CNN's Kyra Phillips Questions Whether Homosexuality Needs a "Cure"

In a CNN segment called 'Finding a "cure" for homosexuality?' by anchor Kyra Phillips the network has given the pseudo-scientific topic of "ex-gay" therapy and its proponents a national platform to advocate for their harmful and unsound work.

The reason for airing the segment is because California lawmaker Bonnie Lowenthal has introduced legislation to repeal a 1960 law that encourages the government to study cures for homosexuality. Instead of discussing the merits of the proposed bill and why "finding cures" for being gay don't work, Phillips and CNN gave credence to this bogus 'therapy' and allowed "ex-gay activist" Richard Cohen to spew his lies and promote new research (old studies that have been discredited).

The clip of the segment can be seen below:



Contact Kyra Phillips through CNN's online form and via Twitter.

Word of the Gay: "Isosexual"

"Isosexual" was proposed as a term to describe gays and lesbians because it is defined as characteristic of or pertaining to the same-sex. It was meant to be used as a substitute for what was seen as female exclusion in the term homosexuality, the term however never caught on.

Activist Tip: Reversing Anti-Gay "Christian" Talking Points

Next time you hear anti-gay forces try to speak their "truth", let them know how hypocritical their philosophy of hate and misunderstanding really is.

Religion is a lifestyle choice, homosexuality is not.
The religious-right often says that homosexuality is a choice, when clearly the science and common sense is in that nobody would choose to feel ostracized, be a minority, or lead a life where they weren't given equal opportunities.

Judgment and hate are sinful, loving gay couples are not.
The people who use the Bible as a tool to preach anti-gay hate often point fingers accusing gay people of being sinners. What they fail to realize is that the Bible is not to be taken literally, homosexuality is no more a sin, than being left handed, it is natural and God given, it is people in the context of an ancient culture who misunderstood homosexuality that wrote these verses. For those who take a literal interpretation it is ironic that they rail against LGBT people while failing to remember the Bible says not to judge or to hate, but to love thy neighbor as thyself.

To walk in the way of Jesus is to reach out to LGBT people.
Jesus Christ made it his mission not to follow religious dogma and authority, he did not seek to reach out to the rich or those in power. He set out to befriend and assist the poor, the weak, the disabled, and disenfranchised. Jesus would clearly be reaching out to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.

Religion seeks to recruit people into its lifestyle, LGBT people don't.
Right-wing elements within organized religion often claims that gays are trying to "recruit people into their lifestyle" but last I checked one cannot alter a straight persons orientation. We seek to educate, dialogue and gain equality not in an effort to turn people gay but turn peoples hearts and minds into seeing that we share the same hopes, and fears, and love that everyone else does. If anyone is on a mission to recruit people into their lifestyle it would be organized religion and their missionaries. These groups seek to convert people into their way of thinking, which they see as the only way. The beauty of this Earth is that there are many ways to find inner peace and spirituality, and that there is a diversity of thought and of culture and to find God or to have no Gods at all.

India Decriminalizes Homosexuality

In a long anticipated and major ruling the high court in India has determined that consensual homosexual sex should no longer be against the law. The ruling overturns the previous law known as section 377 which banned gay sex. This historic ruling marks a new chapter in gay rights in the country that is home to over 17% of the world's population.

“Discrimination is antithesis of equality,” the judges of the Delhi High Court wrote in a 105-page decision that is the first in India to directly guarantee rights for gay people. “It is the recognition of equality which will foster dignity of every individual,” the decision said.

The ruling applies only to India’s capital city, but it will force the national government to either appeal the decision to the Supreme Courtor repeal the law nationwide, lawyers said (NY Times).

This ruling brings the total number of countries that criminalize homosexuality down to 84. The punishment for homosexuality varies in countries from prison time, fines, public humiliation, and in many cases the death penalty.

Happy Mother's Day!

A shout out to all the mothers out there! Happy Mother's Day from Queers United. Challenging heterosexism 24/7.

Links to check out:
Family Equality Council

Proud Parenting

Mombian

"Why Homosexuality Should be Banned!"

This is a clever video mocking arguments against homosexuality. Please watch it and get a good laugh but also share it with your friends. It makes a great point as to how ridiculous our opposition is.

Homosexuals Blamed for Death of Species

Blue Ducks, a threatened species which are native to New Zealand, look set to die out in the UK after Cherry, the last remaining female at a bird sanctuary in West Sussex, failed to mate with two males, named Ben and Jerry, at the same compound.

"Neither male duck appeared interested and are now inseparable at the Arundel Wetland Centre, leaving Cherry to her own devices. Centre warden Paul Stevens said he was disappointed that efforts to produce new Blue Duck offspring had failed but said the two male birds made 'a lovely couple'. ... 'They stay together all the time, parading up and down their enclosure and whistling to each other as a male might do with a female he wants to mate with,' he said. 'People who visit the centre think they're a fantastic couple, without really coming around to the idea that they are two males. They both have very big personalities and people come from all over the country to come and see them. Cherry doesn't seem bothered by it, she's just happy to keep herself to herself...It would have been nice to get a last clutch of eggs from Cherry but Ben and Jerry do make a lovely couple" (Towleroad).

Do these ducks know that God made them gay but doesn't want them to act on their natural inclinations? Damn sinners.

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.

Lifetime Will Air Prayers for Bobby

Prayers For Bobby, is a real life powerful drama based on the best selling book. The story is about a mother who could not accept her sons homosexuality, and as a result of his families ignorance, the boy commits suicide. The mother struggles to make peace with herself, and ultimately becomes an advocate on behalf of gay rights.



The drama will air on Lifetime on January 24th at 9pm EST.

Take a Stand for Human Rights!

"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.

Word of the Gay: "Sexual Orientation Disturbance"

"Sexual Orientation Disturbance" was a term used by the American Psychological Association after eliminating homosexuality as a disease category. The new term was used to describe individuals who were disturbed, in conflict, or wished to alter their orientation. The antiquated term has since been eliminated, because the disturbance is not a result of the orientation itself, but of the way society treats people who are gay, lesbian, or bisexual.

Rick Warren: "Gays Are Immature And Promiscuous"

News headlines broke earlier in the week with the announcement that President-elect Barack Obama had chosen anti-gay pastor Rick Warren to be part of the inauguration. This alone sparked a media frenzy and anger from liberal and LGBT organizations.

Now in an interview with NBC's Ann Curry, Pastor Warren responds to the question of how he would deal with homosexuality if it proves to be biologically based.


The insinuation that we are somehow underdeveloped and "immature" and that all LGBT people are "promiscuous" is a lie and downright offensive.

Take action by clicking here to send a form through Equality California, demanding Obama rescind the invitation.

Demand The U.S. Stand For Global Decriminalization of Homosexuality

The U.N. is scheduled to bring up a legislative vote on decriminalizing homosexuality worldwide. This bill would make it global law that it is illegal to imprison or execute someone solely based on their sexual orientation. There have been protests and anger directed at the Vatican over their refusal to vote in the affirmative. As of right now the United States of America has not pledged to support the legislation.

It is imperative we quickly act to encourage the U.S. a global world leader to take a stance in favor of decriminalizing homosexuality.

Please contact the following high level individuals and tell them to have U.S. representation in the United Nations vote to make sure imprisonment and the death penalty for homosexuals is illegal.

The US President:

The White House
George W Bush, President
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20500

Tel: 202 456 1111
Fax: 202 456 2461

Email: president@whitehouse.gov

US Secretary of State

United States Department of State
Secretary of State Dr Condoleeza Rice
2201 C Street NW 

Washington, DC 20520

Tel: 202 647 4000 

TTY: 1 800 877 8339

US Ambassador to the United Nations

Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad
Permanent Mission of the United States to the United Nations
140 East 45th Street
New York, NY 10017

Tel: 212 415 4000

Email: usa@un.int

You can also urge your local senator and congressman as well as President-Elect Barack Obama to speak out on the issue.

The Office of the President-Elect website has a convenient online contact form.

H/T to Mike Tidmus for listing different contacts for action.

Five Vigils Planned Today in Front of Catholic Cathedral's Nationwide

Dignity USA, New Ways Ministry, and Call to Action are holding 5 vigils in different cities across the country to protest the Vatican's position to not support a U.N. resolution to decriminalize homosexuality. The legislation is trying to make it illegal to imprison or execute people based on sexual orientation. The vigils will be held at various Catholic Churches listed below.

Boston, MA

6:30 PM Eastern Time
Holy Cross Cathedral
1400 Washington Street
Boston, MA
Contact Person: Rocco Pigneri, 617-421-1915, dignityinfo@dignityboston.org
Directions: http://www.angelfire.com/ma4/cathedral/directions.html

Dallas, TX

5:30 PM Central Time
Cathedral Guadalupe
2215 Ross Avenue
Dallas, TX
Contact Person: Jon Garinn, 214-621-9530, garinns@sbcglobal.net
Directions: http://www.cathedralguadalupe.org/about/directions.cfm

New York, NY

12:30 - 1:30 PM Eastern Time
Fifth Avenue & 51st Street (in front of St. Patrick's Cathedral)
New York, NY
Contact Person: Jeff Stone, 646-418-7039, jefastone@aol.com

San Francisco, CA

5:00 - 7:00 PM Pacific Time
Pink Triangle Memorial Park
Castro & Market (near the northwest corner)
San Francisco, CA
Contact People: Jim McGarry or Kathy Curran, kathycurran@yahoo.com

Seattle, WA

4:45 - 5:30 PM
St. James Cathedral
804 Ninth Avenue
Seattle, WA
Contact Person: Leo N. Egashira, 206-723-4759, legashira@yahoo.com
Directions: http://www.stjames-cathedral.org/Main.htm

Action Needed on UN Declaration Calling for Global Decriminalization of Homosexuality

The declaration to make imprisonment and the death penalty illegal for homosexuality will be put before the UN General Assembly this coming Wednesday, which coincidentally is Human Rights Day and the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. While every country in the European Union has signed on and Canada is a sponsor.

The United States of America has not signaled support for the declaration.

Homosexuality is still illegal in 85 countries, and a handful of countries will give imprisonment sentences of life and/or the death penalty.

Please head over to the Mike Tidmus blog for a detailed list of actions we can take, we must act quick.

Open Forum: Are We a Biological Error?

Anti-gay former talkshow host and author Dr. Laura Schlessinger once said "gays are a biological error." It caused a storm of uproar among the LGBT community who urged a boycott against her and ultimately led the fight to the rescinding of her show.

Science is definitely on the side of homosexuality being biological, every few months new reports are released indicating that sexual orientation and gender identity have a biological component to them. Whether it be an overdose or underdose of hormones during pregnancy, some chemical composition, or a nerve related issue, it appears likely that being queer is strongly connected to our biological composition.

This eliminates the argument that being queer is a choice, puts a rest to nature versus nurture debate, and validates the notion that "we are born LGBTQIA". It also brings into the debate a whole new controversial arena. If something occurred during pregnancy or our DNA is different and influenced our sexuality or gender, are we a biological error? Might something have gone wrong during the process which rendered us defective?

I think as we advance in the realm of science we will find more and more evidence of the strong connection between sexuality and biology, but this will bring up the question of whether homosexuality/transsexuality are a genetic mutation that can be fixed.

All kinds of groups who are different be they gay, trans, intersex, asexual, might be considered an error that could be fixed by scientific altering?

Thoughts?

Signing for Something - Resign From the Mormon Church

Hundreds of gay and straight Mormons are resigning from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints over the Church's funding and propaganda regarding proposition 8, that led to a ban on same-sex marriage in California.

Many families with deep ties to the LDS Church are resigning in droves because they feel it was wrong for the church to get involved with a political issue, especially one that is as divisive as gay marriage. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been taught, “We do not believe it just to mingle religious influence with civil government …” (Doctrine and Covenants 134:9). In addition many Mormons do not feel their faith represents them on the issue of homosexuality, and marriage rights for gay and lesbian couples.

Below is a recent news assignment done covering the Signing for Something movement which has now helped hundreds of people leave the LDS movement.



http://signingforsomething.org/blog/

Homosexual Sex Given Green Light in Turkish Court

A Turkish court has tried a man accused of selling gay and group sex videos. While homosexuality is not illegal in Turkey it is still considered taboo and LGBT people face many legal restrictions. The court could have charged him with selling "unnatural sex" videos but instead charged him with a lower level crime of selling the videos in an illegal location.

"In its verdict, the Istanbul court said: Most European countries have given gay relationships the equivalence of marriage, and in Holland gay marriages were made legal a few years back. In a world of modern societies, it is not possible to say intercourse among members of the same sex is unnatural.

The verdict also read: Since the action happens in private places and does not include children it is not criminal. The term unnatural sexual behavior' should be seen from a narrow perspective; otherwise there is the risk of judging every sexual relationship outside of certain limitations unnatural. It is without doubt that the images are eccentric. Although this kind of sexual activity is not common in societies, it is a fact that in every society collective sexual relationships exist." (Turkish Daily News)

This is a significant gay rights development in Turkey, a country that typically shuns homosexuality while struggling to be accepted into the European Union and advance as a modern nation.

Sarah Palin - "People Choose to be Gay"

Sarah Palin in an interview with Katie Couric of CBS Evening News had the following to say about homosexuality.

"As for homosexuality - I'm not going to judge Americans and the decisions that they make in their adult, personal relationships. I have - um - one of my absolute best friends for the last thirty years who happens to be gay - and I love her dearly. She is not my gay friend. She is one of my best friends, who happens to have made a choice that isn't a choice that I have made."

And this woman wants to be our vice president? Can I get a HELL NO?

Queers United proudly supports Barack Obama for President.