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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NYC man remains in coma after brutal gay bashing

New York City politicos and activists on Monday denounced the attack against Queens resident Jack Price outside a College Point convenience store early on Oct. 9.

A Queens man remains in serious but stable condition after two men brutally beat him early Friday morning outside a local convenience store because he is gay.

Daniel Aleman, 26, and Daniel Rodriguez, 21, allegedly beat Jack Price, 49, around 3 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 9, after he went to a College Point corner store to buy a pack of cigarettes. The two men reportedly taunted Price, who remains in a medical induced coma at Booth Memorial Hospital, before they chased him and eventually beat him.

"To do this as a human being, no matter what their sexuality is, is a disgrace," Price’s sister-in-law Joanne Guarneri told WABC. "Both his lungs are collapsed. All his ribs are broken, his spleen had surgery, and he had to get a metal plate put in his jaw."

New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, state Sen. Tom Duane [D-Chelsea,] City Councilmember John Liu [D-Flushing] and openly gay City Council candidates Danny Dromm and Jimmy Van Bramer were among those who denounced the attack at a press conference outside the hospital yesterday afternoon.

"To do this as a human being, no matter what their sexuality is, is a disgrace."
"When someone is attacked for being who they are, and for being proud of who they are, there is no other explanation for that attack than hatred and bigotry," Quinn said. "In response, we will do all in our power as individuals, as a community and as a city to ensure that whoever commits such a vile act of hate is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

The attack against Price is the latest in a series of anti-LGBT hate and bias crimes that have rocked Queens in recent months.

Trinidad Tapia and Gilberto Ortiz allegedly beat Leslie Morak with a belt buckle as she walked home from a Jackson Heights nightclub in June. And Nathaniel Mims and Rasheed Thomas face hate crimes charges after they allegedly attacked Carmella Etienne with rocks and empty beer bottles on July 8 as she walked home from a store near her St. Albans apartment.

The New York City Anti-Violence Project concluded in a report issued in July the severity of anti-LGBT violence in the five boroughs has increased. Those who spoke at the press conference outside the hospital added they feel the attack, which came less than three days before more than 1,400 New Yorkers took part in the National Equality March in Washington, shows anti-LGBT hate crimes and bias attacks remains a serious problem.

"This tragic and senseless incident is yet another reminder of how far we have to go towards making our city one that is free of hatred and violence at all times and for all people," Van Bramer concluded.

Courtesy:

Michael K. Lavers
National News Editor
Edge Publications

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Ben & Jerry's Renames Ice Cream to Hubby Hubby in Support of Gay Marriage in Vermont

BURLINGTON, Vt.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ben & Jerry’s, known for its euphoric ice cream flavors and dedication to social justice, celebrates the beginning of the freedom to marry for gay and lesbian couples in Vermont with the symbolic renaming of its well-known ice cream flavor “Chubby Hubby” to “Hubby Hubby.” In partnership with Freedom to Marry, Ben & Jerry’s aims to raise awareness of the importance of marriage equality and, to show its support, will serve “Hubby Hubby” sundaes in Vermont Scoop Shops throughout the month of September.

Ben & Jerry’s has a long history of commitment to social justice, including gay rights. Its partnership with Freedom to Marry, a national leader in the movement for marriage equality, aims to raise awareness of the importance of marriage equality and to encourage other states to follow the blazing trails of Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, and Maine. Freedom to Marry promotes the national conversation about why marriage equality matters and brings together partner organizations into a larger whole – a shared civil rights campaign.

“At the core of Ben & Jerry’s values, we believe that social justice can and should be something that every human being is entitled to,” said Walt Freese, Chief Executive Officer of Ben & Jerry’s. “From the very beginning of our 30 year history, we have supported equal rights for all people. The legalization of marriage for gay and lesbian couples in Vermont is certainly a step in the right direction and something worth celebrating with peace, love and plenty of ice cream.”

To kick off the celebration, Ben & Jerry’s and Freedom to Marry will be publicly supporting the first marriages of gay and lesbian couples in Vermont and raising awareness for marriage equality and how to take action by driving consumers to www.freedomtomarry.org. By logging onto the site, people can show their support, sign a Marriage Resolution Petition, have conversations about why marriage matters and learn more about how they can support the cause.

“It’s not polite to talk with your mouth full, but the most important thing that all us ice cream lovers can do to support the freedom to marry is speak with the people we know about why marriage matters and the need to end marriage discrimination in every state”,” said Evan Wolfson, executive director of Freedom to Marry. “Thanks to Ben & Jerry’s, starting those needed conversations has never been sweeter – and thanks to Freedom to Marry, we all now have a great excuse to eat more ice cream.”

For more information on why marriage equality matters and to take action in your state, please log on to www.freedtomarry.org. To find your local Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop or learn more about Ben & Jerry’s social mission, log onto www.Facebook.com/benjerry.

www.benjerry.com

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Judge sets January trial date for Prop. 8 case

In a two-hour hearing Wednesday morning, Judge Vaughn R. Walker of the U.S. District Court’s Northern District of California set Jan. 11 as the date for the trial to begin in a federal challenge to California’s recently enacted ban on marriage for same-sex couples. And the judge ruled the city of San Francisco may play a supporting role in the legal fight.

Walker ended the hearing by lobbing a gentle chide to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, one of the government defendants in the case. Schwarzenegger has not disputed any of the lawsuits’ allegations. The governor has indicated he is not going to actively defend Prop 8, but he has not made a legal statement about the questions raised by the lawsuit.

Noting the current budget crises and wildfires raging in the state, Walker told Schwarzenegger’s representative at the hearing he wished "the governor and other public officials would weigh in on these constitutional issues."

Theodore Olson and David Boies, the attorneys representing two same-sex couples challenging Prop 8, had wanted a trial to begin this year. Charles Cooper, the attorney representing Yes on 8, had said no trial was necessary, but that if one were held it should not start until July. Walker made it clear he wanted a trail record for any future appeal. And he told the attorneys to begin the work of gathering evidence, identifying expert witnesses, and taking depositions immediately. A pre-trial conference has been scheduled for Dec. 16.

"We have a situation where we will have a resolution now," Boies said in a press conference after the hearing. "The question is whether we are going to include gays and lesbians in the umbrella of all human beings. This is about a fundamental human right. The Supreme Court of the United States has made it clear that removing rights a state has already recognized is a violation of the right to equal protection."

State Attorney General Jerry Brown, who had filed papers supporting a previous unsuccessful challenge to Prop 8 in state court, is one of the defendants in the federal case. He has said his office agrees with the plaintiffs’ assertion California’s ban on marriage for same-sex couples violates 14th Amendment’s equal protection and the due process provisions and will not play an active role to defend it.

In his ruling, Walker limited San Francisco’s role to the governmental interests and directed District Attorney Dennis Herrera’s office to work with Brown’s office to identify those governmental concerns. Herrera said those financial concerns included such things as the impact on tourism income and public health care costs.

In other rulings Wednesday, Walker denied a petition from Campaign for California Families, which led the ballot campaign to pass Prop 8, from joining the defense team. The judge blocked Our Family Coalition, Lavender Seniors of the East Bay, and Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays from joining the plaintiffs’ side.

Both parties are trying to see which of several dozen stipulations of fact on which they can agree. They both agree, for instance, marriage is of deep meaning to Californians, but the Prop 8 attorneys do not agree with the challengers’ assertion that marriage "is a public expression of love and long-term commitment."

One of the marriage points of contention is over the relative historical stability of marriage as a civil institution. The challengers in court papers filed Monday stipulated, "Civil marriage has never been a static institution. Historically, it has changed, sometimes dramatically, to reflect the changing needs, values and understanding of our evolving society."

Prop 8 attorneys countered.

"Civil marriage has been a remarkably static institution," they said. "It has rarely changed throughout history, and then only in minor ways. Despite any changes in its precise contours, it always has been and nearly always still is limited to the union of a man and a woman."

The two sides also clash in their submissions on whether sexual orientation can or should be changed and the extent of gay political power.


COURTESY:

Edge San Francisco

Roger Brigham,  EDGE San Francisco Editor
Thursday Aug 20, 2009

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LGBT History Quiz: Test Your Knowledge on Gay Marriage, Pride, Organizations and More

How much do you know about LGBT history? June is International Pride Month. Take this quiz to find out just how much you really know about LGBT rights, organizations and history of the community.  Subjects cover gay marriage, gay pride, history of LGBT organizations and more.

Access the Quiz Here

WHY I CREATED THIS QUIZ

In celebration of International Pride Month, I decided to create a survey that will test knowlege among the LGBT community.

Although an estimated 15 million Americans self-identify as LGBT (Witeck Combs), how many of us are knowledgable about our community's heritage? How many of us are active in the LGBT community? How many of us really know how it all started and what our brothers and sisters have faced for decades?

The results of the quiz are displayed immediately following completion, and include background information about each subject.

There is no better time to answer these questions and empower those in our community than 2009, the 40th anniversary since the Sonewall Riots.

Brush up on your knowledge; learn something new and pass this quiz along to everyone in the community. Armed with knowledge, we can mobilize, educate and move forward in our quest for equal and fair civil rights.

If there are questions you would like see added to the quiz, please contact me!

Happy Pride

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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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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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What If? - Part I

What If...

• What if I'm just getting old and I don't want to argue anymore?
  
  
• What if i'm okay with being single and I've succumbed to sleeping with random guys whenever it suits me?
  
  
• What if reading online profiles from 20-something kids makes me frustrated because I know I used to say the same ignorant things when i was that age?
  
  
• What if I really just don't give a shit anymore?
  
  
• What if, despite how bitter I sound, life actually teaches us all to think this way over time?
  
  
• What if I just want to have sex and never know your name?
  
  
• What if one day, after we've slept together so many times, I kiss you on the neck and get goosebumps?
  
  
• What if none of this matters anyway?
  
  
• What if I'm actually a really great guy but I've learned not to fall too quickly?
  
  
• What if I feel no remorse for kicking you out after we're done having sex?
  
  
• What if my dog likes you, but I don't?
  
  
• What if you totally suck in bed, but for some reason I just can't wait to see you again?
  
  
• What if you're so full of self-hatred and shame that you're too damn afraid to come out?
  
  
• What if I have no patience for people who use the word "discrete" in their online profiles?
  
  
• What if one day I smiled and you saw the future in the blink of an eye?
  
  
• What if I have the ability to check all my baggage at the door, but you continue to punish me for your past experiences?
  
  
• What if you make a promise that you just can't keep?
  
  
• What if I'm dating your friend, but can't keep my eyes off of you?
  
  
• What if I'm dating you, but I just can't shake the feeling I get whenever I'm around your best friend?
  
  
• What if after we break up all my friends remind me that you're the one I let get away?
  
  
• What if sometimes I'm so eccentric that certain little things you do drive me absolutely crazy?
  
  
• What if my persistence and obsession with perfectionism is too much for you to handle?
  
  
• What if I make all the compromises but you just can't seem to budge on any one vice?
  
  
• What if you swear you're versatile in bed, but you never seem to flip?
  
  
• What if you're too nice too quickly and I loose interest?
  
  
• What if I find myself falling for you even when I know it's supposed to be "just fun"?
  
  
• What if one day I need you more than any other time in my entire life and you're not there to comfort me?
  
  
• What if I open my heart and let you in only to find out later that you cheated on me?
  
  
• What if I just don't have patience anymore and waiting for you to decide if you're going to call two or three days after our first date pisses me off?
  
  
• What if I hear the words "I'm not into the gay scene" one more fucking time makes me go postal on some complete idiot who clearly doesn't respect his homosexuality?
  
  
• What if I'm so god damned angry that I make signs and protest everything anti-gay?
  
  
• What if I'm so tired of religous fanatics cramming their brainwashed ideology down my throat that one day I burn down a fucking church?
  
  
• What if I used to love kids, but now they get on my last nerve?
  
  
• What if sometimes I get so depressed that i wish with all my might I could be a parent?
  
  
• What if one day I wake up and the family that I've struggled to build for so long is suddenly gone?
  
  
• What if I die one day and no one remembers me?
  
  
• What if I grow very old and I find myself lonely without a partner?
  
  
• What if one day every gay person in the world stands up and refuses to go back to work until we have equal rights?
  
  
• What if one day the consumers control the brand and not the other way around?
  
  
• What if one day the people of the world realize we actually have enormous power in numbers?
  
  
• What if I'm so full of ambition but I lack follow-through?
  
  
• What if my actions touch one person in this world and it makes all the difference?
  
  
• What if there really is no such thing as God?
  
  
• What if even though I say I've dealt with my father's death that, secretly, I dream about him almost every night?
  
  
• What if one day I look back on my life and I regret had never doing something when I was younger?
  
  
• What if when I die I'm not actually reunited with family?
  
  
• What if one person reads this, gets inspired and decides to make an impact in the world?
  
  
• What if I woke up one day and decided that 'if' just doesn't matter anymore?
  
  
• What if....

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LGBT Organizations in LA to Host Virtual Town Hall Meeting - Open to Public

A virtual town hall meeting entitled “Prop 8: The Facts and Future,” accessible to anyone with a computer and Internet connection.

The 90-minute online forum will be hosted by Karen Ocamb, news editor at Frontiers and IN Los Angeles. It will be broadcast live via streaming audio. Audience members can send questions to the moderator in advance at: TownHallModerator@gmail.com or send questions/comments to her during the broadcast.

The town hall meeting will be recorded for those who are not able to participate in the live session.

Panel members include:

• Amy Balliett, founder of Join the Impact
• Lorri L. Jean, CEO of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center
• Geoff Kors, executive director of Equality California
• Rev. Eric Lee, president/CEO of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference Los Angeles
• Shannon Minter, legal director at the National Center for Lesbian Rights
• John A. Perez, assembly member-elect of California’s 46th District
• Steve Smith, No on 8 senior campaign consultant of Dewey Square.

To join the town hall meeting, visit: www.lagaycenter.org/Prop8TownHall

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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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