Rock the Vote With an Obama PRIDE T-Shirt!

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

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

Click Here to Order an Obama Pride T-Shirt!

Stonewall Democrats: John McCain's PRIDE Message

New video by Stonewall Democrats showcasing John McCain's anti-LGBT voting record. Please pass this video around and let's get the truth out about Senator John McCain and his homophobic agenda.

We Will Have Nunn of That!

"Noted gays are urging the Obama campaign to back away from any consideration of former Sen. Sam Nunn as a potential running mate, pointing to his "No" vote in the 1996 ENDA battle (which lost by only one vote) and his 1993 orchestration of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

Call & email the Obama campaign and tell him Queers say NO to Nunn! http://my.barackobama.com/page/s/contact2

*H/T to JoeMyGod for the story.

"Why I'm Voting Republican!"

I couldn't resist sharing this fantastic video. It isn't specifically queer, however, there is a lesbian couple in it talking about their denial of marriage rights.

Please spread this video far and wide...

Open Forum: Your Queer Swing Political Issue

The Queer movement has a large number of faces, races, identities, and sets of problems/controversies that we face. What is your #1 issue when it comes to Queer politics, and why? I will list a couple of big ones but please don't feel limited to those select few, obviously different sub-sets and communities within the broader LGBTQIA umbrella have their own set of issues and agendas.

Some popular issues: Marriage Equality, Adoption Rights, Immigration Equality, Employment Non-Discrimination, Trans-Inclusivity, (Queer Positive) Safe-Sex Ed, Repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell Policy, Intersex Genital Mutilation, Hate Crimes, HIV/AIDS, Domestic Violence.

Thank Members of the Newly Formed LGBT Caucus!

Congressman Barney Frank and Tammy Baldwin have announced the formation of the newly formed Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives.

"The mission of the LGBT Equality Caucus is to achieve the extension of equal rights, the repeal of discriminatory laws, the elimination of hate-motivated violence and the improved health and well being for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression."

The following are the 52 congressional members of the LGBT caucus. Please take a moment to thank your state representatives for standing up for LGBT equality.

Click here to contact your representatives!

Rob Andrews (D-NJ), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Xavier Becerra (D-CA), Lois Capps (D-CA), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Joseph Crowley (D-NY), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Keith Ellison (D-MN), Barney Frank (D-MA), Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ), Mike Honda (D-CA), Barbara Lee (D-CA), James McGovern (D-MA), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Linda Sánchez (D-CA), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Hilda Solis (D-CA), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Henry Waxman (D-CA), Anthony Weiner (D-NY), Peter Welch (D-VT), Howard Berman (D-CA), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Robert Brady (D-PA), Michael Capuano (D-MA), Susan Davis (D-CA), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Eliot Engel (D-NY), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Luis Gutierrez (D-IL), Phil Hare (D-IL), Rush Holt (D-NJ), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), Patrick Kennedy (D-RI), Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Doris Matsui (D-CA), James Moran (D-VA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-Washington, D.C.), Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Steven Rothman (D-NJ), José Serrano (D-NY), Chris Shays (R-CT), Pete Stark (D-CA), Betty Sutton (D-OH), Ellen Tauscher (D-CA), Niki Tsongas (D-MA), Robert Wexler (D-FL), Lynn Woolsey (D-CA).

For more info on the news check out Pride Source

John McCain Bad for America, Bad for Queers!

A Record of Opposing the Interests of GLBT Americans

"OPPOSED Ending Discrimination Against GLBT Americans in the Workplace. Senator McCain cast a deciding vote against the federal Employment Non Discrimination Act.

OPPOSED Protecting GLBT Americans from Hate Crimes. Senator McCain voted three times against expanding the federal hate crimes law to include sexual orientation.

PROPONENT of Discriminatory Military Policy. Senator McCain supports Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and does not believe that gays should serve in the military.

OPPONENT of Equal Benefits for Same-Sex Couples. Senator McCain voted for the Defense of Marriage Act which prohibits same-sex couples from receiving federal rights and benefits in any state.

ACTIVELY SUPPORTED State Ban on Domestic Partnerships. Senator McCain campaigned for a ban on same-sex relationship recognition in his home state of Arizona – even appearing in a campaign television ad.

SUPPORTED the Confirmation of Anti-GLBT Equality Judges. Senator McCain voted to confirm President Bush’s judicial nominees who had taken anti-GLBT positions. He has pointed to Justice Samuel Alito as a role model for future Supreme Court appointments.

SUPPORTED a Discriminatory HIV/AIDS Policy. Senator McCain supported a Jesse Helms strategy to cut off funding for prevention efforts aimed at the gay community and voted to prohibit foreign nationals with HIV from immigrating to the United States."

HRC - Year to Win 2008

Log Cabin Republicans Endorse LGBT-Friendly Conservatives

According to the Washington Blade:

"The Log Cabin Republicans, a national gay group, announced its first wave of endorsements for incumbent candidates in the House and Senate Tuesday.

The organization endorses the following candidates for re-election:
Senators Gordon Smith (R-Ore.)
Susan Collins (R-Maine)
Rep Mary Bono Mack (R-Calif.)
Rep Mark Kirk (R-Ill.)
Rep Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.)
Rep Christopher Shays (R-Conn.)

“We’re proud to endorse these six lawmakers for re-election,” said Log Cabin President Patrick Sammon. “They’re strong allies and they have excellent records on issues of basic fairness for gay and lesbian Americans. They have stood with us. We are proud to stand with them during the upcoming campaign. We look forward to helping them win re-election."

Equality Maine Needs Our Help!

Action Alert from Equality Maine:

"On Tuesday, June 10th, primary voters will be asked to sign a petition supporting a referendum that would strip basic protections from LGBT Mainers and their families.

Voters have every right to sign that petition. But we want them to know what they're really signing: a measure that would

* Erase all the non-discrimination protections we've fought so hard to win
* End funding for school civil rights teams, which have played a vital role in combating harassment of all kinds
* Prohibit unmarried couples from jointly adopting, a move that would threaten the best interest of children

We also want to offer a better choice for fair-minded Mainers to sign: a statement of support for equality for all people in this state.

Help EqualityMaine build a presence at hundreds of polling places around Maine. Volunteer with us on June 10th.

Because if enough voters sign that petition, we'll face another anti-equality referendum battle in November 2009.

Every hour you can give on primary day will make a difference. Email our field organizer, Matt Moonen, at mmoonen@equalitymaine.org by May 30 to sign up. He'll get back to you with more information about volunteer training and scheduling."

Action Alert to Support Family Values!

"GLBT Americans pay federal taxes like everyone else, yet they don't qualify for the basic federal protections that married couples and their children can count on. It's blatantly unequal.

GLBT people work hard to provide for their families. Tell Congress that the assets, health, jobs and rights of GLBT people deserve equal protection under the law.

* The Domestic Partnership Benefits Obligations Act (H.R. 4838, S. 2521)
* Tax Equity for Health Plan Beneficiaries (H.R. 1820, S. 1556)
* Family and Medical Leave Act (H.R. 2792)

These three bills bring together a pro-family, pro-equality legislative agenda that seeks to secure equal treatment under federal law for GLBT individuals, same-sex couples, and their children."

Fill out this fast & simple form to contact your elected officials, click here

Frequently Asked Questions about Same-Sex Marriage in California

I came across this great informative article on Lesbian Life:

"Answers to Your Questions About California and Gay Marriage

Now that the highest court in California has deemed that the state must allow gay marriages, you probably have a lot of questions about what that means. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about California's gay marriage law.

I was married in San Francisco in in 2004. Is my marriage legal now?
No. Those marriages were nullified in 2004.

When can gays and lesbians get married in California?
The California Supreme Court ruled that banning gay and lesbian couples from marrying is unconstitutional on May 15, 2008. The court gave 30 days for the state to begin marrying same-sex couples, so by June 16, 2008, gays and lesbians will be able to marry in California.

We have a California Domestic Partnership, do we need to dissolve that before we can be married?
No.

What's the difference between a California Domestic Partnership and Marriage?
You can be married to the same person you have a domestic partnership with. (Not someone else.) Having both can't hurt.

I live in another state, can I be married in California?
Yes. There is no residency requirement to get married in California

Will my California marriage be recognized in my home state?
Most likely not. Most states have bans on gay marriage. Your California marriage will probably be recognized in states that recognize gay marriage, which as of this writing is Massachusetts and New York.

Will the federal government recognize California same-sex marriages?
No. Because of the federal Defense of Marriage Act only marriages between a man and a woman are recognized by the federal government. This means married gay couples cannot not file joint federal tax returns, sponsor their spouse for immigration purposes or receive federal benefits such as Social Security.

Can the ruling be overturned?
The only way the ruling can be overturned is by an amendment to California's constitution. Anti-gay groups have all ready been collecting signatures to try and put a measure on the November 2008 ballot that would amend the state constitution.

What will happen to the married couples if that measure passes?
The California attorney general's office says the issue is unclear. What will probably happen is the issue will be fought out in the legal system."

Open Forum: Queer Liberationist or Gay Assimilationist?

There are two opposing political viewpoints when it comes to advocacy and than of course there are a variety of more moderate middleground opinions that fall in between the Queer Liberationists and Gay Assimilationist camps.

Gay Assimilationists - This ideology is to make gay/lesbian people seem like average, normal everyday citizens in the eyes of the general public. They want to make the case that gay families deserve equal rights and recognition and they want what everyone else wants: a house with a white picket fence and 2.5 kids. Some Gay Assimilationists are not inclusive of Bisexuals or Transgender people because they feel these groups hurt the gay rights movement. This is not the case for all Assimilationists and many seek to include all LGBT people and create a sense of assimilation into the general society. Gay Assimilationists often seek to advance their agenda through corporate sponsorships and see getting big business and government on their side as a way to advance equality. The assimilationists strive to paint the LGBT community as being no different than the heterosexual world and just want to fit in. They want the rights to marriage, the rights to adoption, to serve freely and openly in the military. Part of achieving these means, Gay Assimilationists seek to tone down the sexual aspect of gay pride, they feel that sexuality is one component of gay relationships and seek to emphasize much more the loving, financial, community, and faith based aspects of LGBT relationships.

Queer Liberationists - This camp of political theory views gender and sexuality in non-conformist ways. They do not apologize for the differences of Queer individuals and do not seek to "fit in". They embrace the idea of "We're Here, We're Queer, Get Used to it!" and believe society must change to accept them rather than they change to mold into hetero-normative society. Queer Liberationists are often but not always concerned with Queer issues as they relate not only to LGBT people but also to capitalism, anti-militarism, sexism, racism and other aspects of social justice. They are less concerned with same-sex marriage, adoption, and don't ask don't tell. Many times but not always they are against the institution of marriage altogether, feel gays are liberated from the idea of raising kids, and are against gays serving in the military because they are anti-military to begin with. Queer Liberationists often disagree with the idea of corporate partnerships and having big business and government intervene in LGBT issues. Queer Liberationists do not seek to hide their sexuality and gender expression, they seek to embrace it and encourage what has conventionally been frowned upon as inappropriate.

These are two diametrically opposed political camps. Most people have various opinions that don't fall so heavily into one party or the other. Where do you lie and what are your thoughts?

U.K. Campaign Against Homophobic Bullying

The Liberal Democrats have launched a campaign to end homophobic bullying in schools across the U.K.

The call is for the following to support and protect the victims of homophobic bullying:

1. Homophobic taunts and name calling in schools should be challenged immediately by staff.

2. All schools' anti-bullying policies should be required to include measures specifically to deal with homophobic bullying.

3. At least one teacher in every school should undergo training which includes how to tackle homophobic bullying.

Please sign the petition which will be sent to the House of Commons and Lords as part on ongoing work to amend the current Education and Inspections Bill to tackle this problem

http://www.libdems.org.uk/campaigns/stop-homophobic-bullying.html

Queers United Supports Barack Obama

Queers United stands firmly in support of Barack Obama for president because of his principles of fairness and equality for all citizens. Many in the Queer community support Hillary Clinton who is also an ally for LGBT equality but there are some distinctions between them which make Obama more suitable.

Hillary Clinton does not support repeal of Defense of Marriage Act.

Barack Obama's Stance:

-Supports civil unions

-Supports the repeal of (Defense of Marriage Act)

-Supports repealing Don't Ask Don't Tell Policy

-Supports expanding federal hate crimes to include sexual orientation/gender identity

-Supports Employment Non-discrimination Act

-Supports adoption rights by LGBT families

-Committed to fighting HIV/AIDS on a global level

-Opposed to a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage

Check out more information on Obama's Pride website:
http://pride.barackobama.com/page/content/lgbthome

HRC Launches "Year to Win"

The Human Rights Campaign's "Year to Win" campaign has announced pro-equality candidates it endorses, has the option to pledge to vote, and donate to pro-equity candidates and see where they stand on the issues.

"2008 U.S. Senate endorsements by the Human Rights Campaign as of April 28, 2008:

Max Baucus, D-MT

Joe Biden, D-DE

Susan Collins, R-ME

Dick Durbin, D-IL

Al Franken, D-MN

Tom Harkin, D-IA

John Kerry, D-MA

Mary Landrieu, D-LA

Frank Lautenberg, D-NJ

Carl Levin, D-MI

Jack Reed, D-RI

Jeanne Shaheen, D-NH

Mark Udall, D-CO

Tom Udall, D-NM"

Join MoveOn.org in Pressuring John McCain

Influential right-wing conservative pastor John Hagee has endorsed John McCain for president, the mainstream media has ignored the controversial and radical comments by this leader. Pastor Hagee has said hurricane Katrina was God's punishment for an upcoming gay pride parade that was scheduled. He has made bigoted comments against the Catholic church as well. Moveon.org is protesting John McCain's visit to Louisiana today and calling on him to speak out against these anti-gay, bigoted viewpoints.

Please sign the MoveOn petition and hold John McCain accountable for his allegiance to this homophobe

http://pol.moveon.org/mccain_pander/?r_by=-9222762-XOMBpM&rc=paste

Video of his hateful rhetoric:

More Queer Papal Protests/Vigils

An Interfaith Vigil of Hope:

Saturday, April 19: 6-7pm,

on the eve of the Pope’s visit to Ground Zero & in memory of Fr. Mychal Judge.
With members of New York's LGBT community we will “remember our families and friends who died in the World Trade Center Tragedy, and pray for change of heart, for an end to prejudice, for understanding, peace, and reconciliation."

Meet outside St. Paul's Chapel at Broadway & Fulton St at 6 pm. From there the candle light vigil will walk to the corner of Church and Vesey Streets where the body of Fr. Mychal Judge was first placed on 9/11. Bring your own candle.

A 7-foot banner painting of Mychal Judge, by Brooklyn artist Ian Hart, will be unfurled at the vigil. The banner depicts scenes from his life of reconciliation and compassionate caring, including as Fire Chaplain, with Chinese immigrant-survivors of the Golden Venture wreck, walking with his St Francis Aids Ministry in the Pride parade, and at Long Kesh Prison in the North of Ireland. The event will call attention to the important role gay clergy have played in the Catholic Church.

CONTACT: Brendan Fay: 718-721-2780.

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Counter-protest Westboro Baptist Church AKA: "God Hates Fags"
The following may likely have counter-gay protests, but I don't have a source as of yet to confirm, anyone know?
Ground Zero possible counter protest of anti-gay Fred Phelps clan:
Reverend Fred Phelps' virulently anti-gay Westboro Baptist Church will demonstrate at Trinity Place and Liberty Streets on Sunday at 8:30 a.m. by Ground Zero in Manhattan.

Yankee Stadium sossible counter protest of Anti-Gay Fred Phelps clan:

Later in the day they will picket the pope's Yankee Stadium Mass at 161st Street and River Avenue in the Bronx from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Embrace Your BillO'phobia!

Check out this video by Media Matters, it is a small sampling of the many anti-gay things Bill O'Reilly has said on his Fox News show. His show is reaching an audience of millions of Americans per night, and he must be held accountable for his hateful rhetoric.

Contact Bill O'Reilly and Fox News and tell them to cut out their homophobic and transphobic coverage.

Email: oreilly@foxnews.com

Email: Comments@foxnews.com

Phone: 1-888-369-4762

Fox General Contact Form:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,77538,00.html

Urge Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach to Add Sexuality to Human Rights Code

According to Slap Upside The Head:

"Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach has announced that he will not bring Alberta’s Human Rights code up to date with the rest of Canada this legislative session.

Alberta is currently the only Canadian province that doesn’t include protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation in its human rights code. While Stelmach told the Calgary SUN that adding these protections is “one of several issues under review” for future sessions, he offered no timeline or hints of priority, saying the changes would not be simple."

Please use the form below to contact Premier Ed Stelmach to move swiftly to bring about this important piece of legislation.
http://premier.alberta.ca/contact/