Web Spotlight: Gay Church

Gay Church is a web site dedicated to ministering to the gay and lesbian Christian community (GLBT) and friends of our community. They feature one of the largest gay and lesbian affirming Christian church directories and bulletin boards in the world.

Changing the Conversation on LGBT People and Faith

Organization Spotlight: Pink Mennonites

The Pink Mennonites are a group of LGBTQ Mennonites and allies who are on a mission to bring about inclusivity and understanding within their church.

Blog Spotlight: The Angry Fag

The Angry Fag is a blog with "news and views from a guy who likes guys." He covers a broad range of topics from gay rights, to religion and other issues of interest to the homo community.

What's Morally Wrong With Homosexuality?

Is homosexuality unnatural? Does it threaten society? Are gays and lesbians "born that way"--and does it matter either way? In this provocative program, Dr. John Corvino tackles these questions and more. Combining philosophical rigor with sensitivity and humor, Corvino examines the most common arguments against same-sex relationships - including those based on nature, harm, and religion. In the process, he invites people on all sides to rethink easy assumptions about homosexuality and morality.



Purchase his new DVD release at the Gay Moralist.

'Religious Freedom Day' - Let Queer Spirituality Ring!

January 16th is 'Religious Freedom Day' one that we should embrace to strengthen the barrier of separation of church and state as well as to truly celebrate religious freedoms, or freedom from religion.

In honor of the day, If you are part of a particular faith, be more vocal about the inclusion of queer clergy, for your congregations to conduct same-sex ceremonies, and to be proactive on issues that effect the community such as hate crimes, discrimination, and HIV/AIDS.

Religious Freedom Day can be a wonderful way to truly embrace what our founders had in mind. The government should not impede on the religious liberty of LGBT affirming groups that do honor and recognize LGBT people.

Be proactive, call, email, write your congregation/denomination and let them know how you feel!

Sign up for action alerts, and help these organizations:

Americans United for Separation of Church & State

Freedom From Religion Foundation

American Civil Liberties Union

People For The American Way

Learn more at Religious Freedom Day!

Open Forum: Is Denying Marriage Equality Breaking First Amendment Rights?

"Religious" opponents of marriage equality often argue that their religious liberties are being infringed upon when the government or courts mandate gay marriage.

When reversing the argument it seems pretty clear that LGBTQ people of faith are having their religious liberties infringed upon by other groups who are trying to impose their own religious definitions and philosophies on a country that prides itself on religious liberties and a separation of church and state.

The first amendment clearly states that:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

The first amendment ensures that no religion can enforce their ideals on the government, but also protects religious groups to practice the way they see fit. If conservatives want to argue that their religious rights are infringed on in the marriage battle, can't we argue on that very same premise?

Many religions are affirming of LGBT people and many include openly queer clergy as well as conduct same-sex marriages. The following religious groups are just a few of the many that are LGBT affirming: Unitarian Universalists, Reform Judaism, Conservative Judaism, Wicca, Metropolitan Community Churches, United Church of Christ, Pagans, Episcopalians, select Native American tribes, Hindu and Buddhist sects.

With the plethora of progressive religious organizations out there who do indeed support and advocate with faith for gay marriage, isn't it a violation of their first amendment right to deny them the right to officiate and legalize these unions?

"For The Bible Tells Me So" (Online Segments of Movie)

"For The Bible Tells Me So" is a thought-provoking and informative movie for people who are struggling with guilt and oppression resulting from conflicts over religion and homosexuality. The film gives an accurate analysis of the passages on homosexuality in the context of the time period, and offers brilliant insight in showing that sexual minorities are not sinners as has been mistaught by religious scholars for centuries.

Discovering Pride provides links to all 10 youtube clips for you to view at your leisure. This is a powerful film and should be seen by all LGBTQ people of faithsand for all those who believe homosexuality is a sin.

Catholic School Kicks Lesbian Mother Off PTA

Robin McGehee's 5 year old son Sebastian attends St. Helen's Catholic School. The school was aware of her sexual orientation but forced her to resign after she appeared at a "No on 8" rally claiming it went against church teachings. Shortly after being forced to resign, the Vice-president of the PTA had resigned in solidarity with Ms. McGhee. Ms. McGhee and her wife are now looking for a new school for their son.

Email contact for St. Helen's Catholic School.

Phone: (559) 251-5855
Mailing Adress:
4888 East Belmont Avenue
Fresno, California 93727

No Tax Exemption For Political Churches!

The Mormon Church has instructed its members to donate to proposition 8 to ban same-sex marriage in California. Nearly half the money (20 million dollars) came in from Mormon Church members predominantly from Utah.

According to IRS Law:

"Section 501(c)(3) describes corporations, and any community chest, fund, or foundation, organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, testing for public safety, literacy, or educational purposes, or to foster national or international amateur sports competition (but only if no part of its activities involve the provision of athletic facilities or equipment), or for the prevention of cruelty to children or animals, no part of the net earnings of which inures to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual, no substantial part of the activities of which is carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting, to influence legislation (except as otherwise provided in section (h)), and which does not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements), any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office."

Sign the petition asking the IRS to revoke the Mormon Church's Tax Exempt status.
http://www.mormonsstoleourrights.com/

You can also visit Revoke LDS Church 501(c)(3) status to learn how to file a complaint with the Internal Revenue Services.

Web Spotlight: Mormons for Marriage

Mormons for Marriage are gay and straight Mormons who stand for marriage equality and strongly oppose proposition 8 in California. They offer information, support, and resources on the pro-equality Mormon position.

Check their website out at...
http://mormonsformarriage.com/

Navya Shastra Urges California Voters to Reject Proposition 8

"Navya Shastra, the international Hindu reform organization, urges California voters to reject Proposition 8, which would eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry under state law.

The organization notes that Hinduism has never classified homosexuality as a sin against God. While some ancient law codes have spoken out against homosexual acts, the tradition has never called for the persecution of homosexuals. In fact, there is ample evidence that alternative lifestyles have been accepted throughout Hindu history. Several modern Hindu leaders have also spoken positively of gay rights, though disappointingly, a significant percentage of American Hindus remain uncomfortable with homosexuality. “According to the Hindu contemplative tradition, we are all manifestations of the one universal spirit, straight or gay, and worthy of the same respect and rights” said Jaishree Gopal, Navya Shastra Chairman, “we urge American Hindus in California to remember this central insight of their faith when they vote on November 4,” she added."

Contact Person: Vikram Masson
(201) 674-2065
navyashastra@shastras.org

Thou Shalt Not Lie: Mormon Church Refuses Petition!

10/30 Update: Nearly 17,000 people signed the letter demanding the Mormon church stop funding proposition 8. The Courage Campaign went to deliver our signatures on Tuesday but were rejected by the Los Angeles Mormon Church as seen by the video below. The campaign is now headed to Salt Lake City, Utah to deliver the signatures to the Mormon Church headquarters.

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10/27: It's time for Californians to fight back against the dishonest attacks of the "Yes on 8" campaign funded by the Mormon Church. On Tuesday, the Courage Campaign will deliver a letter to President-Prophet Thomas Monson at the Los Angeles Mormon Temple, demanding that his church stop funding the blatant lies of the "Yes on 8" campaign.



We need to stop the Mormon Church from pushing their marriage views on Californians through the ballot box. Please sign this letter now to President-Prophet Thomas Monson demanding that his church cease funding the "Yes on 8" campaign:

Church/State Divide, Not on Prop 8!

A reader named Elvis has emailed me to share this new video about the biggest donors to prop 8. They are religious groups violating the separation of church & state.

Jason & deMarco - This Is Love!

A beautiful music video featuring couple Jason & deMarco who are gay-christian music singers. Although they say their music is neither religious nor gay, they certainly incorporate elements of their spiritual and gay life. Their work is important within the LGBT community and beyond. They are invited to perform at predominantly straight but affirming churches throughout the country.

Soulforce's Equality Ride is Desperate for Donations!

Soulforce an organization dedicated to "freedom for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people from religious and political oppression through the practice of relentless nonviolent resistance" sends numbers of students yearly to conservative religious academies and seminaries that bar or are hostile towards queer people. The mission is to create dialogue and inform them of the misinterpretations of scripture. Some campuses allow these activists to come and communicate and others call the police on the riders, which in turn the activists are prepared to get arrested and physically removed from the property in a demonstration of nonviolent resistance. The Equality Ride as it has come to be called has been influential in changing the hearts and minds of students, faculty, and clergy on many of the respective campuses

"The Equality Ride is the signature program of the Soulforce young adults. It saves lives and opens minds. Of the 55 colleges and universities already visited, we've seen significant progress made in the official policies of several schools.

Nearly twenty schools have formed Gay-Straight Alliances and created "Safe Zones" for LGBT students. LGBT students have begun to come out of their closets to their friends, professors and families in order to live whole and complete lives."

Soulforce's Equality Ride is set to launch Oct 1st, 2008. The Equality Ride is in dire need of contributions in light of the fact that a large donation has fallen through. The organization must raise $70,000 to meet the costs of transportation, lodging, food, and expenses for training, as well as bale money.

Please help out the equality ride by donating to Soulforce or sponsoring an individual rider. Please click here to help support the Equality Ride!

Resources for Coming Out of the Closet!

"Why are people afraid to come out?

Answer: There can be many reasons people are afraid to come out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. It depends on the culture you were brought up in, your religion and the point of view of your family and friends. People coming out now, don’t necessarily realize the stigma associated with being gay as little as ten years ago. Forty years ago, people were thrown in jail for dancing with same-sex partners in gay and lesbian bars. It was only in 2003 that the Texas sodomy law was overturned, finally making sex between two same-sex consenting adults legal. In 33 states you can still be fired for being gay.

Read more at lesbianlife.about.com.

HRC's Coming Out Project helps GLBT, as well as straight-supportive people live openly and talk about their support for equality at home, at work and in their communities each and every day.

Bisexual

Learn more about the specific issues around coming out as bisexual.

In Communities of Color

Learn more about the specific issues around coming out in communities of color.

Straight Supporters

Learn more about the specific issues around coming out as a straight supporter.

Transgender

Learn more about the specific issues around coming out as transgender.

Crossposted via Wicked Gay Blog

Sponsor the 2008 Equality Riders

"The Equality Ride is a traveling forum that gives young adults the chance to deconstruct injustice and the rhetoric that sustains it. The idea is this. We get on a bus and journey to various institutions of higher learning. Through informal conversation and educational programming we explore concepts of diversity, weighing the effects of both inclusive and exclusive ideologies. More practically, we share and gain insights about how our beliefs influence policy and culture, thereby impacting society. Our goal is to carefully and collectively examine the intersection wherein faith meets gender and human sexuality. Such discourse plays an essential role in creating a safe learning and living environment for everyone.

The 2008 Equality Ride begins in October. Get to know more about each member of the Equality Ride and read about how you can sponsor him or her by clicking a name below.

In order to make participation in the Equality Ride possible for all young activists, Soulforce Q covers 100% of the training, transportation, accomodation, food, materials, and Equality Ride apparel for the two-month journey. Your generous donation provides for hotel rooms, meals, books and many other Rider needs. The 2008 Equality Ride would not happen without your financial support. Thank you for fueling our work to move society and faith forward by sponsoring our 2008 Equality Riders!"

Learn About and Sponsor an Equality Rider

Support Soulforce by Making a Purchase from Their Store

The North American Convocation of Pro-LGBT Christians

"Designed as a leadership development event, this conference offers rich Bible study, challenging and profound worship and praise, genuine relationship-building across and amidst our differences, concrete skills-building, reflective and incisive theological analysis, and strategic action."

Sept 4-7 2008, Sign up and learn more at: http://www.manystoriesonevoice.org/

Australian Activists Set to Protest Pope's Visit

"The NoToPope Coalition is inviting all civil libertarians, sexual health workers, condom producers, gays/ lesbians/ queers, women's rights activists, abortion providers, Christians and faith/holders, to challenge NSW governments attacks on free speech."

The NoToPope Coalition will peacefully protest on Saturday July 19th 12 noon at Taylor Square, Darlinghurst.

Youth Against World Youth Day are rallying in Melbourne Sunday July 13, 1:30pm (speakers from 2pm), Step of Parliament House, Spring St, Melbourne. Call Jason 0407781406

A kiss-in and condom distribution action will take place in Brisbane on Saturday July 19th at 3pm in Queens Park. Call Luke 0400 195 203 Dominic Hale o431 638 772

For Adelaide's Kiss-in Queen Street, Bowden Saturday July 19th at 2.30pm for 3pm please contact: Troy-Anthony Baylis 0439 684 876 or Jess Cronin 0438 668 370

Lismore NoToPope event at Winsome Hotel contact Tara 02 6629 5358

For Newcastle call Star 0410 326 006

http://www.notopope.com/