14th Annual Rainbow Families Conference in Minnesota

The Rainbow Families Conference is the premier community building and learning event for current and prospective LGBT parents, their children, family members and friends, area educators and community members.

This incredible conference is a special resource for Minnesota and surrounding states and is the largest of its kind in the nation. Participants enjoy a day of learning and sharing together and also leave with concrete skills and information relevant to their own lives and needs.

Saturday, April 18, 2009
Anwatin/Bryn Mawr Schools
256 Upton Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55405

Click here to register.

Blog Spotlight: Intersex Pride

Intersex Pride is a blog with a wealth of information for the intersex community, allies, and those looking to learn more. It offers a queer perspective on issues such as gender, sexuality, and political viewpoints.

Open Letter Against Intolerance in Armenia

Homosexuality is being discussed in Armenian media and literature in the context of a threat to national security, and as a disordered identity. These attitudes only advance the notion that gays are sick and dangerous, and serves to promote a culture of violence against LGBT citizens in the country.

"Even through the general absence of any desire to ask fundamental questions about homosexuality, male homosexuality in Armenia has been consistently described as a threat to national security, a result of accepting European decadent values or a pathology and disease, while homosexual women have been denied of existence all together or condemned in not fitting into the image of a “proper” Armenian woman.

We urge all officials, politicians, journalists, teachers, doctors and all those who are engaged in public work as well as each and every individual, to get acquainted with problems that homosexual men and women face in Armenia, their socially active initiatives and to the contemporary debates around gender and sexuality."

Please leave a comment to sign the petition on the Queering Yerevan blog.

More 'Revelations' For the Mormon Church Tax Scandal

Mormon church officials, facing an ongoing investigation by the state Fair Political Practices Commission, Friday reported nearly $190,000 in previously unlisted assistance to the successful campaign for Prop. 8, which banned same-sex marriage in California.

The report, filed with the secretary of state’s office, listed a variety of California travel expenses for high-ranking members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and included $20,575 for use of facilities and equipment at the church’s Salt Lake City headquarters and a $96,849 charge for “compensated staff time” for church employees who worked on matters pertaining to Prop. 8.

The Mormon church had been under investigation by the Fair Political Practices Commission for failure to report its contributions as required by law. The investigation was prompted by a complaint filed by Fred Karger, of Californians Against Hate.

IRS regulations barred from endorsing political candidates, but they allow churches and religious groups to campaign and contribute on behalf of issues. When doing so, churches are required to report their contributions just like every other donor. They are also required to report and attach fair market dollar values to “in-kind” donations, which consist of services and activities provided directly without charge by a donor that a campaign would otherwise have been required to pay for.

Crossposted via Box Turtle Bulletin.

Open Forum: Is Ted Haggard A Queer Spokesperson?

Ted Haggard, the anti-gay preacher of the New Life Church and President representing 80 million Evangelical Christians was caught in a major sex scandal. He was discovered to be taking methamphetamine's while engaging in gay sex with a male escort and as a result he has suffered and become an outcast due to his outing. Due to his actions the former preacher has a tough time finding a job, friends, and support system to move forward.

Here is a funny song by Roy Zimmerman about the scandal and what Ted Haggard was like:



In light of new people coming forward in the scandal and his upcoming HBO documentary 'The Trials of Ted Haggard' which documents his life after the outbreak of the gay sex and drug scandal, Ted Haggard now for the first time publicly discusses private issues.

Ted Haggard when asked about his sexuality doesn't claim to be "ex-gay", straight and healed, he simply says he is a "heterosexual with issues" or a "heterosexual with homosexual attachments." When asked to define his sexuality he says that "he does not fit neatly into a box" and that he doesn't feel the need to label himself. He now says he believes "he didn't need to be cured, because he wasn't ever sick, and that one cannot avoid having gay thoughts, but can decide whether to act on the behavior."

Whether Haggard knows it or not, he basically just publicly discussed for America the idea of a sexual continuum and queer sexuality. It is very much possibly that Mr. Haggard lies closer to the heterosexual side of the continuum. He also may be downplaying his same-sex attraction in an attempt to be more mainstream and keep his relationship with his wife going.

How will this play out in the minds of Americans? It is helpful or hurtful? Also, is Ted Haggard possibly a spokesperson for the queer identity even though he doesn't know it or intend to be? Or is he just making bisexual identity out to be a "confusion and sexual immorality" the Church has so long claimed it is?

Word of the Gay: "Radical Drag"

"Radical Drag" is the act of defying gender norms and embracing aspects of both genders. Ie a man in a dress, who keeps their beard, or a fem lady with a mustache.

Direct Evidence Mormon Church Violated Tax Exempt Status

On November 3, 2008, ProtectMarriage.com received a contribution of $30,354.85 from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. You read that right. The Mormon Church donated more than $30 thousand dollars to eradicate the right of same-sex couples to marry. This is clear evidence, with a paper trail showing the Church and their personal financial contribution.

See the filing here.

H/T to The Gaytheist Agenda.

Anger Into Action Declaration

This declaration is about showing wide public support for the fundamental rights of LGBT people. The latest marriage amendments and adoption ban passed by our fellow citizens are built on lies and deception, and we can't stand for it.

But we also refuse to fight lies with lies, or hate with hate. We will not give into our anger, and we will not unfairly lay blame for Prop. 8 passing. Instead, we are committed to channeling our energies into bringing about more positive change.

Stand with us against discrimination and pledge to fight until full equality is won for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people everywhere. Once you sign, please send a message to all of your friends and family and help us grow our movement of individuals who are committed to equal rights and justice for all.

Sign the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force's Declaration.

Activist Tip: Inquire About Candidates Positions

Wherever you are in the world, and whatever political affiliation your representative has in your local area, ie: liberal, conservative, moderate, etc you can ask their opinion on LGBT issues. Tell them you are a staunch supporter of LGBT rights including (marriage, adoption, hate crimes, employment non-discrimination, the right to serve and others).

Phone or email your candidates for senate, congress, city council, and the courts and let them know where you as a constitute stands on these crucial issues. The more we speak up, the more we will be heard, and we can demonstrate that we are a segment of the population that can and does get out the vote!

Feel free to re-post the comments you receive from candidates whether positive, neutral, or negative.

Network With Other Asexuals

The Asexuality Meetup Listing, provides for a listing of different asexual groups around the world, and people interested in the subject. Join a group, start your own, or collaborate with other asexuals in your area!

http://asexuality.meetup.com/

Word of the Gay: "Lesbian Separatism"

"Lesbian Separatism" is the choice of some women to surround themselves amongst lesbians only. This was particularly popular in the early years of the feminist movement.

New Illinois Governor Appears Favorable to LGBT Community

The new Illinois Governor Patrick Quinn who has replaced the corrupted former Governor Blagojevich appears to be supportive of the LGBT community.

Governor Quinn has marched in the gay pride parade, and is reported to strongly support civil unions legislation.

New Guide for NY'ers Married Out of State

The Empire State Pride Agenda, the ACLU, the NYCLU, and Lambda Legal have collaborated to create a document called Your Government Respects Your Marriage: Developments in New York State Agency Recognition of Same-Sex Couples’ Out-of-State Marriages.

Blog Spotlight: GenderKid

Genderkid is a blog with thoughts on gender from an Argentinian transboy's perspective. It is a blog full of questions, and a safe space to question and explore gender identity and expression. The blog also provides a great and comprehensive resources/links section.

Clubs Owners Tell Transgender Woman to "Stay With Her Own Kind"

Another display of transphobia has occured, this time in Appleton Wisconsin demonstrating how vital it is to have a non-discrimination law which protects gender variance.

"An Appleton transgendered woman filed a lawsuit against a College Avenue club, after she says she was denied entrance due to her gender identity. The complaint says Sierra Broussard, wasn't allowed admittance because "The employee or owner of Park Central then suggested to Sierra, while in a public forum, that she go to another club, one that caters to "her kind" (Womanist Musing).

Contact the club and let them know that transphobia is unacceptable.www.parkcentralontheave.com

318 W College Ave
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 738-5600

Arizona Civil Partnerships Campaign

Arizona Civil Partnerships plans to set into motion a new proposition for the introduction of Civil Partnerships in the State of Arizona.

An Arizona Civil Partnership enables same-sex couples to obtain legal recognition of their relationship. Couples who form an Arizona Civil Partnership have a new legal status, that of 'civil partner'.

Which would include access to:

* Tax benefits, including inheritance tax
* Ability to make medical decisions for their civil partner
* Employment benefits
* Most state and occupational pension benefits
* Hospital visitation rights of civil partners
* Income-related benefits, tax credits and child support
* Duty to provide reasonable maintenance for your civil
partner and any children of the partnership
* Ability to apply for parental responsibility for your civil
partner's child
* Inheritance of a tenancy agreement
* Right to inherit if a civil partner dies without a will
* Access to fatal accidents compensation
* Protection from domestic violence
* Recognition for immigration and nationality purposes

You can help the campaign by emailing support@civilpartnershipsaz.com with your contact info, or going to the site to make a donation.

Shame on the LDS Church!

The gay community was already angry at the Mormon Church over its decision to heavily finance the proposition 8 campaign to defeat marriage rights in California for same-sex couples.

The LDS Church responded by saying they support gay rights, just not the word 'marriage' and were given the opportunity to stand up and show their support for other measures.

The Common Ground Initiative was meant to introduce improvements of the law to be more inclusive of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people, these set of bills had zero to do with marriage, so the Mormon Church would speak out in support, right?

No. They even defeated the Wrongful Deaths Amendment which never made it out of committee.

This goes to show the true colors of the LDS Church as anti-gay institution.

Shame on LDS Steps of Action:

1. Boycott the LDS Church. Don't listen to their missionaries, don't go to their Visitors Centers, don't attend their events and pageants.

2. Boycott LDS-owned businesses - owners give 10% of what they make to the LDS Church.

3. Don't visit the Hate State- there's nothing in Utah you can't get elsewhere, and the LDS Church dominates everything about Utah.

4. Write a letter of complaint. Let them know how you feel. Address it to: Thomas Monson, 50 E. North Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah 84150.

5. Sign petitions and/or resign: remove LDS tax-exempt status, Mormons Stole Our Rights.com, Sign For Something.

Queer LiberAction in Dallas Texas

Queer LiberAction will stage a queer kiss-in on Saturday, February 7 at noon. This will take place by the Dallas Museum of Art at Ross and Harwood in Downtown Dallas.

In addition be sure to attend the big 'Freedom to Marry Day' demonstration at 11:30 am on Thursday, February 12. The festivities will begin in Founder's Plaza outside the Records Building at 509 Main St.

Queer Liberaction
lgbtliberaction@gmail.com
214-679-6321
www.myspace.com/queerliberaction

H/T to Planet Transgender.

Word of the Gay: "Saddlebacking"

"Saddlebacking" is a new term to describe the phenomenon of Christian teens engaging in unprotected anal sex in order to preserve their virginities. The term has been created by Dan Savage to show the person being ridden has been saddled - thanks to the efforts of Rick Warren of the Saddleback Church and others like him who espouse religious hang-ups and serious misconceptions about sex.

March of the Married Penguins

What's up with gay penguins and their attempt to show that they are here and indeed queer.

Remember those bent chinese penguins who tried stealing eggs to raise a kid and had to be segregated from the rest of the bunch?

Well the Chinese zoo has decided to give the gay penguins a wedding. Legal experts are still deliberating whether these are indeed full civil marriages or just a domestic partnership. Anyways, congrats guys!

Indian Helpline for Lesbian Women

Chennai will become the first Indian city to have a dedicated helpline for lesbians starting on February 7th 2009. The number: 044-65515742.

This program is an initiative of the Indian Community Welfare Organisation (ICWO) to help empower lesbians to come out of the closet. The helpline will provide counseling, support and livelihood assistance.

Web Spotlight: Bi Media

Bi media is a news outlet for bi commentary; as well as to act as a publicity resource for bi projects in the UK by relaying press releases and other news items to the wider media.

Iceland to Name First Lesbian Prime Minister

Iceland is set to become the first country to have an openly-queer head of government. Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, a Social Democrat and the current Minister of Social Affairs who's also openly lesbian, is likely to be announced as the new prime minister as the former Icelandic prime minister leaves office due to esophageal cancer.

Besides being the first lesbian prime minister in the world, she's also the first female prime minister in Iceland.

Crossposted via Bilerico Project.

Diversity Lesson 101: Ex-Gay Survivors

What is an ex-gay survivor?

Ex-gay survivors are people who were once under religious/social pressure and attempting to change their sexual orientation to heterosexual, but eventually came to embrace their sexual identity as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender after years of trauma and hardship suffered through 'reparative therapy'.

What do ex-gay camps and programs do?

Ex-gay groups are desperate to find a 'cure' for homosexuality even though sexual orientation is natural and not a disease. Due to their stubbornness and rejection of science and psychology there is virtually every kind of 'therapy program' available and they all claim to be succesful. The truth be told is none of them work. Some of the more popular techniques are behavior modification, electroshock therapy, touch therapy, psychoanalysis, prayer, exorcisms, and others. The techniques get extremely bizarre and questionable which is another reason why it is illegal and unethical for any professional to engage in so called 'reparative therapy'. Some of these more bizarre techniques include lifestyle changes such as conforming the identity to match their birth gender. Electroshock therapy while a person is stimulated by same-sex porn, but not when they watch heterosexual pornography. Touch therapy is when a counselor of the same-sex touches the victim in an attempt to make them feel loved and alleviate their same-sex desires.

Can someone change their sexual orientation?
People cannot willingly change their sexual orientation or gender identity. The American Psychological Association and American Medical Association as well as others in the scientific community strongly condemn so called 'reparative therapy' for its unscientific approach, inability to produce valid results, and for the damage it inflicts on its victims.

There have been zero peer reviewed studies indicating any change in sexual orientation or gender identity. While "ex-gay" groups are heavily funded by the church and continue to spew out lies saying thousands "have walked away from the homosexual lifestyle" the truth is there are only a handful of people who actually maintain that they are indeed "ex-gay" and these people are either suppressing their true identity, choosing celibacy, or flat out lying while living a double life.

Sexual orientation is usually consistent throughout a lifetime, some people do experience a shift in sexuality due to sexual fluidity, this however is not a conscious choice but more a result of nature and is in most instances rare.

Ex-Gay Survivor Links:

Truth Wins Out

Ex-Gay Annual Survivor Conference

Beyond Ex-Gay

Other Resources:

Anything but Straight: Unmasking the Scandals and Lies Behind the Ex-Gay Myth

Fish Can't Fly Film

Tips for Creating a Love Welcomes All Conference

Ex-Gay Survivor Videos:

Word of the Gay: "Goober Smoocher"

"Goober Smoocher" is a derogatory truckers term for a gay man.

Best Places to Work for GLBT People 2009

The Human Rights Campaign has created a list of the top businesses that support equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees. Findings are based on the 2009 Corporate Equality Index, the annual report that rates corporate America's treatment of LGBT employees, 260 businesses received top ratings.

Click here for the industry headings. Each business name links to a more detailed profile of their policies and practices

Prayers for Bobby Via Youtube

As posted earlier, the movie Prayers for Bobby is a powerful drama based on a real life. The story is about a mother who could not accept her sons homosexuality, and as a result of his families ignorance, the boy commits suicide. The mother struggles to make peace with herself, and ultimately becomes an advocate on behalf of gay rights.

The movie is continually being shown on the Lifetime channel and the entire movie Prayers for Bobby has been uploaded to Youtube and can be seen within 10 different segments.

Web Spotlight: One Queer Woman's Jaded View

One Queer Woman's Jaded View - These are the irregular musings of an ex-Lutheran who goes to a Methodist seminary and works in a UCC church. The blog deals with what it means to be a queer christian, and discusses LGBT news and issues.

Former Atlanta Brave John Rocker Uses Anti-gay & Anti-Semitic Slurs

Former Atlanta Brave John Rocker used anti-gay slurs and anti-Semitic statements against local radio host Steak Shapiro during an altercation at the W Buckhead hotel’s grand opening last week.

Rocker allgedly used ethnic slurs against Shapiro, who hosts a sports talk show on AM station 790 The Zone, and in later stories reported that Rocker kept calling Shapiro a “Jew.”

The AJC did not report that Rocker used the word “faggot.” However, Shapiro confirmed to Southern Voice today that Rocker used the slur against him.

“It [faggot] is one of his favorite terms and he used it multiple times,” Shapiro told SoVo. “His exact words at least three times [were], ‘You Jew faggot.’ He is a pathetic guy.”

Rocker, a former Braves relief pitcher, caused a national stir in 1999 by ridiculing a host of minority groups when describing to a Sports Illustrated reporter why he would not want to play for a New York-based team.

“Imagine having to take the No. 7 train to the ballpark, looking like you’re [riding] through Beirut, next to some kid with purple hair, next to some queer with AIDS, right next to some dude who just got out of jail for the fourth time, right next to some 20-year-old mom with four kids,” Rocker said. (Sovo)

Oh shucks, guess I won't be purchasing any "Rocker Gear"

To correspond with the homophobic, anti-Semitic former baseball star:
jrock@johnrocker.net

More Reasons To Buy Pepsi Products

PepsiCo in the face of their boycott by right-wing organizations is not caving in to their anti-gay demands. They continue to cater to the LGBT community via their sponsorships of our programs and organizations, as well as their efforts in diversity training for employees.

Now, they have released a gay friendly and comical commercial in the U.K.



Sign the change.gov action alert thank you letter.

Please call Pepsi (914-253-2000 or 1-800-433-2652) and let them know you appreciate their commitment to diversity and for supporting gay charities.

Pepsi's products include Pepsi soft drinks, Frito-Lay chips (800-352-4477), Quaker Oats (800-367-6287), Tropicana (800-237-7799) and Gatorade (800-367-6287).

E-contact form for PepsiCo

Utah Senate Bill 32 (SB 32) Wrongful Death Amendments

The Senate Judiciary Committee in Utah will be holding a hearing at 2pm, Tuesday, January 27, at the State Capitol Building, in Room 250.

On the committees agenda will be SB 32 the Wrongful Death Amendments sponsored by Sen. McCoy.

This bill would allow people to designate another adult to have standing in court if they die due to negligence or malpractice. Grandparents, siblings, and partners should not be locked out of the courts when a loved one is killed in these circumstances.

Equality Utah is asking us to contact members of the Senate Judiciary committee to support SB 32 today!

Sen. Jon J. Greiner
jgreiner@utahsenate.org
(801) 621-0423

Sen. Lyle W. Hillyard
lhillyard@utahsenate.org
(435) 753-0043

Sen. Mark B. Madsen
mmadsen@utahsenate.org
(801) 361-4787

Sen. Scott D. McCoy
smccoy@utahsenate.org
(801) 359-2544

Sen. Ross I. Romero
rromero@utahsenate.org
(801) 364-2451

Sen. Michael G. Waddoups
waddoups@utahsenate.org
(801) 967-0225

Sen. Chris Buttars (Chair)
dcbuttars@utahsenate.org
(801) 561-0535

Word of the Gay: "5-Alpha-Reductase Deficiency"

"5-alpha-reductase deficiency" is an intersex condition where individuals have testes, as well as vagina and labia, but with a small penis capable of ejaculation instead of a clitoris. Come puberty the testes descend the voice deepens, limited facial hair occurs, and they often develop a male sexual identity.

Web Spotlight: American Veterans for Equal Rights

American Veterans for Equal Rights (AVER) is a non-profit, chapter-based association of active, reserve and veteran servicemembers dedicated to full and equal rights and equitable treatment for all present and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces.

No Name Calling Week Jan 26th-30th, 2009

No Name-Calling Week is an annual week of educational activities aimed at ending name-calling of all kinds and providing schools with the tools and inspiration to launch an on-going dialogue about ways to eliminate bullying in their communities.

To order a kit, plan something for your school, get buttons, ad banners and more, check out their website.

Get Fox News Out of the Bedroom!

Fox News has an article up on their front page about openly gay candidate Earl Rynerson who is campaigning to be the next mayor of Fort Lauderdale, Florida,

The "news" organization is right to bring up questions about his own fiscal problems, and other legal issues.

They have absolutely no right to promote fear based on his sexual orientation and his specific sexual practices so long as they are legal and consensual.

(Check out the news story here!)

SHAME ON FOX NEWS for gay-baiting and using fear tactics to promote their agenda.

Please click to contact Fox News Online and tell them to stop their blatant homophobic news coverage.

You can also contact Fox News via phone at: 1-888-369-4762.

Tell School Board to Approve Gay-Straight Alliance

Students at a school in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania have proposed a gay-straight alliance club at their school.

The first board meeting on Jan. 13, little had been said to the teenagers hoping to start a Gay-Straight Alliance.

The second school board meeting just a week later presented a much more challenging situation for the three students who attended. The public comment portion of the meeting stretched for more than an hour, as people spoke for and against the club’s formation at the high school. (LGBT Youth News)

The districs core values consist of:

INTEGRITY - We seek to do everything with integrity; we treat everyone with respect.

LEARNING - We recognize teaching as well as learning needs to be of the highest priority. Learning is essential. Everyone can learn and help others to learn.

EXCELLENCE - We challenge ourselves and others to strive for excellence.

INDIVIDUALITY - We cherish the uniqueness and worth of every individual.

SHARED RESPONSIBILITY - We believe that education is a shared responsibility;
cooperation and communication. (WASD)

Urge the school board to uphold the rights of its student to form a GSA and to stay true to their founding principles. Click here to send a message to all of the board members.

(Secretary of GLBT Affairs) Urged by National Grassroots Group

Equal Rep is now putting on a follow-up national campaign to strongly urge President-elect Obama to create a new Cabinet position, Secretary of GLBT Affairs.

"We are the only minority group to have outright discriminatory laws against us. We can't marry in 48 states, if we join the military we are required to lie or hide our sexual orientation lest we be discharged, and we are denied all federal recognition that we even exist just to name a few laws. If ever there was a critical need for a new Cabinet position, this is it." said Equal Rep founder, Paul Sousa. "And on top of that, GLBT Americans are the only minority group to have never been appointed to the Presidential Cabinet in the history of the United States. We're asking President Obama to give this community the legal and political attention it requires and the representation it deserves."

There are other Cabinet positions that represent minority groups such as the Secretary of Veterans' Affairs and Equal Rep is asking President Obama to create another position similarly for the GLBT community. It is commonplace for Presidents to create Cabinet positions due to community needs such as the creation of the Secretary of Homeland Security position in 2001.

ACTION FOR JAN 26 - JAN 30: CALL & EMAIL DAILY:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
STEP 1. Call Obama: 202-456-1111
STEP 2. Email Obama: comments@whitehouse.gov
STEP 3. Repeat daily till Friday.

Word of the Gay: "Particular Friendships"

"Particular friendships" refers to an emotional pairing between people that can be homosexual or asexual.

The 'Yes I do' Campaign

eQualityGiving has begun their "Yes, I Do" campaign to get US House and Senate members to declare their support for marriage equality. They have researched current Members of Congress who support full marriage equality. So far there are 27 Members of Congress representing 15 states. You can read who they are, as well as their quotes.

Furthermore, if you know of a Member of Congress who supports marriage equality but is not listed, there is a way to notify them using the same page, so he or she can be added immediately.

If your Members of Congress have not issued public statements supporting marriage equality, this is the time to contact them. These are new times; change is in the air.

Check out a listing of congress members supporting marriage equality.

Web Spotlight: Beyond Masculinity

Beyond Masculinity is a groundbreaking collection of 22 provocative essays on sexuality, gender, and politics -- all written by gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer men. Part audiobook, part-blog, and part-anthology, brings together a smart, diverse group of queer male writers all critically examining maleness and the construction of masculinity and gender norms for men.

Demand the Dallas Voice Stop Using "Tranny"

The Dallas Voice and it's Web Log which bill themselves as a "LGB Paper" are not inclusive or sensitive to the T part of the community. They continue to use derogatory words against the trans community. These words lead to insensitivity resulting in the marginalization, victimization and violent murders of transgender people.

The video below describes how harmful it is to the self respect of transgender people when you call them "trannie" and unless they are a entertainer with published articles which we identify ourselves individually as a "Drag Queen or Tranny" please do not call them by these names.



Please save lives and take action! Copy the message below and send the Dallas Voice an email!

Dear Dallas Voice, Our community is comprised of Queer, transgender, Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual, intersexed and Questioning people who deserve the same respect as your staff expects to be shown in there personal daily lives. You would scream bloody murder if we used the term "faggot" do not call people "tranny". We demand our own community stops leading the way for hate and violence targeting transgender people.

Phone: (214) 754-8710
Fax: (214) 969-7271

Robert Moore, Publisher robertmoore@dallasvoice.com Ext 112
Tammye Nash, Senior Editor nash@dallasvoice.com Ext 128
John Wright, News Editor wright@dallasvoice.com Ext 113
Ben Briscoe, Staff Writer briscoe@dallasvoice.com Ext 117

Crossposted via Planet Transgender.

Vermont Visibility Day Feb 6th

It's time to eliminate discrimination in Vermont's marriage laws and for GLBTQ Vermonters to have the same freedoms and rights as their heterosexual neighbors, family members and friends.

Please register to talk to your Vermont House and Senate representatives to let them know why you believe Vermont should move forward. Click the contact info and link below for the schedule of events.

Hosted by:
Robyn Maguire
802.310.6683
field_director@vtfreetomarry.org
www.vtfreetomarry.org

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: "BSO"

A "BSO" is an acronymn within chatrooms that means bisexual significant other.

Ask Your Assemblymember to Support Marriage & GENDA in New York

The 2009 legislative session is here. We need you to make sure your Assemblymember supports marriage equality and the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act when these bills come before them again in the coming months. The Assembly passed the marriage bill for the first time by a vote of 85-61 in June 2007 and the GENDA bill by a vote of 108-34 in June 2008.

Click here to contact your New York district Assemblymember.

Web Spotlight: Queer Horror

Queer Horror is a site devoted to exploring the horror genre and its inclusion of gays, lesbians, bisexuals and the transgendered. It's a place where queer folk can explore their interests in, or connections with, the horror genre.

West Coast Gay-Friendly College Fair

Campus Pride announces LGBT & Ally College Admission Fairs, specifically designed for prospective students and their families to find LGBT-friendly colleges and universities. Free and open to the public, any individual interested in LGBT-Friendly colleges/universities may attend the fair. Registration is not required prior. To exhibit, any college/university may register for a nominal fee to showcase their LGBT and Ally programs and services.

DATE
Saturday, April 18, 2009 1 PM - 4 PM
Pacific Time Zone

LOCATION
San Diego LGBT Community Center
3909 Centre Street
San Diego, CA 92103

Register your college or university here.

Open Forum: Sexual Fluidity

Studies show that sexuality and gender are not black or white concepts. These aspects of identity formation lie along a continuum where on one end people strongly feel heterosexual or homosexual with regards to sexuality, and male or female with regards to gender identity.

Most people lean towards and identify more with their male or female gender and their heterosexual orientation. Whereas gay, bisexual, asexual, and transgender people have a mental notion of where they lie on the continuum and firmly establish that as their identity.

What about those who don't lie firmly on the continuum? Some people experience sexual fluidity, and this concept is forcing us to reconsider our ideas about sexuality and gender identity.

There are some people who experience more homosexual desires one day or for a period of time, and then reverse for a period of time to have more heterosexual desires. Are these people simply bisexual? Bisexuals have a consistent orientation of being attracted to both genders, but for the sexually fluid their identity seems to change frequently. Those who blur gender lines, are fluid as well, they may decide to embrace more of a female identity one day, and a male one the next.

Sexual fluidity is real, and there are probably people who will comment here who can attest to that experience. If we accept the notion that some people will be shifting, we need to ask ourselves why this is? If some people shift, we must accept that it is natural for some people to shift from gay to straight and straight to gay over the course of their lifetime.

What do you all make of sexual fluidity? All comments are welcome, but please ensure that nobody is being attacked for their respective identities.

Los Angeles Affiliate KABC-TV Refuses to Air Get To Know Us Ads

1/24 UPDATE: KABC TV in Los Angeles says it will air a public service announcement that it initially deemed too controversial to air during President Barack Obama's inauguration.

The PSA will run this Sunday during Extreme Makeover: Home Edition at about 9:15 p.m. Five ads were produced to counter discrimination in the aftermath of the passage of California's Proposition 8, which rescinded marriage rights for gay and lesbian couples in the state. (Advocate)

---

1/22 - Los Angeles Affiliate KABC-TV refused to air the Get To Know Us First Ads featuring gay and lesbian families during the inauguration, citing that it was too controversial.

KABC told Chris Yokogawa, the media buyer at New and Improved Media trying to place GetToKnowUsFirst.org's ads, that "many families will be watching," and that it was "controversial". "They were firm in their rejection,” Yokogawa says in a release. (PR Newswire)

KABC's president and general manager is Arnold J. Kleiner. The station lists their phone number as (818) 863-7777.

E-contact form for KABC TV

Main Line: (818) 863-7777

ABC7 Broadcast Center
500 Circle Seven Drive
Glendale, CA 91201

These ads are far from controversial, they are beautiful families who deserve recognition. Let the station know your thoughts.

Word of the Gay: "Gay-Baiting"

"Gay-baiting" is a tactic of accusing someone of being gay or gay-friendly either as a form of attack, threat, or to discredit them politically.

Exxon-Mobil Continues to Fuel Discrimination Against LGBT People

ExxonMobil continues to stand steadfast against including LGBT people in their non discrimination policy. Mobil had such a policy which was reversed when Exxon Corp merged with them. The shareholders refuse to acknowledge LGBT people and have consistently voted down a proposal for an inclusive non-discrimination policy. It is imperative that we continue to let them know of our concern as well as to ensure a community wide boycott.

"ExxonMobil continues to have the dubious distinction of being the only Fortune 50 company that refuses to add sexual orientation and gender identity to their non-discrimination policy, and is stuck in the ever-shrinking minority of businesses that don't offer domestic partner benefits," said HRC president Joe Solmonese in a written statement.

"It is irresponsible for ExxonMobil to ignore overwhelming shareholder support and not to join the majority of companies that provide equal protections and benefits to all families," Solmonese said."(Gay.com)

Tell Exxon-Mobil you will boycott them until they have fair practices and protect LGBT workers through a comprehensive non-discrimination policy as well as provide domestic partner benefits.

E-contact Form for Exxon-Mobil

Web Spotlight: The Federation of Gay Games

The Federation of Gay Games ensures that the Gay Games offers participants the opportunity to express themselves openly and to experience camaraderie and validation through sport and culture.

Kirsten Gillibrand to Replace NY Senator Hillary Clinton

There has been a lot of talk as to who Governor David Patterson will select to fill the now vacant seat of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. The Governor will select congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand to become the next New York state senator.

There have been conflicting reports as to where Congresswoman Gillibrand stands on LGBT issues. With some reports saying that she supports federal civil unions legislation but not marriage equality, and others saying she does not support a repeal of the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy. She is considered a "blue dog democrat" who has an 80% rating from the Human Rights Campaign and supports gun rights, who has had a more conservative record due to the nature of her district where she needed to get elected.

However, via Towleroad we now learn that New York's LGBT rights organization the Empire State Pride Agenda has only accolade for the incoming senator...

Last night likely Senate pick Kirsten Gillibrand spoke to Empire State Pride Agenda Executive Director Alan Van Capelle about issues important to New York’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community

"After talking to Kirsten Gillibrand, I am very happy to say that New York is poised to have its first U.S. Senator who supports marriage equality for same-sex couples. She also supports the full repeal of the federal DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) law, repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT) and passage of legislation outlawing discrimination against transgender people. While we had a productive discussion about a whole range of LGBT concerns, I was particularly happy to hear where she stands on these issues."

Below is the contact information should you wish to correspond with the incoming senator.

Click here for an E-contact Form.

120 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-5614
Fax: (202) 225-1168

GLSEN Fundraiser in Miami Beach, Florida

GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, is having a fundraiser Jan. 31 in Miami Beach.

Miami Honor Society Reception
Sat, jan 31st 2009
7-10pm

At the home of
Dan Schres
1545 Meridian Ave
Miami Beach, FL 33139

RSVP by Thurs Jan 29th to Solonje Burnett, Special Events Manager ay 646.388.6589 or sburnett@glsen.org

Expand the Civil Rights Act to Protect LGBT Rights

Join 'The Power' by signing a petition calling on Speaker Nancy Pelosi to lead the 111th Congress expand the Civil Rights Act to declare once and for all that LGBT rights are civil rights and that it will be the public policy of the United States that discrimination based on LGBT status is prohibited.

The petition, copies of which will be sent to Speaker Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and the President's LGBT Liason, Brian Bond, will be delivered on June 1, 2009, the first day of the 40th annual gay pride month.

Please click here to sign the E-petition.

Word of the Gay: "Fairy Lady"

A "fairy lady" is a lesbian who takes a more passive role in the relationship.

Is Kanye West Bisexual or Queer?

UPDATE: Apparently Kanye West is now denying this on his blog. In the age of the internet who knows what is true or not these days. Either way regardless of Kanye West's sexual orientation or questioning status he deserves props for being outspoken against homophobia in the rap community.

Off Kanye West's website in response to the AVN charge:

"YOOOO WHY WON'T YOU LET ME BE GREAT!!! I HAD THE TWO GREATEST DAYS OF MY LIFE AND WHEN I GET BACK FROM THE LOUIE SHOW I READ SOME SHIT CLAIMING I SAID I'M DOWN TO DO PORN AND SOME BISEXUAL PORN!!!! I CAN'T BELIEVE THE AVN WOULD POST FIRST PEOPLE BELIEVED THE TWITTER/STEVEN COLBERT THING, ROLLING STONE EVEN PRINTED IT!!!! NOW SOMEBODY HAS BEEN HACKING INTO MY MYSPACE AND SOMEBODY'S ACTUALLY HACKED INTO MY PERSONAL GMAIL ACCOUNT AND HAS BEEN EMAILING PEOPLE FROM IT... HEY WORLD I NO LONGER HAVE A GMAIL! I FOUND OUT I HAD TWELVE UNAUTHORIZED SKYPE ACCOUNTS UNDER MY NAME!!! THIS ALL IN THE PAST FOUR DAYS. WELCOME TO KANYE WEST WORLD! .... IT'S NOT OFFICIAL. I JUST GAVE THE PERFORMANCE OF MY LIFETIME FOR OUR NEW PRESIDENT ... THEN I FLEW TO PARIS AND THEY DEBUTED MY NEW SHOES THAT I DESIGNED WITH LOUIE VUITTON WHICH WAS A DREAM COME TRUE. PLEASE I BEG YOU, GIVE ME A BREAK!!!!! PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LET ME BE GREAT!!! WHO HAVE I HURT SO BAD THAT THEY WANT TO DESTROY ME? WHO HAVE I EVER SPOKE ABOUT SO NEGATIVELY? I JUST WAS SPEAKING WITH OUR NEW PRESIDENT TWO DAYS AGO... AND NOW THIS.... SIDEBAR... NEVER TAKE A PICTURE FROM MY OBAMA PERFORMANCE AND PUT IT NEXT TO A BS QUOTE LIKE THAT! THAT'S IN POOR TASTE! THAT UNDERMINES WHAT MY CONTRIBUTION TO THAT EVENT WAS AND SLAPS EVERYBODY WHO FELT UPLIFTED BY THAT PERFORMANCE IN THE FACE! A PICTURE SAYS A THOUSAND WORDS... LOOK HOW FRESH MY SUIT IS... NUFF SAID!" (Kanye West Blog)

---

The news is coming in that Kanye West may be bisexual or at least open to being in bisexual porn.

He is quoted as saying:

"I know people will find that as another thing to hate me on, but fuck it. I'm open to doing porn. Hell, I'll even do bisexual scenes - myself, another man and a woman, or just me and two women. I know people will find that as some weird shit, but I am who I am." (Post Chronicle)

This proves juicy gossip but also important as it once again brings media attention to the subject of bisexual and queer sexuality. Additionally, it sends a strong message to queer youth of color that even a famous masculine rap artist isn't freaked out by the notion of queer sexuality.

Web Spotlight: The Mautner Project

The Mautner Project improves the health of lesbians, bisexual, and transgender women who partner with women, and their families, through advocacy, education, research, and direct service. We envision a healthcare system that is guided by social justice and responsive to the needs of all people.

Bolivia to Vote on New Constitution With Protections for Women and Sexual Minorities

Bolivia will hold a nationwide referendum this Sunday for its constituents to decide whether to approve or reject a new version of the country's constitution.

The new constitution if enacted would create major changes with regards to women's rights, sexual/gender minorities, and religious liberties.

Article 66 of the new constitution says that, "Men and women are guaranteed the exercise of their sexual and reproductive rights."

Article 14, paragraph II, of the document states that: "The State prohibits and punishes all forms of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity."

If enacted, Bolivia will declare through article 4 of the new constitution that the government adhere to no religion. The new constitution would ensure a protection of abortion rights, and extend protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity. It would be the first country in the world to include gender identity as part of their constitution.

The vote is this sunday, please urge the Bolivian President and Vice President to speak out in favor of the proposed constitution.

BOLIVIAN PRESIDENT
Sr. Evo Morales Ayma
email form - http://www.presidencia.gov.bo/presidente/cartas_presidente.asp

BOLIVIAN VICE PRESIDENT
Sr. Álvaro García
Pilot number: (591) (2) 2142000 - Fax: (591) (2) 2201211
Square: 7056 La Paz - Bolivia

Shared Differences Examines LGBT Students of Color Experiences in School

LGBT students of color face unique and diverse challenges regarding victimization at school, according to Shared Differences: The Experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Students of Color in Our Nation's Schools, a report released today by GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network.

Key Findings:

Across all groups, sexual orientation and gender expression were the most common reasons LGBT students of color reported feeling unsafe in school. More than four out of five students, within each racial/ethnic group, reported verbal harassment in school because of sexual orientation and about two-thirds because of gender expression. At least a third of each group reported physical violence in school because of sexual orientation.

More than half of African American/Black, Latino/a, Asian/Pacific Islander, and multiracial students also reported verbal harassment in school based on their race or ethnicity. Native American students (43%) were less likely than other students to report experiencing racially motivated verbal harassment.

About a quarter of African American/Black and Asian/Pacific Islander students had missed class or days of school in the past month because they felt unsafe. Latino/a, Native American, and multiracial students were even more likely to be absent for for safety reasons - about a third or more skipped class at least once or missed at least one day of school in the past month for safety reasons.

Native American students experienced particularly high levels of victimization because of their religion, with more than half reporting the highest levels of verbal harassment (54%), and a quarter experiencing physical violence (26%).

Less than half of students of color who had been harassed or assaulted in school in the past year said that they ever reported the incident to school staff. Furthermore, for those students who did report incidents to school staff, less than half believed that staff’s resulting response was effective.

Native American (57%) and multiracial (50%) students were more likely than other students of color in our survey to report incidents to a family member.

Performance at school also suffered when students experienced high levels of victimization. Students’ overall GPA dropped when they reported high severities of harassment based on sexual orientation and/or race/ethnicity. Students experiencing high severities of harassment also reported missing school more often.

The report also looks at differing experiences based on the racial/ethnic make-up of students’ schools. For all groups, LGBT students of color who were minorities in their school were much more likely to feel unsafe and experience harassment because of their race or ethnicity than those who were in the racial/ethnic majority.

To download the full report, click here.

Word of the Gay: "Facultative Homosexuality"

"Facultative Homosexuality" describes a man who lies more towards the heterosexual side of the sexual continuum who does have some same-sex desire and who engages in homosexual sex and behavior while in prison only. After he is released from jail he returns to a heterosexual lifestyle.

Get To Know Us First Has Released First PSA

The 'Get To Know Us First' campaign has released its first PSA featuring a diversity of families, with specific outreach to communities of color and spanish speaking populations.

Web Spotlight: Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association

GALHA provides a voice for the many non-religious in the lesbian and gay community in the United Kingdom and elsewhere and promotes a rational humanist approach to homosexuality and to lesbian, gay and bisexual rights as human rights.

Urge Curry County, NM Commissioners Not to Impede Domestic Partnership Bill

New Mexico is considering senate Bill 12 and House Bill 21, which would make domestic partnership legal in New Mexico.

Curry County commissioners are trying to draft a document to the legislature stating their counties opposition to a domestic partnership bill.

“I just think that we need to stay with the traditional family values that we have in Curry County,” Chandler said.

Other commissioners cited heavy community opposition to same-sex marriage as the reason for their position on the resolution. (CNJ Online)

Please click here to email all the county commissioners and urge them not to impede the domestic partnership bills advancement within the state of New Mexico.

Congratulate Obama and Remind Him to Act for LGBT Equality!

Barack Obama is now officially the president of the United States of America. The celebrations continue, and the excitement can still be felt throughout the nation. That being said, the president faces tough challenges ahead.

Please call and email to congratulate him on this historic election and to remind him that the LGBT community is counting on him to act quickly to advance our civil rights.

White House E-Contact Form

Comments: 202-456-1111
Switchboard: 202-456-1414
FAX: 202-456-2461

http://www.whitehouse.gov/

Iowa Event: Let My Parents Marry!

Lambda Legal is looking for same-sex couples who want to marry and who are raising children to stand up with other families and be strong voices for marriage equality in Iowa. Coming together as a community of families for marriage equality will be instrumental in winning and keeping marriage equality in our state. If you are interested in learning how you can share your family’s story and joining a network of families for marriage equality, we hope that you will contact us at mfender@lambdalegal.org or 515.288.4019 (ext. 202). Please also consider passing this message along to others you think may be interested.

Let My Parents Marry

Iowa City
When: Wednesday, Feburary 18th @ 6:30pm
Where: Coralville Public Library (1401 5th St in Coralville)

Des Moines
When: Thursday, February 19th @ 6:30pm
Where: Middleton Center for Children’s Rights, Drake Law Clinic (24th & University Ave in Des Moines)

Crosposted via Daily Queer News.

Word of the Gay: "Troll"

A "troll" is a word used in the gay community to denote an older and unattractive gay male.

An Appeal to the Politically Skeptical

Many people who care deeply about political issues and social justice question the efficacy of activism and being politically involved. It is a legitimate question and concern. People ask why should they bother sending an email/letter, signing a petition, or going to a demonstration. Is it a waste of time and why would someone care that you disagree and hold an alternative point of view?

As someone who has been an activist for many years, I can assure you that I have seen activism to truly work wonders. Does it always work? No. You should not be discouraged when things don't go your way, and with regards to civil rights and equality it comes in strides and not in one shot. However, that being said think about how rewarding it is when you are part of the solution and you can directly affect millions of lives or stand for what is right.

This post is an appeal letter to those who are interested in social change but feel that their efforts are a waste of time. I urge you to be involved send those emails, make those calls, lobby your representatives. Sure you are just one voice, but together we are a collective of voices and we make a dent. If you don't speak up, who will?

Why activism does work...

Business:
Many times companies/organizations take positions on issues that we disagree with. The reason activism can be successful is from a business aspect. The bottom line is companies want profit $$$, if they see a group of activists demonstrating, calling for a boycott or creating negative publicity for them, it is in their best interest to either give in to the activist or try to assuage their concerns.

Government:
Technically speaking elected representatives are supposed to represent the people of their district and thus vote accordingly with the will of the population. There are some politicians who follow this rule of thumb but many others do not. Politicians need your votes, they need credibility and thus will want to do what a vocal lobbying group will tell them to do. If your voice is not heard on an issue, a politician will likely feel no reason to support or take on an issue of concern.

Public Opinion:
If you are a successful activist you are bringing attention to the issue you are concerned with. This will garner media attention, political advocacy, and the like to your issue, you might find more support from others who will join the bandwagon. Even if people do not directly support your efforts you are creating awareness on an issue of importance to you.

So to make a long story short GET INVOLVED! That being said I will leave you with my favorite quote regarding activism.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has". (Margaret Mead)

Feel free to leave your thoughts and comments on this topic.

Web Spotlight: Gay Trucker's Association

The Gay Trucker's Association (GTA) is an organization that was founded to meet the needs of those who work in the trucking industry and those who support and admire these professionals. Our organization welcomes everyone regardless of sexual orientation, gender, or experience level.

'Refresh Everything' - Dear Mr. President...

PepsiCo (an LGBT affirming company) started a new site called 'Refresh Everything' where you can make your own video starting with Dear Mr. President and send any message you choose to be broadcast to the nation. You can choose to present singing, standing upside down, acting, tell a joke or express your message in whatever fashion you so choose. The best videos will get placed on the front page. Who knows, maybe someone important will get to see it, Obama has internet access too!

Here is a video of two guys for same-sex marriage...

Got something to say or want to check it out? Goto Refresh Everything.

'I've Got You' By Mélange Lavonne

In the spirit of hope and change, check out a true family values video by Mélange Lavonne.

Protest at Senegal High Commission in London

The planned LGBT / HIV human rights protest outside the Senegal Embassy in London on Friday 23 January has been canceled.

This is at the request of LGBT and HIV activists in Senegal. They say negotiations are going well with the Senegalese government for the release of nine men from jail. Although the activists appreciate our planned protests and have expressed their gratitude for our support, they now feel that negotiations are at a very delicate stage and they are nervous that protests might alienate the government.

For further information contact Dennis Hambridge, of Gay Activists Alliance
Email: dhambridge@btinternet.com

Crossposted via LGBT Asylum News.

Word of the Gay: "The L Word"

"The L Word" is a television drama following the lives of lesbian and bisexual women, their friends, family, and lovers. Due to its high popularity amongst queer women and their straight counterparts, the shows title is often seen and referenced throughout pop culture.

Bishop Robinson's Prayer Will Be Re-Broadcast on Mall

Citizens turned out on the Mall to watch the event on giant screens tomorrow will have a second chance to see the invocation by Gene Robinson, the gay Episcopal bishop, a source at the Presidential Inauguration Committee said.

"Yesterday's program will be shown on the jumbo screens on the Mall to entertain the assembled crowd. Tomorrow's version will include Robinson's prayer," the source said.

A spokesman for the Inaugural Committee, Josh Earnest, also said that HBO's rights to yesterday's event are limited: the committee owns the copyright to the event, but HBO has a license to broadcast it for six months. That makes it less likely that the concert will be kept out of the historical record of, for instance, documentaries of the event.

Crossposted via Politico.

What Would MLK Say About LGBT Rights?

Unfortunately, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose birthday we honor today, was assassinated before the gay rights movement became a force on the American stage, so we'll never know for sure what he may have done to further the cause of gay and lesbian rights had he lived. The person who knew him best, his wife, Coretta Scott King, was certain, however, that King's legacy was equality for all. To that end, she dedicated much of her time to LGBT equality issues before her death in 2006.

Mrs. King had many friends in the gay community, and a history of tireless activism. Below are some select quotes from her.

“Like Martin, I don’t believe you can stand for freedom for one group of people and deny it to others", she would tell black civil rights leaders angered by gays and lesbians comparing their struggle to their own. She would quote her husband and say, “I have worked too long and hard against segregated public accommodations to end up segregating my moral concern. Justice is indivisible."

"I appeal to everybody who believes in Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream to make room at the table of brother and sisterhood for lesbians and gay people."

"Gay and lesbian people have families, and their families should have legal protection, whether by marriage or civil union. A constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriages is a form of gay bashing and it would do nothing at all to protect traditional marriages."

Dr. King, his wife, and the great civil rights leaders of the past will continue to inspire us, and we honor their legacy and should all seek to "be the change we wish to see." MLK's dream is not over, the fight for equality for racial minorities continues, we must be mindful that all our struggles are connected and we should unite to defeat oppression whether its against homophobia, queerphobia, racism, sexism, or any form of bigotry directed at individuals.

Parts crossposted from Queerty.

Did Obama Team Play Us Over Bishop Robinson?

During the inauguration kick off party at the Lincoln Memorial, openly gay Bishop Gene Robinson of the Diocese of NH gave the opening prayer. This was seen by many as an olive branch given to the gay community in light of the anti-gay preacher Rick Warren invitation.

While, the appearance of Bishop Robinson is historic in nature, it was not carried by HBO or NPR the only two companies with filming rights.

After receiving hundreds of comaplints, they then promised to carry it on the later broadcast, yet it was not seen on the 7pm transmission.

After Elton has contacted HBO to find out why the Bishop was not televised.

"The producer of the concert has said that the Presidential Inaugural Committee made the decision to keep the invocation as part of the pre-show."

There are also reports from people who were there live that there were 'sound difficulties' and most people in the crowd of 500,000 did not even hear Bishop Gene Robinson speak.

Is the Obama team trying to play it both ways? Trying to shut us up, over the Rick Warren fiasco, while also silencing the voices of the LGBT community?

We are not pointing fingers, or accusing anyone of any wrongdoing, but we have a right to know why the well planned event did not go according to plan, or did it?

Contact the Presidential Inauguration Committee at 202-651-2009.

Starting Tuesday, Jan 20th all mail can be directed to:

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

E-mail President Barack Obama.

Does Your Business Support Overturning Prop 8?

A number of businesses, including Google, have signed on to a friend-of-the-court brief supporting our effort to overturn Proposition 8. We appreciate support from businesses who are interested in fairness and equality for their LGBT employees and all California’s families. If your company would like to be involved in our efforts, please fill out the form below to let us know what you are interested in and how to get in touch with you.

Sign up with the National Center for Lesbian Rights as a business that supports overturning prop 8. You can sign the amicus brief to the courts, or find out how to help.

Join Marriage Equality NY and Meet With Legislators

Join Marriage Equality New York for a day in Albany where we will get the chance to meet with legislative offices from various senate districts to educate them on why marriage equality matters!

Register Now Here

Registration with Bus Ride and Lunch $35.00
Registration and Lunch Only $10.00

If you would like to apply for a cost assistance scholarship, please email info@meny.us
We will have buses traveling from:

Huntington- Long Island
Midtown Manhattan
Buffalo
Rochester
Syracuse

And possibly more locations if we can get people to fill them from those locations.
This event is an all day event starting out as early as 6:00am (for certain bus points) and arriving back in the evening (around 8pm), so please plan accordingly.

If you have questions, concerns or comments please email us at info@meny.us

Word of the Gay: "Indifferent Asexual"

An "Indifferent Asexual" is a term used to describe asexuals who don't feel a revulsion to nor powerful desire for sex.

National Drag History Month

January 2009 marks the first-ever celebration of National Drag History Month! This month-long event salutes the richness of drag culture and pays tribute to the courageous queens & kings who have fought for equality while inspiring, educating & entertaining us all.

See films, articles and more at:
http://www.draghistorymonth.com

More Gay & Lesbian Video

Bishop Robinson's Prayer a No Show on HBO

Openly gay Bishop Gene Robinson gave the invocation prayer at the kick-off for the inauguration. It is a historic moment for the LGBT community, one that many of us tuned in to see.

HBO aired all the actors, musicians, and comedians, but failed to air Bishop Robinson's prayer.

Demand to know why.

E-contact Form.

You may contact HBO's Consumer Affairs Department at 212-512-1208 Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM Eastern Time.

---

Below is a video and transcript of the Bishop's speech.



"Welcome to Washington! The fun is about to begin, but first, please join me in pausing for a moment, to ask God’s blessing upon our nation and our next president.

O God of our many understandings, we pray that you will…

Bless us with tears – for a world in which over a billion people exist on less than a dollar a day, where young women from many lands are beaten and raped for wanting an education, and thousands die daily from malnutrition, malaria, and AIDS.

Bless us with anger – at discrimination, at home and abroad, against refugees and immigrants, women, people of color, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.

Bless us with discomfort – at the easy, simplistic “answers” we’ve preferred to hear from our politicians, instead of the truth, about ourselves and the world, which we need to face if we are going to rise to the challenges of the future.

Bless us with patience – and the knowledge that none of what ails us will be “fixed” anytime soon, and the understanding that our new president is a human being, not a messiah.

Bless us with humility – open to understanding that our own needs must always be balanced with those of the world.

Bless us with freedom from mere tolerance – replacing it with a genuine respect and warm embrace of our differences, and an understanding that in our diversity, we are stronger.

Bless us with compassion and generosity – remembering that every religion’s God judges us by the way we care for the most vulnerable in the human community, whether across town or across the world.

And God, we give you thanks for your child Barack, as he assumes the office of President of the United States.

Give him wisdom beyond his years, and inspire him with Lincoln’s reconciling leadership style, President Kennedy’s ability to enlist our best efforts, and Dr. King’s dream of a nation for ALL the people.

Give him a quiet heart, for our Ship of State needs a steady, calm captain in these times.

Give him stirring words, for we will need to be inspired and motivated to make the personal and common sacrifices necessary to facing the challenges ahead.

Make him color-blind, reminding him of his own words that under his leadership, there will be neither red nor blue states, but the United States.

Help him remember his own oppression as a minority, drawing on that experience of discrimination, that he might seek to change the lives of those who are still its victims.

Give him the strength to find family time and privacy, and help him remember that even though he is president, a father only gets one shot at his daughters’ childhoods.

And please, God, keep him safe. We know we ask too much of our presidents, and we’re asking FAR too much of this one. We know the risk he and his wife are taking for all of us, and we implore you, O good and great God, to keep him safe. Hold him in the palm of your hand – that he might do the work we have called him to do, that he might find joy in this impossible calling, and that in the end, he might lead us as a nation to a place of integrity, prosperity and peace.

AMEN."

What's Morally Wrong With Homosexuality?

Is homosexuality unnatural? Does it threaten society? Are gays and lesbians "born that way"--and does it matter either way? In this provocative program, Dr. John Corvino tackles these questions and more. Combining philosophical rigor with sensitivity and humor, Corvino examines the most common arguments against same-sex relationships - including those based on nature, harm, and religion. In the process, he invites people on all sides to rethink easy assumptions about homosexuality and morality.



Purchase his new DVD release at the Gay Moralist.

Guerilla Gay Bar San Diego

Guerilla Gay Bar San Diego is a new group that turns activism into a fun time. Once a month they choose an unsuspecting bar, that predominantly caters to straight folks, and they decide to go by the hoards and turn the bar into a gay friendly bar for the night.

It is empowering and fun for the community to show its strength as well as pick out new locations to party. It also gives the straight world a chance to see, mingle, and interact with the LGBT community on a personal level.

Sound fun? One night during the first week each month. Sign up.

Asexuals Push for Greater Recognition Via the DSM

The video below features asexual activists David Jay and Andrew Hinterliter discussing the push for change of DSM which currently consider asexuality a pathology.



If you know of a an asexual friendly therapist or someone researching human sexuality, let info@asexual.org know, and they can be included in the project.

H/T to Apositive.

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: "Ambierastia"

"Ambierastia" is an outdated term for bisexual.

Banding Together - Help Out The Lesbian and Gay Band Association

The Lesbian and Gay Band Association will be the first LGBT organization to ever march in an Inaugural Parade for the President of the United States. You can help us march into history.

Your tax-deductible contributions can help our musicians through rehearsals and the performance:

* $10 will provide lunch for a musician during rehearsal (200 lunches needed)
* $15 to provide one case of water (23 cases needed)
* $15 will purchase handwarmers for one rank of musicians (22 ranks)
* $40 to provide one musician's bus seat to parade and back (180 seats needed)
* $75 will sponsor a piece of music (we're playing 5 pieces)
* $400 to furnish one new banner to say who we are, loud and clear



We're all in this together: Your financial contributions will help us represent you with pride. Use the donation button at left to pledge your support today.

Contribute here for inaugural pride and success.

Web Spotlight: Androgyne Online

Androgyne Online is a place for people whose gender identity is both male and female, or neither. The site provides information, support, links of interest, articles and more.

The VIRTUAL March for LGBT Equality!

Join Equality Matters for Inauguration Week, January 17 to 24, for the first "Online March for Equality." The simple act of posting this website to your Facebook profile AND changing your profile picture will help spread the word and send a message of equality at a critical time in our Nation's political history.

If we're ever going to achieve equality, it's going to happen because we educate all Americans about the important rights we're fighting for: tax fairness, hospital visitation, medical decision-making, exemption from estate taxes, spousal immigration, and government benefits -- just to name a few.

Click here to select a badge for your profile or site.

Check out the 1,138 reasons why we must demand marriage equality.

Open Forum: A New Age Twist To Gay Rights?

Many people have become interested in the New Age Movement and spiritual concepts and practices that have been brought back to life through it. One of those is the power of thought, and how our thoughts vibrate to negative and positive frequencies which help us attract what we get in our lives. This concept is known as the Law of Attraction and has sparked a slew of books, interviews, and skeptics over whether we really can indeed choose our own destiny.

One of the leaders in the movement Esther Hicks and her husband have created several best selling books, and have conducted hundreds of lectures and workshops worldwide. The claim is that 'Abraham' a collective spiritual entity consisting of several spirits and universal information, speaks through her body. Whether you accept that claim or not, much of the advice is positive, and sound.

The video below shows one such lecture, where a lesbian asks how she and her soul mate can change hearts and minds to bring about marriage equality.



The lecture goes on to say that gay rights can be achieved only by living it and thinking that it already is a part of reality. Are we self-sabotaging ourselves by focusing on our enemies and the dreadful statistics that we know to be true? Is our own self pity the biggest obstacle standing in the way of our fight for equality when we could simply choose to be who we are, healthy, happy, proud and live the dream we so choose? Or, is that fairytale kind of thinking, and we are indeed ready to live the way we want but can't because of the oppressive system in place?

Curves Fitness Supports the American Family Association

Curves is the largest fitness franchise in the world and has more than 10,000 locations in over 60 countries.

Operated by Curves franchisees, Curves was the first fitness and weight-loss facility designed especially for women.

The company is also the owner of Diane Magazine, that features inspirational stories, fitness and nutrition information, success stories, recipes, and celebrity interviews. Special issues tackle topics like eating disorders and domestic violence.

On the American Family Radio website there is a banner proudly proclaiming the partnership between the American Family Association's American Famlly Radio Network and Curve's predominately displayed on the AFR webpage.

Demand that Curves drop their sponsorship and association with the anti-gay hate group known as the AFA.

Curves International
100 Ritchie Road
Waco, TX 76712

Tel: 1-800-848-1096
E-contact Form

Crossposted via Lez Get Real.

Proof Don't Ask Don't Tell Will Be Lifted Soon

Happy Saturday, this is proof Don't Ask Don't Tell will be lifted shortly.

Word of the Gay: "Trans Activist"

A "Trans Activist" is a fighter on behalf of transgender rights and awareness.

Honoring The Dream March in San Diego 1/17/09

On Saturday, 17 January at 10:00 am, San Diego will celebrate the legacy of Dr King. Sara Beth Brooks, of the San Diego Equality Campaign is calling on the GLBT community to come out and show its support. According to Ms Brooks, “It is so important for us as a community to show that we are supportive of all equal rights battles, and that we honor those who have fought so righteously before us.”

This is a golden opportunity to reach out to and shore up the bridges between the GLBT community and communities of color in San Diego. It’s important because these bridges are inestimably vital to achieving equality for all. Remember Dr King and his good friend Bayard Rustin. Live the dream, and let freedom ring.

For more info check out the San Diego Equality Campaign.

Crossposted from the Mike Tidmus blog.

Web Spotlight: Asexuality Aotearoa New Zealand

The Asexuality Aotearoa New Zealand (AANZ) website has been specifically created to provide information for the asexual community of Aotearoa New Zealand. AANZ aims to increase the awareness and visibility of asexuality in Aotearoa New Zealand and to encourage the formation of asexual groups throughout the country.

"Equality For All Texans Support HB 538"

Texan House Bill 538 prohibits employers from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.

The bill will incorporate sexual orientation and gender identity/expression into all existing labor code sections dealing with nondiscrimination, treating them equally with race, color, disability, religion, sex, national origin, or age.

Call your state representative directly and inform him/her know that as their constituent this bill is very important to you as well as why it is important. And ask your friends and family call their representatives.

Click here to find out who your State Representative is.

Crossposted via Planet Transgender.

Take Action for Marriage Equality in Maine

A bill to make marriage between same-sex couples legal and to reverse the existing ban on same-sex marriage in Maine will be brought up for a vote in the legislature. The bill is sponsored by Senator Dennis Damon (D-Hancock).

The Maine Freedom to Marry Coalition is asking for people to get involved:

• Talk with your legislators and senators.

• Write a letter to the editor, and talk to the media.

• Volunteer with MFMC.

The Way Life Should Be: Marriage In Maine


Share the story of your same-sex relationship in Maine at Our Stories.

'Religious Freedom Day' - Let Queer Spirituality Ring!

January 16th is 'Religious Freedom Day' one that we should embrace to strengthen the barrier of separation of church and state as well as to truly celebrate religious freedoms, or freedom from religion.

In honor of the day, If you are part of a particular faith, be more vocal about the inclusion of queer clergy, for your congregations to conduct same-sex ceremonies, and to be proactive on issues that effect the community such as hate crimes, discrimination, and HIV/AIDS.

Religious Freedom Day can be a wonderful way to truly embrace what our founders had in mind. The government should not impede on the religious liberty of LGBT affirming groups that do honor and recognize LGBT people.

Be proactive, call, email, write your congregation/denomination and let them know how you feel!

Sign up for action alerts, and help these organizations:

Americans United for Separation of Church & State

Freedom From Religion Foundation

American Civil Liberties Union

People For The American Way

Learn more at Religious Freedom Day!

Ask your Senators to Support Eric Holder, President-Elect Obama's Choice for Attorney General

Senate Republicans are threatening the confirmation of President-elect Obama's choice for Attorney General, Eric Holder. Take action today to ensure that Eric Holder is swiftly confirmed as our nation's next Attorney General. As a community that is particularly vulnerable to bias-motivated violence, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community needs an Attorney General who is committed to combating this national problem. Eric Holder will be that Attorney General.

Holder knows that access to justice is a civil right and has demonstrated his commitment to protecting communities from hate violence and ensuring the fair and equal application of our laws. He supports rigorous enforcement of existing laws, data collection and research about hate violence, and legislation that would give the federal government both the authority to prosecute these heinous crimes and the power to assist local governments that are pursuing justice.

Don't let this nomination be derailed. Send a message to your Senators today asking them to support the nomination of Eric Holder as the next Attorney General.

Use HRC's E-Action Contact Form to Connect with Your Senators

Word of the Gay: "Wrecked"

To be "wrecked" is to be publicly exposed as a homosexual to the extent that there is no doubt remaining in anyone's mind.

Evidence Mormon Church Violated Tax Exempt Status!

The Mormon Church may lose their tax-exempt status over their overwhelming financial and social support for proposition 8, which banned gay marriage in California. The video below shows the evidence of support by the LDS church including an audio record of the elders plans to pass proposition 8.

Web Spotlight: GLBT Fantasy Fiction Resources

GLBT Fantasy Fiction Resources provides an opportunity for fantasy and science-fiction fans to express their thoughts regarding fantasy and sci-fi with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered protagonists through book reviews, essays, and reading lists in a non-commercial environment. In addition, we provide up-to-date news, interviews with authors, and links.

Fox News 'Transition Tracker' Promotes Gay Fear

Fox News has come out with an article called 'Gay America Prepares to Party at Obama Inauguration' trying to once again elicit conservatives worst nightmares.

The article makes it sound like millions of LGBT activists will flood the streets and promote their agenda. They are trying to paint Obama as a "San Francisco Values" liberal, and they don't mean it in a good way.

The article goes on to quote several anti-equality organizations and their spokespeople. Including such ludicrous organizations as 'Americans For Truth About Homosexuality' run by Peter LaBarbera which is a hate group that seeks to pathologize and take away rights from LGBT people.

The mere mention, and quoting of Mr. LaBarbera is in itself un-newsworthy, and he seeks to push his agenda to insinuate that behind closed doors, there will be gay sex parties, fetish events, and more that are somehow tied to the Obama inauguration. There is a fetish event scheduled prior to the inauguration, but it is completely unrelated to the Obama celebration. The conservatives seek to paint a broad brush on the entire LGBT community in attempt to make us appear to have an alternative lifestyle of filth and perversion.

This article is another example of the divisive politics and scare tactics displayed over and over again by Fox News. Please let Fox know that this story is biased, inappropriate and factually incorrect.

Please click to contact Fox News Online and tell them to stop their blatant homophobic news coverage.

You can also contact Fox News via phone at: 1-888-369-4762.

Counter Florida Family Associations Lies on Sordid Lives Show

The American Family Association's (AFA) Floridian chapter is trying to force advertisers to boycott the show Sordid Lives on Viacom's LGBT channel LOGO.

David Caton of the Florida Family Association issued the boycott because the show features "gender bending" and a dysfunctional Republican Baptist Texas family" According to a Florida Family release, the show depicts various members of the family as lesbian, homosexual, bi-sexual, and transgender."

One of the main stars of the show Jason Dottley responds to the allegations and calls for reverse activism:



Jason Dottley is asking us to contact the Florida Family Association over their lies and homophobia.

davidcaton@floridafamily.org

Florida AFA Tampa Office (813)-264-5888

The show Sordid Lives and the LGBT channel LOGO would also benefit if you thank the shows advertisers for supporting the show, LOGO, and the gay community. Below are direct links to their respective contact forms.

Kodak, Bridgestone, Select Comfort, Vonage, Children's International, St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, Heat Surge TV.

H/T to Wicked Gay Blog.

Inside The Transition: LGBT Advocates

The Obama administration has released video of a new high level meeting it has had with LGBT leaders. This is the first ever of such meetings held with any presidents transition team in history.

Word of the Gay: "Zebra Stripe"

"Zebra Stripe" is a term describing an inborn trait or behavior that is consistent since a young age, such as sexual orientation and gender identity.