Gayle King Speaks Out for Marriage Equality

Gayle King who is the editor of O Magazine and host of the Gayle King radio show has spoken up in favor of marriage equality for same-gender couples. King is best known for being Oprah Winfrey's closest friend and has been given a national platform thanks to their close relationship.



New allies are always welcome and we applaud Ms. King for speaking out in favor of LGBT civil rights.

Gayle King can be reached via Twitter.

TV Personality Olivia Munn Advocates for Gay Rights

Actress, model and TV personality Olivia Munn has used her celebrity platform to speak out for gay rights. She has taken President Barack Obama to task for not doing more to expand the rights of the LGBT community and specifically points to his own minority status as a reason to be more sympathetic and active on behalf of civil rights.

“It’s ridiculous and I'm really upset that Obama, as a black man, and all the things that African Americans have gone through after being oppressed, has said 'you're less than' and cannot stand up and say marriage is a union between two individuals who love each other,” she said. “I just think everyone should be allowed the same rights — if they want to exercise them, they can and if they don't, they don't” (Advocate).

Be sure to praise Munn for being an ally on behalf of the community
http://www.oliviamunn.com/contact/ or via Twitter.

Joy Behar Makes Unfair Generalization about Gay Relationships

Joy Behar of ABC's The View and her own show on HLN called The Joy Behar Show has been an ardent straight ally on behalf of the LGBT community but is coming under criticism for generalizations about gay male relationships.

In a segment on The View she argues that gays take monogamy less seriously, and that it is permissible for gay men to have affairs. She maintains that the straight world is more inclined to break up a relationship where one partner goes astray while the gay community is more accepting of such behavior.



The gay community much like the straight community has a variety of viewpoints when it comes to the issue of monogamy. There are gays and straights who are polyamorous and have multiple partners, and there are many who regard monogamy as right for them. To assert a blanket statement for the entire community is plain misinformation and wrong to those millions of LGBT people who do practice monogamy.

Contact Joy Behar via Twitter and tell her to apologize for her remarks.

Regina Spektor Calls Prop 8 "Disgusting," We Call Her Correct!

Regina Spektor, famous singer, song-writer and pianist has come out with more statements about proposition 8. First, she allowed use of her song in anti-prop 8 videos and now she is calling the court decision not to allow marriage equality "disgusting" but she maintains that she feels optimistic about the future.

"I'm just waiting for this whole 'not allowing gay people to marry' thing goes into the dark, yucky part of our history -- like white-only drinking fountains," she says. "It's just disgusting that it's not just a given already."

Despite the court's decision, Spektor is not only optimistic about marriage equality, she believes it's inevitable. "I know for sure this isn't going to be an issue in 20 years," she says. "It's just unfortunate that people fall victim to their time. Freedom always wins out -- it's just a matter of time, and people should learn by now to give freedom sooner rather than later, because it becomes a really crude, embarrassing part of national history" (Spinner).

Let Regina Spektor's publicity agent know you approve of this message and thank her for being proactive on the issue.

Steven Trachtenbroit
212-619-1360
steven@bighassle.com

Web Spotlight: Womanist Musings

I'd like to give out a shout out to one of our readers and straight allies Renee who writes over at the blog Womanist Musings.

The blog is very informative and is "dedicated to critiquing current events and pop culture from a womanist perspective. Its sole purpose is to give voice to those that have historically been marginalized and silenced."

Blog Spotlight: Supporting Love

Supporting Love is a blog written by a straight woman ally who knew little about the LGBTQ community, but realized ignorance was no longer an excuse for apathy. She created the blog to educate herself and others through book suggestions, movies, quotes, and news that is relevant in the fight for equality and justice for all.

Word of the Gay: "Wannabe"

A "wannabe" is a self proclaimed straight man who is interested in gay culture, and is heavily involved in the gay community.

Blog Spotlight: My Heart Goes Out

My Heart Goes Out is a blog run by Carol Boltz the former wife of openly gay Christian singer Ray Boltz. She now shares her story as an LGBT ally, her struggle of having been married to a closeted gay man, and her commitment to fighting the sham and myth of the "ex-gay" movement.

Atticus Circle Urges You to Write a Straight Friend Today

In honor of "Day Without a Gay". Atticus Circle is encouraging the LGBT and Straight community to write to at least one straight friend, neighbor, or co-worker and ask a straight person to take a public stand for LGBT equality, perhaps for the first time, by joining Atticus Circle.

Click here to send the form.

Keith Olbermann a True Hero & Ally

Keith Olbermann of the MSNBC show Countdown has given six and a half minutes of air time to express his true remorse for proposition 8 passing. It is a beautiful video and straight from his heart to the American people. It is incredibly moving that Mr. Olbermann who has no personal stake in marriage rights would make this strong heartfelt plea urging Americans to think twice about their stance on marriage equality. Please watch the video below and join me in sending a very gracious thank you to Keith Olbermann for being such a strong ally and for speaking out against prop 8.


Send a thank you message to Keith Olbermann

Parents Speak Out Against Prop 8

A new video from the "No on 8" campaign featuring parents who don't want their kids to grow up in an environment of discrimination. Share with friends & family in California!

How to be a Trans Ally

Saw this article over at Lesbian Life on how to be a trans ally.

1. Don't Assume.

You might not know if a transgender person is in your presence. If speaking to a group, try to be inclusive.

2. Don't tolerate anti-trans remarks or jokes.

If someone makes a transphobic joke or remark, call them out on it. Challenge transphobic thinking.

3. Use the preferred pronoun.

If a person says she identifies as female, use "she" and "her" regardless of what that person's body or appearance is. If you are not sure which pronoun to use ask the person, "What pronoun would you like me to use?"

4. Respect Confidentiality.

If a person comes out to you as transgender, transsexual or questioning, ask that person who else knows and who you can talk to about it.

5. Listen.

Every trans person's experience is unique. If someone is having a hard time coming out or experiencing discrimination, you can help a lot by just listening.

6. Know your limits.

Admit when you've reached the limit of your knowledge. Ask for guidance or find an appropriate resource.

7. Don't try to Label someone.

If someone tells you they feel like they are "trapped in the wrong body" don't tell them they are necessarily a transsexual. People who are struggling with their gender identity often need the space to figure out for themselves how to identify.

8. Don't assume You Know What Their sexual Orientation is.

Sexual orientation and gender identity are not directly connected. Someone who is transitioning may also be questioning their sexual orientation or may choose to identify in a different way then they have previously.

9. Look at yourself.

Examine your own ideas of gender stereotypes and challenge those around you to do the same.

10. Stay Open

Remember transgender people are individuals who deserve respect and understanding.

Pepsi Donates 500K to PFLAG

Pepsi Co. has donated $500,000 to "Straight for Equality" a program by Parents & Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG). The program seeks to reach out to straight allies and educate them about LGBT issues.

Jacqueline Millan, Director of PepsiCo Corporate Contributions, said:

"We are delighted to continue our partnership with PFLAG. The Straight for Equality in the Workplace training program is unique in that it is promoting the necessary message of inclusion to untapped groups within the local community, and that is a crucial step towards building a healthy working environment."

As you could imagine right-wing anti-gay groups are already fired up and threatening Pepsi.

Please be sure to contact Pepsi and thank them for donating to LGBT causes and specifically to the "Straight for Equality" program of PFLAG. We must demonstrate that our population is full of brand loyal consumers who watch carefully the political and social ramifications of decisions made by corporations.

Word of the Gay; "HeteroQueer"

A "HeteroQueer" is a straight identified individual who is open minded about falling in love with any gender and primarily socializes in LGBT circles.

Activist Tip: Come Out as a Straight Ally

Today's activist tip is directed towards our straight friends and family. Coming out as an ally on behalf the LGBT community can sometimes be daring and challenging pending on the environment you are in. Straight allies are key towards our collective battle for equality. When you speak out as a straight person in favor of LGBT civil rights, it goes to show that the fight for equality is not just about black or white, gay or straight, or man or woman, but purely about human dignity and human rights.

Straight people outnumber gay people and the more voices being heard the more succesful our respective campaigns. Also, someone who may be on the fence with regards to marriage equality, adoption, transgender concerns, and/or other aspects of LGBT life will be able to relate to and be more likely to be convinced by a fellow straight person who sides with equality.

So, to our straight brethren show your rainbow wristband, spark conversations about equality, sign those petitions, and speak up when you hear homo/transphobia. Be out, proud, and loud for those of us who don't have a voice or whose voice is shunned by our adversaries.

Check out PFLAG's Guide to Being a Straight Ally