Act On Principles

OHIO Activists Counter Protest Family Research Council Bus Tour at Every Stop! GO OHIO.

J Todd Fernandez — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 15:05:06 +0000

Here’s a list of counter-protests by GetEqual Ohio & Freedom to Marry-Ohio to the Family Research Council’s “Values Bus Tour”. Go grassroots!!!

COLUMBUS: Tuesday, April 10 — 12:00pm until 1:00pm
Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Square, Columbus, OH 43215
Event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/275962982484168?

FAIRFIELD: Wednesday, April 11 — 3:00pm until 5:30pm
6320 South Gilmore Road, Fairfield, OH 45014
Event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/241422822619718/

FINDLAY: Friday, April 13 — 5:30pm until 6:30pm
1031 Interstate Court, Findlay, OH 45840
Event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/274631955948213/

TOLEDO: Saturday, April 14 — 9:00am until 11:00am
105 Front Street, Perrysburg, OH 43551
Event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/104685046330770/

WESTLAKE: Sunday, April 15 — 8:30am until 1:30pm
Church on the Rise, 3550 Crocker Road, Westlake, OH 44145
Event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/370178013021717/

CUYAHOGA FALLS: Sunday, April 15 — 3:00pm until 6:00PM
River Square (Rockin’ on the River), Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/327960333929970/

Thank you to GetEqual OH and the Freedom to Marry Ohio Coalition and other groups and individuals WILLING TO TAKE A STAND !!!

https://www.facebook.com/GetEQUALOH
https://freedomohio.com/

FOR BACKGROUND INFORMATION on the Family Research Council which is A DESIGNATED HATE GROUP by the Southern Poverty Law Center, see: http://www.splcenter.org/get-informed/intelligence-files/family-research-council

BAYARD RUSTIN Centennial Birthday – March 17, 1912 – Celebrations & Protests in NY & LA

J Todd Fernandez — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 14:13:12 +0000

TODAY EVERYWHERE:
BAYARD RUSTIN Centennial Birthday Celebrations & PROTESTS – YAY!

LIST OF LOCAL EVENTS: http://rustin.org/100
FB TRIBUTE & TOAST AT NOON: http://on.fb.me/Rustin100

Mr. Rustin: Born March 17, 1912. Pacifist, Conscientious Objector, Prison Reform Activist, Civil Rights Visionary, Arrested 23 times, Organized 3 Marches on Washington (including the ‘63 March), Steered the Career of Dr. MLK, Jr., Teacher and Practitioner of Gandhian Non-violence, and Out & Proud Gay Man in a Homophobic world. 1912 to 1987.

Today MARCH 17th is his Centennial & WE PAY TRIBUTE to an Activist and Organizer Unparalleled in Modern American History to whom much is owed. THANK YOU BAYARD RUSTIN!!

Happy birthday to you.
Happy birthday to you.
Happy birthday dear Bayard Rustin!!
Happy birthday to you!

TODAY we commit to COMPLETING HIS LEGACY – by adding Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity to the 1964 Civil Rights Act he helped manifest. Please one and all – join in silent and loud commitment to this goal. WE SHALL OVER COME!

Please Take the Pledge for Full LGBT Equality TODAY & EVERYDAY.
www.actonprinciples.org/thepledge/

FITTINGLY:

There are PROTESTS today in NYC with OWS in Liberty Plaza and a six-month’ anniversary 24 hour REOCCUPATION of the Park.
http://occupywallst.org/article/ows-updates-week-march-12/

There are PROTESTS today in Los Angeles of HRC and its failure to demand FULL EQUALITY and its unprincipled union with Goldman Sachs. http://www.facebook.com/events/318568688200137/

There are PROTEST today in New York City – of the homophobic St. Patricks Day Parade.
http://bit.ly/y3kMeY

And the Radical Faeries are Honoring Mr. Rusting too! http://www.facebook.com/events/347500191954785/

AND THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING.
WE SHALL OVER COME!!!

EQUALITY NOW FOR ALL!

Love, Tif

TAKE ACTION: Protest NYPD and Homophobic Discrimination This Saturday at the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade

J Todd Fernandez — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 20:17:24 +0000

(RePosted for: Tommy News Thomas and Irish Queers)

“Traditional Family Values”? NO!
This parade is Homophobic Discrimination!

New York City residents should call 311 and register a complaint.

Protest
Sat. March 17 @ 11am to end of Parade, about 4 PM
Fifth Ave. between West 56th and 57th St, New York City

Protest NYPD, Mayor Bloomberg, City and Church sanctioned homophobia
This Saturday!

Take Action: NYC Saint Patricks Day Parade sends Message of Hatred and
Intolerance

Recently, Irish President Mary McAleese turned down an invitation to
be the Grand Marshal of the NYC St. Patrick’s Day parade. Irish
Central, the Irish Voice’s website, says it was because of the
parade’s explicit anti-gay stance. The parade now represents the same
intolerance and bigotry that the Irish immigrants have fought for over
two centuries.

A 1995 conservative U.S. Supreme Court decision allowed the private
sponsor of the Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade to exclude a group of
gays and lesbians.
The 9-0 SCOTUS decision said that parades are a “form of expression”
protected by the First Amendment and that organizers could not be
compelled to include groups whose messages they did not favor. A
second, inclusive parade will take place in Boston, following
a mile behind the first parade.

In New York, gays have again been banned from marching in the parade
on the 17th.
For over 20 years the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and NYC SAINT
PATRICK’S DAY PARADE, Inc. which organizes the
parade, have barred LGBT and Irish gay groups from marching. They
claim the parade is a private, religious procession “Traditional
Family Values”? in
order to to justify keeping LGBT groups out.
New York Catholic Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who has compared
homosexuality to alcoholism, has expressed his disapproval of marriage
equality and “homosexuals”. He has pledged to fight Marriage Equality
in New York and in places out of his jurasdiction.

In the parade, public employees such as on duty uniformed police and
firefighters, public school employees and students, and many
secular groups participate in the parade. Public funds are used for
setup, cleanup, security, etc. A private parade, can’t take public
money or allow public employees to participate.

Therefore, we must protest not only the discriminatory exclusion of
LGBT groups from the parade, but also the use of public funds and
public employees. Any event that discriminates against people because of who
they are should not be publicly supported.

The inclusive St. Patrick’s Parade in Queens, held before
St. Patrick’s Day is the only one in the city that allows gay groups
to march openly. The other parades should be boycotted and protested.
Staten Island Pride was banned from the Staten Island St. Pat’s parade
again this year, and gay groups such as Irish Queers are again banned
from marching the big parade on Fifth Avenue this week.

We must protest as long as these homophobic and discriminatory
policies continue. Openly lesbian New York City Speaker Christine
Quinn said: “‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ has been repealed. The military is
no longer
discriminating against LGBT people, but yet parades in New York City
are. It baffles the mind.”

We insist the NYPD, NYFD, public schools, public agencies and
accomodation, sanitation, The Mayor and all New Yorkers immediately stop
participation in the NYC St. Patrick’s Parade and any other such
explicitly anti-gay event. We protest.

From Irish Queers http://irishqueers.blogspot.com/

On Saturday, March 17, the NYPD takes off the mask.
BE THERE TO PROTEST NYPD HOMOPHOBIA!!!
Separate church and state… Separate bigots and public servants!
Sat. March 17 @ 11am to end of Parade, about 4 PM

Fifth Ave. between West 56th and 57th St @ The St. Patrick’s Day parade

This Saturday, tens of thousands of cops will march in an explicitly
anti-gay parade of hate – Mayor Bloomberg, too. The NYC St. Patrick’s
Day parade, once a celebration of Irish New York, is now a “solemn
procession” of the religious right. It was redesigned so that anti-gay
bigots could parade using the church’s special right to discriminate.
The parade officially sends an “anti-gay message” – and the NYPD is
its biggest participant.

How much does the NYPD support religious anti-gay bigots? The NYPD
actively fought to keep Irish queers out of the parade, fought queers’
right to protest the parade, and now sends thousands of officers to
march in NYPD contingents. Most recently, when a dozen queer rights
and immigrant/cultural groups joined forces to tell NYPD Commissioner
Kelly that police endorsement exacerbates anti-queer violence, and to
demand that the NYPD pull out of the parade, Commissioner Kelly didn’t
even bother to respond.

PROTEST NYPD HOMOPHOBIA and ANTI-QUEER VIOLENCE!
Separate church and state… Separate bigots and public servants!
Sat. March 17 @ 11am
Fifth Ave. between West 56th and 57th St

http://irishqueers.blogspot.com/

Write, Email, and Call The Parade Organizers Here:

NYC SAINT PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

St Patrick’s Day Parade & Celebration Committee

P.O. Box 295 Woodlawn Station,

Bronx, NY 10470

Phone Number: 718-231-4400 718-231-4400

Fax: 718-231-4401

Web Site: NYCStPatricksParade.Org

Web Site Information: HBeirne@NYCStPatricksParade.Org

General Info:Information@NYC-St-Patrick-Day-Parade.Org

Chairman: Chairman-NYC-St-Patrick-Day-Parade.Org

Scholarship: Scholarship@NYC-St-Patrick-Day-Parade.Org
Chairman of Bands: Band@NYC-St-Patrick-Day-Parade.Org

FAQ or Information requests
please contact
Hilary Beirne
HBeirne@NYCStPatricksParade.Org

New York City residents should call 311 and register a complaint.

Contact New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg here:

www.MikeBloomberg.com

Phone: (212) 639-9675
Fax: (212) 788-2460

City of New York City
1 Centre Street
New York City, NY 10007-1200

Contact New York Governor Andrew Cuomo here:

http://www.congress.org/

Albany Office:

State Capitol
Albany, New York 12224
Phone: (518) 486-4623
Fax: (518) 486-4170

Contact NBC and other Media here:

http://www.congress.org/congressorg/dbq/media/

http://www.congress.org/congressorg/dbq/media/?command=org_pages&org_id=559

Website: www.msnbc.com/news
Phone: (212) 664-4444
Fax: (201) 583-5453
Address: 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112

Contact the Ancient Order of Hibernians Here:

Greater Gospel Temple Aoh
2408 E 83rd St
Cleveland, OH 44104
(216) 231-6068

http://www.aoh.com/officers.html

New York City residents should call 311 and register a complaint.

Contact and Boycott the Parade Sponsors:

Quinnipiac University

275 Mount Carmel Ave.
Hamden, CT 06518-1908
Telephone 203-582-8200 203-582-8200
Admissions and Financial Aid: 800-462-1944 800-462-1944
www.quinnipiac.edu

Manhattan College

Visa

Irish Connections Visa

Empire City Yonkers Raceway

www.yonkersraceway.com

FORD MOTOR COMPANY

MANHATTAN COLLEGE

Group Photos, Inc.

Ireland Calls Radio Show

Pride of Irish Heritage

The Irish Examiner

Tourism Ireland

Turtle Wax

Budweiser

Sponsor links here:

http://nyc-st-patrick-day-parade.org/links.aspx

CITY COUNCIL of NEW ORLEANS & MAYOR of BATON ROUGE: Proclamations for Bayard Rustin Centennial, The AEB & Walk Across America

J Todd Fernandez — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 02:25:51 +0000

PROCLAMATION
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS

WHEREAS, a central tenet of United States law is the principle of nondiscrimination and equal protection under the law as human rights; and

WHEREAS, Bayard Rustin was a visionary leader in America’s black civil rights movement, a mentor to Martin Luther King, Jr., a teacher of Ghandian nonviolence, and as an openly gay man, organized the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom at which Dr. King delivered the “I Have A Dream” speech; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Rustin’s legacy includes the 1964 Civil Rights Act, a modern symbol of human dignity and the duty of the United States government to outlaw discrimination based on status; and

WHEREAS, March 17, 2012 is the Centennial of Mr. Rustin’s birth, and a fitting time to recognize his immense contribution to justice and equality in America; and

WHEREAS, the modern LGBT movement, via the American Equality Bill, seeks to outlaw discrimination based on “sexual orientation and gender identity,” as required by the U.S. Constitution, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and human conscience; and

WHEREAS, gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, and transgender Americans face historical and on-going discrimination based on their innate status, causing untallied human tragedy, loss of life, psychological damage, community isolation, and abuse that necessitates a comprehensive response by the federal government as a matter of public welfare; and

WHEREAS, from March 2011 to May 2012, Richard Noble, under the auspices of the “National Civil Rights March Across America” is passing through New Orleans, Louisiana, as he traverses the country on foot from West Hollywood to Washington, D.C., to raise this demand; and

WHEREAS, the City of New Orleans acknowledges the inherent value of diversity and nondiscrimination, and stands for justice and equality for all people; now therefore

At the request of the Council President Jacquelyn Brechtel Clarkson

BE IT PROCLAMED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS, That the Council hereby proclaim March 17, 2012 to be LGBT Civil Rights Equality Awareness Day, and call upon the United States Congress to take action forthwith to fulfill our country’s duty to protect all citizens from discrimination and extend to them guaranteed equal rights under the Constitution of the United States of America.

Jacquelyn Brechten Clarkson, Council President

Eric Granderson, Council Vice President

Susan G. Guidry, Councilmember, District “A”

Stacy Head, Councilmember, District “B”

Kristin Gisleson Palmer, Councilmember, District “C”

Cynthia Hedge-Morrell, Councilmember, District “D”

Jon D. Johnson, Councilmember, District “E”

_______________

MAYOR MELVIN L. “Kip” HOLDEN – BATON ROUGE – PROCLAMATION

STOP THE ANTI-GAY CRUSADE: Glitter-Zap The Pope!

J Todd Fernandez — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 20:56:08 +0000

Help STOP THE CATHOLIC CHURCH’S ANTI-GAY CRUSADE:

Please email the Pope via Cardinal Dolan, his chief envoy:

Timothy.dolan@archny.org

and/or: St. Patrick’s Cathedral: communications@archny.org

With the words: GLITTER, glitter, GLITTER, glitter, GLITTER

Or Call: St. Patrick’s Cathedral: 212.753.2261

And say: Glitter, Glitter, Glitter, Glitter, Glitter.

BACKGROUND:

The Catholic Church is on full attack with its ANTI-GAY CRUSADE in America. And make no mistake: this is politics.

The Activist Priest leading the political attack against gay Americans is Timothy Dolan,head of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York, and the President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, which marshals the Church’s political activities.

Last Saturday, the Pope rewarded Activist Priest Dolan with a promotion to Cardinal for his full-fledged anti-marriage equality and pro-DOMA onslaught – which recently went so far as to threaten President Obama with a holy war if he did not submit to the Pope’s will (see clips below).

This Saturday, at 4 p.m., Timothy Dolan will host a mass in his own honor to herald his ascendency – on our backs – to higher office.

Please join in the festivities, by sending an email or calling with the message:

GLITTER GLITTER GLITTER GLITTER GLITTER

By lobbying government to deny us our civil rights, the Church is breaching the fundamental social compact in America – by which we agree to create a safe haven for each of us – and all of us. Their religious freedom is based on this, and so are our civil rights.

So this a GLITTER warning to LET GAYS BE.

More info on the first 7 Crusades:
http://gbgm-umc.org/umw/bible/crusades.stm

Join action on FB here.

______________________________________________________

Timeline on Dolan’s Anti-Gay Crusade and Corresponding Promotions:

FEB 23, 2009: DOLAN APPOINTED ARCHBISHOP OF NY – St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

NOV 16, 2010: DOLAN PROMOTED TO PRESIDENT OF USCCB (vote 128-111)

JUNE 2011: DOLAN LEADS CAMPAIGN AGAINST NY MARRIAGE EQUALITY

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/deaconsbench/2011/06/dolan-gay-marriage-bill-an-ominous-threat/

http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2011/06/archbishop-timothy-dolan-were-working-with-gov-cuomo-but-we-still-oppose-gay-m

AUG 2011: DOLAN ON 60 MINUTES (i.e. anti-equality media campaign).

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504803_162-20044758-10391709.html

SEPT 22, 2011: DOLAN WARNS PRESIDENT OBAMA of “a national conflict between church and state of enormous proportions” if he supports DOMA repeal.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/22/timothy-dolan-issues-letter-to-obama-about-gay-marriage_n_976788.html

http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/story/2011-09-23/gay-marriage-bishop/50528104/1

NOV 2011: DOLAN PUBLICLY ANNOUNCES PUBLIC POLICY FIGHTS
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/15/us/bishops-renew-fight-on-abortion-and-gay-marriage.html

NOV 2011: DOLAN ANNOUNCES ANTI-ME FIGHT IN OTHER STATES
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2011/11/26/NY_Archbishop_Claims_Deception_Plans_to_Fight_Marriage_Equality_in_Other_States/

NOV 2011: DOLAN MEETS WITH OBAMA – OPPOSING MARRIAGE EQUALITY
http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2011/11/15/369413/archbishop-timothy-dolan-met-with-obama-to-discuss-preserving-religious-liberties-other-concerns/?mobile=nc

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/14/obama-dolan-dialogue_n_1093679.html

JAN 6, 2012: DOLAN NAMED CARDINAL BY POPE (Ceremony Feb 18, Rome).
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/06/archbishop-dolan-to-become-cardinal/

NYC Ceremony at St. Patrick’s Cathedral: SATURDAY FEB. 25th. 4 p.m. (tickets only). SEND GLITTER

Protest the Elevation to Cardinal of New York Arch-Homophobe Timothy Dolan This Weekend

J Todd Fernandez — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 14:57:43 +0000

(Posted for: Tommy Thomas of “Tommy News”)

-By Tommy News

Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan, who has led the Roman Catholic
Archdiocese of New York for nearly three years, will be named a
cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI, at the Vatican on Saturday morning.

Sunday masses will then celebrate this elevation of church sanctioned hatred and homophobia against gays, womens rights, and against full civil rights equality including same-sex civil marriage. Dolan has even gone so far as to petition the President of The United States to take anti-gay action. We must protest.

From our friend Tif:

Timothy Dolan is the chief architect of the Pope’s anti-gay crusade in America.

He arrived in NYC spewing homophobia rhetoric, and was quickly
rewarded with an appointment as President of the United States
Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) which is leading the political campaign against us.

He has broken every basic social compact – by taking his church’s views into the political arena. He has violated the basic tenet of creating a safe space for all of us – all people and all religions – in America.

From Truthdig:

New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan is a man of the world in some
senses, showing his love of cigars and beer in this “60 Minutes
Overtime” clip, but he’s all about strict adherence to Catholic
doctrine when it comes to some hotly contested issues: gay marriage, female priests, abortion.

Here, he takes up a disappointingly common rhetorical tool to explain the church’s aversion to gay marriage, asking Morley Safer, “Where would, then, the tampering stop? I mean, I love my mom. I don’t have the right to marry her.” Sigh. —KA

Video Here:
http://www.truthdig.com/avbooth/item/ny_archbishop_compares_gay_marriage_20110324/

From The New York Times:

Archbishop Dolan Condemns “Sexual Immorality” in Sunday Homily

Archbishop and Cardinal-to-be Timothy Dolan gave a stern homily on morality on Sunday at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, telling church attendees that sex outside of marriage is still a sin, despite what popular culture would have society believe.

“The one who, with God’s grace and mercy, tries his or her best to be pure and chaste is often thought of not as a hero, not a saint, but as a freak in our culture today,” Archbishop Timothy Dolan said at St. Patrick’s, reported the Daily News. “The biblical teaching on sexual responsibility is countercultural,”

Dolan continued to say that teaching abstinence is countercultural. Those who try to live according to the teachings of the bible including devout Catholics, he said, will face “ridicule and criticism.”

Dolan called on priests to do a better job in guiding their parishes to live a virtuous life. He linked societal crimes, such as violence, sex crimes, disease and broken homes and divorce to “sexual immorality,” reported the Daily News.

“The church has at times in the past, sadly, come across as, as some naysaying, puritanical nag, always giving a big ‘no, no, no’ to one of life’s greatest joys,” he said.

Dolan is set to become cardinal in a ceremony on Feb. 18, 2012 in Rome.

More:
http://newyork.ibtimes.com/articles/282462/20120116/archbishop-dolan-condemns-sexual-immorailty-sunday-homily.htm

The Pope has called gay people “intrinsically disordered”, and his misguided homophobia works to surpress gays and women. Jesus never once mentioned homosexuality, and may have been gay or bi himself. In fact, Jesus said that gays as opressed persecuted people are Blessed!

The Pope and Arch-Homophobe Dolan really need to read their Bibles.

This is the word of Jesus, from the Sermon on The Mount.

MATTHEW 5:10-13 Blessed are they which are persecuted

5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

5:11 Blessed are you, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

5:12 Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

5:13 You are the salt of the earth: but if the salt has lost its savour, with what shall it be salted? it is thereafter good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

That is the word of Jesus.

The Archdiocese of New York is widely considered the spiritual heart of the American church. It counts about 2.6 million Catholics in a sprawling jurisdiction that includes includes Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island and several suburban counties.

Timothy Dolan opposes Marriage Equality in New York, and has pledged to work to oppose marriage equality, persecute and oppress gays in New York and in places out of his jurisdiction. This directly contradicts the teachings of Jesus.

The Pope and Timothy Dolan must learn what great harm is caused by their homophobia, which is defined as the irrational fear of, aversion to, animus or discrimination against gays, homosexuality or homosexuals.

However, anti-gay hate speech leads directly to animus, bullying, hate crimes, depression, confusion, low self esteem, and suicide. We must protest. Now is the time.

Ways to Protest:

1- Occupy The Church

The message is simple, yet loud; Equal Rights for All.
Get out over the weekend and go to your church. Make signs, bring whistles, pots and pans. Bring friends and
family. Those in New York City can do this at Saint Patrick’s
Cathedral on 5th Avenue at 51st Street. Even one or two people, or a small group can do this with great effect.

Sign suggestions:

LET US BE

Stop The Hate

Let Gays Marry

Church Homophobia Must End!

Cardinal Dolan Hates Gays

Gays are God’s Children Too

Blessed Are The Gays

Jesus Loves Me Too

Vote For Civil Rights

2- Write, call, email, weform and Fax your elected representatives, newspapers and media outlets, and pass this message on to everyone in your address book.

Get contact information here: www.congress.org

3- Write, call, email, webform and Fax your clergy, friends, and family

4-Write, call, email, webform and Fax Pope Benedict and
Cardinal-elect Timothy Dolan

Timothy Dolan’s Office
1011 First Ave
New York, NY 10022

Contact: Timothy Dolan
Phone: 212-371-1000

email timothy.dolan@archny.org or t.dolan@archny.org

More Here:

http://www.archny.org/departments/

The Pope’s regular mailing address is:

His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI
Apostolic Palace
00120 Vatican City

email the Pope at benedictxvi@vatican.va (English) or
benedettoxvi@vatican.va (Italian)

Call The Vatican Basilica Switchboard + 39 06 6982

More Here:
http://saintpetersbasilica.org/contacts.htm

MEDIA CALLING DOLAN “GAY HATING” &
HIS PROMOTIONS FOR ANTI-GAY ACTIVISM

http://www.towleroad.com/2012/01/gay-hating-ny-archbishop-timothy-dolan-to-be-elevated-to-cardinal.html

http://joemygod.blogspot.com/2012/01/new-york-anti-gay-archbishop-timothy.html

QUEER OWS & NYC GROUPS DEMONSTRATE AT HRC’S GOLDMAN SACHS GALA

J Todd Fernandez — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:36:31 +0000

In NYC Saturday night, February 4, 2012, approximately 60 LGBT grassroots activists* from a variety of groups united in common cause and elaborate demonstration to tell HRC: You do not speak for us.

Starting at dusk, chanting voices filled Park Avenue as tuxedo-sporting HRC donors arrived at the Waldorf Astoria: “Hey Hey HRC. Where is our Equality?” — and — “Everyone pays their tax. Everyone but Goldman Sachs” – rang out repeatedly targeting the Gala’s corporate honoree.

Up and down the block between 49th and 50th, a catwalk of activists paraded, picket-fashion-show style, sporting a shimmery 15 x 5 banner that read: SEEK FULL EQUALITY, big mylar letters spelling “HELP,” and a huge sign that read: “HRC is in BED with A SACHS Machine”.

Occupy Wall Street locked it all together in what was truly an inspirational convergence of NYC’s grassroots, and beyond.

A solidarity event was held in San Francisco at the Harvey Milk Camera Shop, now an HRC boutique, and motivated activists started petitions on Daily Kos and Change.org demanding HRC withdraw the Sach award.

Blending costumes and poignant cardboard signs, the cacophony energized the night as the Queer OWS Caucus was joined by radical activists from Queer Rising and Queerocracy, and Radical Faeries and Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence brought feathers and magic to the mix.

Dubbed the Guerrilla Potluck, the action also got great advanced media coverage, including blogs like OutTakeonline, and several others, including the Advocate and TimeOut NY who called HRC for comment.

The Queer OWS Caucus had three stated points. 1. It condemned HRC for honoring Sachs, 2. It called upon HRC to seek full equality by 2014, and 3. it demanded HRC create a transparent process, inclusive of the grassroots.

Before the action, HRC issued this pithy retort suggesting its intention to never open the process to grassroots input: “We are fortunate to live in a democracy where everyone’s opinion counts.”

The noblesse oblige attitude was noted by many, and helped fuel the intention, which surrounded the Waldorf as a sign of things to come.

“They can tell us to eat cake all they want, but we want equality by 2014, and that means HRC needs to want it by 2012,” said one of the organizers.

Flyers read: HELP. Help end LGBT Suicide, Abuse, Discrimination. Full Equality by 2014. Take the Pledge.

Other chants included: “No HRC or Goldman Sachs! Civil Rights Now!” “Who’s in bed with Goldman Sachs? H R C!” “HRC Your Time is Near. Fake Inclusion Won’t Work Here!”

Food was varied and included: homemade banana bread, vegan morsels, fruit salad and Sweethearts candies.

The police tried to foil everything by illegally closing the public sidewalk and threatening arrest of peaceful law abiding protestors, totally reneging on our agreement with the LGBT police liaison. But we carried on parading around the building, across the street, and even inside the event, briefly.

Please Take the Pledge for Full LGBT Equality (by 2014) (http://bit.ly/the2014pledge).

Join Queer/LGBTIQA2Z OWS Caucus organizing, Sundays at 1pm, or on FB http://on.fb.me/QueerOWS.

* The estimate of attendees was revised from 80 to 60 after further discussion.

Action Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/erikcito/sets/72157629179220145/
Photos: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.361816587181523&type=1

HELP Flyer:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150788349138636&set=o.278882199073&type=1&theater

Videos and interviews: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD96D5A169D97B663

Brief Action inside the Waldorf: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150789766948636

Pre-action media links:
http://newyork.timeout.com/things-to-do/own-this-city-blog/2581855/hrc-honors-goldman-sachs-some-gays-are-not-pleased

http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2012/02/01/Queer_Group_to_Protest_HRC_Dinner_Honoring_Goldman_Sachs/

Change.org HRC/Sachs Petition (independent): http://www.change.org/petitions/hrc-theres-no-honor-for-goldman-sachs

San Fran Solidarity Action (independent): http://www.facebook.com/events/339342696089267/

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QUEER OCCUPY WALL STREET TO PROTEST HRC’S NYC GALA AT THE WALDORF ASTORIA

J Todd Fernandez — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:32:18 +0000

QUEER OCCUPIERS DENOUNCE HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN
FOR HONORING GOLDMAN SACHS
& FAILING TO DEMAND FULL FEDERAL EQUALITY

New York, NY, February 1, 2012 – Queer/LGBTIQA2Z Occupy Wall Street, a caucus of the NYC based Occupy Wall Street movement, announced today that it will protest a Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Gala honoring Goldman Sachs on Saturday February 4, 2012 at the Waldorf Astoria.

In contrast to the $650 a plate Gala, the Queer/LGBTIQA2Z Caucus will host a “Guerrilla Potluck” on the sidewalk outside of the prestigious hotel at 50th Street & Park Avenue from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The Queer Caucus: 1. Condemns HRC for honoring Goldman Sachs, 2. Calls upon HRC to adopt a strategy of Full Equality by 2014, and 3. Demands that HRC create a transparent process that includes the grassroots.

1. The Queer Caucus condemns HRC’s decision to honor Goldman Sachs in a time of financial collapse caused by their unethical business practices and greed, and deplores the use of our cause and suffering for corporate public relations. HRC honoring Goldman Sachs at this time reveals all one needs to know about the corporate LGBT lobby, and its disconnect from the 99% and the LGBT people it purports to represent.

2. The Queer Caucus calls upon HRC to embrace the grassroots demand for Full Federal Equality by 2014 – the 50th Anniversary of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

After 60 years of struggle, there is still not a single federal non-discrimination law protecting LGBT Americans from discrimination. More incredibly, HRC, the corporate entity that controls our strategy, has not even filed a bill for equal non-discrimination protections under the civil rights laws for our community.

To address this, the Queer Caucus calls on HRC to take The Pledge for Full LGBT Equality to seek and secure full non-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation and gender identify for all people.

The right to be protected from discrimination secures a core liberty interest. And it is the duty of government to protect LGBT Americans from the harm caused by discrimination as a matter of public welfare, law and conscience, as it has for decades for all other oppressed groups.

As HRC restrains the demand for equality, discrimination takes its insidious toll on LGBT Americans who suffer vast psychological harm rejected by their families and society, driven to suicide at 5 times the heterosexual norm by tormenting, minority stress afflictions, and lost hope.

A whopping 40% of homeless youth identity as LGBT, 66% of Transgender people have been fired or not hired for a job, 60% of our youth are taunted and feel unsafe at school, and LGBT people are 6x more likely to have multiple mental stress disorders due to societal discrimination.

“Homo/transphobia in America is a public health and economic emergency for our community” said Michael Tikile, an occupier and Duke University graduate. “We are not safe in school, work or housing. How are we supposed to live, pursue happiness or achieve economic equality?”

3. The Queer Caucus also demands that HRC open the process to transparency and grassroots inclusion.

Currently, HRC operates under a closed, hierarchical system, controlled by a financial elite, insulated from grassroots input. Likewise, in Congress, Democrat House members Barney Frank, Jared Polis and Tammy Baldwin, keep the grassroots out of the conversation, protecting the DNC strategy from movement agitation and impact.

With this structure in place, queer occupiers know that only a handful of privileged voices are setting the national queer agenda and strategy, defining what “LGBT equality” means and who our friends are.

For example, HRC’s key sponsors includes a long list of big businesses that contributed to recent economic and environmental distress, including Citi Bank, Bank of America, Chevron, BP, Shell, Morgan Stanley, MetLife, Deloitte, Lexus, Prudential, and Ernst & Young.

“With all of these companies, you’d expect the power to be on our side! But instead, our community is simply a tool and pawn in the political system” said Tanya Walker, an original occupier and tireless transgender activist.

Simply put, the Queer Caucus demands equal non-discrimination protections under the 1964 Civil Rights Act because equality is the only true antidote to LGBT abuse – like it has proven to be for race, sex, national origin, religion, age and disability – long protected from discrimination by law.

“Equality and non-discrimination are universal values that define basic human dignity” said Todd (Tif) Fernandez, a human rights lawyer and grassroots activist. “It is our civic duty as Americans to protect and respect the LGBT community immediately.”

Please Take the Pledge for Full LGBT Equality (by 2014) (http://bit.ly/the2014pledge).

Join the Guerrilla Potluck (http://on.fb.me/GuerrillaPotluck). Bring flashlights.

Watch Potluck on Live-Stream Saturday: http://www.livestream.com/occupello

Join Queer/LGBTIQA2Z OWS Caucus organizing, Sundays at 1pm, 60 Wall Street or on FB http://on.fb.me/QueerOWS.

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About the Queer/LGBTIQA2Z Caucus of Occupy Wall Street
QOWS began meeting as a group in Zuccotti Park in mid-October 2011. The group strives for economic, political, and social equality for LGBTQ people both locally and nationwide.

MAYOR PARKER of HOUSTON – Issues Proclamation for Mr. Noble & the AEB

J Todd Fernandez — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 18:34:49 +0000

Joining the growing list of Mayors who are calling for our equality, Mayor Parker issued a Proclamation for Richard Noble and the AEB.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=e12pyCKBTpg

Over the last few years, Mayors have really help support our grassroots demands for equality, from 37 City Council Resolutions for UAFA, to 7 for the AEB, and now dozens for Marriage Equality.

Local activists — this is how you can help deliver us from discrimination. It’s easier than you think, but impossible if you don’t ask.

Together – we can build the mandate for our full federal equality – from the ground up. Get active. Get busy. Get Equal!

Tif

AUSTIN MAYOR ISSUES PROCLAMATION for The AEB and Richard Noble’s Walk Across America

J Todd Fernandez — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:25:15 +0000

Mayors and elected officials representing over 7 million Americans have issued Proclamations for The American Equality Bill demanding equal SO&GI civil rights thanks to the heroic efforts of Richard Noble and the now historic Walk Across America.

In an amazing journey of unique fortitude, Richard has traversed the country on foot traveling over 1800 miles, carting a backpack, pushing a baby carriage, and now joined by his dog Trinity. Currently, he in Texas and has 1080 more miles to go to the east coast before heading to D.C.

It is a Walk for the history books, and the acknowledgment reflects this.

Mayor Lee Leffingwell of Austin TX was the latest with this Proclamation. Watch presentation video here.

Other Proclamations, Honors, & City Council Resolutions for the AEB and Civil Rights Walk Across America:

City Council of West Hollywood, CA. 1st City Council Resolution.

Mayor of West Hollywood, CA, The Honorable John Heilman. Proclamation.

State Senator Mark Leno, CA (CA-3rd). Certificate of Recognition.

State Senator David Parks, NV (NV, Dist. 7). Letter of Support.

Mayor of Salt Lake City, UT, The Honorable Ralph Becker. Proclamation.

Mayor of Boulder, CO, The Honorable Susan Osborne. Proclamation.

Mayor of Oakland, CA, The Honorable Jean Quan. Proclamation.

President of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, SD, John Yellow Bird Steele. Proclamation.

Mayor of Austin, TX, The Honorable Lee Leffingwell. Proclamation.

Mayor of Houston, TX, The Honorable Annise Parker. Proclamation (video).

Mayor of Baton Rouge, LA, The Honorable Melvin L. “Kip” Holden. Proclamation.

City Council of New Orleans, LA. Proclamation (signed by entire Council).

Mayor of Biloxi, MS, The Honorable A.J. Holloway. Proclamation.

Mayor of Mobile, AL, The Honorable Samuel L. Jones. Proclamation.

Mayor Birmingham, AL, The Honorable William A Bell, Sr. Proclamation.

Governing Body of Tallahassee, FL, (approved by City Council, signed by Mayor John Parks): Proclamation.

Other Official Acknowledgements of Walk Across America for LGBT Civil Rights:

Congressman Lloyd Doggett, TX (TX-25) (Austin). Letter of Support.

Congresswoman Barbara Lee, CA (CA-9) (Berkeley). Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition.

Mayor of Reno, NV. The Honorable Robert A. Cashell, Sr. Letter of Support.

San Francisco, CA. Board of Supervisors City & County. Certificate of Honor.

Governor of Nevada. The Honorable Brian Sandoval. Certificate of Recognition.

THIS IS LEADERSHIP. LGBT CIVIL RIGHTS NOW. GO RICHARD!!! GO MAYORS!!!!