The Bilerico Project

Same-Sex Marriage Shouldn't Be the Focus of the Immigration Debate

Bil Browning — Tue, 21 May 2013 14:30:00 -0500

The LGBT news has been chock full of articles and op-eds decrying Senator Chuck Schumer's reluctance to include same-sex couples in the current immigration reform package. Advocates insist that the right of binational couples to sponsor their foreign partners for citizenship is a must-have to get their blessing.

This is an extremely short-sighted and dangerous game that should shame the LGBT movement, but, unfortunately, it's become a rallying cry for some leaders. Once again, the needs of gay couples are being put ahead of the welfare of thousands of LGBT people.

Continue reading "Same-Sex Marriage Shouldn't Be the Focus of the Immigration Debate"...

Peace Corps to Accept Same-Sex Couples

Bil Browning — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:00:00 -0500

While married heterosexual couples have been allowed to serve in the Peace Corps since it was started in 1961, same-sex couples will now be accepted and given the opportunity to serve together.

"Service in the Peace Corps is a life-defining leadership experience for Americans who want to make a difference around the world," Peace Corps Deputy Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet said. "I am proud that the agency is taking this important step forward to allow same-sex domestic partners to serve overseas together."

Peace Corps volunteers travel overseas to assist in the fields of education, health, community economic development, environment, youth in development and agriculture. Same-sex couple can start applying on June 3, but the agency has announced the criteria for acceptance and how assignments will be handled today. From a statement emailed to Bilerico Project:

The Peace Corps requires formal documentation for all couples who want to serve, and same-sex domestic partners will be required to sign an affidavit before leaving for service that will act as verification of their relationship. The Peace Corps continually works with staff in host countries to identify placements that allow for safe and productive assignments.

Couples who serve together gain a unique perspective of host country customs and culture, but opportunities for couples are limited, as both applicants must apply at the same time and qualify for assignments at the same post. Many factors affect placements, including an applicant's overall competitiveness, program availability, departure dates, and safety and medical accommodations. For any applicant, the number one factor in determining an assignment is the demand from host countries for skilled volunteers.

Bilerico Project Associate Editor Sarah Blazucki's full-time job is with the Peace Corps as an editor for their publications.

Life's Just Like a Rodeo

Bil Browning — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:30:00 -0500

Okay, this is damn cute. In this country song for marriage equality, life's just like a rodeo. It's just two men who do-si-do.

You can download the song here. All proceeds go to charity.

Where Unique's Been

Bil Browning — Mon, 20 May 2013 11:09:29 -0500

Alex Newell (or as you probably know him, Unique from Glee) gave a powerful performance at this weekend's NYC AIDS Walk. What a set of pipes!

Your Handy Guide to Cell Phone Etiquette

Bil Browning — Sun, 19 May 2013 15:00:00 -0500

Earlier this week, I wrote about a National Review columnist who grabbed a woman's cell phone and threw it across a theater after she refused to stop using it during a performance. I asked if the response was justified and your replies were mixed.

Since I complained about all of my frustrations with rude folks and their phones, I thought I'd help everyone realize what is and isn't okay about using your phone in public. There's a helpful infographic after the jump to answer any questions you might have.

No need to thank me. It's a public service really.

Continue reading "Your Handy Guide to Cell Phone Etiquette"...

A History Lesson, Christian Allies, & Writing a Book [Weekly Reader]

Bil Browning — Sat, 18 May 2013 12:00:00 -0500

You weren't able to read every post on Bilerico Project last week? Don't worry! Every weekend I round up the best Bilerico posts from the past seven days to help you stay up to date on the latest queer news and analysis.

Friday

Why Do We Defend Discrimination? Filed by John M. Becker
Help Me Write My Book Filed by Bil Browning

Don't forget:

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Help Me Write My Book

Bil Browning — Fri, 17 May 2013 11:30:00 -0500

If you've seen less writing from me here on the blog, I can assure you I have a good reason. After years of saying I was rlly, rlly gonna do it (no, seriously, you guys!), I've started writing a book.

It's a collection of personal anecdotes told in a storyteller style and some of the pieces are based off of stories I've told here - like the one about my childhood pet chipmunk, or the story about getting fired for being gay and launching the web's first LGBT action in protest, or how one of my ex-boyfriends came back from the dead.

I've spent most of the week either working for PR clients or doing research and collecting my ideas for other stories I haven't told. It's been interesting taking a stroll down memory lane by myself and trying to gather my recollections so I can go back to some of the other folks involved and see how they remember the event.

So here's the rub. I've been writing Bilerico since 2004 with almost 10,000 posts under my belt. There's no way I can remember what stories I've already told on the site. Many of you, however, have proven without a shadow of a doubt that you know the anecdotes I've shared on the site - long after I've forgotten talking about it.

That's where you come in. If you have a favorite story I've told, news I've broken, or issues I've covered that made an impact on you, can you leave a reminder in the comments section? Tell me what your favorite story is that you'd want to see in the book. Give me a link if you can, but general subjects are fine too.

After all, I wrote them for you. What better way to get help getting it all together than crowdsourcing the audience? Help me out below if you can.

Is This Okay?

Bil Browning — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:00:00 -0500

Of course, I realize that this is not really okay, but it could be justified: National Review columnist Kevin Williamson was ejected from a theater this week after snatching a phone out of the hands of a rude audience member and tossing it across the room.

Williamson and his date both asked the woman to stop the continuous texting and talking, but she refused. They spoke to the management, but nothing happened. He literally took matters into his own hands in frustration.

The lady seated to my immediate right (very close quarters on bench seating) was fairly insistent about using her phone. I asked her to turn it off. She answered: "So don't look." I asked her whether I had missed something during the very pointed announcements to please turn off your phones, perhaps a special exemption granted for her. She suggested that I should mind my own business.

So I minded my own business by utilizing my famously feline agility to deftly snatch the phone out of her hand and toss it across the room, where it would do no more damage. She slapped me and stormed away to seek managerial succor. Eventually, I was visited by a black-suited agent of order, who asked whether he might have a word.

One of my regular complaints about living in DC are the idiots who are continuously on their phones while walking down the sidewalk, riding a bike, or shopping. As these folks walk and text, they wobble from side to side, bump into other people, and change speed continuously. As I follow one of the jerks down the sidewalk, I'll often mutter a "c'mon..." as I finally scoot around them. They annoy the hell out of me.

Then there are the offenders are those who simply can't escape their Facebook, Twitter, or e-mail long enough to go do something in public they, presumably, want to do - like go to a theater, concert, or movie. Worst of all are the folks who presume no one will mind if they just have a quick yack at the top of their lungs about Aunt Betty's varicose veins on a crowded bus or how to properly file a Form SB82734-E(9) for consideration by the Department of Nobody Gives A Shit while seated in a crowded theater.

Is it okay to grab someone else's property and heave it against a wall? No. But it's also not okay to annoy the piss out of every member of the general public you encounter. Only one petty crime is illegal unfortunately, but I'm going to go out on a limb here and say nothing happens to Williamson.

Sometimes a small rebellion is justified.

(Rude cell phone user graphic via Bigstock)

Fitch the Homeless: A Helpful Protest

Bil Browning — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:00:00 -0500

An interview Abercrombie and Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries did with Salon back in 2006 has found new life on the intertubes mememobile over the past couple of weeks. The founder of the popular clothing line told the outlet that the company doesn't make XL or XXL sizes for female customers because they don't want "ugly" people wearing their clothes.

Unfortunately for Jeffries, honesty is not a virtue when it comes to brand marketing. Outrage over his statements shook the web to its core (albeit a few years after the fact) and now there are change.org petition, indignant tweets, and disapproving Facebook postings galore.

I'll admit, mostly I shook my head and wondered how people could be so dumb they'd give the chain free publicity that's about as positive as it is negative. After all, what message was sent to teens other than "Even if I'm the ugliest person in the world, if I'm skinny Abercrombie clothes will make me cool!" or "Obviously the cool kids are wearing A&F!"? Feel bad about denigrating plus size women all you want, but teenagers still want to look cool.

This anti-Abercrombie action intrigues me though. Not only does it allow the participant to feel good about themselves for sticking it to the clothing chain, it actually does something positive for the less fortunate.

What do you think? Gonna make a donation? I would, but I gave away the few A&F shirts I owned a few years ago before it was a protest statement. After all, you don't need outrage to prod you to help the homeless.

Dr. Joyce Brothers' Advice to a Father

Bil Browning — Tue, 14 May 2013 11:30:00 -0500

"More important than his sexual leaning is the kind of individual he is. How does he relate to others? Is he considerate, compassionate, understanding? Is he the kind of person you can be proud of? These things have nothing to do with his sex life. I think they should be considered first."

-- From a 1976 column by advice columnist Dr. Joyce Brothers responding to a father who wrote in concerned that his son had come out as gay. Dr. Brothers died yesterday at the age of 85.

A Message for Michele Bachmann

Bil Browning — Tue, 14 May 2013 11:11:57 -0500

Contributor Annette Gross made this short video message to Michele Bachmann following the vote legalizing same-sex marriage in Minnesota. She nails it. Hilarious.

Go to Netroots Nation on an LGBT Scholarship

Bil Browning — Mon, 13 May 2013 14:30:00 -0500

If you're a regular Bilerico reader, you've seen the posts from me (and other contributors) about attending Netroots Nation and the incredible experiences we've had there. Now you have a chance to join in the fun.

Every year, contributor Mike Rogers hosts the Netroots Connect LGBT pre-conference on the day before Netroots officially begins. Many of the top bloggers, grassroots organizers, social media mavens, and organizational staff come together for a day-long informative and interactive event that is out of this world.

Netroots is being held in San Jose, California from June 19th through the 23rd and you can get a scholarship to attend both events for free! The scholarship covers your transportation, your hotel room, entrance for both Netroots and the LGBT pre-con, and possibly a per diem if purchasing food will be a financial hardship.

You can apply for a scholarship here, but hurry. Applications will be accepted until Friday, May 17.

The Freedom to Marry Bridge

Bil Browning — Mon, 13 May 2013 11:01:00 -0500

"I renamedthe WabashaBridge 2 the Freedom to Marry Bridge for this week. Marriage equality here we come #Time4Marriage"

-- St. Paul, Minnesota mayor Chris Coleman on Twitter after renaming the local bridge that spans the Mississippi River today as the state legislature gets ready to pass marriage equality legislation.

We Already Have a Winner

Bil Browning — Mon, 13 May 2013 10:50:39 -0500

I think we already have a winner for "Best Video on the Intertubes This Week." Here's Canadian former space station commander Chris Hadfield's cover of David Bowie's "Space Oddity." It was filmed floating above the Earth before Hadfield returned to ground control yesterday.

Pinkwashing, Queer Priorities, & Degayifying the NFL [Weekly Reader]

Bil Browning — Sat, 11 May 2013 10:00:00 -0500

Saturday

What You Need To Know This Week (4/28 - 5/4) Filed by E. Winter Tashlin

Sunday

Sequestering Mental Health Care Is Insanity Filed by Terrance Heath

Monday

Cardinal Dolan to LGBTs: Wash Your Hands Before Entering My Church Filed by John M. Becker
The Degayification of the NFL Filed by Bil Browning

Tuesday

Saying "No" to Frameline and Israeli Apartheid Filed by R Conrad
The GOP Wages 'Class Warfare' on Working Families Filed by Terrance Heath

Wednesday

NOM's Latest Faux Outrage: Marriage Equality Will Make Society More Equal Filed by John M. Becker
And the Fish Says, "What Is Water?" Filed by Bil Browning

Thursday

Let's Talk About "Key Priorities" Filed by Jerame Davis
The Need for LGBT-Friendly Senior Housing Filed by Mark Segal

Friday

The Oppressed Shall Lead: Advocacy Through Empowerment - Part 1 Filed by Drew Cordes
Catholic Bishops Becoming Increasingly Hysterical in Opposition to Marriage Equality Filed by John M. Becker

Don't forget:

Become our fan on Facebook to get the extra tidbits we put up there!
Follow Bilerico Project on Twitter for links to new posts, breaking news and contest opportunities.
Subscribe to the Bilerico Project Report to get all of the previous day's posts sent to you every night at midnight Eastern time.
Subscribe to the Bilerico Project RSS feed to read posts via a feedreader like Google Reader or Bloglines, or include the feed in a customized homepage like My Yahoo! or iGoogle.
Want to read a faster version of TBP on your phone? We have a mobile version!