Contact P&G and Vote in Support of Luke & Noah!

Procter & Gamble which is the sponsor of the CBS show "As the World Turns" which has a gay couple Luke and Noah AKA: "Nuke" who have been the subject of much controversy over their on tv gay romance. Anti-gay activists have been calling on their constituents to complain to CBS and P & G. They were succesful in limiting their presence on the show for months, recently the couple has again kissed on air. Now the American Family Association has created an action alert against P&G asking them to stop the gay programming.

P&G has created an automated toll-free hotline to contact them about whether you support the gay plotline on the show. Whether you watch the show or not, please contact them and vote so that we can win against anti-gay forces and increase gay exposure and visibility.

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Just call 1-800-331-3774 (Press 1 for English), (Press 2 to vote about ATWT) and finally press 1 (one) to keep the Gay Storyline.

Open Forum: Do We Need to Reclaim the Term "Homosexual"?

The term "homosexual" has become very popular when anti-gay activists refer to our community. They use terms like "homosexual activism", "homosexual agenda", and "homosexual militants". Homosexuality used to be the prefered term when discussing people who are attracted to the same-sex but times have changed. Gay and Lesbian activists feel the term sounds too medical, too disease like and so prefer to use terms like gay, lesbian, bisexual, LGBT, GLBT, etc.

While the Rainbow community has moved away from using the word "homosexual" anti-gay activists have been constantly using it in order to ratchet up fear, and to bring back the notion that homosexuals are unhealthy, unstable, and mentally/physically ill.

What I find interesting is that the Rainbow community has made renewed efforts to embrace the word "Queer" which was up until recently considered a derogatory term for LGBT people meaning "freak, oddball, different" but now it can also be an umbrella term representing those who are of a different sexual orientation/gender identity.

So I pose this question to you "homosexual activists" out there, do we need to reclaim the term "homosexual" or do we need to keep insisting on other words?

Organization Spotlight: Intersex Society of North America

Pride Graphics by HitupMyspace.com

I am introducing a new type of posting that I will be doing from time to time which is highlighting organizations that serve the Queer community, these are organizations which have resources for us, advocate for us, and are worth checking out and donating to.

Today, I wanted to give a shout out to the Intersex Society of North America (ISNA) which works tirelessly for the rights of intersexual individuals (people born with ambiguous genitalia who are not male or female). ISNA advocates for change within the medical establishment which currently deals with intersex children by assigning them a gender the doctor and parents feel is reflective of the child. The child often undergoes "cosmetic surgery". Intersexual children face many difficulties later in life such as gender identity issues, depression, and suicidal tendencies because of these surgeries. ISNA advocates for allowing the child to choose their gender and to make the decision if they want surgery as an adult. Many people choose to remain intersexual and not undergo surgery and can live healthy and productive lives. Please check out their website and learn more about Intersexuality, and what you can do to to be a better advocate for this community!

Intersex Society of North America

College Newspaper "The Daily Mississippian" Publishes Hate

According to Wayne Bessen:

"In a disgraceful example of journalistic malpractice, the college newspaper The Daily Mississipian printed right wing talking points - while calling it an Op-Ed .
"Homosexuality is unhealthy," writes Zack Williams, "Not in the way that cigarettes and booze are unhealthy, but in the way that drinking a shot of turpentine every Wednesday afternoon while perusing real estate catalogues for houses near nuclear waste dumps is unhealthy."

MEDIA ALERT: Please send your own letters to the editor of the Daily Mississipian,
Marti Covington, at:

editor@thedmonline.com

HRC Launches "Year to Win"

The Human Rights Campaign's "Year to Win" campaign has announced pro-equality candidates it endorses, has the option to pledge to vote, and donate to pro-equity candidates and see where they stand on the issues.

"2008 U.S. Senate endorsements by the Human Rights Campaign as of April 28, 2008:

Max Baucus, D-MT

Joe Biden, D-DE

Susan Collins, R-ME

Dick Durbin, D-IL

Al Franken, D-MN

Tom Harkin, D-IA

John Kerry, D-MA

Mary Landrieu, D-LA

Frank Lautenberg, D-NJ

Carl Levin, D-MI

Jack Reed, D-RI

Jeanne Shaheen, D-NH

Mark Udall, D-CO

Tom Udall, D-NM"

Not So Fast - We Saw The Anti-Gay Bias WNEM!

WNEM, a CBS affiliated network has published fiercely biased anti-gay coverage of the Day of Silence. They quickly took down the article after Queer activists complained that this was a mouthpiece for the right-wing homophobic agenda.

Check out this cached page of the article

Contact them at:

WNEM TV

55409 Gateway CentreBuilding C, Suite D

Flint, MI 48507

Phone: 810-232-3900

Newsroom: 810-234-5607



EMail WNEM: wnem@wnem.com

Email Ian Rubin:
ian.rubin@wnem.com

Act to Stop SB 1250 Anti-Marriage Equality Bill in PA

"The "Marriage Protection Amendment" is legislation to amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to define marriage as solely between one man and one woman, as well as prohibit civil unions and potentially more. If this legislation passes, it could harm thousands of Pennsylvanians including same-sex and unmarried heterosexual couples and their children.

We need everyone to contact your Senator and Representative give a voice to the millions of Pennsylvanians who oppose writing discrimination into our State Constitution. In addition to calling your Senator and Representative, please email them about this important legislation."

(Click here to contact your representatives if you are a Pennsylvania resident)

Urge Salt Lake County Council to Vote in Favor of Partner Benefits

The council in Salt Lake City Utah is scheduled to vote on a health insurance plan that would include lesbian and gay couples. The plan would enable anyone living together who can demonstrate financial ties regardless of their gender or if they are legally married to be able to access coverage.

Please urge council members to vote in favor of equality.

Click below to find contact information for council members:

http://www.council.slco.org/html/contact.html

Join MoveOn.org in Pressuring John McCain

Influential right-wing conservative pastor John Hagee has endorsed John McCain for president, the mainstream media has ignored the controversial and radical comments by this leader. Pastor Hagee has said hurricane Katrina was God's punishment for an upcoming gay pride parade that was scheduled. He has made bigoted comments against the Catholic church as well. Moveon.org is protesting John McCain's visit to Louisiana today and calling on him to speak out against these anti-gay, bigoted viewpoints.

Please sign the MoveOn petition and hold John McCain accountable for his allegiance to this homophobe

http://pol.moveon.org/mccain_pander/?r_by=-9222762-XOMBpM&rc=paste

Video of his hateful rhetoric:

Day of Silence 4.25.08

Friday, April 25th, Silence traditionally begins 10am and is broken at 6pm!

"The National Day of Silence brings attention to anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment in schools. This year’s event will be held in memory of Lawrence King, a California 8th-grader who was shot and killed Feb. 12 by a classmate because of his sexual orientation and gender expression. Hundreds of thousands of students will come together on April 25 to encourage schools and classmates to address the problem of anti-LGBT behavior." Whether you are a student, a faculty member or just a concerned citizen please see how you can get involved in this important day that has shaped and changed the lives of many Queer and straight allied students around the country. Order your t-shirts, print out your silent cards, and see what you can do to be active on behalf of GLBT equality."

Printable cards to notify people of why you are silent:
CLICK HERE!

http://www.dayofsilence.org/

Open Forum: Heterosexual Priviledge

I wanted to create an open forum for us to discuss ways that heterosexual privledge influences our lives and how we feel we can overcome it.

Gay people know all too well that we take a risk and we face a decision when we display affection in public, come out as Queer, talk about our significant other, or even just being who we are with regards to our gender expression.

How do you feel about heterosexual privledge, people who don't need to think twice about their actions, and how can we make the world a safer and more tolerant place for us?

The Gays are being Gay Again...

According to The Advocate:

It appears our activism in contacting CBS has been fruitful, the threats by the anti-gay American Family Association are no longer dissuading CBS.

"As the World Turns's ban on gay kissing was apparently lifted Wednesday as characters Luke and Noah shared their first on-screen kiss after seven months of chastity.

After two passionate on-screen kisses last fall, the couple lovingly referred to by fans as "Nuke" suddenly stopped displaying their affection toward one another. Jeannie Tharrington, the producer's spokeswoman, told The Advocate, "To be frank, a lot of people weren't expecting that first kiss. We got a lot of letters -- not from activists but from regular fans who said, 'We're not ready for this.'"

Shortly after the abrupt end to their sensuous kisses, however, fans and activists mailed in bags of Hershey's kisses to CBS's studio offices in Los Angeles in protest. After letters protesting both the kisses and their absence, April 23 marked the day the passion returned."

*Photo by Cstardust off of Creative Commons.

Arizonans Speak Up Against Anti-Marriage Amendment

According to Pam's House Blend:

"The anti-marriage amendment is back. After it looked like the amendment had been derailed, it is back on the agenda for the Arizona House of Representatives. Things may move very quickly-the House could vote on the amendment at any time, possibly on today, April 22, and the Senate might immediately follow. If the legislature approves the amendment, it will be on this November's ballot, just two years after a similar effort was defeated."

Arizona residents click CLICK HERE to contact your representatives.

Please call them now at 602-926-4221 or 1-800-352-8404 to urge them to vote no on SCR 1042, as amended. Urge them to keep this divisive amendment off the ballot.

Senator Brophy: "Finds No Pattern of Gay Discrimination"

According to Lavender Newswire:

Sen. Greg Brophy, R-Wray of Colorado, has introduced a stunt amendment arguing that gay people do not need a bill to protect against discrimination.

"The debate on the Senate floor over a bill that would expand the prohibition of sexual orientation-based discrimination became personal and emotional this morning after a senator offered a rhetorical amendment to ban discrimination against short people.

Sen. Greg Brophy, R-Wray, withdrew the stunt amendment after arguing that there is no need for the bill because he has not seen evidence that gays and lesbians are discriminated against when seeking a job or a home.

“What I’m talking about is economic discrimination, political discrimination, employment discrimination,” Brophy said. “I find no pattern of any of those.”

Email him to let him know why sexual orientation/gender identity need anti-discrimination laws as a form of protection.

Citizens for Greg Brophy

P.O. Box 332

Wray, CO 80758

970-332-5766

Email: greg@gregbrophy.net

Hate Crimes in 2008 - Fight OUT Loud

Thanks to Fight OUTloud for making this moving clip. Please share this over the internet to let people know hate crimes legislation is crucial. Currently the statistic is 1 person is killed due to sexual orientation/gender every 8 days! We need to act now!

It's Time to Outlaw Unfair Discrimination Across the European Union!

Help make fair anti-discrimination laws in the European Union.

"We believe that equality, anti discrimination and human rights are the basis on which the EU was founded in the Rome Treaties. We are astounded that after 60 years millions of EU citizens still have no legal protection from daily discrimination of all kinds.

This website is promoting a Europe-wide petition for a new European Directive to outlaw discrimination. We need the directive to ban discrimination in access to goods and services on grounds of disability, age, sexual orientation and religion or belief - areas not currently covered in many EU member states (we already have Directives outlawing discrimination in Employment, Race and Gender). We aim to show support for an 'own initiative' report by UK MEP Liz Lynne currently going through the European Parliament which calls for a comprehensive new anti-discrimination directive as a top priority."

Click here to Sign the Stop Discrimination Petition

Canada's OutTV Subjected to Unfair Treatment

According to Slap Upside The Head:

"Canada’s only gay and lesbian television channel has filed a complaint with the CRTC over treatment by a local cable provider.

OutTV says that not only does Shaw Communications exclude the channel from their “All In” package and make it a by-request-only subscription (the only specialty station to receive this treatment), but they have also moved the station’s channel number multiple times, first from 100 to 200, then to 370. Worse, the last move put the station immediately beside adult offerings: Channel 371 is Hustler, 372 is Playboy, and 373 is Red Light District."

It is unfair and unethical to constantly move the OutTV channel and damages their business and credibiiltiy. In addition their is no adult content on the channel and thus it should not be showcased along with sex oriented channels simply because the channel is geared toward a gay/lesbian audience.

Please contact the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to voice your concern over Shaw's homophobic and unfair treatment of OutTV.

More Queer Papal Protests/Vigils

An Interfaith Vigil of Hope:

Saturday, April 19: 6-7pm,

on the eve of the Pope’s visit to Ground Zero & in memory of Fr. Mychal Judge.
With members of New York's LGBT community we will “remember our families and friends who died in the World Trade Center Tragedy, and pray for change of heart, for an end to prejudice, for understanding, peace, and reconciliation."

Meet outside St. Paul's Chapel at Broadway & Fulton St at 6 pm. From there the candle light vigil will walk to the corner of Church and Vesey Streets where the body of Fr. Mychal Judge was first placed on 9/11. Bring your own candle.

A 7-foot banner painting of Mychal Judge, by Brooklyn artist Ian Hart, will be unfurled at the vigil. The banner depicts scenes from his life of reconciliation and compassionate caring, including as Fire Chaplain, with Chinese immigrant-survivors of the Golden Venture wreck, walking with his St Francis Aids Ministry in the Pride parade, and at Long Kesh Prison in the North of Ireland. The event will call attention to the important role gay clergy have played in the Catholic Church.

CONTACT: Brendan Fay: 718-721-2780.

---

Counter-protest Westboro Baptist Church AKA: "God Hates Fags"
The following may likely have counter-gay protests, but I don't have a source as of yet to confirm, anyone know?
Ground Zero possible counter protest of anti-gay Fred Phelps clan:
Reverend Fred Phelps' virulently anti-gay Westboro Baptist Church will demonstrate at Trinity Place and Liberty Streets on Sunday at 8:30 a.m. by Ground Zero in Manhattan.

Yankee Stadium sossible counter protest of Anti-Gay Fred Phelps clan:

Later in the day they will picket the pope's Yankee Stadium Mass at 161st Street and River Avenue in the Bronx from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

To Have and To Hold: Faith Leaders for the Freedom to Marry

GodTube typically an anti-gay site has a pro-faith, pro-marriage equality video. Hopefully this does not get deleted, but nonetheless it is beautiful and I wanted to share and hear your thoughts.

CT Residents: Support HB 5723 for Transgender Equality Without a Teachers Amendment

According to Queers Without Borders:

"Read, Take Action and Forward!

Did you know that transgender individuals in CT can still be fired from their jobs or denied housing simply because of who they are?

A bill now before the CT House of Representatives (HB 5723–An Act Concerning Discrimination) would prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity or expression."

Contact your State Representative today to support this bill.

Pledge-a-Thon for Workplace Equality

Help Lambda Legal make the case for equal workplace rights by signing their petition.

Click here for Pledge-A-Thon petition for Workplace Equality

Here is the pledge you would sign above:

"I believe that workplace discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and people living with HIV is wrong. I pledge to support workplace equality whenever I can and will strive to do one or more of the following:

* Treat LGBT people and people living with HIV with respect in and out of the workplace.

* Get educated about forms of workplace discrimination that LGBT people and people living with HIV experience.

* Help make my workplace LGBT- and HIV- friendly.

* Support my co-workers' (or employees') right to form an LGBT employee resource group.

* Help improve policies in my workplace that protect the rights of LGBT workers and workers living with HIV and work to carry out existing policies.

* Help improve laws protecting the rights of LGBT workers and workers living with HIV on the local, state and federal level.

* Speak out if I witness workplace harassment or discrimination at work or in the community."

Demand Justice for LGBT Citizens of Turkey!

Join us as we stad with the Human Rights Watch:

"A police raid on a Turkish human rights organization is the latest incident in an escalating pattern of harassment of gay rights groups, Human Rights Watch said today. In a letter to Turkish Minister of Interior Beºir Atalay, Human Rights Watch called on the government to cease official harassment of groups working on sexual orientation and gender identity issues, and to ensure training of all criminal-justice officials in human rights principles.

The government should reform laws that allow officials to harass groups like Lambda Istanbul in order to guarantee everyone’s human rights.

On April 7, 2008, approximately 12 police in plainclothes entered the headquarters of the Lambda Istanbul Cultural Center, which defends the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people. Their warrant cited suspicion that Lambda “facilitates prostitution, acts as a go-between [and] provides a place for [prostitution],” criminalized under Article 227 of Turkey’s Penal Code. The raid took place 10 days before an April 17 court hearing in a case against Lambda Istanbul brought by the Istanbul Governor’s Office, accusing the group of violating Turkish “moral values and its family structure.

Lambda Istanbul has suffered harassment by the Turkish authorities since 2007, when the Istanbul Governor’s Office demanded its closure, arguing the name and objectives of the group were offensive to Turkish “moral values and its family structure.” The Prosecutor’s Office rejected the complaint in July 2007, but the governor’s office pursued the case to a higher court. After four hearings, the case is still pending.

Under human rights law, including the European Convention on Human Rights, which applies in Turkey, the Turkish authorities must guarantee freedom of association to all, without discrimination."

Please email the Turkish Minister of Interior and demand justice!


Email: Click here!

*Graphic courtesy of charlesfred from Creative Commons

Help Pass the Domestic Partnership Policy in Miami-Dade County

According to Gay News Net:

"A package of domestic-partnership benefits moved closer to passage in Miami-Dade County on Wednesday, clearing committee and advancing to the full County Commission for a vote later this month or in May.

The proposal gives domestic partners, regardless of sexual orientation, the legal right to visit each other in hospitals and jails. It would also let county employees buy health insurance coverage for their partners and partners' children.

''We're a family and we need to have that sense of security,'' said Cristina Florez, whose partner works for the county's aviation department. Florez's unborn daughter was due Monday, and she said independent insurance will be practically unavoidable when she becomes a stay-at-home mother.

The proposal defines domestic partners as unmarried adults who are at least 18, live together, are not blood relatives and consider themselves ``immediate family.''

It was approved 3-1 in the Economic Development and Human Services Committee, with Commissioners Katy Sorenson, Barbara Jordan and Dennis Moss voting for it and Javier Souto dissenting."

Please urge commissioners to adopt the Domestic Partnership Policy!

Email: Click here to email the Commissioners!

Act to Make Collin County Discrimination-Free!

According to Gay News Blog:

"Gay rights advocates urged Collin County commissioners on Tuesday to adopt a hiring policy that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Commissioners are considering a proposed policy that would ban discrimination based on “sex, race, creed, disability or national origin.” It does not specifically mention sexual orientation. “To exclude sexual orientation and gender identity/expression from your policy sends a clear message to the people affected by it,” said Morris Garcia, president of the Collin County Gay and Lesbian Alliance. He said the suggested policy would allow “bigoted opinions in the workplace that can only equate to a hostile environment, poor productivity, and unfair/unequal treatment.”

Please email Collin County comissioners below and urge them to add sexual orientation/gender identity to the hiring policy.

Email: Click here to email the Commissioners!

Collin County Commissioners' Court

Collin County Government Center

210 S. McDonald St. Suite 626

McKinney, TX 75069

Phone: 972-424-1460 ext. 4631

Fax: 972-548-4699

More Hateful Rhetoric on Pregnant Trans Man Thomas Beatie

We reported on Fox News’s Greg Gutfeld's show "Red Eye" and their hateful and disgusting transphobic comments regarding the ftm pregnant male. Apparently our words have not gone too far because this is the latest statement released by Mr. Gutfeld, who apparently lacks the guts to show some compassion.

Please contact Red Eye again and tell them how you will boycott their disgusting transphobic program:

Email: redeye@foxnews.com

Phone Fox News: 1-888-369-4762 (Tell Fox to dump this guy)

---

"Journo Takes On Thomas Beatie’s Femininity"
Also, not to be outdone in transphobia, Queerty Reports:

"Journo Jeff Jacoby doesn’t hold pregnant trans man Thomas Beatie in high regard:

Could anything be more incoherent or sad? Gender Identity Disorder is not “incredible,” no matter how politically fashionable it has become to claim otherwise. It is not just another hue in the rainbow of diversity. It is a dysfunction. It should be met with sympathy, counseling, and therapy, not with five-page spreads in People and appearances on Oprah.

Headlines notwithstanding, there is no “pregnant man.” There is only a confused and unsettled woman, who proclaims that surgery, hormones, and clothing made her a man, and is clinging to that fiction even as the baby growing in her womb announces her womanhood to the world.
We can’t say we’re surprised by Jacoby’s reaction - he once argued that legalizing sodomy would lead to an explosion of incest and bestiality."

Email: jacoby@globe.com

Rock the Queer Vote!

Rock The Vote an organization dedicated to getting out the vote particularly the youth demographic has put out a new video featuring a gay couple tying the knot and kissing. Cool video, powerful and great in terms of visibility, awareness and outreach. What do you all think?

Embrace Your BillO'phobia!

Check out this video by Media Matters, it is a small sampling of the many anti-gay things Bill O'Reilly has said on his Fox News show. His show is reaching an audience of millions of Americans per night, and he must be held accountable for his hateful rhetoric.

Contact Bill O'Reilly and Fox News and tell them to cut out their homophobic and transphobic coverage.

Email: oreilly@foxnews.com

Email: Comments@foxnews.com

Phone: 1-888-369-4762

Fox General Contact Form:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,77538,00.html

Urge Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach to Add Sexuality to Human Rights Code

According to Slap Upside The Head:

"Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach has announced that he will not bring Alberta’s Human Rights code up to date with the rest of Canada this legislative session.

Alberta is currently the only Canadian province that doesn’t include protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation in its human rights code. While Stelmach told the Calgary SUN that adding these protections is “one of several issues under review” for future sessions, he offered no timeline or hints of priority, saying the changes would not be simple."

Please use the form below to contact Premier Ed Stelmach to move swiftly to bring about this important piece of legislation.
http://premier.alberta.ca/contact/

Chinese LGBT Activists see Hope with Olympics

According to the Washington Blade:

"Gay activists in China are hoping to use the international attention from this summer’s Olympic Games in Beijing to showcase their fight for greater acceptance.

One such effort from a gay group involves a Beijing exhibition displaying 10,000 petition signatures from Chinese citizens who support the legal recognition of same-sex marriage. The signatures are written in Chinese characters on brightly colored banners and notebooks and are showcased prominently in an exhibition room."

Much attention by the global community will be placed on China with regards to Human Rights abuses and Gay Rights. Queers United will keep you updated with any action alerts or stories regarding activism with regards to the upcoming controversial Olympics.

*Graphic from christophervanbelle off of Creative Commons.

Act to Make Sure Sexual Orientation Covered by New E.U. Laws

According to ILGA-Europe:

"Within the next couple of months, the fate of an EU directive protecting against discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, sexual orientation and religion/belief in all areas of life will be decided by the European Commission and the European Council. At the moment, there are signs that this directive will not include sexual orientation, age and religion/belief. ILGA-Europe is calling on everyone to join its campaign to ensure that a comprehensive new EU anti-discrimination directive which protects against discrimination on all grounds and in all areas of life is proposed and adopted."

Click for document listing European Commissioners to Contact!

Churchie School Should Allow Same-Sex Prom Dates

According to Queerty:

"The all boys school Churchie, located in Australia’s Queensland state, rejected several gay kids requests to bring their same-sex beaus to the end-of-the-year dance. While headmaster Jonathan Hensman says he appreciates their asking, he simply cannot deviate from the dance’s historic trajectory.

"We don’t intend to change our practice. As well as being a social occasion, it’s an education forum and to that end the school decides what is appropriate behavior and what is not.

Not all students take their girlfriends. Some take a female friend. It’s about protocols and decorums."

Please contact the school headmaster and tell him that discriminating against gay students is wrong...

Email: Jonathan.Hensman@churchie.com.au

Victory: Thailand Blood Ban Overturned!

Just a few days ago the Red Cross of Thailand banned blood from gay and bisexual men. Queers United sent out an action alert. Activism does make the difference because the headline today from the AFP states:

The Red Cross of Thailand said Friday that it would change its screening process for blood donors to address concerns from activists who said the system discriminated against gays.

Gay-rights activists had complained that one question, which was meant to target people more likely to have diseases transmitted by sex and drugs, had effectively blocked all gay men from donating by only asking about same-sex relations.

The Red Cross will rework the form to include more questions about all types of sexual behaviour, gay or heterosexual, that could increase the risk of diseases such as AIDS, she said.

Fox News "Red Eye's" Vicious Trans Bashing

The Fox News program "Red Eye" has engaged in the most vile reporting and discussion panel on the pregnant trans-male Thomas Beatie who appeared on Oprah last week. These transphobic individuals refer to Mr. Beatie as a "he-she", refer to him as a "she", "a creature", and one panelist hopes "she kills herself, and her blood vessels pop out during pregnancy".

Watch the video, this is just appalling folks...


Please contact Red Eye and tell them how you will boycott their disgusting transphobic program:

Email: redeye@foxnews.com

Phone Fox News: 1-888-369-4762

Illinois Your Chance is NOW!

Anti-gay activists are working around the clock to get petitions signed and contact their representatives to defeat the proposed civil unions bill.

Please join Equality Illinois in demanding equal rights for all citizens.

"HB1826, the civil union bill, passed the House Human Services Committee and now is waiting for a vote on the full House floor."

Illinois citizens please goto the link below and contact your representatives!

http://eqfed.org/campaign/action_alert_hb1826_mar2008

GLAAD Issues Call for Action on Associated Press

The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) has issued a call for action to email the Associated Press over their lack of coverage and mischarcterization of their anti-gay hate crimes media coverage.

"The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is encouraging community members to call upon The Associated Press to provide greater depth and context when covering incidents of bullying and violence directed at lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students.

The AP’s latest story on Lawrence King, a 15-year-old student from Oxnard, Calif., who died after he was shot by a classmate in what prosecutors have identified as a premeditated hate crime based on King’s perceived sexual orientation, unfairly assigns blame to King. The story suggests that the openly gay student’s flirting may have provoked the shooting.

“If King had flirted with the other boy, ‘that can be very threatening to someone's ego and their sense of identity,’” said Jaana Juvonen, a psychology professor at the University of California, Los Angeles."

The Associated Press should be condemning these crimes and reporting them accurately and not finding jsutifications for the anti-gay killers or blaming the victim which in this case is Lawrence King.

Please voice your concern by emailing the AP

Greg Risling
News Reporter
grisling@ap.org
213-626-1200

Brian Melley
News Editor
bmelley@ap.org
213-626-1200

LGBT Catholics to Protest Anti-Gay Pope

As noted at DignityUSA:

Dignity USA the largest LGBT Catholic organization will protest when Pope Benedict XVI's visits the United States April 15-20.

DignityUSA's executive director. "We need to recognize the damage that this Pope's attacks on our community have caused countless individuals and families. We witness on their behalf."

Events throughout Washington D.C. and New York City:

THURSDAY, APRIL 10 (10 a.m. New Ways Ministry Press Conference):
LOCATION: Murrow Room, National Press Club (529 14th Street, NW; 13th floor, Washington D.C.)

"A Few Moments with the Pope: Lesbian/Gay Catholics Speak about their Church" - Speakers: Teresa DeCrescenzo, executive director of Gay Lesbian Adolescent Social Services (GLASS), Gregory Maguire, author of more than a dozen novels, most notably Wicked, which was the basis for the Tony-award winning Broadway Musical. Heather Mizeur, delegate representing the 20th District in Maryland and a leader in the debate about legalizing gay and lesbian marriages. Richard Rodriguez, social and cultural commentator, author and Peabody-award winning contributor to PBS News Hour with Jim Lehrer.

SATURDAY, APRIL 12: (11:30 a.m. Press Conference - 12:00 Demonstration at UN)
LOCATION OF PRESS CONFERENCE AND DEMONSTRATION: Ralph J. Bunche Park (43rd Street and 1st Avenue, New York)

"The Global Impact of Pope Benedict's Anti-Gay Campaign" - Speakers: Lourdes Rodriguez-Nogues, Cuban immigrant, lesbian Catholic activist, editor of Out in the Workplace. Brendan Fay, Irish-born gay activist, filmmaker and cofounder of New York's inclusive St. Patrick's Day Parade. Currently involved in an international controversy regarding the unauthorized use of images from his marriage to Dr. Thomas Moulton by Polish President Lech Kaczynski. Jeff Stone, Dignity/New York Steering Committee. Marianne Duddy-Burke, executive director of DignityUSA.

TUESDAY, APRIL 15: Papal Motorcade Demonstrations
LOCATION AND TIME: Press advisory to follow when officials announce time and route.

Demonstrations will be along the Pope's motorcade route through Washington D.C.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16: (5:30 p.m.) Demonstration during Pope's Meeting with U.S. Bishops
LOCATION: Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (400 Michigan Ave. NE, Washington D.C.)"

End The Travel Ban against HIV + European Union Visitors to U.S.

As noted at 247Gay:

"London’s Liberal Democrat MEP Baroness Sarah Ludford launched an online campaign this week to end the US policy of virtually refusing travel visas to people with HIV, a policy that has no public health rationale.
Currently the European Union is involved in visa negotiations with the US authorities to secure visa-free travel (visa waiver) for EU citizens from all of its 27 member states. In the US, gay rights campaigners are trying to get the ban lifted."

Sign the petition to lift the ban letting the Presidents of the European Commission, the European Parliament and the EU Council know this is discriminatory.

http://www.sarahludfordmep.org.uk/pages/endHIVdiscrimination.html

*Graphic courtesy of jonrawlinson of Creative Commons.

Jay Leno is Sorry (NOT!)

According to Citizen Crain:

"Jay Leno is trying his best to have it both ways in the flap over whether he was gay-baiting actor Ryan Phillippe during a "Tonight Show" interview.

Hard to see how he was misunderstood and issued an apology and within days, Leno was unfiltered and unapologizing.
(http://www.aolcdn.com/tmz_audio/0404_ryan_leno.mp3)
He is now whining about "political correctness" and the rigors of being a comic today. After all, he claims to have gay guests all the time and he never makes fun of their relationships."

Time to contact Jay Leno (again):
http://www.nbc.com/The_Tonight_Show_with_Jay_Leno/about/contact.shtml

Immigration Equality for Same-Sex Couples

Write your senators and congressional representatives to support S. 1328/H.R. 2221, the Uniting American Families Act - legislation that will finally grant qualified same-sex couples equal access to our country's most basic immigration rights. This bill is sponsored by Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT).

Currently bi-national couples are not considered a family and thus do not have the same rights as heterosexuals when it comes to immigration rights. These couples currently face tremendous fear and discrimination at the expense of the lack of protections.

Use the following Human Rights Campaign form to contact your representatives:

http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/campaign/uafa

Morning Joe: Seeks a Morning of Trans Bashing

According to the Scandalous Candice Blog

“MSNBC’s morning show called Morning Joe has crossed the line. Morning Joe is a news show hosted by a failed republican congressman named Joe Scarborough, Mika Brzezinski, and Willie Geist.

Today though they crossed the line. They reported on Thomas Beatie, the transgendered male who is having a baby. They put the story in what they call a useless news category “News You Can’t Use” and proceeded to make fun of them and call the couple “disgusting” and make “ewww” sounds. They did this more than once on the show. They also called it “garbage” and saying “people don’t want to wake up to this crap.” That was quoted by Mika Brzezinski. Joe used the story to lead into the next story by saying “this is probably why 81% of Americans believe the country is headed in the wrong direction.” A poll reported by the New York Times.”

Please scroll down on the following page and contact MSNBC and morning Joe about these transphobic and disgusting comments:

http://www.nbc.com/http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036789/


If you aren’t familiar with Thomas Beatie the pregnant trans-man please check out the following clip beautifully portrayed yesterday on the Oprah Winfrey show.



On a side note of activism, feel free to contact Oprah to thank her for her touching program on this family and their journey.
http://www.oprah.com/email/tows/email_tows_main.jhtml

Start Prepping: Day of Silence

Hey folks,

The Day of Silence is vastly approaching and will be held April 25, 2008.

The organization responsible for this annual event is GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) and here is their write up on the event.

"The National Day of Silence brings attention to anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment in schools. This year’s event will be held in memory of Lawrence King, a California 8th-grader who was shot and killed Feb. 12 by a classmate because of his sexual orientation and gender expression. Hundreds of thousands of students will come together on April 25 to encourage schools and classmates to address the problem of anti-LGBT behavior."

Whether you are a student, a faculty member or just a concerned citizen please see how you can get involved in this important day that has shaped and changed the lives of many Queer and straight allied students around the country.

Order your t-shirts, print out your silent cards, and see what you can do to be active on behalf of GLBT equality.

http://www.dayofsilence.org/

David Letterman and Blatant Transphobia!

Well there seems to be a domino effect with regards to Late Night Talk Show hosts being insulting towards the Queer community. Next up on his anti-queer soapbox? David Letterman.

"An Oregon man who used to be a woman, claims to be five months pregnant through artificial insemination, wow he is a mother and a father"

Then Letterman has his top 10 possible joke answering machine messages that this man could receive, with the last one referring to him as "androgynous freak show".



Contact David Letterman and tell him to apologize for his blatant transphobia and lack of understanding the diversity that exists within gender.
Email:cbsmailbag@aol.com

Jay Leno Apologizes for Offensive Stereotypical Gay Joke

Our words have not gone unheard. Jay Leno has apologized for his recent inflammatory comments, when he suggested Ryan Phillipe show him "his gayest possible look". Jay Leno has a history of making light hearted jokes based on gay stereotypes and also has an enormous cache of jokes regarding the gay cowboy lovers film, Brokeback Mountain.

According to GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation):
"Jay Leno apologized today for on-air remarks he made during an interview with Ryan Phillippe that GLAAD and others criticized."

"In talking about Ryan's first role, I realize that what I said came out wrong," the host said in a statement. "I certainly didn't mean any malice. I agree it was a dumb thing to say, and I apologize."

Thank you for your activism in contacting Jay Leno at the Tonight Show, feel free to email him thanking him for owning up to his words and asking him to be more sensitive to LGBT people in the future or voice your disappointments and hurt over the previous comments made.
http://www.nbc.com/The_Tonight_Show_with_Jay_Leno/about/contact.shtml)

As The World Turns. Progressive or Fearful?

The CBS show As the World Turn's made a big step in TV history by being the first show to have a continuous gay male couple cast. The couple has been seen kissing on the air twice. Since that point anti-gay activist organizations like the "American Family Association" a rightwing Christian thinktank has sent out action alerts to CBS and their sponsor Procter & Gamble. The show has now not shown much affection between the gay couple while straight couples do indeed physically engage on air.

You may ask yourself why is this an action alert, why is this important? The fact is anytime there is gay visibility the community is either making strides forward or backward pending on how the LGBTQ community is displayed in the media.

Please contact CBS and let them know that pandering to anti-gay bigots is wrong and that you want to see more of the gay couple being romantic.
(http://www.cbs.com/info/user_services/fb_global_form.shtml)

(http://www.lukeandnoahfans.com)

*Photo by Cstardust off of Creative Commons.

Tell Thai Red Cross New Gay Blood Ban is Wrong and that "Gay Blood Saves Lives"

Thailand which has typically been progressive and culturally tolerant to their large transsexual minority, and even somewhat understanding of their homosexual citizens has backtracked today on sexual minority rights.

The Thailand Red Cross has announced that it will no longer accept blood from men who have sex with men, citing the high levels of HIV/AIDS in the gay community.

All blood should be tested regardless of what a person does or says, and to single out a whole group of people based on a statistic is wrong. The fact is millions of heterosexuals have HIV, no other racial, religious, or community based group would dare be singled out for fear of the organization being labeled insensitive and discriminatory.

Please contact the Thailand Red Cross to let them know that gay blood saves lives and to renege on this new policy, tell them testing is very effective today and there are other measures to try and scan out those with possible disease. Questions such as "do you engage with multiple sexual partners?", or "have you had unprotected sex within the last 6 months?", " have you used needles for drug exchange" are all proper ways to identify high risk groups without singling out based on sexual orientation.

National Blood Center:
Email: blood@redcross.or.th
Phone: 0-2252-4106-9

1871 Henry Dunant Road
Patumwan, Bangkok 10330

Thai Red Cross Administration:
1871 4th floor
Terdprakiat Building
Rama IV Road, Patumwan
Bangkok 10330