Monday, December 31, 2012
Happy New Year's and Marry New Queers
My peops! I have had a little tradition of writing to you on New Year's Eve for the last few years and I wanted to keep it going today. As I write this, I'm in my new home in Houston after having lived in Los Angeles for the last 4 years and San Diego 3 years before that. It's also the first day of my new exciting gig--one that I hope will be the first of MANY like this--and a few hours away from being able to hang out with my mom again like I've been able to do the last few weeks.2011 started off SO poorly for me, and then got worse...and worse still. There were definitely some lovely little highlights and I won't complain since I'm still here to talk about it! But what I'm trying to say is that...it got better! :) This, after all, is the year of IT GETS BETTER. We've heard it all year. I've said it to myself and to you guys all year. And now, today, I can say that its happening right before my eyes. I know that a lot of you reading this right now are not feeling well, or are down about something, or may even be downright depressed. I've heard from you all year...and I know there are several others I haven't heard from but are feeling this way. I want you to know that I am here, all of my readers are here, and we're not going anywhere. I need you to stay with us. We lost too many beautiful people to suicide this year (and years past). It's an epidemic. And if I can help stop it from happening (oh man...this is going to sound trite, but I mean it with all of my heart!) to just ONE PERSON, then that would be the proudest moment of my life. It doesn't matter if I ever find out about it or not...if somehow something I can say to you or do or not say or not do will help just one person not go down that path this year, then that makes me the happiest/luckiest girl on earth.And for those of you who are NOT struggling that deeply...who are having a great time in life and who plan to make 2012 YOUR year, I can not WAIT to see it all unfold! Please keep me updated and let me know how awesome things are going for you. Even if you and I have never met before, you mean more to me than I could possibly explain in 365 posts...and I wish wonderful things for you. I'm not big on New Year's resolutions, but I will say I have a new life's resolution to touch and positively affect as many lives as I can. It may just be by making someone smile with a video of a couple of outta control rouge boobs, or as life-altering as helping you find the love of your life, or some bit of advice or helping you connect with the person who can help you with something...or ya know, just that boob thing. But whatever it is, I hope to leave the world a better place than I found it, one day at a time, one person at a time. And...since it looks like I could probably break into 'We Are the World' at ANY moment now, I'm just gonna throw it over to my tried and true:I also wanted to take a moment to speak to anyone who is struggling with their identity. Not going to make this long, cause life is short. ...and that's my point: life is short. We're only here for a short time, and you've got to LIVE. I think my new wife Jessie J says it best:And I'll leave you with this. Let's support this film this year!! It's long overdue:Thank you for 5.5 years...here's to MORE!-Arlan
Frontiers co-publisher dies
WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. -- Mark Hundahl, co-publisher of Frontiers magazine, died Dec. 26 of lung cancer.
He was a leading straight ally of the LGBT community for most of his life.
Hundahl and co-publisher David Stern bought Frontiers in 2007, and the magazine is distributed from Los Angeles to San Diego, reaching a biweekly audience of about 35,000.
In 2008, Hundahl founded Passport Consulting to explore business opportunities in China.
In 2010, Hundahl and Stern bought 50% interest in WeHo News, but that partnership dissolved within six months.
Mark Hundahl, co-publisher of Frontiers magazine, dies Dec. 26 of lung cancer.
read more
He was a leading straight ally of the LGBT community for most of his life.
Hundahl and co-publisher David Stern bought Frontiers in 2007, and the magazine is distributed from Los Angeles to San Diego, reaching a biweekly audience of about 35,000.
In 2008, Hundahl founded Passport Consulting to explore business opportunities in China.
In 2010, Hundahl and Stern bought 50% interest in WeHo News, but that partnership dissolved within six months.
Mark Hundahl, co-publisher of Frontiers magazine, dies Dec. 26 of lung cancer.
read more
(14) Halloween Swinging! (1hr)
Questionable prank; Alix Olson?s, ?Cute For a Girl;? Lale complains about the prank, Some talk about swingers, Brit catches one of Tila Tequila’s TV suitors out at the local Halloween party, Loa sings ABBA and inhales second hand maryjane, Shelzy apparently wears too much costume at her local Halloween party
End of Omega: Longtime gay bar shuts suddenly, no word on new owners
News:
Longtime Dupont Circle-area club Omega has closed its doors, according to an announcement posted earlier today on Facebook from the bar's general manager, Perry Morehouse.
Exterior of Omega DC
(Photo via Wikipedia)
According to the post, the club, formerly known as The Fraternity House and located at 2122 P St. NW – off the street, in the alley – Omega is closed for business, effective immediately.
Morehouse told Metro Weekly that the bar staff has a few days to remove personal effects from the premises, but that there was a limited amount of time before the new owners take over. Morehouse said he did not know who was taking over the space, the name of the development company or any future plans for the space.
''That's all I can tell you,'' Morehouse said. ''I don't know who bought it. All I know is that we're closed.''
Morehouse declined to give the contact information for Omega's owners over the phone. Calls to the bar went unanswered, though Morehouse noted in his Facebook posting that there should be someone at the bar on Thursday and Friday during the daytime hours. ...more
Longtime Dupont Circle-area club Omega has closed its doors, according to an announcement posted earlier today on Facebook from the bar's general manager, Perry Morehouse.
Exterior of Omega DC
(Photo via Wikipedia)
According to the post, the club, formerly known as The Fraternity House and located at 2122 P St. NW – off the street, in the alley – Omega is closed for business, effective immediately.
Morehouse told Metro Weekly that the bar staff has a few days to remove personal effects from the premises, but that there was a limited amount of time before the new owners take over. Morehouse said he did not know who was taking over the space, the name of the development company or any future plans for the space.
''That's all I can tell you,'' Morehouse said. ''I don't know who bought it. All I know is that we're closed.''
Morehouse declined to give the contact information for Omega's owners over the phone. Calls to the bar went unanswered, though Morehouse noted in his Facebook posting that there should be someone at the bar on Thursday and Friday during the daytime hours. ...more
21st ANNUAL AIDS WALK & RUN SAN DIEGO SET FOR SEPT. 26
San Diego’s Largest HIV/AIDS Fundraiser Will Take Place
in Balboa Park
WHAT: The 21st annual AIDS Walk & Run San Diego, the largest one-day HIV/AIDS fundraiser in San Diego County.
WHEN: Sun., Sept. 26
Registration begins at 6am; opening ceremonies at 7:30am
Walk steps off at 8:10am
WHERE: Balboa Park — step off is near Sixth Avenue and Quince
WHY: To raise awareness about the impact of HIV and AIDS, and to raise critically-needed funds for more than 20 San Diego County HIV/AIDS organizations that serve the more than 16,000 people living with the disease in San Diego County.
NOTE: Walkers and organizational spokespeople will be available on Sept. 26 from 6-9am at Sixth and Quince. To arrange advance or day-of-event coverage, plea…
Read More
in Balboa Park
WHAT: The 21st annual AIDS Walk & Run San Diego, the largest one-day HIV/AIDS fundraiser in San Diego County.
WHEN: Sun., Sept. 26
Registration begins at 6am; opening ceremonies at 7:30am
Walk steps off at 8:10am
WHERE: Balboa Park — step off is near Sixth Avenue and Quince
WHY: To raise awareness about the impact of HIV and AIDS, and to raise critically-needed funds for more than 20 San Diego County HIV/AIDS organizations that serve the more than 16,000 people living with the disease in San Diego County.
NOTE: Walkers and organizational spokespeople will be available on Sept. 26 from 6-9am at Sixth and Quince. To arrange advance or day-of-event coverage, plea…
Read More
Gingrich's position on marriage changes
Former House Speaker and GOP presidential candidate Newt Gingrich said he accepts marriage equality as inevitable and he's OK with it, according to Advocate.com.
Top 10 News Stories of 2012
As far as the news cycle is concerned, 2012 was a banner year for LGBTs. From never-ending coverage of Chick-fil-A?s antigay ways to the president?s endorsement of marriage equality ? and the collective conservative conniption that followed ? these are the stories that topped our gaydar in 2012.
read more
read more
Chicago Black Gay Men's Caucus celebrates holidays
The Chicago Black Gay Men's Caucus held its holiday soiree Dec. 19 at TwelveWest, 12 W. Elm St.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Project Runway's twists; Sam Champion marries partner
Project Runway will throw in a couple of twists when it returns Jan. 24 on Lifetime, according to a press release. The 16 designers find out they will compete in the series' first-ever team challenge; the contestants must work together for every challenge while ensuring their own garments stand out on the runway. There will also be new judge Zac Posen replacing Michael Kors; in addition, guest judges will include Bette Midler, Joan and Melissa Rivers, John Legend and Susan Sarandon, among others.
Oh My Pod! - Episode 459 - He's got Vanderbilt genes
Episode 459 - He's got Vanderbilt genes
Happy New Year, App Store, Power over Ethernet, Sandy Bridge, Google Android 3.0 is for tablets, Motorola Xoom, Windows as a Touch Screen OS, Xperia Arc, Samsung Sliding PC, Remote, Galaxy Player, Amazon Android App Store, Air Speakers Everywhere, Skype Outage Explained
Guests: None
Recorded: 01/07/2011 via Skype/iChat/�bercaster
Mono | 72:31 | 34.8 MB
Call the comment line at 707-OHMYPOD
or
email us at feedback@ohmypod.net
read more
Happy New Year, App Store, Power over Ethernet, Sandy Bridge, Google Android 3.0 is for tablets, Motorola Xoom, Windows as a Touch Screen OS, Xperia Arc, Samsung Sliding PC, Remote, Galaxy Player, Amazon Android App Store, Air Speakers Everywhere, Skype Outage Explained
Guests: None
Recorded: 01/07/2011 via Skype/iChat/�bercaster
Mono | 72:31 | 34.8 MB
Call the comment line at 707-OHMYPOD
or
email us at feedback@ohmypod.net
read more
Anonymous Attacks: Battling the kooks from Kansas with illegal hacks feels good, but we know better
Opinion: There's a church I've had to name when writing news stories. But since this is merely my opinion, I'm not naming it. I prefer to deny them the attention when possible. Then there's Anonymous. Not so anonymous, but not so identifiable beyond being some conglomeration of various activist ''hackerati.'' Unlike the unnamed church, these guys I generally don't mind. When governments can jail people in perpetuity and seemingly at whim, when ''neuromarketing'' takes consumerism to its most Pavlovian, some independent anarchists aren't such a bad idea. It's somewhat comforting to know that some unlicensed contrarians are roaming the wild, wild Web. The unnamed church also does some good. Certainly, its adherents must think of themselves as doing good, warning the world that ''God hates fags.'' When the Supreme Court upheld the rights of these foul bigots to speak freely, it offered an affirmation of our social system. On some small level, the decision let the bad guys win. In the big picture, it left them tilting at windmills while illustrating a societal good: We value free and open discourse to the degree that will defend all rather than stifle the most offensive. It's evidence we take these values seriously. ... (more)
Real Estate News
Fannie bares her teeth
Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae - the hillbilly kissin’ cousins of the nation’s secondary mortgage market - instituted a long-needed reform to the sale process of its REO (foreclosed) properties. The “First Look” program gives buyers purchasing a primary residence for their own use, a 15-day head-start before investors can submit offers on the same property.
Nearly 18 months ago I met with the field staff of Congresswoman Susan Davis’ office on this matter and I was glad to see both Fannie and Freddie get on board. The problem in a nutshell is this: Investors, including large syndicators began snapping up foreclosures at an astonishing rate converting large percentages of owner-occupied housing into rental stock.
What’s wro…
Read More
Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae - the hillbilly kissin’ cousins of the nation’s secondary mortgage market - instituted a long-needed reform to the sale process of its REO (foreclosed) properties. The “First Look” program gives buyers purchasing a primary residence for their own use, a 15-day head-start before investors can submit offers on the same property.
Nearly 18 months ago I met with the field staff of Congresswoman Susan Davis’ office on this matter and I was glad to see both Fannie and Freddie get on board. The problem in a nutshell is this: Investors, including large syndicators began snapping up foreclosures at an astonishing rate converting large percentages of owner-occupied housing into rental stock.
What’s wro…
Read More
Gay Baltimore Man Says Beating Was A Hate Crime
Kenni Shaw was attacked by five men on Christmas eve in what he believes was an antigay hate crime.
read more
read more
Puerto Rico Introduces New Guidelines for Hate Crimes
At least 18 members of Puerto Rico's LGBT community were murdered in 2010 and 2011 alone.
Anonymous Attacks: Battling the kooks from Kansas with illegal hacks feels good, but we know better
Opinion: There's a church I've had to name when writing news stories. But since this is merely my opinion, I'm not naming it. I prefer to deny them the attention when possible. Then there's Anonymous. Not so anonymous, but not so identifiable beyond being some conglomeration of various activist ''hackerati.'' Unlike the unnamed church, these guys I generally don't mind. When governments can jail people in perpetuity and seemingly at whim, when ''neuromarketing'' takes consumerism to its most Pavlovian, some independent anarchists aren't such a bad idea. It's somewhat comforting to know that some unlicensed contrarians are roaming the wild, wild Web. The unnamed church also does some good. Certainly, its adherents must think of themselves as doing good, warning the world that ''God hates fags.'' When the Supreme Court upheld the rights of these foul bigots to speak freely, it offered an affirmation of our social system. On some small level, the decision let the bad guys win. In the big picture, it left them tilting at windmills while illustrating a societal good: We value free and open discourse to the degree that will defend all rather than stifle the most offensive. It's evidence we take these values seriously. ... (more)
Horoscope
Breathe, Aries!
Saturn in Libra is squaring the lunar nodes, showing necessary steps in the relationships that are most important in our life’s lessons. Mars is in Scorpio, offering insights to those problems, but those insights can feel more urgent and be more complex and distracting than strictly helpful.
ARIES
March 20 – April 19
Your control issues can wreck your relationship. Step back. Breathe. Be responsible for yourself, and let your partner do the same. Domestic issues are an easy distraction. Work is where you need to focus your energies and sense of mastery.
TAURUS
April 20 – May 20
You’re fine on the details; don’t worry about those! Work on seeing the big picture. There, you need some help that you’ll …
Read More
Saturn in Libra is squaring the lunar nodes, showing necessary steps in the relationships that are most important in our life’s lessons. Mars is in Scorpio, offering insights to those problems, but those insights can feel more urgent and be more complex and distracting than strictly helpful.
ARIES
March 20 – April 19
Your control issues can wreck your relationship. Step back. Breathe. Be responsible for yourself, and let your partner do the same. Domestic issues are an easy distraction. Work is where you need to focus your energies and sense of mastery.
TAURUS
April 20 – May 20
You’re fine on the details; don’t worry about those! Work on seeing the big picture. There, you need some help that you’ll …
Read More
Saturday, December 29, 2012
2012's Best Quote on Gay Marriage
A clever line from the 9th Circuit Court's decision to invalidate Proposition 8 was named one of the top legal quotes of 2012 by the editors of the National Law Journal.
read more
read more
(59) Show Me Love DJ
Fantasies of the Sarah, Chat with Nikki re: Pimping Miss Universe, Anti-Relationship Relationship talk, Kim Kardashian’s curves, Jessica Simpson’s diet and more! http://www.thelesbianmafia.com Twitter www.twitter.com/thelesbianmafia Facebook search and add us! Myspace www.myspace.com/thelesbianmafiacast Lesbian Mafia Apparel: http://thelesbianmafia.spreadshirt.com LISTEN TO THE LESBIAN MAFIA ON YOUR PHONE! 651-925-1610 Leave a message on Voice Mail – 206-984-4093
(42) A Frannie & Freddie Halloween
A Bi’s Revenge, Battle Weary Rant, Cinnamon Buns, Hairy Legs, Women & Guns, Wall Street Perps … NEW! LISTEN TO THE LESBIAN MAFIA ON YOUR PHONE 651-925-1610 Listener Voice Mail – 206-984-4093 Lesbian Mafia Apparel: www.thelesbianmafia.spreadshirt.com
Malala Yousafzai Stands for All Girls, Inspires Action in U.S.
http://now.org/issues/global/101512intldayofgirl.htmlThroughout the world, countless young girls are robbed of their childhood through violence, forced marriage and lack of access to health care or education. This month, the United Nations promoted human rights for girls by marking the first-ever International Day of the Girl Child. NOW applauds the UN for calling for an end to child marriage and emphasizing education as the best defense against this cruel and discriminatory practice.
Scientists say Gays are BORN THIS WAY
HOW COOL IS THIS?! Scientists May Have Finally Unlocked Puzzle of Why People Are GayUS NEWS broke the story - Scientists may have finally solved the puzzle of what makes a person gay, and how it is passed from parents to their children.
A group of scientists suggested Tuesday
that homosexuals get that trait from their opposite-sex parents: A
lesbian will almost always get the trait from her father, while a gay
man will get the trait from his mother.The hereditary link of homosexuality has long been established, but
scientists knew it was not a strictly genetic link, because there are
many pairs of identical twins who have differing sexualities. Scientists
from the National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis
say homosexuality seems to have an epigenetic, not a genetic link.
Long thought to have some sort of hereditary link, a group of
scientists suggested Tuesday that homosexuality is linked to epi-marks ?
extra layers of information that control how certain genes are
expressed. These epi-marks are usually, but not always, "erased" between
generations. In homosexuals, these epi-marks aren't erased ? they're
passed from father-to-daughter or mother-to-son, explains William Rice,
an evolutionary biologist at the University of California Santa Barbara
and lead author of the study.Do you realize how exciting this is?READ MORE!!
A group of scientists suggested Tuesday
that homosexuals get that trait from their opposite-sex parents: A
lesbian will almost always get the trait from her father, while a gay
man will get the trait from his mother.The hereditary link of homosexuality has long been established, but
scientists knew it was not a strictly genetic link, because there are
many pairs of identical twins who have differing sexualities. Scientists
from the National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis
say homosexuality seems to have an epigenetic, not a genetic link.
Long thought to have some sort of hereditary link, a group of
scientists suggested Tuesday that homosexuality is linked to epi-marks ?
extra layers of information that control how certain genes are
expressed. These epi-marks are usually, but not always, "erased" between
generations. In homosexuals, these epi-marks aren't erased ? they're
passed from father-to-daughter or mother-to-son, explains William Rice,
an evolutionary biologist at the University of California Santa Barbara
and lead author of the study.Do you realize how exciting this is?READ MORE!!
Appeals court tosses gays in military lawsuit
(San Francisco)� A federal appeals court refused Thursday to decide the constitutionality of the military's now-repealed "don't ask, don't tell" policy banning openly gay troops, saying the issue has been resolved since Americans can enlist and serve in the armed forces without regard to sexual orientation.
A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco tossed out a lawsuit that had challenged the military policy as a violation of gay service members' civil rights. In doing so, the appeals court also dismissed a Southern California trial judge's year-old ruling that the policy was unconstitutional.
The gay rights group Log Cabin Republicans filed the lawsuit in 2004 challenging the policy. The group's lawyer, Dan Woods, said he would ask the full 9th Circuit to review the panel's decision.
The group recently argued the lower court ruling, which also barred enforcement of "don't ask, don't tell" should remain in effect despite this month's repeal because future administrations and lawmakers could reintroduce a ban on gay service.
The three judges strongly disagreed in their Thursday opinion, saying the case is moot because there is nothing left to challenge regarding the policy enacted as section 654.
"This suit became moot when the repeal of section 654 took effect on Sept. 20," the ruling said. "If Log Cabin filed suit today seeking a declaration that section 654 is unconstitutional or an injunction against its application (or both), there would be no Article III controversy because there is no section 654."
The panel specifically rejected Log Cabins' assertion that the appeals court should decide the underlying constitutional issues to prevent future limitations or outright bans on military service by gay and lesbian Americans.
"We cannot say with virtual certainty that the Congress that passed the Repeal Act - or a future Congress whose composition, agenda, and circumstances we cannot know - will reenact don't ask, don't tell," the judges said. "We can only speculate, and our speculation cannot breathe life into this case."
Log Cabin Republicans Executive Director R. Clarke Cooper said he was disappointed, noting that the favorable ruling his group obtained in the lower court played a major role in persuading policy makers to repeal "don't ask, don't tell."
"Log Cabin Republicans v. United States said more than `don't ask, don't tell' should be repealed - it stood for the fundamental constitutional rights of service members not to be discriminated against by the nation they serve," Cooper said. "This decision by the 9th Circuit denies more than 14,000 discharged gay and lesbian service members an important means of obtaining justice for the wrong perpetuated against them under the ban, and leaves open the possibility of future violations of service members' rights."
One of the three panelists, Judge Diarmuid O'Scannlain, went out of his way in a concurring opinion to dispute that either the U.S. Constitution or the Supreme Court's interpretation of it provided "a member of the armed forces (with) a constitutionally protected right to engage in homosexual acts or to state that he or she is a homosexual while continuing to serve in the military."
O'Scannlain also criticized the lower court judge who invalidated "don't ask, don't tell" last year, U.S. District Judge Virginia Phillips. He accused Phillips of willfully failing "to apply established law" so she could issue a ruling "that invalidated a considered congressional policy and imposed a wholly novel view of constitutional liberty on the entire United States."
A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco tossed out a lawsuit that had challenged the military policy as a violation of gay service members' civil rights. In doing so, the appeals court also dismissed a Southern California trial judge's year-old ruling that the policy was unconstitutional.
The gay rights group Log Cabin Republicans filed the lawsuit in 2004 challenging the policy. The group's lawyer, Dan Woods, said he would ask the full 9th Circuit to review the panel's decision.
The group recently argued the lower court ruling, which also barred enforcement of "don't ask, don't tell" should remain in effect despite this month's repeal because future administrations and lawmakers could reintroduce a ban on gay service.
The three judges strongly disagreed in their Thursday opinion, saying the case is moot because there is nothing left to challenge regarding the policy enacted as section 654.
"This suit became moot when the repeal of section 654 took effect on Sept. 20," the ruling said. "If Log Cabin filed suit today seeking a declaration that section 654 is unconstitutional or an injunction against its application (or both), there would be no Article III controversy because there is no section 654."
The panel specifically rejected Log Cabins' assertion that the appeals court should decide the underlying constitutional issues to prevent future limitations or outright bans on military service by gay and lesbian Americans.
"We cannot say with virtual certainty that the Congress that passed the Repeal Act - or a future Congress whose composition, agenda, and circumstances we cannot know - will reenact don't ask, don't tell," the judges said. "We can only speculate, and our speculation cannot breathe life into this case."
Log Cabin Republicans Executive Director R. Clarke Cooper said he was disappointed, noting that the favorable ruling his group obtained in the lower court played a major role in persuading policy makers to repeal "don't ask, don't tell."
"Log Cabin Republicans v. United States said more than `don't ask, don't tell' should be repealed - it stood for the fundamental constitutional rights of service members not to be discriminated against by the nation they serve," Cooper said. "This decision by the 9th Circuit denies more than 14,000 discharged gay and lesbian service members an important means of obtaining justice for the wrong perpetuated against them under the ban, and leaves open the possibility of future violations of service members' rights."
One of the three panelists, Judge Diarmuid O'Scannlain, went out of his way in a concurring opinion to dispute that either the U.S. Constitution or the Supreme Court's interpretation of it provided "a member of the armed forces (with) a constitutionally protected right to engage in homosexual acts or to state that he or she is a homosexual while continuing to serve in the military."
O'Scannlain also criticized the lower court judge who invalidated "don't ask, don't tell" last year, U.S. District Judge Virginia Phillips. He accused Phillips of willfully failing "to apply established law" so she could issue a ruling "that invalidated a considered congressional policy and imposed a wholly novel view of constitutional liberty on the entire United States."
Friday, December 28, 2012
Click Click Expose Gay Podcat Network - Weekly Update - February 10
Hey Podcast Fans...another week...another round of podcast shows from Click Click Expose CELEBRATING OUR 5TH YEAR OF PODCASTING FOR THE GAY AND LESBIAN COMMUNITY. What is the Click Click Expose Gay Podcast Network? We are a network of different podcast shows either produced by Click Click Expose (Gay Entertainment Media) or distributed by our official content producers and supporters. Our goal is to bring you a wide variety of LGBT podcast shows designed to enrich, entertain and enlighten the gay and lesbian community AND our website has undergone a major re-design (again)- check it out: Click Click Expose and let us know what you think. It's easier now to listen to your favorite shows, watch videos, read news, etc.
SUBSCRIBE TODAY:
Subscribe via RSS Feed HERE!
THIS WEEK'S SYNOPSIS: 1. Gay News Week In Review - "Week Ending 2/10/2011" 2. Strange Dreamz with Kevin J. Thornton - "Episode #10 - Sex stories and bad relationships" 3. This Show Is So Gay - "Actress Michelle Bonilla" 4. Same Gender Loving Expressions - "Dishin Tea with 'Big Meech' Taylor" 5. House Music Show - DJ Carlos Dali - "Hazey Morning"
LISTEN:
Gay News Week In Review w/e 02/10/2011 (Podcast)
Strange Dreamz with Kevin J. Thornton - Episode #10 (Podcast)
This Show Is So Gay - Actress Michelle Bonilla (Podcast)
Same Gender Loving Expressions - Episode #23(Podcast)
DJ Carlos Dali - Be Yourself Radio Show (Podcast)
read more
SUBSCRIBE TODAY:
Subscribe via RSS Feed HERE!
THIS WEEK'S SYNOPSIS: 1. Gay News Week In Review - "Week Ending 2/10/2011" 2. Strange Dreamz with Kevin J. Thornton - "Episode #10 - Sex stories and bad relationships" 3. This Show Is So Gay - "Actress Michelle Bonilla" 4. Same Gender Loving Expressions - "Dishin Tea with 'Big Meech' Taylor" 5. House Music Show - DJ Carlos Dali - "Hazey Morning"
LISTEN:
Gay News Week In Review w/e 02/10/2011 (Podcast)
Strange Dreamz with Kevin J. Thornton - Episode #10 (Podcast)
This Show Is So Gay - Actress Michelle Bonilla (Podcast)
Same Gender Loving Expressions - Episode #23(Podcast)
DJ Carlos Dali - Be Yourself Radio Show (Podcast)
read more
Hot Sheet for December 21, 2012
The top 10 entertainment highlights on our gaydar during this holiday break: Beyonce's little sister, Les Mis of course, and the Disney songbook.
read more
read more
Profiles in Advocacy: Truax Award winner Teresa Oyos
December 2012 brings me full circle as I complete the first year of Profiles in Advocacy, returning to the topic that started it all, the current A. Brad Truax award recipient. I am thrilled that this year?s honoree is both a friend and colleague at University of California, San Diego (UCSD): Teresa Oyos of the HIV Neurobehavioral Research Program (HNRP) housed on UCSD?s Hillcrest campus.
Ian Morton profiles community activist Teresa Oyos, this year's Truax Award winner.
read more
Ian Morton profiles community activist Teresa Oyos, this year's Truax Award winner.
read more
Queer Beer: a beer for gays and lesbians
A Mexican company has launched a new beer aimed at the gay and lesbian community that will also be exported to other countries, company officials said.
(23) We?re 1! Let?s Get Serious ?
New Show Post! #23 – We’re 1! Let’s Get Serious … Up Close and Personal with Sandi solo. St. Pats, Elliot Spitz, Courtesans, 1 Year Anniversary Introspection Featuring Music by Natalia Zuckerman in the artists corner: http://www.myspace.com/nataliazukerman Lesbian Mafia Apparel http://thelesbianmafia.spreadshirt.com Voice Mail – 206-984-4093 Happy St. Pats peoples!
Seattle Begins to Issue Marriage Licenses
Seattle Issues First Same Sex Marriages Licenses After Nov.
Election
by Shaun Knittel
Big Gay News Magazine Staff Writer
On December 5, Governor Chris Gregoire (D-WA) and Secretary
of State Sam Reed certified Referendum 74, the marriage equality bill that
makes same-sex marriage legal in the state .
"This is a very important and historic day in the great
state of Washington. For many years now, we've said, 'One more step. One more
step.' This is our last step," Gregoire said. "To the couples that
are here today that will finally be treated with the equality they've deserved
for many years, congratulations to each of you."
On midnight, December 6, King County Executive Dow
Constantine signed the first same-sex marriage license in Washington State for
Jane Abbott Lighty and Pete-e Petersen at the King County Recorder's Office in
Seattle, Washington. The office opened at 12:01 a.m. to begin issuing marriage
licenses to same-sex couples for the first time after Washington voters chose
to legalize same-sex marriage in November's election?
Dozens of gay and lesbian couples attained their marriage
licenses. King County, the state's
biggest county, opened the doors to its auditor's office shortly after
midnight.
King County Executive Dow Constantine said, ?People who have
been waiting all these years to have their rights recognized should not have to
wait one minute longer."
In Seattle, the mood was festive.
Volunteers distributed everything from roses and coffee to
fruit. Champagne was poured. Different groups of men and women serenaded the
waiting line, one to the tune of "Going to the Chapel."
According to the Associated Press, ?Hundreds of people,?
(many of whom had waited all night and had lined up hours earlier? shaik
snaking around the downtown Seattle building on a chilly December night.
"We knew it was going to happen, but it's still
surreal," said Amanda Dollente, who along with her partner, Kelly
Middleton, began standing in line at 4 p.m. Wednesday.
Among those getting marriage licenses was Dan Savage, who
said, ?It's been a long fight but it ain't over. We still have to fight (the
Defense of Marriage Act) and there's 41 other states were same-sex couples
aren't allowed to marry."
Savage plans to marry his partner on Sunday in a ceremony at
City Hall.
Washington has a three-day waiting period, so the first
same-sex marriages can't be performed in the state until Sunday. Several
members of the clergy have volunteered to perform marriages at three locations,
on Sunday. They are also planning to perform weddings later in the week,
particularly on Wednesday, which carries the notable date of 12-12-12
Washington will be the seventh state to recognize same-sex
marriages. Maine will follow on Dec. 29 and Maryland on Jan. 1 as the result of
votes in those states on similar ballot measures. The other six states (by
order of adoption) are Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, New Hampshire
and New York. Washington, D.C. also allows gays and lesbians to marry.
Election
by Shaun Knittel
Big Gay News Magazine Staff Writer
On December 5, Governor Chris Gregoire (D-WA) and Secretary
of State Sam Reed certified Referendum 74, the marriage equality bill that
makes same-sex marriage legal in the state .
"This is a very important and historic day in the great
state of Washington. For many years now, we've said, 'One more step. One more
step.' This is our last step," Gregoire said. "To the couples that
are here today that will finally be treated with the equality they've deserved
for many years, congratulations to each of you."
On midnight, December 6, King County Executive Dow
Constantine signed the first same-sex marriage license in Washington State for
Jane Abbott Lighty and Pete-e Petersen at the King County Recorder's Office in
Seattle, Washington. The office opened at 12:01 a.m. to begin issuing marriage
licenses to same-sex couples for the first time after Washington voters chose
to legalize same-sex marriage in November's election?
Dozens of gay and lesbian couples attained their marriage
licenses. King County, the state's
biggest county, opened the doors to its auditor's office shortly after
midnight.
King County Executive Dow Constantine said, ?People who have
been waiting all these years to have their rights recognized should not have to
wait one minute longer."
In Seattle, the mood was festive.
Volunteers distributed everything from roses and coffee to
fruit. Champagne was poured. Different groups of men and women serenaded the
waiting line, one to the tune of "Going to the Chapel."
According to the Associated Press, ?Hundreds of people,?
(many of whom had waited all night and had lined up hours earlier? shaik
snaking around the downtown Seattle building on a chilly December night.
"We knew it was going to happen, but it's still
surreal," said Amanda Dollente, who along with her partner, Kelly
Middleton, began standing in line at 4 p.m. Wednesday.
Among those getting marriage licenses was Dan Savage, who
said, ?It's been a long fight but it ain't over. We still have to fight (the
Defense of Marriage Act) and there's 41 other states were same-sex couples
aren't allowed to marry."
Savage plans to marry his partner on Sunday in a ceremony at
City Hall.
Washington has a three-day waiting period, so the first
same-sex marriages can't be performed in the state until Sunday. Several
members of the clergy have volunteered to perform marriages at three locations,
on Sunday. They are also planning to perform weddings later in the week,
particularly on Wednesday, which carries the notable date of 12-12-12
Washington will be the seventh state to recognize same-sex
marriages. Maine will follow on Dec. 29 and Maryland on Jan. 1 as the result of
votes in those states on similar ballot measures. The other six states (by
order of adoption) are Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, New Hampshire
and New York. Washington, D.C. also allows gays and lesbians to marry.
Honolulu's Famed Hula's Bar Unveils Fab Food Menu
I had the good fortune last week to try out the terrific new menu at the cafe in the legendary Hula's Bar & Lei Stand, in the heart of Waikiki. Hula's, which celebrates 14 years in its current open-air location just a short stroll from gay-popular Queen's Surf Beach (before that it had been around the corner on Kuhio Avenue since the '70s), has been serving food for as long as I've been going. But the new menu is fresh, inventive, and fun, and definitely makes Hula's just as viable as a dinner or, on weekends, brunch option as it is a great place for cocktails and dancing....Read Full Post
Thursday, December 27, 2012
TODAY: All merchandise half-off at Revivals
SAN DIEGO -- Revivals is holding its annual "After Christmas Sale" - today, Dec. 26 - with all donated merchandise available for 50% off its original price.
With several stores in the Palm Springs area and one in Hillcrest, proceeds from the sale of merchandise at Revivals benefits the Desert AIDS Project, which provides medical care and comprehensive support services to people living with HIV/AIDS in the desert community.
The Hillcrest location opened in early 2011, and has provided support for community organizations in both San Diego and the desert area.
The store is hosting its annual After Christmas Sale.
read more
With several stores in the Palm Springs area and one in Hillcrest, proceeds from the sale of merchandise at Revivals benefits the Desert AIDS Project, which provides medical care and comprehensive support services to people living with HIV/AIDS in the desert community.
The Hillcrest location opened in early 2011, and has provided support for community organizations in both San Diego and the desert area.
The store is hosting its annual After Christmas Sale.
read more
French Good Bi's...
Here's what I know: I don't know a word of French, but when I learn, I will use this movie as a study aid. And I don't care HOW many times I have to watch it--10...50...hundreds of times--by golly, I WILL learn French! Zut alors!
Petition wants Westboro church called hate group
The number of people who have signed a petition to the White House asking for it to label the notorious Westboro Baptist Church a hate group is approaching 300,000, according to Politico.com.
GLAAD's What To Watch This Weekend
(This post was originally published by SDGLN content partner GLAAD.)
This weekend catch the season finale of "Say Yes to the Dress: Bridesmaids" and a brand new episode of "Underemployed."
Friday, Dec. 21
9 pm: Say Yes to the Dress: Bridesmaids on TLC (30 mins) NEW
GLAAD's LGBT-friendly TV picks for this weekend.
read more
This weekend catch the season finale of "Say Yes to the Dress: Bridesmaids" and a brand new episode of "Underemployed."
Friday, Dec. 21
9 pm: Say Yes to the Dress: Bridesmaids on TLC (30 mins) NEW
GLAAD's LGBT-friendly TV picks for this weekend.
read more
Howard. Stern.
Liked him before. Simply ADORE HIM now. This is a MUST LISTEN. It's wonderful...honest, raw, passionate, TRUTH. On his show Monday, Howard Stern went on a 12-minute rant about the ?One Million Moms? campaign against Ellen DeGeneres, people who joke about Rosie O'Donnell being a lesbian, anti-gay politicians, and much more. It's worth listening to in its entirety.
La Dolce Vita Resort in Palm Springs Launches Anti-Bullying Campaign
Ever-fabulous and nearly always sunny Palm Springs has kicked full into its prime vacation season, and this scenic Southern California city's numerous gay and gay-friendly resorts are now filling up with travelers, many escaping from colder and wetter climes. One of my favorite properties in town, the clothing-optional La Dolce Vita Resort & Spa, has launched an effort to assist the anti-bullying program that the LGBT Community Center of the Desert recently developed....Read Full Post
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Wisconsin Appeals Court Upholds Domestic Partnership Protections for Same-Sex Couples
ACLU Filed Supporting Brief on Behalf of Five Couples
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: (212) 549-2666; media@aclu.org
MADISON, Wis. – MADISON, WI – The Wisconsin Court of Appeals today upheld the state’s law granting domestic partnership protections to same-sex couples.
The American Civil Liberties Union had filed an amicus brief on behalf of five couples who stood to lose crucial protections such as hospital visitation, the ability to make certain decisions about medical care and to access family medical leave if the law is overturned.
“Committed same-sex couples in Wisconsin only want the peace of mind of being able to protect and provide for each other like any other married couple,” said John Knight, staff attorney with the ACLU Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Project. “Because they are denied the freedom to marry, these couples just wanted to hold on to the limited protections afforded to them by the domestic partnership law. To strip them of these would have been cruel and unjust.”
The law was challenged by members of Wisconsin Family Action, Inc., an anti-LGBT organization that contends that the law granted same-sex couples a substantially similar status to marriage, which is barred by the Wisconsin Constitution. The same organization originally campaigned to secure the marriage amendment’s passage, claiming at the time that domestic partnerships would not be affected.
“While domestic partnership protections don’t provide quite the same security as marriage, they are crucial for same-sex couples in times of crisis,” said Larry Dupuis, legal director of the ACLU of Wisconsin. “We’re grateful that the court will allow these families to continue to benefit from these limited protections for their families.”
One of the couples represented by the ACLU is Katy Heyning and Judi Trampf.
“We are thrilled that the court has upheld the constitutionality of the domestic partnership law,” said Heyning. “We know the people of Wisconsin did not wish to exclude domestic partnerships when the marriage amendment was passed. We are pleased that our rights will not be taken away, and that we will still be able to make medical and legal decisions for each other. After being together for 23 years, it seems fair that we should. However, we look forward to the day when we will be able to have all of the same rights married couples now enjoy.”
In addition to Dupuis and Knight, the legal team representing the couples includes Linda Hansen, Daniel Manna and David Goroff of Foley & Lardner, LLP.
Additional information about the case, including bios of the couples and legal documents, is available at: www.aclu.org/lgbt-rights/appling-v-doyle-case-profile
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: (212) 549-2666; media@aclu.org
MADISON, Wis. – MADISON, WI – The Wisconsin Court of Appeals today upheld the state’s law granting domestic partnership protections to same-sex couples.
The American Civil Liberties Union had filed an amicus brief on behalf of five couples who stood to lose crucial protections such as hospital visitation, the ability to make certain decisions about medical care and to access family medical leave if the law is overturned.
“Committed same-sex couples in Wisconsin only want the peace of mind of being able to protect and provide for each other like any other married couple,” said John Knight, staff attorney with the ACLU Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Project. “Because they are denied the freedom to marry, these couples just wanted to hold on to the limited protections afforded to them by the domestic partnership law. To strip them of these would have been cruel and unjust.”
The law was challenged by members of Wisconsin Family Action, Inc., an anti-LGBT organization that contends that the law granted same-sex couples a substantially similar status to marriage, which is barred by the Wisconsin Constitution. The same organization originally campaigned to secure the marriage amendment’s passage, claiming at the time that domestic partnerships would not be affected.
“While domestic partnership protections don’t provide quite the same security as marriage, they are crucial for same-sex couples in times of crisis,” said Larry Dupuis, legal director of the ACLU of Wisconsin. “We’re grateful that the court will allow these families to continue to benefit from these limited protections for their families.”
One of the couples represented by the ACLU is Katy Heyning and Judi Trampf.
“We are thrilled that the court has upheld the constitutionality of the domestic partnership law,” said Heyning. “We know the people of Wisconsin did not wish to exclude domestic partnerships when the marriage amendment was passed. We are pleased that our rights will not be taken away, and that we will still be able to make medical and legal decisions for each other. After being together for 23 years, it seems fair that we should. However, we look forward to the day when we will be able to have all of the same rights married couples now enjoy.”
In addition to Dupuis and Knight, the legal team representing the couples includes Linda Hansen, Daniel Manna and David Goroff of Foley & Lardner, LLP.
Additional information about the case, including bios of the couples and legal documents, is available at: www.aclu.org/lgbt-rights/appling-v-doyle-case-profile
Zip it to 90210ooooh.
Recently�I have become obsessed with Tori Spelling, hence the title. Well since we all know her from her work on 90210,�I thought the title was appropriate. I love her, the work she does, her budding family, her gays, and just everything about her. I feel like we would be friends if we knew each other. [...]
Op-ed: HIV-Positive, Unapologetic and Fabulous
Your neck looks so much skinnier when you hold your chin high.
read more
read more
Early marriage equality advocate Richard Adams dies
Richard Adams, an early pioneer in the fight for marriage equality for gays and lesbians, died Dec. 17 in the Hollywood home he shared with Anthony Sullivan, his partner of 43 years, his attorney said Sunday. Adams was 65.
Adams and Sullivan made history nearly four decades ago when they became one of the first gay couples in the country to be granted a marriage license.
Richard Adams, an early pioneer in the fight for marriage equality for gays and lesbians, died Dec. 17 in the Hollywood home he shared with Anthony Sullivan, his partner of 43 years.
read more
Adams and Sullivan made history nearly four decades ago when they became one of the first gay couples in the country to be granted a marriage license.
Richard Adams, an early pioneer in the fight for marriage equality for gays and lesbians, died Dec. 17 in the Hollywood home he shared with Anthony Sullivan, his partner of 43 years.
read more
Early marriage equality advocate Richard Adams dies
Richard Adams, an early pioneer in the fight for marriage equality for gays and lesbians, died Dec. 17 in the Hollywood home he shared with Anthony Sullivan, his partner of 43 years, his attorney said Sunday. Adams was 65.
Adams and Sullivan made history nearly four decades ago when they became one of the first gay couples in the country to be granted a marriage license.
Richard Adams, an early pioneer in the fight for marriage equality for gays and lesbians, died Dec. 17 in the Hollywood home he shared with Anthony Sullivan, his partner of 43 years.
read more
Adams and Sullivan made history nearly four decades ago when they became one of the first gay couples in the country to be granted a marriage license.
Richard Adams, an early pioneer in the fight for marriage equality for gays and lesbians, died Dec. 17 in the Hollywood home he shared with Anthony Sullivan, his partner of 43 years.
read more
CUAllies Rejected: Catholic University blocks LGBT student group, citing fears the club might ''engage in advocacy on behalf of the homosexual lifestyle''
News:
Two weeks after the Catholic University of America rejected the proposal for CUAllies, a student organization for LGBT students and their allies, the club's lead organizer says supporters have not conceded. Instead, they may push for a student-wide referendum to support the formation of an on-campus LGBT group.
The official reason given by university administrators to supporters of the club – which included 20 of the 23 members of the school's Student Association and representatives from multiple other campus student groups – for the rejection was that administrators fear such a group would become an advocacy organization.
But Ryan Fecteau, speaker of the Student Association at the D.C.-based university and the former director of the unsanctioned CUAllies, says that rationale fails to take into account repeated attempts – over a period of more than nine months – by LGBT students and supporters to allay administrators' fears by promising the organization would not actively promote causes that might be in conflict with Catholic Church with regard to homosexuality.
The school's decision was especially galling to supporters in light of the fact that Catholic University previously had an officially recognized gay and lesbian student organization, from 1988 to 2002, according to Fecteau.
Catholic University's decision contrasts with its fellow Catholic institution, the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, which announced in early December that the school planned to expand support for the campus LGBT community by, among other things, finally recognizing an official LGBT student organization. That Notre Dame request dates at least back to 1986.
The disparity between various Catholic institutions underscores the divergence of opinion, even among members of the same faith, on how best to respond to calls for more inclusivity and acceptance of LGBTQ people. Also in D.C., for example, Georgetown University, affiliated with Jesuit order of the Catholic Church, opened an LGBTQ Resource Center in 2008.
Responding to the rejection of CUAllies' application to become an officially recognized student group, Fecteau was surprised, particularly given the tone of conversations supporters had been having with administrators.
''In essence, this university denied CUAllies and LGBT students communion,'' Fecteau said in a statement released Dec. 7, a day after the organization was formally rejected. ''They said to us that we are not valued enough to participate in this campus community, this faith community, this human community because of our sexual orientation.''
As supporters of CUAllies awaited a decision on the status of the club, more than 30 student leaders, including Fecteau, signed and a letter to CUA President John Garvey in October, calling attention to the poor rating Catholic University received from the Princeton Review, placing sixth on the list of ''Least LGBT-friendly Colleges.'' In that letter, the students encouraged Garvey to adopt some policies to make the campus more LGBT-friendly, including allowing the formation of a campus group similar to CUAllies.
Garvey and other administration officials later met with those student leaders, promising more dialogue about the LGBT community and acknowledging a need for more support on campus, Fecteau said.
In response to Metro Weekly inquiries, Victor Nakas, associate vice president for public affairs for the university, issued a statement via email that reiterated the school's reasoning.
''In declining the request for official university recognition of CUAllies, the administrators indicated their belief that, in spite of the group's stated intent to uphold Catholic Church teachings, it would be extremely difficult for that pledge to be honored over time,'' Nakas wrote. ''They pointed out that there is a fine line, easily crossed, between a group dedicated to education and support of individuals who identify themselves as homosexuals and one that engages in advocacy on behalf of a homosexual lifestyle.''
Fecteau says he disagrees with administrators' logic, equivalent to refusing to recognize the College Democrats, he says, because of the potential that the organization might become an ''advocacy'' organization on behalf of causes, such as abortion, that conflict with church teaching.
Still, he says, CUAllies will continue to offer events, service projects and open dialogue about how LGBT individuals can participate fully in their shared Catholic faith.
Fecteau adds that the new speaker of the Student Association is supportive of the student-wide referendum proposal.
Fecteau warns, however, that university officials could still refuse recognition even if such a referendum passed. But, he adds, at the very least such a rejection would show the university making a decision that was opposed by the majority of its students and put them under tremendous pressure to make the university more welcoming to members of the LGBT community. ...more
Two weeks after the Catholic University of America rejected the proposal for CUAllies, a student organization for LGBT students and their allies, the club's lead organizer says supporters have not conceded. Instead, they may push for a student-wide referendum to support the formation of an on-campus LGBT group.
The official reason given by university administrators to supporters of the club – which included 20 of the 23 members of the school's Student Association and representatives from multiple other campus student groups – for the rejection was that administrators fear such a group would become an advocacy organization.
But Ryan Fecteau, speaker of the Student Association at the D.C.-based university and the former director of the unsanctioned CUAllies, says that rationale fails to take into account repeated attempts – over a period of more than nine months – by LGBT students and supporters to allay administrators' fears by promising the organization would not actively promote causes that might be in conflict with Catholic Church with regard to homosexuality.
The school's decision was especially galling to supporters in light of the fact that Catholic University previously had an officially recognized gay and lesbian student organization, from 1988 to 2002, according to Fecteau.
Catholic University's decision contrasts with its fellow Catholic institution, the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, which announced in early December that the school planned to expand support for the campus LGBT community by, among other things, finally recognizing an official LGBT student organization. That Notre Dame request dates at least back to 1986.
The disparity between various Catholic institutions underscores the divergence of opinion, even among members of the same faith, on how best to respond to calls for more inclusivity and acceptance of LGBTQ people. Also in D.C., for example, Georgetown University, affiliated with Jesuit order of the Catholic Church, opened an LGBTQ Resource Center in 2008.
Responding to the rejection of CUAllies' application to become an officially recognized student group, Fecteau was surprised, particularly given the tone of conversations supporters had been having with administrators.
''In essence, this university denied CUAllies and LGBT students communion,'' Fecteau said in a statement released Dec. 7, a day after the organization was formally rejected. ''They said to us that we are not valued enough to participate in this campus community, this faith community, this human community because of our sexual orientation.''
As supporters of CUAllies awaited a decision on the status of the club, more than 30 student leaders, including Fecteau, signed and a letter to CUA President John Garvey in October, calling attention to the poor rating Catholic University received from the Princeton Review, placing sixth on the list of ''Least LGBT-friendly Colleges.'' In that letter, the students encouraged Garvey to adopt some policies to make the campus more LGBT-friendly, including allowing the formation of a campus group similar to CUAllies.
Garvey and other administration officials later met with those student leaders, promising more dialogue about the LGBT community and acknowledging a need for more support on campus, Fecteau said.
In response to Metro Weekly inquiries, Victor Nakas, associate vice president for public affairs for the university, issued a statement via email that reiterated the school's reasoning.
''In declining the request for official university recognition of CUAllies, the administrators indicated their belief that, in spite of the group's stated intent to uphold Catholic Church teachings, it would be extremely difficult for that pledge to be honored over time,'' Nakas wrote. ''They pointed out that there is a fine line, easily crossed, between a group dedicated to education and support of individuals who identify themselves as homosexuals and one that engages in advocacy on behalf of a homosexual lifestyle.''
Fecteau says he disagrees with administrators' logic, equivalent to refusing to recognize the College Democrats, he says, because of the potential that the organization might become an ''advocacy'' organization on behalf of causes, such as abortion, that conflict with church teaching.
Still, he says, CUAllies will continue to offer events, service projects and open dialogue about how LGBT individuals can participate fully in their shared Catholic faith.
Fecteau adds that the new speaker of the Student Association is supportive of the student-wide referendum proposal.
Fecteau warns, however, that university officials could still refuse recognition even if such a referendum passed. But, he adds, at the very least such a rejection would show the university making a decision that was opposed by the majority of its students and put them under tremendous pressure to make the university more welcoming to members of the LGBT community. ...more
Queen James Bible claims to be first-ever "Gay Bible," but some say it rewrites Scripture
In an effort to resolve "long-standing interpretive ambiguity in key Bible passages regarding homosexuality" a new version of the classic King James Bible -- this one titled The Queen James Bible -- claims to be the first ever gay friendly Bible to correctly translate the Christian Scriptures.
In an effort to resolve "long-standing interpretive ambiguity in key Bible passages regarding homosexuality" a new version of the classic King James Bible -- this one titled The Queen James Bible -- claims to be the first ever gay friendly Bible to correctly translate the Christian Scriptures.
read more
In an effort to resolve "long-standing interpretive ambiguity in key Bible passages regarding homosexuality" a new version of the classic King James Bible -- this one titled The Queen James Bible -- claims to be the first ever gay friendly Bible to correctly translate the Christian Scriptures.
read more
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
ACLU of Pennsylvania Files Brief in Support of City of Philadelphia in Boy Scouts Lawsuit
Friend-of-the-Court Brief Argues Government Is Not Obligated to Fund Discrimination by Private Organizations
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: (212) 549-2666; media@aclu.org
PHILADELPHIA - The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania has filed a friend-of-the-court brief in the city of Philadelphia's appeal from a jury verdict that it was "unreasonable" for the city to require the Boy Scouts of America's Cradle of Liberty affiliate to certify that it would not discriminate against gay scout members and leaders as a condition of continuing its rent-free use of city property for its headquarters building at 21st and Spring Streets.
Cradle of Liberty sued Philadelphia in 2008 after years of negotiation with the city about whether Cradle of Liberty would follow the Boy Scouts' national policy of discrimination. In 2000, the United States Supreme Court held that the Boy Scouts could not be required to admit gay scouts and scout leaders because that would interfere with the organization's ability to promote its view that "homosexual conduct is inconsistent with the requirement . that a Scout be morally straight and . clean in word and deed".
"As a private organization, Cradle of Liberty has a constitutional right to discriminate if it so chooses. But the taxpayers of Philadelphia are not obligated to subsidize that discrimination," said Reggie Shuford, executive director of the ACLU of Pennsylvania.
In 2010, a jury found that the city of Philadelphia violated the First Amendment rights of Cradle of Liberty when it attempted to evict the group after it refused to rescind its discriminatory policies against gay scouts and scout leaders. In a 2012 opinion, the trial judge refused to overturn the jury's decision, and the city appealed.
In the same opinion, the judge held that the jury could have found the city responded to "improper influence" because a group of gay rights activists, known as the "Working Group," had an "inside track" and "special access" when they lobbied then-city solicitor Romulo Diaz, who is gay, to end the city's support of Cradle of Liberty.
In its brief, the ACLU asks the appeals court to overturn the judgment against the city. The ACLU argues that the lobbying efforts of the "Working Group" are irrelevant to the constitutionality of the city's demands to Cradle of Liberty, stating "gay and lesbian citizens and officials are no less entitled to participate in the political process than their heterosexual counterparts."
The brief also argues that the US Supreme Court has made it clear that the right to engage in constitutionally protected activity does not mean that taxpayers are obligated to fund the activity, and that the city has an overriding interest in refusing to subsidize a private group with a known policy of discrimination.
A copy of the brief is available here: http://www.aclupa.org/downloads/COLamicusfinal.pdf.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: (212) 549-2666; media@aclu.org
PHILADELPHIA - The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania has filed a friend-of-the-court brief in the city of Philadelphia's appeal from a jury verdict that it was "unreasonable" for the city to require the Boy Scouts of America's Cradle of Liberty affiliate to certify that it would not discriminate against gay scout members and leaders as a condition of continuing its rent-free use of city property for its headquarters building at 21st and Spring Streets.
Cradle of Liberty sued Philadelphia in 2008 after years of negotiation with the city about whether Cradle of Liberty would follow the Boy Scouts' national policy of discrimination. In 2000, the United States Supreme Court held that the Boy Scouts could not be required to admit gay scouts and scout leaders because that would interfere with the organization's ability to promote its view that "homosexual conduct is inconsistent with the requirement . that a Scout be morally straight and . clean in word and deed".
"As a private organization, Cradle of Liberty has a constitutional right to discriminate if it so chooses. But the taxpayers of Philadelphia are not obligated to subsidize that discrimination," said Reggie Shuford, executive director of the ACLU of Pennsylvania.
In 2010, a jury found that the city of Philadelphia violated the First Amendment rights of Cradle of Liberty when it attempted to evict the group after it refused to rescind its discriminatory policies against gay scouts and scout leaders. In a 2012 opinion, the trial judge refused to overturn the jury's decision, and the city appealed.
In the same opinion, the judge held that the jury could have found the city responded to "improper influence" because a group of gay rights activists, known as the "Working Group," had an "inside track" and "special access" when they lobbied then-city solicitor Romulo Diaz, who is gay, to end the city's support of Cradle of Liberty.
In its brief, the ACLU asks the appeals court to overturn the judgment against the city. The ACLU argues that the lobbying efforts of the "Working Group" are irrelevant to the constitutionality of the city's demands to Cradle of Liberty, stating "gay and lesbian citizens and officials are no less entitled to participate in the political process than their heterosexual counterparts."
The brief also argues that the US Supreme Court has made it clear that the right to engage in constitutionally protected activity does not mean that taxpayers are obligated to fund the activity, and that the city has an overriding interest in refusing to subsidize a private group with a known policy of discrimination.
A copy of the brief is available here: http://www.aclupa.org/downloads/COLamicusfinal.pdf.
Judge orders a stop to segregation of Alabama HIV prisoners
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A federal judge today ordered Alabama to stop segregating prisoners living with HIV, ruling that the practice violates the Americans with Disabilities Act ADA.
Doctor Who: Is The Doctor Gay, Straight, Bi or None of the Above?
The BBC recently did a study on the portrayals of LGBT characters in TV, and came to the conclusion that such roles need to be diversified beyond simple "gay" storylines.
Ellen DeGeneres Sat Here
I was at a garage sale this weekend and came across these chairs. I thought they would be good for my deck. The guy was selling them for $7 each. Way too much. I offered $10 for all four. He countered with $15 and I accepted.As I was getting ready to load the chairs into my car, he told me Ellen DeGeneres sat in one of them. He said he used to work as a waiter at the Heathman, a high-end hotel in Portland. Ellen and Ann Heche were having drinks on the patio and invited him to come back when his shift was over and have a drink. He said Ellen was very nice.I was glad to hear that, but I told him he could keep the Ann Heche chair.
NRA's Wayne LaPierre Sticks To His Guns On 'Meet The Press': VIDEO
Wayne LaPierre guaranteed the NRA a place on the fringe today.
After two days of outrage over the NRA leader's assertion that we need more guns in schools to stop another Sandy Hook-type massacre, LaPierre went on Meet the Press not to amend his statement or take a softer tone. No, he appeared today to make similar claims, even as host David Gregory, growing increasingly flabbergasted by LaPierre's defiant gun worship, gave him plenty of opportunities to introduce some humanity into his argument.Mediaite summarizes one of their more tense exchanges, when LaPierre equated gun controls with morality laws and disagreed that removing assault weapons from streets would save lives.
After pressing LaPierre further on why he is unwilling to concede gun control measures as one part of the potential solution, the NRA leader responded, "you can?t legislate morality ? legislation works on the law-abiding, it doesn?t work on criminals."
"If it?s possible to reduce the loss of life, you?re willing to try [gun control]?" Gregory repeatedly asked before holding up a high-capacity magazine of ammunition. "Isn?t it possible that if we got rid of these ? isn?t it just possible that we could reduce the carnage in a situation like New Haven?" Gregory pushed.
"I don?t think that?s going to make one difference," LaPierre answered. "There are so many ways to evade that." Unconvinced, Gregory hammered LaPierre over his evasiveness on the subject, demanding to know whether he?d be willing to try such restrictions if, by his own logic, it could possibly save more lives.
?I don?t buy your argument one bit,? LaPierre said.
It's truly incredible: over the span of three days, LaPierre took his group, one of the most respected, powerful and sought after voices in gun politics and turned it into a shrieking, raging outlier.
Oh, as for those New York Post and New York Daily News headlines labeling him a "gun nut" and "crazy," LaPierre had this to say, "If it?s crazy to call for putting armed police in our schools to protect our children, then call me crazy." As you wish.
Watch video of LaPierre's entire Meet the Press interview AFTER THE JUMP.
After two days of outrage over the NRA leader's assertion that we need more guns in schools to stop another Sandy Hook-type massacre, LaPierre went on Meet the Press not to amend his statement or take a softer tone. No, he appeared today to make similar claims, even as host David Gregory, growing increasingly flabbergasted by LaPierre's defiant gun worship, gave him plenty of opportunities to introduce some humanity into his argument.Mediaite summarizes one of their more tense exchanges, when LaPierre equated gun controls with morality laws and disagreed that removing assault weapons from streets would save lives.
After pressing LaPierre further on why he is unwilling to concede gun control measures as one part of the potential solution, the NRA leader responded, "you can?t legislate morality ? legislation works on the law-abiding, it doesn?t work on criminals."
"If it?s possible to reduce the loss of life, you?re willing to try [gun control]?" Gregory repeatedly asked before holding up a high-capacity magazine of ammunition. "Isn?t it possible that if we got rid of these ? isn?t it just possible that we could reduce the carnage in a situation like New Haven?" Gregory pushed.
"I don?t think that?s going to make one difference," LaPierre answered. "There are so many ways to evade that." Unconvinced, Gregory hammered LaPierre over his evasiveness on the subject, demanding to know whether he?d be willing to try such restrictions if, by his own logic, it could possibly save more lives.
?I don?t buy your argument one bit,? LaPierre said.
It's truly incredible: over the span of three days, LaPierre took his group, one of the most respected, powerful and sought after voices in gun politics and turned it into a shrieking, raging outlier.
Oh, as for those New York Post and New York Daily News headlines labeling him a "gun nut" and "crazy," LaPierre had this to say, "If it?s crazy to call for putting armed police in our schools to protect our children, then call me crazy." As you wish.
Watch video of LaPierre's entire Meet the Press interview AFTER THE JUMP.
Monday, December 24, 2012
(13) Lez-Bionic Birdy Friends and Cheezy Sound Board Fun
Sandi creates her own special automated message for The Lesbian Mafia, Motherly Love, Messages From Birds, Cheap Shots At The Lezzie’s On TV, Fem Sergeants “Wanna Have Some Fun,” Laughing and Seeing Visions, And Good Vibrations, All Make For A Typical ADD Show.
NOW Calls on Supreme Court to Rule in Favor of Marriage Equality
http://now.org/press/12-12/12-07.htmlNOW applauds the Supreme Court for taking up the issue of marriage equality. The justices announced today that they would hear arguments in two such cases, one involving California's Proposition 8 and another addressing the federal government's Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). NOW has taken strong stands against both laws, which restrict marriage to one man and one woman.
(16) New Year, Same Ol? Foolishness ?
Republican Pizza Pies, Nipple Clamps, Porn Virgins, Naughty Blue Chippers, Ear Piercing Karaoke … does any of it really have any meaning?
Lesbian dean named
The University of California Hastings College of the Law named married lesbian veteran Elizabeth L. Hillman as the school's new academic dean, according to SheWired.com. Hillman joined the UC Hastings faculty in 2007, after earning her Ph.D. in history and J.D. from Yale Law School. Hillman and wife Trish Culbert are raising five children in their Berkeley home.
PASSAGES: AIDS activist Spencer Cox dead at 44
Spencer Cox, the pivotal AIDS activist who co-founded two important and ongoing AIDS treatment initiatives and achieved great strides in focusing global attention on the disease and the need for drugs to control the epidemic, died this morning at Columbia Presbyterian of AIDS related causes. He was 44 March 10, 1968.
Rick Perry's homophobia problem is more serious than originally thought
crossposted on Holy Bullies and Headless Monsters In 2006, Governor Perry stood on a stage with a pastor who said that only one percent of all gays and lesbians will live to see old age and that homosexuality is a "breeding ground for disease." During the 2008 election, continuous scrutiny of the relationship between then candidate Obama and his pastor, the controversial Jeremiah Wright, opened a new door in how deeply the press scrutinizes not only a candidate's faith but his or her relationship with controversial religious leaders. Almost four years later into this quandry steps Texas Governor Rick Perry. Even before his star was on the horizon as the front runner for the Republican nomination (at least for now), there were serious questions about the religious leaders he aligned himself with. And his recent prayer event didn't quell any matters because it featured many questionable individuals including the American Family Association (which had been declared as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center) and various leaders who believed a multitude of strange things, including the idea that demons rule the Democratic Party (Alice Patterson) or that the Statue of Liberty is a demonic idol (John Benefiel). It's safe to say that if Obama had a singular Jeremiah Wright problem, then Perry has a multi-Jeremy Wright problem. But it is in the area of gay equality in which these problems stand out. At the prayer rally, Perry aligned himself with many figures who have viciously opposed gay equality (amongst them were Tony Perkins from another hate group - the Family Research Council and Cindy Jacobs, who once claimed that the repeal of DADT was killing birds.) But this isn't the first time Perry has teamed with pastors to not only stand against gay equality but verbally bash the gay community. According to the Austin Chronicle in 2005, Perry attended a private two-day event designed to garner him support for the office of governor and rally around a vote against gay marriage in the state. An attendee of the event - who remained anonymous - taped it and presented it to the Chronicle. According to the Chronicle: Though the audiotape is of poor quality, there is no mistaking the fever-pitched gay-bashing theme of most of the speeches. The group is fashioned after a similar evangelical organization in Ohio that worked to pass that state's marriage amendment in November and helped produce a narrow victory there for President Bush. Critics accuse the Ohio group of operating in tandem with the Bush presidential campaign, managed by Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell, now running for Ohio governor in 2006. Blackwell was one of the featured speakers in Austin. Other guests who spoke in Austin included two key players in the Republican Party of Texas – Vice Chair David Barton, a self-described Christian nationalist, and former executive director Susan Weddington, who now heads Perry's faith-based initiatives program. Weddington called Perry "a spiritual giant." Additionally, Ohio evangelical Pastor Rod Parsley lambasted the "homosexual agenda" and railed against Islam; Arlington minister Dwight McKissic – other than Blackwell, apparently the only African-American speaker at the event – delivered a hellfire condemnation of gays and lesbians, climaxing his address with the biblical story of the fire that destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, and declaring, "God has another match!" The crowd roared. "He said the most horrible things," the attendee said. "He was the most difficult to listen to." The article also said that while Perry didn't make any "directly incendiary comments," he made it clear that he supported the anti-gay marriage amendment. The bill passed, and according to the Southern Poverty Law Center, when Perry signed the bill the next year, one pastor had some very interesting comments in defense of not only the bill, but also Gov. Perry - a defense which involved some seriously venomous and untrue comments about the gay community: Nearly 600 evangelical Christians packed into the gymnasium of the Calvary Christian Academy in Forth Worth, Texas, to witness a ceremony on a Sunday in June. With a flourish of his pen, Texas Gov. Rick Perry signed the first bill while the televangelist at his side praised Jesus. Gov. Perry shared the stage with celebrity Pentecostal faith healer Rob Parsley, whose television program is carried by 1,400 stations nationwide. In the audience were the leaders of two prominent family values action groups: Donald Wildmon, chairman of the American Family Association, and Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council. The first document Perry signed that day was a parental notification law requiring girls under 18 to obtain parental permission before having an abortion. The second proposed that the state constitution be amended to specifically prohibit gays and lesbians from marrying. (Texas voters overwhelmingly approved the amendment this Nov. 8.) Parsley heaped praise on Gov. Perry for "protecting the children of Texas from the gay agenda." Then he rattled off a series of shocking statistics: "Gay sex is a veritable breeding ground for disease," he said. "Only 1% of the homosexual population in America will die of old age. The average life expectancy for a homosexual in the United States of America is 43 years of age. A lesbian can only expect to live to be 45 years of age. Homosexuals represent 2% of the population, yet today they're carrying 60% of the known cases of syphilis." The televangelist did not reveal where he got those numbers. The article does on to say what many in the gay community probably already know about those phony numbers. They are the results of the discredited studies of Paul Cameron - a man who once claimed that gay men stuff gerbils up their rectums. The point is this - while it is fun to laugh at Michele Bachmann's dodging of her questionable past of anti-gay activism (because let's face it - girlfriend doesn't have a chance in hell of winning any presidential election), more attention needs to be paid to Perry. While the gay community is distracted by the antics of Bachmann and her husband, the real danger to our equality is trying to sneak into the Oval Office.
Sunday, December 23, 2012
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.
Multi-sport LGBT tourney kicks off in Vegas in 2013
An annual gay softball tournament has expanded into a Gay Games-esque event, offering a weekend in Las Vegas filled with 12 sports/events.
Hearty Boys hope new book raises the 'Bar'
The Hearty Boys Steve McDonagh and Dan Smith have been known as entrepreneurs and culinary masters for many years, but their popularity really exploded when they won the first season of Food Network Star. Since then, they have done everything from catering events for President Obama to opening the Lakeview restaurant Hearty.
Interview with Rose Rowe and Renee Olbert of Seeking Simone
Seeking Simone is a web series that follows Simone Selkin's bumbling attempts to date her way through Toronto, and the first episode of the second season recently premiered. Judging from the sheer insanity in her encounters with Toronto's finest ladies, I'm concerned about New York City's proximity to Toronto. I wonder if winds from the northwest could blow the cuckoo into the Big Apple like winds blew volcanic ash all over Europe from the Icelandic volcano last year.
(55-A) O Solo Mio mj, perez, pride
Be sure to tune in to part B. of this show which is right under this one Late posting this so it’s a bit dated. Haven’t had time for an official gay pride show, hope this solo bit will do. Part A. RIP MJ or maybe not; Perez: Is language an excuse for violence? Does [...]
SLDN Releases Statement on Major Margaret Witt Ruling
Statement from Aubrey Sarvis, Army veteran and executive director of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network:
“This is a stunning victory for Major Witt and all gay and lesbian patriots serving our country today. Clearly federal courts are trending towards allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly. It is only a matter of time before this happens throughout the armed forces, but these cases are slowly working their way through the legal process and it could well be years before there is finality in the courts. The favorable Witt decision, like the Log Cabin Republicans ruling, only underscores the urgent need for the Senate to take up repeal in the lame duck session.”
Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (www.sldn.org) is a national, non-profit …
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“This is a stunning victory for Major Witt and all gay and lesbian patriots serving our country today. Clearly federal courts are trending towards allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly. It is only a matter of time before this happens throughout the armed forces, but these cases are slowly working their way through the legal process and it could well be years before there is finality in the courts. The favorable Witt decision, like the Log Cabin Republicans ruling, only underscores the urgent need for the Senate to take up repeal in the lame duck session.”
Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (www.sldn.org) is a national, non-profit …
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Saturday, December 22, 2012
Wash. law signed on same-sex marriage
Wash. law signed on same-sex marriage
Associated Press
Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Updated 11:22 pm, Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Gov. Chris Gregoire has signed into law a measure that legalizes same-sex marriage in Washington state, which now joins several other states that allow gay and lesbian couples to wed.
The law takes effect Thursday, when gay and lesbian couples can start picking up their wedding certificates and licenses at county auditors' offices.
Because the state has a three-day waiting period, the earliest that weddings can take place is Sunday.
Associated Press
Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Updated 11:22 pm, Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Gov. Chris Gregoire has signed into law a measure that legalizes same-sex marriage in Washington state, which now joins several other states that allow gay and lesbian couples to wed.
The law takes effect Thursday, when gay and lesbian couples can start picking up their wedding certificates and licenses at county auditors' offices.
Because the state has a three-day waiting period, the earliest that weddings can take place is Sunday.
(42) A Frannie & Freddie Halloween
A Bi’s Revenge, Battle Weary Rant, Cinnamon Buns, Hairy Legs, Women & Guns, Wall Street Perps … NEW! LISTEN TO THE LESBIAN MAFIA ON YOUR PHONE 651-925-1610 Listener Voice Mail – 206-984-4093 Lesbian Mafia Apparel: www.thelesbianmafia.spreadshirt.com
Scott Herman's Getting Fit: The secret to great abs
When trying to achieve an effective abdominal workout you must remember one important lesson first. All the sit-ups, crunches and leg lifts in the world will not give you the famed "6 pack" stomach if you have a high degree of abdominal body fat. Therefore, dietary restrictions become as important to success for the stomach as does the type of exercises that you do
Heading into the new year, many people make resolutions to find their six-packs again, so we are sharing Scott Herman's "Secret to great abs" article.
read more
Heading into the new year, many people make resolutions to find their six-packs again, so we are sharing Scott Herman's "Secret to great abs" article.
read more
Erasure demands respect for gay bully victims
Erasure's "A Little Respect" in the eighties quickly became an iconic song for the gay community and has been adopted as one of our most played anthems (especially in the RVT). There have been thousands of cover versions (the Almighty Records ones are best) but now Erasure are re-releasing "A Little Respect" with proceeeds going to The Hetrick-Martin Institute (home of the Harvey Milk High School) and Cyndi Lauper's charity the True Colors Fund.
"
A Little Respect" comes with a movie style video which was inspired by the bullying incidents occurring recently in the USA. Andy Bell from Erasure felt the need to act - "I am honored and moved beyond words to serve as an Ambassador to the The Hetrick-Martin Institute. Every opportunity we have to spread tolerance and compassion must be seized and I will take special pride in doing so on HMI's behalf."
Erasure's "A Little Respect" is available for download in December and all proceeds are going to the The Hetrick-Martin Institute and the True Colors Fund.
Watch the original below.
Gay newsView Australian Queer News on the web at Gay News Blog
"
A Little Respect" comes with a movie style video which was inspired by the bullying incidents occurring recently in the USA. Andy Bell from Erasure felt the need to act - "I am honored and moved beyond words to serve as an Ambassador to the The Hetrick-Martin Institute. Every opportunity we have to spread tolerance and compassion must be seized and I will take special pride in doing so on HMI's behalf."
Erasure's "A Little Respect" is available for download in December and all proceeds are going to the The Hetrick-Martin Institute and the True Colors Fund.
Watch the original below.
Gay newsView Australian Queer News on the web at Gay News Blog
Best Lesbian Movies of 2012
I remember the first lesbian movie I ever went to. It was Lianna in 1983. The film was about a woman coming out from an unhappy heterosexual marriage. Although it was ground-breaking at the time, we sure have come a long way since Lianna. This year alone, we've seen a slew of great lesbian films that explore new love, long term relationships, Muslim lesbians and what it's like to be a lesbian in one of the most sexually liberated countries in the world. These are our picks for Best Lesbian Movies of 2012. Do you have another one you'd like to add to the list?...Read Full Post
'TapMan' to runin Skokie in Jan.
TapMan Productions, LLC begins its inaugural season with TapMan: Origin, performing Jan. 4, 11, 18 and 25 at 7:30 p.m. at Gorilla Tango's newly renovated Skokie Theater, 7924 N. Lincoln Ave., Skokie.
Friday, December 21, 2012
Newt Gingrich Accepts Marriage Equality as Inevitable
It's a surprising turnabout for the former House speaker, who just this year said same-sex marriage was a "pagan" concept and a "violation of our civilization."
read more
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Horoscope
ARIES (March 20 – April 19): When it comes to sexual activity and sexual fulfillment, quality isn’t as easy to get as quantity. Focus on the relationship you have (or the one you want), and be honest about where your sexual needs aren’t being met.
TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Your plans with your friends may be far-fetched, even utterly impractical. Don’t push too hard; be open to trimming your sails to a steadier process and a more reliable goal. Share your opinions, but let others take the lead.
GEMINI (May 21- June 20): You will be noticed; don’t worry about that! Trying to get noticed will only make you look like a grandstanding egomaniac. Play it cool; focus on your work. Innovative approaches modestly advanced wil…
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TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Your plans with your friends may be far-fetched, even utterly impractical. Don’t push too hard; be open to trimming your sails to a steadier process and a more reliable goal. Share your opinions, but let others take the lead.
GEMINI (May 21- June 20): You will be noticed; don’t worry about that! Trying to get noticed will only make you look like a grandstanding egomaniac. Play it cool; focus on your work. Innovative approaches modestly advanced wil…
Read More
(35) Fruits, Porn & Cheats 101
Frustrating fruits “shit in my peach.” Sarah Jessica Parker and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Getting Off, Interns, Infidelitors, Porn, and more trash-talk! (some of the calls had bad sound, sorry :/ Featuring music by: Sarah Greenwood’s – GSX! http://www.myspace.com/gsx Vote for her VIDEO HERE: http://www.logoonline.com/shows/dyn/the_click_list/video_voting.jhtml
Civil unions and divorce: legal equality for everyone
When the Civil Union Act was signed into law by Governor Quinn, everyone was rejoicing of the granting of all the legal benefits to same sex couples. For Beth and her ex-lover Janet, however, the joy of the new civil union law was not that they could enter into a legally binding relationship in Illinois — the joy was that they could finally end the legal relationship they created in Vermont in 2000.
The Pope Books Take That for the Next Vatican Show
After this weeks Royal Variety Performance (the one where Duchess Camilla was attacked with a stick when caught up in the London riots), the Pope has booked Take That. The show included hundreds of near naked male dancers.
Naked from the back
The five Take That members sang on top of a raised platform while the remainder of the stage was covered in male dancers wearing nothing but flesh-coloured jockstraps.
As the song continued the men re-enacted the five poses on the front of the band?s new album, Progress.
Gay newsView Australian Queer News on the web at Gay News Blog
Naked from the back
The five Take That members sang on top of a raised platform while the remainder of the stage was covered in male dancers wearing nothing but flesh-coloured jockstraps.
As the song continued the men re-enacted the five poses on the front of the band?s new album, Progress.
Gay newsView Australian Queer News on the web at Gay News Blog
(55-A) O Solo Mio mj, perez, pride
Be sure to tune in to part B. of this show which is right under this one Late posting this so it’s a bit dated. Haven’t had time for an official gay pride show, hope this solo bit will do. Part A. RIP MJ or maybe not; Perez: Is language an excuse for violence? Does [...]
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Center Stage
Powerful Steps
On Sunday, Sept. 26, our community will come together in a hopeful, beautiful and powerful display of commitment and compassion – AIDS Walk & Run San Diego.
Each year for the last 21 years, our community has worked together to ensure the success of the event and make certain that urgently needed funds are raised for our local HIV/AIDS service organizations.
AIDS Walk continues to be a vitally important source of support for San Diegans impacted by HIV/AIDS. And it happens each year because so many people are willing to help and to give in whatever ways they are able.
On the morning of AIDS Walk, you’ll see the best of San Diego. A diverse lineup of people all committed to supporting people living with HIV/AIDS and who share a common dream …
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On Sunday, Sept. 26, our community will come together in a hopeful, beautiful and powerful display of commitment and compassion – AIDS Walk & Run San Diego.
Each year for the last 21 years, our community has worked together to ensure the success of the event and make certain that urgently needed funds are raised for our local HIV/AIDS service organizations.
AIDS Walk continues to be a vitally important source of support for San Diegans impacted by HIV/AIDS. And it happens each year because so many people are willing to help and to give in whatever ways they are able.
On the morning of AIDS Walk, you’ll see the best of San Diego. A diverse lineup of people all committed to supporting people living with HIV/AIDS and who share a common dream …
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
Horoscope:
Horoscope: Heavenly Round-Up: Once again, you've accidentally entered the Red Queen's race, running as fast as you can just to stay in place. You'll have to go twice as fast as that to get anywhere. And you already made a point of believing six impossible things before breakfast, performing four of them before lunch. You may be too close to the situation to see how close you really are to a solution. Keep on keepin' on, and don't let the weather get under your skin. Go lightly on Saturday morning. Aries: You can't help yourself, you've allowed these patterns to persist and deepen. It's easier to run on automatic pilot than it is to examine the possibilities and take the time to assess your real, and organically shifting goal against the selected trajectory. Release. Taurus: You've been here before. And you hate the feeling of being so dependent on your dream life to bring you the necessary assist in getting the point delivered. Relax. Your unconscious mind likes pulling its weight every once in a while. Head out for spa time on Friday. ... (more)
Gay Holiday Comedy with Adam Sank at New Yorks Laughing Devil
The queens get their Christmukkah on at this month's installment of the LGBT Long Island City laugh-fast. Thursday, Dec. 13 at 8PMMaking the yuletide exceptionally gay will be headliner Exiene Lofgren ("Ricki Lake Show," Vh'1's "Where Are They Now?," History Channel's "Pawn Stars," headliner for Starwood Resorts). Also making the menorah candles twinkle will be Adam Sank (NBC's "Last Comic Standing"), Leah Bonnema (recently listed among the Huffington Post's 50 Funniest Females), Edison Apple (Logo's "Laughing Matters) and mistress of ceremonies Joanne Filan (Here-TV's "Hot Gay Comics).
$15 + 2-Item Minimum. For tickets and information, visit www.laughingdevil.com. Laughing Devil Comedy Club
4738 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City (Queens)
Subway: 7 Train to Vernon-JacksonThursday, Dec. 13 at 8PM, 2012!
$15 + 2-Item Minimum. For tickets and information, visit www.laughingdevil.com. Laughing Devil Comedy Club
4738 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City (Queens)
Subway: 7 Train to Vernon-JacksonThursday, Dec. 13 at 8PM, 2012!
Lesbian Commercials
My friend Kelly sent these great commercials to me recently and I thought you'd all appreciate them...
Horoscope: August 9-16, 2012
Horoscope: Heavenly Round Up: These are the dog days of summer. The heat is almost rancid in your nose. The sun is a relentless force, but it doesn't feel like it's on your side at all. Ironically, this period marks the increase in a decrease of daily light. Despite the aging season, there's much good still swirling around. Find yours by focusing, breathing quietly and calling your loved ones to you. You'll be more than a little surprised at how warmly your crew rallies around you. Take heart. Trust your courage. Smile. Aries: You looked, but didn't touch. Now it's time for the gloves to come off. Now you're required to engage fully if you hope to see the harvest of your sowing roll in. Now it's time to reconnect with the past and loop it securely into your present to form the foundations of a desirable future. Taurus: Where have you been hiding? Why did you check out just now? It must have been special to pull you away from your routine. With your eyes freshly opened, you have options now which didn't formerly exist. Will you head for the alternatives? Will you hold? Fold? ... (more)
Where the Candidates Stand (PDF)
http://www.nowpacs.org/2012/SideBySideFlyer.pdfNOW shares a page from its election "binder" highlighting the positions of the Obama/Biden and Romney/Ryan tickets on women's rights issues. Print out this flyer and help distribute it in your community.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Real Estate News
Fannie bares her teeth
Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae - the hillbilly kissin’ cousins of the nation’s secondary mortgage market - instituted a long-needed reform to the sale process of its REO (foreclosed) properties. The “First Look” program gives buyers purchasing a primary residence for their own use, a 15-day head-start before investors can submit offers on the same property.
Nearly 18 months ago I met with the field staff of Congresswoman Susan Davis’ office on this matter and I was glad to see both Fannie and Freddie get on board. The problem in a nutshell is this: Investors, including large syndicators began snapping up foreclosures at an astonishing rate converting large percentages of owner-occupied housing into rental stock.
What’s wro…
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Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae - the hillbilly kissin’ cousins of the nation’s secondary mortgage market - instituted a long-needed reform to the sale process of its REO (foreclosed) properties. The “First Look” program gives buyers purchasing a primary residence for their own use, a 15-day head-start before investors can submit offers on the same property.
Nearly 18 months ago I met with the field staff of Congresswoman Susan Davis’ office on this matter and I was glad to see both Fannie and Freddie get on board. The problem in a nutshell is this: Investors, including large syndicators began snapping up foreclosures at an astonishing rate converting large percentages of owner-occupied housing into rental stock.
What’s wro…
Read More
(3) Interview w/ Marga Gomez & etc.
there’s some echo on the crank call, sorry ’bout that. if you’ve been gay for more than a minute, you probably know who marga gomez is. for someone like myself who is a bit of a funny person, it was an honor to have her grace the show. hope you enjoy it! (repost from 4-13-2007) [...]
Piers Morgan Calls 'Gun Owners of America' Leader 'an Unbelievably Stupid Man': VIDEO
Piers Morgan got into a contentious debate last night with Larry Pratt, Executive Director of the Gun Owners of America, scolding him for laughing, calling him out on his lies, and ultimately calling him "an unbelievably stupid man."
Answers Pratt: "You seem to prefer being a victim than being able to prevail over the criminal element. You want to be the criminal's friend."
Snaps Morgan: "What a ridiculous argument. You have absolutely no coherent argument whatsover. You don't give a damn, do you, about the gun murder rate in America?"
Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...
Answers Pratt: "You seem to prefer being a victim than being able to prevail over the criminal element. You want to be the criminal's friend."
Snaps Morgan: "What a ridiculous argument. You have absolutely no coherent argument whatsover. You don't give a damn, do you, about the gun murder rate in America?"
Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...
PASSAGES: AIDS activist Spencer Cox dead at 44
Spencer Cox, the pivotal AIDS activist who co-founded two important and ongoing AIDS treatment initiatives and achieved great strides in focusing global attention on the disease and the need for drugs to control the epidemic, died this morning at Columbia Presbyterian of AIDS related causes. He was 44 March 10, 1968.
You are not a bad person for wanting to break up, and neither is he.
Any resources for healing after a breakup when you're the one that initiated it? And that doesn't demonise either party? After six years my partner and I are now just friends. It was necessary and a long time coming: we still care for each other a great deal but the relationship as it stands wasn't sustainable anymore. We'd still like to be friends, he's practically family to me anyway, but understandably things are still awkward and raw right now (it's been less than a week).
I'm trying to find resources for healing and support, but so much of it runs along the lines of "that bastard doesn't know what they're missing!". Even the ones that are slightly more sympathetic to the initiator are very "well that person was an asshole anyway" - which, NO. He is not a bad person and neither am I. We have both been very good for each other. It just wasn't working out healthily for both of us. It doesn't help that a few other friends have been dumped around the same time, and a lot of what they report the *other party* saying is stuff I relate to...and I haven't the heart to say `well I can see where they are coming from` because they're obviously hurting.
My special snowflake guilt was that a large part of the breakup was because last year I came out to myself and him as more interested in girls than I thought I was (I'd known I was queer for ages and so did he, but some incidences made me realise that I tend to like girls *exclusively*). But because we still loved and cared for each other as companions, and had an open relationship that was working really well for a while, we figured we'd give it a shot. But it wasn't working. I felt like the breakup was the only way for me to be honest and authentic with myself - but sometimes I wonder what is the point of authenticity when it only hurts the ones that already love you as you are?
I'm trying to find resources for healing and support, but so much of it runs along the lines of "that bastard doesn't know what they're missing!". Even the ones that are slightly more sympathetic to the initiator are very "well that person was an asshole anyway" - which, NO. He is not a bad person and neither am I. We have both been very good for each other. It just wasn't working out healthily for both of us. It doesn't help that a few other friends have been dumped around the same time, and a lot of what they report the *other party* saying is stuff I relate to...and I haven't the heart to say `well I can see where they are coming from` because they're obviously hurting.
My special snowflake guilt was that a large part of the breakup was because last year I came out to myself and him as more interested in girls than I thought I was (I'd known I was queer for ages and so did he, but some incidences made me realise that I tend to like girls *exclusively*). But because we still loved and cared for each other as companions, and had an open relationship that was working really well for a while, we figured we'd give it a shot. But it wasn't working. I felt like the breakup was the only way for me to be honest and authentic with myself - but sometimes I wonder what is the point of authenticity when it only hurts the ones that already love you as you are?
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Seattle Begins to Issue Marriage Licenses
Seattle Issues First Same Sex Marriages Licenses After Nov.
Election
by Shaun Knittel
Big Gay News Magazine Staff Writer
On December 5, Governor Chris Gregoire (D-WA) and Secretary
of State Sam Reed certified Referendum 74, the marriage equality bill that
makes same-sex marriage legal in the state .
"This is a very important and historic day in the great
state of Washington. For many years now, we've said, 'One more step. One more
step.' This is our last step," Gregoire said. "To the couples that
are here today that will finally be treated with the equality they've deserved
for many years, congratulations to each of you."
On midnight, December 6, King County Executive Dow
Constantine signed the first same-sex marriage license in Washington State for
Jane Abbott Lighty and Pete-e Petersen at the King County Recorder's Office in
Seattle, Washington. The office opened at 12:01 a.m. to begin issuing marriage
licenses to same-sex couples for the first time after Washington voters chose
to legalize same-sex marriage in November's election?
Dozens of gay and lesbian couples attained their marriage
licenses. King County, the state's
biggest county, opened the doors to its auditor's office shortly after
midnight.
King County Executive Dow Constantine said, ?People who have
been waiting all these years to have their rights recognized should not have to
wait one minute longer."
In Seattle, the mood was festive.
Volunteers distributed everything from roses and coffee to
fruit. Champagne was poured. Different groups of men and women serenaded the
waiting line, one to the tune of "Going to the Chapel."
According to the Associated Press, ?Hundreds of people,?
(many of whom had waited all night and had lined up hours earlier? shaik
snaking around the downtown Seattle building on a chilly December night.
"We knew it was going to happen, but it's still
surreal," said Amanda Dollente, who along with her partner, Kelly
Middleton, began standing in line at 4 p.m. Wednesday.
Among those getting marriage licenses was Dan Savage, who
said, ?It's been a long fight but it ain't over. We still have to fight (the
Defense of Marriage Act) and there's 41 other states were same-sex couples
aren't allowed to marry."
Savage plans to marry his partner on Sunday in a ceremony at
City Hall.
Washington has a three-day waiting period, so the first
same-sex marriages can't be performed in the state until Sunday. Several
members of the clergy have volunteered to perform marriages at three locations,
on Sunday. They are also planning to perform weddings later in the week,
particularly on Wednesday, which carries the notable date of 12-12-12
Washington will be the seventh state to recognize same-sex
marriages. Maine will follow on Dec. 29 and Maryland on Jan. 1 as the result of
votes in those states on similar ballot measures. The other six states (by
order of adoption) are Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, New Hampshire
and New York. Washington, D.C. also allows gays and lesbians to marry.
Election
by Shaun Knittel
Big Gay News Magazine Staff Writer
On December 5, Governor Chris Gregoire (D-WA) and Secretary
of State Sam Reed certified Referendum 74, the marriage equality bill that
makes same-sex marriage legal in the state .
"This is a very important and historic day in the great
state of Washington. For many years now, we've said, 'One more step. One more
step.' This is our last step," Gregoire said. "To the couples that
are here today that will finally be treated with the equality they've deserved
for many years, congratulations to each of you."
On midnight, December 6, King County Executive Dow
Constantine signed the first same-sex marriage license in Washington State for
Jane Abbott Lighty and Pete-e Petersen at the King County Recorder's Office in
Seattle, Washington. The office opened at 12:01 a.m. to begin issuing marriage
licenses to same-sex couples for the first time after Washington voters chose
to legalize same-sex marriage in November's election?
Dozens of gay and lesbian couples attained their marriage
licenses. King County, the state's
biggest county, opened the doors to its auditor's office shortly after
midnight.
King County Executive Dow Constantine said, ?People who have
been waiting all these years to have their rights recognized should not have to
wait one minute longer."
In Seattle, the mood was festive.
Volunteers distributed everything from roses and coffee to
fruit. Champagne was poured. Different groups of men and women serenaded the
waiting line, one to the tune of "Going to the Chapel."
According to the Associated Press, ?Hundreds of people,?
(many of whom had waited all night and had lined up hours earlier? shaik
snaking around the downtown Seattle building on a chilly December night.
"We knew it was going to happen, but it's still
surreal," said Amanda Dollente, who along with her partner, Kelly
Middleton, began standing in line at 4 p.m. Wednesday.
Among those getting marriage licenses was Dan Savage, who
said, ?It's been a long fight but it ain't over. We still have to fight (the
Defense of Marriage Act) and there's 41 other states were same-sex couples
aren't allowed to marry."
Savage plans to marry his partner on Sunday in a ceremony at
City Hall.
Washington has a three-day waiting period, so the first
same-sex marriages can't be performed in the state until Sunday. Several
members of the clergy have volunteered to perform marriages at three locations,
on Sunday. They are also planning to perform weddings later in the week,
particularly on Wednesday, which carries the notable date of 12-12-12
Washington will be the seventh state to recognize same-sex
marriages. Maine will follow on Dec. 29 and Maryland on Jan. 1 as the result of
votes in those states on similar ballot measures. The other six states (by
order of adoption) are Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, New Hampshire
and New York. Washington, D.C. also allows gays and lesbians to marry.
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