Queers United stands firmly in support of Barack Obama for president because of his principles of fairness and equality for all citizens. Barack Obama is rated 89% by the Human Rights Campaign (indicating a pro-gay rights voting record). In contrast John McCain is rated 33% by HRC (indicating a mixed gay rights voting record).
The following is a snippet of a long paper I wrote for a Queer studies class, I figured no time like the present to defend my position on outing.
Outing is the act of someone disclosing someone else’s alleged sexual orientation or gender identity without their consent and making it public. The act of outing has been used as a form of revenge, and as a political, social, and emotional tactic to expose truth, and institute awareness and change. The people who are usually targets of outing are generally in a position of power or hold some form of prestige within their respective communities or within the society at large. The tactic of outing has largely been a controversial topic within the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) community. There are different schools of thought that take on the issue with varying degrees of fervor that are in favor, in opposition to outing, or a middle ground choice. People in favor of outing often cite hypocrisy, revenge, and exposure as their main motivation for engaging in the act. People who oppose outing generally feel that the act is unfair, reflects negatively on the queer community and is an insincere motive because it disregards a person’s right to explore and determine their own identity. Opponents of outing feel that it is an unnecessary tactic that does not yield positive results.
As with all political issues, there lies a continuum of opinions on outing within the gay community. I personally believe outing to be a strong and persuasive technique that has and can further be used to foster awareness and create social and political change. I support efforts to out those whom I deem as hypocrites, and by that I mean someone who preaches or votes in opposition to LGBTQ equality and civil rights legislation. On the other hand I am not in favor of outing people who wish to remain private about their own sexuality, while not actively campaigning against or in favor of gay rights. I feel we must work to expose the truth of those who work against us, while keeping silent on those who we suspect to be queer, but do not hold prejudices against us. We must remember the closet where we came from and where others may very well still be struggling with their own individual identities.
I feel that while outing may be controversial for a variety of reasons, it is still an important and useful social and political tactic. I think the positions completely for or against outing are both “radical” and unreasonable. I believe the stance that I take is more of a middle ground and reasonable approach based in logic, as well as sincerity and compassion. I think outing as a general rule needs to be used objectively and subjectively. Individual scenarios and consequences need to be taken into account before action is taken, because every situation is different. I believe in outing hypocrites who speak prejudice, and advocate for discriminatory legislation against the LGBTQ community, while they themselves hide or reject their own homo or transsexuality. I agree whole heartedly with a well known gay African-American activist, Keith Boykin when he says “it doesn’t matter if you’re a preacher, a performer or a politician. Your right to privacy ends when you violate my right to liberty” (Boykin). The people who seek to hurt queer people in my opinion lose their right to privacy. I feel that after one seeks to destroy the rights of others, they effectively should be taken down by using political power and social capital as a weapon of attack.
A reliable source and friend has told Queers United that Mike Rogers of Blog Active, in 30 minutes will present video of the Roy Cohn Award being delivered to Mark Buse, Senator John McCain's Chief of Staff and lobbyist on Capitol Hill who is a closeted gay person.
To hear the outing LIVE tune into The Michelangelo Signorile Show on Sirus Satellite Radio at 2:15 PM EST.
Video below of Mike Rogers delivering the award:
Home video footage of Mark Buse and his former partner:
Thanks to the hard work of Mike Rogers and Michelangelo Signorile for exposing this closeted gay man who is critical in helping anti-gay John McCain rise to power.
Michelle Obama the wife of U.S. Presidential candidate Barack Obama has addressed the Democratic National Committee's LGBT Caucus at the convention. Below is a clip of the short speech she gave to LGBT delegates present at the convention.
Democratic presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama (IL) has selected Senator Joe Biden (DE) to be his vice-presidential pick.
Let's take a closer look at where Senator Biden stands on LGBT issues.
PRO's:
*Supports repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell Policy that bars gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military.
"Our allies -- the British, the French, all our major allies -- gays openly serve. I don't know the last time an American soldier said to a backup from a Brit, "Hey, by the way, let me check. Are you gay? Are you straight?" This is ridiculous."
"Well, I think it probably is because social mores change. But I don't think the government can dictate the definition of marriage to religious institutions. But government does have an obligation to guarantee that every individual is free of discrimination. And there's a distinction. I think government should not be able to dictate to religions the definition of marriage, but on a civil side, government has the obligation to strip away every vestige of discrimination as to what individuals are able to do in terms of their personal conduct."
"The state’s largest GLBT Advocacy group, Equality Maine, has endorsed Tom Allen (D-Portland) for Senate. Allen, a current U.S. Representative, is challenging Sen. Susan Collins (R-Bangor.)
Equality Maine’s executive director, Betsy Smith, said in a release:
“Throughout his long career, Congressman Allen has supported fairness and equality while opposing discrimination. His voting record on LGBT issues is exceptional. He has worked to eliminate discrimination in jobs, housing, public accommodations and financial matters, and we look forward to working with him to win fully-inclusive federal employment non-discrimination legislation.”
Cross posted from the Gay Agenda
"The Log Cabin Republicans, a national gay group, announced its first wave of endorsements for incumbent candidates in the House and Senate.
More information on these lawmakers:
“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.
“These members of Congress represent the future of the Republican Party,” said Sammon. “They support a unifying agenda and they believe, as we do, that the Republican Party must be a big tent party that welcomes everyone.”
“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."
"If you want to order a custom made outdoor banner (25 character limit) from McCain’s website store - price $25.00 - here are the limitations given: “Demeaning or derogatory names or phrases are not acceptable”, and “All personalized banners are subject to content approval by the John McCain 2008 campaign.” No other limitations are mentioned.
You can buy ready-made signs with “Veterans for McCain”, “Sportsmen for McCain”, “Asians & Pacific American” for McCain. And you can also get ready-made T-shirts with “Jewish Americans for McCain” or “Business Leaders for McCain”.
So when Craig Brownstein who is a Democrat, gay and a supporter of McCain’s campaign for president tried to get a sign made saying “A Proud Gay Democrat for John McCain”, he got a call from a site representative rejecting the text.
Brownstein says, “I was told it could only be personalized with names.” They would for instance, accept “Craig and Doug for John McCain."
If you have any "customer service inquiries" you can contact the John McCain for President Store below:
e-mail - customerservice@goptrunk.com
phone - 877-542-1426
Crossposted from Bruce Blog
We’re here, we’re queer, get used to it! We can march in the streets, and shout as loud as we want but without a vocal voice in government we stand little chance of passing equality legislation for our friends, family and loved ones.
It is imperative that all Queer people and allies are registered to vote, so our voice can be heard on issues of Queer Equity and other issues facing the nation. The upcoming November election is nearing, and you can still register and make a difference!
Register here through the Human Rights Campaign:
http://www.hrc.org/nov2006/register.htmGLBT Political Party Websites:
http://www.stonewalldemocrats.org- Official LGBT democratic organization
http://www.logcabin.org- Official LGBT republican organization
http://www.outrightusa.org- Queer Libertarian representation
http://www.lavendergreens.us- Queer Green Party representationGLBT sites endorsing pro-equality Candidates
http://www.victoryfund.org- Endorsing LGBT politicians on a state, local, and federal level.
http://www.gaypolitics.com- Blogging updates on Queer candidates and those in power.
http://www.equalitygiving.org- Online donor community for LGBT community
http://www.glli.org- Training and supporting LGBT candidates
Never has a candidate for president made LGBT equality such a prominent part of his message for America. This is a video collage of several speeches from the landmark speech to the Democratic National Committee Convention in 2004, to his announcement of his candidacy for president. Obama has consistently brought up the message of equality for LGBT America.
http://pride.barackobama.com/page/content/lgbthome
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!
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.
"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.
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...
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.
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
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
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."
"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."
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