New Mass. Law Lets Out-of-State Gay Couples Marry

Fresh off the (Associated Press):

"Gay and lesbian couples from outside Massachusetts are now free to marry in the state.

Gov. Deval Patrick has signed a bill repealing a 1913 law that barred couples from marrying in Massachusetts if their union would not be valid in their own states.

Out-of-state gay couples will be able to marry immediately if a court waives the state's standard three-day waiting period for them.

Opponents had said repealing the law would make Massachusetts the "Las Vegas of gay marriage." But Patrick says the old law had its roots in racism as it was seen as a way of preventing interracial marriages.

The new law includes a provision waiving the customary 90-day waiting period for the change to go into effect."

"Call Terry Caster" Campaign

"Terry Caster owns A-1 Self Storage Company of San Diego. A-1 Self Storage has 40 locations throughout California with over 4 million storage units. Mr. Caster and his family have contributed nearly $300,000 to the Protect Marriage campaign. That makes the Caster family the biggest contributors from San Diego County, where 35% of the money came from to qualify Proposition 8 for the November 4th ballot."

Demand Terry Caster apologize, stop financing the marriage amendment and let him know of your plans to boycott his company.

Call Terry Caster at A-1 Self Storage Toll Free
Corporate Office Number: 800-219-4854 ext. 106
Customer Service Number: 800-210-8979

Click here to use E-contact Form

H/T to (Californians Against Hate) for the breaking news!

Word of the Gay: "Tranny"

"Tranny" is a short form of saying transsexual or transgender person. It has been used a pejorative word but recently has been reclaimed by trans activists as a word of pride and self identification.

Help Defeat Marriage Amendments in Florida and Arizona

A lot of attention has been focused on California and defeating the amendment to ban same-sex marriage there. We also must be focused on the two other states with amendments on the ballot this November, Florida, and Arizona.

Visit http://www.votenoprop102.com/ and help out by donating, volunteering, or speaking out against prop 102 in Arizona.

Also visit http://www.votenoon2.com/ to help defeat the amendment # 2 in Florida.

Blog Spotlight: A Gay Crows Nest

Today's blog spotlight and shout out goes to A Gay Crows Nest. "A look at our culture from the gay perspective". From politics, to support, to personal thoughts, you will find it all. So check it out...

http://gaycrowsnest.blogspot.com/

Pacific Gas & Electric Donates 250K to Fight Prop 8

PG & E which powers most of northern and central California with electricity and natural gas has donated $250,000 to fight the anti-gay marriage amendment (proposition 8)

Please take the time to show your support and appreciation for Queer friendly companies, contact them today!

http://www.pge.com/mybusiness/customerservice/contact/

Urge Mass Lawmakers to Repeal Discriminatory 1913 Marriage Law

UPDATE: Victory! The House of Representatives has voted 118-35, with five members not voting to repeal the 1913 law. Governor Deval Patrick has said he will sign the bill into law, effectively opening Massachusetts to out of state same-sex couples to be eligible to marry.

---

Last week the Massachusetts Senate repealed a discriminatory 1913 law that barred out of state same-sex couples from marrying within the border of Massachusetts.

In order for the repeal to take effect the House of Representatives must follow the action of the Senate and vote for its repeal. Should this law be repealed it would open up the way for same-sex couples from other states to legally marry in Massachusetts.

Please copy and paste the emails below and urge representatives to repeal the "1913 law" that bans marriage in MA if the marriage would be considered invalid in another state.
http://www.mass.gov/legis/memmenuh.htm

Open Forum: Is Katy Perry a Hater?

Katy Perry is a singer/song writer who is most notable for her singles, "Ur So Gay", released in 2007, and the worldwide hit, "I Kissed a Girl" which made charts in 2008. Her material has been criticized as being homophobic and misandric.

The lyrics to "I Kissed a Girl"

This was never the way I planned
Not my intention
I got so brave, drink in hand
Lost my discretion
It's not what, I'm used to
Just wanna try you on
I'm curious for you
Caught my attention

I kissed a girl and I liked it
The taste of her cherry chap stick
I kissed a girl just to try it
I hope my boyfriend don't mind it
It felt so wrong
It felt so right
Don't mean I'm in love tonight
I kissed a girl and I liked it
I liked it

No, I don't even know your name
It doesn't matter
You're my experimental game
Just human nature
It's not what, good girls do
Not how they should behave
My head gets so confused
Hard to obey

I kissed a girl and I liked it
The taste of her cherry chap stick
I kissed a girl just to try it
I hope my boyfriend don't mind it
It felt so wrong
It felt so right
Don't mean I'm in love tonight
I kissed a girl and I liked it
I liked it

Us girls we are so magical
Soft skin, red lips, so kissable
Hard to resist so touchable
Too good to deny it
Ain't no big deal, it's innocent

I kissed a girl and I liked it
The taste of her cherry chap stick
I kissed a girl just to try it
I hope my boyfriend don't mind it
It felt so wrong
It felt so right
Don't mean I'm in love tonight
I kissed a girl and I liked it
I liked it

The Lyrics to "Ur So Gay"

I hope you hang yourself with your H&M scarf
While jacking off listening to Mozart
You bitch and moan about L.A.
Wishing you were in the rain reading Hemingway
You don’t eat meat and drive electrical cars
You’re so indie rock it’s almost an art
You need SPF45
Just to stay alive

You’re so gay and you don’t even like boys
No you don’t even like, no you don’t even like, no you don’t even like boys
You’re so gay and you don’t even like boys
No you don’t even like, no you don’t even like, no you don’t even like boys

You’re so sad maybe you should buy a happy meal
You’re so skinny you should really super size the deal
Secretly you you’re so amused
And nobody understands you
I’m so mean cuz cannot get you out of your head
I’m so angry cuz you’d rather my space instead
I can’t believe I fell in love
With someone that wears more make up and

You’re so gay and you don’t even like boys
No you don’t even like, no you don’t even like, no you don’t even like boys
You’re so gay and you don’t even like boys
No you don’t even like, no you don’t even like, no you don’t even like

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
La, la, la
La, la, la
Oh, oh, oh
Do, do, do, do, bop, bop, bow
Do, do, do, bop, bop. day
You’re so gay, you’re so gay

You walking around like you’re oh so debonair
You pull them down and there’s really nothing there
I wish you would just be real with me

You’re so gay and you don’t even like boys
No you don’t even like, no you don’t even like, no you don’t even like boys
You’re so gay and you don’t even like boys
No you don’t even like, no you don’t even like, no you don’t even like
You’re so gay and you don’t even like boys
No you don’t even like, no you don’t even like, no you don’t even like
No you don’t even like, no you don’t even like, no, no, no, no, no, no

http://www.katyperry.com

http://www.myspace.com/katyperry

So, what do you all think? Homophobic?, Sexually liberated exploration? Misandric?

Share your thoughts!

Tell Congress to Pass the Matthew Shepard Act

"A law protecting all of our citizens against senseless hate violence is long overdue. Last year, both houses of Congress passed a historic hate crimes bill known as the Matthew Shepard Act, which would have outlawed hate crimes based on both sexual orientation and gender identity. But the legislation never made it to President Bush's desk because of his veto threat.

Send a message to Congress today. Remind them that America still needs the Matthew Shepard Act to help ensure safety and security for ALL Americans."

Click Below to Fill Out the E-Contact Form...
http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/campaign/hatecrimes0708

Word of the Gay: "Lesbian Utopia"

"Lesbian Utopia" refers to the fantasy of a community of females who are not dependent on men for anything. In this society females would be able to cohabitate and reproduce with one another having only female offspring.

Nike - "That Aint Right" Ad Isn't

UPDATE: "Nike has announced that it has canceled its "That Ain't Right" campaign after it was widely criticized as homophobic by gay bloggers and advertising critics. Via ESPN, here is Nike's statement:

Nike is strongly opposed to discrimination of any kind and has a long history of supporting athletes regardless of their sexual orientation. The advertisement in question is based purely upon a common insight from within the game of basketball -- the athletic feat of dunking on the opposition, and is not intended to be offensive.

However, after listening to concerns expressed around specific executions, we have decided to drop them from the campaign to underline our ongoing commitment to supporting diversity in sport and the workplace.

Nike has a strong record of support for diversity and is proud to have been honored with a 100 percent score over several consecutive years in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index.(Joe My God)

---

Nike has released this ad and has plastered them along with others showing athletes faces pushed into crotches in an effort to demonstrate humiliation. Other tag lines seen on ads are “Your mama won’t let you come home after this. What would she tell the neighbors?” The ad campaign was created by Wieden+Kennedy.

Tell Nike that these ads create an atmosphere of homophobia and associate gay acts with shame and embarrassment.

Nike's E-contact form - click here!

Phone: 1-503-671-6453

Nike World Headquarters
One Bowerman Drive
Beaverton, OR 97005

John McCain Video on Gay Adoption

U.S. Presidential candidate John McCain appeared on ABC's This Week and was questioned on his position over same-sex couples adopting.

Shameless Self Promotion Sunday

Please feel free to share any links to Queer or Queer related topics of interest. You can post a blog entry you made, a website you found interesting. Anything goes as long as it is Queer in nature.

Open Forum: Is Any Publicity Good Publicity?

Anytime someone who identifies or appears to be part of the Queer community is in the public spotlight it reflects on us all. It shouldn't be the case because we are such a diverse community, comprised of various political, religious, and personal preferences. The fact is though the majority will judge any minority they don't know much about by the little information they do receive.

The question and conversation I pose this week is whether any publicity is good publicity? There is a long time internal debate within the Queer community of those that feel we should strive to show the world our families, our professions, and our religions to show that we are self respecting hard working people just like everyone else.

Many LGBTQ people are embarrassed by such things as the pride parades where people dress up in Halloween like costumes, go naked, or act perverse. At the same token many of the people who are parading around in such attire or making sexual or fun and outrageous statements feel that some Queers are trying to sugarcoat the community and are an affront to the efforts to advance civil liberties and sexual liberation.

Do you think any publicity is good publicity, and will ultimately desensitize straight people to our varied ways? Is the media perhaps only focusing on the outrageous and does this hurt the image of the entire community? Share your thoughts.

Congressman Keith Ellison Joins LGBT Caucus

Straight off of Keith Ellison's Congressional Website:

"The mission of the Caucus is to promote lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) equality. The Caucus will work toward extending equal rights, repealing discriminatory laws, the eliminating hate-motivated violence. The Caucus is dedicated to the improved health and well-being for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.

“I am honored to join this caucus because of my lifelong commitment to fighting all discrimination. I believe when my gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender neighbor suffers from discrimination, then I suffer, and so does our whole community. Every member of our society contributes to the health, wealth and generosity of our community. Only when we recognize, protect, and, celebrate that will we realize all our citizens’ potential,” Ellison concluded."

Please join me in thanking Representative Ellison for joining the LGBT Caucus and for his commitment to advancing the rights of our community.
http://ellison.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=87

South African Gays Protest Media 24's Sun Newspaper

"South African homos are preparing to protest outside the Sunday Sun’s offices after the paper published a “shocking homophobic article” penned by Jon Qwelane:

Qwelane wrote that: “There could be a few things [about which] I could take issue with Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, but his unflinching and unapologetic stance over homosexuals is definitely not among those.”

He added that he could only pray that politicians would one day have “the balls” to scrap the sections in the Constitution that sanctioned gay and lesbian marriages."(Queerty)

Email top contacts at Sunday Sun's Newspaper

Street Address:

Head office:
MediaPark
69 Kings Way
Auckland Park

Word of the Gay: "Heteroflexible"

"Heteroflexible" is synonymous with the term bi-curious and refers to someone who identifies primarily as heterosexual but is open minded and/or willing to be in a relationship and/or sexual activity with someone of the same-sex.

The term can but is not as frequently used for someone who identifies primarily as homosexual but is open to the concept of a sexual and/or emotional relationship with someone of the opposite sex.

Petition to Rev. Gene Robinson on HRC Dinner

"Petition requesting Reverend Gene Robinson, Bishop of the Diocese of New Hampshire, to not attend the Black Tie Human Right's Campaign (HRC) Dinner in Dallas Texas on November 22, 2008.

It is the belief of the signers of this petition that the discriminatory policies of the main benefactor of the Dallas Black Tie, the (HRC) Human Rights Campaign, propagates violence against all of womankind, intersexed and gender diverse to include but not inclusive of, transgender men, effeminate gay men, masculine presenting women, natal women and transgender women."

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/Endspiritualviolence/

New Snickers Ad Encourages Homophobia and Violence

UPDATE: Thanks everyone for taking action, Mars has pulled the ad in light of Queer activists sending a message of disapproval.

---

The ad agency Omnicom which has produced homophobic and violent ads in the past is at it again. See for yourself below...



Contact Snickers and urge them to apologize and pull the ad...
http://www.snickers.com/contact.asp

Contact Omnicon and tell them to stop creating homophobic ads...

Word of the Gay: "Buggery"

"Buggery" is an English term that is close to the definition of sodomy. "Bugger" and "buggery" are used as profanities and are also synonymous with anal sex.

The Gay Yellow Pages

The Gay Yellow Pages has been serving the LGBTQ community since 1973, offering a comprehensive listing of resources and services owned or operated for the community. Available are a online national book listing or one for your particular state.

http://www.glyp.com

Blog Spotlight: Monster's Creed

Today's blog spotlight and shout goes to Monster's Creed.

"Kristopher is a twenty year old geeky white guy. Who enjoys reading, watching anime, and role-playing. He was assigned-female at birth and while he has almost completely socially transitioned he has not yet begun to medically or legally transition. If you are confused, this means that he would be labeled a female-to-male transsexual. And that he hasn't done anything medically, but he lives his life as a guy and everyone knows him as a guy."

Check out his blog at http://drakyn.blogspot.com/.

Get EnGAYged with Politics

We’re here, we’re queer, get used to it! We can march in the streets, and shout as loud as we want but without a vocal voice in government we stand little chance of passing equality legislation for our friends, family and loved ones.

It is imperative that all Queer people and allies are registered to vote, so our voice can be heard on issues of Queer Equity and other issues facing the nation. The upcoming November election is nearing, and you can still register and make a difference!

Register here through the Human Rights Campaign:
http://www.hrc.org/nov2006/register.htm

GLBT Political Party Websites:

http://www.stonewalldemocrats.org- Official LGBT democratic organization

http://www.logcabin.org- Official LGBT republican organization

http://www.outrightusa.org- Queer Libertarian representation

http://www.lavendergreens.us- Queer Green Party representation


GLBT sites endorsing pro-equality Candidates

http://www.victoryfund.org- Endorsing LGBT politicians on a state, local, and federal level.

http://www.gaypolitics.com- Blogging updates on Queer candidates and those in power.

http://www.equalitygiving.org- Online donor community for LGBT community

http://www.glli.org- Training and supporting LGBT candidates

Word of the Gay: "Sissy"

"Sissy" is a pejorative word used to describe effeminate males. It implies a lack of courage and an interest in activities deemed un-masculine by society.

Transvestite Showgirl Teams up with PETA

Legendary transvestite Lady Bunny sends a message out...

"I've always wanted to see my mug on a billboard--at least my fat country ass ain't selling KFC!

I've joined the PETA gang to send the message that while PETA isn't insisting that KFC stop serving chicken, it is strongly denouncing grisly procedures like de-beaking the birds while they are alive. EVERYONE I've mentioned this de-beaking to was repulsed--and this campaign seeks to spread the word."

Queers don't need Kentucky Fried Cruelty!

Spread the Word: Asexual Educational Pamphlets

Here are some FREE pamphlets about Asexuality that can be printed out and distributed for public knowledge. Please check them out to educate yourself, and leave a trail of these at school, your local library, LGBT or any community center, and house of worship.

Spreading the word about Asexuality not only helps people learn about a sexual orientation many are unaware of but you may even potentially reach someone who felt isolated or in the closet with their own Asexuality.

Asexuality Pamphlets (Free - Color)

Asexuality Pamphlets (Free Grey-Scale)

Word of the Gay: "Butch"

"Butch" is a popular term within LGBTQ sub-culture and refers to someone who exhibits masculine traits.

The terms "butch" and its feminine counterpart femme are often used to describe lesbians and bisexual women, but also occasionally gay men.

Diversity Lesson 101: Intersexuality

Intersexuality is a very misunderstood minority with very little scientific research or cultural and educational awareness on this group of individuals who suffer enormously at the expense of society and the medical establishment.

Intersexuality is when individuals are neither exclusively male or female. People who are born intersex may have differing degrees of being both male and female, internally, externally, or both. Typically society has regarded these individuals as “hermaphrodites” but this term is offensive and incorrect. A hermaphrodite would be someone who was fully man and woman, this is a biological impossibility, and as such we must refer to those with amibiguous genitalia as intersexual. Intersexuality is described by the medical establishment as a biological disorder, there is a growing movement of Queer/Intersexual activists who seek to remove this stigma, and say this is NOT disorder but a variation of the complex diversity that exists within gender.

Our society is so fully constructed in a gender binary system, believing everyone is either 100% male or female that we often ridicule those who don’t quite fall into one of those two categories. Intersexuals are often genitally mutilated by their doctors with the permission of their parents from a young age, to pre-determine their gender as either male or female. This is a terrible and painful procedure that often results in gender identity confusion growing up, leftover scars, and feeling incomplete as an individual. Studies have shown that many intersexuals who were left as they were made, grow up to be healthy and productive individuals in society as the third gender they really are. Some adults choose to go for surgery to match their genitalia/organs with the gender they more closely identify with, but this is their decision to make as an adult and not one for the medical community.

Intersexuality is nothing new it has been around since the dawn of time, but now with the internet and people speaking up the subject is gaining visibility and as such it is imperative the Queer community stand up for this small segment of our community who desperately needs our help.

As activists we can seek to educate ourselves and others about people who are intersexual and break the stigma associated with being born an intersexual. We can also follow closely the events and action alerts on this site and others listed where we can help the intersexual community gain acceptance as well as put an end to these horrific surgical procedures that are unnecessary and result in major difficulties later on in life.

Please post your thoughts on the subject and let me know any action alerts that I should post in the struggle for intersexual liberation.

Short Clips on Intersexuality:







Intersexual Resources:

Intersex Society of North America

Organization Intersex International

Intersex Initiative

Intersex Initiative

Intersex Community Forums

Blog Spotlight: Lesbian.Pro

Today's shout and blog spotlight goes to Lesbian.Pro...

"A seriously social, political & comedic look at all things lesbian" Lesbian.Pro offers a great listings of stories relevant to lesbians throughout the net on a daily basis and stellar graphics and videos.

Check em out... http://lesbian.pro/

Word of the Gay: "Gaydar"

"Gaydar" refers to a persons intuition and ability to perceive someones sexual orientation. Some people believe that "Gaydar" is based on the ability of gays to pick up on the odor of another, or just simply a vibe that one gets. Others believe "Gaydar" is nothing more than a guess or coincidence based on stereotypes and observation of mannerisms.

Marriage Equality New York Presents the 5th Annual Wedding March

Join Marriage Equality New York for a march across the Brooklyn Bridge and a fundraiser to push for marriage equality and recognition by the state.

Date: Sunday, September 14th 2008
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location:Manhattan side of the Brooklyn Bridge- exact location TBA

Sign up, fundraise & march!

Blog Spotlight: SGL Universe

Todays blog spotlight and shout goes to SGL Universe. So what is SGL you may ask? SGL Universe is the blog that posts items of interest to the Same Gender Loving community. The term is typically used among African-American LGBT groups. Whether you are black, brown, white, or purple, you are sure to find the stories and critiques interesting. So check it out...

SGL Universe

Obama Pride - Video Collage

Never has a candidate for president made LGBT equality such a prominent part of his message for America. This is a video collage of several speeches from the landmark speech to the Democratic National Committee Convention in 2004, to his announcement of his candidacy for president. Obama has consistently brought up the message of equality for LGBT America.



http://pride.barackobama.com/page/content/lgbthome

Open Forum: Queer-Positive Role Models

Growing up and having a positive role model is very helpful and inspirational. Even throughout our adult lives having a mentor or someone we can look up to is important and healthy. It keeps us on our toes and makes us try to better ourselves.

Is there anyone in your life that is Queer-positive that has been a good role model for you? Whether they are famous people, eccentric rebels, or just your mom or dad, share with us who makes a difference in your life!

Word of the Gay: "Monosexism"

"Monosexism" is the belief that Homosexuality or Heterosexuality are superior or more valid than a Bisexual orientation. People who are "Monosexist" dismiss Bisexuality as confusion, hedonism, sinful, and/or people who are closeted about their Hetero or Homosexual orientation.

New GLBTQ Center Opens in El Paso Texas

Check out the new GLBTQ Center that has just opened in El Paso Texas! Sadly, with the good news comes bad news. With the grand opening of the center a homophobic attack and slur has already occurred in the lobby. A man came in and physically assaulted the center director and repeatedly used the term "faggot". The center director does not want the joy and celebration of the newly built center to be marred by the homophobia of one individual and hopes this just goes to show how desperate the community is for Queer centers.



http://www.elpasocenter.org/

S.F. Queer Activists Protest HRC Gala July 26th

According to Queer Today:

"On July 26 at the Westin St. Francis in San Francisco, there will be a party and protest in front of the HRC Gala.

HRC has a long record of endorsing war-mongers and republicans like Joe Lieberman, weak and shameful support of transgender, genderqueer/gender variant communities, and focusing their attention and money on the needs and desires of the most well-off members of the LGBT community.

As queer activists it is our responsibility to let the donors to HRC know just what they are giving to. They are contributing to an organization that endorses pro-life, and anti-war candidates. And an organization that does not fully support the trans community.

There are thousands of good hearted contributors to HRC who simply need to be made aware.

Join us on July 26, to demonstrate in front of the Westin St. Francis, San Francisco."

Dallas, Texas Gay Bar Bans Drag Queens

"David Moore, co-owner of the Crews Inn, claims he can legally keep transgender people out of his gay bar on Fitzhugh Avenue in Dallas if their appearances don’t match their photo IDs.

A demonstration of solidarity from the community is planned for the 26th of July in front of Crews Inn at 10:00pm."

H/T to Planet Transgender for the story.

Same-Sex Couples Barred From The Newlywed Game

"As you may or may not know, the Game Show Network is relaunching "The Newlywed Game." And as you also may or may not know, same-sex couples are currently marrying in two of our nation's states, as well as obtaining civil unions in four more. So that of course means that newly-wedded gay and lesbian couples will be totally eligible for the revised version of the 70's era game show classic, right?

Well, not so fast, queer fans of televised compatibility tests. For if the "Newlywed Game" rules and requirements that were sent to us by a reader are to be believed, it seems that our unions might not make the cut:"



Contact the Game Show Network and tell them same-sex couples should be allowed to be contestants on the show! http://www.gsn.com/help/contact.php

H/T to Good As You for the story.

Wingnuts Protest at McDonald's Headquarters

The following is a video of a small protest by right wing fanatics in front of the McDonald's headquarters. Hate groups such as the American Family Association, and Americans for Truth About Homosexuality, gathered to hold a press conference because McDonald's donated $20,000 to the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.



TAKE ACTION: Call McDonald’s to thank them for supporting LGBTQ organizations 1-800-244-6227 (or 630-623-3000)

or use their E-contact form - http://apps.mcdonalds.com/contactus/navigate.do?link=mcbiz

Blog Spotlight: "Coming Out 101"

Today's blogspotlight and shout goes to Sue's "Coming Out 101" blog, and here is a snippet about what the blog is about...

"The blog is going to be a hodgepodge of everything. Some political, some serious, some not so serious. I will try to start the day off with something fun for no reason other than my own need to chuckle. I will semi attempt to keep the blog to "gay" themes especially when I have guest writers, but I'm a multi faceted woman with many interests and curiosities. The blog will certainly reflect that.

On the other hand, the focal point of the forum and future chat rooms at comingout101.com is to provide a safe, social environment for those seeking information and support about coming out."

http://blog.comingout101.com/

"No Faggots Allowed!"

Activists in Maine created this flyer to highlight the discriminatory blood ban by the American Red Cross that prohibits men who have had sex with men since 1977 or women who have had sex with a man who has had sex with a man from donating blood.

Tell the Red Cross - Gay Blood Saves Lives!
http://www.redcross.org/contactus/

No Queers Allowed to Rent at Rybolt Reserve

"The tidy palm lined streets and affordable homes of the Rybolt Reserve subdivision in suburban Orlando have become popular with middle class homebuyers and speculators but if you are a gay or unmarried opposite-sex couple the Homeowners Association has a message - don't bother to try to rent here according to some property owners.

Several owners say they have been told by the Association they cannot rent their properties in the East Orange County subdivision to couples who are not legally married or to same-sex pairs.
"The Homeowner's Association is totally out of control," Suzane Musashe, who leases homes in the subdivision for investors, told WFTV.

"I feel like I am back in the 60's because there is such discrimination going on," Musashe told the station. The prohibitions are listed in a set of rules passed by the HOA, which describes Rybolt Reserve as a family oriented community. Musahse said the strict rules are so limiting they will send some homeowners into foreclosure. "You can only rent to a married couple, that's it. That eliminates more than half your market," she told WFTV.

The HOA restrictions are legal. Orlando has an ordinance protecting same-sex couples who purchase homes, but not renters. County Commissioner Bill Segal told the station that he may introduce an ordinance to protect gay and lesbian couples who rent." (365gay)

Contact the Rybolt Reserves and Tell Them to Engage in Fair Housing Practice!

Word of the Gay: "Gay"

You can't have "Word of the Gay" without the word "Gay" hehe. So why not? "Gay" is an adjective that refers to homosexuality. The word has been used as an umbrella term for the LGBT community, sometimes to describe both same-sex oriented men and women, and as of more recent just refers to homosexual men.

The word "Gay" has also been used disparagingly to refer to people or objects as stupid or lame.

Petition for Gender Identity/Expression Protections in British Columbia, Canada

Help the Trans Alliance Society collect signatures for a petition that asks the British Columbia government to add gender identity/expression into the BC human rights code.

"To the Honourable the Legislative Assembly of the Province of British Columbia, in Legislature Assembled:

The petition of the undersigned, concerned citizens, of the Province of British Columbia, states that:

WHEREAS transsexual, transgender and gender variant persons in British Columbia regularly experience egregious harassment and discrimination in employment, in housing, in health care, in education and in accessing public services, all on the basis of gender identity and gender expression;

AND WHEREAS a clear, visible and explicit statutory prohibition against harassment and discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression will promote the dignity, equality and well-being of transsexual, transgender and gender variant persons in British Columbia;

Now, therefore, THE UNDERSIGNED, CITIZENS AND PEOPLES OF BRITISH COLUMBIA HEREBY PETITION THIS HONOURABLE HOUSE TO:

Amend the British Columbia Human Rights Code so as to include and to specify “gender identity and gender expression” as a prohibited ground of discrimination for all purposes of that legislation in British Columbia."

For further information please call Raigen D'Angelo at 604-255-0551

Click here for a printable PDF form of the petition!

H & R Block Offers Coupon to Same-Sex Couples Who Were Previously Denied

"During tax season 2008, some H&R Block clients attempting to file as civil union, domestic or same sex partners using TaxCut online were messaged that H&R Block's online programs did not support the functionality for these returns. Online customers were instructed to visit an H&R Block retail office to complete their returns. H&R Block regrets any inconvenience or extra cost that our online customers may have encountered because of this alternative tax preparation solution.

We value all of our clients and strive to provide you with the best service and the most value in your tax preparation experience. We want to ensure all our clients are fully satisfied and well-served, but this may not be what you experienced with our company. H&R Block is therefore offering its civil union, domestic and same sex partner clients, who started with TaxCut online and then completed their returns in one of our retail offices, a coupon good for up to $100 off retail office tax preparation services for tax season 2009 (tax year 2008). If you prefer to continue with a digital tax solution, H&R Block will provide you and your partner with one free copy of TaxCut 2008, which also includes a workaround for completing both the federal and state returns.

To receive the $100 coupon or the free copy of TaxCut for tax year 2008, you must complete and submit the form below. Once your information and paid status is verified, a coupon or product will be mailed to you."

http://www.taxcut.com/pdfs/aclu_coupon_form.pdf

Tell your Senator that NOW is the time to abolish the HIV Travel Ban!

"We are so close to ending the inhumane HIV Travel Ban, which prevents individuals living with HIV from traveling to or becoming citizens of the United States. By writing your lawmakers today, you can help ensure that they keep the removal of the ban in PEPFAR legislation, and help us end this unjust policy.

Tell your Senator that it is time for the U.S. to stop discriminating based on HIV status - they need to ensure the discriminatory HIV Travel Ban is abolished."

Please fill out the e-contact form below to message your rep:
http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/campaign/hivtravelban

Word of the Gay: "Hijra"

In India a "Hijra" is regarded as a member of the third sex, not male or female. Hijra are usually trans-women or intersex individuals. Today they face discrimination in light of western influence on attitudes in the region, however, traditionally gender variant people were accepted and regarded as special in the society.

Blog Spotlight: "Bi The Way"

Todays blog spotlight and shout goes to "Bi The Way" a journey through the trials, tribulations, and insights of a 29 year old Bisexual male. He does a great job posing interesting questions, and dispelling myths about bisexuality as well as providing a safespace and comfort zone for those who are Bisexual, Bi-curious, or questioning.

Check it out...
http://www.bitheway.co.uk/

Urge Mass Lawmakers to Allow Out of State Marriage!

The Massachusetts Senate is scheduled to vote tomorrow on whether to repeal a 1913 law that does not allow for couples from other states to marry within the borders of Massachusetts. If they vote to repeal the House will then vote the following week. Should this law be repealed it would open up the way for same-sex couples from other states to legally marry in Massachusetts.

Send an email to all 40 members of the senate and tell them to vote to repeal the 1913 law which is archaic and discriminatory CLICK HERE!

Call one or more senate offices - Phone number listings

Human Rights Campaign's "Rock to Win"

"The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender civil rights organization, announced today that it will sponsor an event called "Rock to Win" in Denver, Colorado, during the Democratic National Convention. There will be a special performance by Oscar and Grammy award-winning, singer-songwriter, Melissa Etheridge.

Rock to Win’ is a celebration of our growth and progress, and a grand kickoff to hard work ahead in the general to elect a new president of our nation

"Rock to Win" will be held at the Fillmore Auditorium in Denver a venue modeled on the historic San Francisco Fillmore rock club—on Tuesday, August 26, the second night of the Democratic National Convention, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale to the public June 7, 2008 and will be available from Ticketmaster. To purchase tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com."

(Human Rights Campaign)

Word of the Gay: "Hermaphrodite"

The word "Hermaphrodite" is mythological and it describes someone who is both fully male and female. This is a biological impossibility. The correct term for someone who has a combination of both male and female parts is Intersex. The term "Hermaphrodite" and "Pseudo-Hermaphrodite" are offensive and stigmatizing terms. Some IS activists seek to reclaim the word as a source of empowerment much like Queer and Dyke have been reclaimed, however, reclaiming of the word has not been driven by much success thus far.

Shameless Self Promotion Sunday

Please feel free to share any links to Queer or Queer related topics of interest. You can post a blog entry you made, a website you found interesting. Anything goes as long as it is Queer in nature.

Open Forum: Is the Notion of a "Queer Community" a Fairytale?

We often hear the terms "Gay community" or "LGBT community" to refer to sexual and gender minorities who have banded together under an umbrella term. Is there really such a community? The notion of whether we are a community is subject to debate in Queer theory circles.

Each subgroup has a different struggle and a different agenda, we all have overlapping similarities. We all have overlapping political aspirations. Does this make us a community? We also have divisions amongt us. Do Gay men really care about Lesbian rights and having a women centered and feminist empowering movement. Do Lesbians really accept Trans-women as female? Are Homos and Hetero's throwing out the Bisexuals as just a confused bunch? Do Transgender people really care about LGB rights once they have transitioned and are "passable"? Do Asexual people really want to be labeled with a bunch of Queers who are "defined" by their sexuality? and finally do Intersex people want to be lumped into the umbrella with those who have "GID"?

Even amidst our so called respective populations we have divisions. Gay men are divided into categories Bears, Twinks, Fetish practitioners, etc. Lesbians divide themselves up by Butch, Femme, and Trans. Transgender people are divided by classifications of M2F, F2M, Andogyne, Genderqueer, Pre-op, Post-op, etc.

There is a lot of inner debate and struggle within our so called "community" and there is misunderstanding and even downright hatred. So often we hear arguments about which letter comes first in the acronym LGBT and we hear other debates that acronym is not all inclusive. We also often hear that the B or the T is being left out.

That being said there are some unifying themes that we all share. We all have the struggle of being closeted, and embracing and coming to terms with our identities, and we all share an opposition that hates us and wants to deny us rights.

There are other indications that maybe the "community" part of the debate is valid. During the 1980's at the height of the AIDS crisis, Lesbians were at the hospital beds of dying gay men. Many people don't know that some of the greatest leaders in ACT-UP (an organization set to fight HIV/AIDS discrimination) were lesbian women.

Stonewall was started by the acts of many brave and angry Transgender people which paved the way for the rights and empowerment of Gays and Lesbians.

The Gays who have a substantially larger population have accepted the Trans community and brought their issues and legislation to the forefront. Had it just been Trans people alone, their movement would not have advanced as quickly or at all.

So that being said there are divisions but there is also love and unity.

How do YOU define community and do Queers fit that mold?

Demand Apology for Transphobic Boston Herald Article

"The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) and Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC)are encouraging people to contact the Boston Herald and ask editors to apologize for the paper’s offensive slurs and sensationalistic coverage of transgender people.

On July 7, the paper posted an article online about a police operation headlined “Undercover ‘john’ takes on trannies, pimps” and focused on a Boston-area detective who goes undercover to arrest sex workers. The article repeatedly referred to transgender women as “trannies” and opened the story by describing how the detective has been “trapped inside houses of ill repute by giant naked trannies.” The article was also published in the July 8 print edition."

Read the article here: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/general/view.bg?articleid=1105340

Please contact the Boston Herald and call on them to issue an apology.

Boston Herald Contacts:

Jessica Van Sack
City Reporter
jvansack@bostonherald.com
(617) 619-6437

Kevin Convey
Editor in Chief
Boston Herald
kconvey@bostonherald.com
(617) 619-6403

Joe Dwinell
City Executive Co-Editor
jdwinell@bostonherald.com
(617) 619-6177

H/T to Queah's Blog for the story.

Australian Activists Set to Protest Pope's Visit

"The NoToPope Coalition is inviting all civil libertarians, sexual health workers, condom producers, gays/ lesbians/ queers, women's rights activists, abortion providers, Christians and faith/holders, to challenge NSW governments attacks on free speech."

The NoToPope Coalition will peacefully protest on Saturday July 19th 12 noon at Taylor Square, Darlinghurst.

Youth Against World Youth Day are rallying in Melbourne Sunday July 13, 1:30pm (speakers from 2pm), Step of Parliament House, Spring St, Melbourne. Call Jason 0407781406

A kiss-in and condom distribution action will take place in Brisbane on Saturday July 19th at 3pm in Queens Park. Call Luke 0400 195 203 Dominic Hale o431 638 772

For Adelaide's Kiss-in Queen Street, Bowden Saturday July 19th at 2.30pm for 3pm please contact: Troy-Anthony Baylis 0439 684 876 or Jess Cronin 0438 668 370

Lismore NoToPope event at Winsome Hotel contact Tara 02 6629 5358

For Newcastle call Star 0410 326 006

http://www.notopope.com/

Mayor Jim Naugle Obsessed with Homosexuality Yet Again!

"Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jim Naugle spoke with 850 WFTL in Fort Lauderdale yesterday. The outgoing mayor, well-known for his positions that gays are "unhappy", says he thinks a "responsible homosexual" could fill his seat: "He defined that as one who rejects the idea that it's OK to take over public parks for gay sex, and who would 'do something about the AIDS crisis here, recognizing promiscuous activity has a heavy cost on life and dollars.'"

The bigot ahem I mean mayor is leaving office shortly. Anyways, feel free to send him your thoughts (he usually replies to emails).

mayorjames@aol.com

Word of the Gay: "Ex-Gay"

The "Ex-Gay" movement are people who claim to have once been LGBT and have converted their sexual orientation to straight or their gender identity to match their biological sex. Most so called "Ex-Gays" are driven by religious values that disparage homosexuality/transsexuality and regard it as sin. The "Ex-Gay" movement uses reparative therapy to try and "fix" LGBT people but it is a complete sham. The American Psychological Association and American Medical Association dismiss the notion that sexuality and gender identity can be changed and regard the practice as unscientific and dangerous to the mental well being of people.

Boycott Manchester Grand Hyatt, and the Grand Del Mar in California

"Same-sex marriage advocates urged travelers Thursday to boycott two hotels owned by a San Diego County businessman who gave $125,000 to a group backing a California ballot initiative to ban gay marriage.

Doug Manchester, who owns the Manchester Grand Hyatt in downtown San Diego and the Grand Del Mar golf resort near La Jolla, donated the money to the National Organization for Marriage in January"

Email the top management at these hotels!

H/T to Blog Active for the story.

Blog Spotlight: "Planet Transgender"

Today's Blog Spotlight and shout goes to Kelli's blog "Planet Transgender." The blog is a wonderful resource with great news stories, videos, and general information for the LGBT community and its allies to get involved and learn more!

Check it out... http://planetransgender.blogspot.com/

Dancing With the Gays?

The media rumors are flying that Lance Bass the openly gay singer from the pop music band N'Sync will be on the ABC hit show "Dancing with the Stars." To add to the twist, the show is considering pairing him up with a professional male dancer. This would be the first time a same-sex couple would be seen on the show dancing and would be broadcast to millions of homes across the globe.

Click Here for ABC's E-Contact Form - Tell Them You Want Gay Duo on Dancing with the Stars!

*Photo courtsey of pizzpancakes on Creative Commons.

Stop The Radio Hall of Fame from Honoring Anti-Gay Bigot James Dobson

"TruthWinsOut.org (TWO) launched a campaign to keep Focus on the Family founder James Dobson out of the Radio Hall of Fame. The Museum of Broadcast Communications nominated the anti-gay leader even though Dobson has been accused of distorting research and smearing gay and lesbian people for political gain. For example, Dobson told The Daily Oklahoman on Oct. 23, 2004, “Homosexuals are not monogamous. They want to destroy the institution of marriage. It will destroy marriage. It will destroy the Earth.”

Sign the Truth Wins Out Petition!

"To fight back against this offensive decision, TWO strongly urges fair-minded people to take three actions. First, sign TWO’s formal request to have James Dobson removed from consideration.

Second, contact Museum of Broadcast Communications CEO Bruce DuMont directly, brucedumont@museum.tv, to express your displeasure.

Third, as an option, vote for nominees other than James Dobson or Laura Schlessinger (the general public may vote, and the other nominees are Bob Costas and Howard Stern). It is urgent to act now, as voting comes to a close on July 15."

Word of the Gay: "Dyke"

"Dyke" has traditionally been an offensive term for Lesbians who are noticeably more masculine. The term can still be used in a pejorative fashion but has also been reclaimed by Lesbian activists who view the word in a positive light. The term has become a description for independent, assertive, and tough Lesbian identified females.

URGENT ALERT: Demand Asylum for Bisexual Nigerian Woman & Family

"“Time is running out for a bisexual woman who has been denied refugee status in Canada. Jane Okojie is scheduled to be deported to Nigeria on Thu, Jul 10 where she says she and her two children will face persecution because of her bisexuality.” (Queerty)

Click to Email the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada(IRB)info@irb-cisr.gc.ca and demand asylum for Ms. Jane Okojie.

Blog Spotlight: "Asexy Beast"

Today's blog spotlight and shout goes to "Asexy Beast" a wonderful blog for Asexuals and allies. From serious convo to light hearted fun, "Asexy Beast" has the ins and out of living as an Asexual and the trials, tribulations, and joys of being the A.

Check out Ily's Blog at http://theonepercentclub.blogspot.com/

Tyra Banks a True Ally to the LGBT Community

I just watched an episode of The Tyra Banks Show featuring Transsexual models from the world famous Trantasia Trans beauty pageant documentary. In the words of one of the guests who thanked Tyra she said "thanks for not exploiting transsexuals but merely educating."

The Tyra Banks show has consistently portrayed Bisexual, Transgender, Gay and Lesbian people in a positive light and has done a lot for the visibility of our movement and to share our stories.

In that spirit please join me in thanking Tyra Banks for her commitment to sharing our stories and educating about the lives of LGBT people.

Email Tyra! (Tyra sends all who email a free autographed photo as a special thank-you gift)

Rock the Vote With an Obama PRIDE T-Shirt!

Support the campaign and show your pride with this Obama Pride logo T-shirt.

Make a donation of $30 or more and receive a special edition Obama Pride logo T-shirt.

Click Here to Order an Obama Pride T-Shirt!

Live Long and Marry (Auction for Equality)

What is this?
Live Long And Marry is a fandom auction to benefit marriage equality. Bidding begins on July 1, 12:01 AM one minute after midnight Pacific Time, 2008, and closes on July 15, 12:01 AM one minute after midnight Pacific Time, 2008. Please do not bid until bidding opens.

What's the cause?
The auction will raise money for the fight against the California initiative which will legally destroy existing same-sex marriages and ban any further ones. If the initiative passes, it will write discrimination into the state constitution, annull existing marriages, and make Mr. Sulu cry.

How can I help?
You can bid on fanfic, original fic, vids, cookies, memorabilia, critique/betas, and much more! Or you can offer your skills and services as a writer, vidder, baker, knitter, or whatever else you'd like.

BIDDING OPENS ON JULY 1, 12:01 AM ONE MINUTE AFTER MIDNIGHT PACIFIC TIME, AND CLOSES JULY 15, 12:01 AM ONE MINUTE AFTER MIDNIGHT PACIFIC TIME.

http://community.livejournal.com/livelongnmarry/

For more info on what this is about, how to bid, and get your prize go here

Tell U.K. Prime Minister to Ban Queerphobic Music & Artists!

"Many artists from certain music genres seem to promote a hatred of homosexual and transsexuals in their lyrics. Urge the government to ban the sale of such material, and also ban the said artists from performing in the UK. The music is poisoning youth attitudes to LGBT people, BAN IT NOW!"

"We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to To ban any music or artists from performing in the UK whose lyrics promote homophobia and transphobia"

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/phobiamusic/

Word of the Gay: "RLE - Real Life Experience"

RLE is short for "Real Life Experience" and is also sometimes called "RLT- Real Life Test". It is the process whereby a transgender person lives in their preferred gender role for a period of time to show they can function and are happy within that role. This process has historically been a requirement by the medical establishment before any hormone treatment can be administered or an individual can go through sex re-assignment surgery.

Website Spotlight: "LGBT Bloggers"

Shouts out to Shaney who frequently comments here who has a wonderful listing of LGBT blogs. The categories are as follows: Gay male, Lesbian, Transgender, Community, Parenting, Bisexual, HIV Related, French, Spain, Gossip/News, Australian, Chinese, Mixed Language, Pinoy, Asia, Spicy Lesbian, Mixed Gay, LGBT friends, Artistic, Shopping, and Home & Travel.

He also highlights a new LGBT blog daily and is constantly updating his listing. In his very own words "If you can't find something you like on his site, you aren't looking hard enough!"

Check out LGBT Bloggers! and bookmark them =)

Shameless Self Promotion Sunday

Please feel free to share any links to Queer or Queer related topics of interest. You can post a blog entry you made, a website you found interesting. Anything goes as long as it is Queer in nature.

Word of the Gay: "Fag Stag"

"Fag Stag" - A heterosexual male who enjoys the company of or has many gay/bi male friends. It is the male equivalent of the term fag hag, and although still rarely used it is becoming more popular as homosexuality is becoming more widely accepted.

Open Forum: G0y's - New Identity or Shameful Gays?

There is a growing and controversial movement of men who call themselves G0y. They are men who are attracted to men but have grown disgusted of "Gay" male culture and anal sexual practices. Below is a snippet from a G0y website, which can best explain what this new identity and movement is all about...

"G0YS (Spelled with a ZER0) are guys who find men physically & emotionally attractive, but (for whatever reason) are offended with the stigmas that currently define the 'gay community' in the public psyche. G0YS recognize that the prominent facets of the "gay-male" community tend to embrace every gender-bending act, fetish & affectation; --And include those things in the general specter of the image that "gay" projects publicly. The easiest to observe example is the commonly used acronym "GLIT" (sometimes "GLIB") meaning Gay, Lesbian, Intersexed, Transgendered (or BiSexual). The fact that "GAY" is grouped with "Intersexed & Transgendered" is evidence to our primary point showing what the term "GAY" has morphed into. G0YS reject those associations completely & consider it a form of gender-prejudice against men who love men.

Behaviorally: Anal-sex is innately shunned by g0ys - as it represents the ultimate form of sexual disrespect whether male/male or male/female. Other distasteful stereotypes include (but are not limited to): Effeminate behavior, extreme passivity (like cowardice) & drag. G0YS don't call other men "girl", "bitch", "queen", etc. You probably get the idea.

What G0YS embrace is masculinity in it's purest forms. Many G0YS are GAY, or (usually)-BI identified men (who might wear those labels IF they were not aware of the G0Y movement). Many G0YS are STRAIGHT identified (involved in marriage or exclusive relationships with women) also - but have these deep feelings for masculine affection nonetheless (whether ever acted upon or not). Many of these men have had 1 or more sexual encounters with other men (not anal) & lack the language to describe those feelings & relationships. The term "gay" simply encloses too large a group & offensive associated stereotypes. G0YS place friendships at the top of their proverbial "list". Some of those friendships deepen to a level that is so intimate & personal that sexuality often becomes an element; -- & strong, invisible cords of love, respect & extreme-discretion cover what is an intensely personal thing. The reputation of the flamboyance, promiscuity, filth & bizarre cross-culture of the term "gay" - is seen as an affront to g0y relationships." (http://www.g0ys.org

G0y identified people have become increasingly visible on "Gay/Bi" communities and forums, and not only self-identify as G0y but are critical and even demeaning of those who identify as "Gay."

Please feel free to weigh in about the G0y's versus Gays phenomenon. Is this a new identity or are these men just ashamed to embrace their sexuality?

Word of the Gay: "Pomosexual"

"Pomosexual" stands for post modern and is used for people who do not fall into the traditional labels given for sexual orientation or gender identity, they are more undefined or fluid in nature.

San Francisco Bay Area Residents Take Stand Against HRC

"On Saturday, July 26th, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is hosting its annual San Francisco gala dinner and fund raiser at the Westin St. Francis hotel. They’ll raise money, cheer and applaud their apparent successes in Washington DC, announce a sudden, renewed interest in marriage, and claim that they are advancing the nation’s LGBT agenda.

But we in San Francisco’s LGBT community are preparing our OWN July 26th party in the streets, outside of the Westin St. Francis. We also encourage others in the LGBT community and our allies to boycott HRC’s gala event, due to HRC’s ongoing refusal to advocate for federal legislation that protects all Americans from discrimination based on gender identity and expression."

Sign the Petition to Show Solidarity with the HRC Gala Boycott!

Bisexual Dating Site Discriminates Against Trans-Man

"A 25 year-old Boston transman had his profile removed from a bisexual dating site last week after revealing to the site's operators that he had recently transitioned.

Site officials defended their action by saying that prior to his transition, Teich had registered on their lesbian dating site, which shares profile information with BisexualDatingNow.com

"We do not have a site appropriate for transgenders. You joined our lesbian site, which is not your sexual preference. You then listed yourself as a bisexual man. This is absolutely a violation of our community rules because we do not allow any man on a lesbian site," wrote Dupuis. "You are NOT a lesbian therefore you cannot and will not be a part of our lesbian community."

Please join me in voicing your outrage that a bisexual dating site would discriminate against an openly Trans person.
Click here for Bi Dating Now's E-Contact Form!

H/T to Joe My God for the story.

Word of the Gay: "Platonic Love"

"Platonic Love" Refers to non-sexual affectionate relationships between individuals. It can be described as a romantic friendship or partnership. Many Asexuals or celibate/questioning individuals choose "Platonic Love" relationships.

Rep. Steve Rothman Joins the Equality Bandwagon

New Jersey Democratic congressman Steve Rothman who previously did not support same-sex marriage has made an about face and now supports equal marriage rights. He has made this decision in light of his lesbian step-daughter.

Mr. Rothman has also joined the newly formed LGBT Caucus within the House of Representatives.

Please take the time to thank Representative Rothman for supporting Marriage Equality and joining the LGBT Caucus and let him know that you appreciate his commitment to equality.

http://www.house.gov/rothman/contact_steve.htm

Washington, DC Office
2303 Rayburn HOB
202-225-5061 (phone)

Transgender Inequality Video

This is a powerful video on Trans inequality, I'd recommend passing it along as we are always in the business of changing hearts and minds within the community and beyond.

Solidarity With the Intersex Community

The petition of Solidarity from the Organization of Intersex International goes as follows:

"I support the following Declaration of Fundamental Principles of the Organisation Intersex International and hereby express my solidarity with the Intersex community:

1) Intersex is not a disorder of sex development: intersex refers to those individuals born of intermediate sex - between what is considered standard for male or female in our societies.

2) Contrary to what is often asserted, the various degrees of intersex are not innately an illness or deformity. They are simply variations of the human body similar to the length of the nose, the colour of eyes, etc.

3) We reject medical categories for the various degrees of intersex, which are in fact only different reference points on a natural continuum of anatomical and genetic variations.

4) We stress the whole person from infancy through adulthood and choose not to focus on an individual's genitalia. We are people, not genitals. As people, we have a right to our own genitalia and our own identity without interference, forced treatment or other coercion from legal and/or medical authorities.

5) The basic problems faced by the intersexed are socio-cultural in nature and not medical and are a result of the dogmatic fundamentalism inherent in the current binary construct of sex and gender. Some intersexed individuals are subjected to genital mutilation in childhood as a result of this totalitarian, sexist oppression. For this reason, we denounce all forms of sexism prevalent in our societies, which is principally directed against women, the intersexed, and other communities which challenge sex and gender norms.

6) To promote visibility and the recognition of our existence as a normal and natural part of humanity will benefit not only the intersexed but all people oppressed by the sexism which prevails in our societies."

http://www.gopetition.com/online/9941.html

Word of the Gay: "LUG"

"LUG" stands for Lesbian Until Graduation, the term is used to describe women who are of high school or college age and are experimenting with their sexuality or self-identify as lesbian or bisexual while they are in school. These women later go onto live and self-identify as heterosexuals.

The Bisexual community looks at this term as a form of Biphobia and that these women were never really lesbian to begin with, nor straight after school ended, but merely Bisexual and sexually fluid regardless of how they choose to self-identify.