R-Syracuse: Email | Facebook
Ruben Diaz, D-Bronx: Email | Facebook
Hugh Farley, R-Niskayuna: Email
John Flanagan, R-Suffolk: Email
Charles Fuschillo, R-Nassau/Suffolk: Email
Martin Golden, R-Brooklyn: Email | Facebook
Joseph Griffo, R-Rome: Email
Shirley Huntley, D-Queens: Email | Facebook
Carl Kruger, D-Brooklyn: Email
Andrew Lanza, R-Staten Island: Email
William Larkin, R-Cornwall: Email
Kenneth LaValle, R-Suffolk: Email
Thomas Libous, R-Binghamton: Email
Elizabeth Little, R-Queensbury: Email | Facebook
Carl Marcellino, R-Nassau/Suffolk: Email
George Maziarz, R-Newfane: Email | Facebook
Michael Nozzolio, R-Seneca Falls: Email | Facebook
George Onorato, D-Queens: Email
Senator Onorato sent me a personal email explaining he believes marriage is between a man and a woman. Tell him you disagree!
Frank Padavan, R-Queens/Bronx/Nassau: Email
Michael Ranzenhofer, R-Amherst: Email
Joseph Robach, R-Greece: Email | Facebook
Stephen Saland, R-Poughkeepsie: Email | Facebook
James Seward, R-Milford: Email
Dean Skelos, R-Nassau: Email
William Stachowski, D-Buffalo: Email | Facebook
Dale Volker, R-Depew: Email | Facebook
George Winner, R-Elmira: Email | Facebook
Catharine Young, R-Olean: Email | Facebook

Undecided (Email ALL Undecided Senators)

John Bonacic, R-Mt. Hope: Email | Facebook
Brian Foley, D-Suffolk: Email
Ruth Hassell-Thompson, D-Bronx/Westchester: Email
Owen Johnson, R-Suffolk: Email
Kemp Hannon, R-Nassau: Email
Roy McDonald, R-Saratoga: Email | Facebook
Hiram Monserrate, D-Queens: Email
John Sampson, D-Brooklyn: Email
David Valesky, D-Oneida: Email

Wouldn't Say (Email ALL Senators Who Wouldn't Say')

Joseph Addabbo, D-Queens: Email
James Alesi, R-East Rochester: Email | Facebook
Vincent Leibell, R-Westchester: Email
Thomas Morahan, R-Rockland: Email

Download ALL Senators' Email Addresses (Text File)

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Dick Cheney Announces 'Support' for Gay Marriage, But Only Half Ass

Former Vice President Dick Cheney spoke out at the National Press Club on Monday, announcing his support of gay marriage, but only on the state level.

"I think that freedom means freedom for everyone," replied the former V.P. "As many of you know, one of my daughters is gay and it is something we have lived with for a long time in our family. I think people ought to be free to enter into any kind of union they wish. Any kind of arrangement they wish. The question of whether or not there ought to be a federal statute to protect this, I don't support. I do believe that the historically the way marriage has been regulated is at the state level. It has always been a state issue and I think that is the way it ought to be handled, on a state-by-state basis. ... But I don't have any problem with that. People ought to get a shot at that." [quote courtesy The Huffington Post]

Gee, thanks Cheney.  But, personally, I believe that basic human rights like marriage should not be considered on a state-by-state basis.  It only further alienates Americans in this union we call a country.  Are we Americans 1st or are we state residents first?  I'm confused.

I think I'm an American first - I just happen to reside in New York.  I can choose to live anywhere in America because I love the country and I have the basic right to move to any U.S. state as a citizen.  I should be afforded other basis human rights that my country affords me as a citizen of its union, like marriage.  If there's too much power put on the state level in terms of these rights...what's next?  States succeeding from the union?  I mean - come on already.  Thanks, Cheney, for HALF ASS standing up for your lesbian daughter.  I wonder how she'll feel if she gets married one day, but it's not recognized by other states that she visits or decides to move to....

Pushing these kinds of things back to the state is a total cop-out in my opinion, and it's a completely political thing to do.  Think about it:  if these decisions were made federally, then politicians would have to answer to the constituents who fund their programs - constituents who may disagree with politicians' decisions.  Legalizing same sex marriage on the federal level would piss off all those private sector investors who urge politicians to "move" bills through the hopper.

Legalizing marriage in Massachusetts is great.  But, not legalizing it in California only further alienates U.S. citizens as free peoples.  This divides our country; it does not bring us together.

On the other hand, I understand that some decisions should be on a state-by-state basis.  Giving ALL the power to the U.S. government would create a totalitarian structure, thus depleting democractic core values and principals.

Basic human rights, however...those should be a no-brainer for a country - these rights should be afforded to EVERY citizen of a country, not on a state-by-state basis.

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California Supreme Court Prop 8 Ruling Challenged, Cases to be Heard in U.S. District Court

On Tuesday, May 26, the California Supreme Court ruled six to one in favor of upholding Proposition 8, the state amendment that denied same sex couples the right to marry.  The initial passing of Prop 8 in November 2008 also revoked the 18,000 marriage licenses granted previously in California.  Although the Supreme Court upheld Proposition 8, it ruled to recognize the 18,000 marriage licenses that were granted prior to the Supreme Court's decision.

Tuesday's decision caused an uproar when thousands took to the streets in major cities all across America to rally against Prop 8.  Organized by Robyn Tyler, a plaintiff in one of three cases filed against the State of California, the "Day of Decision" rally brought together congressional district leaders, LGBT rights organizations, members from LAMBDA Legal, LGBT citizens and straight allies to send a clear message that the fight for equality is not over.

Day of Decision rallies merely took a seat behind other breaking news in the media when President Obama nominated the first ever Latina to the U.S. Supreme Court the same day as California's ruling on Prop 8.

Tyler announced in a statement to Daily Queer News on May 27, 2009:

"No civil rights movement has ever lost.  Never.  We will win.  It’s not an “if” its a when.  Only we are going to have to fight like hell.  Shame on the California Supreme Court.  Six of them, except Justice Moreno, issued a cowardly decision based on one word...not amendment, not revision, but re-election.

I pledge that my wife Diane Olson and  I, and the 18,000 other couples who were married in the California prior to Nov. 5, 2009, will be part of a grassroots army of love warriors, and will never stop fighting until all of our rights are won, here in California, and on a Federal level for all of us in every State. Let us take our anger, and our passion to the streets, and never, ever get off. And if the National Democratic party does not, after 35 years of promises to our community, make sure we have full equal rights in this country, the gay divorce you are going to see is the gay communities divorce from the Democratic party.   We are a civil rights movement.  It’s time we acted like one."

The three cases filed against the State of California have now been elevated and are set to be heard federally in a U.S. District Court on July 2, 2009, sources say.

Stay up-to-date on all advances of marriage equality and LGBT rights issues by subscribing to Anything But Straight Blog.

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Remembering Stonewall: 40 Years of Gay Pride

It's hard to believe, but 40 years have passed since the Stonewall riots in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of New York City.

In June 1969, eight police officers entered the Stonewall Inn on Christopher Street to "randomly" check IDs. One-by-one, the officers escorted gays, lesbians and drag queens out the door and into squad cars. At 1:10 a.m., the bar patrons fought back.

Apparently, one of the bar patrons uprooted a parking meter and wedged it against the door, trapping cops and agents inside. After wrecking the place, the police called in reinforcements.

Outside, someone had set a fire while the crowd grew in the small Greenwich Village streets.

For the next three days, queers of every suit, drag queens and allies stood outside Stonewall Inn, rioting, protesting and chanting "Gay Power".

The Stonewall Riots were the first time in history that the LGBT community stood up and fought back against an oppressive society. From this event, a new gay movement emerged where the gays finally had enough and demanded inclusion.

Year 2009 marks 40 years since the Stonewall Riots. The New York City Pride Parade on June 28 is sure to be the largest gay pride celebration of all time.

Today, the Stonewall Inn maintains its unique "dive" atmosphere in the Village; a place where gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transgenders of all types meet for happy hour drinks, friendly games of pool and that "down home" feel only this establishment can afford. The Stonewall was recently rennoated and stands tall today.

I'm proud and happy to say that, as a new New York City resident, I found my way to the Village a few weeks ago and had a few drinks at Stonewall. It was both surreal and comforting all at once. The bartender was very friendly, as were my fellow barstool mates. Lesbians played a game of pool behind me, while I sipped on a Blue Moon on draft.

To commemorate 40 years of Pride, Bitchy Teez has designed a collector's edition T-shirt. Grab yours today and wear it with pride. Only $22 - order online now! http://www.cafepress.com/40years.386299235

Other 40 Years of Pride merchandise is available, too:

www.cafepress.com/40years

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New York Mayor Bloomberg Announces Support of Marriage Equality Bill

Last night at the New York Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center's third annual Center Dinner, Mayor Michael J. Bloomberg publicly announced his support for a marriage equality bill. Having Mayor Bloomberg as an ally in this fight for recognition of same-sex marriage is a tremendous triumph, as well a strong indicator of even more inspiring change to come.

"I think you see that the tide is turning, that support is mounting," Bloomberg said to more than 350 guests. "It's still not going to be easy. There are people who don't agree, but it's incumbent on all of us to explain to people that this really is a basic right that people should have, and I think that it's time for Albany to set politics aside and do the right thing, and pass the gay marriage bill."

The Center applauds Mayor Bloomberg for standing up for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality. With Senator Schumer's recent call for the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act, our community continues to gain significant support for civil rights.

It is extremely meaningful that Mayor Bloomberg chose the Center to make this announcement as the Center has been New York City's home for our community for over twenty-five years. Thanks to every person who is connected to the Center, we remain a strong advocate for LGBT issues. With continued support from our community, we will be able reinforce and act upon the need for change that Mayor Bloomberg has boldly set in motion.


Coutesy:  The Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center

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Obama Authorizes United Nations Gay Rights Declaration

On Wednesday, March 18, 2009, Obama officially endorsed a United Nations gay rights declaration calling for the worldwide decriminalization of homosexuality, the same measure which is previously rejected by former President Bush. This endorsement was the product of intense negative criticism by human rights and a number of other groups.

When first introduced, the United States was in line with countries such as Russia, China and members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference. “Homosexuality is currently forbidden in around 80 countries and can be grounds for execution in at least six”, The Times’ Neil McFarquhar reported when the measure was first introduced in December. Some who opposed the declaration claimed that it was a gateway to the legalization of pedophilia and incest, while others, such as the Bush Administration claimed that while it was opposed to discrimination of any kind, it was worried the declaration could undercut state and local governments on issues like gay marriage. In contrast, that same contention, after much consideration, led the Obama Administration in a different direction stating that support “commits us to no legal obligations.”

“This is a welcome step forward as it signals to the world that, after years of a hostile administration, the United States recognizes the humanity of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people at home and abroad,” said Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign.

"This is long past overdue and we are encouraged by the signal it sends that the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people will now be considered human rights," said Rea Carey, the executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.

While it is no secret that Obama is seeking to overturn the unpopular “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy devised under the Clinton Administration, this U.N. declaration could be the first step in showing the world that new and long deserved rights for gays in America are underway.

Courtesy:  Kimberly Young, Dallas Gay Community Examiner

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Fake Blood Drive Discriminates against "Faggots" - Culprits Revealed

A fake blood drive for "Jennifer Gale" was posted on fliers around town in St. Paul, MN. At first glance the fliers appear to discriminate against gay men. The fliers bore the Red Cross logo and read "No Faggots". Below is an excerpt from Fox News covering the story.

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Many passersby might not give blood drive fliers posted in Minneapolis and St. Paul a second glance, but many people are outraged over what's in the fine print.

"I don't like that at all. It's disturbing that anyone would write that on a poster and put it up for public display. I think it's terrible. It makes me want to rip it down," says Emily Weigel, who noticed the flier Monday.

The fliers advertise a supposed blood drive at a Minneapolis church, and are even marked with a Red Cross logo. The fliers go on to describe qualifications for donating blood, but at the end of the first paragraph, is a derogatory word aimed at homosexual men...



UPDATE: The persons responsible for the fliers have been revealed!

A group (H.O.M.O.) Humans Opposed to Medical Oppression posted fliers around the twin cities in the last week advertising a Red Cross blood drive that included the statement "No Faggots" to draw attention to a homophobic policy that excludes men who have had sex with men from donating blood. A similar action was done in Portland, Maine by a group called The Naughty North. This video features the motives behind that action.

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Guerrilla Gays Turned Away from Houston Bar

Houston’s first Guerrilla Gay Bar event apparently didn’t go too well.

About 100 gays were turned away from the Union Bar and Lounge in Midtown on Friday night, according to a press release from the Houston GLBT Political Caucus. Guerrilla Gay Bar participants were made to wait in line when they started arriving at the bar, which was mostly empty at the time, while straight-appearing people were allowed in, the press release states.

The growing crowd of gays gathered outside in the rain was told by employees that the bar was trying to maintain a “ratio.” This is despite the fact that Guerrilla Gay Bar organizers had contacted the owner in advance, and were told they would be welcomed. The press release states that Houston is the only major city in Texas that doesn’t prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation in public accommodations, meaning there may be no legal recourse. However, a protest reportedly is being planned outside the bar tonight. Read the full press release after the jump.

Also, here’s a link to the Facebook page for the group “Union Bar Houston - We Will Not Go There.”

MIDTOWN BAR REFUSES GAY PEOPLE
Gays made to wait in rain as others admitted

Nearly 100 gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people were refused entry to Union Bar and Lounge in Midtown Friday while others were welcomed.

Patrons started lining up at about 9:40 p.m. and were told to wait in line and not allowed inside, even as straight-appearing people were waved through. As the line grew and patrons waited in the rain, employees at the door told those who were that they were maintaining a “ratio.” Later, the bar employees simply indicated they had the right to refuse anyone.

“I was shocked to be a victim of that kind of discrimination in a city like Houston in 2009,” said Neal Falgoust, a Houston law student. “I have never experienced anything like that before in my life.”

A patron who arrived at the bar early reported that the bar was nearly empty at about 9:40 p.m., when gay people started arriving and were stopped at the door.

Gay people continued to line up to the street and around the corner as people who appeared to be straight went to the front and were ushered in. Kris Banks, who stood at the front of the line, said the bar employees were asking the women who were entering with men if the men were accompanying them. If the men were with the women, they were allowed in.

“I arrived and heard that they were not allowing gay men in, so when I got to the door with three women I asked if we would be allowed in, and the door employee said ‘I was told to keep you out,’ ” said Lindsey Dionne. “This was supposed to be a social event, but now it’s political.”

That this kind of discrimination is still legal in Houston makes it more outrageous. A coalition of GLBT rights groups, including the Houston GLBT Political Caucus, the Houston Stonewall Young Democrats, the Harris County Impact Houston and Amicus at South Texas College of Law said Saturday that the incident is proof of the necessity of legal protections for sexual orientation and gender identity for public accommodations.

“Houston is the only major city in Texas without a law that prevents this kind of discrimination,” said Jerry Simoneaux, GLBT civil rights lawyer. “This incident is exactly the reason Houston should implement such an ordinance.”

The event was organized as Houston’s first “Guerrilla Gay Bar,” a tongue-in-cheek event that has been popular in other cities in which GLBT individuals come to traditionally straight bars to interact with other communities. Though Guerrilla Gay Bars are usually a surprise event in other cities, Houston organizers informed the bar owner in advance out of courtesy and were told they would be welcomed.

Courtesy Dallas Voice
March 14th, 2009
By John Wright

Read the original article here: http://www.dallasvoice.com/instant-tea/2009/03/14/guerilla-gays-turned-away-from-houston-bar/

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Proposition 8 Campaign Can't Hide Donors' Names

Proposition 8 proponents' complaint that a California campaign-finance disclosure law has led to harassment of same-sex marriage opponents failed to sway a federal judge, who refused Thursday to throw out the law or shield donors' names.

"If there ever needs to be sunshine on a particular issue, it's a ballot measure," U.S. District Judge Morrison England said after a one-hour hearing in his Sacramento courtroom.

A lawyer for the Prop. 8 campaign said it would ask an appeals court to modify or overturn the law, which requires disclosure of all contributors of $100 or more.

Prop. 8, approved by voters Nov. 4, amended the state Constitution to recognize only marriage between a man and a woman, overturning the state Supreme Court's May 15 ruling that gay and lesbian couples have a constitutional right to marry.

Same-sex couples and local governments led by the city of San Francisco have filed suits to overturn Prop. 8, a case that the state's high court could hear as early as the first week in March.

The federal lawsuit, unrelated to the validity of Prop. 8, was filed Jan. 8 by the ballot measure's sponsoring committee, Protect Marriage. The suit said Internet disclosure of donors' names and other identifying information in state-mandated reports has led to consumer boycotts, picketing and even death threats.

By requiring disclosure, "The government is getting in the middle (of the issue) and saying, 'Here are the people to go after,' " Richard Coleson, a lawyer for the committee, told England.

He argued that the $100 disclosure requirement - adopted by California voters in 1974 - should be struck down, modified to raise the dollar limits, or at least not applied to Prop. 8's contributors. As a first step, Coleson said, the campaign should be exempted from the state's post-election contribution report, due Monday.

Otherwise, he said, in future initiative campaigns "you will have donations dry up, and one side will be able to overcome another by intimidation and not by persuasion."

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld campaign disclosure laws in 1976 but ruled in 1982 that the Socialist Workers Party in Ohio could shield its donors' names because of a history of attacks and reprisals.

Protect Marriage argued that it was entitled to the same exemption because of retaliation against some of its contributors, but lawyers for the state said the two cases weren't comparable. They noted that the Prop. 8 campaign raised nearly $30 million from 36,000 donors.

If the Prop. 8 campaign was exempted from disclosure because of reports of harassments of individual donors, said Deputy Attorney General Zackery Morazzini, the same case could be made for any controversial initiative. Courts would have to "keep the entire California electorate in the dark as to who was funding these ballot measures," he said.

England agreed.

He noted that some of the reprisals reported by the Prop. 8 committee involve legal activities such as boycotts and picketing. Other alleged actions, such as death threats, mailings of white powder and vandalism, may constitute "repugnant and despicable acts" but can be reported to law enforcement, the judge said.

Even if there have been illegal reprisals, that would be insufficient reason to grant a wholesale exemption for a multimillion-dollar initiative campaign, England said. He also rejected the Prop. 8 campaign's argument that the $100 disclosure limit established in 1974 should be increased for inflation, saying some states require reports of contributions as low as $25 and the Supreme Court has never invalidated them.

Any desire by donors to remain anonymous is outweighed by the state's authority to require "full and fair disclosure of everyone who's involved in these political campaigns," England said.

Protect Marriage still has a request pending before England to require the state to remove its past disclosure reports from the Internet. But the state says such an order would be futile because the reports have been widely distributed on private Web sites.

Coleson said the campaign would take its case against the disclosure law to the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco.

Referring to the donors whose names will appear in Monday's public report, campaign spokesman Frank Schubert said England's ruling "puts 1,600 people in harm's way."

Courtesy:  Bob Egelko, San Francisco Chronicle

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Add Your Name To Overturn Proposition 8

Be part of the largest LGBT civil rights movement in the United States since Stonewall. Join the fight to overturn Proposition 8, a 2008 California state constitutional ammendment that denied marriage rights to LGBT citizens.

This monumental movement has already begun to be the catalyst in pushing forward LGBT equality across America. Be part of history by standing up and taking action now.

For the third of five actions to overturn Prop 8, add your name to a scrolling list of members at www.eqca.org.

Have one minute?
Add your name to scroll on the homepage of www.eqca.org. Show the world you support the freedom to marry and oppose equality being put up for a vote.

Have two minutes?
Call, email, text your friends and family to add their names as well. Follow up with at least three people personally and tell them why this is so important to you.

Add Your Name To Overturn 8

The day after Prop 8 passed, Equality California—on behalf of our members—challenged Prop 8 in the California Supreme Court. On March 5, our case will be heard.

And by being a member of EQCA—the only organizational plaintiff in the case—you are a part of this moment in history.

We know that being out as an LGBT person, or as an advocate for equality, is essential to our fight.

That is why we are asking you to come out in a big way—by adding your name to a scroll of supporters on the homepage of eqca.org.

Take a minute to add your name to publicly show your support for the freedom to marry and for protecting minorities from having their equality put up for a popular vote.

Add Your Name To Overturn 8

The brilliant attorneys at the National Center for Lesbian Rights, Lambda Legal, ACLU, Munger Tolles and Olson, LLP and the Law Office of David C. Codell have worked tirelessly so we all live in a state where equality can’t be voted away. Now each of us must do our part.

While our opponents try to hide who their supporters are, we can show the world that we are everywhere and are proud to be on the side of equality. Add your name now.

Add Your Name To Overturn 8

And what about the people you care about and who care about you?

Forward this email to everyone one your list and ask them to become part of this historic moment by joining you. And follow up with at least three personally—tell them why it matters to you that they add their names to the list. And explain that the case is about more than marriage—as important as that is—but is about keeping other minorities from having their rights voted on.

Add Your Name To Overturn 8

By showing our neighbors, co-workers, family and friends that we are proud to be out in support of the freedom to marry and for the rights of other groups who will be at risk if Prop 8 is allowed to stand—and asking them to join us—we will build a true state of equality here in California.

In Solidarity,

Geoff Kors
Executive Director
Equality California

P.S. This is the third of five actions to overturn Prop 8 before EQCA’s Lobby Day to Overturn 8 next week. Keep looking for more actions until the big day, February 17!

www.eqca.org

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Remembering Matthew Shepard

It's hard to believe that ten years have passed since Matthew Shepard was beaten and left to die on a fence post outside of Laramie, Wyoming. Matthew had been kidnapped by two guys who pistol-whipped the 21 year-old college student on the night of October 6, 1998. Matthew died at a hospital in Fort Collins, Colorado on October 12, 1998.

I can remember the uproar that swept the nation when the news of this hate crime was released. I was just one year older than Matthew at the time of his murder. One week prior, I had interviewed with a GLBT television show in Houston, Texas. I accepted a position as a television reporter, covering the entertainment scene.

I will never forget the call I received from my producer on October 13, asking if I was available to cover a candlelight vigil for Matthew Shepard. The news of his death and the heinous hate crime washed over me and left me with sudden fear. It was a reminder that as a gay man I was not safe in this world.

It was a hot, rainy night on Tuesday, October 13, 1998, when hundreds of Houstonites gathered in a park near downtown. The area was illuminated by lights from TV camera crews, including my own crew with TV Montrose. I was armed with a small pad of paper, a pen and an umbrella. I was ready to interview speakers in the speech lineup, including openly lesbian city councilwoman, Anise Parker.

Looking out over the lawn, I witnessed women and men of all races and backgrounds standing in the rain, candle in hand, singing "We shall overcome..." The vigil was very emotional for many attendees, including myself.

After taking notes from several interviews, I was ready to do my on-camera take. I reached into my pocket to pull out my pad of paper. To my dismay, all of my notes had been smeared by the rain. My first TV story, and by far the most important, was going to be a big challenge. My producer looked at me and told me not to worry. He said to speak from my heart. So, I tried my best to calm my nerves, remembering that the entire event was much bigger than me.

That night will always be etched in my memory as a defining moment in my life. That night I witnessed love and compassion in complete strangers. I sang with the crowd. I held my candle up high and I shed many tears while listening to the voices of hope and change reverberate from the speakers. That night changed me. One of my peers had been murdered for being gay. I will never forget Matthew Shepard.

I know I have this video in my archive somewhere. It's on VHS. I will do my best to get it digitized and uploaded soon.

Don't forget Matthew Shepard
December 1, 1976 – October 12, 1998

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National Coming Out Day

National Coming Out Day is October 11, a day when GLBT Americans are encouraged to break free from the political and social restraints of a heterosexual world and be proud of who we are as a people.

For many GLBT people, coming out can be very difficult. Facing family, friends, co-workers and classmates can be frightening, especially when the world has taught us for so long that being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered is unacceptable.

Though I can understand the fear a person would have when considering to come out, my personal journey was quite different. I've always been a very outspoken person, never really caring what other people think of me. Instead, I've always been more of a trend setter, a person who leaped first and asked questions later.

When I was 18 years old, I told my mother in a very casual conversation that I am gay. She didn't care, nor did she have much to say about it. Coming out to Dad was a little more difficult since I had always sought his approval for so many things throughout my life. But, I didn't really care what he thought when it came to my sexuality; it was mine to own, not his to approve.

One day I came home to do some laundry (I had been living part-time with friends in the gayborhood) and Dad asked where I had been for the past two weeks. Without thinking twice, I blurted "I've been staying with my boyfriend. You'd like him. He's a lawyer."

Dad didn't say anything for what seemed like several minutes. Finally I asked him if he was going to comment. He said "I've always known. I don't know what you want me to say. Just don't bring your lovers here or to any family event. And, don't tell your grandma!"

I told Dad that I wouldn't want anyone I cared about to meet him in the first place, so his rules were meaningless and without merit. I didn't return home or speak to my father for almost two years after that day. But, being a television reporter on a gay TV show, I sent Dad tapings of my show every week...just to tip the scale - to show him that his judgment did not affect me.

A few years later, after moving to Dallas and living with my (ex) partner, Dad called me up and invited us to Christmas with the family. He said that he missed having his son at family events. That year, my partner and I were welcomed with open arms and we appeared in all of the family photos. Amazingly, I was more uncomfortable at Christmas with my partner than any one of my family members. They just carried on like there was absolutely nothing different or out of place. I owe them a great deal of gratitude for this. My family, that day, and every single day afterward, made me feel normal.

Today, Dad is deceased. He died this time last year from colon cancer. But, we shared a good solid five years in a healthy and happy relationship with each other; a relationship free of hatred and bias, and full of love and acceptance. On this National Coming Out Day, I give thanks to my dad and my entire family for being so loving and so accepting. It took some tough love on my part...but, as I said before...being gay is mine to own, not my family's to approve.

A dear friend of mine has been in the closet his entire life, and when we first met I hounded him about it. He told me that his truck-driver dad would never understand it, nor would he accept it. So, my friend decided that he was not going to come out to his family. At age 29, my friend flew back home to St. Louis and came out to his mother and father. He explained that he could no longer understand why his family should not know about his sexuality, and that he owed it to his parents to tell them the truth. I was so proud of him. I knew that even if he didn't come out to them, he had already taken the biggest step toward self-acceptance.

My friend's father didn't take it so well. In fact, he kicked him out of his house that weekend and demanded that his son repay all of his college tuition. Even worse, he's been told not to call home, and his father said some really mean things. I felt so bad for my friend when he was telling me this. But, he is so respectful of himself and his new-found self awareness that his father's reaction did minimal damage to his heart. My friend explains that he knew his father would take it this way and that he was prepared.

Still...it's very sad. You're only given one set of parents in this life. If my father had died last year while we were in a state of disagreement or hatred, it would be unbearable. I would never have forgiven myself for not trying harder.

So, to all of you out there who are still not out to your family...first, do it on your own terms and at your own pace. But, second, never lose sight of who you are. Find your self-respect. And, if someone has a problem with your sexuality...just think about this...that's THEIR problem to worry about and lose sleep over...NOT YOURS. Just remember...you've already lost your sleep. You've already worried about it. You've already beaten yourself up about it. Don't do it all over again for someone else. Take care of yourself first. It's not your responsibility to cope with everyone's doubts, worries and inadequacies. Be who you are with NO APOLOGIES.

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For the Bible Tells Me 'No'

So, I get these Google Alerts in my email box daily - always GLBT news of some sort, particularly pertaining to Dallas where I live. Google is a great thing - if you haven't yet discovered Google Alerts, you're living in the Ice Age. Seriously...go get 'em.

On Monday, I get an alert about a new film titled For the Bible Tells Me So. Naturally, I was intrigued since it seems lately that God and all of his followers have been cramming the Good Word down my throat. For the past few months, a large gang of Jesus freaks have been congregating outside JR's (a local gay bar on the gay strip in Dallas), forming a circle and singing tunes that include words like "Jesus Saves" and "Jesus forgives." You can't blame these folks for standing up for what they believe in...but come on...you don't see a gaggle of fags standing outside a motorcycle bar singing Madonna tunes, trying to convert all of them into good little gays!

Right, so Jesus is all up in my Kool-Aid these days. The religious conservatives are all about sending us fags to hell - several even want us killed, according to signs they hold up when protesting in the streets.

After reading all about this new film, I can't wait to see it. So, I send a blanket text message to everyone in my address book, looking for someone with whom I can see the film. Bingo! My straight female friend, who has a 19-year old gay son, is all about attending with me.

The film is a documentary that was very well directed, telling the story of non-acceptance of the GLBT community in the religious world. Chronicling the lives of several families who are born and raised with religion in their lives, each family finds themselves becoming connected to the GLBT community through a sibling, child or relative who outs themselves.

This film is very powerful and quite controversial. We watch one mother tell her own lesbian daughter that she will never be accepted and that she is going to Hell for being gay. Later, the lesbian hangs herself and the mother grieves her daughter's death for years to come. This tragic turn of events makes a light go off in Mom's head, and she decides to go back and read all of these passages in the Bible that supposedly say homosexuality is wrong. Through her own education, and without the direction of her church for once, Mom understands these passages in a completely different way. Mom now believes that the Bible never meant that homosexuality is wrong...that it is misunderstood and misquoted by the entire religious community. Several reverends back this up. So, Mom sets out with her new-found knowledge and begins protesting for gay rights, remembering and memorializing her daughter's death every step of the way.

There are several real-life stories in this film about families who have their own struggles with homosexuality and religion. Each story is very moving.

I highly recommend seeing this film - gay or straight.

Check it out at www.forthebibletellsmeso.org.

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