Word of the Gay: "MOTSS"

"MOTSS" is an acronym to refer to members of the same sex.

The Weekly Queer Roundup

This week we have witnessed our fair share of ups and downs for the community. The house has passed the historic Murphy amendment giving the green light towards repealing Don't Ask Don't Tell. Not all are happy about this compromise, and the truth of the matter is openly LGB servicemembers can still be kicked out. This policy is only one violation in a world where being queer can mean imprisonment, torture, and the death penalty. Case in point was a Malawi couple who had been imprisoned, but has since been pardoned. On a less important but interesting note, scientists have proven that gaydar does exist. Other interesting thought provoking points brought up are the fact that sex is part of sexuality and the question of whether a celibate person can be straight. This week props go to atheists who worship the boot to shun an anti-gay preacher. Leaving the best for last, what I find most amazing is the thought process behind Christian Newswire which claims that Ellen's lesbianism has ruined American Idol.

UFC Fighter Quinton Jackson: "Acting is Kind of Gay"

Quinton "Rampage" Jackson a UFC fighter who has recently turned to acting has some not so gay friendly words to say about the acting industry.

"Acting is kind of gay," Jackson said. "It makes you soft. You got all these people combing your hair and putting a coat over your shoulders when you're cold. I don't want a coat over my shoulders! I'm a tough-ass [individual]!"

"Vancouver strikes me as a San Francisco-kind of place," he continued. "And I don't want [individuals] getting ideas about me. I feel in my heart I'm the toughest [individual] on the planet. And I don't want nothing changing my train of thought. If you don't believe that when we step inside the octagon, it shows." (LA Times)

Some of the toughest wrestlers, boxers, and athletes out there have been gay. It's a shame that "Rampage" buys into the queer stereotypes.

Jackson can be contacted via Twitter.

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: "Identity Sphere"

An "identity sphere" is the concept that gender identity and expression is too fluid to fit in a linear model. The sphere allows for gender formations to flourish without the ranking of one expression as being better than another.

President Obama's Proclamation for LGBT Pride Month

LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER PRIDE MONTH, 2010

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

As Americans, it is our birthright that all people are created equal and deserve the same rights, privileges, and opportunities. Since our earliest days of independence, our Nation has striven to fulfill that promise. An important chapter in our great, unfinished story is the movement for fairness and equality on behalf of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. This month, as we recognize the immeasurable contributions of LGBT Americans, we renew our commitment to the struggle for equal rights for LGBT Americans and to ending prejudice and injustice wherever it exists.

LGBT Americans have enriched and strengthened the fabric of our national life. From business leaders and professors to athletes and first responders, LGBT individuals have achieved success and prominence in every discipline. They are our mothers and fathers, our sons and daughters, and our friends and neighbors. Across my Administration, openly LGBT employees are serving at every level. Thanks to those who came before us -- the brave men and women who marched, stood up to injustice, and brought change through acts of compassion or defiance -- we have made enormous progress and continue to strive for a more perfect union.

My Administration has advanced our journey by signing into law the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which strengthens Federal protections against crimes based on gender identity or sexual orientation. We renewed the Ryan White CARE Act, which provides life-saving medical services and support to Americans living with HIV/AIDS, and finally eliminated the HIV entry ban. I also signed a Presidential Memorandum directing hospitals receiving Medicare and Medicaid funds to give LGBT patients the compassion and security they deserve in their time of need, including the ability to choose someone other than an immediate family member to visit them and make medical decisions.

In other areas, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced a series of proposals to ensure core housing programs are open to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. HUD also announced the first-ever national study of discrimination against members of the LGBT community in the rental and sale of housing. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services has created a National Resource Center for LGBT Elders.

Much work remains to fulfill our Nation's promise of equal justice under law for LGBT Americans. That is why we must give committed gay couples the same rights and responsibilities afforded to any married couple, and repeal the Defense of Marriage Act. We must protect the rights of LGBT families by securing their adoption rights, ending employment discrimination against LGBT Americans, and ensuring Federal employees receive equal benefits. We must create safer schools so all our children may learn in a supportive environment. I am also committed to ending "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" so patriotic LGBT Americans can serve openly in our military, and I am working with the Congress and our military leadership to accomplish that goal.

As we honor the LGBT Americans who have given so much to our Nation, let us remember that if one of us is unable to realize full equality, we all fall short of our founding principles. Our Nation draws its strength from our diversity, with each of us contributing to the greater whole. By affirming these rights and values, each American benefits from the further advancement of liberty and justice for all.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2010 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this month by fighting prejudice and discrimination in their own lives and everywhere it exists.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA

Word of the Gay: "On T"

"On T" is a phrase commonly used by FTM's who are on the hormone testosterone.

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.

This year shareholder support for adding LGBT protections to the non-discrimination policy went down by a whopping 18 percent. In total 78% of Exxonmobil shareholders are opposed to adding sexual orientation and gender identity/expression to their policy.

It is imperative that we continue to let them know of our concern as well as to ensure a community wide boycott.

E-contact Form for Exxon-Mobil

Word of the Gay: "Internalized Oppression"

"Internalized oppression" is when a member of an oppressed group accepts the false stereotypes that have been applied to the group.

Take Action: DADT Repeal Bill to be Voted on Today!

The President has signed onto a deal to move full steam ahead with a repeal of the military's 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' policy. The deal likely will allow for the bill to be voted on today in the House & Senate Armed Services Committee. The majority of the American populace supports repeal and insiders say they have the necessary votes. While there are ups and downs to the proposed bill it is nonetheless a historic piece of legislation that must be approved.

Take action with HRC to demand your representatives vote in favor of repealing this anti-gay policy.

Email congress and tweet your lawmakers.

Also be sure to call congress at (202) 224-3121.

Word of the Gay: "Lesbian Baiting"

"Lesbian baiting" is when the media or individuals presume and publicize that a woman without a male partner or who enjoys the company of other women is a lesbian.

Blogging for LGBT Families Day on June 1st

June 1st marks the fifth annual 'Blogging for LGBT Families Day'. Over the past five years, hundreds of bloggers from around the world have participated, including lesbian moms, gay dads, bisexual parents, transgender parents, adult children of LGBT parents, LGBT individuals without children, and straight allies. Some bloggers told stories about their paths to parenthood, or tales about their children; some wrote about LGBT relatives or friends; others discussed current political events; and several spoke of why their faith obliges them to support LGBT rights.

Click here to participate and check out postings from prior years.

Word of the Gay: "Male Lesbian"

A "male lesbian" is a male-bodied individual who identifies as a lesbian both in their physical attraction and interest in queer women's culture.

Miller Lite Ads Invoke the Straight Man's Fear of Being Perceived as Sissy

MillerCoors a beer company marketing its Miller Lite brand has created two commercials that embraces sexist and transphobic ideas. One commercial features a man asking the bartender for a light beer. She asks him if he cares how it tastes and since he doesn't she tells him that when he starts caring he should "take off his skirt" and get a Miller Lite. The man looks obviously humiliated and the commercial then says "man up" He then goes to his friends saying "check it out, I lost the skirt and got a Miller Lite."



The other ad features a man asking the bartender for a light beer, she asks if he cares how it tastes. He responds that he does not, and she says "when you start caring put down your purse and I'll give you a Miller Lite."



What do these commercials teach us? That women can't handle a "real beer" and that men who drink other light beers are sissies. In order to fit the image of a true masculine heterosexual male, you should lose the "skirt or purse" by purchasing a Miller Lite.

Tell MillerCoors to drop this sexist and genderphobic ad.

Contact MillerCoors corporate offices via e-contact or by phone at 1-800-645-5376.

Rep Roskam: Talk of Repealing DADT "Manipulating & Dishonoring" of Troops

During an appearance on WLS Radio's Don Wade & Roma this morning, Illinois GOP Rep. Peter Roskam of the 6th district knocked efforts to repeal the military's anti-gay 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' policy which bars openly gay, lesbian, and bisexual people from serving in the military. The congressman suggested that the mere conversation about possible repeal of the policy is "manipulating and doesn't honor" the troops.

ROSKAM: We've got to focus on jobs and the economy. What the American public is very reluctant about, and I think deeply resents, is the idea of using our national military for politics -- moving a political agenda and manipulating the military in the process. And it just seems completely incongruous. It doesn't honor the people that are serving in the military, it doesn't hold them in high esteem. Instead, it says we're gong to manipulate you and we're going to use you as a foil in this great debate that we're having across our country. You know what, let's have the great debate, but let's not use these folks as a pawn in this political game.

Tell the congressman that the only thing manipulative and dishonorable is not allowing troops to serve openly.

507 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-4561
E-contact form
Twitter

H/T to Progress Illinois for the news tip.

FedEx Reverses Policy, Now Offers Benefits to Same-Sex Employees

FedEx a mega logistics and delivery company has made a positive step forward by offering protections to same-sex couples who are in domestic partnerships. The company previously invoked the federal Defense of Marriage Act as defense for not offering equal health benefits to LGBT employees. The company has also recently expanded their nondiscrimination policy to be inclusive of transgender workers.

Use the customer service form to applaud their decision to join the ranks of other corporations moving towards employee equity.

Web Spotlight: Gay Geeks

Gay Geeks is a forum for gay geeks of all types to hang out, chat, debate, rant, occasionally flirt shamelessly, and just generally chill.

Coming Soon: 'Gary & Tony Have a Baby'

CNN's Soledad O'Brien's "In America" will feature a documentary called 'Gary & Tony Have a Baby' which is scheduled to appear this June.

CNN snippet:

"Gary Spino and Tony Brown have been on the forefront of gay activism all of their lives, but now they want the most traditional thing anyone can want -- marriage and a baby. Follow their journey as they struggle against the legal and personal obstacles -- can these two men achieve a life as mainstream as their parents?"



June 24 at 8 p.m. ET on CNN

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.

Campaign to MILK Twitter!

In honor of Harvey Milk's birthday please make sure to get #MILK trending on Twitter. With millions of people accessing this micro-blogging site daily it is critical that people the world over hear the message and know the great hero that is Harvey Milk.

Join me in celebrating Harvey Milk Day.

Make #MILK a trending topic

Open Forum: What Does Harvey Milk Mean to You?

Slain LGBT civil rights hero Harvey Milk would turn 80 today if he were still alive. Now California has recognized Harvey Milk Day as an official day to recognize his impact on the movement towards equality and justice. Even though he is gone, he has left a legacy and inspired a new generation of activists to stand up, be proud, and demand full equality.

What does Harvey Milk mean to you and what are you doing to celebrate and honor him today?

Harvey Milk Day of Action May 22nd

Saturday, May 22 has been officially designated Harvey Milk Day by the state of California, and would have been Harvey Milk’s 80th birthday. In February, Equality Across America put out a call to action for activists across the country to celebrate Harvey Milk's legacy and continue the demand for full federal equality. “I have tasted freedom. I will not give up that which I have tasted. I have a lot more to drink.” – Harvey Milk

For a listing of events taking place nationwide click here.

The Weekly Queer Roundup

So you may ask what craziness has gone on in the world of FABGLITTER or is Lavender Menace more apropos? Well, sexuality wasn't always so shameful and hidden, 30,000 years ago people knew how to have fun. Maybe we should forward that "traditional values" article to Mark Souder, the latest "family values" republican caught with his pants down. If you thought his hypocrisy is batshit crazy, you haven't seen nothing yet, because the Westboro Baptist Church is coming to town to protest Constance McMillan's graduation. But even as right-wing as they are they claim to support racial equality and de-segregation unlike Rand Paul who would reverse parts of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Be sure to piss off Mr. Paul by expanding the Civil Rights Act to include LGBT people. With so much hate going on and people not having the courage to speak out, I wanted to end on a more positive note. While many adults lack the intelligence or courage to fight hate, the kids will be alright.

Tell Senators to Co-Sponsor the Student Non-Discrimination Act

Senator Al Franken (D) Minnesota introduced the Student Non-Discrimination Act (SNDA) along with 22 other senate co-sponsors of the legislation. The bill will prohibit discrimination and harassment and provide for a learning environment that values respect and acceptance for all.

According to GLSEN:

Nearly 9 out of 10 LGBT students (86.2%) experience harassment at school because of their sexual orientation, and 60.8% feel unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation, according to GLSEN's 2007 National School Climate Survey.

The harassment clearly affects students' ability to learn. A third of LGBT students (32.7%) missed a day of school in the past month because of feeling unsafe, five times higher than a national sample of all students.

The following is a list of senators currently co-sponsoring the bill:

SNDA is co-sponsored by Senators Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), John Kerry (D-Mass.), Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.), Russ Feingold (D-Wisc.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Chris Dodd (D-Conn.), Mark Begich (D-Alaska), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Robert Menedez (D-N.J.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii).

Please make sure to urge your senators to join in co-sponsoring this important piece of legislation.

Contact your senators by email or by phone at (202) 224-3121.

Also be sure to lobby your congressmember on SNDA a similar bill in the house under HR 4530.

Word of the Gay: "Psychical Hermaphroditism"

"Psychical hermaphroditism" was an old term to refer to people who had inclinations towards masculinity or femininity and were bi/homosexual.

Emergency Rally Thursday on Capitol Hill to Save ENDA

Activists from GetEQUAL will hold an emergency Employment Non Discrimination Act (ENDA) protest on Capitol Hill tomorrow at noon. The action is part of a series of events during the week to pressure the congress to vote on this important piece of legislation which will bar discrimination in employment on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression.

“We’ve heard all we can stand to hear from leaders in Congress, they promised a vote this calendar year and we expect them to honor their word,” said Robin McGhee, co-founder of GetEQUAL. “As the window continues to slowly close on available legislative calendar dates to vote on ENDA in the House and in the Senate, we will continue to hold Speaker Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Reid accountable for the direct promise they made to the LGBT community. Our community has done the work to lobby and educate members of Congress on the need for a fully inclusive ENDA and now is the time to stop the talking and start the voting” (Echelon).

WHAT: Emergency Capitol Hill Protest to Save the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA)
WHEN: Thursday, May 20th, 2010
WHERE: Corner of Independence Ave SE & 1st ST SE (by the Library of Congress)
TIME: 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm (ET)

O'Reilly Compares Transgender People to Ewoks

In the legal segment Tuesday evening on Fox New's O'Reilly Factor, host Bill O'Reilly questions legal analysts Lis Wiehl and Kimberly Guilfoyle on the American Eagle decision to reverse its anti-trans policy.

In the short segment O'Reilly voiced his outrage over the fact that American Eagle caved and now allows "men to dress like women" and "women to dress like men" and to add insult to injury says that "men can now dress like Dolly Parton and be protected." Ms. Wiehl the voice of reason spoke about how gender identity is a protected class in New York state and that the clothing retailer made the right choice.

O'Reilly decided to go even further and raise the ridiculous question over whether "people should be allowed to dress like ewoks?". Wiehl attempted to respond to the insane assertion explaining how gender identity is different, but was cut off by the bullying and overpowering Mr. O'Reilly.



Complaints can be sent to oreilly@foxnews.com.

Word of the Gay: "Uncle Roy"

"Uncle Roy" is a proposed term to label anti-gay hypocrites who are themselves closeted homosexuals. The term is named after Roy Cohn a lawyer who targeted gays during the 'communist scare' of the 1950's. He opposed gay rights till he died of AIDS in 1986.

Five Myths that Hurt Intersex People

Intersex people are often shunned, shamed and made to feel invisible in a society that only thinks of sex as being solely male or female. The Intersex Roadshow compiled a list of common myths.

Myth 1: Intersex people all have intermediate genitalia

Myth 2: Intersex conditions are always diagnosed in infancy

Myth 3: All infant sex-assignment surgery is aimed at creating “female” genitalia

Myth 4: Intersex people should be genderqueer

Myth 5: “Real” intersex people are not genderqueer

Check out the link above for stories and accurate information countering these myths.

Web Spotlight: Campaign for Military Partners

The Campaign for Military Partners by Servicemembers United has been to reach out, recognize, connect, and support partners of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender military personnel.

HIV Vaccine Awareness Day

May 18th marks HIV Vaccine Awareness Day, an annual recognition of the thousands of volunteers, community leaders, health professionals, and scientists working to create a preventative vaccine against HIV. The day is designed so people learn more about the progress being made towards a vaccine and encourage people to join clinical vaccination trials.



To learn more and find out how to get involved please visit http://bethegeneration.nih.gov/

Queers United Tuesday Primary Endorsements

In looking out for the best interest of the LGBT community the following candidates are endorsed based solely on their commitment to LGBT equality as compared to their opponents. Please get out to the polls today and vote for these candidates.

Joe Sestak (D) for Senator of Pennsylvania.

Mark Critz (D) for 12th congressional seat in Pennsylvania.

Blanche Lincoln (D) for Senator of Arkansas.

Word of the Gay: "Fauxmosexual"

A "fauxmosexual" is a straight man who pretends to be gay to attract more women. The term can also refer to a celebrity who claims to be gay/lesbian as part of a publicity stunt.

Activists Plan Demo at Speaker Pelosi's Office Tomorrow Over ENDA

Activists from GetEQUAL will be protesting in front of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office in San Francisco tomorrow afternoon. They are demanding that the Employment Non Discrimination Act (ENDA) be moved for a vote in congress immediately. The Democratic party has continually promised to hold a vote on this legislation but keeps postponing it.

Tuesday, May 18 from 430-630pm
7th & Mission St.

If you can't make it to San Francisco, please, contact Speaker Pelosi's office in both SF - 415.556.4862, and, DC - (202) 225-0100.

Self Described "Proud Homophobe" Kicked Off of Elite Panel on Oil Spill

Thanks to activist outcry the Department of Energy has dropped Mr. Jonathan Katz from the oil spill elite team. His controversial writings were deemed a distraction to the groups efforts.

---

President Barack Obama has appointed self described "proud homophobe" Jonathan I. Katz a professor of Physics at Washington University to the elite panel designed to help British Petroleum find solutions to the oil spill in the Gulf. When reffering to the AIDS epidemic Mr. Katz says: "These people died so the sodomites could feel good about themselves." He has even written an article called 'In Defense of Homophobia' which can be found on his website.

Please sign on to the public letter demanding Obama fire this homophobe.

Word of the Gay: "LGBTQphobia"

"LGBTQphobia" is a relatively unknown term to describe hatred and fear directed at lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning people.

International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia

Every May 17th is the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) to show that shame should not lie in one's sexuality or gender identity but in the hatred and stereotypes that are assigned to these identities. The chosen day for this worldwide series of events is based on the fact that on this day in 1990 the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from its listing of diseases.

Facts:

• Homosexuality is still against the law in 80 countries, and penalties range from harassment and violence to imprisonment or the death penalty.

• In countries where homosexuality is legal, few protections exist and homophobic and transphobic attacks and murders are on the rise.

• Lesbian and bisexual women are often subject to taunting and rape to "teach them a lesson" and force heterosexuality upon them.

• Many gay and bisexual men are forced into horrific acts of shame and to undergo testosterone treatment in an attempt to masculinize and "de-gay" them.

• It is estimated that one transgender person is killed every three days around the world. Many of these victims remain unknown and unidentified.

Take action in the International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia to make the world a safer place for all sexual and gender minorities.

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: "Southern Belle"

A "southern belle" is a gay man who lives South of the Mason-Dixon line.

The Weekly Queer Roundup

My friend over at Womanist Musings suggested I do a weekly post on interesting articles I have come across. It's a great opportunity to spark discussion and also credit some great bloggers and journalists for their work. Feel free to comment on any of the above articles that may have sparked some thoughts.

This week we witnessed anti-gay preacher George Rekers say he isn't gay but merely has a "weakness". We have seen numerous sides to the debate about Kagan's sexuality with one blogger claiming that this is tantamount to sexual McCarthyism while another raises the point of bisexual erasure and binary thinking. Speaking of erasure and ignoring sexual diversity, people are completely ignoring that asexuals exist too! Another challenge is for those who people are aware of but don't accept differences in others, like the intersex man arrested for being himself. Even if we exist as queer people, there are politicians like congressman Steve King who want to push us deep into the closet. Don't worry though even though they try to stop us the gays are getting ready for a global make out session and Christianity is being rocked again with an openly Lesbian Episcopal Bishop! They can question us, try to "repair" us, and silence us but we queers will not have it. Full steam, ahead, next stop: Equality!

Petition Schwarzenegger to Stop "Gay Cure" Law on Books

California legislators have recently passed the bill AB 2199 which stops the Department of Mental Health from seeking a "cure" for homosexuality. All the scientific research indicates that homosexuality is not a choice, and not something that can be or need be fixed.

The bill now heads to Governor Schwarzenegger's desk for approval. Petition the Governor to sign this bill into law.

Word of the Gay: "Aunt Anita"

"Aunt Anita" is a newly proposed term to refer to anti-gay closet cases. It is a play on the anti-gay figurehead Anita Bryant of the 1970's.

Congressman King: "If Gays Don't Advertise It, They Won't Get Discriminated Against"

Congressman Steve King (R) of Iowa has defended his position against the Employment Non Discrimination Act by saying that "If you don’t project it, if you don’t advertise it, how would anyone know to discriminate against you?" The entire segment about this can be seen in the video below. Essentially Representative King is saying that gays who "flaunt" it are bringing discrimination upon themselves, and that it's their fault. This philosophy breeds a closeted environment, and one in which only cisgender and "straight acting" individuals are safe at their workplace.



Congressman King has been no stranger to controversial remarks about the LGBT community and others. It was only a year ago that he warned that gay marriage will lead to socialism.

Congressman King can be contacted below:

1131 Longworth Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: 202.225.4426

E-contact form . Twitter

Web Spotlight: Frisky Hands (Social Networking for Deaf GLBTQ's)

FriskyHands is an upcoming social networking site designed especially for the Deaf GLBTQ Community and their Friends & Admirers.

TMZ Draws Physical Comparisons Between Elena Kagan & Men

TMZ a gossip and entertainment news website is coming under criticism for attacking Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan based on her gender expression. First she was compared to "King of Queens" star Kevin James (I am highly certain there is no coincidence they selected that show). Today she was compared to transman Chaz Bono.

There has been speculation over Kagan's sexuality for some time now, some think it's a private matter, while others feel that public leaders should come out.

Regardless of how people feel about outing, and the importance of coming out, we can all agree that insulting someone based on their gender expression is unacceptable. This is as Bilerico puts it is an "open invitation to homophobia and transphobia" and that is exactly what the comments on the TMZ site by viewers express.

TMZ e-contact form for complaint.

Word of the Gay: "Goldilocks"

A "goldilocks" is a woman who prefers the company of gay bears. They are often referred to as the bear mans fag hag.

Dallas LGBT's to Protest ExxonMobil Gas Stations

Texas activists from GetEQUAL plan protests outside three ExxonMobil stations in Dallas on Friday, May 14. The company refuses to add sexual orientation and gender identity to it's non-discrimination policy. Exxon acquired Mobil ten years ago and removed LGBT protections, stripping partner benefits and non-discrimination policy language.

The company get a zero from the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index.

The rallies will take place outside ExxonMobil stations at 3716 Maple Ave, 4239 Lemmon Ave. and 2503 Lemmon Ave. in Dallas, Texas.

Coalition to Protest NYC Mayor Bloomberg's HIV/AIDS Budget Cuts

Over 40 groups will protest tomorrow at the office of NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg over massive cuts to the city's HIV/AIDS budget. The cuts affect all people with HIV/AIDS and those at risk, particularly hurt are poor and low income families, and children.

Protest: 11 AM East side of City Hall near Brooklyn Bridge Subway Station

Press conference: Located on City Hall Steps at 12.

Veterans Lobby Day on Capitol Hill

Today hundreds of LGBT veterans and allies will descend on Capitol Hill to demand a repeal of the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy which bars openly gay servicemembers. A full schedule of events can be seen at Veterans Lobby Day.

There is also a "virtual lobby day" action and no matter where you are you can engage in two minute activism to show your support for repeal. LGBT POV is encouraging us to call our members of congress and demand repeal now.

Call the Congressional switchboard at 202-224-3121, tell them where you live, and ask them to connect you to your representative’s office.

Tell the staffer who picks up: Hi, this is [YOUR NAME] from [YOUR CITY] and I’m calling to support the Veteran’s Lobby Day that’s happening today. I urge Congress to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” this year.



Also be sure to read up on the latest story of veterans from the front lines speaking up against the policy and join Howard Dean by signing the petition for repeal.

Gay Marriage = Hamster Madness

Now that ladies and gentleman is gay satire at it's finest.

H/T to Waking Up Now.

Word of the Gay: "Amazon Dyke"

An "amazon dyke" is a strong female who may not shave or be into bodybuilding.

Family Guy's Transphobic Mother's Day Episode

Family Guy an animated television series on Fox aired an extremely transphobic episode on Mother's Day. The episode called "Quagmire's Dad" was about a big life change for his father, a recognized Navy war hero veteran. The episode is filled with homophobic and transphobic language and judgment.

It starts off with the father coming to town and Quagmire's friends commenting on how "gay" the father seemed, because he exhibited gay stereotypes including an (effeminate voice, desire to entertain, drinks Cosmo's, etc). When Quagmire confronts his dad he admits he admits he is not gay but really a woman trapped inside a man's body.

Quagmire asks for support from the Griffin's, the wife Lois offers that her husband Peter will go to the hospital for the sex change operation. Lois and Peter remark that the whole thing seems "pretty gay" but that it is "obviously weird" and Lois finishes off by telling the two men that they should "enjoy the circus" referring to the hospital visitation.

In the waiting room there is the talk of "he/she" and the "penis being chopped off" an obvious disregard of using correct pronouns and propagation of the myth that transwomen remove their penis.

When Quagmire's father transitions she takes on the name Ida and is invited over to the Griffin's for dinner. She brings a pie but Lois immediately tells her daughter to throw it away. This plays on the irrational fears of interacting with trans people. Over dinner Peter asks the inappropriate question "do you miss your penis?" and asks about the legitimacy of her "knockers".

When Ida meets the Griffin's dog, they develop a relationship. The dog (Brian) is thrilled at meeting a new and wonderful woman but gets disgusted and vomits when he finds out she is transgender.

Real issues came up during the episode which explored issues such as orientation & gender identity, coming out, surgery, and family and societal acceptance of transition. Unfortunately the show misrepresented facts about the transgender experience and instead exploited trans people for a few laughs.

Fox accepts feedback on their shows, please tell them transphobic material does not belong on the air and that they should pull the show.
askfox@fox.com

Happy Mother's Day

Wishing all the moms out there a very happy and health Mother's Day. Thank you for being your kind and nurturing selves!

Queer links of interest this Mother's Day:

Lesbian Mom Meet Up Groups

Family Equality Council

Mombian

TransParentcy

TransFamily

PFLAG

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: "Bubble Gum Machine"

A "bubble gum machine" is a term used to refer to condom dispensing machines.