Word of the Gay: "Internalized Oppression"

"Internalized oppression" is when a member of an oppressed group accepts the false stereotypes that have been applied to the group.

'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.

Don't Tell Me Who To Love - Ray Boltz/Soulforce (Music Video)

Soulforce an organization dedicated to achieiving LGBT liberation from religious oppression and discrimination through non violent means has come out with a new video on marriage equality. The song is by Ray Boltz a famous Contemporary Christian Artist who came out of the closet recently.

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.

Don't Let the Mormon Church Decide on Prop 8

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: