Quest

MSNBC's Thomas Roberts Calls 2011 'Banner Year' For Gay Rights - Video

2011-12-27T07:28:00.001-05:00

MSNBC's Thomas Roberts Calls 2011 'Banner Year' For Gay Rights - Video

Secretary Clinton's Human Rights' Speech Before the UN in Geneva

2011-12-08T06:41:00.004-05:00

Clinton's Geneva Accord on gay rights was complete genius, and historic. Remember International Human Rights Day this December 10, 2011. Pass this on.

Marriage Equality Just Passed In New York

2011-06-24T22:39:00.005-04:00

With a vote of 33-29, the New York State Senate just passed marriage equality. Along with the already passed vote in the State Assembly, and Governor Cuomo's anticipated signature, marriage equality will become law in the state of New York. It's the 6th and largest state to have passed same-sex marriage. We've just witnessed history in the making. Congratulations to all LGBT people in New York and to all of the people in New York. Everyone wins because everyone is now equal!

Christopher Meloni Supports Gay Marriage

2011-04-13T07:57:00.007-04:00

The uber-masculine actor, well known for his former role in the prison drama Oz, is one of many prominent New Yorkers speaking out for marriage equality in the state. Currently starring in the hit show Law & order, Christopher Meloni recorded this PSA on behalf of HRC.

This Is How DOMA Hurts Us All

2011-03-01T06:43:00.008-05:00

There is no better example of how destructive the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is to us than this story. Thankfully, the Obama administration has decided not to defend DOMA in court any longer. However, DOMA is still on the federal law books and is still being enforced. DOMA must be repealed and marriage equality must be provided for all. Justice and equality for all. It's the American thing to do.

Don't Ask, Don't Tell Abolished with Obama's Pen

2010-12-22T10:06:00.003-05:00

At 9:35 AM, this morning, the United States military's policy of Don't Ask, Don't Tell was officially repealed with President Obama's signature. The repeal process was a roller coaster of a ride, with its fate in doubt much of the time. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was an amazing leader on this, seeing to it that the House of Representatives had the opportunity to vote in favor of this historic legislation twice, squeezing it into the tight agenda. This was done to accommodate the Senate, which dragged it's feet under the leadership of Senator Reid, whom although came through at the end, remains a big disappointment in my book.

The implementation of the new military policy will take some time to go into effect (estimates of within months, not years), but the hard part is now behind us. This step in gay rights' history is huge. This change marks a turning point in our country's acceptance of the GLBT community. Although, the ride will continue to be slow, and there will be set-backs along the way, this is one huge step forward for equality. As the courts take up our cases, fighting for marriage equality, it will now just be a matter of time until every LGBT person in the United States is treated fairly and equally under federal and state law. The battle might not be immediately won with the first court case (although it stands a good chance), but the war as a whole, will eventually lead to true equality, and I think it will be relatively soon in my lifetime. And, I am more hopeful than not, that the high court will side in our favor on the Proposition 8 gay marriage ban -- eventually leading to full marriage equality throughout the United States.

Attitudes on Gay Rights Continues to Shift in our Direction

2010-10-19T08:20:00.002-04:00

Over time attitudes on gay rights issues has increasingly shifted toward support for the LGBT community. NPR's All Things Considered took a closer look at the latest polling data and compared it to earlier studies. It's a very promising shift. Take a listen here.

HRC Marriage Equality Ads in New York

2010-09-14T08:13:00.003-04:00

This is one example of the ads which will start airing in New York to promote marriage equality, in an attempt to build support from the residents of the state. Additional ads will feature personalities such as Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Reverend Al Sharpton, and celebrity actors Kyra Sedgwich, Kevin Bacon, Whoopi Goldberg, and Fran Drescher.

Boycott Target

2010-08-20T16:54:00.002-04:00

Target and Best Buy support anti-gay candidates. Don't spend your money with them until they apologize and renounce their actions. Check out this impromptu musical protest, in a Target store. I'm amazed that they got away with it and the police didn't show.

Target Ain't People -- MoveOn ad @ Yahoo! Video

From the Mouth of Ted Olson to the Ears of FOX Viewers

2010-08-10T15:19:00.003-04:00

Enough Said. . .

Marriage Equality Takes One Big Step Forward

2010-07-09T07:20:00.015-04:00

This morning while all of the major news organizations talk themselves silly over LeBron James joining the Miami Heat basketball team, important history is being ignored. In a way, that's just fine by me. Sometimes when civil rights advances fly under the radar, there's less public backlash. If you don't know yet what advances I am referring to, it's the Federal Court decision regarding DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act).

Last night a Federal judge (appointed by Republican Richard Nixon) made his final decision known. DOMA, at least part of DOMA, is unconstitutional. The bottom line is that same-sex married couples in Massachusetts are entitled to the same Federal benefits as other straight married couples. In other words Social Security, filing joint taxes and some other 1,100 Federal benefits can not be denied to same-sex couples. This is huge because the ruling can, and probably will, have broader implications for other states offering same-sex marriage.

Now, I am certainly in no way a legal expert, but from what I understand this decision takes effect immediately (after a two week waiting period), whether the case is appealed or not. So today, same-sex couples in Massachusetts are truly equal. Massachusetts has led the way for the rest of the country in fighting for marriage equality, with it's first legal gay weddings taking place back in 2004. Once again they have paved the way for the rest of the country to follow.

The possible down side to all of this is (once again I'm not a legal expert), the judge, in part, referenced the Tenth Amendment. Basically saying that the Federal government over-stepped it's bounds by dictating to the states which of it's citizens can and can not marry. The ruling said that states can decide who gets married. The problem with this is that it could put a crimp in the next big marriage equality case (Proposition 8) coming down the pike from California, which could basically over-turn all state bans on same-sex marriage if it is accepted by the U.S. Supreme Court.

A big plus for us marriage equality people, in this argument, is that if states are allowed to discriminate by not allowing same-sex couples to marry, then it would also be logical that states could then prohibit interracial couples from marrying as well. But that had already been struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court and that decision should also apply to gay couples.

The other thing in our favor is the judge also referenced the Fifth Amendment, saying that DOMA violated equal protection in the due process clause. And then he went on to say, "To further divide the class of married individuals into those with spouses of the same sex and those with spouses of the opposite sex is to create a distinction without meaning. And where, as here, ‘there is no reason to believe that the disadvantaged class is different, in relevant respects’ from a similarly situated class, this court may conclude that it is only irrational prejudice that motivates the challenged classification. As irrational prejudice plainly never constitutes a legitimate government interest, this court must hold that Section 3 of DOMA as applied to Plaintiffs violates the equal protection principles embodied in the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution."

I Am Human

2010-07-02T08:01:00.001-04:00

RIP Rue McClanahan

2010-06-03T13:08:00.008-04:00

Another of my Golden Girls has left us. Rue McClanahan died early this morning after suffering a massive stroke. She was only 76 years old. She is best known for her role as Blanche Devereaux on the Golden Girls (you can still catch reruns on the Hallmark Channel and WE TV). As a child I remember watching her on Maude, co-starring along with Bea Arthur (another Golden Girls alum).

In the most recent past, Rue McClanahan had appeared on Logo's Sordid Lives, the Series. Unfortunately, for us, the show was canceled. It had a lot of potential and I found it to be very well written, well acted and funny as hell.

I read a quote today about Rue McClanahan being asked if she was like her character Blanche. This is how she responded in her book, My First Five Husbands...And The One That Got Away, "People always ask me if I'm like Blanche. And I say, 'Well, Blanche was an oversexed, self-involved, man-crazy, vain Southern Belle from Atlanta -- and I'm not from Atlanta.'"

There couldn't have been any more of an appropriate answer than that. She still made laugh, even in death. RIP.

Prop 8 Closing Arguments Scheduled

2010-05-26T06:28:00.004-04:00

For all of you wondering what happened to the federal trial, challenging California's ban on same-sex marriage, it's set to resume. The judge has finally scheduled closing arguments to begin on June 16th. As soon as those proceedings are finished, the judge will deliberate and will, most likely, give his ruling within a mater of weeks.

Be prepared for a long, drawn out, roller coaster of a ride. No matter how this judge rules, this case is, without a doubt, expected to be appealed to the next level and eventually all of the way to the United States Supreme Court. History is in the making with this case and it will be the foundation for gay marriage rights for the United States as a whole.

Laura Bush Supports Gay Marriage

2010-05-13T07:39:00.003-04:00

It's about time, Mrs. Bush. Why didn't you speak up sooner? I guess it's better late than never, isn't it? Or, does it really matter?

Give A Damn

2010-04-02T07:33:00.002-04:00

Save Ugly Betty

2010-02-13T06:30:00.014-05:00

Ugly Betty is one of the best written shows on television today. It is campy, funny, timely and at times, very poignant. It's one of those shows that can make you laugh as well as make you cry. Ugly Betty is the American version of a famous telenovela, spotlighting the optimism and ambition of a positive female Hispanic role model; and it has been very gay friendly. Now ABC has announced that it will cancel the show at the end of it's fourth season.

In television history, some shows doomed to cancellation, have been resurrected due to the support and demand from their loyal audiences. With enough voices, Ugly Betty can be saved. Join the on-line petition and add your voice to the drive. Click here to sign your name: Save Ugly Betty Petition.

Another tactic to save Ugly Betty, involves contacting ABC directly. You can write a quick comment to the executives at ABC, by filling out a short form here: Contact ABC.

Federal Judge Deciding Fate of Prop 8 is Gay

2010-02-09T09:24:00.008-05:00

I just read the most fascinating tidbit about the federal judge, deciding the fate of Proposition 8. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Judge Vaughn Walker, appointed to the bench by President Bush senior, is gay!

Judge Walker is known to be rather conservative and before his appointment, he was criticized by many in the LGBT community for being anti-gay. According to political insiders, Judge Walker has never attempted to hide his sexual orientation and feel that his orientation will be irrelevant when he decides the case.

Whether his verdict will favor the LGBT community or not, I find the whole situation very ironic. What are the chances that this case would have randomly been assigned to a gay federal judge? Of course, it is widely believed that any outcome will be appealed; but at least we have someone, deciding our fate at this stage, who truly understands the issues we face as gay Americans.

Testimony, in the case, concluded a couple of weeks ago. Later this month Judge Walker is expected to schedule the closing arguments and then will make his decision soon after that. Stay tuned. The show is only just beginning.

For the full article, in the San Francisco Chronicle, click here: Judge being gay a nonissue during Prop. 8 trial.

Marriage Equality no Longer just a Liberal Cause

2010-01-21T13:42:00.028-05:00

Cindy McCain, the wife of Senator John McCain from Arizona, has become the latest Republican to join the NOH8 photo project. When their daughter, Meghan McCain had joined NOH8 a year and half ago, I was very impressed with her independent streak and her younger generational viewpoint on same-sex marriage; and I had justified her support, in my mind, as only a generational thing. But with Cindy McCain joining the cause, I can honestly say there is a trend emerging that can not be attributed only to acceptance by a younger generation.

Now with Ted Olson, a staunch conservative and the former U.S. Solicitor General for President George W. Bush, taking the lead in fighting Proposition 8 in federal court, our American values cause (marriage equality) is gaining support and momentum from an unexpected source: Republicans and conservatives. Of course support from two conservatives don't make it an official trend, but take into account the support from other high profile names such as Steve Schmidt, another close ally of Senator John McCain, and his former campaign manager. He has come out as a vocal supporter of same-sex marriage, warning other Republicans that the tides are shifting and urging them to come on board before their antiquated views are left behind.

In the words of conservative Ted Olson, "It's not about liberal or conservative, Democrat or Republican. . . This case is about the equal rights guaranteed to every American under the United States Constitution".

And so it Begins: The Federal Trial on Prop. 8

2010-01-12T10:06:00.034-05:00

The federal trial, that will determine whether the California state ban on same-sex marriage, is constitutional or not, began yesterday. The trial is expected to last about two or three weeks, when a federal judge, Vaughn Walker, will decide the fate of gay marriage in that state. No matter the outcome, the case is expected to be appealed all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, ultimately deciding if LGBTs have a constitutional right to marry in the U.S.

If the U.S. Supreme Court rules that state bans on gay marriage are unconstitutional, then gay marriage will become legal in all 50 states. If it is determined that the U.S. constitution only applies to straight people, then the issue will be put back into the hands of each individual state as it stands now.

Another undecided issue remains as this trial progresses, the issue of broadcasting the trial for public viewing. Judge Walker had ruled that cameras would be allowed in the court room to record the proceedings for viewing on Youtube. Of course this didn't sit well with the conservative, Proposition 8 defenders. They made an emergency appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, citing possible intimidation and harassment of their witnesses after they've testified. The U.S. Supreme Court allowed a temporary block on the cameras. The final Supreme Court decision, on this issue, will come tomorrow.

I find it curious that in today's society, defenders of Proposition 8 and traditional marriage in general, have to hide their identity. What does that say about their convictions and their cause? It's no secret that the majority of the U.S. is against gay marriage; so why hide? I think the answer lies deep in the consciousness of knowing that keeping us from marriage equality is ultimately not right. It's almost as if they know that they have something to be ashamed of. No matter the outcome of this trial, and possibly even a U.S. Supreme Court verdict, history will show that CIVIL marriage is for all and not just the chosen "superior".

Amendment 14, section 1: All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

The above passage, taken directly from the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution (pay special attention to the text in red), makes it clear that any person is entitled to equal protection of the laws. The last time I checked, LGBTs qualify as persons. Call me naive, but I think the Constitution couldn't be more clear. Time will eventually tell if the U.S. Constitution applies to gays as well as straights. What do you think?

Marriage Equality was Defeated in New Jersey

2010-01-07T17:43:00.006-05:00

Well, it was over before it began. The New Jersey state Senate defeated the marriage equality bill today in a 20-14 vote. It appears that gay marriage will not come to New Jersey for at least four more years. The new governor, Chris Christie, has vowed to veto any gay marriage bill during his term, which begins within the next couple of weeks. New Jersey will continue to offer civil unions for gay couples. So, for now, it's back to the drawing board. The fight will go on and will be won on a different day.

New Jersey Senate will Vote on Gay Marriage Today

2010-01-07T10:55:00.011-05:00

Today is a make or break day for gay marriage in New Jersey. Today's vote will be the last chance to make marriage equality a reality, in the state, for the foreseeable future. Although I don't have an accurate crystal ball, to predict the outcome, from what I have been reading it doesn't seem likely that same-sex marriage will prevail this time.

The New Jersey state Senate will need 21 votes to pass the legislation. At last count they had 13 senators pledging to vote for the bill. That's a whopping 8 votes short! If by some chance the bill passes, it would then go to the state assembly for their approval, and then to the governor for his signature. The lame duck governor has promised that he would sign it before he leaves office later on this month. The incoming governor, Chris Christie is opposed to same-sex marriage and promised that he would veto any marriage equality bill.

So the time is short and it doesn't look as if it will happen this time around; but, there is hope because public attitudes and opinions are slowly shifting. It will be only a matter of time until we gain the support needed from our government. All marriage equality supporters need to keep fighting and remain vocal with our family, friends and representatives.

I don't mean to be pessimistic. I'm just trying not to get my hopes up, only be disappointed again (as in New York). None-the-less, as doubtful as today's vote might be, I'm still keeping my fingers crossed.

Maggie Gallagher: LGBT Public Enemy, Number 1

2010-01-06T08:25:00.035-05:00

Maggie Gallagher, of the National Organization for Marriage (NOM), is relentless. She will not give up on seeing to it that our LGBT rights are forever stomped out. It appears that her sole mission in life is to keep every LGBT American from having marriage equality. She and her organization were behind California's Proposition 8, over-turning gay marriage in that state, as well as many other anti-gay initiatives around our country.

Now, Maggie and NOM are working diligently at getting marriage equality over-turned in New Hampshire and possibly Connecticut (two of the five states which allow gay marriage). And, NOM is trying desperately to keep television cameras out of the court room in the federal trial challenging Proposition 8. Click here to sign a petition asking that cameras be allowed in the court room during the Proposition 8 trial: http://www.couragecampaign.org/TeleviseTheTrial

Questions for Maggie:

Why, oh why is this so important to you? What do you have to lose when gay Americans have equality? Is your own marriage that fragile? What has happened in your life, in your mind, that justifies the superiority you imagine that you are entitled to? How is it that one's personal beliefs should be the law of the land? These are not rhetorical questions. But I guarantee that any answer she could possibly give would not be constitutionally justifiable.

Our democracy isn't solely a government based on the majority rules. Minorities have rights in this country, not because the majority said it should be that way, but because some very courageous few fought and died for it. Is this what has to happen for LGBT Americans to have equality? I certainly hope not.

Please do not sit on the side-lines. Become involved and take action. We can fight back, in a productive way, against Maggie's vile actions. Click on the link above and sign the petition, write to your senators, talk with your straight family and friends and join and donate to LGBT organizations such as HRC, Courage Campaign, and/or Lambda Legal.

D.C. Mayor Signed Gay Marriage Bill

2009-12-18T16:59:00.016-05:00

Today the mayor of Washington D.C., Adrian Fenty, signed the marriage equality bill as promised. The National Organization for Marriage, NOM, is beside itself. NOM has promised to fight this all of the way, pledging to take up their disapproval with Congress, as the bill now goes up for the 30 day Congressional review.

NOM is hell-bent on bringing this issue to the people for a popular vote, knowing that each and every time the people have voted on gay marriage it has failed. Civil rights should never be put to a popular vote. Imagine if African Americans had their rights voted on in the not too distant past. Chances are there would still not be equality for them. It's the same thing. Luckily, as I had stated previously, Congress is not expected to block the legislation, and will ultimately allow LGBTs the right to marry in the District of Columbia. It looks like NOM will be on the losing side this time.

New York State Senators Fought for Marriage Equality

2009-12-17T17:01:00.021-05:00

As I had previously pointed out in an earlier posting (Gay Marriage Lost in New York), New York Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson was one of the few state legislators that had impressed me as she fought for marriage equality in the New York State Senate before it was voted down on December 2, 2009. Finally, here is the video of that speech. Before the issue had come to a vote, Senator Hassell-Thompson had been undecided on marriage equality. Listen to her personal story and her conviction despite pressure from her religious family and her own church congregation. This is what we need more of from our representatives.

Here is another video. This time of New York Senator, Diane Savino, speaking on the same topic during the same debate. Take a listen. Senator Savino makes some salient points.

D.C. Passed Gay Marriage!

2009-12-15T15:57:00.006-05:00

Same-sex marriage is coming to our nation's capital. The city council just passed the measure for the second time in less than a month. The bill will now go to the Mayor for his signature, which he has promised. After a 30 day Congressional review, the signed bill will become law with same-sex marriages beginning in March 2010. This of course, is providing that Congress doesn't intervene, which it is not expected to do.

This is another victory in the marriage equality fight. After taking a few steps back with California and Maine reversing their same-sex marriage laws, and New Jersey temporarily side-stepping the issue for now, D.C. has brought back the momentum. Congratulations!

Is Houston Really all that Special by Electing a Gay Mayor?

2009-12-14T16:08:00.016-05:00

As a former Houstonian, I can say that Texans have a lot of pride, and probably a little more than they should for many reasons. Having cancelled Face Book earlier this year, I'm not privy to what I imagine is going on over there by my gay friends in Texas. Whether they are boasting or not, for being the largest U.S. city to ever elect an openly gay mayor, I'm sure at the least they are very proud.

I, however, don't think they have too much to be proud of. One report puts voter turn-out at only 16 %; out of a total population of about 2.2 million, that is hardly a mandate. And, it really is not only a reflection on Houston, but also our entire country that Texas' newly elected mayor can't even marry the woman she has loved for 17 years. Yes, Texas is a state that has banned same-sex marriage. How ironic is that? The mayor of the fourth largest city in the U.S. is legally prohibited from getting married to the person she loves.

Not only that, but I just watched an interview with the mayor-elect on MSNBC and she flat out said that she will not initiate any gay rights policies for the city. If that indeed turns out to be true, she will be just one more politician that has sold her soul.

Other than the fact that the majority of the 16% of Houston voters that cast their votes for the lesbian mayor don't discriminate in their hiring practices, there really isn't too much to celebrate in this "victory".

Salvation Army Claims No Anti-Gay Bias

2009-12-10T17:08:00.048-05:00

I was interviewed by Time Out New York, an arts and entertainment magazine for New Yorkers. The article, Salvation Army Bell Ringers -- Take it or Leave it, highlighted the hesitation to donate to the charity during this tough economy. Putting economic woes aside, the Salvation Army has set a collection goal of $3 million dollars for the greater New York area alone, that's a 30% increase over last year! It seems as if the Army is feeling rather confident; have you seen any of their television commercials this holiday season yet? They are running them in full force, attempting to tug at your heart strings.

However, if you had read my previous posting, Tis the Season, you already know that I have a completely different reason, unrelated to the economy, for not contributing to the Christian organization. The Army has an anti-gay stance in their employment practices, in their lobbying efforts with our government, and in their philosophy on Salvation Army soldiership (very clearly expressed on their website).

Having said all of that, I would like to set the record straight on some of the nuances of the Time Out article. The article pitted me against the director of development and community affairs for the Salvation Army. The director flat our denies any discrimination in their employment policies, yet the Army refuses to give gay employees any domestic partnership benefits, according to a Seattle Times article (Salvation Army says it isn't anti-gay, just wary of rules).

It's not only the domestic partnership policy I take issue with, but also their lobbying efforts in Washington, to see to it that LGBTs are not treated equally or fairly; not to mention the statement issued on their website which reads: ". . . same-sex relationships which genitally expressed are unacceptable to the teaching of scripture. Attempts to establish or promote such relationships as viable alternatives to a heterosexually-based family do not conform to God's will for society."

"For this reason such practices, if unrenounced, render a person ineligible for Salvation Army soldiership, in the same way that unrenounced heterosexual misconduct is a bar to soldiership."

Someone please explain to me how any of these policies, statements, and over-all philosophy is not anti-gay or out-right discriminatory? Please do not give to the Salvation Army until they change their anti-gay policies.

If you haven't been crippled by this economy and still want to make a charitable contribution, take just a few minutes and do some light research to find out which organizations do not discriminate against you or your LGBT friends.

One particular organization near and dear to my heart, which was omitted from the Time Out New York article as an alternative, is Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (FSMA). FSMA is a politically neutral organization devoted to funding research to find a cure for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (by which I have been afflicted). Of course there are many others which might appeal to you. I just hope you'll do a quick Google search before you contribute to any organization. Happy holidays to everyone!

Gay? Need a Cure? Check this out First

2009-12-09T16:48:00.026-05:00

I know this is a long video clip, but if you can afford 18 minutes it's so worth seeing. Rachel Maddow was at it again as she confronted Richard Cohen, an UNlicensed psychotherapist. Cohen is an "ex-gay", involved in conversion therapy and making money off of selling books on the topic. This type of conversion therapy is nothing new, but now the Ugandan government has been using his book, Coming Out Straight, to justify their proposed "kill the gays" legislation; although the statistics quoted from the book had been completely fabricated by a discredited authority, the bogus stats suggested that homosexuals were widely responsible for child molestation. Check out the video to watch Maddow mop the floor with him.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Bruce Springsteen Supports Marriage Equality

2009-12-09T07:44:00.009-05:00

The LGBT community has support from an unlikely place, a straight rocker. Well, is it really an unlikely place? Probably not. Bruce Springsteen is well known for his support of Democratic candidates and his progressive political activism. Either way, it's great to have support from a place, which in my distant high school memories represented homophobia and oppression; I'm not speaking of Springsteen, but of my high school peers. Back in the 1980s the students who embraced rockers such as Springsteen, would have had more ignorant views on the topic. Today, however, Springsteen represents a more accepting, liberal, tolerant people.

On his website, Springsteen left this supportive statement on the subject of marriage equality in New Jersey: "Like many of you who live in New Jersey, I've been following the progress of the marriage-equality legislation currently being considered in Trenton," Springsteen wrote on his web page. "I've long believed in and have always spoken out for the rights of same sex couples and fully agree with Governor Corzine when he writes that 'The marriage-equality issue should be recognized for what it truly is -- a civil rights issue that must be approved to assure that every citizen is treated equally under the law.'"

Rock on Bruce!

New Jersey Committee Approved Gay Marriage Bill

2009-12-08T11:11:00.012-05:00

New Jersey took a step in the right direction yesterday. The state Senate Judiciary Committee approved the marriage equality bill in a vote of 7-6. Now the bill is scheduled for a vote on Thursday by the state's full senate. The New Jersey media report that Thursday's vote will be close. If the bill passes the full senate on Thursday, then it goes to the state assembly for their vote.

If you live in New Jersey, let your state senators hear from you before this week's vote. Please call or write today and demand that they vote for marriage equality. Click here to find your New Jersey State Legislator.

New Jersey to Vote on Same-sex Marriage Next

2009-12-04T09:14:00.015-05:00

OK, word has it that New Jersey will be the next state to vote on the issue of same-sex marriage. As of now, New Jersey has a civil unions law, which provides all of the benefits of marriage without using the word. As most know, this is a "separate but equal" status which is discriminatory. Equality is equality; and, same-sex civil unions are not truly equal unless they are considered official marriages recognized by the state (with all of the federal and state benefits which come along with it).

New Jersey legislators have a small window of opportunity to vote on, and approve, this measure, as the outgoing governor has promised to sign it if it can be approved before he leaves office. So next week is the big showdown in that state. On Monday or Tuesday the New Jersey Senate Judiciary Committee will vote and if approved it will then go to the full senate on Thursday. The New Jersey Assembly will also then have to vote on the bill before it can work its way to the governor.

Our hope is now with New Jersey. That state has the opportunity to show New York how it's done. Let's hope the legislators don't cave into pressure from the church or outside influences such as the National Organization of Marriage (NOM).

Gay Marriage Lost in New York

2009-12-02T14:58:00.010-05:00

In a vote of 38-24, New York state lost marriage equality today. There were some impassioned speeches made by several stand-out senators that brought tears to my eyes. It was a historic stand for equality, but in the end we lost.

Some impressive speakers included: Senators Diane Savino, Eric Adams, Pedro Espada, Ruth Hassell-Thompson and Malcolm Smith.

A very big disappointment was our very own state senator, Thomas Duane. As a sponsor of the bill he was erratic in his thoughts and often went on long-winded, rambling, incoherent tangents. He simply did not make his case. If he spoke, behind closed doors to those undecided senators, the way he spoke on the senate floor today, then it's no wonder we lost the vote. Where were your selling points? What about the legal protections you and your partner need? Why didn't you sell those points? Instead Senator Duane went on about coming out, and other non-salient issues. My senator, Thomas Duane, you failed us.

Of course, I'm not naive enough to think that his speech today lost the whole issue for us but he certainly did not help the cause. Shame on you for your lack of eloquence.

New York State Senate is Finally Debating Gay Marriage

2009-12-02T12:08:00.007-05:00

As you read this on December 2, 2009 the New York State Senate is finally debating the marriage equality bill. The debate has been scheduled to last for four hours and a vote on the issue is scheduled immediately following. If the bill has enough votes to pass, it will then find its way to Governor Paterson who has promised to sign it. Here's hoping that New York does the right thing, and passes marriage equality.

Only on December 2, 2009: To watch the debate live and witness history (whether it passes or not), click on the following link to the New York State Senate.

Protect Marriage -- Ban Divorce

2009-12-02T08:13:00.027-05:00

Opponents of gay marriage often have said that the institution of marriage should be protected and have used this mantra to justify their opposition to gay couples obtaining the right. As I have written before, the real threat to the institution of marriage isn't gay marriage at all, but divorce.

Now there is a movement, although be it a small one, to ban divorces in California. This tactic to save marriage is logical. The only thing that ends marriage, straight or gay, is divorce. By prohibiting divorce, the problem of "saving" marriage is solved. Then the argument against gay marriage should dissolve away. Yeah right, if it were only that simple.

Well, that might be wishful thinking but the resolution of banning divorce would truly solve the issue; however the truth is, this argument by gay marriage opponents is only a smoke screen. They really don't want to protect the institution of marriage, they are just using the issue to justify their bigotry. If the opponents really wanted to save marriage they would sign on to the idea of banning divorce. And now they have the chance to put their money where their mouths are.

A straight, married web designer from Sacramento California has started a Facebook petition to gather signatures in an effort to bring his initiative to the 2010 ballot. If he receives 694,354 valid signatures by March 22, 2010 then his proposed constitutional amendment will be put to a vote. To support the cause follow this link to Protect Marriage! Ban Divorce!

Same-sex Marriage Update

2009-12-01T19:13:00.016-05:00

D.C. is one Step Closer to Gay Marriage:
The District of Columbia City Council voted 11-2 in favor of a same-sex marriage bill today. This is the first of two votes needed to pass same-sex marriage before the mayor can sign it. The second vote is expected on December 15th; and by the way, Mayor Fenty has promised his signature. Since D.C. is over-seen by the U.S. Congress, by law there will be a 30 day mandatory review period before same-sex marriage can go into effect.

Every report which I have read so far indicates that the same-sex marriage bill is expected to pass and Congress is also expected to permit the new law.

New York and New Jersey Could Possibly be Next:
The other two possible outstanding same-sex marriage votes remaining could be in New York and New Jersey. The latest on New York is that things are looking up for passage while New Jersey Democrats have started once again to push for a vote on the issue.

We're gaining momentum again; and, it is much needed after the two defeats suffered in California and Maine.

Ugandan Nazis: Exterminate the Gays

2009-12-01T07:54:00.017-05:00

Now this is scary. Last night on The Rachel Maddow Show, on MSNBC, Rachel Maddow discussed a Newsweek article which exposed an attempt by some in the Ugandan government to outlaw homosexuality, punishable by death. Uganda wouldn't be the first country with such radical ideas. Many parts of the world have laws prohibiting homosexuality and some even punish the "crime" with death; however, what makes this more disturbing is that the author of this legislation has strong ties to prominent U.S. Evangelical leaders, namely Rick Warren, the pastor that gave President Obama's invocation. Even more disturbing than that, is that the Ugandan President and the bill's author are members of The Family, the Washington based C Street church made up of conservative U.S. legislators.

As I watched the segment, I couldn't help but think of the similarities between the Nazis of World War II and the Ugandan government, attempting to exterminate Jews and homosexuals. For anyone who might have missed The Rachel Maddow Show last night, I've included the video below.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Don't Ask, Don't Tell Turns 16 Today

2009-11-30T17:05:00.006-05:00

Today marks a very significant anniversary, although not a good one. The U.S. military's anti-gay policy, Don't Ask, Don't Tell, was signed into law 16 years ago today by President Clinton. This policy prohibits gay and lesbian service members from disclosing their sexual orientation or face the consequences of being dishonorably discharged.

The Human Rights Campaign sent out an email urging everyone, that supports over-turning this discriminatory policy, to send a message to Congress TODAY urging them to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

In case you didn't receive the email or haven't sent your appeal to Congress yet, please follow the link to Voices of Honor to fill out a simple form and send your message.

'Tis the Season (repost from Dec. 17th 2007)

2009-11-30T07:07:00.003-05:00

How many times have you walked in or out of your local grocery store and felt pressured to give a handful of change to the Salvation Army volunteer, ringing his little bell? I think we've all probably dug into our pockets, at one point or another, and pulled out a crumpled dollar bill, proudly exchanged merry, merries and then dropped the cash into the little red kettle. It is after all Christmas-time, and the Salvation Army is out in full force.

They do good things with the money, right? Well, I hate to be the Grinch, but the answer is yes and no. According to the official website of the Salvation Army, 83 cents of every dollar collected goes directly to client service. Sounds impressive. The Salvation Army delivers aid to 36 million people through a national network of soup kitchens, drug-treatment centers, hospitals, shelters for battered women, nursing care and day-care centers run by low-paid workers or volunteers. The Army even does great work for AIDS care. That's the good.

The Salvation Army boasts that it does its unique service to all people in the name of Christ. Well, with that mission, who wouldn't give? The answer is -- me. And here's why. The Salvation Army is a homophobic organization; they actively speak out against homosexuality, have anti-gay employment practices and even lobby Congress in an effort against gay rights. All of this is justified in the name of religion and with the use of the Bible, oh and your money.

According to their website: "The Salvation Army recognizes that same-sex friendships can be enriching, Christ-honouring relationships, bringing joy through mutual companionship and sharing. However, same-sex relationships which are genitally expressed are unacceptable according to the teaching of scripture. Attempts to establish or promote such relationships as viable alternatives to a heterosexually-based family life do not conform to God's will for society

For this reason, and in obedience to the example of Jesus whose compassionate love was all-embracing, Salvationists seek to understand and sensitively to accept and help those of a homosexual disposition and those who express that disposition in sexual acts. The Army is opposed to the victimisation of persons on the grounds of sexual orientation and recognizes the social and emotional stress and the loneliness borne by many who are homosexual.

The Salvation Army regards the origins of a homosexual orientation as a mystery and does not regard a homosexual disposition as blameworthy in itself or rectifiable at will. Nevertheless, while we are not responsible for what we are, we are accountable for what we do; and homosexual conduct, like heterosexual conduct, is controllable and may be morally evaluated therefore in the light of scriptural teaching.

For this reason such practices, if unrenounced, render a person ineligible for Salvation Army soldiership, in the same way that unrenounced heterosexual misconduct is a bar to soldiership. The Army recognizes the strength of feeling about sexual identity, and the difficulty many find in expressing this identity in keeping with scriptural standards."

Please choose your charities cautiously and wisely. If you do some light homework, you can quickly discover which organizations have your best interests at heart and which organizations use the name of Christ to work against you. So the next time you hear that little bell ringing, I hope you'll think of your gay friends and family and keep walking with your change or cash firmly stuffed in your pocket. After all, 'tis the season.

World AIDS Day 2009

2009-11-29T09:44:00.009-05:00

World AIDS Day is Tuesday December 1, 2009. Let's remember the epidemic is not over. It might be easy to go on believing that the crisis is over because many in the Western World have been "saved" with life-saving drug treatments; but, there is still no cure and people still die from the disease, not only in under-developed countries but also right here in the U.S.

It is still important to practice safer sex each and every time, not only to protect yourself but also to protect others. You can be part of putting an end to the spread of HIV and AIDS. Think with the head on your shoulders first, and then have fun.

For information on World AIDS Day events, AIDS and HIV facts, and real life stories check out the official World AIDS Day website at: http://worldaidsday.org/

State Senators of New York & New Jersey: Pay Attention

2009-11-25T07:17:00.016-05:00

We're at a time, in the biggest civil rights struggle of our generation (equality for LGBTs), when things are tipping ever so slowly in our favor. Our community has come so far in such a short period of time, as gay marriage has became legal in five states. So it's frustrating when the train begins to slow down or backtrack (as in California and Maine).

It almost seemed inevitable that marriage equality would easily find its way to two of the most liberal states in our union, New York and New Jersey; after all, the governors of those states have pledged very clearly that each would sign a marriage equality bill if one would cross his desk. For one reason or another, all politically motivated, each respective states' legislative bodies are holding up the process.

Just when the New York State Senate was finally strong-armed into promising a vote on gay marriage by year's end (without much hope of passing), some New Jersey Democrats are now showing signs of reversing support on the issue in their state. Even with the majority of residents in New Jersey supporting gay marriage (one of the highest percentages in the country), New Jersey senators are now hesitant because of the latest gubernatorial election results favoring the conservative candidate, Republican Chris Christie.

The New Jersey senators have become afraid of being the target of Christie's conservative base, and in effect, are afraid of losing their jobs. Sometimes however, life issues transcend personal fears and this issue is one of them. Passing equal rights legislation is the right thing to do, regardless of personal fears or religious beliefs. We are all Americans and deserve equal treatment and protection under the law. Senators, be on the right side of history, take a stand and do the right thing. At the end of your lives, you'll be able to look back and know that you made the right decision.

The following link will take you to an open letter, published at 365gay, addressed to Kenneth P. LaValle, a New York state senator opposed to marriage equality. The author of the letter made very logical and poignant arguments in favor of same-sex marriage. It's worth reading. Open Letter to an anti-gay NY state senator.

The Tale of Two Marriages

2009-11-24T12:37:00.023-05:00

In this great country of ours, known as The United States of America, there are two different types of marriages: one is sanctioned by religious organizations and the other is sanctioned by the government. These institutions are really two completely different things, but due to semantics, the two are very often confused; and, because of this ambiguity, there is much controversy over same-sex marriage.

The meaning of the word "marriage" has evolved over time. Once marriage was merely a contract in which a family basically sold their daughter to a man, through the exchange of a dowry paid to his family. Over time, in the medieval era, marriage came to signify romance between two people. During the ninth century, the church began blessing unions. In the 1500s, marriage served as a way to save men and women from being "sinful" and as a way to promote procreation. Religious institutions have since been joining heterosexual couples together by the sacrament of marriage.

The early European and American governments were once very intertwined in religious marriage but have since also drastically evolved this union into what is known as secular marriage, or civil marriage. The U.S. government currently sanctions marriage but not in its religious sense of the word. Here in lies the confusion. Our government has chosen to continue using the same word to refer to a similar union but with a different meaning and set of rules. The US government's role in marriage, today, brings with it a set of legal protections and responsibilities that US citizens have come to depend on.

These modern day legal protections include, but are not limited to, inheritance of property upon death, hospital visitation on one's death-bed, life or death medical decisions, funeral arrangements, filing joint taxes, health insurance, and adoption of spouses' children. Married couples also become legally responsible for each other; an example would be financial accountability for the spouse's financial decisions and actions. Other responsibility includes being able to make medical decisions for one's spouse during his/her incapacitation.

These are the things civil marriage brings to the table for any married couple, except for the same-sex couples denied the protection of marriage rights, by their very own government in 45 of the 50 United States. Even these legal same-sex marriages in five states do not entitle these couples to all of the benefits of civil marriage. The Defense of Marriage Act, DOMA, prohibits the Federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages, thus prohibiting same-sex couples from filing joint federal income tax returns, as well as a host of other things.

As a straight person, can one imagine what it would be like if upon your spouse's death you were told by your in-laws that you'll have to sell your own home because the family wants their share? This is exactly what happens to gay couples, no matter how long they've been together or how in love or committed they've been. I've had people suggest that in the absence of marriage a gay couple could draw up private legal documents to enact one's own legal protection in these matters. But this is a very flawed compromise. You see these legal documents are challenged in courts of law every day and the gay partner, more times than not, will lose. Inevitably, the gay widow or widower will be forced out of his/her lifelong home, even after single-handedly paying the mortgage. This is a legal injustice.

The big concern for me is having my government protect me as a United States citizen. I am entitled to that as an American, as a gay American; but none-the-less, my interests are not protected. This is wrong. Someone else's personal religious beliefs should not infringe on my rights as an American, but they do. As an LGBT American I need my government to legally protect me just as it protects my straight neighbors. This is what I need from what my government refers to as "marriage".

Cyberbullies and Other Emotional Terrorists

2009-07-13T07:50:00.026-04:00

When we were still children, most of us saw the world through very naive and innocent eyes, never imagining the level of cruelty that lurks out in the world. As we grew older, however, we caught little glimpses of reality, of a world in which people can be very mean to others. In young adulthood we quickly realized that the bullies, once only on the playground, continue to harass and belittle in the real world too.

LGBT people have had more than their share of being bullied. Every day, someone is picked on, beaten or even killed simply because of who they are, simply for just being gay or transgendered.

In recent years, the gay community has come so far, in acquiring acceptance and obtaining some basic legal rights, yet hates crimes against LGBTs have risen to their highest level in five years*. And generally speaking, a hate crime is committed every hour in the United States.

It hits close to home too. Earlier this year a friend of mine, and his boyfriend, were holding hands as they walked down the street in South Beach, during Winter Party weekend. On several separate occasions, people (adults) yelled, "faggots" at them. And this was in South Beach, of all places (where gays roam free in their natural habitat). One of the perpetrators was a middle-aged woman!

That story, from my friend, turned my stomach. Some times I feel so removed from situations like this, mostly because I live in Miami and New York City, where peoples' differences are usually embraced and where acceptance, or at least tolerance, is the rule. But this time, it happened right here, and to someone I know.

Then I recently heard, on the news, that despite Broward county's (the next county north of Miami) diverse population and large gay community, it has one of the highest hate crimes rates in the country. I really couldn't believe my ears. Right here in my own backyard. What is wrong with people that they feel so threatened or repulsed by someone different than themselves, that they have to lash out at others, at those just going through life minding their own business?

This is horrible and completely unacceptable, yet it happens everyday, here in my own backyard, and throughout America. But the next story is even more heart breaking and crosses every line that exists in society.

This morning when I woke up, I checked my Youtube account and saw that my young cyberfriend, Quinn, had produced another video. But something unusual caught my eye. The video was entitled, I'm Very, Very Scared.

Just for quick background, Quinn is a nine-year-old gay boy, who produces insightful Youtube videos about his experiences growing up gay. See my earlier posting, How Young is too Young to Know if You're Gay?, for more background.

In young Quinn's latest video, he was awake in the middle of the night, because of a threat he had received through his Youtube vlog. Some pathetic, cyberbully threatened to kill him because of who he is, a young gay kid growing up in California. He was rightfully scared, and confused and couldn't sleep. Remember Quinn is only nine years old. He was brought to tears, as he tried to make sense of it. It brought tears to my eyes, as I watched this young kid worrying about some low-life, emotional terrorist with the goal of scaring Quinn into silence.

As different as we all are, we really are just the same, made of the same cosmic dust, particles and genes. We're all in the game of life together, just trying to survive. Why make it harder for anyone? Pass on the message of "live and let live". And, encourage your Senator to vote in favor of the Matthew Shepard Act.

Have a look at Quinn's video for yourself.

*Confronting the New Faces of Hate: Hate Crimes in America 2009

Happy Gay Pride!

2009-06-28T09:53:00.049-04:00

Today marks the 40th anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Riots, which ultimately began the gay rights movement. Today thousands upon thousands will gather in U.S. cities to celebrate gay pride by attending or marching in gay pride parades.

NYC Pride, 1999. Corner of Christopher & Bleeker. Photo taken by,
my friend, David Posey.

New York City, with one of the largest parades in the nation, will find parade participants marching down Fifth Avenue and then through Greenwich Village via Christopher Street. For many years my friends and I met at the corner of Christopher and Bleeker, in the heart of the Village, to watch the eclectic gays and their supporters go by. Afterwards, thousands reveled in the streets and in the neighborhood bars, for a fun-filled, high energy party running into the wee hours of the night. This, of course, is still true today.

NYC Pride 1999, Stonewall Veterans. Photo taken by my friend,
David Posey.

I haven't been to the annual parade in years. Crowds just aren't my thing anymore, but I have years of great memories to remind me of the camaraderie formed and celebrated on this day.

Young and dorky, Frank and Bill, at NYC Gay Pride 1999.

As much fun as this day is, we shouldn't forget the real meaning behind gay pride: dignity and true equality for all. The gay community has come so far since 1969, especially in the last couple of years; however, LGBTs still have a very long way to go. The most pressing issues we still face include passing ENDA, over-turning DOMA, and reversing Don't Ask, Don't Tell, as well as passing an all inclusive Federal hate crimes bill/Matthew Shepard Act (with protection for the transgendered as well). Now that you've indulged me, have fun and happy gay pride day.

1998 NYC Pride Photos

2009-06-28T09:52:00.001-04:00

Here are more gay pride photos. These are from New York City Pride Day in 1998. All photos are taken by my friend, David Posey. Enjoy and happy gay pride.

Jason Tucker & Frank. NYC Pride 1998.

Balcony Boys. NYC Pride 1998.

Rainbow Flag. NYC Pride 1998

Carnival Hottie. NYC Pride 1998.

Gogo Boys on Float. NYC Pride 1998.

Small Supporter. NYC Pride 1998

Balloon Rainbow. NYC Pride 1998

How Young is too Young to Know if You're Gay?

2009-06-16T07:36:00.020-04:00

How young is too young to know if you're gay? The simple and honest answer is, there's no such thing as being too young to know. In order to understand, one has to realize that homosexuality isn't primarily about sex and one has to accept that homosexuality is an innate trait with which we are born. I was only about four or five years old when I knew I was attracted to males. My attraction wasn't necessarily sexual, but more along the lines of having crushes on boys and men.

My first memory of being attracted to the same gender was when I was very young, probably about three years of age, when I was more than curious about my father's anatomy. Then as I got a little older (about four or five) , I developed crushes on older neighborhood guys. I found myself gushing over my older sister's male friend, Dale; and, I would become very happy and excited when he was near or even when he would just drive by the house.

When I was in first grade, I had a boyfriend named Scotty. He and I would hold hands and hug and tell everyone that we were going to get married. At that age, I constantly had dreams of Scotty and other males, both younger and older. It was never natural for me to be attracted to the opposite sex.

This attraction had nothing to do with sexual desire, and everything to do with who I was and what was natural for me, and still is today. As an adult, of course, we are sexual beings and sexual desire is part of human life. Naturally my sexual desires and attraction involve adults of the same gender, because of who I am.

This brings me to my point today. I received a "friend request" from a nine year old boy named Quinn, on Youtube. At first I was very concerned that a young boy would request friendship from an older man on the Internet, then as I discovered through reading his profile, that Quinn is a young gay kid; and, his parents control his Youtube on-line account. Quinn produces videos which are very honest and educational, giving a close look inside the life of a young gay child, learning to deal with life. Below is one of his videos which gives amazing insight into how a young child could know if he's gay at that tender age. Remember, it's not about sex.

I have to say, that I identified very closely with what Quinn had to say. There are many parallels in my childhood which I share with Quinn. I found myself nodding my head in agreement with so many things he had to say. It really could have been me in this video many years ago. Take a look into the life of Quinn and you'll soon discover the impressive mental maturity of a young gay boy in 2009.

OMG! Chastity Bono is Becoming a Man

2009-06-11T18:29:00.010-04:00

I just read that the daughter of Sonny and Cher, Chastity Bono, is having a sex change to become a man. I'm not shocked too easily but for some reason, I was rather surprised to have read this; I do, however, totally support her decision to embrace her authentic being. This could help shed more light and acceptance on the transgendered.

I remember when Chastity announced that she was a lesbian about 20 years ago. Cher, as open minded and gay friendly as she is, had some trouble accepting that her daughter is gay. I can only imagine how taken back she might have been to discover this latest news; hopefully not too troubled.

More Footage From Anti-Prop 8 Rally in NYC

2009-06-04T10:36:00.006-04:00

Here's more footage from the anti-Prop 8 rally in New York City, on May 26th, 2009. Once again my friends Gilda and Rafael were briefly shown marching behind one of the banners. I also noticed many familiar faces, in the crowd, including my former massage therapist, Tony Brown, fellow pro-gay rights bloggers and the infamous Michael Musto, from the Village Voice. Next time, I'm there.

Footage provided by one of my favorite gay-rights bloggers, Joe.My.God.

New Hampshire Passes Gay Marriage, becomes 6th State

2009-06-03T16:27:00.018-04:00

Both the New Hampshire House and State Senate have passed the bill extending protections to religious organizations in the state from having to recognize gay marriage. The Governor then officially signed the same-sex marriage bill along with two other bills which include those religious changes.

New Hampshire is the sixth state in the country to have legalized same-sex marriage, and only the third to have done so by legislative vote. This makes 12% of all states which now offer legalized same-sex marriage. The states with true equality for all of its citizens now include: Iowa, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, Maine, and New Hampshire.

Congratulations to all of the people in New Hampshire. You've all won today, both gay and straight.

Vile Responses from the Opposition to Gay Marriage

2009-06-03T10:04:00.018-04:00

On April 13, 2009 I posted an editorial response, via Youtube video, to NOM's anti-gay commercial on same-sex marriage. I put a lot of thought into the editorial and cited facts and history to justify my opinion as opposed to using fear, rhetoric and ignorance. I used passages from the U.S. Constitution, and supreme court rulings as well as examples from the world and U.S. civil rights movements. In other words, I was able to back up my argument with sound reasoning.

Through Youtube, I received mixed reactions to my video. Many were supportive, but many were just downright rude, vile, perverted and mean. Below is just one example of the many negative comments I received:

mattlewis66: "Tell me now -- how will you test the bona fides of the love between to the two proposed sodomites-to-be-married? How much feces and semen they eat from each other a day? How much anal tissue is traumitized? Or maybe how many gerbils are suffocated?"

This is the mentality of the opposition which by the way, I did not publish in Youtube. I love a dissenting opinion when the opinion can be backed up by substance. But when the response is just utter bullshit I don't feel I should waste my time in directly responding to their ignorance. So I reserve the right not to publish offensive remarks. Obviously, nothing I can say will reach someone like this. My message is for those with an open mind, that might think twice about the issues I raise regarding gay civil rights. These are the people I want to target, with the hope of changing just one or two minds. By affecting just a few, my hope is that those few will then pay it forward and so on.

For those of you that might have missed the editorial that I referenced, above, I have once again provided it below for your review.

The direct link to my video in Youtube is: Editorial Response to A Gathering Storm.

President Obama Declares June National Gay Pride Month

2009-06-03T08:00:00.028-04:00

On Monday June 1, 2009, President Obama declared the month of June as National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month. I don't want to sound ungrateful for the gesture, but I am.

The LGBT community has been celebrating the month of June as National Gay Pride Month, to commemorate the Stonewall Riots, for years without needing the federal government to tell us that it's okay. What this gesture provides is very different from what we've been demanding, our equal rights, legal protections, and legal responsibilities guaranteed to us under the Fourteenth Amendment of The United States Constitution.

As part of The White House proclamation President Obama stated, "During LGBT Pride Month, I call upon the LGBT community, the Congress, and the American people to work together to promote equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity". Within the same declaration the President said, ". . . I continue to support measures to bring the full spectrum of equal rights to LGBT Americans. These measures include enhancing crime laws, supporting civil unions, . . ."

He used the words "full spectrum of equal rights". Well, we're waiting. And, in case the President might have forgotten there is no equality when the government creates a separate but equal state, such as when the U.S. had separate water fountains for African Americans. Yes, they were allowed to drink, but from a separate water fountain. That's not equal in the same way that's it's not equal to provide civil unions to gay couples but allow full civil marriage for straight couples. His ideals are flawed and contradictory by using the words equality and civil unions in the same sentence. He can't have it both ways, either we're equal or we're not, and right now we're not.

We want and demand action to change many federal and state policies regarding the unequal treatment of homosexuals. The short list includes, but is not limited to, reversing the military policy of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", reversing DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act), and obtaining full marriage equality including Federal benefits such as Social Security. These are the changes that would make a difference in our daily lives, not some bogus federal proclamation declaring the month of June as national pride month. The LGBT community will continue to celebrate June as Gay Pride Month with or without the support of the U.S. government. What we can't do is take our Constitutionally guaranteed legal benefits when they are being kept from us. President Obama, put your money where your mouth is and fulfill the campaign promises you made to us.

Click here to read the full Presidential Proclamation - LGBT Pride Month.

Dick Cheney Supports Gay Marriage -- Big Deal, or is it?

2009-06-02T08:52:00.021-04:00

A picture is worth a thousand words! So that's what they say. I think this image of Dick Cheney is proof. I find him to be a vile person, literally evil. No matter what I think of him, however, he is one more ultra-conservative to support same-sex marriage. Yes, one of his daughters is openly gay and living with her long-term life partner. And, so one might ask is this really a big deal?

For me, my opinion of Dick Cheney has not changed. I still can't stand to look at his face or listen to him speak, unlike how my opinion of Ted Olson has evolved (see my earlier post, Conservative Attorney Filed Federal Case Against Prop 8).

But is this a big deal? The answer is yes. It's a big deal because with more conservatives voicing their opinion in support of gay marriage, it proves that this is truly not a conservative vs. liberal issue. It's a civil rights issue. With the neocon leaders of the right-wing coming on board, it might make some of their supporters think twice about the issue. Many will not change their minds, but some might. And that is priceless.

Same-sex Marriage Inevitable in all 50 States

2009-05-29T06:48:00.024-04:00

This is why I believe we will win same-sex marriage rights in all 50 states, in only a matter of time, if this latest case makes its way to the U.S. Supreme Court. In this clip from Hardball yesterday, on MSNBC, the case is laid out directly from the horses' mouths.

My concern over whether we would win in Supreme Court, is diminishing, especially after hearing the arguments from Olson and Boies. The Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution is a very strong argument for same-sex marriage, as I had previously posted in, 14th Amendment Provides for Same-sex Marriage.

At the bottom of this post is a link to another interesting article from, 5|News in Ft. Smith-Fayetteville AR, about the inevitability of same-sex marriage. After watching the video, check it out.

Article from 5News:
Widespread Acceptance of Gay Marriage Just a Matter of Time

Proposition 8 Rallies Continue

2009-05-28T08:15:00.031-04:00

Just two days ago, on Tuesday May 26th, the California Supreme Court handed down its ruling on the Proposition 8 lawsuits. The reality is the court wasn't deciding the state constitutionality of same-sex marriage, but instead the right of the California people to change their constitution in the way that they did. On the subject of same-sex marriage, the 18,000 gay couples that wed before Proposition 8 passed were allowed to remain legally married because the court determined that the change in state constitution could not be made retroactive. Either way, the outcome was the same. Same-sex marriage would be prohibited going forward.

As a result thousands marched in protest across the country that evening. One such rally was held here in New York City. The crowd gathered in historic Greenwich Village (the West Village, my old neighborhood) at Sheridan Square in front of Stonewall, the historic Village gay bar. My friends, Gilda and Rafael represented for us, as we unfortunately had previous plans with another friend. In the above photo, on the far right, is our straight friend Gilda who took it upon herself to organize her gay friends to attend this rally. She selflessly did this on her own with no vested interest in the outcome. Her only motivation was her belief in equality for her gay friends and for other humans across America.

Our friend Rafael joined her as the crowd marched from Sheridan Square to Union Square in Manhattan. They telephoned us from the rally and sent these photos posted here. What they weren't aware of is that they both were briefly shown on MSNBC's Rachel Maddow Show as seen here in this clip below at the bottom of this posting.

Be aware of another peaceful rally taking place this Saturday, May 30th, in Fresno California. The Meet in the Middle for Equality rally is open to both gay and straight individuals supporting Federal equality, access and justice. If you are in California this weekend try to to make it.

Conservative Attorney Filed Federal Case Against Prop 8

2009-05-27T17:00:00.033-04:00

Do you remember this guy? Okay if not, I'll help you out. His name is Ted Olson. He is a conservative and was the Solicitor General for George W. Bush from 2001-2004. That's not what makes this story interesting, in and of itself. The interesting part is, he is the attorney who brought the Bush v. Gore court case to the U.S. Supreme Court which ultimately gave W. the Presidency in 2000. The interesting part doesn't stop there.

Ted Olson is now teaming up with David Boies, the attorney that fought against him in the Bush v. Gore court case. Yes, the same court case that went to the U.S. Supreme Court and favored W. They are teaming up in Federal Court to prove that California's Proposition 8 is unconstitutional! The lawsuit was filed on behalf of two gay couples on the grounds of, drum roll please, the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution, citing equal protection and due process. Okay, it was only a matter of time until this issue was addressed and argued on the Fourteenth Amendment.

That's not only interesting, but also quite amazing in my opinion. Whether the timing is right to challenge same-sex marriage bans in Federal Court, or not, it's an incredible turn of events when a notoriously conservative attorney sides with the gay community. I literally hated him in 2000, but all of that has changed today. In spite of yesterday's ruling by the California Supreme Court, this is further evidence that the tides are turning in our favor.

Ted Olson spoke at a news conference from Los Angeles today and said, "For too long, gay men and lesbians who seek stable, committed, loving relationships within the institution of marriage have been denied that fundamental right that the rest of us freely enjoy". This is something that he really believes. According to MSNBC, these have been his views for quite some time. He said that this isn't a conservative or liberal issue and it's not a Democrat or Republican issue, but an issue of equal rights guaranteed to every American under the United States Constitution.

Many gay rights groups are not happy with this new Federal challenge because they are afraid that if the case makes its way to the U.S. Supreme Court, we will lose. Many feel that the court isn't configured in a way that might lead to a successful outcome, in other words, the highest court isn't liberal enough yet. I am also nervous of this as well, because the implications could be devastating to same-sex marriage everywhere in the U.S. if we lose. This is why many feel the fight should continue at the state level.

Just a couple of weeks ago, I published a post entitled 14th Amendment Provides for Same-sex Marriage. Check it out.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

2009-05-26T13:17:00.023-04:00

The Good: The 18,000 same-sex couples married in California last year, before Proposition 8 was passed, still have valid legal marriages (including my spouse Bill and me).

The Bad: The California State Supreme Court ruled that Proposition 8 will stand, denying any other same-sex couple the right to marry in the future.

The Ugly: The California State Supreme Court falls into this category for creating two unequal separate classes of gay people. There is the special class, allowed to have equal marriage rights and responsibilities and then there is the second-class, not given the same protections under the law. Tell me how is this Constitutional? It's not.

Whether the people voted to outlaw same-sex marriage, is irrelevant. Tell me, what makes those people superior to me and what gives them the right to decide my Constitutional rights? It's a fallacy. They don't have that right and the California State Supreme Court failed at protecting equality. It's that simple.

The fight goes on. It's always two steps forward and one step back, as it is in this case. Proponents are vowing to bring this up for referendum again, as soon as 2010. In the meantime, thousands will rally tonight across America. Join the protests in your area. To find out information on where you can join the protests click here, Day of Decision.

To view the entire full ruling click on Proposition 8 Ruling.

Proposition 8 Decision Scheduled for Tuesday

2009-05-22T13:39:00.015-04:00

The Courage Campaign just announced that the California Supreme Court will release its decision on Proposition 8 on Tuesday, May 26th. I hope California rules with fairness and equality for all. The right thing to do would be to over-turn Proposition 8. A majority should never be allowed to oppress and strip the rights of a minority.

To sign up for a Courage Campaign decision alert, for instance notification when the ruling is announced click here, Decision Day. To read an earlier post on my take of California's Proposition 8 click on, California's Proposition 8: A 21st Century Sham.

Update on New Hampshire Gay Marriage Bill

2009-05-21T10:12:00.020-04:00

Yesterday, the New Hampshire House of Representatives voted against the changes proposed by Governor Lynch to the same-sex marriage bill. This came on the same day that the state senate voted in favor of the changes. The new bill proposed changes to the same-sex marriage legislation which had been passed by both the state house and senate just last week. Governor Lynch had promised to sign the same-sex marriage legislation if only some minor changes were made to further protect religious liberties.

All is not lost, yet. House members expressed concern about voting for changes that they hadn't had time to review and research. So many voted against the changes simply over that issue; while, many original supporters were not present for the latest vote.

Now the bill will go to a conference committee before heading back to both the state senate and house once more. One of the state representatives said that this is part of the process and indicated that he still expects the legislation to be approved. Hopefully this is only a temporary setback and will still advance with agreement on both sides. New Hampshire is so close with a promise from the Governor to sign the bill into law. Let's not let a few technicalities stop the progress.

For more background, follow these links to earlier postings, Gay Marriage Pending in Three States and New Hampshire Gov. will Sign Gay Marriage Bill with some Changes

Spotted Donna Shalala on American Flight

2009-05-21T09:58:00.008-04:00

Bill and I spotted Donna Shalala, former Secretary of Health and Human Services for the Clinton Administration. Yesterday on our flight from Miami to New York, Bill was the first to notice Donna Shalala as she was getting nestled into her first class seat on the American Airlines flight.

Currently Ms. Shalala is the President of the University of Miami.

New Hampshire Gov. will Sign Gay Marriage Bill with some Changes

2009-05-15T09:27:00.011-04:00

Governor John Lynch, of New Hampshire, said he will sign the same-sex marriage bill if the Legislature makes some changes to further protect religious liberties. If the changes are made, he will sign the bill and New Hampshire will become the sixth U.S. state to sanction same-sex marriage.

Meanwhile, we still wait for the California State Supreme Court to rule on Proposition 8 and New York and New Jersey to decide what they will do with their legislation. If, all three of these states swing to allow same-sex couples the right to marry, then that would make nine total states or close to 20% of all states to legalize same-sex marriage. I'll say it again, the train has left the station and there's no turning back. Thank you Governor Lynch for being open-minded and fair.

Shannon Moakler Resigned Over Miss California

2009-05-14T08:05:00.009-04:00

This video was from the press conference held the day before Donald Trump announced that Carrie Prejean would be allowed to keep her crown. The pageant directors were livid over the situation with the current Miss California. Keith Lewis and Shannon Moakler spoke on behalf of the Miss Universe organization.

They had very strong words for Miss California and the National Organization for Marriage. The next day, after the Donald Trump announcement, these two back-peddled big time. Keith Lewis drank the fruit-punch, and although, Shannon Moakler spoke from the same book at the time, her face told a different story -- she was not happy with the turn of events. The following day Shannon Moakler resigned. She is a strong supporter of gay rights and same-sex marriage. She said she no longer believes in the Miss Universe organization; and, I applaud her decision on principle alone. She did the right thing and that's something I can respect.

To quickly address Carrie Prejean, I just want to say that she may have won the battle but certainly has not won the war. At the Donald Trump news conference, she did pledge to not be a spokesperson against gay marriage, while still exercising her right to have an opinion on the subject. That was a smart move, whether it was forced upon her or not. If she continues to be a mouth-piece for NOM or continues to makes the anti-gay movement her crusade, that will be her downfall, as I have said before. Time will tell which path she chooses to take. See my earlier posting on the history of Anita Bryant, Anita Bryant's Path to Obscurity.

14th Amendment Provides for Same-sex Marriage

2009-05-11T19:31:00.028-04:00

Individual states decide upon their own marriage laws for their residents, not the Federal government. We do, however, have a United States Constitution that governs the laws of each individual state.

Section 1 of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution provides for guaranteed privileges and immunities of citizenship, due process and equal protection.

The Fourteenth Amendment: Section. 1. All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

The Constitution couldn't be any more clear on the topic of equal protection: No State shall deny any person equal protection. None-the-less, 29 states across America have state constitutional bans prohibiting same-sex marriage. It has been estimated that marriage law provides as many as 1,324 civil protections; yet, these states illegally deny same-sex couples equal protection provided by marriage law under the United States Constitution.

There is no justification to argue against this. The Constitution is the be all, end all of U.S. law. Even the Federal government has violated its own Constitution when it passed DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) in 1996 and was signed by President Clinton.

It's time to right the wrong that has been done by DOMA and the state bans prohibiting gay marriage. In time, the United States Constitution will prevail. It might be years before we see total and complete equality, but it will happen.

Time to End "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

2009-05-08T09:01:00.009-04:00

In case you missed this poignant interview last night on Rachel Maddow's show on MSNBC, I thought I'd provide it here as well. It's time to end the U.S. military's policy of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", one of the biggest mistakes made by the Clinton Administration. The great Representative from Pennsylvania, Joe Sestak, a retired military man himself, also supports the idea. It's a long clip, but worth watching.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Maine is Fifth State to Offer Same-sex Marriage

2009-05-06T12:55:00.009-04:00

It is official. Maine has become the fifth state in America to legally sanction same-sex marriage. Governor Baldacci signed the legislation today, now offering same-sex couples the legal rights and responsibilities that come with marriage. Maine joins Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut and Iowa as the only other states in which gay couples can legally wed. More details will follow as they become available. Congratulations to the people of Maine.

UPDATE: The following is a statement released by Governor Baldacci on his signing of the legislation.

“In the past, I opposed gay marriage while supporting the idea of civil unions,” Baldacci said in a written statement. “I have come to believe that this is a question of fairness and of equal protection under the law, and that a civil union is not equal to civil marriage.”

Told you so, Carrie Prejean

2009-05-06T09:59:00.015-04:00

As I had implied in my last posting on Miss California, Anita Bryant's Path to Obscurity, Carrie Prejean's crusade against same-sex marriage will ultimately be her downfall.

It quickly started soon after her speaking engagements against gay marriage and her appearance in NOM's latest anti-gay marriage commercial. First it came out that she had received breast augmentation surgery and now semi-nude photos have surfaced from when she was still but a minor. Now her contract with the Miss USA Pageant is under review for possible violations which could ultimately lead to Miss Prejean being decrowned. Instead of pointing your finger at those who are out to get you for your views, I'd do some serious damage control and drop the whole anti-gay marriage agenda. Learn from Anita Bryant's mistakes which eventually led to her demise.

NOM is coming to Carrie Prejean's defense by saying that nobody is perfect and these latest revelations do not disqualify her as a traditional marriage advocate. I have to agree, on some level; nobody is perfect and you can still have an opinion on any topic. However, if one is taking a high moral standing on a topic such as same-sex marriage for moral reasons, one would also have to be prepared for one's hypocrisy to be exposed. To be against gay marriage for moral reasons and then have your public immorality exposed is only fair. The moral of the story is this, live and let live because those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

Marie Osmond: Civil Rights for Everyone

2009-05-06T09:02:00.014-04:00

Marie Osmond was interviewed by KOST radio, in Los Angeles, a couple of days ago and was asked about her lesbian daughter. The all American girl next door, and famous Mormon expressed how much love and support she has for her. Marie Osmond also indicated that she believes that everyone should have civil rights, and said "when it comes to marriage, you know, I think civil rights need to be for all..."

Kudos to Marie Osmond for taking a supportive stand, not only for her daughter but also for civil rights. She is the second high profile person with strong religious conviction, in the last couple of days, to be able to separate her faith from the issue of legal equality, regardless of sexual orientation.

To listen to the podcast, you can link to it through this post Mormon Marie Osmond Supports Gay Marriage at Perez Hilton.

Props to Maine Representative Veronica Mangan

2009-05-05T17:40:00.015-04:00

As expected, the Maine House of Representatives voted in favor of a same-sex marriage bill today. According to The New York Times, Representative Veronica Mangan is a devout Pentecostal, whose faith does not believe in nor support same-sex marriage; however, Representative Mangan, was courageous enough to put her personal faith aside to vote for the same-sex marriage bill. She expressed her views of why she voted in favor of the bill by saying, “this is more of a choice of conscience than Constitution. I support this bill because it’s the right thing to do.” She said that the issue was one of equality and that two committed adults should have benefits under the law.

Pentecostals are very strict in their personal beliefs. To have been able to put her faith aside and cast her vote for this bill is not only courageous but also an extremely strong, independent and respectful thing to have done. When you see someone of strong personal religious conviction do something like this, then it's a sign that our country has really begun to turn the corner on this issue. Props to you, Representative Mangan.

By the way, the bill still has a few steps to take before it makes its way to the Governor for his approval or veto. Governor Baldacci has said before that he opposed the same-sex marriage bill but has also said he is keeping an open mind.

Gay Marriage Pending in Three States

2009-05-05T07:16:00.025-04:00

Three states are currently in the process of deciding the fate of same-sex marriage, Maine, New Hampshire and California.

Maine:

Last Thursday Maine's state Senate voted 21-14, in favor of same-sex marriage. Today the state House in Maine will vote on the bill. According to some reports, there is much optimism that the bill will pass today's vote. There is wide-spread support in the House, with 55 House members co-sponsoring the bill. Maine's Democratic Governor, John Baldacci, however, has said in the past that he does not support same-sex marriage. Governor Baldacci also has not come right out and said he'd veto it either. Even if the bill is signed by the Governor, Maine has a people's veto law which allows for legislation to be repealed by referendum if voters so chose. According to the Associated Press, Maine voters are split in their opinions of same-sex marriage.

New Hampshire:

Meanwhile in New Hampshire, both the state House and state Senate have approved a same-sex marriage bill. Just last Wednesday the state Senate voted in favor of a bill previously approved by the House, only with a modification to calm some opposition. The change clearly spells out the distinction of civil marriage vs. religious marriage, making allowances for churches and religious organizations to individually decide if same-sex marriage should be ordained. The modification, I feel, is a good compromise.

For me personally, I don't want recognition from any religious organization. I only want the legal protections and responsibilities that come with state sanctioned marriage. Unfortunately, New Hampshire's House rejected that same modification before the bill made it's way to the Senate. So it is unclear if they will now approve of that same change when the bill makes its way back to them.

If the bill is finally agreed upon, then it will make its way to the Governor for his signature. Once again, in this state, the Governor is not readily agreeable to same-sex marriage. Although, Governor Lynch hasn't declared that he'd veto the legislation, he has said in the past that the state's current civil union laws are sufficient for equal protection. He has said that Federal law now needs to change to provide full equality.

California:

As most people already know, the California Supreme Court is due to rule on three court challenges to Proposition 8, any day now. Actually, they have until early June to make their ruling. The ruling will determine if the previously married 18,000 couples will be allowed to remain legally married and if the state went about passing Proposition 8 using the correct legal protocol. Although it might not look too promising, it is possible that Proposition 8 could be ruled unconstitutional. There could also be a split in that the previously married couples will maintain their married status and Proposition 8 could still stand, preventing future same-sex marriages. It is also quite possible that all challenges to Proposition 8 could fail. No one has a crystal ball and only time will tell.

Anita Bryant's Path to Obscurity

2009-05-01T07:08:00.065-04:00

Remember the old adage, if we don't learn from the past, we are doomed to repeat it? Miss California, Carrie Prejean, might want to brush up on that. It seems as if she is headed down the same road that Anita Bryant once walked. Some might not remember Anita Bryant from the 1960s and 1970s and there's good reason for that.

Anita Bryant was 2nd runner up to Miss America in 1959. She later had a career in music and became a spokesperson for such companies as Coca-Cola, Kraft Foods, Holiday Inn and Tupperware, although she was probably best known for her television commercials for the Florida Citrus Commission. These nationwide spots featured Miss Bryant singing the jingle, Come to the Florida Sunshine Tree.

As a small child, I remember thinking that she was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. At the time my family seemed to like her too. Then without much explanation from my parents they turned on her. They suddenly not only disliked her but seemed to have a growing disgust of her. Of course I asked why there was this abrupt about-face. They explained it to me rather forthrightly, in a way a small child could understand. Little by little I realized she wasn't the great person millions of people, as well as I, had once made her out to be.

You see, Anita Bryant became a very controversial figure in our history of pop-culture. Miss Bryant had made it her Christian cause to fight out against the gay community by joining the Save Our Children Coalition. The coalition along with Miss Bryant, in 1977, succeeded at over-turning a Miami-Dade County ordinance which banned discrimination in cases of housing, employment and public accommodation based on sexual orientation. Parts of Florida were ahead of its time back in the 1970s by having a law on the books protecting the gay community, until of course, Anita Bryant led the movement to over-turn it. She did not stop there.

Not only did she convince the Florida Legislature to pass a law making it illegal for gays to adopt children in the state, but Miss Bryant took her crusade across America. Miss Bryant had been quoted as saying, "As a mother, I know that homosexuals cannot biologically reproduce children; therefore, they must recruit our children". Apparently she had never really thought that out. Exactly who did she think recruited us and all of the homosexuals before us? Our parents gave birth to homosexuals. That's right, Miss Bryant, heterosexuals are the ones who can reproduce and, in turn, biologically created homosexuals.

Anita Bryant's contract with the Florida Citrus Commission was not renewed in 1979 because of the controversy she was involved in, which resulted in a boycott of Florida orange juice. Soon afterward, her marriage to Bob Green came to an end and she divorced him in 1980. The fundamentalist Christians which had once cheered her on suddenly turned on her because of her divorce. Miss Bryant later remarried and unsuccessfully attempted to revive her singing career. She and her new husband filed for bankruptcy in 1997 and again in 2001.

In 1998 Miami-Dade once again instituted an ordinance to protect individuals from discrimination based on sexual orientation. In 2008, a Miami-Dade Circuit Court over-turned Florida's anti-gay adoption law, citing that it was unconstitutional and irrational. I am not sure of the legal status of this ruling as of today.

As documented in Wikipedia, "to this day, Miss Bryant is reviled by the gay community who regard her name as synonymous with bigotry and homophobia."

Although, Miss Prejean might not have originally set out to make the anti-gay-marriage fight her personal crusade, she is now the poster-child for the cause. Miss Prejean has recently joined the National Organization for Marriage, in a new television commercial speaking out against gay marriage. She has also had speaking engagements in which she adamantly opposes same-sex marriage.

Miss Prejean is very young and really doesn't fully know what she is getting herself into. It has just come out that she had breast augmentation surgery and the criticism is only just beginning. If she is to learn anything from the past, perhaps she should learn from the lessons of a former beauty pageant runner-up: your involvement in this crusade will ultimately be your decline.

To end on a positive note, a new Washington Post-ABC News public opinion poll now shows that 49% of the public supports gay marriage. This is a significant change from a previous poll conducted just three years ago, where only 36% were in favor of it. The tide is changing and Miss Prejean is on the wrong side.

U.S. House to Vote on Matthew Shepard Act

2009-04-28T09:51:00.015-04:00

Tomorrow the U.S. House of Representatives will vote on the Matthew Shepard Act, an important hate crimes bill to legally address the violent hate crimes committed against individuals based on actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, and disability.

Matthew Shepard's mother has worked tirelessly for ten years to get this legislation passed, so far to no avail. Now with hate crimes on the rise and with one out of every six of those crimes being committed because of the victims sexual identity, it is more important than ever to pass this bill.

Please take just one minute of your time and contact your U.S. House Representative and urge him/her to vote in favor of the Matthew Shepard Act. Click on the U.S. House of Representatives to search for contact information for your specific representative. After your search, your representative's name, address and phone number should appear. Please call today and leave a message urging him/her to vote yes on the Matthew Shepard Act.

For more information on Matthew Shepard see my post from October 6, 2008, Remember Matthew Shepard.

Should North Carolina Legalize Gay Marriage?

2009-04-27T08:57:00.028-04:00

In an on-line poll, the publication Carolina Coast Online, posed this question to its readers yesterday: Should North Carolina Legalize Gay Marriage? Below is a sampling of responses. Many of the opinions are just plain sickening to me; although, there were a good number of fair-minded people taking the side of the LGBT community, I've only posted those that amused me with their ignorance. Post your reaction to these responses (they appear in random order). I'd really love to hear from you.

Gay WRONG wrote on Apr 23, 2009 8:05 PM:
" Fish aren't gay, dogs aren't gay, horses aren't gay, bears aren't gay. Animals are not gay. Gayness is obviously a mistake. If you are gay, then something is wrong in your brain. We have reproductive organs for a reason....1 man, 1 woman. "

Truth wrote on Apr 23, 2009 8:07 PM:
" Ann had it right. BEING GAY IS A CRIME AGAINST NATURE!
Keep that disgusting stuff away from me. "

Taylor wrote on Apr 23, 2009 8:55 PM:
" NO!! God made Adam and Eve and told them to multiply. Adam and Steve or Eve and Eva cannot do what God originally planned. It is morally wrong!!! "

Kayla wrote on Apr 23, 2009 6:26 PM:
" NO i dont belive in god but gays aint right and i wouldnt want my kids to think that bein gay is alright because joe and bo down the road are married "

Bill wrote on Apr 23, 2009 6:02 PM:
" "NO" !!!
I find it amusing to be "judged" by all of these YES people. As usual, those on the Left tell those of us on the Right we must be more accepting of their Liberal views. They are not accepting of Christian views. You know, those pesky little ideas and beliefs that have been around for thousands of years. Those ideas we learned in Church and Sunday School classes.

Do not worry about what the Libs on the Left think !!! It will do us no good to be "Tolerant" of their Sins. Stick by your guns (you may need them considering the current administration) Say a prayer for the Sinners and always Hate the Sin.

Look at what happens when we speak the truth. Did anyone see how the GAY MAN Perez treated Miss California after he set her up with his "Loaded question on gay marriage" ? She answered in a very thoughtful way and it did no good.

No, these people are Godless and Sinful. We cannot trust them or give them an inch. Jesus Christ will return soon, let's pray for that day and stay true to our Father. "

Roscoe Canady wrote on Apr 23, 2009 4:46 PM:
" No, because God reconize a legal marriage between a man and a woman. If the law makes it legal between a man and a man or a woman and a woman the so be it, but it will not stand in the day of judgement. It is an abomination to God and the the soul that sin shall die. "

Robert L.Gibbs wrote on Apr 23, 2009 2:47 PM:
" No. Marriges should be kept between Man and Woman.Even tho it don't work all the time "

DONNA wrote on Apr 23, 2009 12:35 PM:
" No. If you believe in the Bible and God and His scriptures; you will know that this is wrong. I am personally tired of gay and lesbian people trying to push that filfth on the people of the world who know right from wrong. Keep it to yourselves behind closed doors!! "

Daniel wrote on Apr 23, 2009 11:58 AM:
" NO, absolutely not, our country and the world are going downhill fast enough without making gay marriage legal. To make gay marriage legal gives our children the impression that it is OK and normal to do this, IT IS NOT. Legal or not, gay people with have to deal with it on judgement day. "

BRIAN wrote on Apr 23, 2009 10:45 AM:
" NO ! LET THE GAY BE AS THAY MAY. BUT THERE UN GODLY WAYS HAVE NO PLACE IN THE LAW. "

Wanda Johnson wrote on Apr 23, 2009 10:38 AM:
" NO!! This is why our country is in the shape it is in now! People are falling away from God and the morals that we should have a s country. God has been take out of the school and some government officials are trying really hard to remove Him from the government. There should be no question!! WE THAT PROFESS TO BE CHRISTIANS, SHOULD FALL ON OUR KNEES DAILY AND PRAY FOR THIS COUNTRY AND IT'S LEADERS!! GOD WILL NOT CONTINUE TO BLESS THIS NATION AND ALL OF ITS IMMORALITY! WE READ IN THE BIBLE WHAT HAPPENED TO SODOM & GOMORRAH!! "

Mike wrote on Apr 23, 2009 9:27 AM:
" No, They don't need our sanction to live together, and I don't agree with giving them the benefits of a marriage. We need strong healthy families, that equates to a man and a woman raising thier children together. They have been working toward this goal for over 30 years, making the public think it is "normal" slowly trying to gain acceptance by pushing the agenda at the young children. Its unnatural and frankly disgusting to most heterosexuals. "

Bill wrote on Apr 23, 2009 9:23 AM:
" "NO"

The Gay Rights sinners will never be satisfied until they have completely destroyed Religion in this country.

Am I the only one who has paid attention to the steady Moral decline in this country? Our elected officials are making changes that I did not approve. Remember, THEY WORK FOR US !!!

In the Churches the Gay sinners have manipulated their way to the top leadership positions. How can we take religious direction from a person who is a Sinner without repent? Let's say these Gay Leaders were Thieves who have decided on their own that stealing is not a sin and they were going to continue to steal from us while giving us direction. How can we possibly have faith and at the same time pretend that we can "pick" and "choose" the teachings of the Bible?

We Christians are taught to Hate the Sin and Love the Sinner. I try to live my life that way. Of course that is never enough for the Sinners. They want to control what I feel and believe. That my friends sounds alot like Fascist, Socialist thinking. "

Debbie wrote on Apr 23, 2009 9:08 AM:
" No. Marriage is between a man and a woman. Gay marriage is going to come to be, along with alot more unholy things in these last days of our world as we know it....the bible speaks veey clearly of the sins of men[women] as our world comes to a close. Prayer for our souls should be on everyones to-do list!!!! "

Lisa June wrote on Apr 23, 2009 8:45 AM:
" No, I do not believe that "same sex marriage" should be legalized. Marriage is a right in this country & was created for man and woman. "

Thom Boger wrote on Apr 23, 2009 3:50 AM:
" Mankind is sinfull, and only thru the blood of CHRIST can find salvation. How many times does the Bible have to say that if a man lay with another man, or a woman with another that is is an abomination to the LORD., I guess thats ok though, they will have an eternity in HADES to enjoy their perversion. "

Ann wrote on Apr 22, 2009 8:02 PM:
" No. God said" thou shall not lie with one another". Gay people are always trying to force their way of life on us. It is wrong. You can try to justify it all you want but you are still wrong. Two people of the same sex are commiting a crime against nature. "

Elizabeth wrote on Apr 22, 2009 6:26 PM:
" No. I am a Christian, but don't get the idea that I am against gay people...I hate the sin, but I love the sinner. Marriages were taking place long before laws got involved; why were laws written to governm marriage anyway? Now that we've gotten ourselves into this mess, now we have to legally define marriage. It constitutes a holy covenant between a man and a woman in the sight of God. Period. Separation of church & state doesn't erase the fact that our nation was founded on Christian principles. I think our forefathers are turning over in their graves these days. As for gay men & women that want legal recognition, there are ways to get some legal protection, such as powers of attorney and such. Pretty soon it won't matter that a gay man or woman can't add his or her partner as a spouse to cover them with health insurance benefits or get survivor's benefits from VA/Social Security. As soon as socialism is in full effect, which will be very soon, I might add, we'll all have universal health coverage anyway. And we'll die before we get an appointment to see a specialist. "

Robert wrote on Apr 22, 2009 1:55 PM:
" Absolutely not. All the gays and lesbians want is to get taxpayer money and the same benefits as traditionally married couples-those involving a man and a woman. They are not really interested in being "married", they just feel entitled for their own selfish reasons. Live however you choose, but leave the rest of us out of your decisions. "

Linda wrote on Apr 22, 2009 11:08 AM:
" ABSOLUTELY NOT ! MARRIAGE IS SUPPOSED TO BE BETWEEN MAN AND WOMAN AS GOD INTENDED. "

Bill wrote on Apr 22, 2009 10:57 AM:
" "Absolutely NOT" Any Politician who tries to pass this "Abomination" to God will suffer the wrath of all Christians who actually bother to read the Bible!!!

New Hanover has such a Morally Bankrupt Politician and we all know who SHE is.

You LIBS just keep pushing. I am just one Conservative who has reached my breaking point and I will join with the 60 million voters who did not vote for BO to toss your sorry be-hinds out come 2010. "

BBQ wrote on Apr 24, 2009 2:09 AM:
" NO! NO! NO!
HAVE YOU READ YOUR BIBLE LATELY, BECAUSE MINE READS THAT GOD CREATED ADAM AND EVE, NOT ADAM AND STEVE, AND IF THERE ARE ANY OF YOU "CHRISTIANS" OUT THERE THAT DONT OPPOSE SUCH AN ABOMINATION THEN YOU WILL HAVE TO ANSWER FOR THAT ON JUDGEMENT DAY. ALSO IF YOU ARE A PROFESSING CHRISTIAN THAT MEANS YOU READ AND FOLLOW THE BIBLE AND IF YOU READ AND FOLLOW IT WOMAN WAS MADE FR MAN, NOT MAN FOR MAN OR WOMAN FOR WOMAN "

pbc wrote on Apr 24, 2009 6:21 AM:
" NO NO NO!!!!!!! Two men or two women being together is NASTY. I do not agree that people ear born gay. God didn't put you on this earth to make out with the same sex. This is why he created man and woman. Gay people need to go and jump off a bridge somewhere. You are an embarrasment to the human race. "

IFlipOut wrote on Apr 24, 2009 7:16 AM:
" No! I am in total distress over blind people who do not see the rapidly declining moral situation in this country....You have to open your eyes quickly and see we're on a downward spiral and very soon.....we shall be at the point of no return....If we're not already......There are other ways for gay people to attain the rights they're seeking.....I say go that route and leave the constitution of marriage alone.... "

Ewww wrote on Apr 24, 2009 12:00 PM:
" I'd rather poke my eyes out than see two men kissing. That's disgusting. "

pbc wrote on Apr 24, 2009 2:37 PM:
" Gays have no business on this earth. Men who like poo on there genitals and women who like to bump up against each others privates are sick. You sure as heck don't deserve to have kids. This is very detremental to children growing up. They go to school and kids pick on them. "

paul wrote on Apr 25, 2009 2:07 PM:
" VERY BRIEFLY NO! IF THE THOUGHT OF IT DOESN'T MAKE YOU SICK THEN YOU PROBABLY ARE ALREADY SICK.THE OLD FASHIONED WORD FOR HOMOSEXUALITY WAS PERVERSION. TO ME, THAT WORD STILL WORKS WELL , IT'S DESCRIPTIVE. I DON'T CARE WHAT THE MAJORITY THINKS! "

RIP Bea Arthur

2009-04-25T21:08:00.015-04:00

(Part 1 of 5, from Lifetime's Intimate Portrait. This video from Youtube runs just over 7 minutes. It will give you a brief idea of Bea Arthur's career. For the remaining parts to this show, you can search Youtube.)

My heart is broken once again with the passing of Bea Arthur. She has brought so many years of laughter into my life. For me it started in 1971 with her guest appearance as Edith's liberal cousin, Maude, in All in the Family. This role, soon after, led to the casting of Bea as the lead of the 1970s hit sitcom, Maude. As a young child I used to stay up with my parents to watch this show, even though it dealt with very mature subject matter most of the time. I believe it was the first prime-time show to deal with the topic of abortion.

Later in life Bea Arthur struck gold again with another hit comedy show, The Golden Girls (1985-1992). Starring with an ensemble cast, Bea played the role of Dorothy, an outspoken, domineering woman, always the butt of the "homely woman" joke. Her character Dorothy, often played opposite of her on-screen mother, Sofia, played by the late, great Estelle Getty. I will continue to watch her in re-runs of The Golden Girls if Lifetime (or another network) brings it back. I have literally seen each episode hundreds of times and I still laugh out loud. It never gets old to me. As a side-note, Marc Cherry, the creator and writer of Desperate Housewives, used to produce and write for The Golden Girls.

I was lucky enough to see Bea Arthur live, in her one-woman show, at a small theater in Miami only a few years ago. She was one funny woman.

Family Values Vlog Worth Checking Out on Youtube

2009-04-23T19:00:00.005-04:00

I highly recommend checking out this vlog, Gay Familie Values, on Youtube, created by a loving family determined to prove that same-sex families live and love like anyone else. Jay and Bryan have made some wonderful videos documenting their day-to-day lives with their two beautiful children. They've had a lot of support from the blogosphere, but they've also had some horrible comments from evil scum. Check them out and send some love their way.

Response From New York Senator on Same-sex Marriage Bill

2009-04-23T14:47:00.025-04:00

On April 15th, just one day before Governor Paterson announced he would introduce a same-sex marriage bill, I sent an email to my New York State Representatives asking them to support this important legislation.

Today I received a response from one of them, New York State Senator, Thomas Duane, a gay rights activist himself. See my original email and his response below. Toward the end of Senator Duane's email, you will find links to important organizations, working hard to help get this legislation passed in New York. Please check them out and support them in whatever way possible.

SUBJECT: Please Support Same-sex Marriage Bill

Dear Senator Duane,

I am aware that you are an advocate for gay rights and same-sex marriage. I am writing to express my support for you with the hope that you will continue to speak out and support the legislation to legalize same-sex marriage, being introduced by Governor Paterson tomorrow. I also ask that you speak to your colleagues in the State Senate to encourage them to also vote for the upcoming marriage equality bill.

It is very important that all of New Yorkers are equally protected under the law.

In a recent Quinnipiac poll 41% of New Yorkers said they support gay marriage, while another 33% support civil unions. With nearly 75% of all New Yorkers supporting some type of legal protection for same-sex couples, now is the time to deliver what the majority of your constituents support.

I am forever grateful to live in a state which would consider and ultimately pass equal rights protection for all of its citizens. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Senator Duane's Response:
Thank you for taking the time to write to me in support of Governor Paterson’s marriage equality bill, which I’m pleased to tell you I introduced in the State Senate yesterday (Bill # S4401) with 19 co-sponsors.

As you may know, I was the first New York State Legislator to introduce a same-sex marriage bill back in 2001 and have been a vocal and vociferous fighter for its passage ever since. I am passionate about getting the bill passed – and passed this year.

There has been a great deal of media coverage about the Governor’s introduction of a same-sex marriage bill and my role in securing its passage. In case you missed it, I have pasted below a recent op-ed by New York Daily News columnist Errol Louis that is both particularly informative and reflective of my personal conviction on this issue. (Follow the above link to read the editorial)

Your email demonstrates your commitment to ensuring marriage equality in New York State , and I urge you to take additional steps in the coming weeks towards that end. While registration is now closed for Empire State Pride Agenda’s Equality & Justice Day in Albany on April 28, if you visit Empire State Pride Agenda you can sign up for the organization’s email alerts on how you can help in the marriage equality fight. Marriage Equality New York and the Human Rights Campaign are among other key organizations doing considerable organizing throughout the state to pass our marriage equality bill.

Again, thank you for your e-mail and your efforts to secure same-sex civil marriage in New York State.

Sincerely,

New York State Senator Thomas K. Duane
322 Eighth Avenue, Suite 1700
New York, NY 10001
(212) 633-8052

Miss California Puts her Foot in her Mouth

2009-04-21T07:56:00.033-04:00

I'm a little late in weighing in on the Miss USA 2009 contestant flap, but I thought I would add my two cents anyway. Everyone is buzzing about Carrie Prejean, Miss California 2009 and her answer to a question about same-sex marriage. Yes, I was offended, however, I think the biggest gaff was during her post interview with Billy Bush where she basically outed her military officer, sister.

On Sunday night, my partner and I tuned in to The Miss USA pageant. The TV was actually on in the background and we weren't paying too close attention to the show. It just so happens we were adjusting some cables on the television set when Miss California got her question asking her views on same-sex marriage. It seemed as if she were going to take a somewhat neutral position at first as she started to form her answer. She rambled something about being able to choose in this country, but then it was almost as if something clicked in her head and she took a sudden turn toward the "politically correct" answer, that marriage should be between one man and one woman. I say "politically correct" because the majority of Americans do not support same-sex marriage.

Bill and I stood at the television set with our mouths wide open. "What did she just say?" I asked. Thankfully for DVR functionality, we were able to rewind and listen to her response again. OK, I'm not too upset by her personal views. This is a free country and she is entitled to her opinion. I'm more dismayed at how she answered the question. She stood there and took the road of superiority, answering the controversial question with a controversial answer. There really was no compassion expressed as she stated her beliefs. The closest she came to compassion is when she said something about, "no offense to anyone" after stating how she felt about it. Well, come on, of course she offended millions of people by her answer.

As a contestant and potential Miss USA winner, she is representing America, not just straight America. The best way for her to have answered the question would have been to say something about respecting all individuals and their rights and add that it is not her place to judge others or to decide that others should not be treated equally. She would not have had to voice her personal opinion, and in effect not offend millions of people, and at the same time she could have stayed true to her beliefs.

By stating the majority view that marriage should be between one man and one woman, she is basically saying, just like countless others in our country, that it's OK to to feel superior and have the power to deny a minority their civil rights. In other words, bigotry is fine by me.

Sister Act
Miss California's biggest gaff was when she was interviewed by Billy Bush afterward, where she was complaining that her answer to the same-sex marriage question cost her the Miss USA crown, but she still felt like the winner. During this interview, Miss California said that her sister is a second lieutenant in the Air Force and a gay rights activist. Then she quickly stated that her sister is not gay.

Hello? I don't know a single straight person who considers themselves a straight gay-rights activist. Supporter of gay rights maybe, but not an activist. There's a huge difference. So although she made a point of stating that her sister is not gay, she basically just outed her sister. OK, this is not the first time someone might have inadvertently done something like that, but this kind of thing can have major consequences to gays in the military. Perhaps Miss California never heard of the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy. Hundreds of people every year are kicked out of the military for being gay, under this discriminatory rule. By opening her mouth further, and defending herself in a public forum, she not only continues the controversy but also risks her sister's military career. Quite frankly, this person really has no business being Miss USA. She should have learned how to conduct herself in public before throwing herself into the limelight. I feel that the panel of judges made the right decision by crowning Miss North Carolina.

Progressives Could Save the GOP's Future

2009-04-20T16:29:00.026-04:00

It's no secret that the Republican party is in the midst of an identity crisis. While Rush Limbaugh and Michael Steele struggle to be the voices of the GOP something incredible is happening, a younger generation of Republican is emerging, the Progressive Republican. This new generation within the party tends to be more inclusive and non-judgemental, no longer catering to the right-wing base of the party made up of primarily Southern, evangelical, white men. In the words of Meghan McCain, old school Republicans are scared shitless of a future in which America succeeds, and moves on to the future and not lives in to the past.

Just recently, two unlikely Republicans came out in favor of same-sex marriage, John McCain's former campaign manager, Steve Schmidt and none other than the maverick's daughter herself, Meghan McCain.

Both spoke at a Log Cabin Republican event this weekend. Log Cabin Republicans, are a conservative gay rights group. In his speech, Steve Schmidt said, "It cannot be argued that marriage between people of the same sex is un-American or threatens the rights of others".

Last month, Meghan McCain was interviewed by Larry King where she took the opportunity to voice her support of same-sex marriage and a woman's right to choose. Although she said she was personally pro-life, she also said "...I'm not going to judge someone that's pro-choice. It is not my place to judge other people and what they do with their body."

I actually find myself excited about Meghan McCain. She is someone I can really respect, quite simply, because she is respectful of others. Hopefully, this new generation of Progressive Republicans becomes a movement, and in time not just a couple of "mavericks" passing through town and into oblivion. Check out this short clip from Larry King on CNN, which aired last month.

Jeb Bush Flying in Coach?

2009-04-17T09:28:00.009-04:00

Happy Friday! Here's a short and sweet anecdote about our former Governor of Florida, Jeb Bush. For those of you that aren't aware, my partner and I live in both Florida and New York (in case you've noticed me discussing my representatives in New York lately. So I'm really not completely confused).

Two nights ago, Bill was preparing to fly down to Miami, from New York, when he called me from the American Airlines gate at La Guardia. He was very excited to let me know that Jeb Bush was about to board the same flight, yes the brother of former President, "W". Luckily, Bill had been upgraded to first class, as he sometimes is due to his high volume of frequent flying with American.

Apparently Jeb Bush was assigned to coach class. He had requested an upgrade, but was second on the list. While still out at the gate, some business men greeted Jeb with hugs, as if they had been friends for years, calling him by his first name, etc. But as his "friends" were preboarding to the first class cabin, Bill overheard them talking behind Jeb's back and poking fun that he would be flying in coach. Poor guy!

As the remainder of passengers boarded the plane, Jeb walked right passed Bill, comfortably tucked in his first class seat, and headed to the coach cabin. It seemed as if times were really tough for everyone. But then, just before take-off, Jeb was asked by a flight attendant if he wanted to move into first class. With that Jeb made his way up to the premiere cabin and sat just behind Bill. I guess privilege does have its perks.

Is New York Next for Same-sex Marriage?

2009-04-15T07:59:00.033-04:00

Will New York be next in passing same-sex marriage? Probably not. Of course I don't have a crystal ball, and anything it seems, is possible. Whether it happens next or this year is yet to be seen, however, that will not stop our courageous Governor, David Paterson, from introducing the legislation this week.

David Paterson has many critics and many of them feel that he is basically an ineffectual leader for the state of New York. We are at a time when many other issues also need to be addressed and David Paterson has now chosen to tackle this important issue of equality. Those critics, although not terribly vocal in opposition to same-sex marriage, question his timing.

It also seems that the Democratically controlled State Senate does not have enough support to pass the legislation this year. So many wonder why David Paterson would force the issue now. I for one, applaud our Governor for taking a strong stand on this issue. He had mentioned many times in the past how strongly he feels about the subject, citing his family's friendly relationship with a gay couple while he was growing up.

New York is long overdue to have marriage equality for all of its citizens. It's amazing that a blue state with a long history of tolerance and its "cutting edge" reputation would lag so far behind other states in its recognition of legal equality for gay and lesbian residents. What many don't understand is that outside of Manhattan, in upstate New York, the views are much more conservative than those in the city. New York is a rather rural state with lots of farmland and open spaces. Along with that sparse geography comes much resistance to the more liberal attitudes of those living downstate.

David Paterson is one of a few leaders that truly understands the importance of equality for all citizens. There should be no other larger issue for a state based on its country's defining principle. America's history of equality has been evolving from its inception as an independent country. The U.S. was founded on the very notion of freedom and equality. Without these unalienable rights, what would we have?

In general most New Yorkers agree that same-sex couples should have some form of legal protection for their relationships. In a new poll conducted by Quinnipiac, 41% of New Yorkers support gay marriage and another 33% support civil unions. That is an astounding 74%, almost three-quarters of New York residents are in favor of legal recognition and protection for same-sex couples.

Now is the time to contact your New York State Representative to let him/her know how important it is to pass marriage equality legislation. Timing is everything, and right now we have a willing Governor to sign this legislation into law. It's right at our fingertips. Shame on our legislators if they let this opportunity slip out of their hands. Link to the New York State Senate website for a list of State Senators and their email addresses. If they understand that New Yorkers are behind this important legislation, some might (should) feel obligated to support the measure of same-sex marriage.

Editorial Response to A Gathering Storm

2009-04-13T15:47:00.010-04:00

THIS IS A QUEST EDITORIAL: The opinions expressed here are my own personal beliefs based, in part, on current and historical facts.

This is in response to an earlier post, The Politics of Fear and Same-sex Marriage, published on April 9, 2009.

Gathering Storm Auditions

2009-04-10T12:19:00.007-04:00

UPDATE: Unfortunately, NOM had this video removed from Youtube citing copyright infringement. If you never had the opportunity to see it, it's a shame because it was quite funny.

This is a follow-up to yesterday's post, The Politics of Fear and Same-sex Marriage.

I guess this kind of takes the wind out of their sails. This is too hilarious. If nothing else, this might give you a good laugh. Enjoy. Oh, and beware of the "rainbow collision".

The Politics of Fear and Same-Sex Marriage

2009-04-09T21:04:00.028-04:00

When a political group uses fear to scare people into persuading them to support its cause, it's only because it lacks justification for its reasoning. The National Organization for Marriage (NOM), is desperate because it can see the writing on the wall. There has been a turning point in this country, no matter how slowly, and it's only a matter of time until same-sex marriage is more common throughout the United States.

The Bush administration was also a huge proponent of using the politics of fear. They too had no justification for many of their decisions, including the Iraq War. And so what did they do? They scared the public into believing their propaganda. Remember when we had terror threat level warnings flash across our television screens telling us when we should be fearful, and just how fearful we should be? The red level was the highest threat, followed by orange, etc. New York stayed at a constant orange level for many years. But did you also notice that after George W. Bush was reelected, the terror warning levels disappeared from our television sets? Think about it. He didn't need to scare us anymore because he had already gotten what he wanted, his reelection.

The same is true for NOM. They are using lies and scare tactics to get the public on their side. This television ad is running in several states, including New York and New Jersey. The reason, because they estimate that these states are some of many which are considering same-sex marriage next. Their tactic, scare the people and have them put pressure on their elected officials.

The truth is that same-sex marriage does not threaten any one's heterosexual marriage or relationship. If the marriage to my same-sex partner threatens your marriage or destroys the institution itself, then there is a much larger problem at hand. If your heterosexual marriage is that fragile, what does that say about you?

NOM has spent millions of dollars on this ad in an attempt to derail future same-sex marriage laws. Instead of spending so much money on baseless ads such as this, they should spend the money on promoting the benefits of marriage (straight or gay) and create ads that are against divorce (the real threat to marriage).

Our country is in the midst of dealing with a severe recession, two wars and a debilitating health care system. Americans want these problems resolved, not false distractions. Just as the rest of America finally came around and rejected the fear mongering of the Bush administration, so too will there be a backlash eventually on NOM's fear based propaganda. Quite frankly, I think the majority of America is rather tired of being scared into action, even if their opinions on same-sex marriage haven't yet caught up with doing the right thing.

Same-sex marriage is about civil marriage and obtaining the same legal rights and responsibilities as heterosexual marriage. That's it. It's not about forcing religions to accept or perform these unions. Although, some might have you believe differently.

One more thought: A majority group should never be allowed to limit the rights of a minority. If this were the American way, we would still have slaves and Jews (and gays) would still be imprisoned and killed in concentration camps. Think about what true equality means.

Vermont Passes Gay Marriage Despite Veto

2009-04-07T16:50:00.021-04:00

Today Vermont became the fourth state to allow same-sex marriage, but the first to enact the law by legislative vote, in spite of the Republican Governor, Jim Douglas' veto when the bill reached his desk. Fortunately, the legislative system in our country works and today is the proof. Vermont's State Senate over-rode Governor Douglas' veto by an amazing vote of 23 - 5. The State House met the minimum two-thirds over-ride with a vote of 100 - 49.

This action is an amazing beginning. As I had stated in an earlier post on same-sex marriage in Iowa, the train has left the station and there's no turning back. There is a slow but steady movement in our country to make a wrong right for many thousands of gay and lesbian couples that have been denied the equal protection which civil marriage laws provide.

Civil unions are permitted for same-sex couples in New Hampshire, and New Jersey while California, Oregon, Washington and the District of Columbia offer a much more limited legal benefit of domestic partnership. New York prohibits same-sex marriage, but will legally recognize it for those married in other states or countries (as Bill and I did).

The gay community still has many hurdles to over-come. The California Supreme Court decision on proposition 8 is still pending and unfortunately doesn't look very promising; although, at the rate things are going we might be unexpectedly surprised. I'm still not holding my breath on that one.

The other side of today's victory is the constitutional amendments banning same-sex marriage in 29 other states. And remember the Federal government does not recognize same-sex marriage. DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) prohibits states from having to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states (President Obama had pledged to over-turn DOMA while campaigning for President). Hopefully, President Obama will make good on his promise and work with Congress to undo that federal legislation.

Shame on Governor Douglas for imposing his personal belief system on his duties to represent all of his citizens, gay or straight. But congratulations to the residents of Vermont, especially the gay community, for having a fair minded and progressive body of representatives.

DIRECTV Doesn't Live up to Its Customer Promise

2009-04-07T15:15:00.014-04:00

DIRECTV Customer Promise: (from DIRECTV.com)

We strive to deliver the best television experience for you every day. Committed to the principles of honesty and integrity, our employees are determined to provide you with prompt, courteous and excellent service. We promise to do our best to resolve any issues that might arise as quickly as possible. And we will continue to develop the unique, innovative programming and services that you have come to expect and enjoy from DIRECTV.

UPDATE: Please note the update at the bottom of this post. (4/8/2009)

Unfortunately, DIRECTV does not live up to its promise. After having technical difficulties for a full eight days, the problem with two of my DIRECTV DVRs persists. When I called DIRECTV customer service, a supervisor, identifying himself as "Steve", refused to credit my account for the full period of interrupted service, because I had called to report the problem on the second day of interrupted service. I have only asked for one additional day of credit to my account, so far to no avail. Luckily, I have a public platform to voice my dissatisfaction. Below is a copy of the letter I am mailing to DIRECTV, expressing my disappointment over their poor customer service and credit policy. I thought I would share this with anyone that might be interested in being treated as a valuable customer. Enjoy!

April 7, 2009

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the way an issue was resolved when I spoke with a supervisor today. The supervisor I spoke with said his name was Steve from Oregon, although he would not provide any further information to identify himself (not his last name or employee ID number, etc.). We were discussing a credit to my account for a still unresolved technical issue with two of my DIRECTV DVR receivers.

Previously to speaking with Steve, I had spoken to two very nice and professional representatives. The representative just prior to Steve, had agreed to credit my account for interrupted service to my programming for 7 days. When I explained that my problem had actually been for 8 days, the representative said she would not be able to credit my account for the full 8 days because I had called to report the problem on the second day (and not the first day I had encountered the problem).

I very kindly asked to speak to a supervisor and I was connected to Steve. He explained that the computer software would not allow him to credit me for the additional day because the billing system checks for the day the original call was placed to DIRECTV and will only credit the account from that day forward. I questioned if he could manually over-ride the system to credit my account for the additional day and he said the system would not allow that. I then expressed that I doubted that the DIRECTV billing system would dictate billing policy, but should probably be the other way around, allowing for a manual over-ride.

He became extremely defensive and took an unpleasant tone. He then accused me of questioning his integrity. His integrity may very well be intact, however, I am dissatisfied with the way in which he spoke to me and also dissatisfied with the outcome of my credit request. Regardless of the amount of the potential credit, if I did not receive the service for which I had paid, I should have a credit for the full amount (the entire 8 days up to this point).

If the DIRECTV billing system does not, indeed, allow for a manual over-ride to credit an account then I imagine you would have many more dissatisfied customers, if they were forced to pay for services never received, as in my case.

My only request is that my technical issue be resolved, and I receive credit to my account for the full period of interrupted service of my programming (as stated before, my technical issue still has not been resolved). I would also hope that Steve, as a supervisor, would be better trained to respond in a more professional manner; and, I ask that he treat me as he would any other valued customer, with the utmost respect, as I had treated him during our conversation.

Please see the attached DIRECTV Customer Promise (as stated on the DIRECTV website). Unfortunately, I feel as if DIRECTV has not lived up to its promise. I look forward to hearing from someone soon to help me resolve this problem to my satisfaction. Thank you for your attention in this matter.

Sincerely,

Frank S.

UPDATE: (4/8/2009)
It's just amazing what speaking with the right person can do to resolve an issue with a consumer services company. This morning I called DIRECTV again to give them an update on my technical problem, as requested by a representative yesterday. As of this morning my technical issue had not been resolved. After having another pleasant conversation with a customer service representative, I was once again transferred to a supervisor to receive help with resolving my problem.

The supervisor I spoke with today, not only took a proactive stance to help resolve my issue by scheduling a technician to come out to my house, but also went further. She made a note for the technician to bring two replacement DVR receivers in case they might be needed (of course at no cost to me). The supervisor then apologized for my technical troubles and also apologized for my conversation yesterday with Steve, the supervisor from Oregon.

It turns out that Steve, the supervisor from Oregon, does not have his integrity intact, after all, as I had suspected. According to the lovely supervisor I spoke with today, they do have "leeway" and the authority to over-ride the billing system to allow for a discretionary credit; this was in complete contradiction with what I was told yesterday by Steve. Within two seconds of me explaining the situation, the new supervisor had given me a discretionary credit of $15 on top of the credit I had already received. She did this just to make things right with me and to make me a happy customer. Had Steve done this for me yesterday, I would have been satisfied and never would have mailed the letter as stated above.

As a side note, I was discussing with a friend the other day that I had seen a segment on a news program regarding resolution tactics when dealing with a company. The advice was that you should always try to deal with a female representative (or supervisor in this case). It turns out that females are more likely to find a satisfactory resolution to your problem than a male. And in this case it turned out to be true. Without question, the female supervisor took action to resolve my problem, apologized and then compensated me for my trouble. While yesterday Steve did nothing but challenge and resist me.

As of today my technical problem still persists, however, by Friday I should be up and running again after the technician comes to my home. The moral of this story is, keep calling back until you speak with the right person (and in this case it turned out to be a female).

Same-Sex Marriage: And Iowa Makes Three

2009-04-03T19:11:00.025-04:00

Today the Iowa State Supreme Court ruled that the state's ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional. The ruling now puts to rest the legal battle of Varnum v. Brien, when in 2005 gay couples sued the Polk County Recorder for denying them marriage licenses. See my original post, from September 7, 2007, Same-Sex Marriage in Iowa is Legal.

With Iowa on board, it is now legal for same-sex couples to marry in three U.S. states, including Massachusetts and Connecticut. The decision announced this morning, was completely unanimous and will permit same-sex marriages in as little as 21 days from now.

According to the New York Times, "Same-sex marriages will be permitted in Iowa for at least two years, because the legislative process required to overturn the ruling would take that long. A constitutional amendment would require the state legislature to approve a ban on same-sex marriage in two consecutive sessions after which voters would have a chance to weigh in. Despite opposition to the ruling by Republican lawmakers, Democrats, who control the legislature, have given no indication that they intend to introduce such an amendment."

Unlike what happened in California, after that state's Supreme Court also ruled that its same-sex marriage ban was unconstitutional, it doesn't look likely that the Iowa legislature will move forward in an attempt to undo this ruling anytime soon.

We are still awaiting California's Supreme Court ruling on the latest round out there. And, although that pending decision does not look too promising, we are slowly witnessing history unfold before our eyes. Little by little, same-sex couples are gaining equality through civil marriage protection. I believe that this movement today toward equal protection in Iowa is a true bellwether of what is destined to happen eventually throughout our country. This is a train that has left the station and cannot be stopped. Because if equality for same-sex couples can happen in a conservative state such as Iowa, then it's only a matter of time for other states to follow suit.

According to the Des Moines Register, Richard Socarides, a former senior advisor to President Clinton on gay civil rights, said that today’s decision could mean as much to gay couples outside Iowa as to couples in the state.

“I think it’s significant because Iowa is considered a Midwest state in the mainstream of American thought,” Socarides, said. “Unlike states on the coasts, there’s nothing more American than Iowa. As they say during the presidential caucuses, ‘As Iowa goes, so goes the nation.’”

Tonight, I celebrate a major victory in same-sex marriage equality as we take a small step forward in the gay civil rights movement. I will go to bed with a smile on my face and satisfaction in my heart, knowing that in the long-run, my country will do the right thing. I really know today, what it means to be a proud American.

To read the full 69 page Iowa Supreme Court opinion, or to read an official summary, link over to Supreme Court Ruling and select the summary (pdf) or full opinion (pdf).

Perpetuating the Gay Stereotype

2009-03-09T17:30:00.037-04:00

I caught an episode of Oprah last Friday March 6, 2009. It was one of her View style formatted shows, where Oprah sits around a table with a panel to discuss current topics (nothing is original anymore, not even from Oprah). Her usual panel includes Oprah (of course), Ali Wentworth (George Stephanopoulos's wife), Mark Consuelos (cute as a bug, but I'm not sure why he is there), and Gayle King (Oprah's ever annoying BFF). I'm not a religious viewer, but I do tend to like Oprah and her show.

I must say that after watching that program, I have been bothered ever since. My gripe isn't with Oprah as much as it is with the annoying BFF, Gayle. During the segment, in which Oprah introduced her new puppy to America, Gayle made a seemingly innocent comment about her own dog being gay. I believe it was Oprah who asked, "how do you know your dog is gay?" And to that Gayle answered, "he is girly." Oprah then responded something to the effect of, "only in the nicest way". What is so nice about a stereotypical caricature of being gay? A passing comment, of that nature, between friends is really not a big deal, at least to me; however, when one is broadcasting her opinion across the world to millions and millions of viewers, one has a certain responsibility.

Some might think that I'm being a little too sensitive on this topic, and if the truth be known I mulled this over and over in my head all weekend long but I kept coming back to one truth: Of all people, Gayle King, as a black woman, should be more attuned to the sensitivities of stereotyping. Many of us have heard stereotypes of African Americans, Jewish people, Polish, blonds, and of course gay men and women, just to name a few. Everyone knows the damage that these generalizations can create. Certainly Gayle King knows what damage a stereotype can inflict on someone. If it had been a passing comment from anyone else that day regarding a black stereotype, Oprah's show would have come to a screeching halt for Oprah to address it.

Since her show did not come to a screeching halt that day, then I'll address it. Here's the danger with the comment made by Gayle, first of all the stereotype is off base. For as many different homosexuals there are in the world, there are as many different types of people. We come in all different packages; and yes, some of us are "girly" but for as many that are effeminate, there are equally as many that are more masculine than many of the straight men that I know. We are athletes, doctors, lawyers, dentists, gardeners, garbage collectors, contractors, pilots, and U.S. military officers as well as florists, hair stylists and fashion designers. We are black, white, Christian, Jewish, old, young, rich, poor, strong, weak, able bodied and disabled. We are your brothers and sisters, neighbors and friends.

Keep in mind, young gay boys and girls are picked on and beaten and sometimes killed everyday, just for being gay or for being perceived as being gay or simply for being slightly "girly".

I understand Gayle was talking about her dog; and in the animal kingdom homosexuality does exist. When animals such as penguins and dogs nest together and have sex with the same gender then that might be a clue; however, being "girly" doesn't equate with being gay, not for animals or for humans. As long as stereotypes are perpetuated, the struggle for human equality and the struggle to keep our effeminate friends from physical harm will endure.

Wake up Gayle and Oprah. Own up to your responsibility. Live, think and speak consciously, in the style of Oprah's usual mantra.

Finally, Embryonic Stem Cell Restrictions Lifted

2009-03-07T10:01:00.023-05:00

We have suffered enough, literally, over the last eight years through the Bush administration's policy on embryonic stem cell research. Finally on Monday our new, more progressive President, Barack Obama, will lift the restrictions on the use of embryonic stem cell research in federally funded experiments. After wasting time for so many years on potentially critical scientific breakthroughs, our country can get to work on searching for cures to thousands of devastating illnesses including cancer, Parkinson's and Muscular Dystrophy. This new policy is to the chagrin of many conservative critics; and to them I say, too bad!

In 2001, President George W. Bush barred federal funding for research on nearly all embryonic stem cells, significantly restricting the progress of potential medical advancement. Many conservative supporters of President Bush's policy praised his decision in the name of protecting unborn human embryos. Their justification was completely misguided. The embryos, in question, are derived from fertility clinics which would have destroyed the embryos anyway when they were no longer needed for their purposes. It is also a contradiction to claim protection of an unborn embryo knowing that many living, breathing people suffer and die every day with no promise of a cure to their disease.

In a 2005 CBS news poll, the majority of Americans, 58%, approved of medical research using embryonic stem cells. During his campaign for Presidency, Barack Obama pledged to lift the restrictions of using embryonic stem cells in medical research. In November 2008, our country overwhelmingly voted President Obama into office knowing where he stands on this issue as well as many others. Now on Monday, President Obama will make good on his promise and finally lift the restrictions obstructing advancement in medical science.

Although there is no guarantee of a single cure, the doors are swinging wide open to the possibility. This change in policy gives hope to many people suffering from chronic, debilitating and deadly diseases. To President Obama's socially conservative critics that are complaining about the "moral" consequences, I say now it's our turn to have policy work for us. Social conservatives are in the minority on this topic and they will have to sit by and wait it out just like we did for eight years while science stayed behind in the dark ages. Unfortunately, many people that suffer from incurable diseases will not survive to see a cure for their illnesses because of the delay in this important scientific work. Now think of the hope this new policy will give to those of us who live, breathe and struggle everyday waiting for relief. The ball is now in the hands of the scientists. Thankfully, it's a new day for us.

Regent Media Audio Interview

2009-03-06T11:30:00.006-05:00

Charlotte Robinson, at OUTTAKE VOICES™, recently interviewed Stephen Macias, the Executive Vice President & General Manager at Regent Media. Regent Media is the parent company of many well known name brands in the LGBT media market such as: The Advocate, Out, and here! TV.

In her NPR style interviews, Charlotte highlights important figures in the LGBT community. In her latest audio interview, she speaks with Mr. Macias about a variety of timely topics from President Obama to Sean Penn's Oscar acceptance speech, for his role in Milk.

Link to the interview here by clicking on OUTTAKE VOICES™, Regent Media interview and listen to Mr. Macias' enthusiastic, yet humble take on current LGBT issues.

California's Proposition 8: A 21st Century Sham

2009-03-02T09:40:00.045-05:00

The legal challenges to California's Proposition 8 have finally made their way to the state's Supreme Court. This week California's chief justices will hear arguments for and against overturning the voter approved anti-gay marriage change to that state's constitution. The California Supreme Court will then have 90 days to make its ruling. Will the Court once again allow same-sex couples to marry? Will 18,000 same-sex marriages become invalidated? Will same-sex marriage become the first legally sanctioned financial sham in the 21st Century, where California collected money for something it will not deliver on?

Earlier last year, California's highest court had ruled that it was unconstitutional to deny gay couples the same marriage rights as heterosexual couples. After that ruling 18,000 gay couples paid marriage license fees, planned their weddings, spent a lot of money on the usual items and exercised their new right to exchange nuptials in California. My partner, Bill, and I were among those that were lucky enough to wed before the November 4th election overturned that newly won legal right.

I don't think anyone has denied that those 18,000 same-sex marriages generated a lot of revenue, not only for the state of California but also for many businesses across the United States. If Proposition 8 had never passed, that revenue would have only just been the beginning. It has been estimated that California could have generated more than $63.8 million dollars in revenue, over the next three years, just on same-sex marriages alone. Proposition 8 put a screeching halt to that potential revenue.

Now California's Supreme Court has the power to either uphold Proposition 8 or overturn it. With that decision will also come another ruling to either invalidate those 18,000 marriages or allow them to remain valid. Of course their decision will have nothing to do with economics, but their decision could present California with an awkward dilemma. Should the state return the fees it previously collected for marriage licenses and ceremonies if those 18,000 marriages are deemed invalid? I, for one, would demand a refund.

My partner and I paid $67 for our marriage license and another $94 for our marriage ceremony performed by the court in San Francisco. We spent a total of $161 on just these fees alone. This, of course, does not include the thousands of dollars we spent in California on hotel, tourism, and restaurants. We also spent additional money on clothing and air fare and thousands more on a wedding reception back in New York. After all was said and done, we racked up a bill of just under $20,000. This price tag does not include the thousands and thousands of dollars in expenses that our guests spent on their trips to New York to attend our wedding reception. As one can imagine, the total revenue spent on just our wedding alone was significant. Now multiply that figure by 18,000 couples and their guests. I would say that the state of California, as well as local and national businesses, benefited greatly from what could ultimately become another financial sham in the 21st century.

At the very least, each of the 18,000 couples spent $67 on marriage license fees. When this figure is multiplied out, it totals $1.2 million dollars collected by the state of California. If the ceremony fees are calculated in, it could add as much as another $1.7 million dollars for a total of $2.9 million dollars. Is California willing to refund these fees for legally sanctioned weddings that could ultimately be voided out? My guess is, no. I am also certain that the businesses that benefited from these weddings won't refund our money either. If these 18,000 same-sex marriages are ultimately deemed invalid, they will be declared to have never existed. So I suppose it would all have been just a dream. Try telling that to our bank account.

If you are one of the 18,000 couples that married in California last year, pay close attention to the decisions that will be handed down from that high court in the next few months. If the 18,000 marriages are declared invalid, I urge you to petition the State of California for a total and complete refund.

Ro Gets a Shout-out

2009-01-09T20:26:00.016-05:00

Anne Hathaway received a Critics' Choice Award for her role in Rachel Getting Married, in which she played a recovering addict responsible for her younger brother's death. Rosemarie Dewitt, a friend of mine, co-starred in the film as Rachel (Anne Hathaway's on-screen sister). While accepting her award, Anne Hathaway gave a special mention to Rosemarie (a.k.a. Ro).

I first met Ro at the Blue Moon, a gay bar and restaurant, in Rehoboth Beach Delaware about seventeen years ago. I was with one of my best friends, David, and we were feeling rather festive that evening when we noticed two cute girls across the room. He suggested we go over to introduce ourselves to the "cute lesbians". So we did. We had a lot of fun speaking with them and kept in touch throughout the years. David, true to his personality, did the better job of keeping in touch and speaks with them more than I but none-the-less, I'm very proud of the work Ro has done. Even more importantly, Ro is a good egg. Oh and by the way, neither Ro nor her friend are gay. They just happened to wander into the Blue Moon that night because of the overly-exuberant crowd.

Before Ro made it in Hollywood she waited tables at various restaurants in Rehoboth Beach during her summer vacations while at college. She also worked as a bartender at Boxers, a West Village bar and grill, in New York City. When I lived in the Village many years ago, we would go in regularly to visit with her. She always took very good care of us.

Ro with Anne Hathaway

Ro's other roles include: Charmaine, in United States of Tara, a series currently on Showtime starring Toni Collette; Midge, in Mad Men; Emily Lehman, in Standoff; Sara Wilson, in Cinderella Man (a true story about Ro's grandfather, Jimmy Braddock, the fighter) starring Russell Crowe; and Fern, in Sex and the City.

Deborah Harry Performed for Private Louis Vuitton Event

2009-01-09T12:07:00.020-05:00

Photo Courtesy of Bill

Last night Louis Vuitton hosted three "by invitation only" parties to celebrate the launch of their new, limited edition, Stephen Sprouse designed Monogram Rose and Monogram Graffiti handbags. Originally designed in 2001 through a collaboration between Marc Jacobs and Stephen Sprouse, the handbags feature two designs that had never been released until now. Deitch Gallery held a Sprouse retrospective coinciding with the Louis Vuitton event. The luxury retailer's SOHO store, located in Manhattan, will exclusively carry the handbags for the first month. Other worldwide Louis Vuitton locations will then also carry the merchandise.

Photo Courtesy of Bill

Bowery Ballroom, an intimate venue on New York City's east side, was selected for the after-party. The stage was centered in a room decked out in specially designed neon. Deborah Harry, of Blondie fame, performed five of her classic hits. As I listened to the concert via Bill's cell phone, she was still on top of her game. Although the sound faded in and out, it was almost as if I was right there -- not. I am bummed because I had high hopes of crashing the party courtesy of Bill. Unfortunately I never worked it out, instead I stayed behind in Miami.

Bill, on the other hand, was chosen to work the VIP lounge escorting celebrities and rubbing shoulders. Some famous faces included Marc Jacobs, Tatum O'neal, Brook Shields, Patricia Field, Russell Simmons, Benicio Del Turo, Molly Simms, and Donna Karan as well as many super-models.

'Tis the Season (repost from Dec. 17, 2007)

2008-12-22T19:21:00.002-05:00

Do You Want to Throw a Shoe at Bush?

2008-12-22T09:50:00.006-05:00

I know this is in bad taste, but it didn't take long for someone to create a shoe tossing game with President Bush in mind (as the target). As disturbing as it was to have an Iraqi reporter throw his shoes at our President, I must say I did take some guilty pleasure in the incident. If you'd like to have a try at tossing shoes at our current leader, link to the following game. It's not as easy as one might think. Click here for the shoe throwing website. It is in Spanish, by the way.

Corporate Equality Report Card

2008-12-19T13:43:00.007-05:00

On November 18, 2008 I posted a link to the Black List, a listing of individuals and companies that made a monetary contribution supporting California's Proposition 8. Many are using this list to boycott companies associated with anti-gay practices.

Another list, published annually, is put out by the Human Rights Campaign. It is known as HRC's Corporate Equality Index, a report card scoring companies on their LGBT fairness policies for employees. The list is fairly extensive and provides a score for the current year and also one for the previous year. This comprehensive report will allow one to not only boycott those companies with low ratings but also support those with high ratings. Link over to the 2009 HRC's Corporate Equality Index here. The ranking starts in appendix A, on page 23.

Ann Curry Interviews Rev. Rick Warren on Dateline

2008-12-18T20:05:00.006-05:00

Check out this preview of the Dateline interview scheduled for tomorrow night on NBC at 9:00 PM EST. Ann Curry expresses her passion on the subject of same-sex marriage while she questions Rev. Rick Warren, the pastor chosen by Barack Obama for the inaugural invocation. Rick Warren publicly supported California's Proposition 8.

As a strong supporter of Barack Obama during the 2008 Presidential election, I must say that his choice has sent up a huge red flag. I hope this is not an omen of what lies ahead for the gay community under an Obama administration. Water and donuts, anyone?

Kate Clinton Interview

2008-12-17T08:47:00.008-05:00

My buddy Charlotte Robinson of OUTTAKE VOICES landed another great interview, this time with humorist and gay rights activist, Kate Clinton. Link over to the OUTTAKE VOICES audio interview to listen to this timely exchange as they discuss politics, religion, and Prop 8.

Jon Stewart Challenges Huckabee on Gay Marriage

2008-12-10T18:49:00.002-05:00

This video clip speaks for itself. Jon Stewart vehemently defends same-sex marriage while challenging Mike Huckabee's unfounded and illogical views. Thank Jon personally by linking over to Courage Campaign and filling out a simple form.

Day Without a Gay

2008-12-10T08:06:00.013-05:00

If you are a gay man or woman just preparing to go to work today (December 10, 2008), you might want to reconsider. Today across the United States the LGBT community is being urged to participate in the national effort to demonstrate the size and impact of the gay community by "calling out gay", skipping work to volunteer at human-rights organizations.

According to the Seattle Times, many are questioning the timing of such a tactic. The troubled economy is the biggest stumbling block to the success of "call in gay" day. Now more than ever people need their jobs and need their income, making it almost impossible to miss work. Other issues such as the holiday season might also makes it difficult to take time off when many have already scheduled their vacation around the Christmas and New Year holiday. Also many LGBT individuals live in a state where you can be fired for simply being gay, and might be afraid of losing their job. None-the-less, national "call in gay" day will proceed.

For whatever reason you might not be able to participate today, you can still be involved without taking time off of work. The creators of "call in gay" day have posted, on their website, five things you can do without taking the day off. These are:

1.) Spread the word

2.) Help seek out and post volunteer opportunities in your area

3.) Educate others about the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA)

4.) Contact your state representatives TODAY to voice your support for ENDA

5.) Contact your state representatives TODAY to voice your opposition to prop 8

For more information check out the website, Day Without a Gay.

The Black List Boycott

2008-11-18T11:24:00.005-05:00

There is a black list that has been published and is now circulating the web for the LGBT community to use for boycotting those who donated money to pass Proposition 8. This information is considered public record and lists businesses and individuals and the amounts they contributed. Some in the LGBT community are even writing letters to those who donated to let them know that they'll never spend money with them again. If you're interested in checking it out for yourself click on the black list.

New York City Marriage Equality Protest

2008-11-15T17:00:00.011-05:00

Today Bill, his mother and I went to the nationwide Prop 8 protest here in Manhattan. At first the weather promised to put a damper on the day with the threat of rain. Shortly after we arrived at the protest site at City Hall, the sky cleared and the sun came out.

A very nice police officer came over to us and said he estimated 20,000 - 25,000 people showed up. He also said that the NYPD didn't expect the kind of turnout that we actually got. A couple of celebrities, Whoopi Goldberg and Judith Light came out to support us and took to the stage to make speeches. It was a peaceful rally with no reported arrests.

We ran into some old friends that I hadn't seen in about ten years. Overall it was a very successful day with hundreds of rallies taking place simultaneously throughout the country.

The mainstream media coverage on the major networks briefly covered the event while most of their focus was on the fires in California. We did have local coverage, here in New York, as well. As usual the media reports downplayed the number of protesters. What I know for sure is that the crowd was huge and although most of the protesters were on the City Hall side of Broadway, there was an overflow crowd behind barricades on the other side as well.

I was excited and proud to be part of this movement in civil rights history. The passage of Proposition 8 in California might just very well prove to be a blessing in disguise. It has sparked new enthusiasm in the LGBT community, with many referring to it as the second Stonewall. A national single protest is being planned for sometime next year.

Nationwide Protest Planned for Saturday

2008-11-13T10:14:00.009-05:00

This Saturday, November 15, 2008, in 175 cities across the nation, more protests are planned. The national event will take place simultaneously beginning at 1:30 PM eastern time.

For locations in your area check out Join The Impact.

Some Select Cities Across the U.S.:
Atlanta, GA
Georgia State Capital Building
214 State Capitol
Atlanta, GA 30334

Chicago, IL
Federal Plaza
Corner of Adams and Dearborn Streets

Dallas, TX
City Hall
1500 Marilla Dr
Dallas, TX 75201

Houston, TX
City Hall
901 Bagby
Houston, TX 77002

Los Angeles, CA
LA City Hall
200 N Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA

Miami Beach, FL
Miami Beach City Hall
1700 Convention Center Drive
Miami Beach, FL

New York, NY
New York City Hall
260 Broadway
New York, NY 10007

San Francisco, CA
SF City Hall (Civic Center Park)
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Pl.

Washington, D.C.
U.S. Capitol Reflecting Pool
100 Constitution Ave NE
Washington, DC 20002