Blog Spotlight: A Newly Conservative Lesbian

A Newly Conservative Lesbian is a blog run by a 55 year old lesbian Cynthia Yockey whose views evolved over her lifetime from liberal to fiscally conservative. She has changed her party status and blogs about her opinions on being a gay republican

Persuade 48 Democrats to Endorse ENDA

48 Democrats in the House of Representatives have yet to come out with their position on the Employment Non Discrimination Act which would protect employers from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. The bill is currently about 20 votes shy of the 218 votes needed to pass.

The following is a list of undecided Democrats:

Bobby Bright (AL), Parker Griffith (AL), Vic Snyder (AR), Dennis Cardoza (CA), Allen Boyd, (FL), Sanford Bishop (GA), David Scott (GA), Walt Minnick (ID), Bobby Rush (IL), Daniel Lipinksi (IL), Deborah Halvorsen (IL), Jerry Costello (IL), Peter Visclosky (IN), Joe Donnelly (IN), Brad Ellsworth (IN), Ben Chandler (KY), Frank Kratovil (MD), Dutch Ruppersberger (MD), Bart Stupak (MI), Mark Schauer (MI), Travis Childers (MS), Bennie Thompson (MS), Dina Titus (NV), Michael McMahon (NY), Scott Murphy (NY), Paul Tonko (NY), Daniel Maffei (NY), Earl Pomeroy (ND), Dan Boren (OK), Kathleen Dahlkemper (PA), Jason Altmire (PA), Christopher Carney (PA), Paul Kanjorski (PA), John Murtha (PA), John Spratt (SC), Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (SD), Al Green (TX), Solomon Ortiz (TX), Henry Cuellar (TX), Gene Green (TX), Glenn Nye (VA), Bobby Scott (VA), Thomas Perriello (VA), Rick Boucher (VA), Gerald Connolly (VA), Alan Mollohan (WV), Ron Kind (WI), David Obey (WI).

Please visit the google docs listing of telephone, emails, and fax numbers of these representatives.

Let them know the ENDA will protect LGBT people from unfair and unnecessary job discrimination and that you urge their support.

Word of the Gay: "Demisexual"

A "demisexual" is someone who is experiencing a level between sexuality and asexuality. The person does not experience sexual attraction to people based on appearance but rather on their level of intimate connection with the person.

Blog Spotlight: Living Out Loud With Darian

Living Out Loud With Darian is a blog that discusses a range of issues from an African-American gay male perspective. This same gender loving blog has been nominated for Best Gay Blog in Southern Voice's annual Best of Gay Atlanta.

Asexual Visibility at London Pride on July 4th

Looks like activists in London are taking a hint from the successful and first ever asexual contingent in an American pride parade and don't want to shy away from making some asexual history of their own!

On Saturday July 4th, London will see its first public asexual visibility campaign at the gay pride parade with participants wearing t-shirts and other items to show their support.

The parade starts off at Baker Street at 1pm and proceeds down Oxford Street and Regent Street taking in some of the major sites of London and calls round through Piccadilly to Trafalgar Square.

To network and get more details check out the thread on AVEN.

Word of the Gay: "Lean Cuisine Queen"

A gay man who is constantly on a diet is said to be a "lean cuisine queen"

Uprising at Stonewall Inn 6/28/1969

Learn about the riots that sparked the gay revolution. 40 years ago today the Stonewall riots occurred, Democracy Now shares the story and exclusive interviews.

Candles Across Our Commonwealth in Kentucky

Tonight a vigil will commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots and raise awareness of the need for a statewide Fairness law, protecting Kentuckians from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, and public accommodations.

Host: Kentucky Fairness Alliance
Sunday, June 28, 2009, 8:00pm - 9:00pm
Location:at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park (6th and Chestnut)--within the shadows of the Mazzoli Federal Building.
Phone: 5028930788
Email: tomlou742@yahoo.com

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: "Lover"

A "lover" is longtime partner or someone you expect to spend the rest of your life with.

Servicemembers Legal Defense Network to Protest at White House

The Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) is organizing 265 veterans, allies and supporters to march on the White House 2 p.m. Saturday, June 27, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots and urge President Obama to break his silence on “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" repeal.

The 265 marchers represent the number of service members discharged since the President and the new Congress were sworn in. The marchers will be led by five of the plaintiffs in Cook v. Gates, a Supreme Court case that was filed by the plaintiffs and SLDN in December 2004 on behalf of 12 lesbian and gay veterans discharged under DADT.

Open Forum: Gay Exorcisms

Bizarre attempts to de-gay people have been going on for years by fringe psychologists and religious people who subscribe to the so called 'ex-gay' movement. Attempts to alter sexual orientation have included but are not limited to electro-shock therapy, psychoanalysis, hormone therapy, aversion therapy, behavior modification, and hypnosis.

One of the more egregious claims by some religious groups is that homosexuality is the cause of some evil spirit holding the body. They operate under the misguided premise that homosexual demons can conquer bodies and that the devil can embody a person manifesting itself in homosexual behavior. They believe the only way to help this person is through an exorcism.

This has recently come to the spotlight and received nationwide media attention after a 16 year old was subjected to a gay exorcism at the Manifested Glory Ministries Church in Connecticut.

Below is a video of a new clip discussing the story:



Where does freedom of religion cross the line and become child abuse? The video above shows a minor being attacked physically and verbally while he is faint and vomiting. Are gay exorcisms freedom of religion or is this a new form of abuse that must be stopped swiftly?

Today is National HIV Testing Day

In 1995, the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA) launched the very first National HIV Testing Day, which urges all sexually active people in the United States to get an HIV test to encourage early detection and treatment which is key for maintaining health if HIV positive.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 1 million people were living with HIV in the U.S. in 2006, and an estimated 21 percent of HIV positive people are unaware of their status.

Getting tested, knowing your status and receiving treatment if needed, people are taking a big step towards protecting their own health as well as the health of current and future sexual partners.

Help get the word out and encourage your family, friends and loved ones to get an HIV test today, June 27.

Click here to find a testing facility in your area.

Crossposted via Gay Agenda.

Word of the Gay: "Girth & Mirth"

"Girth & Mirth" is an organization for heavy-set gay men and their admirers.

Ireland Grants Civil Partnership Rights

Ireland joins a host of nations in the European Union that recognize and grant rights to same-sex couples. While the legislation falls short of full marriage equality, this marks a historic step in the staunchly Catholic nations history towards granting full equality to gay, lesbian, and bisexual Irish citizens.

"This bill provides legal protection for cohabiting couples and is an important step, particularly for same-sex couples, whose relationships have not previously been given legal recognition by the state," Justice Minister Dermot Ahern said in a statement.

The legislation provides a range of previously denied rights including maintenance obligations, protection of a shared home and succession. "Balance is achieved by maintaining material distinctions between civil partnership and marriage, in particular between the rights attaching to both, while at the same time reflecting the equality rights protected by the constitution," Ahern said (Reuters).

More work is needed to fight for full equality for LGBT people in Ireland. Please join the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network to ensure full equality in the country.

Urge Your Member of Congress to Cosponsor the Reuniting Families Act!

Congressman Mike Honda’s Reuniting Families Act ends harmful practices -- such as long visa wait times and discrimination against LGBT families -- that prevent loving families from being together.

In an historic move, Congressman Honda has included lesbian and gay people as part of this remarkable legislation -- marking the first time in Congressional history that lesbian and gay couples have been included as part of a multi-issue immigration bill.

As our country begins a conversation about comprehensive immigration reform, this important first step helps to ensure that, moving forward, we’re included, too. The president supports us, and Congress is increasingly on our side. Now, our community can be part of fixing our nation’s broken immigration system by supporting their efforts.

Please stand with Congressman Honda and our families, and urge your elected representative to co-sponsor the Reuniting Families Act.

Take action:

Call NOW to urge your representative to cosponsor the Reuniting Families Act!

Contact the Capital Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 to be directly connected to your representative. (If you don’t know who your representative is you can find out at www.congressmerge.com.)

Also join the mailing list or make a donation to Immigration Equality.

Word of the Gay: "Fish"

"Fish" is a derogatory term used among gay males to describe women. The term insinuates that women's private parts smell bad.

Tell Senator Eichelberger: No One "Allows" Us to Exist

Pennsylvania Senator Eichelberger has found himself in hot water after remarks suggesting he "allows gays to exist" when interviewed about his legislation to ban same-sex marriage in the state.

21:15
Leach: How would he [Eichelberger] want to encourage stability in gay couples?

Eichelberger: I wouldn’t. I mean they can practice whatever sexual activity they like to practice, but there’s no reason to give them special consideration. We don’t give them special consideration in Pennsylvania for any reason. Why in the world would we allow them to marry?

22:05
Leach: How would he want to encourage stability in gay couples?

Eichelberger: There is no reason to encourage that type of behavior in Pennsylvania.

24:20
Eichelberger: That comes back to the definition of family and that’s where we differ. We can call all kinds of things families. I mean, we can say a 3 party marriage is a family, or 7 or 8 people or marrying younger and younger children these days .

25:00
Host: Are you saying that by their very nature homosexual relationships are dysfunctional?

Eichelberger: [Pause] Ummmm. I guess I would say that. I would say that.

38:50
Eichelberger: This changes the definition of marriage, allowing same-sex, and then like I said, 5-10 years from now it’ll be polygamy, marrying younger people, it’ll be whatever…It won’t be a 6 year old, it’ll be a 15 year old, then it’ll be a 14 year old, then it’ll be a 13 year old.

49:40
Leach: Should our only policy towards [same-sex] couples be one of punishment, to somehow prove that they’ve done something wrong?

Eichelberger: They’re not being punished. We’re allowing them to exist, and do what every American can do. We’re just not rewarding them with any special designation.

You can listen to the whole debate at: http://www.whyy.org/91FM/radiotimes.html

Take action with the Keystone Progress petition to let the senator know your appalled by his words and his discriminatory legislation.

New York to Consider Same-Sex Marriage Today

The New York senate via the direction of Governor David Patterson will hear the same-sex marriage bill today at 3pm. The bill was supposed to be heard yesterday but the republicans did not show up for a vote. Today both the Republicans and Democrats are promising to attend the session. With no majority control over the senate due to the 31-31 democrat and republican split, there is no telling if the bill will finally reach a vote or what the outcome may ultimately be.

Be sure to contact your state senator and tell them to support marriage equality.

Call your senator before 3 p.m. today via the senate switchboard at 518-455-2800

Lt. Dan Choi Unveils 'Don't Hide' T-shirts Supporting DADT Repeal

Lieutenant Dan Choi, recently famous for being discharged under the military's Don't Ask Don't Tell policy has come out with new t-shirts. The "Don't Hide" t-shirts are available hand painted or silk screened, and you can get your t-shirt signed by Lt. Choi for an additional cost.

"Don't lie, don't hide, don't discriminate. Don't weaken the military" -Lt. Dan Choi

http://www.donthidetm.com/

Word of the Gay: "Virgin Queen"

A "virgin queen" is a gay male who abstains from sex until after marriage or a commitment ceremony.

Tell CVS to Unlock Access to Condoms

In CVS stores across the country, condoms are kept locked in glass cases. Public health advocates criticize this practice, saying it creates a barrier which could decrease condom use.

Even more worrisome than CVS's practice of locking condoms is where those locked cases are located: locked condoms have been found disproportionately in minority areas.

With the disproportionate rates of HIV/AIDS among LGBT communities of color, it is appalling that CVS is making condoms less accessible to those who may be uncomfortable or fearful to ask an employee to unlock the case.

Sign the Cure CVS petition and tell them to stop this discriminatory and harmful practice by unlock the cases!

We Made the Best 100 LGBT Blogs List!

It was a nice surprise to see that Queers United and many of our blogger friends has made the 100 best LGBT blogs list by the Lesbian and Gay Foundation.

The blogs chosen cover diverse issues from all sides of the LGBT equation. There's blogs from gay parents, gay conservatives, gay activists, young people coming out, older people coming out, and gay asylum seekers to name but a few.

Check out the top 100 LGBT blogs.

Word of the Gay: "Barsexual"

"Barsexuals" are straight girls who only make out with other girls when drunk for fun and/or attention.

DNC Fundraiser Protest in Boston Tonight

Join the Impact Massachusetts will be protesting the Democratic National Committee (DNC) fundraiser this evening at Boston's Fenway Park over the lack of fulfillment on promises to the LGBT community.


Tuesday, June 23, 2009
4:15pm - 5:00pm
Fenway Park: Gate B Entrance
Corner of Van Ness St. and Ipswich St.
Boston, MA

For questions or to get involved contact Paul Sousa at sousa.plm@gmail.com

The protest will be held in front of the entrance from 4:30pm till 5pm to bring awareness to the lack of Congressional and Presidential action on LGBT rights and particularly to the egregious DOMA legal brief.

A Mormon Plea for Reconciliation

A petition has been created by moderate Mormons who disagree with the church's opposition to homosexuality and same-sex marriage. The petition will be delivered to Church Headquarters on the first anniversary of Proposition 8 being passed in California.

This is an attempt to show that it is time for reconciliation between the Church and the millions of Mormons and LGBT people who have been hurt by the LDS involvement over proposition 8.

Mormon, or not, everyone is welcome to sign the petition to show their support for reconciliation between these two communities.

To sign the petition please send an e-mail with your name in the subject line to:

ldsapology@gmail.com or goto ldsapology.org

Organization Spotlight: Loving More

Loving More is a national not for profit corporation, educational website, online community and magazine dedicated to support and education of polyamory and polyamorous issues, supporting the polyamorous community both nationally and internationally for more than twenty two years.

Word of the Gay: "Civil Union"

A "civil union" is a government sanctioned recognition of a couple that is similar to marriage but lacks the name and hundreds of rights. Civil unions have traditionally been entered into by same-sex couples, but increasingly by heterosexuals who oppose the institution of marriage but want to receive government benefits.

Senator Chris Dodd: "I Support Marriage Equality"

Former presidential candidate and current U.S. senator from the state of Connecticut Chris Dodd has come out in support of marriage equality for same-sex couples. Senator Dodd who formerly voted for the Defense of Marriage Act and supported the distinction of civil unions now feels that he should not stand on the wrong side of history.

"My young daughters are growing up in a different reality than I did. Our family knows many same-sex couples - our neighbors in Connecticut, members of my staff, parents of their schoolmates. Some are now married because the Connecticut Supreme Court and our state legislature have made same-sex marriage legal in our state.

But to my daughters, these couples are married simply because they love each other and want to build a life together. That's what we've taught them. The things that make those families different from their own pale in comparison to the commitments that bind those couples together.

And, really, that's what marriage should be. It's about rights and responsibilities and, most of all, love.

I believe that, when my daughters grow up, barriers to marriage equality for same-sex couples will seem as archaic, and as unfair, as the laws we once had against inter-racial marriage.

And I want them to know that, even if he was a little late, their dad came down on the right side of history" (Pam's House Blend).

Thank Senator Dodd for supporting full equality for LGBT Americans for receiving a 100% rating from the Human Rights Campaign.

U.S. Senator Chris Dodd
448 Russell Building | Washington D.C., 20510
Tel: (202) 224-2823 | Fax: (202) 224-1083

E-contact form

Tell NY Senate to Take Up Gay Marriage Vote!

Even in the midst of a power battle for for the New York senate between the Democrats and Republicans, Governor David Patterson has promised a vote before the legislative sessions ends. The governor can force discussion on the topic, but whether the bill comes to a vote is the decision of the senators themselves.

The senators below just want to vote on a tax bill and end the session without giving a fair chance for the marriage equality bill. It is essential to call them if you reside within their district.

Sen. Diane Savino (Staten Island, BK – Southwest): 518-455-2437
Sen. Daniel Squadron (Lower MH, BK – Northwest): 518-455-2625
Sen. Liz Krueger (Manhattan- UES): 518-455-2297
Sen. Eric Schneiderman (NW Manhattan): 518-455-2041
Sen. Jeff Klein ( Bronx, Lower Westchester): 518-455-3595

New Yorkers, be sure to email your state senator and let them know you demand a vote in the affirmative on marriage equality for same-sex couples, regardless of their previous stated position.

HRC has phone banks set up across New York State, email them now to help volunteer:

NYC: 111 W. 40th St. (@6th Ave.) 5th Floor from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. *Additional time can be provided if needed. To RSVP, please e-mail roryjomalley@gmail.com with your name, cell phone number and availability. Note: To clear security, all volunteers need valid ID and to be on the RSVP list.

Rochester: e-mail Jeremy at jpmull@gmail.com or call 617-669-4412

Syracuse: e-mail David at HRCSyracuse@gmail.comor call 301-651-8518

Westchester: e-mail Brendan at nymon02@gmail.com or call 914-420-3596

Word of the Gay: "Progestin-Induced Virilisation"

"Progestin-induced virilisation" is the creation of male hormones in the womb as a result of the pregnant mother taking the drug progestin. The internal and external genitalia of the child is female, but the intersex child will develop male secondary characteristics.

Pride Month Resource Kit for Journalists

The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) has created 2 kits to honor the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall rebellion and for LGBT pride month for journalists to use in their coverage.

The Stonewall Kit provides an introduction, history, progress and setbacks, and information about the current status of the LGBT community.

The Pride Kit provides history, information about pride, story ideas, and terminology suggestions for accurate reporting.

Happy Father's Day!

A shout out to all the Daddy's and Papa's out there! Happy Father's Day from Queers United. Challenging Heterosexism one day at a time!

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: "Santorum"

"Santorum" was a word proposed in 2003 by sex advice columnist Dan Savage to poke fun at then Senator Rick Santorum's egregious statements about homosexuality. The term means a frothy mixture of lube and fecal matter that is sometimes the byproduct of anal sex.

Organization Spotlight: The Organization for Refuge, Asylum & Migration

The Organization for Refuge, Asylum & Migration (ORAM) is the first non-governmental organization (NGO) to focus exclusively on refugees and asylum seekers fleeing sexual and gender based violence.

Demand the Democrats Treat LGBT Americans Equally!

The Democrats and President Obama have campaigned on change including civil rights for the LGBT community. Very little has changed, the administration continues to kick qualified service members out of the military based on sexual orientation, the Department of Justice defends the Defense of Marriage Act. Websites like Obama's Plan for Gay Right's have popped up to criticize the lack of action. The congress has not pushed any gay rights legislation and we are left with no hate crimes protections, no employment protections, no anti-bullying measures, no federal recognition, a continued ban on HIV + travelers, and no action to end Don't Ask Don't Tell.

The Democrats, the Administration, and politicians in general care about one thing; MONEY. Now that the community is pulling out on donations to the DNC they are concerned and trying to throw a few bones our way.

The administration is granting federal employees in domestic partnerships some limited rights and now also seeks to include gay marriages and civil unions in the 2010 census.

While these actions are certainly applauded, they are too little too late and do little to nothing to implement the rights and benefits millions of LGBT people rightfully deserve.

Take action by contacting the White House and the DNC. Let them know that donations will be withheld until the promises to the LGBT community are implemented.

http://www.democrats.org/contact.html

http://www.whitehouse.gov/CONTACT/

Open Forum: Does the Pride Flag Need a Make Over?

PRI/WYNC's Studio 360 radio show is having a design firm reconceptualize the pride flag and allowing their listeners to submit their own renditions as well. They believe the flag is old fashioned and in need of a 21st century makeover. The results air on the weekend of June 27th.

The show is sure to spark a debate among those who are loyal to the flag and those who are sick and tired of seeing rainbows abound. Some of the user submitted designs are quite funny, artistic and interesting.

What do you make of the effort to have a 21st century pride flag? Can this be something to replace the historic rainbow flag, is the notion ridiculous or are we in need of a more unison and universal complementary symbol?

Word of the Gay: "Lesbian Bed Death"

"Lesbian bed death" is a term invented to suggest that the longer lesbians stay together in a relationship, the less sexual it becomes overtime. The study which originally made these claims has come under intense criticism on the account that it was ambiguous and views sex in terms of male sexuality.

Nature Nurtures Homosexuality

Forget the whole nature versus nurture debate, that is so twentieth century! The reports are coming in nearly daily from scientists, biologists and zoologists around the globe whether in humans or within the animal kingdom it is becoming more and more evident that nature nurtures homosexuality.

Homosexual behavior is a nearly universal phenomenon in the animal kingdom, according to a new study. It is also not only widespread but part of a necessary biological adaptation for the survival of the species.

They found that on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, almost a third of the Laysan albatross population is raised by pairs of two females because of the shortage of males. Through these 'lesbian' unions, Laysan albatross are flourishing. Their existence had been dwindling before the adaptation was noticed.

"Same-sex behaviors – courtship, mounting or parenting – are traits that may have been shaped by natural selection, a basic mechanism of evolution that occurs over successive generations," he said.

"But our review of studies also suggests that these same-sex behaviors might act as selective forces in and of themselves" (Telegraph).

How do our opponents respond to the science, psychology and facts on the ground, in the air and in the sea? Well, they say "we shouldn't act like animals." While there is no homophobia in the animal kingdom, conservatives continue to oppose hate crimes legislation, granting equal rights to same-sex partners, and won't pass legislation ensuring LGBT youth don't face taunting in schools. Maybe it's time they embrace their message of love, and adherence to the "natural" order of things.

Tell Obama to Dump DOMA Now!

DOMA stands for the Defense of Marriage Act which prohibits federal recognition of same-sex unions. President-elect Barack Obama has vowed to overturn DOMA.

In light of the increasing pressure the administration has felt over the recent Department of Justices defense of this antiquated legislation, the time is now to let Obama know we demand he keep his campaign promises to the LGBT community to repeal DOMA.

The Dump Doma campaign is urging us to pressure the house speaker Nancy Pelosi, majority leader Harry Reid and the rest of congress to act quickly to send the bill to the president for him to sign.

Please fill out the action alert at dumpdoma.org and tell your friends!

'These Cuts Won't Heal' Ensure HIV/AIDS Funding Remains in California!

California is in a budget crisis, and HIV/AIDS programs are at risk of losing millions of dollars in funding. These cuts are truly scary, with proposals of up to $160 million in past weeks. Not only would this devastate state funding to health care programs, but it would also endanger the matching federal funds which would evaporate without the state contribution. People with AIDS/HIV, for whom health insurance is not a possibility, will literally lose their medication. And if they lose their medication, their risk of infection can increase 80% in the first month alone.

We must pressure our legislature and our governor to make HIV/AIDS funding a state priority, and ensure that the final budget decisions do not dismantle any aspect of HIV/AIDS healthcare.

Using the link www.TheseCutsWontHeal.com where you can find your legislator's phone number. Every call made to a legislative office is put on record and presented to said legislator, and this is our opportunity to push this issue to the top of our government's agenda. As of 2007, AIDS is officially a global pandemic. We must pressure our leaders to pay more attention to this urgent global issue, and we can start by making it an urgent local issue.

Crossposted via Unite The Fight.

Word of the Gay: "Lavender Scare"

The "lavender scare" refers to the rampant fear and persecution of homosexuals in the United States during the 1950's, in the McCarthy era. Homosexuality was regarded as a mental illness, and gays and lesbians were feared to become susceptible to be blackmailed into agents on behalf of the communist Soviet Union.

"Make It Work" With the Courage Campaign

"Make It Work" is a new set of events by the Courage Campaign to win back marriage equality in the state of California. More than 20 “Make it Work!” events are scheduled between June 18-28.



For a listing of events or to join an equality team check out the "Make It Work" page.

Word of the Gay: "MSM"

MSM is an acroynm that refers to men who have sex with men. It does not necessitate the sexual orientation of the person is gay or bisexual, but encompasses both queer, straight and questioning or curious men who engage in same-sex activity during a specific time period.

Equality California Targets Blacks With New Marriage Equality Ad

Better late than never! Equality California is working on making inroads with the state's black community.

As same-sex couples who were able to legally marry last year celebrate their one-year-anniversaries, Equality California (EQCA) and Jordan / Rustin Coalition (JRC) are together launching an education and mobilization effort on the freedom to marry in LA's African-American communities. The effort includes a TV commercial, on-the-ground organizers and a dedicated field office, which will be based in South Los Angeles, a predominantly African-American community. "Jordan / Rustin Coalition is happy to partner with Equality California as we do the work to open the hearts and minds of all Californians, including those in the Black community, on the question of marriage for same-sex couples," said Ron Buckmire, JRC board president. "Our partnership includes a multi-media campaign, outreach and public education and even the nuts and bolts of staffing and supplies. I am confident that together we will see the day when full LGBT equality is restored to our state."

H/T to Joe My God.

Organization Spotlight: Out Professionals

Out Professionals is the nation's leading social and business networking organization for gay men and lesbians. The group presents year-round events focused on career, culture, and community, and lets members connect through an active online community.

Boycott DNC LGBT Fundraiser

Vice-president Joe Biden will be hosting a DNC LGBT fundraiser next week at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington, DC. An individual plate is 1,000 dollars and up and many people have already pulled out due to the administrations lack of action on LGBT issues, and their anti-gay defense of DOMA and DADT.

Among those who have already pulled out are HRC’s National Field Director Marty Rouse, Empire State Pride Agenda’s Alan Van Capelle, Former top Clinton aide David Mixner, Former top Clinton aide Richard Socarides and Towleroad’s Andy Towle and Corey Johnson (AKA William).

The three openly LGBT members of congress are attending the event and have yet to make any statements against the Department of Justices anti-gay defense of DOMA.

Contact our LGBT representatives and let them know that if they attend this event they are abandoning the LGBT community for their own interests.

Rep. Barney Frank:
2252 Rayburn Building
Washington, DC 20515
tel: (202) 225-5931
fax: (202) 225-0182

Rep. Tammy Baldwin
2446 Rayburn Building
Washington DC 20515
(202) 225-6942 Fax
(202) 225-2906
Email Form

Rep. Jared Polis
Washington, DC Office
501 Cannon HOB
Washington, DC 20515
p. 202.225.2161
f. 202.226.7840

Larry King: "What is Intersex?"

CNN's Larry King interviewed standup comic Kathy Griffin and they discussed a variety of topics including those significant to the LGBTQI community. King asked Griffin what that stands for, and Griffin laid out the acronymn for him.

Followed by King's comment asking "what is an intersex?" Kathy Griffin is a comedian, but Larry King is an award winning radio host. How does he not know what intersex is?

Speed up to 8:30 in the video to see the segment in question.



Contact Larry King and let him know that he has an obligation to clarify on air what intersexuality is about for his audience.

Word of the Gay: "Gender Bender"

A "gender bender" is someone who actively transgresses against the traditional gender norms. Gender benders can include anything from a biological male acting effeminate, or a female with masculine traits, to someone who alternates between the two.

The Advocate Refers to Trans Woman as a Gay Man

The Advocate a premiere LGBT news magazine has come under pressure from trans activists and allies after it referred to a couple who were legally married in New York as a "same-sex" couple. In the article N.Y. Unwittingly Marries "Same-Sex" Couple, the couple Hakim Nelson and Jason Stenson were given a marriage license because the clerk was unaware of the birth gender of Nelson who now goes by Kimah.

The Advocate referred to this historic story as "New York's first legal same-sex marriage" but the problem is that neither Kimah nor Jason identify as gay. Jason identifies as straight and Kimah is a trans woman. Kimah hopes to undergo sex re-assignment surgery in the future, but regardless of her current status as pre, post or non-op we must be sensitive to the gender pronouns she chooses for herself.

Note: The Advocate has since made edits to this story to properly reflect the gender identity of Kimah.

Please tell The Advocate that it isn't enough to call yourself an LGBT magazine, in the future it must be inclusive of transgender folks and know how to properly report on them.

letters@advocate.com

Letters to the editor by regular mail
P.O. Box 4371
Los Angeles, CA 90078
Phone: (310) 943-5858
Fax: (310) 806-6350

Blog Spotlight: Asexual Love

Asexual Love is a blog with thoughts and musings about asexuality. The blog seeks to educate and create awareness about the estimated 1% of the population which is asexual. Topics for discussion include but are not limited to faith, politics, dating and the need for asexual unity and organization.

'Talking Equality' the Video that Debunks Anti-Marriage Myths

Below is an excellent video showing the oppositions usual talking points and how to conquer them in a logical and factual manner.



Learn more about video creator Rob Tish and follow his blog Waking Up Now, this is just the start of his educational videos to give people the confidence to speak out for equality.

Word of the Gay: "Kitsch"

"Kitsch" is tasteless, melodramatic, and pretentious to the degree that it is considered in poor taste. It often comes up in gay sub-culture, similar in nature the word camp.

New York Senators On The Fence or Opposed to Same-Sex Marriage

The New York State Senate is in limbo, with a 31-31 split, nobody knows which party is in control, and what legislation will make it before the session ends.

20 senators publicly stated their support for equal marriage, 32 are needed to pass the bill.

The following list of senators are either on the fence or opposed. If you are resident of their district please call, email, and write them and encourage friends and family to follow suit!

On the fence:

3. Brian X. Foley, D-Long Island (Blue Point)
4. Owen H. Johnson, R-Long Island (West Babylon)
6. Kemp Hannon, R-Long Island (Garden City)
13. Hiram Monserrate, D-NYC (Jackson Heights)
15. Joseph Addabbo, Jr., D-NYC (Ozone Park)
19. John Sampson, D-NYC (Brooklyn)
24. Andrew Lanza, R-NYC (Staten Island)
36. Ruth Hassell-Thompson, D-Bronx/Westchester (Williamsbridge)
38. Thomas Morahan, R-Rockland/Orange (Clarkstown)
40. Vincent Leibell, R-Westchester (Patterson)
42. John Bonacic, R-Delaware/Sullivan/Orange/Ulster Counties
43. Roy McDonald, R-Upstate (Wilton)
49. David Valesky, D-Upstate (Syracuse/Onondaga/Madison Counties)
55. James Alesi, R-Upstate (East Rochester)

Opposed:

1. Kenneth LaValle, R-Long Island (Port Jefferson)
2. John J. Flanagan, R-Long Island (East Northport)
5. Carl Marcellino, R-Long Island (Syosset)
8. Charles Fuschillo, R-Long Island (Merrick)
9. Dean Skelos, R-Long Island (Rockville Centre)
10. Shirley Huntley, D-NYC (Jamaica)
11. Frank Padavan, R-NYC (Bellerose)
12. George Onorato, D-NYC (Astoria)
22. Martin Golden, R-NYC (Bay Ridge)
27. Carl Kruger, D-NYC (Brooklyn)
32. Rubén Díaz, D-NYC (Soundview)
39. Bill Larkin, R-Westchester (New Windsor)
41. Stephen Saland, R-Westchester (Poughkeepsie)
44. Hugh Farley, R-Upstate (Schenectady)
45. Betty Little, R-Upstate (Queensbury)
47. Joseph Griffo, R-Upstate (Rome)
48. Darrel Aubertine, D-Upstate (Cape Vincent)
50. John DeFrancisco, R-Upstate (Syracuse/Onondaga Counties)
51. James Seward, R-Upstate (Milford)
52. Thomas W. Libous, R-Upstate (Binghamton)
53. George H. Winner, Jr., R-Upstate (Elmira)
54. Michael Nozzolio, R-Upstate (Fayette)
56. Joseph Robach, R-Upstate (Greece)
57. Catharine Young, R-Upstate (Olean)
58. William Stachowski, D-Upstate (Hamburg)
59. Dale Volker, R-Upstate (Depew)
61. Michael Ranzenhofer, R-Upstate (Clarence)
62. George Maziarz, R-Upstate (Newfane)

Use the New Yorkers for Marriage Equality form to identify your state senator and call them urging for their support.

Blog Spotlight: Faces of Us

Faces of Us is a photo campaign dedicated to bringing the fight for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender rights to the national spotlight. Join the campaign by submitting your own photo!

Win Domestic Partnership Rights in Wisconsin This Week!

Wisconsin albeit a ban on same-sex marriage and civil unions may be the next state to add domestic partnership rights; including hospital visitation, the ability to take family medical leave to care for a sick or injured partner and the ability to make end of life decisions for a domestic partner.

Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle included limited domestic partnership protections for the state's same-sex couples in his recent budget proposal.

The good news is that some key members of the state legislature are in favor as well. Since WI was one of the states where voters passed a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage in 2006, this piece of legislation is particularly important, as it would be the first piece of pro-equality legislation in more than 20 years. (PFLAG)

The Wisconsin State Assembly is scheduled to vote on this budget next Wednesday, June 17th.

Tell the legislators that you support fairness and equality in the state of WI and ask them to support it, too. You can do this through the Fair Wisconsin site at http://eqfed.org/campaign/Assembly_DP.

Word of the Gay: "Pansy Without a Stem"

"Pansy without a stem" is a camp 1960's term for a lesbian.

Million For Marriage Petition

Sign the Human Rights Campaign petition to remove legal obstacles preventing lesbian and gay couples from receiving rights and responsibilities under federal law. The petition is for those who believe in state and federal recognition for same-gender couples and believe it is time to end discrimination by offering the same protections their heterosexual counterparts receive and often take for granted.

National Equality March Oct 10-11 2009

American Association for Justice Join Boycott of Manchester Grand Hyatt

The boycott damages that have come as a result of support by some for proposition 8 have not ended. The Manchester Grand Hyatt has been a target by gay rights activists and has suffered millions of dollars in losses as a result of the owners support for the anti-gay marriage amendment.

The American Association for Justice (AAJ) – and its 2,000-plus attorney members are moving their annual summer convention to San Francisco. The event was originally scheduled to be held at Manchester’s Hyatt in San Diego, but after Manchester contributed $125,000 to the “Yes on Proposition 8” campaign and the ensuing boycott, the AAJ decided to take its lucrative business away.

Manchester Hyatt has already lost a purported $7 million in the last year as a coalition of labor and GLBT organizations have banded together for the boycott. Californians Against Hate partnered with Unite Here Local 30 (the hotel worker’s union) and several other GLBT organizations, including San Diego Pride July 18, 2008. (Lavender Liberal).

Contact the American Association for Justice and let them know you take pride in their choice to move the conference away from the Manchester hotel.

American Association for Justice
777 6th Street, NW, Suite 200
Washington, DC 20001
800.424.2725 or 202.965.3500

Human Resources - hr@justice.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: "Slacks"

"Slacks" is an obsolete term that was once used to refer to lesbians.

PROTEST President Obama's Broken Promises To the Queer Community

Many in the LGBT community are growing increasingly frustrated with Barack Obama's inaction on LGBT issues, and what is being seen as his administrations anti-gay decisions and actions.

The Gay Liberation Network will be protesting President Obama on Monday June 15th at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Chicago. Protesters are mad that Obama continues to enforce the Don't Ask Don't Tell Policy barring gays from serving openly in the military. They are also outraged that the administration defended the Defense of Marriage Act in courts using some ridiculous claims and marriage equality opposition tactics. Some are also still mad about his giving a platform to anti-gay people like Rick Warren and Donnie McClurkin.

The GLN demands that President Obama:

*Repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and come out for marriage equality

* Repeal Don't Ask / Don't Tell

* Legalize readily accessible needle exchanges to reduce HIV / AIDS transmission

* End faith-based initiative funding which allows for religious groups to discriminate against LGBT people

PROTEST President Obama's visit to Chicago:
10:30 AM – 12 noon
Monday, June 15
Hyatt Regency Hotel
151 E. Wacker Drive
(one block east of Michigan Avenue)

Info: LGBTliberation@aol.com

Open Forum: What Does the Pride Flag Mean to You?

The pride flag is flown for a host of reasons including personal pride, political aspirations of justice, equality and peace, as well as for allies to demonstrate their acceptance and safe and affirming attitude towards sexual minorities.

The flag represents many things to many different people, and brings forth several different emotions. The colors originally were designed to symbolize: pink (sex), red (life), orange (healing), yellow (sunlight), green (nature), blue (harmony), and purple/violet (spirit). Are these an accurate description of your feelings for the flag? What do you think of when you see the flag, and what does the pride flag mean to you?

Word of the Gay: "Tuna"

The word "tuna" refers to young gay men who are sailors.

Web Spotlight: What is Queer and Asian

Wiqaable is your online source for what is both uniquely queer and asian, giving voice to an identity intersection that is often silenced and ignored. In addition to stories, news and articles of interest to this community, the website features events, arts, media, jobs, scholarships, nightclubs, coming out, school, and more.

Vote for Your Favorite Freedom to Marry Video and Win Prizes!

The Los Angeles gay and lesbian center's Project Pushback, an opportunity for people to submit video messages for marriage equality has ended.

Now the public can sign up and vote on their favorite videos until June 16th, and enter to win a Sony HD Video Camera.

With more than 60 videos to choose from, head on over to Vimeo and vote for your favorites in the contest for new messages for the freedom to marry.

Do What's Right Ohio! - Pass the Equal Housing and Employment Act

In the state of Ohio people can be fired simply on the premise that they are or perceived to be gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. There are no statewide protections for employees on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.

Equality Ohio and Progress Ohio are looking to change that next Wednesday, June 17th in what is being billed as Ohio's first ever vote on a specifically pro-LGBT piece of legislation. The Equal Housing and Employment Act (HB 176) amends Ohio's existing Civil Rights Code to include sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.

Learn more at Do What's Right Ohio and be sure to contact your legislator.

Word of the Gay: "Fonism"

"Fonism" is another word for transvestism that never gained acceptance.

Thank Grand Valley State University for Hosting Panel discussion on "Ex-gay" Industry.

Focus on the Family is bringing their notorious "ex-gay" road show, Love Won Out, to Grand Rapids, Michigan this week. In response, Grand Valley State University is hosting Wayne Bessen of Truth Wins Out's presentation, followed by a panel discussion on the danger of "ex-gay" programs.

If you are encouraged that Grand Valley is offering this program -- "Religion and Homophobia: Spiritual Violence in our Community" -- then let the university know: 616-331-2221.

Crossposted via Truth Wins Out.

Web Spotlight: Gay Crawler

Gay Crawler is an LGBT search engine that provides users access to more than 25,000 user submitted sites and reviews in more than 327 categories of specific interest to the community.

Kenneth Cole Makes LGBT Pride Fashionable

Fashion designer Kenneth Cole is celebrating LGBT pride month as part of their "AWEARNESS" campaign with a unisex t-shirt for same-sex marriage. The t-shirt reads "Those Against Gay Marriage Aren't Thinking Straight. (Or Are They?)"

100% of the net proceeds from t-shirt sales will benefit the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) the largest LGBT advocacy organization in the United States.

Click here to purchase your own limited edition Kenneth Cole HRC Tee

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Kenneth Cole New York is also holding host events in five cities- Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Chicago and Dallas- during Gay Pride Week. On the designated nights, 20% of the evening’s proceeds will be donated to The Human Rights Campaign.

Los Angeles June 12, 2009 4-9pm Kenneth Cole New York Store, Beverly Center
New York June 26, 2009 4-9pm Kenneth Cole New York Store, Soho, 595 Broadway
Chicago June 26, 2009 4-9pm Kenneth Cole New York Store, Chicago 540 North Michigan Ave
Dallas June 26, 2009 4-8pm Kenneth Cole New York Store, Dallas North Park
San Francisco June 26, 2009 4-8pm Kenneth Cole New York Store, 166 Grant Avenue

White Knot - Ribbon Campaign for Marriage Equality

The white knot ribbon campaign in support of marriage eqauality is becoming enormously popular. Several Hollywood celebrities have also been spotted wearing the white knot in support. The campaign aims to make the white ribbon a symbol for the marriage equality movement.

How to make a White Knot

1. Start with a 6 inch piece of white ribbon. Widths between 3/4 inch and 1 inch work best.
2. Tie a double knot in the center of the ribbon. Pulling the first knot tight will line up the ends of the ribbon nicely.
3. Cut triangles into the ends of the ribbon. This will help prevent fraying.
4. Pin it on and you're good to go.

For more information, to host a ribbon making party, get badges and fliers check out the White Knot website.

Word of the Gay: "Functionally Asexual"

Someone who is "functionally asexual" does not perform sexual acts, and while the term asexual can describe them due to lack of sexual behavior, their feelings may still be sexual while they choose to abstain from sexual activities for a host of reasons.

Blog Spotlight: My So Called Gay Life

My So Called Gay Life is a different portal for the GLBT community and friends that covers national, Canadian and European GLBT news in English.

Lesbian Couple and Kids Denied Family Discount Admission Rate

Amber Koger and Jeri Underwood a lesbian couple and their three children were denied the family discount at a community pool because The Lava Hot Springs Foundation's executive director Mark Lowe maintains that as a state institution they must follow Idaho law which bans same-sex marriage and defines family as being one man and one woman.

While it is in fact true that Idaho law explicitly bans same-sex marriage, there is no universal definition of family. The marriage law was not intended to discriminate in this arena, and it is being used unfairly against this family.

Please email the Lava Hot Springs Foundation and tell them to grant this family and all LGBT families the same discount that is applied to other families.

Lava Hot Springs State Foundation
430 East Main
P.O. Box 669
Lava Hot Springs, Idaho 83246
Phone: (208) 776-5221 or (800) 423-8597
Mark.Lowe@lhs.idaho.gov

NOM = Epic Fail of an Organization

'More Equal Union' - Music Album for LGBT Civil Rights

MORE EQUAL UNION is a concept music album about the LGBT civil rights movement in America and is available for purchase on iTunes.

The album follows the story of a gay family from when the couple first met to their tragic end as they react to the forces around them (The Story of Ethan and Jacob).

The songs feature a multitude of genres, including electronica, punk rock, folk, grunge rock, jazz, rap, soundtrack, ballads, pop and choral.

The songs cover various LGBT issues currently on the radar, including marriage equality, openly serving in the military, gay adoption, hate crimes, workplace discrimination and anti-gay bullying.

Proceeds from the album will be donated to Lambda Legal so that we can continue the fight towards LGBT civil rights everywhere in America.



Sean Chapin hopes to achieve a number of goals with his new album, including:

(1) sell over 10,000 copies of the album on iTunes,

(2) raise over $100,000 in sales to donate to Lambda Legal.

(3) change over 1,000,000 minds from fearing us to accepting us.

Word of the Gay: "Bilitis"

"Bilitis" is a collection of lesbian love poems from Chansons de Bilitis. It is more commonly known from the first lesbian advocacy organization Daughters of Bilitis.

Organization Spotlight: LEAGUE - GLBT Employees of AT&T

LEAGUE is the GBLT employee organization of AT&T. The members of LEAGUE provide a supportive environment for LGBT employees and allies to network with one another and to develop professionally; to promote an accepting, diverse and respectful work environment in support of AT&T's Diversity Vision; and to strengthen AT&T’s presence in the LGBT community as well as in the global community.

Republican Leadership to Bring Gay Marriage to Vote in NY

In what has been a shocking turn of events in the New York state senate, two democrats defected from the democratic party to become republicans giving control of the senate back to the GOP. Former senate leader Malcolm Smith refused to bring the gay marriage bill to a vote until he was assured it had the votes necessary to pass.

The new senate President Dean Skelos wants to bring up the bill for a vote before the legislative session ends in 10 days. Pedro Espada Jr. one of the democrats who changed his party affiliation still maintains that he firmly supports marriage equality and wants to see the bill voted on swiftly.

If republicans are the ones to bring this bill to a vote and pass marriage equality this will signal an entirely new shift in politics.

Urge President Skelos to bring the bill for a vote before the session ends and to vote in favor of marriage equality!

E-contact form for President Dean Skelos

Albany Office
Room 907 LOB
Albany, NY 12247
Phone: (518) 455-3171

Online Gaymers Join in Virtual Warcraft Pride March

In a whole new breed of net roots activism, gaymers who play Warcraft will have their 5th Annual Proudmoore Pride Parade at noon server time on Saturday June 20, 2009!

The creators over at The Spreading Taint an LGBT gamers community are modeling Pride this year to be much like real life pride celebrations with contests, prizes, and most importantly, pride floats!

Last year Proudmoore Pride Parade:

Gay Couple Forced to Remove Rainbow Flag by Homeowners Association

A gay couple has been forced to remove their rainbow pride flag, even though it was approved by a previous management company. The new company doesn't want to "clutter" the neighborhood and only allows national holiday flags to be recognized, even though Easter decor which is not part of a national holiday is permitted.

"Steven and Zeniff Vanderran of Mesa, Arizona say homophobia and ongoing disputes with their homeowners association are behind an order to remove a gay pride flag from their Queen Creek home.

Cambria Ocotillo’s design guidelines only allow certain flags, including decorations for certain holidays, according to Jonathan Olcott, the association’s attorney. The association also allows military and U.S. flags.

The couple says it has been the subject of slurs and mockery since the dispute began. In a May 11 posting on a local blog, a writer said the decorations were offensive and “If they want to flaunt their preferences in sex partners like that, they need to move into a gay community” (Naz Today).

The gay couple is being unfairly mocked, and singled out while other non-nationally recognized celebrations are permitted.

To contact the Cambria Ocotillo Homeowners Association:

Important numbers and community contacts

Word of the Gay: "Bean Queen"

A "bean queen" is a term that has been used in the gay community to refer to a non-Latino man who is attracted to Latino men.

Organization Spotlight: Gay & Lesbian History on Stamps Club

The Gay & Lesbian History on Stamps Club (GLHSC) is a philatelic organization with members that collect GLBT on stamps or who are GLBT that happen to collect stamps. They offer a quarterly journal on GLBT stamps and collecting.

Perú: Action Alert-Protest Discriminatory New Law to Ban Gay Police

On May 12, 2009, the Peruvian Parliament adopted Law 29356, establishing a new disciplinary code for the Peruvian police. Article 34 of that code classifies offenses as minor, serious and very serious and assigns penalties accordingly. "Having sex with people of the same gender that cause scandal or undermine corporate image" is classified as a very serious offense with a penalty of discharge.

The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) joins Movimiento Homosexual de Lima (MHOL) and requests that you send emails to the Ombudsman and Public Defender of Peru noting that Article 34 of Law 29356 infringes fundamental human rights, and asking her to file an Action of Unconstitutionality with the Constitutional Court to challenge the so-called "offense" of same-sex relations and its associated penalty.

Please send your letter to:

Dra. Beatriz Merino Lucero
Defensora del Pueblo / Ombudsman
Jr. Ucayali N° 388, Lima 1.
E-mail: bmerino@defensoria.gob.pe

Please send a copy of your letter to:

Fernando D'Elio / IGLHRC
fdelio@iglhrc.org
Giovanny Romero Infante / MHOL
gromero@mhol.org.pe

Take Action to Pass Marriage Bill in New York

The New York Civil Liberties Union has unveiled a project called Marriage NY that gives the tools necessary to battle for marriage equality.

There are only 14 days left in the legislative season, time is of the essence!

1. Goto the site, spread the word on twitter, and email friends and family.

2. Send a letter to your senator.

3. Look up and call your senators office.

4. Send a free fax to your senator ONLINE without a fax machine!

Join the phone bank for marriage fairness.

• Thursday, June 11
• Tuesday, June 16
• Thursday, June 18

Volunteer at Pride Events!

• Brooklyn: Saturday, June 13
• Long Island: Sunday, June 14
• Albany: Sunday, June 14
• Syracuse: Saturday, June 20
• Bronx: Saturday, June 20
• New York City: Sunday, June 28
• Rochester: Saturday, July 18-19
• Pride in the City (Black Pride): Aug 7 – 8

Contact Lead Organizer Erica Braudy to get involved!
ebraudy@nyclu.org | 212.607.3361

KRXQ Will Not Re-Broadast Until Trans Issue Settled

6/8/09: KRXQ's Rob, Arnie and Dawn show has released a statement after hundreds of emails, calls and 10+ major advertisers pulling their sponsorships of the station.

Their statement reads that they have "failed" their audience and that their words were "unacceptable". They will refrain from broadcasting again until Thursday, June 11th at 7:30 AM of which time they will address the issue with groups and audience members who have "educated" them.

Keep up the good job with emails, lets make sure that their apology and course of action to follow ensures a positive trek forward on behalf of transgender and gender variant youth.

---

6/2/09: In a lengthy May 28 tirade on the Rob, Arnie & Dawn in the Morning radio show heard in Sacramento, California on KRXQ 98.5 FM and Reno, Nevada on KDOT 104.5 FM, hosts Rob Williams and Arnie States verbally attacked transgender children. While discussing a recent story about a transgender child in Omaha, Nebraska and her parents’ decision to support her transition, the two hosts spent more than 30 minutes explicitly promoting child abuse of and making cruel, dehumanizing and defamatory comments toward transgender children.

Among the comments made by the hosts:

ROB WILLIAMS [11:12]: This is a weird person who is demanding attention. And when it’s a child, all it takes is a hug, maybe some tough love or anything in between. When your little boy said, ‘Mommy, I want to walk around in a dress.’ You tell them no cause that’s not what boys do. But that’s not what we’re doing in this culture.

ARNIE STATES [13:27]: If my son, God forbid, if my son put on a pair of high heels, I would probably hit him with one of my shoes. I would throw a shoe at him. Because you know what? Boys don’t wear high heels. And in my house, they definitely don’t wear high heels.

ROB WILLIAMS [17:45]: Dawn, they are freaks. They are abnormal. Not because they’re girls trapped in boys bodies but because they have a mental disorder that needs to be somehow gotten out of them. That’s where therapy could help them.

ROB WILLIAMS [18:15]: Or because they were molested. You know a lot of times these transgenders were molested. And you need to work with them on that. The point is you don’t allow the behavior. You cure the cause!

ARNIE STATES [21:30]: You got a boy saying, ‘I wanna wear dresses.’ I’m going to look at him and go, ‘You know what? You’re a little idiot! You little dumbass! Look, you are a boy! Boys don’t wear dresses.’

ARNIE STATES [29:22]: You know, my favorite part about hearing these stories about the kids in high school, who the entire high school caters around, lets the boy wear the dress. I look forward to when they go out into society and society beats them down. And they end up in therapy.

TAKE ACTION NOW!
Please contact KRXQ management in Sacramento, California, where the show is produced and demand that radio show hosts Rob Williams and Arnie States publicly apologize. Call on KRXQ to hold Williams and States accountable for their remarks and establish clear standards to ensure their media platform will not be used to condone or promote violence against any parts of the communities they serve.

John Geary
Vice President & General Manager
KRXQ-FM
(916) 339-4209
jgeary@entercom.com

Arnie States
On Air Personality
KRXQ-FM
(916) 334-7777
rad@robarnieanddawn.com

Rob Williams
On Air Personality
KRXQ-FM
(916) 334-7777
rwilliams@entercom.com

Crossposted via Trans Group Blog.

Word of the Gay: "Hairpin Drop"

The term "hairpin drop" was gay slang that meant dropping hints about one’s sexual orientation

Marriage Inequality Protest in Asheville, North Carolina

Citizens in North Carolina will be protesting the house and senate bills HB 361/SB 272 which would redefine marriage to be recognized as being the union of only one man and one woman.

The rally will be to show opposition to the bill, and to show support for equal rights and marriage equality in NC.

When- Saturday, June 13,2009
Time-12pm-3pm
Where- Pritchard Park in downtown Asheville, NC.

Find out more at the LGBT Social Movement in Asheville NC.

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: "Biromantic"

"Biromantic" is a term used within the asexual community to denote someone who can be romantically involved with someone of either sex.

Asexual FAQ's Pamphlet by AANZ

AANZ offers us a brochure answering frequently asked questions about asexuality. What is it, why does it matter, and how can you get involved in coming out or being an ally.





To learn more, or see the text directly check out the Asexuality Aotearoa New Zealand homepage.

Organization Spotlight: Washington Families Standing Together

Washington Families Standing Together is a group formed to fight referendum 71 which would eliminate domestic partnership rights for same-sex couples. The website offers ways to take action, learn more, sign the petition and print handouts.

Demand Marriage Rights at Providence, Rhode Island Rally

Rhode Island is the sole state in New England to not have marriage equality as the law of the land. Marriage Equality Rhode Island will be hosting a rally today at the statehouse demanding the legislature act to pass marriage before the legislative session ends.

Saturday, June 6
Rhode Island Statehouse
12:00 pm

Open Forum: Did Obama Learn From Clinton's Mistakes?

When former president Bill Clinton came into office, he was considered a saint for the gay community. He was the first president to mention gays and lesbians in his inauguration and he promised to allow gays in the military. The LGBT community saw his election as a major shift to come in government policy towards sexual minorities.

What happened was far less than we would have expected, and the administration now gets looked back on as the era when gays were thrown under the bus. His promise of letting gays join the military was met with controversy and as a result he instituted the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy. During that time period Hawaii was seen as the first state to likely legalize gay marriage. As a result under Clinton's watch the Defense of Marriage Act was passed, which barred federal recognition of same-sex marriage, and ensured that states did not have to accept other states marriage laws.

President Barack Obama has now come into office with what is seen as the most progressive list of issues relating to the LGBT community. His campaign promises include everything short of marriage equality. The LGBT community is angered that Obama has done little to nothing thus far to meet these campaign promises. Is Obama just another politician with empty promises, or did he learn from Clinton's mistake of acting too hastily, and wants to ensure that when he acts it will go through succesfully?

Word of the Gay: "Camp"

"Camp" is an artistic appreciation for humor largely created and sustained by the gay community for things that represent bad taste and ironic value.

Blog Spotlight: Queer Youth Mental Health

Queer Youth Mental Health is a blog designed to bring information for LGBTQ Youth on mental health, emotional wellness and resilience to the forefront. It includes resources, news articles, links and information to help youth and their allies stay on top of issues facing LGBTQ youth.

NO H8 Campaign - Photo Project to Repeal Prop 8

The No H8 campaign is a photo project and silent protest created by celebrity photographer Adam Bouska and his partner Jeff Barshley in direct response to the passage of proposition 8.

The photos feature people with duct tape on their mouth and No H8 painted or lipsticked onto one cheek. The photos are being used virally as peoples primary photo on social networking sites. The eventual plan is to compile the photos for billboard campaigns and magazine spreads to raise awareness and money to repeal prop 8.



Check out the photos, learn more, and submit your own at NO H8 Campaign.

Word of the Gay: "San Francisco Accent"

The term "San Francisco Accent" is a euphemism for suggesting someone has an over the top and effeminate voice.

Regina Spektor Calls Prop 8 "Disgusting," We Call Her Correct!

Regina Spektor, famous singer, song-writer and pianist has come out with more statements about proposition 8. First, she allowed use of her song in anti-prop 8 videos and now she is calling the court decision not to allow marriage equality "disgusting" but she maintains that she feels optimistic about the future.

"I'm just waiting for this whole 'not allowing gay people to marry' thing goes into the dark, yucky part of our history -- like white-only drinking fountains," she says. "It's just disgusting that it's not just a given already."

Despite the court's decision, Spektor is not only optimistic about marriage equality, she believes it's inevitable. "I know for sure this isn't going to be an issue in 20 years," she says. "It's just unfortunate that people fall victim to their time. Freedom always wins out -- it's just a matter of time, and people should learn by now to give freedom sooner rather than later, because it becomes a really crude, embarrassing part of national history" (Spinner).

Let Regina Spektor's publicity agent know you approve of this message and thank her for being proactive on the issue.

Steven Trachtenbroit
212-619-1360
steven@bighassle.com

Web Spotlight: Womanist Musings

I'd like to give out a shout out to one of our readers and straight allies Renee who writes over at the blog Womanist Musings.

The blog is very informative and is "dedicated to critiquing current events and pop culture from a womanist perspective. Its sole purpose is to give voice to those that have historically been marginalized and silenced."

President Obama Say Federal Gov't Has No Business Regulating Marriage

Barack Obama in an interview with Brian Williams of MSNBC said that "gays have a friend in the White House" and that the "federal government shouldn't have a role in regulating marriage"



President Obama should heed his own words. If he believes the federal government should butt out, demand a full repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act now which bans any federal recognition of marriage, no words on the books are better than those.

E-contact form for White House

Switchboard: 202-456-1414

Historic Asexual Contingent To Take Place During San Francisco Pride

On June 28th, the San Francisco pride parade will be witnessing history in the making. It will be the first time ever in the U.S. that an asexual group will march in the parade.

Schedule of Events:

The evening before the parade, Saturday June 27th: BBQ and poster-making party at AVENguy's house in San Francisco at 6pm.

Morning of the parade: They will be meeting somewhere near SF's Embarcadero sometime between 9 and 10 am. Still waiting for more info from the Pride people.

For more details and up to the minute info on the events please check out One Percent Club.

Word of the Gay: "Homo Thug"

A gay guy who uses slang, appears rough, and has street fashion sense. He may or may not be open about his sexuality.

Society Should Learn from Gay Penguins

When you think of the word 'nature' what comes to mind? Plants, animals, bodies of water, right? Nature is the natural physical world around us. If nature is natural, and nature has gay animals, doesn't that necessitate that homosexuality is natural and very much a part of nature?

Two homosexual penguins have successfully hatched an egg that was rejected by its parents and are now proudly rearing the chick, the German zoo housing the gay couple says.

“Z and Vielpunkt, both males, gladly accepted their `Easter present’ and began straight away with hatching the egg,” the zoo in Bremerhaven in northern Germany said on Wednesday.

“Since the chick arrived they are behaving in the same way as one would expect a heterosexual couple to do. Both happy fathers are now diligently handling the everyday care … of their adopted offspring,” the zoo said.

Z and Vielpunkt are part of a six-strong gay community among the zoo’s collection of endangered Humboldt penguins who rose to fame in 2005 when four Swedish females were brought in an unsuccessful attempt to “cure” them.

“Homosexuality is nothing unusual among animals,” the zoo said on Wednesday. “Sex and coupling up in our world do not necessarily have anything to do with reproduction.”

The Humboldt penguin is normally found on the coast of Chile and Peru, but numbers have dropped to between 12,000 and 20,000 as industrial fishing methods have led to dwindling stocks of the anchovies on which they feed (Sydney Morning Herald).

Best of luck to the new family, may opponents of LGBT rights see that this is another chip in their argument that homosexuality is not natural. May they also see that children need loving parents to thrive, the gender of the parent(s) is irrelevant.

Stop The HIV Cuts Demonstrations in California

Californians from Los Angeles and Sacramento will rally against Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's proposed plan to slash funding for HIV/AIDS programs by the state. The plan will result in the loss of several programs and could bring about the loss of thousands of lives.

Two protests have been organized to counter the Governor's dangerous and unfair plan.

Friday, June 5,2009
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Hollywood Forever Cemetery
6000 Santa Monica Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90038

Wednesday, June 10th
1:30-3 PM
North steps of the State Capital
Sacramento, CA

Contacts:

Oakland/East Bay Area

Naina Khanna
Director of Policy & Community Organizing
WORLD
510-986-0340 ext 316
nkhanna@womenhiv.org

Los Angeles

Ruel Nolledo
AIDS Project Los Angeles
213-785-1993
RNolledo@apla.org

For more information and to reserve transportation, check out Stop the HIV Cuts.

New Hampshire Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage

After weeks of wrangling for votes, disagreements over wording over religious protections and the governors refusal to sign unless his language was placed in the bill. The battle is over, and we have won.

New Hampshire has officially become the 6th state in the United States to have legally sanctioned same-sex marriage recognition.

Word of the Gay: "Transphobia"

"Transphobia" is the irrational fear, prejudice, or outright hatred and discrimination towards transsexual and transgender people.

Web Spotlight: A Life

A Life is a weekly podcast about asexuality and asexuals. The show is open to topic suggestions or listener questions and is always welcoming towards people who want to come on as a guest or perhaps even a regular panelist.

Sit-In Planned Tonight at Ohio Bar, Site of Anti-Gay Attack

A gay hate crime recently took place in Warren county Ohio at Tabby's American Grill. The two alleged suspects have yet to be found.

In response queer activists and allies will be holding a sit in at the bar. All participants are encouraged to wear white and meet in the parking lot, the group will go in collectively.

To participate in the sit-in, go to Tabby’s on Montgomery Road,
2920 West U.S. Route 22 on Tuesday, June 2, starting at 9 p.m.

Rides Available: meeting at the Walgreen's parking lot at 7:45 and will be leaving at 8:15 for people who need rides there. This Walgreen's is right beside UC campus, off of Jefferson ave. by Blockbuster. Also, if you have a car and would like to help get more queers and allies there, please bring your car to take more people.

President Obama Declares June LGBT Pride Month

The White House has released the following proclamation honoring the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall rebellion and officially recognizes LGBT Pride:

Forty years ago, patrons and supporters of the Stonewall Inn in New York City resisted police harassment that had become all too common for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. Out of this resistance, the LGBT rights movement in America was born. During LGBT Pride Month, we commemorate the events of June 1969 and commit to achieving equal justice under law for LGBT Americans.

LGBT Americans have made, and continue to make, great and lasting contributions that continue to strengthen the fabric of American society. There are many well-respected LGBT leaders in all professional fields, including the arts and business communities. LGBT Americans also mobilized the Nation to respond to the domestic HIV/AIDS epidemic and have played a vital role in broadening this country’s response to the HIV pandemic.

Due in no small part to the determination and dedication of the LGBT rights movement, more LGBT Americans are living their lives openly today than ever before. I am proud to be the first President to appoint openly LGBT candidates to Senate-confirmed positions in the first 100 days of an Administration. These individuals embody the best qualities we seek in public servants, and across my Administration — in both the White House and the Federal agencies — openly LGBT employees are doing their jobs with distinction and professionalism.

The LGBT rights movement has achieved great progress, but there is more work to be done. LGBT youth should feel safe to learn without the fear of harassment, and LGBT families and seniors should be allowed to live their lives with dignity and respect.

My Administration has partnered with the LGBT community to advance a wide range of initiatives. At the international level, I have joined efforts at the United Nations to decriminalize homosexuality around the world. Here at home, I continue to support measures to bring the full spectrum of equal rights to LGBT Americans. These measures include enhancing hate crimes laws, supporting civil unions and Federal rights for LGBT couples, outlawing discrimination in the workplace, ensuring adoption rights, and ending the existing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy in a way that strengthens our Armed Forces and our national security. We must also commit ourselves to fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic by both reducing the number of HIV infections and providing care and support services to people living with HIV/AIDS across the United States.

These issues affect not only the LGBT community, but also our entire Nation. As long as the promise of equality for all remains unfulfilled, all Americans are affected. If we can work together to advance the principles upon which our Nation was founded, every American will benefit. During LGBT Pride Month, I call upon the LGBT community, the Congress, and the American people to work together to promote equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2009 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon the people of the United States to turn back discrimination and prejudice everywhere it exists.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

BARACK OBAMA

Word of the Gay: "Wife"

"Wife" can be used to refer to a female partner, or to an effeminate male partner in a same-sex relationship. The term can also be used pejoratively against male couples, to insinuate that one of the men is passive.