Vote for Pro-LGBT Miss America Contestant!

Ms. Claire Buffie a contestant for Miss America is the first ever pageant queen to campaign on an LGBT rights platform. Having won the nomination for Miss New York the beauty queen/photographer and activist now vies for the top crown.

Ms. Buffie has been active in educating students about respect and acceptance for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. A straight ally herself, Buffie has a lesbian sister whom she wants to see have equal rights in her lifetime.



Visit the Miss America site to vote for Buffie, or text MANY to 24470.

Be sure to tune in on January 15th to see if she is selected to the top 15!

NCIS Star Pauley Perrette Wears NoH8 Dress

Pauley Perrette an actress on the hit drama Naval Criminal Investigative Service has continued in her outspoken opposition to proposition 8. The actress showed up at the People's Choice Awards in the politically motivated "NoH8" gown.

Perrette has been an outspoken critic of the ban on same-sex marriage and has urged Californians to oppose the measure. She refuses to wed her partner until LGBT people are given equality in marital rights.

Thank this awesome civil rights activist via twitter:
http://twitter.com/#!/pauleyp

Harvey Milk Day of Action May 22nd

Saturday, May 22 has been officially designated Harvey Milk Day by the state of California, and would have been Harvey Milk’s 80th birthday. In February, Equality Across America put out a call to action for activists across the country to celebrate Harvey Milk's legacy and continue the demand for full federal equality. “I have tasted freedom. I will not give up that which I have tasted. I have a lot more to drink.” – Harvey Milk

For a listing of events taking place nationwide click here.

This is What Queer Activism Looks Like!

Students at John Carroll University occupied center court during a basketball game to protest the schools decisions to exclude LGBT students from its non-discrimination policy.



H/T to Joe My God.

Give Same-Sex Couples the Same Immigration Rights!

By writing your lawmakers today, you bring us one step closer to equal immigration rights, so citizens can sponsor their same-sex partners for immigration.

No more separation. No more deportation. No more fear.

Help Congress get the message loud and clear: America supports passage of the Uniting American Families Act.

Sign the petition supporting immigration equality.

Protest Rally At Atlanta Eagle Over Police Raid

A rally is set for Sunday Sept 13th from 5-8pm to protest the raid of a gay bar in Atlanta Georgia. Patrons say the bar was raided for no reason and that people were forced onto the ground, searched for drugs, and dealt with derogatory and mean spirited remarks and attitude from the police department. No drugs were found, but arrests were made, and the GLBT community is demanding answers about this unnecessary and forceful raid.

Sunday, Sept 13th
The Eagle Atlanta
306 Ponce De Leon Ave
Atlanta, GA
5-8 PM

Organizer's contact Info:

Jeff's Email: jeff@glbtatl.org

Laura's Email: dictatorlaura@gmail.com

The Heterosexual Questionnaire

The Heterosexual Questionnaire was created back in 1972 to put heterosexual people in the shoes of a gay person for just a moment. Questions and assumptions made of Gays and Lesbians that are unfair, are reversed and this time asked to the straight people.

This is a fun survey, but also an activist survey. Please repost this to your email list, myspace bulletin, use it in a group setting, have fun with it but also let the point be made.

1. What do you think caused your heterosexuality?

2. When and where did you decide you were a heterosexual?

3. Is it possible this is just a phase and you will out grow it?

4. Is it possible that your sexual orientation has stemmed from a neurotic fear of others of the same sex?

5. Do your parents know you are straight? Do your friends know- how did they react?

6. If you have never slept with a person of the same sex, is it just possible that all you need is a good gay lover?

7. Why do you insist on flaunting your heterosexuality... can’t you just be who you are and keep it quiet?

8. Why do heterosexuals place so much emphasis on sex?

9. Why do heterosexuals try to recruit others into this lifestyle?

10. A disproportionate majority of child molesters are heterosexual... Do you consider it safe to expose children to heterosexual teachers?

11. Just what do men and women do in bed together? How can they truly know how to please each other, being so anatomically different?

12. With all the societal support marriage receives, the divorce rate is spiraling. Why are there so few stable relationships among heterosexuals?

13. How can you become a whole person if you limit yourself to compulsive, exclusive heterosexuality?

14. Considering the menace of overpopulation how could the human race survive if everyone were heterosexual?

15. Could you trust a heterosexual therapist to be objective? Don't you feel that he or she might be inclined to influence you in the direction of his orher leanings?

16. There seem to very few happy heterosexuals. Techniques have been developed that might enable you to change if you really want to.

17. Have you considered trying aversion therapy?

- Martin Rochlin, Ph.D., 1972

Tell Amazon to Stop Discriminating Against LGBT Books

It was recently revealed that Amazon has been stripping the sales rank of gay and lesbian books, labeling them as "adult" content and removing them from search rankings.

At the same time, books about heterosexual porn stars, Playboy centerfolds, and techniques on how to "cure" homosexuality remain ranked.

Please tell Amazon this discrimination is unacceptable and must be stopped immediately, and that as a public company they should release a transparent set of guidelines on how books are classified on the site.

Your change.org email will be targeted to Amazon customer service as well as Jeff Bezos the CEO of the company.

Say it Loud - A sexual and Proud!

The Asexual movement has been picking up steam and along with education, media visibility, and awareness there is a growing group of people who are embracing their asexuality and wearing it proudly on their sleeves.

Asexual Pride is important in an effort to show that this minority exists and to create awareness about what this segment of our population faces. "Asexual Pride" is relatively new so whether you are Asexual or an ally you can be part of the process of demonstrating your Pride and commitment to diversity with a few of these simple steps...

Asexual Pride Merchandise:

Asexual Visibility Education Network Store


Asexual Pride Graphics:

Listing of A-sexy Icons & Banners


Asexuality Education FREE pamphlets to distribute:

Asexuality Pamphlets (Free - Color)

Asexuality Pamphlets (Free Grey-Scale)

If anyone knows any other resources or has ideas to demonstrate A-Pride please feel free to post in the comments section!

Boycott Jamaica!

There have been increasing calls from gay rights groups about boycotting Jamaica over its fiercely homophobic culture and the violence and danger faced in the country by gays and lesbians as well as gender variant people. The Jamaican tourism industry has been ignoring the cries of human rights and LGBT rights activists who are demanding change in the country.

The violence is staggering, people are being murdered or beaten on an almost weekly basis, and the musical lyrics are blatantly anti-gay and violent.

Tourism accounts for 1/3 of all employment in Jamaica, let the tourism officials know you will spread word to boycott Jamaican travel and goods until they do something to combat hate crimes against Gay citizens.

http://www.visitjamaica.com/contact-us.aspx

Urge MoveOn.org to Take a Stand on Marriage Equality

(We have had this action alert now for a while, and hundreds of emails have been sent to MoveOn.org, they have yet to respond to any of our emails, which is downright offensive. Keep up the pressure on this so called "progressive" organization. I urge everyone to repost this and make our voices loud and clear that we demand MoveOn.org be LGBT inclusive).

MoveOn.Org a large California based progressive organization has yet to take a stand on the marriage amendment slated for the upcoming election. I personally have unsubscribed from MoveOn's email list months ago because I never see them take any actions on LGBT issues and I find that disturbing.

MoveOn.org is now taking feedback on where their focus should be going fwd, please let them know LGBT issues are important to you, as well as defeating the anti-gay marriage amendment in California.

MoveOn.org Survey for Future Action

and here...

Moveon.org E-Contact Form

Petition: A Campaign for Native GLBT Funding Justice

Two recent national philanthropy reports have released information indicating that Gay Funders contributed $37 million in one year to GLBT organizations across the United States. Native American Two Spirit People, the poorest of all the GLBT communities, received only 4 small grants of about $2,500. The average grant to gay organizations nationally is $16,000 a year. Gay funders have a mission to serve all equally, but it's time for a summit with the Two Spirit People here in our ancestral domains to help the funders achieve their mission. Two Spirit People have significant spiritual and ceremonial roles in our Native cultures, and Gay Philanthropy has a significant role to play in realizing a vision of funding-justice and social justice with our people."

Click Here to Sign the Petition!

Activist Tip: Inquire About Candidates Positions

Wherever you are in the world, and whatever political affiliation your representative has in your local area, ie: liberal, conservative, moderate, etc you can ask their opinion on LGBT issues. Tell them you are a staunch supporter of LGBT rights including (marriage, adoption, hate crimes, employment non-discrimination, the right to serve and others).

Phone or email your candidates for senate, congress, city council, and the courts and let them know where you as a constitute stands on these crucial issues. The more we speak up, the more we will be heard, and we can demonstrate that we are a segment of the population that can and does get out the vote!

Feel free to re-post the comments you receive from candidates whether positive, neutral, or negative.

An Appeal to the Politically Skeptical

Many people who care deeply about political issues and social justice question the efficacy of activism and being politically involved. It is a legitimate question and concern. People ask why should they bother sending an email/letter, signing a petition, or going to a demonstration. Is it a waste of time and why would someone care that you disagree and hold an alternative point of view?

As someone who has been an activist for many years, I can assure you that I have seen activism to truly work wonders. Does it always work? No. You should not be discouraged when things don't go your way, and with regards to civil rights and equality it comes in strides and not in one shot. However, that being said think about how rewarding it is when you are part of the solution and you can directly affect millions of lives or stand for what is right.

This post is an appeal letter to those who are interested in social change but feel that their efforts are a waste of time. I urge you to be involved send those emails, make those calls, lobby your representatives. Sure you are just one voice, but together we are a collective of voices and we make a dent. If you don't speak up, who will?

Why activism does work...

Business:
Many times companies/organizations take positions on issues that we disagree with. The reason activism can be successful is from a business aspect. The bottom line is companies want profit $$$, if they see a group of activists demonstrating, calling for a boycott or creating negative publicity for them, it is in their best interest to either give in to the activist or try to assuage their concerns.

Government:
Technically speaking elected representatives are supposed to represent the people of their district and thus vote accordingly with the will of the population. There are some politicians who follow this rule of thumb but many others do not. Politicians need your votes, they need credibility and thus will want to do what a vocal lobbying group will tell them to do. If your voice is not heard on an issue, a politician will likely feel no reason to support or take on an issue of concern.

Public Opinion:
If you are a successful activist you are bringing attention to the issue you are concerned with. This will garner media attention, political advocacy, and the like to your issue, you might find more support from others who will join the bandwagon. Even if people do not directly support your efforts you are creating awareness on an issue of importance to you.

So to make a long story short GET INVOLVED! That being said I will leave you with my favorite quote regarding activism.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has". (Margaret Mead)

Feel free to leave your thoughts and comments on this topic.

Activist Tip: Reclaim Distorted Phrases

Anti-gay foes and conservatives have co-opted many words and distorted their true meaning. It is time to reclaim these terms, and bring truth not distortion to our language.

"Family Values" - We are proud to be a family values website, we are very concerned with the future of the family unit. We support the right of families whether they be queer headed households or heterosexual, we firmly stand behind these loving couples and their children.

"Activist Judges" - Judges who uphold the rights of minorities and seek to expand rights not eliminate them are staying true to the constitution. It those conservative judges who seek to amend the constitution to take away rights, and those who violate the law who are activist judges who seek to further their own radical religious agenda.

"Marriage Protection" - Advocates of equality are all about protecting marriage. We want to ensure that gay and lesbian couples have equal access to this cherished institution. While much of the country is marrying for money and looks, and divorcing at alarming rates, we want to strengthen the institution of marriage.

"Values Voters" - We are values voters, we go to the ballot box with our morals and values in mind when we decide on a candidate, and an issue. The difference is we open our minds, hearts, and vote based on equality, liberty and justice for all.

"San Francisco Values" - This term is used to insinuate how supposedly outlandish the radical hippies "homosexual & abortionist advocates" are. We do not have to be ashamed to espouse views, nor be degraded for believing in the constitution which declares a right to privacy, a right for all people to be treated equally.

I encourage you all to take back these terms from the activist linguists out there. It is about time that pro-equality folks, use words that truly represent what we are trying to accomplish, don't hesitate to use these words, and be clear on your intent when using them.

U.K. Petition to NHS & Prime Minister "Stop Gay Blood Ban"

"The UK is currently dangerously low in it's stocks of blood.Therefore the NHS spends lots of taxpayers money on advertising and marketing costs in order to increase donor levels.

However, if the NHS changed one simple rule, they could potentially have several million extra donors eligible to give blood - instantly and without any marketing costs.

How? Allow gay people to give blood.

The UK law is outdated, stereotypical and discriminatory towards gay men.
More than that, it is risking lives - the UK urgently needs more blood.

A straight man who has sex with a different girl every weekend can give blood TODAY.
Intravenous Drug users can give blood after 1 year.
Prostitute users can give blood after 1 year.
Those who have had sex abroad in a high risk HIV country can give blood after 18 months.

Gay men are banned FOR LIFE, even if they've only ever had sex with one partner and they used protection."

SIGN THE PETITION that will be sent to the NHS blood donor Chief Executive and the Prime Minister later in 2008.

Activist Tip: Take Away Their Marriage Recognition

For those who voted to take away our marriage rights, we can symbolically take away the recognition of theirs as well. In some ways it seems a little juvenile, but so are their actions, and this will go a long way to make our point. If you know someone who is anti-gay, or voted for a proposition banning same-sex marriage, you can no longer regard their relationship as a marriage. Instead, give them a taste of what they are subjecting us to. Refer to their spouse as their "domestic partner" and their marriage as a "civil union" or just say you no longer recognize marriages since your right to them was taken away.

H/T to Chino Blanco for the graphic.

"Creating Change" - National Conference for LGBT Equality

Creating Change- The National Conference for LGBT Equality is being held Jan 28-Feb 1 2009, in Denver Colorado.

"Each year the conference is held in a different region of the United States and attracts 2,500+ participants from within and outside of the LGBT community. It's is well known for providing a unique environment where activists and leaders come together from diverse places and backgrounds to create a community that is both strengthening and inspiring to the participants.

Creating Change is for you if you are: an activist and organizer in your community, campus or workplace; a board member, staff member or leader in a LGBT organization, community center or foundation; an elected or appointed official; a change agent for justice, freedom & equality for all. In other words, Creating Change has something for everyone!"

For more information:
e-mail CreatingChange@theTaskForce.org or call 202-639-6333

Defending Traditional Sidewalks

Princeton University students in light of the passage of proposition 8 banning equal marriage rights in California have come up with "Princeton Proposition 8". This would ensure that sidewalks would be protected for sophomores, juniors, seniors, grad students and faculty members and make sure that freshmen activists and freshmen enablers are not permitted to betray the will of the majority of the campus. Proponents of "Princeton Proposition 8" say they love freshmen, but want to protect traditional sidewalks, while opponents say that "separate is not equal."

Web Spotlight: Queer Today

Queer Today is the myspace for queer activists and allies. It offers an opportunity to communicate, organize, and empower one another in our efforts. The website offers groups, events, videos, and photos.

http://queertoday.ning.com/