Open Forum: America Couldn't Handle a Gay Idol?

In what was seen as a shocking and unexpected result, Adam Lambert favored to win American Idol by fans and judges lost the title to competitor Kris Allen. Both are undeniably very talented men, but the loss raises questions as to what caused America to have a change of heart?

Many media outlets were focusing on scores of pictures of Lambert in flamboyant outfits, and kissing other males. The right-wing media was also playing up on Lambert's alleged sexuality, while also making the public aware of the "good Christian family man" Kris Allen.

There are those who argue that this is a talent competition and not something for activists on either side to get involved in, I couldn't agree more, except... When a lot of the votes appear to be based on the fact that people disliked Lambert's sexuality and gender expression, it becomes personal for the LGBT community.

Do you think Adam Lambert lost because he was a weaker contestant or because of the still largely queerphobic general population.

Dr. Phil Show: "Teen Pretending to be Bisexual?" May Not Air At All!

UPDATE: 5/09/09: It appears our efforts have been succesful! GLAAD is reporting that the Dr. Phil show is giving up on their search for "fake bisexuals", atleast for now.

When GLAAD called about concerns over the show, the response was:

"We are not planning on doing a show like this right now or in May sweeps. We are going into hiatus next week and will not be taping for a while. We have many plugs up because we are always looking for interesting stories. If a story like this should come to fruition we will attempt to contact you."

The last thing they want anyone to know is that they were pressured by activists. I truly believe it is our efforts that have led to this show not airing. If they do try and bring up a similar show in the future, we will definitely call them out on it. Thanks for all of your letters to "Dr" Phil McGraw.

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4/30/09 In an upcoming show called "Teen Pretending to be Bisexual?" The show is asking for parents to come on the show with their sons and daughters who self identify as bi.

"Is your teenager rebelling by pretending to be bi-sexual? Has your teen pretended to be bi-sexual because he/she thinks it's cool? Or has your teenage daughter pretended to be bi-sexual to attract boys?"

There are a host of problems with this proposed show. First off, it is unreasonable and irresponsible to guess someones sexual orientation/identity. It is offensive to assert that someone is lying about their sexual orientation, it is their own individual choice on how to self identify. Thirdly, the show is operating on the premise that bisexuality is just a "trend" and that it is used to draw attention from males.

This program has yet to air, but it sure smells like it will be biphobic, dismissive of the bisexual orientation, and flailing stereotypes about what it means to self identify as bisexual.

Could we just be jumping to conclusions and wrongly pointing the finger at Dr. Phil?

Check out his previous queerphobic programs on "Gender Confused Kids" prop 8, "Is it Wrong for a Little Boy to Wear Pink", "Ex-gay Experts" and "Little Boy Lost"

Boycott Dr. Phil and let him know why by contacting him.

Dr. Phil show
5482 Wilshire Boulevard #1902
Los Angeles, CA 90036

Blogging Against Disablism Day

Today is Blogging Against Disablism Day, which was brought to my attention by, A Stellarlife.

This is the day where all around the world. Disabled and non-disabled people will blog about their experiences, observations and thoughts about disability discrimination. In this way, we hope to raise awareness of inequality, promote equality and celebrate the progress we've made.

Disability discrimination is real and rampant throughout society, LGBT people with disabilities face increasing difficulties in a society that doesn't understand them and spews out ableist and heterosexist ideology.

People with disabilities also show us the true colors of society, the misunderstanding, the fear, and the blatant hate. Certainly disability is not a "choice" and neither is homo or transsexuality, but it doesn't matter if people believe your attribute to be biological, physiological, psychological, neurological the same people will still stare, pick on the vulnerable, and operate under the premise that they are superior and "normal"

Moving forward, I think the disabled and LGBT community should work together, for one there are LGBT disabled individuals, but the movements also share some parallels. Together, united we can fight hate and disablism and queerphobia through passage of such acts as the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act which covers sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability. There are some issues, legislation where the two communities can come together as allies.

As always I'd like to provide some links for the queer disabled community which is viewed as an outsider within both circles. Many likely face ableism from within the LGBT community and homophobia from within the disabled community. This isn't to say that there aren't open minded people on both sides, there are, but many need to be educated as to the plight of the other.

Queer Autism/Asperger's

U.K. Disabled Lesbians, Gay Men, Bisexuals and Transgendered People

Bent Voices - E-zine for crippled queers.

Deaf Queer

Blind Friends of Lesbians, Gay, Bi, Trans People (BFLAG)

Passing Twice (LGBT Stutterers)

Deaf Lost to AIDS

LGBT Alzheimer's Society

Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf

Disability NOW

The above links can serve as a networking opportunity for people to learn more about disabled LGBT people, please provide any additional links to included.

BBC Features Sexist & Homo/Bi-Phobic Comments

On the BBC3 program "The Most Annoying People of 2008" there were comments made that can be characterized as sexist, homophobic, and bi-phobic in nature.

"Within the program, which was broadcast in two parts on BBC3 on 30th and 31st December, lesbians were described as "munters" and viewers were told that female Hollywood superstars should be saved for heterosexuals.

During the program, BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Spooney said of lesbians: "Let the munters and mingers get each other. That's cool. Nobody wants them."

He then referred to Lohan and Ronson: "But when they're hot and fit…you know what I mean?

"Hollywood superstars: they should be saved for guys."

Porn actor Ron Jeremy made several references to ejaculating on the couple" (Pink News).

Send your complaints to BBC:

Phone: 03700 100 222*
Textphone: 03700 100 212*

BBC Complaints,
PO Box 1922
Glasgow
G2 3WT

To email Spoony of BBC 5 click here.

To contact Ron Jeremy use the form here.

Red Eye's Greg Gutfeld Spews Out More Queerphobia

Greg Gutfeld who runs the Red Eye show on Fox News is no stranger to controversy. A year ago he engaged in trans bashing against Thomas Beatie the "pregnant man" as seen here and here.

So did Mr. Gutfeld learn his lesson, when he faced criticism by us and many in the LGBT community? Nope.

In his latest show he takes a plug at Barney Frank (D) the openly gay congressman from Massachusetts.

"Look, I don’t dispute that aliens exist, but there are more urgent matters to deal with, other than wrinkly creatures with a knack for anal probing. But enough about Barney Frank...I couldn’t resist."

Below is a video account of the segment.



Contact Fox News and Red Eye and tell them to stop their Homophobia!

Email: redeye@foxnews.com

Phone Fox News: 1-888-369-4762