Tuesday, July 31, 2012
(31) But Do You Have Gas?
Fill-er-Up, Stem Cells, Where In The World Are Our Senators?, St. Clare’s the Molesters, Andy Can Kiss What I Twist and I Don’t Mean My Wrist, Schools Out, Sinus Dreams, Out With The Netti-Pot and In with Hydro Pulse … http://www.hydromedonline.com
Hundreds turn out for first trans pride event
With gender-variant people of nearly ever age and background represented, hundreds gathered in Union Park July 29 for Chicago's first ever transgender pride event.
One Direction Gay Ad for Nintendo
Those One Direction guys are so metro-sexual with their tactile hugging and playfulness. They are toally surrounded by those One Direction Gay rumours. Irrespective of that, just like JLS they have an advertising deal with Nintendo! The only trouble with this is, they haven't released any music yet. The same thing happened with JEdward - thankGod they didn't release any music.
Getting an ad deal with Nintendo is really basically because they are famous for being an X-Factor contestant and of course for being cute, popular..... They are also at the top of their career (to date) and may have signed up for peanuts. JEdward allegedly earned �3 in their first year from PAs and advertising deals.
Anyway they are definitely getting cuter since they appeared on the X-factor?
Do you think One Direction deserve an ad deal with Nintendo?
Do you think One Direction are getting cuter?
Comments please
Gay newsView Australian Queer News on the web at Gay News Blog
Getting an ad deal with Nintendo is really basically because they are famous for being an X-Factor contestant and of course for being cute, popular..... They are also at the top of their career (to date) and may have signed up for peanuts. JEdward allegedly earned �3 in their first year from PAs and advertising deals.
Anyway they are definitely getting cuter since they appeared on the X-factor?
Do you think One Direction deserve an ad deal with Nintendo?
Do you think One Direction are getting cuter?
Comments please
Gay newsView Australian Queer News on the web at Gay News Blog
Gay pride march banned in Serbia
(Belgrade, Serbia) �Serbian authorities have banned a gay pride march and an anti-gay protest planned in the nation’s capital this weekend to avoid violence. When two similar events occurred side by side in Serbia’s capital last year, about 100 people were injured, cars were burned and shops were looted in clashes between police and the [...]
"Maddow is an anchor who is, she says? ?definitely not an ?autocutie??. And if there were any doubt,..."
?Maddow is an anchor who is, she says? ?definitely not an ?autocutie??. And if there were any doubt, when she stands up from her desk, she reveals that the jacket is worn, not with a pencil skirt, but a pair of jeans and cumbersome black and red trainers. ?And not just jeans ? ugly jeans!? Maddow laughs, proudly, and then swiftly swaps that regulation jacket for a grey sweatshirt.? - Rachel Maddow: The Guardian (via fuckyeahrachelmaddow)
Launching a Mayors for the Freedom to Marry petition? Read this first.
If you're reading this, you've probably noticed that your mayor is not on the current list of Mayors for the Freedom to Marry -- a broad-based and nonpartisan group of mayors who believe that all people should be able to share in the love and commitment of marriage.
More than 175 mayors from across the U.S. have signed the Mayors for the Freedom to Marry Statement, because they understand that the strength and health of our cities are enhanced when all families are protected and supported. And they know that many people in loving and committed same-sex relationships are active participants in improving our communities, and they've seen how important marriage has been for them and their families.
Here's how you can launch a powerful petition on Change.org, urging your mayor to join Mayors for the Freedom to Marry:
Start a Petition: Steps 1, 2 , and 3
Who do you want to petition?? This is where you put your mayor's full name.
What do you want them to do?? This is the action you want your mayor to take.
EXAMPLES:
- Mayor NAME: Join Mayors for the Freedom to Marry
- Tell Mayor NAME to Support the Freedom to Marry
- Mayor NAME: It's Time to Support the Freedom to Marry
Why is this important?? Write 2-3 sentences about yourself and why you want your mayor to publicly support the freedom to marry. Make it personal. Talk about your local community. Be encouraging and keep the tone positive. Here's more info on how to write compelling petition text.
EXAMPLE:
More than 175 mayors from across the country have joined the Mayors for the Freedom to Marry Coalition.
Unfortunately, Mayor [FULL NAME] isn't listed.
[Insert your personal narrative, explaining why you personally want your mayor to join the coalition. Make it compelling, but concise.]
The strength and health of our cities are enhanced when all families are protected and supported. Many loving and committed same-sex couples are active participants in improving our communities, and they deserve to know their mayor supports them, too.Furthermore, the freedom to marry enhances the economic competitiveness of our communities, improves the lives of families that call our cities home, and is simply the right thing to do.Please urge Mayor [FULL NAME] sign on to join the Mayors for the Freedom Coalition by signing this petition and sharing it with your friends, families and neighbors.
Filling in the Details
Click ?Edit your petition,? or click on the yellow bar that pops up once you?ve launched your petition to add in these critical details.
Target contact info: Add in your mayor's full name and email address so that every signature generates an email to your mayor. Consider adding multiple targets, including your mayor's staff (especially communications and press staff)
Why is this important? You can add more details to your story here. Perhaps you forgot something the first time, or perhaps you want to restructure your petition text a bit.
Petition images: You?ll want to use a clear, friendly photo of your mayor. Check your mayor's website for an official photo.
Advanced Options
Don't forget these!
Petition Issue ? select ?Gay Rights.?
Do not select a deadline, or, if you do, set it 6-12 months from today, as this will be the date on which your petition ends.
Signature goal: 1,000 is a popular goal, but if you?re worried about getting that many signatures, start with 500 (you can always increase this later).
Petition Letter ? this letter will go to your ?targets,? so don?t forget to proofread it. Since this is the email that will be sent each time someone signs the petition, make sure the tone makes sense. Think of it as an opportunity to speak directly to your mayor. Lay out a positive argument for why your mayor should join the coalition of mayors supporting the Freedom to Marry. Here's more info on how to write a good petition letter.
EXAMPLE:
Mayor [FULL NAME],
More than 175 mayors from across the country have joined the Mayors for the Freedom to Marry Coalition.
Within our own state of [STATE], [List Mayor Names and Cities] have already joined this coalition.
Unfortunately, I don?t see your name listed.
The strength and health of our cities are enhanced when all families are protected and supported. Many loving and committed same-sex couples are active participants in improving our communities, and they deserve to know their mayor supports them, too.Furthermore, the freedom to marry enhances the economic competitiveness of our communities, improves the lives of families that call our cities home, and is simply the right thing to do.
Please visit http://www.freedomtomarry.org/pages/mayors-for-marriage-statement and sign on to the Mayors for the Freedom to Marry statement. Your city is counting on you to do the right thing.
Sincerely,
Hit Save!
Getting the Word Out
Don?t forget, starting a petition is just the beginning of your campaign to urge your mayor to join Mayors for the Freedom to Marry. To really get the attention of your mayor, you?ll need to gather hundreds of signatures. How do you do this?
FACEBOOK: In addition to posting on their own Facebook profiles, many people start Facebook pages, such as ?Tell Mayor NAME to Support the Freedom to Marry? to update and recruit supporters.
TWITTER: If you have a Twitter account, tweet the petition and include @changeLGBT and #Mayors4M in your first tweet.
EMAIL: Don?t forget to send a personal email to your friends and family, asking them to sign the petition and spread the word.
Reach Out to the Media
In addition to recruiting supporters for your petition, many people have had success spending a few hours researching their local newspapers, TV stations, as well as bloggers who cover LGBT issues, and sending them a note about the campaign (their contact info can often be found right on news websites). Sending emails and making calls to local media can be scary, but it can also pay off big time if a reporter decides to cover your campaign. Reporters are often hungry for stories that show people trying to make change in their community, so don't shy away from trying to build media awareness about your petition -- reporters generally want to hear from people just like you.
Need More Help?
Here is a list of tactics broken down by different stages of the campaign.
DEVELOPING A STRATEGY:
Find your personal narrative (your story) and identify key messaging points
Identify potential barriers for the campaign and assets you can use to overcome them
Optimize petition text, target contacts, target letter, headline, and graphic
Brainstorm all of the different communities that would support your campaign
BUILDING CAPACITY:
Share your petition with friends, family and interested communities
Connect with bloggers and list-servs that can help you spread the word
Find "influencers" who can push your petition to a much larger audience
Bring in "local community experts and leaders" who can validate your campaign
APPLYING PRESSURE:
Widely email likely supporters and ask them to do the same
Create and pitch press releases to garner local media coverage
Organize social media bombs (targeting your mayor on Facebook or Twitter)
Organize a "letter to the editor" campaign to saturate local press coverage
Attend community events and explain why your campaign is important to you
UPPING THE ANTE:
Orchestrate phone banks or a call-in day, urging campaign supporters to call the mayor's office
Engage colleagues, local officials or high-profile donors who sympathize
Create a calendar of your mayor's public events and organize protests around them
Identify a media-enticing opportunity to deliver your petition signatures
Launch Facebook Ads targeting your mayor
Ready to get started? Start your petition today!
Want to join a Mayors for the Freedom to Marry campaign near you? Find active petitions!
Still have questions? Contact cameron@freedomtomarry.org.
More than 175 mayors from across the U.S. have signed the Mayors for the Freedom to Marry Statement, because they understand that the strength and health of our cities are enhanced when all families are protected and supported. And they know that many people in loving and committed same-sex relationships are active participants in improving our communities, and they've seen how important marriage has been for them and their families.
Here's how you can launch a powerful petition on Change.org, urging your mayor to join Mayors for the Freedom to Marry:
Start a Petition: Steps 1, 2 , and 3
Who do you want to petition?? This is where you put your mayor's full name.
What do you want them to do?? This is the action you want your mayor to take.
EXAMPLES:
- Mayor NAME: Join Mayors for the Freedom to Marry
- Tell Mayor NAME to Support the Freedom to Marry
- Mayor NAME: It's Time to Support the Freedom to Marry
Why is this important?? Write 2-3 sentences about yourself and why you want your mayor to publicly support the freedom to marry. Make it personal. Talk about your local community. Be encouraging and keep the tone positive. Here's more info on how to write compelling petition text.
EXAMPLE:
More than 175 mayors from across the country have joined the Mayors for the Freedom to Marry Coalition.
Unfortunately, Mayor [FULL NAME] isn't listed.
[Insert your personal narrative, explaining why you personally want your mayor to join the coalition. Make it compelling, but concise.]
The strength and health of our cities are enhanced when all families are protected and supported. Many loving and committed same-sex couples are active participants in improving our communities, and they deserve to know their mayor supports them, too.Furthermore, the freedom to marry enhances the economic competitiveness of our communities, improves the lives of families that call our cities home, and is simply the right thing to do.Please urge Mayor [FULL NAME] sign on to join the Mayors for the Freedom Coalition by signing this petition and sharing it with your friends, families and neighbors.
Filling in the Details
Click ?Edit your petition,? or click on the yellow bar that pops up once you?ve launched your petition to add in these critical details.
Target contact info: Add in your mayor's full name and email address so that every signature generates an email to your mayor. Consider adding multiple targets, including your mayor's staff (especially communications and press staff)
Why is this important? You can add more details to your story here. Perhaps you forgot something the first time, or perhaps you want to restructure your petition text a bit.
Petition images: You?ll want to use a clear, friendly photo of your mayor. Check your mayor's website for an official photo.
Advanced Options
Don't forget these!
Petition Issue ? select ?Gay Rights.?
Do not select a deadline, or, if you do, set it 6-12 months from today, as this will be the date on which your petition ends.
Signature goal: 1,000 is a popular goal, but if you?re worried about getting that many signatures, start with 500 (you can always increase this later).
Petition Letter ? this letter will go to your ?targets,? so don?t forget to proofread it. Since this is the email that will be sent each time someone signs the petition, make sure the tone makes sense. Think of it as an opportunity to speak directly to your mayor. Lay out a positive argument for why your mayor should join the coalition of mayors supporting the Freedom to Marry. Here's more info on how to write a good petition letter.
EXAMPLE:
Mayor [FULL NAME],
More than 175 mayors from across the country have joined the Mayors for the Freedom to Marry Coalition.
Within our own state of [STATE], [List Mayor Names and Cities] have already joined this coalition.
Unfortunately, I don?t see your name listed.
The strength and health of our cities are enhanced when all families are protected and supported. Many loving and committed same-sex couples are active participants in improving our communities, and they deserve to know their mayor supports them, too.Furthermore, the freedom to marry enhances the economic competitiveness of our communities, improves the lives of families that call our cities home, and is simply the right thing to do.
Please visit http://www.freedomtomarry.org/pages/mayors-for-marriage-statement and sign on to the Mayors for the Freedom to Marry statement. Your city is counting on you to do the right thing.
Sincerely,
Hit Save!
Getting the Word Out
Don?t forget, starting a petition is just the beginning of your campaign to urge your mayor to join Mayors for the Freedom to Marry. To really get the attention of your mayor, you?ll need to gather hundreds of signatures. How do you do this?
FACEBOOK: In addition to posting on their own Facebook profiles, many people start Facebook pages, such as ?Tell Mayor NAME to Support the Freedom to Marry? to update and recruit supporters.
TWITTER: If you have a Twitter account, tweet the petition and include @changeLGBT and #Mayors4M in your first tweet.
EMAIL: Don?t forget to send a personal email to your friends and family, asking them to sign the petition and spread the word.
Reach Out to the Media
In addition to recruiting supporters for your petition, many people have had success spending a few hours researching their local newspapers, TV stations, as well as bloggers who cover LGBT issues, and sending them a note about the campaign (their contact info can often be found right on news websites). Sending emails and making calls to local media can be scary, but it can also pay off big time if a reporter decides to cover your campaign. Reporters are often hungry for stories that show people trying to make change in their community, so don't shy away from trying to build media awareness about your petition -- reporters generally want to hear from people just like you.
Need More Help?
Here is a list of tactics broken down by different stages of the campaign.
DEVELOPING A STRATEGY:
Find your personal narrative (your story) and identify key messaging points
Identify potential barriers for the campaign and assets you can use to overcome them
Optimize petition text, target contacts, target letter, headline, and graphic
Brainstorm all of the different communities that would support your campaign
BUILDING CAPACITY:
Share your petition with friends, family and interested communities
Connect with bloggers and list-servs that can help you spread the word
Find "influencers" who can push your petition to a much larger audience
Bring in "local community experts and leaders" who can validate your campaign
APPLYING PRESSURE:
Widely email likely supporters and ask them to do the same
Create and pitch press releases to garner local media coverage
Organize social media bombs (targeting your mayor on Facebook or Twitter)
Organize a "letter to the editor" campaign to saturate local press coverage
Attend community events and explain why your campaign is important to you
UPPING THE ANTE:
Orchestrate phone banks or a call-in day, urging campaign supporters to call the mayor's office
Engage colleagues, local officials or high-profile donors who sympathize
Create a calendar of your mayor's public events and organize protests around them
Identify a media-enticing opportunity to deliver your petition signatures
Launch Facebook Ads targeting your mayor
Ready to get started? Start your petition today!
Want to join a Mayors for the Freedom to Marry campaign near you? Find active petitions!
Still have questions? Contact cameron@freedomtomarry.org.
Washington DC Mayor Vincent Gray Says No to Chick fil A and Calls It Hate Chicken
The mayor doesn't mince words when it comes to the chicken chain.
read more
read more
Monday, July 30, 2012
Washington D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray Calls Chick-fil-A 'Hate Chicken'
Washington D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray has made his views about Chick-fil-A known, on Twitter:
"Given my longstanding strong support for LGBT rights & marriage equality, I would not support #hatechicken"
The WaPo reports:
Earlier Friday, Gray declined to take a stand on the company, saying he needed more time to review its position on gay rights. But administration officials noted Gray has been a strong supporter of gay rights. In 2010, when he was council chairman, Gray helped legalize same-sex marriage. Last month, as mayor, Gray signed into law what he called one of the nation?s toughest anti bullying laws.Gray waded into the Chick-fil-A debate even though the company does not have a big presence in the city and has no known plans for an expansion. Though the company?s Web site lists nearly two dozen locations in the Maryland and Virginia suburbs, the only location in the District is on the grounds of Catholic University.
Gray later responded to Twitter users about his statement, adding: "What's embarrassing about supporting equal rights for your gay fellow Americans?...This is about more than their CEO's personal opinions. They also give hundreds of thousands of dollars to anti-gay groups...I said I oppose them, but cannot legally bar them...Because they give significant amounts of $$ to organizations that actively oppose equal rights for gay people."
"Given my longstanding strong support for LGBT rights & marriage equality, I would not support #hatechicken"
The WaPo reports:
Earlier Friday, Gray declined to take a stand on the company, saying he needed more time to review its position on gay rights. But administration officials noted Gray has been a strong supporter of gay rights. In 2010, when he was council chairman, Gray helped legalize same-sex marriage. Last month, as mayor, Gray signed into law what he called one of the nation?s toughest anti bullying laws.Gray waded into the Chick-fil-A debate even though the company does not have a big presence in the city and has no known plans for an expansion. Though the company?s Web site lists nearly two dozen locations in the Maryland and Virginia suburbs, the only location in the District is on the grounds of Catholic University.
Gray later responded to Twitter users about his statement, adding: "What's embarrassing about supporting equal rights for your gay fellow Americans?...This is about more than their CEO's personal opinions. They also give hundreds of thousands of dollars to anti-gay groups...I said I oppose them, but cannot legally bar them...Because they give significant amounts of $$ to organizations that actively oppose equal rights for gay people."
NYC City Council Speaker Christine Quinn Asks NYU President to Kick Chick-fil-A Off its Campus
NYC City Council Speaker Christine Quinn is urging New York University, which rents space to the city's only Chick-fil-A restaurant, to kick the franchise off its campus because of its support for anti-gay causes.
Says Quinn, in part, in a letter sent today to NYU President John Sexton:
NYC is a place where we celebrate diversity. We do not believe in denigrating others...As you know from recent press coverage, the President of Chick-fil-A continues to make statements and support causes that are clear messages of extreme intolerance and homophobia and a belief that LGBT Americans are less than others and deserve to be treated as such.
Let me be clear -- I do not want establishments in my city that hold such discriminatory views.
I urge you to sever your relationship with the Chick-fil-A establishment that exists on your campus. This establishment should be replaced with an establishment where the ownership does not denigrate a portion of our population.
Quinn's full letter, AFTER THE JUMP...
Quinn's move comes a day after NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg told reporters that it's "not government's job" to block businesses based on their political beliefs.
However, it's unclear how Chick-fil-A's position might fare under the auspices of a university that strives not to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation.
Quinn has also started a petition on Change.org demanding Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy apologize and change his position.
Quinn Letter to Sexton
Says Quinn, in part, in a letter sent today to NYU President John Sexton:
NYC is a place where we celebrate diversity. We do not believe in denigrating others...As you know from recent press coverage, the President of Chick-fil-A continues to make statements and support causes that are clear messages of extreme intolerance and homophobia and a belief that LGBT Americans are less than others and deserve to be treated as such.
Let me be clear -- I do not want establishments in my city that hold such discriminatory views.
I urge you to sever your relationship with the Chick-fil-A establishment that exists on your campus. This establishment should be replaced with an establishment where the ownership does not denigrate a portion of our population.
Quinn's full letter, AFTER THE JUMP...
Quinn's move comes a day after NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg told reporters that it's "not government's job" to block businesses based on their political beliefs.
However, it's unclear how Chick-fil-A's position might fare under the auspices of a university that strives not to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation.
Quinn has also started a petition on Change.org demanding Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy apologize and change his position.
Quinn Letter to Sexton
Macklemore and Ryan Lewis - Same Love feat. Mary Lambert
Ben Haggerty, better known by his stage name Macklemore, is an American rapper. Macklemore works with Ryan Lewis (Producer).
He has been described as a socially conscious rapper, with many of his songs addressing issues surrounding consumerism, race, sexual orientation and drug addiction. Macklemore is set to release his new album this year, as stated in an XXL interview.
Last week, he talked about his new song, SAME LOVE. "This song, which I wrote in April, is a response to what I have observed
and experienced, and is also an act of personal accountability. It was
not easy to write, and I struggled with how I, as a straight male, could
genuinely speak upon this issue.
Initially, I tried writing from
the perspective of a gay, bullied kid, but after getting some feedback,
I felt it wasn?t my story to tell. What I do know, and where I wrote
from, is my own perspective growing up in a culture where ?that?s gay?
was commonplace, with a huge stigma on those who identified and were
perceived as gay.
Growing up in the Catholic Church, I saw
first-hand how easily religion became a platform for hate and prejudice.
Those who ?believed? were excused from their own judgments, bypassing
the stark issue of basic civil rights.
But, more influential to me as a kid than the church was hip hop, my cultural foundation that influenced my worldview.
Unfortunately,
intolerance of the gay community in hip hop is widespread. The best
rappers will use homophobic language on albums that critics rave about,
making hip hop and homophobia inextricably linked. We have sidestepped
the issue entirely, become numb to the language that we use, and are
increasingly blinded to our own prejudice.
The consequence and
impact of what we say, and the culture of shame and abuse it creates,
has very real, sometimes deadly impacts upon LGBTQ young people looking
for acceptance and belonging.As somebody that believes in equal rights for all humans, you can only watch poison regurgitated for so long. I
am not saying that intolerance is exclusive to hip hop. Hip hop culture
is a part of American culture, and America can be scared, fearful, and
prejudiced against its own. My intent is not to scrutinize or single out
hip hop. It happens to be the culture that has profoundly shaped me,
and the one I feel most accountable to.Hip hop is influential to
young people, and frames the mindset of the generation that will decide
how inclusive and accepting we are.More than anything, I am
aware of how comfortable I (and many other straight people) have become
in staying silent on this issue. If we choose to not speak on an issue
of injustice out of fear, or how our peers might perceive us, we?re part
of the problem. We know the truth, and vainly refuse to uphold it, when
people?s lives are caught in the balance.In the last couple of
months, amazing things have happened that show progress and
accountability to ensure that the LGBTQ community has the same rights
and respect as everyone else. THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES came
out in support of gay marriage. Jay-Z, arguably the biggest rapper in
the world, then followed. Finally, Frank Ocean felt comfortable enough
with himself to share his sexuality in his music and came out last
week. That is courage. This song is a humble submission to help
bring this conversation to the surface, so that we can reflect on the
language we use, and how powerful it can be. Rethinking, and
understanding the gravity of how we communicate with each other. Change
happens when dialogue happens. When we confront our prejudice and are
honest with ourselves, there is room for growth, and there is room for
justice.
After I wrote this song, I played it for a friend of mine who
happened to be involved with the Music for Marriage Equality campaign,
uniting musicians to help Washington state become the very first to
approve marriage equality by a public vote in November.My hope
is that my personal testimony can help in some way to not only advance
the dialogue and approve Referendum 74, but also to help shape a culture
of belonging in which ALL people are equal.
- Macklemore?If you have come here to help me, you are
wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound
up with mine, then let us work together.? ? Lilla Watson
*Also, huge shout out to the incredibly talented Mary Lambert. Such a blessing to work with her on this song.LISTEN NOW
He has been described as a socially conscious rapper, with many of his songs addressing issues surrounding consumerism, race, sexual orientation and drug addiction. Macklemore is set to release his new album this year, as stated in an XXL interview.
Last week, he talked about his new song, SAME LOVE. "This song, which I wrote in April, is a response to what I have observed
and experienced, and is also an act of personal accountability. It was
not easy to write, and I struggled with how I, as a straight male, could
genuinely speak upon this issue.
Initially, I tried writing from
the perspective of a gay, bullied kid, but after getting some feedback,
I felt it wasn?t my story to tell. What I do know, and where I wrote
from, is my own perspective growing up in a culture where ?that?s gay?
was commonplace, with a huge stigma on those who identified and were
perceived as gay.
Growing up in the Catholic Church, I saw
first-hand how easily religion became a platform for hate and prejudice.
Those who ?believed? were excused from their own judgments, bypassing
the stark issue of basic civil rights.
But, more influential to me as a kid than the church was hip hop, my cultural foundation that influenced my worldview.
Unfortunately,
intolerance of the gay community in hip hop is widespread. The best
rappers will use homophobic language on albums that critics rave about,
making hip hop and homophobia inextricably linked. We have sidestepped
the issue entirely, become numb to the language that we use, and are
increasingly blinded to our own prejudice.
The consequence and
impact of what we say, and the culture of shame and abuse it creates,
has very real, sometimes deadly impacts upon LGBTQ young people looking
for acceptance and belonging.As somebody that believes in equal rights for all humans, you can only watch poison regurgitated for so long. I
am not saying that intolerance is exclusive to hip hop. Hip hop culture
is a part of American culture, and America can be scared, fearful, and
prejudiced against its own. My intent is not to scrutinize or single out
hip hop. It happens to be the culture that has profoundly shaped me,
and the one I feel most accountable to.Hip hop is influential to
young people, and frames the mindset of the generation that will decide
how inclusive and accepting we are.More than anything, I am
aware of how comfortable I (and many other straight people) have become
in staying silent on this issue. If we choose to not speak on an issue
of injustice out of fear, or how our peers might perceive us, we?re part
of the problem. We know the truth, and vainly refuse to uphold it, when
people?s lives are caught in the balance.In the last couple of
months, amazing things have happened that show progress and
accountability to ensure that the LGBTQ community has the same rights
and respect as everyone else. THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES came
out in support of gay marriage. Jay-Z, arguably the biggest rapper in
the world, then followed. Finally, Frank Ocean felt comfortable enough
with himself to share his sexuality in his music and came out last
week. That is courage. This song is a humble submission to help
bring this conversation to the surface, so that we can reflect on the
language we use, and how powerful it can be. Rethinking, and
understanding the gravity of how we communicate with each other. Change
happens when dialogue happens. When we confront our prejudice and are
honest with ourselves, there is room for growth, and there is room for
justice.
After I wrote this song, I played it for a friend of mine who
happened to be involved with the Music for Marriage Equality campaign,
uniting musicians to help Washington state become the very first to
approve marriage equality by a public vote in November.My hope
is that my personal testimony can help in some way to not only advance
the dialogue and approve Referendum 74, but also to help shape a culture
of belonging in which ALL people are equal.
- Macklemore?If you have come here to help me, you are
wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound
up with mine, then let us work together.? ? Lilla Watson
*Also, huge shout out to the incredibly talented Mary Lambert. Such a blessing to work with her on this song.LISTEN NOW
Kiss My Grits
I would like help in finding a book mentioned in passing during one of my lesbian literature in English classes in undergrad. This was ages ago in the early 90s. The woman fell in love with a diner.
'Kiss Kiss Cabaret' Fridays at Greenhouse
Chicago's only weekly burlesque/comedy show, "The Kiss Kiss Cabaret" is entering its second year.
Trans candidate in Fla. gains support
Gina Duncan, an openly transgender business leader seeking a seat on the Orange County Commission in central Florida, won the -More-
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Pat My Fringe
This ustream chat from earlier this week is just highly entertaining. If you have 30 free mins, give it a whirl and try not to fall in love...Part 1 Part 2Part 3Visit Jessie J's website at jessiejofficial.com/!
(10) Back From Hiatus
Thanks Nadya, for Babkas Bikini Wax Messages, Back from Techno-challenges, Child Abusers, Vibrating i-Phones, Pseudo-Lesbians have babies, Joe Walsh as a cure for insomnia, Combi-Christ for adults, Hilary for president, but only because she has a vagina.
Memory Mix-Up
So, the majority of us lesbians have been in more than one relationship, this post is for you. In my past, I was always in long-term relationships, not that that�is a good thing, but it is what it is. Well things happened in those relationships that I sometimes remember. This doesn’t happen often, maybe a [...]
15-year-old lesbian Sarah wins Danish X Factor
The 2011 edition of the Danish X Factor was won by an out lesbian candidate last Friday.
© Type 1 / Photo by Bjarne Bergius Hermansen
Competing against 16-year-old Babou and 32-year-old Annelouise, it was 15-year-old Sarah that won the most votes in the Danish edition of the talent show, walking away with a record deal that’s worth one million Danish crowns (ca. 123,000 euros).
The three finalists opened the show together with reunited boy band Take That, after which Sarah took the stage first with her rendition of Lady Gaga’s Poker Face.
Later on in the show, Sarah shared the stage with her idols Carpark North, a Danish electronic rock band. She also performed a song in Danish, which eventually set her apart from runner-up Annelouise by a mere 2,086 votes.
After winning the show, Sarah rushed into the stadium to be congratulated by her family, friends, and girlfriend Frederikke.
© DR / Photo by Kasper Christensen
Surprised by her own victory (“I did not fucking see that coming!”), Sarah never expected to make it through all the live shows. Her proud girlfriend commented: “She’s just herself all the way through and people love that.”
Congratulations to Sarah, who will hopefully have a wonderful career ahead of her! Seeing how this young lady already has four years of musical experience in her pocket, combined with her varied interests (ranging from Elvis Presley to musicals), we’re probably going to hear a lot more from this young talent.
© Type 1 / Photo by Bjarne Bergius Hermansen
Competing against 16-year-old Babou and 32-year-old Annelouise, it was 15-year-old Sarah that won the most votes in the Danish edition of the talent show, walking away with a record deal that’s worth one million Danish crowns (ca. 123,000 euros).
The three finalists opened the show together with reunited boy band Take That, after which Sarah took the stage first with her rendition of Lady Gaga’s Poker Face.
Later on in the show, Sarah shared the stage with her idols Carpark North, a Danish electronic rock band. She also performed a song in Danish, which eventually set her apart from runner-up Annelouise by a mere 2,086 votes.
After winning the show, Sarah rushed into the stadium to be congratulated by her family, friends, and girlfriend Frederikke.
© DR / Photo by Kasper Christensen
Surprised by her own victory (“I did not fucking see that coming!”), Sarah never expected to make it through all the live shows. Her proud girlfriend commented: “She’s just herself all the way through and people love that.”
Congratulations to Sarah, who will hopefully have a wonderful career ahead of her! Seeing how this young lady already has four years of musical experience in her pocket, combined with her varied interests (ranging from Elvis Presley to musicals), we’re probably going to hear a lot more from this young talent.
Lesbian Olympians London 2012
The Olympic Games in London have already started, even though the opening ceremonies are not until tomorrow night. This year there are 21 out LGBT athletes at the Summer Games in London. We'd like you to meet two of them from the United States Olympic team....Read Full Post
Ernest Kohl's "Anyone Who's Ever Been in Love" from the Cosmopolitan
HE'S BACK! International Recording Star ERNEST KOHL's WORLDWIDE RELEASE of "ANYONE
WHO'S EVER BEEN IN LOVE" direct from the studio and from the HOT NEW
MUSICAL and UPCOMING MOVIE "THE COSMOPOLITAN" written by Golden Globe,
Grammy and Emmy Winners Lance Horne and Josh Rhodes! This musical
masterpiece contains no less than 30 sexy sizzling remixes to choose
from for your listening pleasure! When you look into someone's eyes, the
words to "ANYONE WHO'S EVER BEEN IN LOVE" should echo in your mind and
resonate in your heart.WATCH / LISTEN NOW
WHO'S EVER BEEN IN LOVE" direct from the studio and from the HOT NEW
MUSICAL and UPCOMING MOVIE "THE COSMOPOLITAN" written by Golden Globe,
Grammy and Emmy Winners Lance Horne and Josh Rhodes! This musical
masterpiece contains no less than 30 sexy sizzling remixes to choose
from for your listening pleasure! When you look into someone's eyes, the
words to "ANYONE WHO'S EVER BEEN IN LOVE" should echo in your mind and
resonate in your heart.WATCH / LISTEN NOW
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Will Michigan legislators give students the anti-bullying law we need?
This is a personal appeal to the Michigan state senate by Katy Butler, a 16-year-old student and bully victim from Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Bullying hurts, it's real, and it can kill. And it's a very serious problem that countless students like me face everyday in schools across Michigan.
Right now, legislators in Lansing are faced with a choice. The Michigan state senate can either do what's easy, or do what's right. They can pass a weak bill that won't actually protect students. Or they can pass a strong anti-bullying law that enumerates the reasons why students are bullied, and requires that schools report back on how well they're protecting us.
For students who have endured bullying like me, and for the more than�50,000 people�who have signed my�petition on Change.org, it's pretty clear what choice we need them to make.
My name is Katy Butler, and I'm a junior at Greenhills School in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I am 16-years-old, and I am a lesbian.
When I was in 7th grade, a few guys came up behind me while putting my books in my locker. They called me a faggot and a dyke and asked me why I even bothered to show my face at school because no one liked me. I ignored them because I was scared of what else they might say and who else they might tell if I stood up to them. When I went to shut my locker, they pushed me against the wall. Then they slammed my locker shut on my hand, breaking my fourth finger. I held back tears while I watched them run away laughing. I didn?t know what to do so I stood there, alone and afraid.
Eventually, I got tired of being afraid, and tired of being told to wait for things to get better. So when the legislature started considering an anti-bullying bill, I traveled with 30 other students to let Lansing know what we need. And when the state senate went ahead and passed a bill that included a dangerous exemption for bullying done for religious or moral reasons -- well, that's when I knew that they weren't interested in what students had to say.
So we launched our�petition on Change.org. And now more than�50,000 people�have joined this�student-led campaign, demanding that Michigan's elected officials pass a strong anti-bullying bill. And I think we're starting to get their attention.
You see, this campaign is about providing a voice for all those students who suffer every day at school. Those students who really need to be heard in Lansing, but haven't been. We're speaking out because as students, we deserve a bill that will actually protect us at school, not make it more dangerous, or give bullies a free pass.
And as students, we know what we need to be protected. But will the Michigan state senate do the right thing, and listen to what students have been saying we need?
Let's not take any chances.�Please sign our petition now.
Bullying hurts, it's real, and it can kill. And it's a very serious problem that countless students like me face everyday in schools across Michigan.
Right now, legislators in Lansing are faced with a choice. The Michigan state senate can either do what's easy, or do what's right. They can pass a weak bill that won't actually protect students. Or they can pass a strong anti-bullying law that enumerates the reasons why students are bullied, and requires that schools report back on how well they're protecting us.
For students who have endured bullying like me, and for the more than�50,000 people�who have signed my�petition on Change.org, it's pretty clear what choice we need them to make.
My name is Katy Butler, and I'm a junior at Greenhills School in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I am 16-years-old, and I am a lesbian.
When I was in 7th grade, a few guys came up behind me while putting my books in my locker. They called me a faggot and a dyke and asked me why I even bothered to show my face at school because no one liked me. I ignored them because I was scared of what else they might say and who else they might tell if I stood up to them. When I went to shut my locker, they pushed me against the wall. Then they slammed my locker shut on my hand, breaking my fourth finger. I held back tears while I watched them run away laughing. I didn?t know what to do so I stood there, alone and afraid.
Eventually, I got tired of being afraid, and tired of being told to wait for things to get better. So when the legislature started considering an anti-bullying bill, I traveled with 30 other students to let Lansing know what we need. And when the state senate went ahead and passed a bill that included a dangerous exemption for bullying done for religious or moral reasons -- well, that's when I knew that they weren't interested in what students had to say.
So we launched our�petition on Change.org. And now more than�50,000 people�have joined this�student-led campaign, demanding that Michigan's elected officials pass a strong anti-bullying bill. And I think we're starting to get their attention.
You see, this campaign is about providing a voice for all those students who suffer every day at school. Those students who really need to be heard in Lansing, but haven't been. We're speaking out because as students, we deserve a bill that will actually protect us at school, not make it more dangerous, or give bullies a free pass.
And as students, we know what we need to be protected. But will the Michigan state senate do the right thing, and listen to what students have been saying we need?
Let's not take any chances.�Please sign our petition now.
Google Wants to Legalize Gay Love Around the World
This could be a big fat hoax. I don't know how GAY STAR NEWS got this story or information, and you can not even get on their site to see the story - but the story is sweeping the internet. Furthermore, why would GAY STAR NEWS get this amazing story to break? Wouldn't Google call a press conference? or do a big press release??According to Gay Star News, GOOGLE's "Legalize Love" campaign will officially launch on Saturday, July
7. While the campaign will initially start in Poland and Singapore,
Google intends to expand it to every country that they have an office
in around the world.
Gay Star News says the campaign "will tackle places where it is
illegal to be gay, or where there are other anti-gay laws or where the
culture is homophobic."
Google, long known for their pro-LGBT business practices, has a clear
goal. The company's Mark Palmer-Edgecumbe says: ?We want our employees
who are gay or lesbian or transgender to have the same experience
outside the office as they do in the office. It is obviously a very
ambitious piece of work.?
Google will join forces with other non-government organizations (NGO's) to lobby the governments.Palmer-Edgecumbe cites Singapore as an example of a country that
would benefit from tolerant, pro-gay stance, saying: ?Singapore wants to
be a global financial center and world leader and we can push them on
the fact that being a global center and a world leader means you have to
treat all people the same, irrespective of their sexual orientation.?
Parker-Edgecumbe also acknowledges that a more LGBT-accepting world is also good for Google's bottom line. He notes:
?We operate in very many countries and have a very globally mobile
workforce. We have had a number of instances where we have been trying
to hire people into countries where there are these issues and have been
unable to put the best person into a job in that country.
?Conversely we have had to move people out of countries where they
have been experiencing homophobia to a different location. And we are
also having to support staff in those countries in terms of
relationships with the government and homophobia they are experiencing
outside of the office.?
With Google's massive and immediate world reach and its ability and
willingness to work with both NGO's and governments, there could be real
tangible results from their efforts to "Legalize Love" and ultimately,
to legalize gay.So, who knows if it is true or not. We'll see.
7. While the campaign will initially start in Poland and Singapore,
Google intends to expand it to every country that they have an office
in around the world.
Gay Star News says the campaign "will tackle places where it is
illegal to be gay, or where there are other anti-gay laws or where the
culture is homophobic."
Google, long known for their pro-LGBT business practices, has a clear
goal. The company's Mark Palmer-Edgecumbe says: ?We want our employees
who are gay or lesbian or transgender to have the same experience
outside the office as they do in the office. It is obviously a very
ambitious piece of work.?
Google will join forces with other non-government organizations (NGO's) to lobby the governments.Palmer-Edgecumbe cites Singapore as an example of a country that
would benefit from tolerant, pro-gay stance, saying: ?Singapore wants to
be a global financial center and world leader and we can push them on
the fact that being a global center and a world leader means you have to
treat all people the same, irrespective of their sexual orientation.?
Parker-Edgecumbe also acknowledges that a more LGBT-accepting world is also good for Google's bottom line. He notes:
?We operate in very many countries and have a very globally mobile
workforce. We have had a number of instances where we have been trying
to hire people into countries where there are these issues and have been
unable to put the best person into a job in that country.
?Conversely we have had to move people out of countries where they
have been experiencing homophobia to a different location. And we are
also having to support staff in those countries in terms of
relationships with the government and homophobia they are experiencing
outside of the office.?
With Google's massive and immediate world reach and its ability and
willingness to work with both NGO's and governments, there could be real
tangible results from their efforts to "Legalize Love" and ultimately,
to legalize gay.So, who knows if it is true or not. We'll see.
U.S. Supreme Court Ruling on Health Care Reform and HIV
The U.S. Supreme Court took a massive step toward ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic today when it found nearly all provisions of the Affordable Care Act to be constitutional. Federal, state and local implementation efforts must continue in order to guarantee hundreds of thousands of uninsured Americans with HIV receive needed high-quality clinical care and treatment.
?Today?s Supreme Court decision will be remembered as a historic victory for the AIDS community and, in particular, for low-income, marginalized people with HIV who struggle to gain access to the very health care and medicine that could save their lives,? said David Ernesto Munar, President/CEO of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC).
?If fully implemented, national health care reform will put us on the road to an AIDS-free generation by dramatically expanding access to medical care, life-saving HIV treatment and screening,? Munar said.
Today, an estimated 1.2 million people are living with HIV in the U.S. They need access to high-quality, uninterrupted health care to stay healthy, reduce new HIV infections and cut long-term health care costs. Recognizing the Affordable Care Act as the law of the land gives people with HIV access to the reliable health coverage that they need to maintain continuous medical care, without worry of interruptions caused by inadequate coverage or an inability to pay.
?New science has provided the tools to effectively treat HIV and to make significant headway against the AIDS epidemic in the United States,? continued Munar. ?Research clearly shows that, with early access to treatment, people with HIV stay healthier and are significantly less likely to transmit HIV to others in the community.?
Unfortunately, the ruling came with a significant setback as well. The Court ruled that states cannot be financially penalized for refusing to expand Medicaid to all low-income people. The law requires the federal government to pay 90% percent of the cost of expanding Medicaid, and the states just 10%.
?The Medicaid ruling is a dark shadow on the horizon and significant bad news for people with HIV,? Munar noted. ?States now have an opening to drop the Medicaid expansion, one of the most significant provisions for people with HIV. Geographic disparities in access to care in the U.S. South may persist and could worsen the epidemic in some regions of the country that forgo Medicaid expansion. The fight will now shift to the states to ensure that all low-income people benefit from healthcare reform.?
The Supreme Court?s finding that the individual mandate is constitutional is a victory for people with HIV and countless others who have been shut out of the current health insurance market. This provision, which many observers considered to be at great risk of being stuck down, requires all individuals to have health coverage. National health care reform will level the playing field for people with pre-existing conditions to obtain health insurance coverage, as health insurance companies will be required to sell them coverage under the new law.
?Health reform implementation must now proceed full steam ahead,? said John Peller, AFC?s Vice President of Policy. ?We know there will be more law suits and attempts to repeal the law. Congress should acknowledge that the Affordable Care Act is the law of the land by fully funding health reform and ending efforts to repeal it. Progress must not be held hostage by politics.?
?We also call on Governor Quinn and the Illinois General Assembly to act swiftly to prepare the state for January 1, 2014,? Peller continued. ?There?s no time to waste. Governor Quinn should immediately enact an executive order to establish the state?s health insurance exchange.?
To learn more about the ways health reform will benefit people with HIV, visit HIVHealthReform.org, a partnership between AFC and a number of national organizations to educate the community.
Founded in 1985 by community activists and physicians, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago is a catalyst for local, national, and international action against HIV/AIDS.
?Today?s Supreme Court decision will be remembered as a historic victory for the AIDS community and, in particular, for low-income, marginalized people with HIV who struggle to gain access to the very health care and medicine that could save their lives,? said David Ernesto Munar, President/CEO of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC).
?If fully implemented, national health care reform will put us on the road to an AIDS-free generation by dramatically expanding access to medical care, life-saving HIV treatment and screening,? Munar said.
Today, an estimated 1.2 million people are living with HIV in the U.S. They need access to high-quality, uninterrupted health care to stay healthy, reduce new HIV infections and cut long-term health care costs. Recognizing the Affordable Care Act as the law of the land gives people with HIV access to the reliable health coverage that they need to maintain continuous medical care, without worry of interruptions caused by inadequate coverage or an inability to pay.
?New science has provided the tools to effectively treat HIV and to make significant headway against the AIDS epidemic in the United States,? continued Munar. ?Research clearly shows that, with early access to treatment, people with HIV stay healthier and are significantly less likely to transmit HIV to others in the community.?
Unfortunately, the ruling came with a significant setback as well. The Court ruled that states cannot be financially penalized for refusing to expand Medicaid to all low-income people. The law requires the federal government to pay 90% percent of the cost of expanding Medicaid, and the states just 10%.
?The Medicaid ruling is a dark shadow on the horizon and significant bad news for people with HIV,? Munar noted. ?States now have an opening to drop the Medicaid expansion, one of the most significant provisions for people with HIV. Geographic disparities in access to care in the U.S. South may persist and could worsen the epidemic in some regions of the country that forgo Medicaid expansion. The fight will now shift to the states to ensure that all low-income people benefit from healthcare reform.?
The Supreme Court?s finding that the individual mandate is constitutional is a victory for people with HIV and countless others who have been shut out of the current health insurance market. This provision, which many observers considered to be at great risk of being stuck down, requires all individuals to have health coverage. National health care reform will level the playing field for people with pre-existing conditions to obtain health insurance coverage, as health insurance companies will be required to sell them coverage under the new law.
?Health reform implementation must now proceed full steam ahead,? said John Peller, AFC?s Vice President of Policy. ?We know there will be more law suits and attempts to repeal the law. Congress should acknowledge that the Affordable Care Act is the law of the land by fully funding health reform and ending efforts to repeal it. Progress must not be held hostage by politics.?
?We also call on Governor Quinn and the Illinois General Assembly to act swiftly to prepare the state for January 1, 2014,? Peller continued. ?There?s no time to waste. Governor Quinn should immediately enact an executive order to establish the state?s health insurance exchange.?
To learn more about the ways health reform will benefit people with HIV, visit HIVHealthReform.org, a partnership between AFC and a number of national organizations to educate the community.
Founded in 1985 by community activists and physicians, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago is a catalyst for local, national, and international action against HIV/AIDS.
Michigan students call new anti-bullying bill "weak"
In early November, Katy Butler (pictured left) and Carson Borbely, two bullied LGBT students from Michigan, started a petition urging the Michigan legislature to stop the dangerous ?license to bully? bill that had passed in the Michigan state senate. As the campaign grew and this controversial bill garnered national attention, the Michigan state house was forced to pass a new anti-bullying bill that lacked an exemption for religious and moral bullying.
On Tuesday, November 29, the Michigan state senate passed the Michigan state house's version of the anti-bullying bill -- which lacked the "license to bully" language -- after more than 50,000 people joined Katy and Carson's popular petition campaign on Change.org.
Unfortunately, the bill also lacked enumeration of the reasons why students are bullied and requirements for schools to report back on how well they're protecting kids -- two provisions that Butler and Borbely assert are necessary to actually protect Michigan students from bullying.
?As students who have been bullied in the past, we know what we need to be protected,? said Butler, a 16-year-old junior at Greenhills High School in Ann Arbor, Michigan. ?While we?re disappointed that the legislature decided to do what was easy instead of doing what was right, Carson and I couldn?t be more proud. This campaign has been about providing a voice for students who suffer every day at school, but haven?t had the opportunity to speak out."
"Our petition helped stop a dangerous bill from becoming law," said Butler. "Next time, we?ll help pass a bill that actually protects students.?
Within a few short weeks, over 50,000 people joined Butler?s and Borbely?s campaign on Change.org, which received coverage from CBS, Yahoo! News, The Detroit News, Michigan public radio, the Washington Blade and other major news outlets.
On Tuesday, November 29, the Michigan state senate passed the Michigan state house's version of the anti-bullying bill -- which lacked the "license to bully" language -- after more than 50,000 people joined Katy and Carson's popular petition campaign on Change.org.
Unfortunately, the bill also lacked enumeration of the reasons why students are bullied and requirements for schools to report back on how well they're protecting kids -- two provisions that Butler and Borbely assert are necessary to actually protect Michigan students from bullying.
?As students who have been bullied in the past, we know what we need to be protected,? said Butler, a 16-year-old junior at Greenhills High School in Ann Arbor, Michigan. ?While we?re disappointed that the legislature decided to do what was easy instead of doing what was right, Carson and I couldn?t be more proud. This campaign has been about providing a voice for students who suffer every day at school, but haven?t had the opportunity to speak out."
"Our petition helped stop a dangerous bill from becoming law," said Butler. "Next time, we?ll help pass a bill that actually protects students.?
Within a few short weeks, over 50,000 people joined Butler?s and Borbely?s campaign on Change.org, which received coverage from CBS, Yahoo! News, The Detroit News, Michigan public radio, the Washington Blade and other major news outlets.
SF Pride 2010
It's been almost a week since SF Pride and I think I'm just recovering now. Wow, what a fun and fantastic time. For the first time since we've been writing for them, Curve magazine had a float in the San Francisco Pride parade. I was so excited when I got the call. Did I want to ride on the float? Are you kidding me? I wouldn't miss it!But before Sunday and the parade began, I had a lot of other partying to get through. I arrived in SF Friday morning. I spend the afternoon with my friends, before heading over to the Olivia/Curve comedy night show with Dana Goldberg, Julie Goldman, Sandra Valls and Gina Yashere. I ran into many friends from past Olivia trips and laughed my little a** off. Then it was off to Tease to dance the night away. Perhaps I should have started pacing myself earlier. I had to be up early the next morning to join my friends over in Delores Park because I was helping out on stage at the Dyke March. My good friend Retts is stage manager and I volunteered to help out with stage crew. From noon until 7pm or so, we hustled ladies and dykes on and off the stage. Drummers and poets and politicians and singers and drag kings. What a lot of fun! I got to say hi to old friend Alix Dobkin and meet one of my butch Role Models, Phranc. The only bummer is we were wrapping things up at the stage and I missed the beginning of the march. The Dykes on Bikes. You know how Dipstick loves the Dykes on Bikes.After a quick dinner and outfit change, it was time to head out for more dancing with Curve and Olivia. This time over at the Olivia headquarters where I got to hang out with new friends: Mikey from The Real L Word and Top Chef Josie. But the big thrill of the night was when a tall woman came up to me and said, "Hi, I'm Sheri Sam." As in, Sheri Sam, the amazing WNBA star. If there's one thing Dipstick likes better than Dykes on Bikes, it's women's basketball. What an amazing day this was turning out to be. Lord knows what time it was by the time I got home to bed. And we had to meet at some corner at 10:15 am for the float. When I finally found the corner, I found the Curve ladies frantically gluing tissue paper and glitter to the Curve float. I grabbed a staple gun and got right to work.I love coming down to San Francisco for Curve events, because I get to meet other Curve contributors, like the amazing photographer Cheryl Mazak and blogger Queerie Bradshaw. And of course, any time I get to hang out with Curve publisher Franco Stevens, it's a good day. Once the float was together, we relaxed a bit, practiced our butchest parade wave and watched all the beautiful people stroll by. After about two hours of waiting, finally it was our turn! Our big cupcake float pulled out onto the street and the crowds were deafening. Our onboard DJ spun some old school Michael Jackson and of course, Pussy Cat Dolls. I waved and blew bubbles and looked for people I knew in the crowd while the ground crew handed out magazines to the crowd. The sun was out. We were happy and gay. And too quickly, it was over. I headed back to my hotel room to rest up, because, no, oh no, there was still much more partying to be done. Met some new friends for Happy Hour, old friends for dinner and then we all went to see Red Hot Blues Sisters play in a small club downtown. I stayed in San Francisco an extra day. I planned on spending some time hanging out and seeing the city. Instead, I got a late check-out from my hotel, met a friend for lunch and took the shuttle to the airport.You can see why it took me so long to recover. I'm not as young as I once was. But still, Pride in San Francisco never gets old.
This Week In Gay
Joey from Cocktails and Creampuffs and David from That Blue Jeans Guy are back to help Anthony investigate and inform the weekly LGBT News. And Boy-Oh-Boy do we go head-to-head at some points! How does the gang feel about Pakistan? Is India?s health minister calling homosexuality a ?western disease?? LGBT Education Bill passes in California, but the House Reaffirms DOMA, why?
read more
read more
Friday, July 27, 2012
Gender Rights Maryland: Transgender Community Stands with ALL Women
Gender Rights Maryland posted an opinion piece in Baltimore OUTloud today in response to fears expressed by radical feminists and the radical religious-right "that gender identity civil rights laws (like the ones in Baltimore City and Montgomery County) will harm or jeopardize women's sex-segregated spaces and lead to assaults on non-trans (cisgender) women in these spaces."
Beginning with a reminder that two core concepts in feminism are self-definition and inclusion, GRMD identifies the key weakness in the opposition's fear-based argument:To date, fifteen other states and over a hundred other major jurisdictions in the U.S., covering 43% of the country's population, are covered under comprehensive laws that protect transgender individuals. Almost all of these jurisdictions utilize the language previously presented in the Maryland Gender Identity bill that we hope to pass in this next session of the legislature. These protections do not put non-trans women at risk.
The gender identity laws, of which I've spoken above, have been in effect since 1975. There has not been a single incident of a trans woman assaulting a non-trans woman in a sex-segregated space. Nor has there been a single incident of a man assaulting a woman in such a space claiming in court he had the right to do so because he's transgender. This has not happened in those jurisdictions covered by gender identity laws, nor has it happened in localities without such laws.
The opposition refuses to address facts like those presented above by GRMD because the facts clearly show the opposition's reasoning to be unsound. This leaves the opposition with only one bargaining tool: irrational fear. "Irrational fears," states GRMD, "cannot and should not define our conversation about gender identity civil rights legislation. The transgender community is not a threat to non-trans women. Quite the contrary, the transgender community stands arm-in-arm with the women's community to make inclusivity and self-definition more acceptable."
I would suggest that the willingness of the opposition to ignore the facts and fall back on irrational fears in order to hinder passage of gender identity civil rights legislation only demonstrates the dire need for that legislation. Transgender women need to be legally protected from the irrational fears of others.
There's more to the piece than I can do justice to here. Click on over and read the whole thing here.
Related:
* No Matter Who Expresses The Sentiments, Antitrans Sentiments Are Antitrans Sentiments
* Cathy Brennan & Elizabeth Hungerford take their anti-trans activism to the UN
* Taking the conversation where critics aren't allowed to follow
At least 20 out athletes in 2012 Olympics
When the Olympic cauldron is lit Friday, July 27, to kick off the Summer Olympics in London, the LGBT community will be represented on the fields of play—with more than double the number who participated in the 2004 Games in Athens or the 2008 Games in Beijing.
Fa La La La La...La--Holy Christ, they're Naked and Wet!
There's a little song I want to present to a gentlelady and scholar named Jeanette:(by the way, is there anything MORE homosexual than Celine Dion singing a Bette Midler song?? I don't think so.) Yes, I pound my chest and throw a dove to Jeanette for bringing this situation to my attention today...I suggest you watch the entire video:(Isabel & Christina from Spain's TV show Tierra de lobos)
Summertime Travel: From surf to skies, it pays to market to LGBT jetsetters
Business:
With the days shortening – if just barely – hopeful travelers may be thinking of squeezing in one more summer vacation before settling in for the autumn grind.
But a vacation isn't just a flight of fancy. It costs money. And nearly everyone wants to save a dollar – or hundreds – in the hunt for hotels, airline tickets and other travel expenses. For gay travelers, it may be a question of not only looking for savings, but for allies as well.
''Travel communities are one of the first to reach out to the gay and lesbian community. The question is not who does, but who doesn't,'' says David Paisley of San Francisco-based Community Marketing Inc., which specializes in LGBT travel consumers.
When the U.S. first entered its recession, traveling as a whole took a dive. Fast-forward to today and Washington ranks No. 1 for gay business travel and No. 6 for gay leisure travel.
''Our research indicated that while gays and lesbians take about as many leisure trips as straight travelers, we take far more leisure trips to visit friends and family and also far more business trips,'' Paisley says. ''Gay people travel more on the strength of these two categories.''
Jay Vilar, account executive at the Washington Business Journal, is one of those enthusiastic travelers. He's quick to point out that he's expecting gay-friendly skies – and hotels and all the rest.
''One of the first things I do when looking at travel destinations is to look to see if they've run any pro-LGBT advertising,'' he says. ''When you pay for advertising, it partially means that you're spending dollars to purposely brand yourself around a certain idea. The idea that they want gay travelers to come to a destination, hotel, restaurant, etc., means they're ready to welcome you with open arms.''
Jonathan Morein, sales manager for LGBT travel agency Navigaytour, says there seems to be a unique fit between travel and the gay community.
''It's not necessarily that gays and lesbians make more money than the mainstream,'' says Morein. ''It's that the gay and lesbian market tends to show more willingness to travel and to devote more income to travel.''
According to Community Marketing's latest Gay and Lesbian Travel Report, gay and lesbian travelers are more likely to travel with friends or family as a means to stay connected than the straight community, traveling for longer periods of time and in larger groups. But even with travel, the community's far from monolithic.
''Once they have children,'' Paisley says, ''they are more attracted to kid-friendly hotels rather than gay-friendly. Their priority shifts to more of the mid-range and kid-friendly, compared to the luxury hotels.''
According to Community Marketing, 19 percent of same-sex female households reported having children, with 3 percent of same-sex male households identifying as parents.
Kids or not, it seems all travelers want a welcoming destination, obviously – particularly gays and lesbians.
''A destination's reputation as being gay-friendly or gay-welcoming stands out as the No. 1 concern among gays and lesbians,'' says Morein. ''So the destinations and businesses that know how to do this are in the best position to attract gay and lesbian travelers.''
Lufthansa German Airlines is one such business.
''Lufthansa launched an ongoing contest to win a trip to Europe to promote our new LGBT microsite,'' says Suzanne Mannion of Newsmaker Group, Lufthansa's external PR agency. ''Our experience tells us that the discerning traveler is always our best partner, and that their feedback is the engine that helps us maintain our quality of service at the highest possible level. As a whole, the LGBT community has a high degree of education and travel experience, so the decision to expand our profile in the community was a natural one.''
The Chamber means Business. For more information, visit caglcc.org.
Alexander Mills, CAGLCC intern, is a student at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, pursuing a bachelor's degree in print media. ...more
With the days shortening – if just barely – hopeful travelers may be thinking of squeezing in one more summer vacation before settling in for the autumn grind.
But a vacation isn't just a flight of fancy. It costs money. And nearly everyone wants to save a dollar – or hundreds – in the hunt for hotels, airline tickets and other travel expenses. For gay travelers, it may be a question of not only looking for savings, but for allies as well.
''Travel communities are one of the first to reach out to the gay and lesbian community. The question is not who does, but who doesn't,'' says David Paisley of San Francisco-based Community Marketing Inc., which specializes in LGBT travel consumers.
When the U.S. first entered its recession, traveling as a whole took a dive. Fast-forward to today and Washington ranks No. 1 for gay business travel and No. 6 for gay leisure travel.
''Our research indicated that while gays and lesbians take about as many leisure trips as straight travelers, we take far more leisure trips to visit friends and family and also far more business trips,'' Paisley says. ''Gay people travel more on the strength of these two categories.''
Jay Vilar, account executive at the Washington Business Journal, is one of those enthusiastic travelers. He's quick to point out that he's expecting gay-friendly skies – and hotels and all the rest.
''One of the first things I do when looking at travel destinations is to look to see if they've run any pro-LGBT advertising,'' he says. ''When you pay for advertising, it partially means that you're spending dollars to purposely brand yourself around a certain idea. The idea that they want gay travelers to come to a destination, hotel, restaurant, etc., means they're ready to welcome you with open arms.''
Jonathan Morein, sales manager for LGBT travel agency Navigaytour, says there seems to be a unique fit between travel and the gay community.
''It's not necessarily that gays and lesbians make more money than the mainstream,'' says Morein. ''It's that the gay and lesbian market tends to show more willingness to travel and to devote more income to travel.''
According to Community Marketing's latest Gay and Lesbian Travel Report, gay and lesbian travelers are more likely to travel with friends or family as a means to stay connected than the straight community, traveling for longer periods of time and in larger groups. But even with travel, the community's far from monolithic.
''Once they have children,'' Paisley says, ''they are more attracted to kid-friendly hotels rather than gay-friendly. Their priority shifts to more of the mid-range and kid-friendly, compared to the luxury hotels.''
According to Community Marketing, 19 percent of same-sex female households reported having children, with 3 percent of same-sex male households identifying as parents.
Kids or not, it seems all travelers want a welcoming destination, obviously – particularly gays and lesbians.
''A destination's reputation as being gay-friendly or gay-welcoming stands out as the No. 1 concern among gays and lesbians,'' says Morein. ''So the destinations and businesses that know how to do this are in the best position to attract gay and lesbian travelers.''
Lufthansa German Airlines is one such business.
''Lufthansa launched an ongoing contest to win a trip to Europe to promote our new LGBT microsite,'' says Suzanne Mannion of Newsmaker Group, Lufthansa's external PR agency. ''Our experience tells us that the discerning traveler is always our best partner, and that their feedback is the engine that helps us maintain our quality of service at the highest possible level. As a whole, the LGBT community has a high degree of education and travel experience, so the decision to expand our profile in the community was a natural one.''
The Chamber means Business. For more information, visit caglcc.org.
Alexander Mills, CAGLCC intern, is a student at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, pursuing a bachelor's degree in print media. ...more
(68) EAT ME
Due to the high volume of requests we’ve posted this recent material that didn’t turn into a show, so here are some lazy laying around the house�recordings�from the portable. March was our 3rd anniversary, thank you very much to those who have donated, and/or purchased apparel, and for tuning in and hanging out with us. [...]
Auto news
—Audi duty: Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago has added intriguing additions to its list of luxury guest services: two custom-ordered 2012 Audi house cars, according to a press release. Audi's flagship sedan, the A8, and its full-size seven-passenger luxury SUV, the Q7, are available as a complimentary amenity for travelers residing in suite accommodations. For more info on Trump Chicago's new house cars or to reserve suite accommodations, call 312-588-8000 or 877-479-TRUMP, or visit www.trumpchicagohotel.com.
You need a big walk-in closet for all that?
As stated from my last update, Hitchedyke gave me an idea, have you ever dated someone who was still in the closet? As much as I am into my lesbianism and being with my woman, I find it hard to grasp that people would be scared to come out or to embrace their sexuality, but [...]
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Moldovan parliamentarians called on to combat discrimination and hatred
Currently, the Moldovan Parliament is debating an anti-discrimination law which in its current form provides protection against discrimination on various grounds, including sexual orientation.
The draft law was approved by the Moldovan government and is now in the hands of parliamentarians.
The proposed law caused strong reactions and criticism from religious organisations, encouraged by right wing American evangelicals, who are calling for the rejection of the entire draft law labelling it as a ‘gay law’.
A number of parliamentarians are also calling for a deletion of sexual orientation from the draft law and are making hateful and openly homophobic statements.
Former interim president of Moldova and the leader of the Liberal Party Mihai Ghimpu has declared for the media on March 17, that his party will not vote for the anti-discrimination law:
We are liberals, but we are healthy and we want a healthy family. Homosexuality is a deviation, nature is nature, but it doesn’t mean that we need to put them [homosexuals] in the forefront. We don't take patients from psychiatric institutions to bring them on our main square. With all the respect for them, I will not vote.
On the same day, a demonstration of 150 opponents of the anti-discrimination law took place outside the Moldovan Parliament under the slogan ‘homosexuals stay at home!’.
ILGA-Europe is seriously concerned about the increasingly volatile situation in Moldova: aggressive homophobic rhetoric by religious organisations and a number of parliamentarians already resulted in threats being made to the members of GenderDoc-M, the leading Moldovan LGBTI rights organisation. Alexei Marcicov, President of the organisation, was verbally abused and had stones thrown at him near his home. Other human rights defenders supporting the anti-discrimination law have been threatened on the streets and near their homes.
Linda Freimane, Co-Chair of ILGA-Europe’s Executive Board said:
We are concerned with the situation in Moldova which is worsening with every day. There are serious concerns regarding growing homophobic sentiments and safety of LGBTI activists. ILGA-Europe calls on Moldovan politicians to immediately refrain from further incitement to hatred and act responsibly. It is their duty to protect all citizens from discrimination, particularly those who belong to marginalised and vulnerable communities.
Martin K.I. Christensen, Co-Chair of ILGA-Europe’s Executive Board, added:
Moldova is under obligation to introduce comprehensive anti-discrimination law and protect its citizens from discrimination on any ground, including sexual orientation. Moldova committed to passing an anti-discrimination law protecting all minorities under its visa liberalisation agreement with the European Union and within the EU-Moldova Action Plan. We call on the EU to assert its position with the Moldovan authorities and hold them accountable under their obligations.
As a Council of Europe member state, Moldova has supported the adoption of the Council of Europe’s Recommendation to combating discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity. Additionally, the United Nation’s Human Rights Committee called on Moldova to introduce such a law in 2009.
[Source: ILGA-Europe]
The draft law was approved by the Moldovan government and is now in the hands of parliamentarians.
The proposed law caused strong reactions and criticism from religious organisations, encouraged by right wing American evangelicals, who are calling for the rejection of the entire draft law labelling it as a ‘gay law’.
A number of parliamentarians are also calling for a deletion of sexual orientation from the draft law and are making hateful and openly homophobic statements.
Former interim president of Moldova and the leader of the Liberal Party Mihai Ghimpu has declared for the media on March 17, that his party will not vote for the anti-discrimination law:
We are liberals, but we are healthy and we want a healthy family. Homosexuality is a deviation, nature is nature, but it doesn’t mean that we need to put them [homosexuals] in the forefront. We don't take patients from psychiatric institutions to bring them on our main square. With all the respect for them, I will not vote.
On the same day, a demonstration of 150 opponents of the anti-discrimination law took place outside the Moldovan Parliament under the slogan ‘homosexuals stay at home!’.
ILGA-Europe is seriously concerned about the increasingly volatile situation in Moldova: aggressive homophobic rhetoric by religious organisations and a number of parliamentarians already resulted in threats being made to the members of GenderDoc-M, the leading Moldovan LGBTI rights organisation. Alexei Marcicov, President of the organisation, was verbally abused and had stones thrown at him near his home. Other human rights defenders supporting the anti-discrimination law have been threatened on the streets and near their homes.
Linda Freimane, Co-Chair of ILGA-Europe’s Executive Board said:
We are concerned with the situation in Moldova which is worsening with every day. There are serious concerns regarding growing homophobic sentiments and safety of LGBTI activists. ILGA-Europe calls on Moldovan politicians to immediately refrain from further incitement to hatred and act responsibly. It is their duty to protect all citizens from discrimination, particularly those who belong to marginalised and vulnerable communities.
Martin K.I. Christensen, Co-Chair of ILGA-Europe’s Executive Board, added:
Moldova is under obligation to introduce comprehensive anti-discrimination law and protect its citizens from discrimination on any ground, including sexual orientation. Moldova committed to passing an anti-discrimination law protecting all minorities under its visa liberalisation agreement with the European Union and within the EU-Moldova Action Plan. We call on the EU to assert its position with the Moldovan authorities and hold them accountable under their obligations.
As a Council of Europe member state, Moldova has supported the adoption of the Council of Europe’s Recommendation to combating discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity. Additionally, the United Nation’s Human Rights Committee called on Moldova to introduce such a law in 2009.
[Source: ILGA-Europe]
Lesbian Summer Reading 2012
Normally when I compile my list of lesbian summer books, there's a lot of lesbian fiction, mystery and romance novels on the list. Just like reality TV is really big now, memoir and true stories are also very popular. That's why this year's 2012 lesbian summer reading list has more memoir/biography than any other genre. What are you reading this summer? Any good books to recommend and add to this list?...Read Full Post
Dildos need love too.
Okay, not just dildos, but all sex toys should be cared for properly to avoid causing any bacterial infection for you or your partner. I am a big advocate for washing your hands and proper hygiene, and keeping your sex toys in good clean status is very important. My motto: keep your sex life dirty [...]
Whoa, rude, @JillianMichaels. At least Lindsay never denied...
Whoa, rude, @JillianMichaels. At least Lindsay never denied having a gf. Maybe you could come out before your take. Just a suggestion.
Also, Leno? Why are these two forcing me to watch him tonight?
Also, Leno? Why are these two forcing me to watch him tonight?
Hello Faithful Friends
Hey, remember when Dipstick and I used to post stuff here? For those of you who haven't given up on us, THANK YOU!Have you ever felt caught up in a vortex, where things are spinning so fast around you that you actually see colors and bright shiny things in the clouds (no hallucinogenics involved)? That is how I've been feeling and it's been hard to hold onto the reigns. Beyond basking in glee and drinking packets of EmergenC, that also means any free time I've had has been dedicated to sleep, so sincere apologies for being MIA.Anyhoodle, for now, I'll fill you in on all things Lipstick since I last wrote.A little over a week ago, we shot our first short film Til Death To Us Toby. For Patty (who was an awesome Assistant Director) and I, it was a 22 hour day. We got up at 3:45am, crew call was at 5:45 and we were rolling by 6:30. We shot until 11:11pm non-stop, save 15 minutes for lunch and 15 minutes for dinner. I thought it was killer that I said "that's a wrap" at 11:11 (I'm superstitious that way). We partied with the cast + crew until nearly 1am. The cast and crew were beyond AMAZING! Seriously, what a stellar team we had, who never complained or ran out of energy. Can't wait for the big wrap party!If you're out of the loop, you can follow the thread the Hot Pink Shorts HERE.It's been an amazing journey with OUTtv and this Hot Pink Shorts program. I'm gushing with gratitude and spinning at the sight of exciting things on the horizon, finally truly within grasp. I told the folks at OUTtv that I felt like a caterpillar who'd transformed into butterfly throughout this process. Week One, I was a furry little larvae and slowly, as we ate all the mentors had to offer, and set out on our own journey into the sticks and leaves, my wings actually began to take shape and I could eventually lift off the ground. And now, well, there's no stopping me as I fly around this wonderful world of opportunity.More to come soon, for sure, as there are some really cool things simmering on the TV front.**Small caveat for you Portland peeps: in the upcoming month, we'll be filming a little music video for the original song Christine Havrilla and I are co-writing for Toby. It's called Hightail and it's addictive. Think Jack Black meets Melissa Etheridge. For the video, which will also be part of the credits for the film, we'll need people to come out and help us, so stay tuned. We'll need as many people as we can get for the shoot, which is slated to happen at Laurelhurst Park.Enjoy the little slideshow below of our shoot, both of the action and behind the scenes. Cate Cameron captured these amazing moments. Be sure to check her out online. She rocks!*photos by Cate Cameron
The Dinah 2011: Day 2
The second annual AfterEllen dance contest was even more insane than last years. I don't even need to comment. The photos speak for themselves.
Actor Chad Everett Dies At 75
Veteran actor Chad Everett, perhaps best known for starring in the 1970s drama Medical Center, has died of lung cancer at age 75,
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Who's Afraid of Vagina Wolf?
Who's Afraid of Vagina Wolf?: You should probably donate to help get this awesome film get made. VAGINA Wolf, people!!
Culhane: One last salvo against the misuse of religion
We can't allow religion to interfere with civic responsibilities.
Gay bishop to debate marriage equality at Skyline Church in East County
SAN DIEGO -- Gene Robinson, the first openly gay bishop of a major Christian denomination, will be coming to San Diego this weekend to participate in a marriage equality panel at Skyline Church.
The free event, called "A Conversation on the Definition of Marriage," will be hosted by the Ruth Institute, a rabidly anti-gay group. It will begin at 6 pm Sunday, July 29, at the mega-church in East County.
Talk about going into the lion's den.
Gene Robinson, the first openly gay bishop of a major Christian denomination, will be coming to San Diego this weekend to participate in a marriage equality panel at Skyline Church, known for its anti-gay activism.
read more
The free event, called "A Conversation on the Definition of Marriage," will be hosted by the Ruth Institute, a rabidly anti-gay group. It will begin at 6 pm Sunday, July 29, at the mega-church in East County.
Talk about going into the lion's den.
Gene Robinson, the first openly gay bishop of a major Christian denomination, will be coming to San Diego this weekend to participate in a marriage equality panel at Skyline Church, known for its anti-gay activism.
read more
Lambda Legal represents Illinois couples in marriage fight
On May 30, 2012, 16 same-sex couples from across Illinois filed a lawsuit seeking the freedom to marry in their home state. Represented by Lambda Legal, their stories illustrate the many ways same-sex couples are harmed when forced to choose civil unions, a second-class status.
(52) Three Legged Lesbians
Donation thank you’s; Multi-Tasking; Stupid Americans; Oxymorons; LoHans Solo 2.0; Odd Couples … and more! Reproduced and renamed song *You’re a Stupid Cunt* by Kiko Lombardi of: http://www.visitronix.com Music bed provided by DJ Toni Teresi http://www.myspace.com/nypstar
COMMENTARY: Hearing ?Happy Pride? is like hearing ?Happy Birthday?
There were 14 people in our little contingent sitting in our favorite spot along the San Diego LGBT Pride Parade route. Three of us are gay; the other 11 are straight neighbors and friends who were with us showing love and support and total acceptance on every level one could ever hope for.
We arrived early to nab a parking spot and our favorite part of the sidewalk along Sixth Avenue in the shade. We watched folks dressed in festive rainbow attire, couples walking hand in hand, and laughter was in the air everywhere you went.
Even before the troops rounded the corner of University Avenue and started down Sixth Avenue, the tears started to flow. I knew they were coming; I could hear the roar of the thousands of people who had lined the parade route.
read more
We arrived early to nab a parking spot and our favorite part of the sidewalk along Sixth Avenue in the shade. We watched folks dressed in festive rainbow attire, couples walking hand in hand, and laughter was in the air everywhere you went.
Even before the troops rounded the corner of University Avenue and started down Sixth Avenue, the tears started to flow. I knew they were coming; I could hear the roar of the thousands of people who had lined the parade route.
read more
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
James Duke Mason Asks Whether Older Gay Films Have Lost Their Relevance
Few young LGBT people attended a recent anniversary screening of the landmark gay film Making Love. Is it because themes of the earlier films have lost their impact?
read more
read more
Elton John urges world show compassion for people living with HIV
Sir Elton John has called for more compassion to be shown to people living with HIV.
The singer was addressing the 19th International AIDS Conference in Washington on Monday.
Sir Elton said: ?We need to put our arms around people who are HIV-positive. If you show compassion, no one will be afraid to seek treatment.?
Urging the audience to stand up against stigma, he called for compassion and understanding of all people living with HIV or AIDS, including gay and bisexual men, sex workers and drug addicts.
?We need to put our arms around people who are HIV-positive. If you show compassion, no one will be afraid to seek treatment.?
read more
The singer was addressing the 19th International AIDS Conference in Washington on Monday.
Sir Elton said: ?We need to put our arms around people who are HIV-positive. If you show compassion, no one will be afraid to seek treatment.?
Urging the audience to stand up against stigma, he called for compassion and understanding of all people living with HIV or AIDS, including gay and bisexual men, sex workers and drug addicts.
?We need to put our arms around people who are HIV-positive. If you show compassion, no one will be afraid to seek treatment.?
read more
Life Beyond Therapy
A psychological look at HIV
I am sometimes asked to help facilitate workshops at The Center for people who are HIV-positive. As an HIV- person, I consider this quite an honor…and I have learned A LOT in doing so. I’ve learned that, for many people, an HIV+ diagnosis feels like your world is falling apart. After the initial shock wears off, most people feel a lot of grief and depression. Over the years, so many people have asked me some version of these two questions: “How do I keep my sanity when I get an HIV+ diagnosis?” “What do I do when it feels like my life is falling apart?”
To answer these questions, here are some questions that I have offered participants in workshops for HIV+ folks. [Note: If you’re HIV-, these questions may still be…
Read More
I am sometimes asked to help facilitate workshops at The Center for people who are HIV-positive. As an HIV- person, I consider this quite an honor…and I have learned A LOT in doing so. I’ve learned that, for many people, an HIV+ diagnosis feels like your world is falling apart. After the initial shock wears off, most people feel a lot of grief and depression. Over the years, so many people have asked me some version of these two questions: “How do I keep my sanity when I get an HIV+ diagnosis?” “What do I do when it feels like my life is falling apart?”
To answer these questions, here are some questions that I have offered participants in workshops for HIV+ folks. [Note: If you’re HIV-, these questions may still be…
Read More
Fabulous, One More Time: A Sylvester Concert
Kendrell Bowman is a celebrity stylist based out of NYC.
He is currently working on a project with his partner called FABULOUS, ONE MORE TIME: A SYLVESTER CONCERT.
Kendrall is the Creative Director/
Costume Designer for the show. His partner Anthony Wayne (Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Anything Goes)will be playing the 1970's disco singer/gay icon. The concert will tell the life of Sylvester through his music.
The cast includes Anastacia McCleskey and Jaqueline Arnold as Two Tons of Fun/ The Weather Girls. (Both ladies are also in Priscilla Queen of the Desert as The Divas).
The show will take place at Le Poisson Rouge in NYC on July 29, 2012. Anthony wrote the show and funding the entire project out of his pocket. He's very passionate about bringing awareness to HIV/Aids in the community, but reaching our generation with music, joy and laughter.
THEY HAVE JUST LAUNCHED A KICKSTARTER FUND AND NEED YOUR HELP!
" I had a vision to create something that I, being part of the Broadway
community, could give back to the world and need your help to make it
happen. Out of my own pocket, I've started my own production company (awayne Productions, Inc.
), paid for Rehearsals, 5 Cast Members, 8 Band Members, Costumes and
ALL Marketing Outlets for this show." says Anthony.
"It hasn't been easy, but knowing
how many people will be inspired keeps me driven beyond belief.To be
able to put on this show and let world see Sylvester I need your
help. Your funding will cover the costumes, band, technical crew and I
promise you that We will put on the best show NYC has seen! Please help
me reach my goal, DONATE, bring your best dancing shoes and I'LL SEE
YOU AT THE SHOW!!!!"
If you donate $51, you can even get a free ticket to a private workshop rehearsal!Go to Kickstarter now.
He is currently working on a project with his partner called FABULOUS, ONE MORE TIME: A SYLVESTER CONCERT.
Kendrall is the Creative Director/
Costume Designer for the show. His partner Anthony Wayne (Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Anything Goes)will be playing the 1970's disco singer/gay icon. The concert will tell the life of Sylvester through his music.
The cast includes Anastacia McCleskey and Jaqueline Arnold as Two Tons of Fun/ The Weather Girls. (Both ladies are also in Priscilla Queen of the Desert as The Divas).
The show will take place at Le Poisson Rouge in NYC on July 29, 2012. Anthony wrote the show and funding the entire project out of his pocket. He's very passionate about bringing awareness to HIV/Aids in the community, but reaching our generation with music, joy and laughter.
THEY HAVE JUST LAUNCHED A KICKSTARTER FUND AND NEED YOUR HELP!
" I had a vision to create something that I, being part of the Broadway
community, could give back to the world and need your help to make it
happen. Out of my own pocket, I've started my own production company (awayne Productions, Inc.
), paid for Rehearsals, 5 Cast Members, 8 Band Members, Costumes and
ALL Marketing Outlets for this show." says Anthony.
"It hasn't been easy, but knowing
how many people will be inspired keeps me driven beyond belief.To be
able to put on this show and let world see Sylvester I need your
help. Your funding will cover the costumes, band, technical crew and I
promise you that We will put on the best show NYC has seen! Please help
me reach my goal, DONATE, bring your best dancing shoes and I'LL SEE
YOU AT THE SHOW!!!!"
If you donate $51, you can even get a free ticket to a private workshop rehearsal!Go to Kickstarter now.
Video: Rick Perry Said Bush Defended Us From Freedom
More of the wit and wisdumb from the leader of the 2012 GOP Clown Car race...
Yes, this is the best that the GOP can offer the country. What a sad state of affairs.
Can San Diego become a hub for gay tourism?
SAN DIEGO -- New York has Broadway, Las Vegas boasts hip pool parties and a dynamic night life, L.A. has Hollywood, and San Diego has SeaWorld, the zoo and ... Hillcrest.
Already a top destination for leisure travelers, San Diego, it turns out, also holds wide appeal for the gay visitor and not just because it has a trendy urban neighborhood teeming with gay-friendly bars, restaurants and boutiques. Trouble is, its big-city rivals have been far more aggressive in trumpeting their virtues to the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) traveler.
San Diego is becoming a popular destination for LGBT visitors from around the world.
read more
Already a top destination for leisure travelers, San Diego, it turns out, also holds wide appeal for the gay visitor and not just because it has a trendy urban neighborhood teeming with gay-friendly bars, restaurants and boutiques. Trouble is, its big-city rivals have been far more aggressive in trumpeting their virtues to the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) traveler.
San Diego is becoming a popular destination for LGBT visitors from around the world.
read more
(52) Three Legged Lesbians
Donation thank you’s; Multi-Tasking; Stupid Americans; Oxymorons; LoHans Solo 2.0; Odd Couples … and more! Reproduced and renamed song *You’re a Stupid Cunt* by Kiko Lombardi of: http://www.visitronix.com Music bed provided by DJ Toni Teresi http://www.myspace.com/nypstar
Oh Dear John Travolta in another Gay legal case
Image via Wikipedia
Who cares (but John Travolta) is John Travolta is gay or not? In an interview with The Advocate, Carry Fisher answered questions about Johns sexuality. Fisher and Travolta go way back. On a question about whether Travolta was gay, Fisher said:-
?Wow! I mean, my feeling about John has always been that we know and we don?t care. Look, I?m sorry that he?s uncomfortable with it, and that?s all I can say. It only draws more attention to it when you make that kind of legal fuss. Just leave it be.
There have been a number of guys who have alleged that they have had relationships with Travolta.
Image via Wikipedia
On being gay John , get over it!
Gay news
View Australian Queer News on the web at Gay News Blog
Who cares (but John Travolta) is John Travolta is gay or not? In an interview with The Advocate, Carry Fisher answered questions about Johns sexuality. Fisher and Travolta go way back. On a question about whether Travolta was gay, Fisher said:-
?Wow! I mean, my feeling about John has always been that we know and we don?t care. Look, I?m sorry that he?s uncomfortable with it, and that?s all I can say. It only draws more attention to it when you make that kind of legal fuss. Just leave it be.
There have been a number of guys who have alleged that they have had relationships with Travolta.
Image via Wikipedia
On being gay John , get over it!
Gay news
View Australian Queer News on the web at Gay News Blog
Monday, July 23, 2012
Where can you Watch Canada's Fourth Largest Gay Pride Parade?
It's not too surprising that Canada's largest Pride parades take place in the cities most famous for their sizable gay scenes: Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver. The next biggest Pride Parade ...Read Full Post
Justin Bieber Shirtless
Fresh from his appearance on the X-Factor, Justin Bieber shows off his (minite) tattoo in this beach shot.
Maybe the X factor boys will rush out and get tattoos too.
Gay newsView Australian Queer News on the web at Gay News Blog
Maybe the X factor boys will rush out and get tattoos too.
Gay newsView Australian Queer News on the web at Gay News Blog
One Direction will appear at GAY
The tabloids are full of One Direction shots as this week the X Factor is now down to 9 contestants. One Direction are going to be the next Take That. The act which is voted off always appears in Londons biggest gay club, GAY thanks to an amazing coup by Jeremy Joseph. It does go to show that X Factor considers its gay audience an important sector to back the acts. Sharon Osborne always used to say that boys bands like One Direction should definitely get the gays behind them (although I think she meant it metaphorically not physically).
We might go to see One Direction at GAY
Gay newsView Australian Queer News on the web at Gay News Blog
We might go to see One Direction at GAY
Gay newsView Australian Queer News on the web at Gay News Blog
No, no, I'm not attracted to women! I just find women attractive!
Mid-20s, female, sort of starting to wonder if I might maybe be bi, kind of hating on myself over it. I remember being like eleven or twelve, and reading some article by a woman who essentially said "it doesn't make you gay if you feel attracted to women! It could just mean you think they're pretty!" And I was like... oh thank goodness! That means I'm not gay! My first crush on a boy a year later was met with similar relief. And from that moment on, I was straight.
In high school I had it bad for a girl I knew. But I 'knew' it was just because I thought she was pretty and I wanted to be like her. So what if I dreamed about her...
She was really my last female crush. Mostly I'm attracted to men. But I am now starting to realize that maybe the sidelong glances I give to hot women on the street are, in fact, not just glances of platonic appreciation.
And this really bothers me. Because I feel like I don't deserve to be queer, because I never had to suffer over this at all. I've been straight. I've never once felt like a closeted bi person, I've felt straight! I haven't ever felt like I was hiding some deep dark secret- I have happily dated and slept with men and not really felt like I was missing anything. I could try dating women, or I could just not bother and I think I'd still wind up happy. So I feel like if I did try dating women, I'd be cheating, or being a gayness dilettante somehow.
And there's also the fear that I was right all along, I really am straight, and I'll be one of those horrible bi-curious girls everyone loves to hate. The ones who date one girl and then go back to men forever. And because of that, there's a part of me who wants to try this without 'coming out', and that makes me feel cowardly.
Adding to this anxiety is the fact that, well, I'm dating a guy and we don't have plans to break up any time soon, so all this is purely in what-if territory, and I fear that this is all just fantasizing and if we break up I'll just chicken out of trying this.
Um... anyone been here? What is going on? How do I even know if I'm bi, like for realsies?
In high school I had it bad for a girl I knew. But I 'knew' it was just because I thought she was pretty and I wanted to be like her. So what if I dreamed about her...
She was really my last female crush. Mostly I'm attracted to men. But I am now starting to realize that maybe the sidelong glances I give to hot women on the street are, in fact, not just glances of platonic appreciation.
And this really bothers me. Because I feel like I don't deserve to be queer, because I never had to suffer over this at all. I've been straight. I've never once felt like a closeted bi person, I've felt straight! I haven't ever felt like I was hiding some deep dark secret- I have happily dated and slept with men and not really felt like I was missing anything. I could try dating women, or I could just not bother and I think I'd still wind up happy. So I feel like if I did try dating women, I'd be cheating, or being a gayness dilettante somehow.
And there's also the fear that I was right all along, I really am straight, and I'll be one of those horrible bi-curious girls everyone loves to hate. The ones who date one girl and then go back to men forever. And because of that, there's a part of me who wants to try this without 'coming out', and that makes me feel cowardly.
Adding to this anxiety is the fact that, well, I'm dating a guy and we don't have plans to break up any time soon, so all this is purely in what-if territory, and I fear that this is all just fantasizing and if we break up I'll just chicken out of trying this.
Um... anyone been here? What is going on? How do I even know if I'm bi, like for realsies?
(11) Idiocy Abound and Professions of Love for MJ
Voicemails from Cindy, Hairy Hedges, Sick Vick, Hicoughs, Ay Bay Bay, Fartisodes, Professions of Love for Mistress Juliya, Orbit Bubble Gum, What Is Dirty Armenian Sex?, Curve Girls …
(18) Xanax and Rehab ?All In One? Trip
Sandi’s shares her Xanax experience in a “1″ minute commentary.
(31) But Do You Have Gas?
Fill-er-Up, Stem Cells, Where In The World Are Our Senators?, St. Clare’s the Molesters, Andy Can Kiss What I Twist and I Don’t Mean My Wrist, Schools Out, Sinus Dreams, Out With The Netti-Pot and In with Hydro Pulse … http://www.hydromedonline.com
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Human Rights Watch Decries Condom Confiscation: New report charges police in four cities with using condoms as evidence of prostitution, countering anti-HIV efforts
News:
The international human rights organization Human Rights Watch released a report July 19 that claims police in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington are confiscating condoms from women suspected of engaging in sex work, undermining efforts to reduce HIV infections.
The 112-page report, ''Sex Workers at Risk,'' documents how police and prosecutors use condoms to support prostitution charges. The report comes three days before the opening session of the XIX International AIDS Conference, aka AIDS 2012, in D.C., where about 25,000 delegates from around the world are expected to share research, best practices and policy solutions aimed at combating HIV/AIDS.
HRW assembled a panel of experts for a news conference announcing the report's findings featuring local transgender activist Ruby Corado, founder of Casa Ruby; Sonia Rastogi of the U.S. Positive Women's Network; Megan McLemore, a researcher with Human Rights Watch; Bamby Salcedo, project coordinator of HIV Prevention Services at Children's Hospital Los Angeles; and Andrea Ritchie, a police misconduct attorney and organizer in New York who co-coordinates Streetwise and Safe (SAS), an initiative working with LGBT youth of color who experience criminalization.
McLemore told reporters that researchers involved in creating the report were consistently asked by sex workers for the number of condoms a person could legally carry, as many told the researchers they feared – or had experienced – police harassment or arrest on prostitution charges if they were found to be carrying condoms.
''This practice is a violation of human rights,'' McLemore said of police and district attorney practices that use condoms as evidence of intent to engage in prostitution. ''Every person, including sex workers, has a right to protect their health. Every person, including sex workers, has a right to life.''
In D.C., McLemore noted that the report found evidence of the practice in six of the city's seven police districts, particularly targeting women of color and transgender women. McLemore said that when HRW researchers spoke to members of the Washington Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), MPD personnel indicated that they were concerned about the possibility of discouraging condom use, but also defended the practice as a way to gain evidence.
McLemore said MPD personnel told her that prosecutions are not based solely on the possession of condoms, but are based on a ''larger picture'' showing intent to engage in prostitution.
A request for comment from MPD was not immediately returned, though Councilmember David Catania (I-At Large), chair of the City Council's Health Committee and a longtime leader in the District's fight against HIV/AIDS, mentioned the matter during WAMU's July 20 broadcast of The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi.
''That's not true here,'' Catania said, responding to mention of possession of condoms being used as evidence of sex work in New York. ''[MPD] Assistant Chief Peter Newsham will tell you that that's like an urban myth, the three-condom rule that you are somehow harassed. … [In] our conversation at D.C. courts, there's not been a single documented case of condoms being used as evidence of prostitution in recent years. Not one.''
Many of the speakers at Thursday's release argued it would be possible to strike a balance between police efforts to curb prostitution and essentially criminalizing condom use. They cited progress made in relation to how police deal with clean-needle exchanges, which exist in all four cities profiled in the report, as evidence that such a balance can be achieved.
The speakers also called upon policymakers at state and local levels to adopt legislation that would prohibit the possession of condoms alone from being used as evidence to prosecute suspected sex workers.
While the report focused on four cities, McLemore said she has received anecdotal evidence that similar procedures were occurring in Durham, N.C., leading her to say she believes condom confiscation is widespread.
Rastogi said the issue could also be viewed in the larger context of a ''war on women.''
''I think it goes back to a historical look at government bodies or police enforcement controlling women's bodies, and law enforcement being one mechanism to be able to do that,'' Rastogi later told Metro Weekly. ''And, unfortunately, it does impact the poorest communities of colors and those who engage in sex work.''
Corado and Salcedo, both Latina transgender women, noted that the problem has extended beyond sex workers to include transgender women who have been targeted by police because they are profiled and suspected to be engaging in survival sex work. Corado said politicians, particularly some councilmembers in D.C., want to ignore the larger issue of condom confiscation by police because addressing it would require them to invest in more resources aimed at solving the problem, such as providing training to police officers. ...more
The international human rights organization Human Rights Watch released a report July 19 that claims police in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington are confiscating condoms from women suspected of engaging in sex work, undermining efforts to reduce HIV infections.
The 112-page report, ''Sex Workers at Risk,'' documents how police and prosecutors use condoms to support prostitution charges. The report comes three days before the opening session of the XIX International AIDS Conference, aka AIDS 2012, in D.C., where about 25,000 delegates from around the world are expected to share research, best practices and policy solutions aimed at combating HIV/AIDS.
HRW assembled a panel of experts for a news conference announcing the report's findings featuring local transgender activist Ruby Corado, founder of Casa Ruby; Sonia Rastogi of the U.S. Positive Women's Network; Megan McLemore, a researcher with Human Rights Watch; Bamby Salcedo, project coordinator of HIV Prevention Services at Children's Hospital Los Angeles; and Andrea Ritchie, a police misconduct attorney and organizer in New York who co-coordinates Streetwise and Safe (SAS), an initiative working with LGBT youth of color who experience criminalization.
McLemore told reporters that researchers involved in creating the report were consistently asked by sex workers for the number of condoms a person could legally carry, as many told the researchers they feared – or had experienced – police harassment or arrest on prostitution charges if they were found to be carrying condoms.
''This practice is a violation of human rights,'' McLemore said of police and district attorney practices that use condoms as evidence of intent to engage in prostitution. ''Every person, including sex workers, has a right to protect their health. Every person, including sex workers, has a right to life.''
In D.C., McLemore noted that the report found evidence of the practice in six of the city's seven police districts, particularly targeting women of color and transgender women. McLemore said that when HRW researchers spoke to members of the Washington Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), MPD personnel indicated that they were concerned about the possibility of discouraging condom use, but also defended the practice as a way to gain evidence.
McLemore said MPD personnel told her that prosecutions are not based solely on the possession of condoms, but are based on a ''larger picture'' showing intent to engage in prostitution.
A request for comment from MPD was not immediately returned, though Councilmember David Catania (I-At Large), chair of the City Council's Health Committee and a longtime leader in the District's fight against HIV/AIDS, mentioned the matter during WAMU's July 20 broadcast of The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi.
''That's not true here,'' Catania said, responding to mention of possession of condoms being used as evidence of sex work in New York. ''[MPD] Assistant Chief Peter Newsham will tell you that that's like an urban myth, the three-condom rule that you are somehow harassed. … [In] our conversation at D.C. courts, there's not been a single documented case of condoms being used as evidence of prostitution in recent years. Not one.''
Many of the speakers at Thursday's release argued it would be possible to strike a balance between police efforts to curb prostitution and essentially criminalizing condom use. They cited progress made in relation to how police deal with clean-needle exchanges, which exist in all four cities profiled in the report, as evidence that such a balance can be achieved.
The speakers also called upon policymakers at state and local levels to adopt legislation that would prohibit the possession of condoms alone from being used as evidence to prosecute suspected sex workers.
While the report focused on four cities, McLemore said she has received anecdotal evidence that similar procedures were occurring in Durham, N.C., leading her to say she believes condom confiscation is widespread.
Rastogi said the issue could also be viewed in the larger context of a ''war on women.''
''I think it goes back to a historical look at government bodies or police enforcement controlling women's bodies, and law enforcement being one mechanism to be able to do that,'' Rastogi later told Metro Weekly. ''And, unfortunately, it does impact the poorest communities of colors and those who engage in sex work.''
Corado and Salcedo, both Latina transgender women, noted that the problem has extended beyond sex workers to include transgender women who have been targeted by police because they are profiled and suspected to be engaging in survival sex work. Corado said politicians, particularly some councilmembers in D.C., want to ignore the larger issue of condom confiscation by police because addressing it would require them to invest in more resources aimed at solving the problem, such as providing training to police officers. ...more
POZitively Speaking
According to the Centers for Disease Control data collected in 2007/08 of the estimated number of diagnoses of HIV infection among MEN* in the 37 states with confidential name-based HIV infection, reporting by transmission category MSWM or (men who have sex with men), was 17,758. That’s up from years previous which was 16,992. Although not too much of a difference it seems the message of safe sex is getting out there. Some of the cultural behavior is much harder to break through, for example GLBT people of color lead among new HIV infection cases and in the category among Latinos it was 7,121.
This need for seed, so to speak, seems to be more of a headline grabber or attention getter. A cultural phenomenon is the BUG CHASERS, those from within the …
Read More
This need for seed, so to speak, seems to be more of a headline grabber or attention getter. A cultural phenomenon is the BUG CHASERS, those from within the …
Read More
Lesbian News - 17 July 2012
'Black Swan?, received more complaints than any other movie in 2011Priest Who Denied Lesbian Communion Departs D.C. ArchdioceseUL Lafayette offering LGBT minorShooting: Survivor Recuperating From Brain Injury, Working With Police To ID ShooterTacoma honours pride, loveBishop Matthew Clark leaving indelible mark on dioceseGay Military Requested For San Diego PrideThousands take part in Bristol Pride march and festivalCharleston Pride Festival celebrated with parade, rally
FDA approves Truvada for HIV prevention
The Food and Drug Administration FDA has approved Truvada as the first HIV-prevention pill, according to CBS News.
Out and About
Thursday, Sept. 16
Always a Bridesmaid, Never a Groom at Diversionary Theatre 4545 Park Boulevard Sept. 16th–19th; Thursday at 7 $24 in advance, Fri & Sat 7:30 $29 in advance, Sun at 2 also $29. Discounts available for seniors 60+, students, military, and groups of 10+. For more info to to make reservations call the box office at 619-220-0097 or go to www.diversionary.org
Friday, September 17
Jennifer Knapp – Jennifer Knapp will be performing at the Anthology in San Diego on Friday, September 17th at 7:30 p.m. Jennifer Knapp is an American-Australian folk rock musician best known for her first hit single “Undo Me” from her 1998 debut album Kansas, and “A Little More” from her 2000 Grammy Award-nominated album Lay It…
Read More
Always a Bridesmaid, Never a Groom at Diversionary Theatre 4545 Park Boulevard Sept. 16th–19th; Thursday at 7 $24 in advance, Fri & Sat 7:30 $29 in advance, Sun at 2 also $29. Discounts available for seniors 60+, students, military, and groups of 10+. For more info to to make reservations call the box office at 619-220-0097 or go to www.diversionary.org
Friday, September 17
Jennifer Knapp – Jennifer Knapp will be performing at the Anthology in San Diego on Friday, September 17th at 7:30 p.m. Jennifer Knapp is an American-Australian folk rock musician best known for her first hit single “Undo Me” from her 1998 debut album Kansas, and “A Little More” from her 2000 Grammy Award-nominated album Lay It…
Read More
Conference Community: AIDS 2012 fuels local interaction
Feature Story:
Without question, the International AIDS Conference, returning now to the United States for the first time since 1990, is a global affair. From far and wide, the scientists, advocates and activists will come to Washington for a week of nonstop discussions, plenary sessions, keynotes and networking related to HIV/AIDS.
But the particular flavor of the District of Columbia is unlikely to get lost in the mix, whether that's locals building ancillary events to the conference, or directly joining the Walter E. Washington Convention Center mix.
GMCW
Take the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, D.C., for example. This will likely be one of the chorus's busiest Julys on record, with the GMCW performing at a World Bank welcoming reception July 20, at the convention center July 22 for the conference's opening plenary reception – streamed live starting at 6:30 p.m. via aids2012.org – and July 24 for Whitman-Walker Health's ''Return to Lisner.'' The chorus's Potomac Fever a cappella ensemble pulls double duty, performing July 21 at the National Cathedral for the AIDS 2012/Names Project Interfaith Service.
''As an organization that has lost many members to the AIDS crisis over the past 30 years, it is an honor to be called upon to entertain and inspire the world leaders who have dedicated their lives to treat and prevent HIV,'' GMCW Executive Director David Jobin offered in a GMCW statement marking the occasion. ''The fact that so many of our members have given of themselves over these summer months to prepare and perform when we are usually on hiatus speaks to the importance of the conference and to the honor of being asked to perform.''
The GMCW is just a taste of D.C. flavor, though. Another sort of AIDS 2012 entertainment is Sampson McCormick, who has been invited by the DC Community Coalition, local partner of AIDS 2012, to make 'em laugh.
''I'm honored they asked me to come down,'' says McCormick, awaiting the final details for the show he expects to perform in the conference's PWA Lounge. ''They don't usually think to include comedy.''
That performance, he reckons, will likely be limited to registered members of the conference, like much of AIDS 2012. Right across the street from the convention center's Mount Vernon Square main entrance, however, in the Carnegie Library, the DC Community Coalition will be setting up shop for the duration, open to all and sharing a perspective of the District through years of HIV/AIDS.
Just beyond the northeast corner of the convention center, the Metropolitan Community Church, at 474 Ridge St. NW, will mark the July 22 start of the convention with special ''MCCDC International AIDS Conference Worship Services, then open its doors through the week at 8 a.m. to offer attendees breakfast and morning services – as well as water and air conditioning through the week.
Ron Simmons
(Photo by Todd Franson)
A bit farther north, at 3636 Georgia Ave. NW, Ron Simmons, executive director of Us Helping Us, People Into Living, and his team – including the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the Black AIDS Institute and the Black Gay Men's Network – will also be rolling out the red carpet for a variety of events to welcome attendees. He's particularly excited about UHU's July 25 Reception for African, African-American, and African-Caribbean Gay Men and Their Friends.
''I am really excited about the conference,'' says Simmons, adding that he's been to four International AIDS Conferences. But, even he grants that in the thick of the convention center, ''It's really more scientists talking to scientists. It's usually not the local people – they can't afford it.'' With most registration-fee options in the hundreds of dollars, Simmons has a point.
Still, there is a world outside that convention center and D.C. residents are seemingly right outside with a warm welcome. Beyond the welcome, however, there is also an opportunity to seize. The DC Community Coalition (DCC) makes the point in the closing of its Policy Platform for the District of Columbia, presented as part of AIDS 2012.
''The 'DC Community Coalition for AIDS 2012 Policy Platform for the District of Columbia' marks the first time in the history of the HIV epidemic that diverse community stakeholders have come together to formulate comprehensive visionary policy recommendations for addressing the District's epidemic,'' the document reads. ''The Mayor's HIV/AIDS Commission is a promising catalyst for change. The DCC is willing to work in partnership with the Gray Administration and the Council of the District of Columbia to end the epidemic in the city. We will be watching and will hold government, community and private sectors accountable. Achieving our shared goal will take renewed political will. It will take commitment on the part of government and civil society. It will force challenging dialogues and hard choices. We know that D.C. can make things happen and that D.C is ready for the challenge.''
For more information about the DC Community Coalition, visit dcaids2012.org.
For more information about the Metropolitan Community Church's AIDS 2012 events and offerings, call 202-638-7373 or visit mccdc.com. ...more
Without question, the International AIDS Conference, returning now to the United States for the first time since 1990, is a global affair. From far and wide, the scientists, advocates and activists will come to Washington for a week of nonstop discussions, plenary sessions, keynotes and networking related to HIV/AIDS.
But the particular flavor of the District of Columbia is unlikely to get lost in the mix, whether that's locals building ancillary events to the conference, or directly joining the Walter E. Washington Convention Center mix.
GMCW
Take the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, D.C., for example. This will likely be one of the chorus's busiest Julys on record, with the GMCW performing at a World Bank welcoming reception July 20, at the convention center July 22 for the conference's opening plenary reception – streamed live starting at 6:30 p.m. via aids2012.org – and July 24 for Whitman-Walker Health's ''Return to Lisner.'' The chorus's Potomac Fever a cappella ensemble pulls double duty, performing July 21 at the National Cathedral for the AIDS 2012/Names Project Interfaith Service.
''As an organization that has lost many members to the AIDS crisis over the past 30 years, it is an honor to be called upon to entertain and inspire the world leaders who have dedicated their lives to treat and prevent HIV,'' GMCW Executive Director David Jobin offered in a GMCW statement marking the occasion. ''The fact that so many of our members have given of themselves over these summer months to prepare and perform when we are usually on hiatus speaks to the importance of the conference and to the honor of being asked to perform.''
The GMCW is just a taste of D.C. flavor, though. Another sort of AIDS 2012 entertainment is Sampson McCormick, who has been invited by the DC Community Coalition, local partner of AIDS 2012, to make 'em laugh.
''I'm honored they asked me to come down,'' says McCormick, awaiting the final details for the show he expects to perform in the conference's PWA Lounge. ''They don't usually think to include comedy.''
That performance, he reckons, will likely be limited to registered members of the conference, like much of AIDS 2012. Right across the street from the convention center's Mount Vernon Square main entrance, however, in the Carnegie Library, the DC Community Coalition will be setting up shop for the duration, open to all and sharing a perspective of the District through years of HIV/AIDS.
Just beyond the northeast corner of the convention center, the Metropolitan Community Church, at 474 Ridge St. NW, will mark the July 22 start of the convention with special ''MCCDC International AIDS Conference Worship Services, then open its doors through the week at 8 a.m. to offer attendees breakfast and morning services – as well as water and air conditioning through the week.
Ron Simmons
(Photo by Todd Franson)
A bit farther north, at 3636 Georgia Ave. NW, Ron Simmons, executive director of Us Helping Us, People Into Living, and his team – including the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the Black AIDS Institute and the Black Gay Men's Network – will also be rolling out the red carpet for a variety of events to welcome attendees. He's particularly excited about UHU's July 25 Reception for African, African-American, and African-Caribbean Gay Men and Their Friends.
''I am really excited about the conference,'' says Simmons, adding that he's been to four International AIDS Conferences. But, even he grants that in the thick of the convention center, ''It's really more scientists talking to scientists. It's usually not the local people – they can't afford it.'' With most registration-fee options in the hundreds of dollars, Simmons has a point.
Still, there is a world outside that convention center and D.C. residents are seemingly right outside with a warm welcome. Beyond the welcome, however, there is also an opportunity to seize. The DC Community Coalition (DCC) makes the point in the closing of its Policy Platform for the District of Columbia, presented as part of AIDS 2012.
''The 'DC Community Coalition for AIDS 2012 Policy Platform for the District of Columbia' marks the first time in the history of the HIV epidemic that diverse community stakeholders have come together to formulate comprehensive visionary policy recommendations for addressing the District's epidemic,'' the document reads. ''The Mayor's HIV/AIDS Commission is a promising catalyst for change. The DCC is willing to work in partnership with the Gray Administration and the Council of the District of Columbia to end the epidemic in the city. We will be watching and will hold government, community and private sectors accountable. Achieving our shared goal will take renewed political will. It will take commitment on the part of government and civil society. It will force challenging dialogues and hard choices. We know that D.C. can make things happen and that D.C is ready for the challenge.''
For more information about the DC Community Coalition, visit dcaids2012.org.
For more information about the Metropolitan Community Church's AIDS 2012 events and offerings, call 202-638-7373 or visit mccdc.com. ...more
Saturday, July 21, 2012
One Million Moms Go After Gay NBC Show, The New Normal
The group, which protested companies like Kraft/Nabisco and JC Penney being gay allies, is now leading the charge to Ryan Murphy's highly anticipated sitcom, The New Normal .
Gender Rights Maryland: Transgender Community Stands with ALL Women
Gender Rights Maryland posted an opinion piece in Baltimore OUTloud today in response to fears expressed by radical feminists and the radical religious-right "that gender identity civil rights laws (like the ones in Baltimore City and Montgomery County) will harm or jeopardize women's sex-segregated spaces and lead to assaults on non-trans (cisgender) women in these spaces."
Beginning with a reminder that two core concepts in feminism are self-definition and inclusion, GRMD identifies the key weakness in the opposition's fear-based argument:To date, fifteen other states and over a hundred other major jurisdictions in the U.S., covering 43% of the country's population, are covered under comprehensive laws that protect transgender individuals. Almost all of these jurisdictions utilize the language previously presented in the Maryland Gender Identity bill that we hope to pass in this next session of the legislature. These protections do not put non-trans women at risk.
The gender identity laws, of which I've spoken above, have been in effect since 1975. There has not been a single incident of a trans woman assaulting a non-trans woman in a sex-segregated space. Nor has there been a single incident of a man assaulting a woman in such a space claiming in court he had the right to do so because he's transgender. This has not happened in those jurisdictions covered by gender identity laws, nor has it happened in localities without such laws.
The opposition refuses to address facts like those presented above by GRMD because the facts clearly show the opposition's reasoning to be unsound. This leaves the opposition with only one bargaining tool: irrational fear. "Irrational fears," states GRMD, "cannot and should not define our conversation about gender identity civil rights legislation. The transgender community is not a threat to non-trans women. Quite the contrary, the transgender community stands arm-in-arm with the women's community to make inclusivity and self-definition more acceptable."
I would suggest that the willingness of the opposition to ignore the facts and fall back on irrational fears in order to hinder passage of gender identity civil rights legislation only demonstrates the dire need for that legislation. Transgender women need to be legally protected from the irrational fears of others.
There's more to the piece than I can do justice to here. Click on over and read the whole thing here.
Related:
* No Matter Who Expresses The Sentiments, Antitrans Sentiments Are Antitrans Sentiments
* Cathy Brennan & Elizabeth Hungerford take their anti-trans activism to the UN
* Taking the conversation where critics aren't allowed to follow
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