Queers United in Top 25 Gay Rights Blogs

It is flattering to see that Queers United has been listed as one of the top 25 most influential gay rights blog. It is also great that the site Online Paralegal Degree notes our effort to include all sexual and gender minorities and not just focus solely on gay and lesbian issues.

"Queers United stands as one of the few blogs which actively seeks out relating to intersexual and asexual issues in addition to the usual GLBT news. They promote the importance of activism and education as the best routes towards obtaining equality for the community, citing Martin Luther King, Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, and other nonviolent civil rights leaders as their main influences. Content encompasses issues, developments, and movements from around the United States, and readers can handily pick what subjects they would like to learn more about from a tab at the top of the menu."

Thanks to Online Paralegal Degree for recognizing us and the other great blogs listed on there! Thank you to all readers for your continued support and e-activism, and please also visit the other great sites listed!

The Cleveland Show Features Transphobic Episode

The Cleveland Show an animated series spin off of the Family Guy which appears on Fox has created a disgustingly transphobic episode.

The character Auntie Mama a beloved but "outrageous" woman who is overtly sexual and has poor manners is discovered by Cleveland to have a penis. Cleveland immediately declares her a man and feels sick to his stomach over his discovery. Cleveland's father hits on Auntie Mama and has sex with her and Cleveland debates how to tell his dad that "Auntie Mama is really a man" There were many jokes over her gender identity, and her genitalia. Cleveland confronts Auntie Mama and her voice suddenly deepens and she says she pretends to be a woman so that his wife whose mother died can have a feminine influence in her life. Ultimately, both Cleveland and his dad vomit several times to show their overt disgust with finding out that Auntie Mama is trans.

The entire episode can be seen below:



This show is problematic on multiple levels, for one it questions the characters gender identity, it makes fun of gender, and it reinforces the misconception that transgender people are purposefully deceptive.

Contact Fox to let them know your thoughts:
askfox@fox.com

The Cleveland Show on Twitter.

H/T to Bilerico Project.

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: How Do You Self-Identify?

I'm bringing this post back because it was so popular and I'd like to get more of an idea of where my readers are coming from and who they are.

It would be interesting to know how most people who participate here identify. Don't feel the need to classify but if you wish to opine...

Sexual Orientation: Are you gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer, asexual, questioning, pansexual, straight?

Gender Identity: Are you male female, intersex, m2f, f2m, androgyne, genderqueer, questioning?

The Soulforce Equality Ride 2010

Soulforce an organization dedicated to freedom for LGBT people from religious and political oppression through the practice of non-violent means is taking to the road again this year to send 25 LGBTQ youth to colleges and universities that do not allow openly homosexual students.

The Equality Ride is a nationwide bus trip that stops at anti-equality academic institutions and seeks to engage and dialogue on issues relating to sexuality, gender identity and affirming verses in scripture. The students engage in non-violent direct action, and even accept arrest when universities demand they leave their premises and they refuse to comply.

Please support the Equality Ride by making a much needed donation, to support the costs of the bus, food, accommodations, and bail needed for riders.

A Thanksgiving Message to Pro-Equality Democrats

This Thanksgiving send a message of thanks to Democrats who have led the fight for LGBT equality in congress. The message of thanks through the Stonewall Democrats form goes to Representatives: Conyers, Frank, Murphy, Baldwin, Nadler, Sanchez, Honda, Stark, Christensen and Senators: Merkley, Leahy, and Whitehouse. They are the movers and shakers behind legislation such as the Matthew Shepard Act, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, the Military Readiness Act, the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act, the Respect of Marriage Act, the Uniting American Families Act, the Safe Schools Improvement Act, the Reuniting Families Act, and the Every Child Deserves A Family Act.

Fill out the form to send them a Thanksgiving card of appreciation!

Happy Thanksgiving

To all my readers, have a happy & healthy Thanksgiving. Thanks for your support and love.

In honor of the day, I leave you with a funny segment about coming out on the holidays which aired on the Joy Behar show yesterday.

The Changing face of Same-Gender Loving Students at Historically Black Colleges

The Human Rights Campaigns Historically Black Colleges and Universities program is an effort to create dialogue and awareness about LGBT issues among these schools. The effort is to help bring dialogue, campus organizations, and resources dedicated to LGBT students of color and their allies.


Students can join existing LGBT clubs at a HBCU, or create your own organization or event!

Faculty and staff can also help create safer, more welcoming and affirming academic institutions.

ABC's Good Morning America Boots Adam Lambert

The ABC networks Good Morning America has canceled a scheduled concert by performer Adam Lambert citing his "controversial" behavior at the American Music Awards this past weekend where he engaged in homoerotic behavior as part of his show.

A spokesperson for ABC said:

"Given his controversial American Music Awards performance, we were concerned about airing a similar concert so early in the morning."

Twitter is up in a storm with hashtags #GMAfail and #ShameOnYouAbc trending.

Contact Good Morning America via their e-contact form and twitter to express outrage.

Double Standard on Adam Lambert's Display of Sexuality

On ABC's The View American Idol runner up singer Adam Lambert's display at the American Music Award's was the subject of heated discussion. Typically, more conservative co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck takes issue with Lambert's "sexual aggression" and Sherri Sheperd says "she wasn't pleased" with the AMA "lesbian kiss" between Madonna and Britney Spears either.



There is no doubt that Adam Lambert wanted to be edgy by appearing on stage with a man on a leash, receiving mock oral sex, and making out with a man on live TV but he is being singled out by some in the media for this behavior. The reaction is testament to the fact that Americans are still very uncomfortable with overt sexuality and non-heteronormative behavior being displayed.

Tell Hasselbeck and Sheperd not to single out Adam Lambert or gay behavior in general, he didn't do anything wrong, he is an artist, and many heterosexuals have been equally if not more overt about their sexuality, but weren't singled out because heterosexuality is the norm in our society.

Contact Hasselbeck on twitter.

Contact Sheperd on twitter.

E-contact form for The View.

Fox News Takes Side Against Gay & Trans Inclusive Sex Ed

In a segment called the Fox News 'Medical A Team' hosted by Trace Gallagher the discussion topic centered around a new magazine for teens called Sex Etc. The controversy was around the fact that the sex education magazine was allowed to stay on the shelves of an Iowa library even after 100 parents signed a petition against it.

The panel like most on Fox News, took a completely one sided opinion, that being that sex education has no place, and that it should be simply up to parents. Furthermore the panel takes issue with the queer content.

Dr. David Samadi (Fox News Medical Contributor) says "I'm not sure what kind of transgender information is out there but it is a little bit upsetting"

Followed by a comment from Dr. Cynara Cooner (Fox News Medical Contributor) who asserts that "not every parent wants their child to understand transgender, lesbian and gay issues"

The segment is ended with Dr. Manny Alvarez (Fox News Senior Medical Contributor) who admits that "STD rates are astronomical among teens, but that this type of magazine isn't good"

Tell Fox News that "fair & balanced" means actually representing both sides of a debate, tell them to cover pro-sex education and pro-LGBT doctors and educators.

yourcomments@foxnews.com
Phone Fox News: 1-888-369-4762

Buying for Equality 2010

The Human Rights Campaign has released their annual 'Buying for Equality' guide that scores businesses and products based on their commitment to LGBT equality.

The LGBT community is estimated to have $712 billion in buying power this year, according to research by Witeck-Combs Communications and MarketResearch.com. A recent study by Witeck-Combs/Harris Interactive also found that 78 percent of LGBT people are extremely or very likely to consider brands that are known to provide equal workplace benefits for their employees, including LGBT workers (HRC).

Be sure to check out which companies are supportive of equality by clicking here.

Also, be sure to contact supportive businesses and thank 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.

Open Forum: Metrosexuality - The Unlikely Ally for Gay Liberation?

"Metrosexual" is a term given for straight men who are very concerned with their appearance and maintain stereotypes generally associated with gay men. This 21st century man cares about his look, feel, and scent and will go to extremes to make sure he meets his own standards. This can include grooming such as facials, pedicures, manicures, waxing, as well as high end fashion and cologne. Some men do it for themselves, because they just like to pamper themselves and others feel it will attract women.

The gay community has a varied stance on the subject matter. On one hand metrosexuals are being accused of appropriating from gay culture, on the other hand gays feel like they can't stand out and know who is one of them anymore. The possible upside to metrosexuality is that these stereotypes are falling wayside and there is no such thing as a "gay look" anymore. If so many people look "gay" or are perceived to be regardless of their actual sexual orientation, than real gay people who enjoy pampering themselves and who may be effeminate are no longer outcasts but just another large segment of the male population.

Also, in responding consider the impact on lesbian and bisexual women, as well as implications for the transgender community. While the term metrosexual really has traditionally applied to "straight men who act gay" there are many straight women who cut their hair short, act rugged and are blurring the lines between heterosexual women and stereotypical lesbian attributes.

What do you think? Yay or nay to metrosexuality, and what is the impact for queer culture?

Transgender Day of Rememberance 11/20/09

Today, November 20th marks the eleventh Transgender Day of Remembrance, a solemn time to think back and honor our transgender brothers and sisters who were murdered for being who they are. Sadly 2009 witnessed an alarming increase in trans attacks and deaths and many of these were horrific acts of brutality simply because a person has a different gender identity or expression than society expects of them.



Suggested actions for the day:
-Candlelight vigils / marches
-Visual representation of the number of deaths with:
-Cardboard tomb stones of remembered people
-Paper cutouts of remembered people
-Body outline chalkings of remembered people
-Art / photography displays
-Conversation & awareness about trans issues

For a complete listing of memorial events please visit International Transgender Day of Remembrance.

Nationwide Vigils Planned for Slain Gay Puerto Rican Teen

Vigils are being planned across the nation for this Sunday, November 22 to honor slain teen Jorge Steven Lopez Mercado who was brutally murdered for being gay. Activists are demanding that the alleged perpetrator be charged under the new U.S. federal hate crimes law which includes sexual orientation and gender identity.

Vigils scheduled:

In New York City a vigil will be held at Pier 45 followed by optional mass at 5:00 pm.

In Boston - 6PM, Trinity Church, Copley Plaza [Facebook link]

In Chicago - 4PM, Division and California, procession to Humboldt Park Boat House.]

In Dallas at 6:15 pm on Sunday.

In L.A. - 8PM, Santa Monica and San Vicente [Facebook link]

In Oakland - 3:30PM, MacArthur and Lakeshore/Grand Ave [Facebook link]

In San Francisco - 7PM, Castro and Market [Facebook link]

Vigils are also planned for Atlanta, Durham, New Orleans, and Philadelphia but information on location and times is not yet available.

H/T to Towleroad.

Oklahoma City Gays Boycott Flip's Restaurant

Flip's Wine Bar and Trattoria has found itself in a new battle after its owner Gail Vines a member of the Oklahoma City School Board voted twice to fire an openly gay teacher. The teacher Mr. Joe Quigley believes he wasn't fired for being gay, but for being an advocate on behalf of gay rights and supporting students efforts to start a gay-straight alliance.

A court order has demanded an immediate reinstatement of Quigley because it believes bias was involved in his firing and the court determined he was qualified to remain a teacher. The school district has gone against the courts decision and it remains to be seen what the outcome will be.

Meanwhile gay activists are boycotting Flip's because they believe the owner has anti-gay bias.

Please respectfully let the owner know your thoughts and your decision to boycott her establishment:

Flip's Wine Bar and Trattoria
5801 N Western
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
405-843-1527

Queer the Census!

As it stands the 2010 census will not include a question about sexual orientation or gender identity. LGBT people need to be heard and counted so that our community is accurately reflected and catered to with respect to government research and funding. The data collected is critical for issues such as health care, economic stability and even safety.

In addition to demanding that we have data on sexuality and gender, this is the first time the census will count married same-sex couples. Please ensure that you check off the "husband/wife" or "unmarried partner" box.

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force will send you a FREE Queer The Census sticker to affix to your envelope when you fill out and send your census.

Word of the Gay: "HBB"

"HBB" is an acronym often used in chats and personals that stands for hot bi babe.

Transgender Awareness Week Nov 15-20th

Transgender Awareness Week takes place from November 15th up until November 20th which is the Day of Remembrance, a solemn day to remember lives lost in the transgender community. The week is an opportunity to educate, engage, and get active on behalf of equal rights and fair treatment for transgender and gender variant people and their families.

Educational resources on Trans community:

Diversity Lesson 101: Transgender

Diversity Lesson 101: Genderqueer/Intergender


Activist organizations for Trans community:

National Center for Transgender Equality

The Transgender Law & Policy Institute

FTM International

Gender Education and Advocacy


Get involved locally and find events at your LGBT resource center by checking the LGBT center directory.

Word of the Gay: "Lesbian Sheepitude"

"Lesbian Sheepitude" is a term used to describe when one woman is interested in another, the other may or may not be interested but neither makes the move. The colloquialism comes from the behavior of sheep; a female ewe indicates sexual interest and receptiveness by standing still.

Web Spotlight: SistersTalk Radio

SistersTalk Radio is the most diverse lesbian and gay online talk radio show. They interview musicians, actors, reality TV stars, comedians, authors, filmmakers, bloggers and video bloggers.

Dolly Parton Stands Up For Gay Fans

Country music star Dolly Parton has come out in favor of marriage equality and treating gays with dignity and respect. In an interview with HLN's Joy Behar when asked why she has so many gay fans and whether she supports gay marriage, she responds by saying:

"Sure, why can’t they get married? They should suffer like the rest of us do.”

She also goes on to address televangelist Joel Osteen's recent comments that "homosexuality is not God's best" and maintains that we shouldn't try to change anyone, and that "if God were a religious person he wouldn't judge others".



Our ally Dolly Parton can be reached on twitter, facebook, and myspace.

Word of the Gay: "Polysaturated"

"Polysaturated" is a term for a polyamorous individual not currently open to more partners either due to to the number of partners, or time constraints.

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: "Zie"

"Zie" is a gender neutral pronoun replacing he or she that is used within the genderqueer community.

Our Families Count - Fill Out the Census!

HRC has launched Our Families Count and is urging LGBT people to fill out the census so that the government can distribute funds and social services that are are needed for our community. Sexual orientation and gender identity will not be questions on the 2010 census, and will likely be included in future censuses. However, this is the first time the census will recognize and analyze the number of married same-sex couples.

• Same-sex couples are encouraged to check off the "husband/wife" or "unmarried partner" box.

• The census only provides two options with regards to gender, male or female. Transgender people are encouraged to check the box that most closely matches their gender identity.

Take action to contact the 2010 census and urge them to provide an accurate assessment of LGBT families, and to push to include questions based on sexual orientation and gender identity in upcoming versions.

Open Forum: The Concept of a Queer Nation

While there has not been much talk or serious consideration among queer people to create a gay homeland, there has been some discussion whether joking or fantasy about the concept. A nation state owned and operated by LGBT people, where people are free to express their sexual orientation and gender identity, while being affirmed. A queer homeland would serve as a refuge for those who are discriminated against in other countries, and would bring an LGBT perspective to the United Nations delegation.

In 2004 Australian activists declared the Cato Islands the "Gay and Lesbian Kingdom of the Coral Sea" since this deserted island was not being utilized. While this was merely symbolic it once again brought up the discussion and perhaps dreams of many LGBT people. There are even organizations such as the Gay Homeland Foundation, Gay and Lesbian Commonwealth Kingdom, Unified Gay Tribe, and Gay Parallel Republic embrace the idea of a queer nation state although lack the funding, movement, or credibility to push forward their agenda.

What do you make of the concept of a queer homeland? Would it help create a safer world for LGBT people or only further segregate queer people from the populace? Would you support or even immigrate to such a country if it was created?

Blog Spotlight: Grace the Spot

Grace the Spot is an entertainment, lifestyle, pop culture and current events blog founded by two lesbians.

The Kardashian Family Stands for Marriage Equality

The Kardashian family are a celebrity family with their own reality TV show 'Keeping Up With The Kardashians' that airs on E! The family has been in the spotlight for many years, and two of the daughters branched off with their own show called 'Kourtney and Khloé Take Miami'.

The sisters recently posed for the NO H8 campaign photo shoot and proudly say the whole family strongly supports marriage equality.

On Kim Kardashian's blog she states:

EVERYONE should have the right to choose who they marry and that we do have the power to make a difference. What I love about the NOH8 campaign is that it symbolizes more than just people's desires to bring down Prop 8... it's about promoting love in general! Stop the H8, people! (Kim Kardashian).

The family has also been active for LGBT rights in the past. After proposition 8 passed, Kim Kardashian responded to then Miss California Carrie Prejeans anti-gay statement with her own affirming message of equality. Khloé Kardashian has also been outspoken in favor of gay rights, taking on a gay basher on her radio show, and supporting SAVE Dade a South Florida LGBT organization which hosted a Khloé Kardashian crossdresser look alike contest.

Be sure to leave a comment on their NO H8 blog post thanking them.

You can also tweet the sisters @ KimKardashian, KhloeKardashian, KourtneyKardash.

Blog Spotlight: Bipolar Bisexual

Bipolar Bisexual is a blog about sexuality and mental health issues. The author discusses ways for people who are bisexual, bipolar or both to live a positive and affirming life.

Start 'A Day in Hand' Chapter in Your Area

A Day in Hand is an international movement supporting the right of same-sex couples to display their affection publicly in the same fashion that many heterosexual couples do on a daily basis. Simple gestures like hand holding, kissing, and cuddling, are ways that couples are romantic with each other. Society makes it very uncomfortable and at times potentially dangerous for same-sex couples to show their love publicly. The Same-Sex Hand Holding project seeks to put an end to this form of societal injustice and intolerance.

Gay, bi or straight, hold a partner or friends hand in public and show support for gay couples love and visibility. There are events every month throughout the world but anyone can show their support at any time!

There are even worldwide chapters that have been formed:

For London In Hand contact David / email: info@adayinhand.com

For California In Hand contact Tami / email: california@adayinhand.com

For Minnesota In Hand contact Philip / email: minnesota@adayinhand.com

If you would like to start A Day In Hand Helping Hand chapter in your area please email: info@adayinhand.com

Joy To The World!

Joy Behar is a comedian, writer, actress, and commentator. She has been a co-host on ABC's The View and recently got her own show on HLN called The Joy Behar Show. Behar has been a friendly, smart and outspoken voice for the LGBT community over the years, always standing up for us. Her new show has not been on the air long but is being called a "gay show" by some because so many of her segments include or discuss LGBT people or issues.

Whether it's discussing marriage equality, the movie MILK, or speaking with openly queer people, Joy Behar has been a remarkable straight ally to the LGBT community.

Please thank her for her commitment to discussing and supporting LGBT issues.

Contact Joy Behar on twitter.

Web Spotlight: QueerUK

QueerUK is a guide and forum for the gay community within the United Kingdom. Features on the web portal include a message board, latest news, a guide, blogs, photos and more.

Equal Love - Nov 28th Australian Marriage Rallies

The Australian Senate is due to release a landmark report on same-sex marriage and activists across the nation will be demonstrating on November 28th for marriage rights through the Equal Love campaign two days after the expected report comes out. The rallies will either express enthusiasm and call for government adoption of the report or will express outrage at the reports findings.

Rallies will be taking place in the following five cities:

Melbourne

November 28, 1pm
State Library

Sydney

November 28, 1pm
Sydney Town Hall
www.caah.org.au

Adelaide

November 28, 11am
Parliament House

Canberra

November 28, 1pm
Garema Place, Civic

Brisbane

November 28, 1pm
Queens Park, City
(Opp. Treasury Casino)

In the mean time sign the petition to the Prime Minister demanding marriage equality.

Veterans Day Action to End DADT

Letters to the editor are a great way to engage local media and raise awareness about our efforts to get rid of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” A particularly effective letter to the editor can get thousands of people talking about the issue and have effects well beyond the pages of the paper. The letters to the editor section is one of the most read parts of a newspaper!

Join Servicemembers Legal Defense Network's action alert to write an editorial now. Their website will automatically connect you to multiple local newspapers to write an op-ed.

Endorse the Florida Competitive Workforce Bill

The Florida Competitive Workforce bill adds "sexual orientation and gender identity and expression" to Florida's civil rights law that bans discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations.

Take a stand today. Sign on to this letter of support as an individual, organization and/or company and spread the word.

New Toolbar Feature

Hey folks,

We have a handy dandy new toolbar below if you haven't realized. It's pretty snazzy if I say so myself. You can now translate the website into a variety of different languages, bookmark us, and can use the share feature to spread our campaigns on social networks and news sites.

I hope you find it useful and I'd love to hear any thoughts about the new feature :)

Thanks for your continued support and readership!

Trans Student Ejected from Texas High School

17 year old O’Rhonde Chapman, a Nimitz High School senior says she’s being discriminated against because of her gender expression. The transgender teen always wears womens clothes to school but decided to wear a wig and stiletto heels, and the principal turned her away citing a violation of the male dress code.

Chapman is standing by her decision to not return to school, and fight for her right to self expression:

“I would like to be able to wear my hair and everything and still be treated the same and have an equal opportunity to have an education, as others do. I ought not be segregated or sent home because of what I have on,” Chapman said. “I am losing out on my education. That upsets me. That upsets me because I don’t go to school to be judged.”(Trans Griot).

Please support this brave young woman by demanding the school allow her to attend the way she is, and to institute policies protecting transgender youth.

Nimitz Senior High School
2005 W.W. Thorne Drive
Houston, TX 77073-3301
Phone: (281) 443-7480
E-contact form (Scroll down to Nimitz High School)

Your Support Can Help End HIV

Dr. Sudhir Paul of the Covalent Immunology Foundation offers a promising new vaccine that potentially eradicates HIV in the human blood through an enzyme that interacts with the virus. The study needs to go into the next phase of research which involves testing. They want to make this vaccine affordable and accessible to the public if it is successful.



Help take the research into the next phase at End HIV.

Intersex Solidarity Day - 11/08/09

November 8th is Intersex Solidarity Day. In honor of the day please make the commitment to educate yourself about intersexuality and to promote intersex activism to others.

I'd also like to encourage this post to be about what it means to stand in solidarity with the intersex community, whether you are intersex or not, what we can do to be advocates and allies?

Other topics for possible discussion as suggested by the official Intersex Solidarity Day are The life of Herculine Barbin, intersex "normalization" treatments without consent, the violence of the binary sex and gender system, the sexism implicit within the binary construct of sex and gender.

Please sign the Solidarity with the Intersex Community Petition

Miley Cyrus: "You're Vain, You're Gay"

Pop star Miley Cyrus from the hit Disney show Hannah Montana has changed the lyrics of one of her popular songs '7 Things' in a recent Louisville, Kentucky concert from 'You're Game' to 'You're gay'.

'You're vain
You're GAY
You're insecure
You Love me you like her...'

Watch her on stage performance clip in Louisville with the words being altered below:



It is unacceptable to use 'You're Gay' as an insult, and it's particularly dissapointing coming from Miley who only recently endorsed marriage equality.

Contact Miley Cyrus on Twitter or Myspace and urge her to apologize for these 'lyrics'

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.

Tell Obama to Act Now

The Obama administration was absent in yet another critical fight for the soul of our nation. His failure to speak out forcibly against Question 1 in Maine is unacceptable. Sign Equality California's petition. Then, ask everyone you know to do the same.

Petition Obama to support federal Prop 8 lawsuit

MTV's 'True Life' Upcoming Queer Opportunities

MTV's True Life is a docu-series which features various young people going through extraordinary circumstances in life. There are two upcoming tapings that may be of interest to readers here, one about being passable as hetero-normative, and the other about athletes coming out to their teammates.

TRUE LIFE: I'M PASSING
Are you "passing" as someone you're not? Have you been passing in school, at work, in your community or anywhere else as being of a different race, gender or sexual orientation from what you actually are? Are you are a transsexual female who passes as someone who was born a female? Or maybe you're a person of color who passes as a white person. Or perhaps your schoolmates or colleagues think you're straight while in fact you're gay.

Do you try to pass as someone other than who you are for a particular reason? Do you feel it gives you an advantage of some kind at work, school or with your friends? Or do others look at you and simply decide for themselves? Do you correct them or do you enjoy passing? Are you considering "coming out" and putting your days of passing behind you?

If you are passing as someone of a different race, gender, sexual orientation or otherwise, MTV wants to hear from you. If you appear to be between the ages of 15 and 28, please email us at passing@mtvn.com. Please be sure to include your name, location and phone number.

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TRUE LIFE: I'M COMING OUT TO MY TEAM
Are you planning to come out to your teammates? Have you been afraid or hesitant to come out to your sports team as gay, bisexual, or transsexual but are now planning to reveal yourself? Perhaps you've already come out to your friends and now have to face the upcoming season with teammates who still think you're straight? Or maybe you're unsure of how your fellow athletes would react if they knew, and thus have not come out to anyone?

Whatever your situation may be, if you are planning to come out to your teammates and appear to be between the ages of 15 and 28, MTV wants to hear from you. Please email us at comingout@mtvn.com and be sure to include your name, location and phone number.

For more info or to check other upcoming episodes goto True Life - MTV

Open Forum: The Death of Queer Culture

Is queer culture on the verge of death? The question may strike you as odd since millions of people have come out over the past few decade, and the numbers only increase over time. We have entered a time period where sexuality and gender are no longer binaristic, and new terms and identities are being created to allow freedom of self expression to take place. All these are signs that queer identity is blossoming and taking on new forms. After all religion doesn't dissipate when the number of followers expands, it only becomes more evident and vibrant.

So what's this talk about queer culture fading? Well unlike religion or political parties whereby more followers means more identity and power, the opposite is true with queer identity. Queer identity is built on the notion that we are different, and apart from the general public. The more people who join the queer "freak show" the less weird and alien it is to the general public and the easier it is for queers to assimilate. Assimilation is inevitable, the more people come out, equals the more normalized queer identity becomes, results in the less marginalized queer people become, and the result is less need for queer specific resources.

Is assimilation really a bad thing? It does come at the expense of some aspects of queer culture but many of the aspects being erased are ones of shame and exclusion...

"If there is a real choice between a culture built on oppression and a culture built on freedom, the decision is an easy one" - Andrew Sullivan

Is this the death of a culture, or is it the evolution of a movement? Do you see queer identity as growing or fading over the course of time, and do you view that in a positive, negative, or neutral light?

Nationwide Marriage Equality Protest Listing

In the wake of marriage equality being defeated in Maine, and the one year anniversary of the passage of proposition 8, activists are holding protests throughout the country to express their outrage that the majority has the right to deny civil rights to a minority population.

*Please notify me of any planned protests, vigils, or demonstrations and I will promptly add them to the list and keep it up to date.

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Saturday, November 14th Protests:

Atlanta, Georgia
12:00-2:00 pm
GA State Capitol Building (Washington St. Side)
contact: Jeff Schade (jeffschade3@gmail.com)

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November 29th Protests:

No On Prop 8 Peaceful Protest & Candlelight Vigil - Long Beach, California Saturday 11/29 7pm
Long Beach Performing Arts Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach

Help Ensure Health Care Reform Includes LGBT Families!

We are at an unprecedented point in the process of national health care reform: the House of Representatives plans to vote TOMORROW, November 7, on its reform bill, the Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962).

It is crucial for LGBT families that this bill passes with a strong majority. The House bill includes numerous provisions that are key to the health and well-being of LGBT families, including:

* data collection that includes sexual orientation and gender identity, which is foundational to understanding the needs of the LGBT community
* strict prohibitions on discrimination in health care and insurance coverage
* an end to unequal taxation of domestic partner health benefits
* funding for comprehensive sex education
* a strong public option that greatly expands coverage

The LGBT community is the un- and under-insured. We are families with children, seniors and youth, women, people of color, immigrants, people living with HIV and AIDS, and transgender people. We are too often discriminated against by insurance companies and health care providers and denied the care that we need. The status quo harms our community and our families; we deserve to be part of the nation’s blueprint for reform.

Tell your Representatives to pass LGBT-inclusive health care reform NOW. CALL your Representatives using the toll-free number 1-877-264-4226 and ask them to support the Affordable Health Care for America Act. Follow this link to find your Representative’s contact information.

Crossposted via Family Equality Council.

'Million for a Million' to Bring Marriage Back to California!

Million for aMillion is a new campaign by Yes On Equality, Truth and Hope, and Restore Equality 2010 to raise a million dollars to get the over 1 million signatures needed to put marriage equality on next years ballot.

Polls indicate public support growing for an effort to repeal proposition 8 which banned marriage equality in California in 2008.

Donate now, and sign up to get updates at Million for a Million.

New York Marriage Debate Set for Tuesday's Senate Agenda

The New York State Senate under the order of Governor David Patterson is scheduled to discuss and possibly vote on the issue of marriage equality. The marriage bill has been passed by the house, if the senate concurs, the bill will be signed into law by the governor.

New Yorkers please take a minute to call your state senator through the Empire State Pride Agenda's click to call action service.

E-Day Phone Banking in California

Equality California to Host Phone Banks for Maine and Washington Ballot Initiatives

WHAT: Equality California (EQCA) will host phone banks across the state for California volunteers, encouraging voters in Maine and Washington to vote to protect the rights of same-sex couples. On November 3, Mainers will vote on whether to repeal a law granting same-sex couples the right to marry. In the state of Washington, voters are being asked to re-confirm the expansion of domestic partnership rights for same-sex couples.

WHEN: Tuesday, November 3, 2009.

WHERE:

* SAN DIEGO: 301 University Ave., San Diego, 92103, 2:30 PM- 5 PM
* ORANGE COUNTY: 1700 E. Garry Ave, Ste. 231, Santa Ana, CA 92701, 10 AM-4:30 PM
* PALM SPRINGS: 314 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, 92261, 1 PM- 5 PM
* INLAND EMPIRE: 410 3rd Street, Ste. 7, Riverside, 92507, 1 PM-7 PM
* LOS ANGELES: 2801 Hyperion Ave., Ste. 103, Los Angeles 90027, 10:30 AM- 5:30 PM
* HOLLYWOOD: 1125 N McCadden Pl., Los Angeles, 90038, 10:30 AM- 5 PM
* FRESNO: 1055 N. Van Ness Ave., Ste. C, Fresno, 93728, 7 AM- 5 PM
* SAN JOSE: 19 N. 2nd Street, Ste. 102, San Jose, 95113, 11 AM- 9 PM
* SAN FRANCISCO: ACLU Office, 39 Drumm St, San Francisco, 94114, 7 AM-7:30 PM
* BERKELEY: 1528 Hopkins St., Berkeley, CA 94703, 7 AM-7:30 PM
* SACRAMENTO: 1722 J St., 2nd Floor Unit 9, Sacramento, CA 95814, 10 AM-5 PM

H/T to Mike Tidmus.

Election Day Endorsements

Today is election day and it is vital that the LGBT community and allies get out to the polls to vote for progressive and equality minded candidates for our local districts throughout the country.

There are also some key races and ballots for consideration today that effect the LGBT community and this blog is endorsing some candidates and positions.

*Election day recommendations are always based on the LGBT record of the candidate and not on the basis of their political affiliation.

Maine

Vote NO on question 1 to protect marriage equality.

Washington

Vote YES on Referendum 71 to protect domestic partnerships.

Michigan

Kalamazoo vote YES on ordinance 1856 to protect anti-discrimination laws on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

New Jersey

Vote for Governor Jon Corzine (D) a marriage equality proponent, his opponent is opposed to marriage equality and uses it as a campaign scare tactic.

Virginia

Vote for Creigh Deeds(D) who voted against a marriage amendment, his opponent is fiercely anti LGBT equality.

New York (District 23)

Vote for Bill Owens (D) who supports civil unions, his opponent is fiercely anti LGBT equality.

Texas

Houston vote for Annise Parker (D) to be first openly lesbian mayor.

Word of the Gay: "Queerbie"

A "queerbie" is a play on the words queer and newbie and is a term for someone new to the gay scene.

Organization Spotlight: SQREAM

SQREAM stands for "Scooter Queers Riding Everywhere and More". The group is open to all gay and lesbian scooter riders and their friends and operates in 9 areas and welcomes new chapters to be formed.

Alert: Maine Opposition Pushing Ahead in Polls and Money

Tomorrow Mainers will decide the fate of the marriage equality bill, and the No on 1 Protect Maine Equality is now behind the polls and facing an uphill challenge as the opposition drives a last minute fund-raising campaign.

A new poll released today shows those in favor overturning marriage equality, or those voting YES for Question 1, beating us 51% to 47%.

And to make matters a little worse, the Yes on 1 side has just done an unexpected, major push to raise $25,000 to air one last major attack ad (Unite The Fight).

Please get out the word, donate, volunteer and vote!

Happy Belated Trans Parent Day!

The first Sunday of November marks Trans Parent Day! An innovative and new holiday to celebrate the unique relationship between a transgender parent and their children. Trans parent day is an opportunity to celebrate parents without adhering to the gender stereotypes traditionally associated with mothers and fathers day.

Check out Trans Parent Day for stories, resources, and to connect with others.

Web Spotlight: Asexualitic

Asexualitic is a free dating site for Asexual People. When major dating sites don't recognize asexuality, asexual people have a dating place to meet here.