United We Blog!

The LGBT Blogger and Citizen Journalist Initiative recently took place in Washington D.C.

"Bloggers listened intently as their more veteran peers instructed them in the art of "blog swarms," "astro-turfing" and "cross-posting.

Bloggers, said one, can enable a minor event to "take on a whole new life" in the mainstream media by spreading news about it across 10 or 15 different blogs (the "blog swarm"). Lone bloggers can acquire the clout of large groups by assuming a moniker that makes them appear to be a "national" entity when, in fact, they are "a fake grassroots organization" ("astro-turfing"). And bloggers can increase readership for their views by posting them not just on their own sites but on other, more widely read, sites ("cross-posting").

Blogs, said Mike Rogers, organizer of the summit, can be used to "drag people out of the closet" and persuade a corporation that has donated to an anti-gay cause to make amends to the LGBT community" (Pride Source).

I found this article to be very empowering, individual blogs can make a difference but as a collective voice we represent thousands upon thousands of people. We make up a core constituency if we unite, that was always my goal with Queers United. I hope that we can band together for various action alerts we put out and make sure to heed each call. Sending an email, calling, signing a petition, writing to your elected representative make a huge difference. Every vote counts, and so does every voice, so please join me in being an agent of change.

Shameless Self Promotion Sunday

Please feel free to share any links to queer or queer related topics of interest. You can post a blog entry you made, a website you found interesting. Anything goes as long as it is queer in nature.

Shameless Self Promotion Sunday

Please feel free to share any links to queer or queer related topics of interest. You can post a blog entry you made, a website you found interesting. Anything goes as long as it is queer in nature.

Web Spotlight: Gay Rights @ Change.org

Today's web spotlight and shout goes to the Gay Rights section of change.org. It is one of the best websites I have come across packed with LGBT videos, statistics, gay history, activism, news, and more. If you can think of it and it has to do with LGBT issues, it is there!

Check them out at http://gayrights.change.org/

Shameless Self Promotion Sunday

Please feel free to share any links to queer or queer related topics of interest. You can post a blog entry you made, a website you found interesting. Anything goes as long as it is queer in nature.

LGBT Blogger and Citizen Journalist Initiative

There is a new and great opportunity for fellow LGBT bloggers and citizen journalists with a commitment towards advancing the cause and furthering the online presence of LGBT voices, reporters, and activists. The LGBT Blogger and Citizen Journalist Initiative the first of its kind is made by possible by the generous contribution of philanthropist Jonathan Lewis. Mike Rogers, of blogActive.com who is leading this groundbreaking program, is seeking participants for the forum. Participants receive round-trip flights to D.C., hotel accommodations and free meals.

This event gives new and upcoming bloggers within the community an opportunity to network with high profile bloggers like Mike Rogers, Pam Spaulding, as well as major organizations like the Human Rights Campaign, and the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund.

December 5-7 2008
Washington, D.C.
More information is available at bloggerinitiative.com.