Washington Blade Editorial

Yes we can! But when?

Fri, 3 Jul 2009 05:00:00 EST

Yes we can! But when?
Obama promised to be a 'fierce advocate' for LGBT equality but is moving too slowly
By Mary Frances Berry
Friday, July 03, 2009
PRESIDENT OBAMA, YOU are moving too slowly. Your recent actions concerning LGBT issues appear too hesitant, too tentative. You claimed to be a “fierce advocate” for the gay community while you were campaigning for the presidency, inspiring the masses with cries of “Yes we can,” yet you seem to be foot-dragging on progress.

In a 2007 interview with the Advocate, you made the bold assertion that you were helping to encourage understanding that would ultimately strengthen the cause of LGBT rights. You even stated that, “there has not been a stronger and more consistent advocate on LGBT issues than I have been.” You may talk the talk, but you certai ...

Alas, poor activism, we knew her well

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 05:00:00 EST

Alas, poor activism, we knew her well
40 years after Stonewall, sipping cocktails has replaced marching as our preferred method of protest
By KEVIN NAFF
Friday, June 26, 2009
FORTY YEARS AFTER the rebellion at Stonewall, the business of activism is in a sorry state.

Four decades after a group of gay bar patrons humiliated the New York police department by repelling their regular raids with physical force (from kick lines to bottle throwing), a group of wealthy and connected LGBT donors was preparing to sip cocktails with Vice President Joe Biden at the posh Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington last night and enjoy the 10,000-square-foot spa at a Democratic National Committee fundraiser.

When the Obama administration's Justice Department defended the indefensible Defense of Marriage Act in a legal brief that would have made George W. Bush p ...

No slippery slope here

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 05:00:00 EST

No slippery slope here
Debunking three tired arguments against marriage equality
By David Sobelsohn
Friday, June 19, 2009
LONGTIME WATCHER OF the Washington scene, I see the same old rhetorical devices leveled against marriage equality that surface in other areas of politics.

The first is tradition. This may be the most common argument against marriage equality. Opponents claim that human societies have never recognized same-sex marriage. But history and tradition provide a presumption. They don't (by themselves) completely answer the question, “What is a good society?” Otherwise we'd still have slavery. The past should have a voice, not a veto.

Moreover, there is substantial evidence (in the writings of John Boswell and others) that rituals looking a lot like sa ...

3 tasks for the year ahead

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 05:00:00 EST

3 tasks for the year ahead
No free rides for Democrats, no more waiting for rights advances and no more excuses in HIV fight
By KEVIN NAFF
Friday, June 12, 2009
PRIDE REPRESENTS AS good a time as any to pause and evaluate the state of the LGBT movement and although it's been a momentous year (Obama's election, marriage rights in six states) it appears that the year ahead will be a tough one.

Last year, many LGBT activists, donors and voters were focused on electing Barack Obama president and expanding Democratic majorities in Congress, while also fighting off anti-gay ballot initiatives in three states, including California. The outcome, of course, was bittersweet as many of us celebrated Obama's victory while mourning the passage of Proposition 8.

The year ahead holds more complicated trials for a movement that is maturing and ...

Faith leaders must speak out

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 05:00:00 EST

Faith leaders must speak out
In marriage fight, remember that wherever love is present, God is also present
By REV. LOUISE GREEN
Friday, June 05, 2009
RECENTLY BEGAN a conversation with Blade contributor Bill Freeman about the efficacy of the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, and participation in President Obama's Advisory Council. My position remains that, in spite of the structural and policy changes needed in this grants program, full dialogue in a diverse group is always worth the effort.

As it turns out, an opportunity for just that sort of bridge across difference is now playing out rapidly in our city. Many clergy in D.C. have made the effort to be in various multi-racial coalitions over time. We did not always agree on policy, and diverge widely in theology, yet we engage this week in a joint public witne ...

Defending Obama

Fri, 29 May 2009 05:00:00 EST

Defending Obama
He's not moving fast enough on gay issues, but Congress is the real obstacle to progress
By KEVIN NAFF
Friday, May 29, 2009
PRESIDENT OBAMA IS suddenly taking heat from unexpected sources over his less-than-aggressive approach to advancing gay rights.

The New York Times' Frank Rich criticized Obama in a piece this week. “[I]t ill becomes Obama, of all presidents, to remain mute in the White House.”

Blogger Andrew Sullivan, who endorsed Obama, also weighed in. “I have a sickeningly familiar feeling in my stomach, and the feeling deepens with every interaction with the Obama team on these issues,” he wrote. “They want them to go away. They want us to go away.”

And longtime Democratic strategist David Mixner is now calling for a national march in ...

What is there to be proud of?

Fri, 22 May 2009 05:00:00 EST

What is there to be proud of?
A world of proud people making positive contributions is a worthwhile vision
By Rev. Cedric A. Harmon
Friday, May 22, 2009
AM WHAT time, circumstance, history, have made of me, certainly, but I am also, much more than that. So are we all.” (James Baldwin)

I recall the elation, joy and feelings of confidence when I was able to say out loud that I am an African-American same-gender-loving man and a Christian minister. None of these factors excluded the other or challenged the importance or truth of the other. I also celebrate the fact that these identifiers are not all there is to me — I am so much more.

Arriving at a place of certainty, surety and comfort is not a quick endeavor. For many same-gender-loving people it is a lifelong journey. The suspected narrative for LGBT people ...

Gays need liaison at State

Fri, 15 May 2009 05:00:00 EST

Gays need liaison at State
Clinton should honor commitment to international LGBT people and hire a program specialist
By
Friday, May 15, 2009
WHEN SECRETARY OF State Hillary Rodham Clinton was on her European tour this spring in her new role as our country's top diplomat, she held a town hall and asked the audience of average citizens for questions. A young gay Moldovan wanted to know what changes she would implement to aid LGBT persons beyond America's borders suffering human rights violations. Clinton's answer was succinct.

Mincing no words, she said, “Human rights is and will always be one of the pillars of our foreign policy, and in particular the persecution and discrimination against gays and lesbians is something that we take very seriously. It is terribly unfortunate, as you just recited, that right now in ...

A time for vigilance

Fri, 8 May 2009 05:00:00 EST

A time for vigilance
Miss Cali and Joe the Plumber aside, we ignore our critics at our own peril
By KEVIN NAFF
Friday, May 08, 2009
IN THIS NEW, unfamiliar era of fast-paced change, it's tempting to shrug off our opponents as bigots or laughingstocks and sit back awaiting the inevitability of full equality under the law.

As gay rights opponents like Maggie Gallagher, Carrie Prejean and even Joe the Plumber become increasingly shrill and are widely mocked and dismissed by the mainstream media's talking heads, it's easy to be lulled into a sense that the culture wars are over.

Just look at new polling data released last week. A Washington Post-ABC News poll showed that 49 percent of those surveyed support same-sex marriage with 46 percent opposing. Just three years ago, 58 percent were opposed and 36 ...

The return of outing

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 05:00:00 EST

The return of outing
New documentary 'Outrage' promises to lift the veil on D.C.'s closet culture
By KEVIN NAFF
Friday, April 24, 2009
NEW DOCUMENTARY ON outing from Oscar-nominated filmmaker Kirby Dick premieres tonight at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York and promises to reignite debate about the practice of exposing the sexual orientation of closeted public figures. It's far and away the most controversial and popular topic the Blade has covered in my six years here. From Anderson Cooper and Shepard Smith to Mark Foley and Larry Craig to Queen Latifah and Lance Bass, we've reported on a wide array of closeted politicians and celebrities.

“Outrage,” the new documentary, focuses on closeted politicians and the mainstream media outlets that so often protect their dirty little secrets. Kirby Dick a ...

Will recession imperil LGBT workplace diversity?

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 05:00:00 EST

Will recession imperil LGBT workplace diversity?
Smart employers know they must ensure that their best are not inhibited by discrimination
By D?Arcy Kemnitz
Friday, April 24, 2009
OUR DIVERSITY IS our strength. That catchphrase ruled the last decade as workplace diversity training programs for racial and sexual minorities soared to ubiquity at corporate headquarters across the country. The premise is simple: Employees with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and sensitivities are better able to represent the needs of an increasingly diverse marketplace. The argument is that diversity is more than just the right thing to do; it also makes good business sense.

This theory is about to meet its first major test as global financial pressures force companies to take a hard look at budget priorities. As corporations initiate cutbacks of “non-essential&r ...

Baby steps in Maryland

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 05:00:00 EST

Baby steps in Maryland
We won small victories this year, but goal of marriage equality requires more work
By Richard S. Madaleno
Friday, April 24, 2009
LAST WEEK, THE 2009 General Assembly session concluded just hours after giving final approval to legislation that exempted domestic partners, gay or straight, from paying inheritance taxes on primary residences. As I reflect on the events of the last three months, I wanted to share my thoughts with you on our victories, our setbacks and our plans for the future.

First, we have to celebrate our small but meaningful successes in obtaining domestic partner benefits for same-sex partners of state employees and passing the inheritance tax exemption bill. Gov. Martin O'Malley deserves credit for moving forward with domestic partner benefits during such difficult fiscal times. The money ...

I agree with Maggie Gallagher

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 05:00:00 EST

I agree with Maggie Gallagher
Anti-gay crusader is right: same-sex marriage represents big change
By KEVIN NAFF
Friday, April 17, 2009
I AGREE WITH Maggie Gallagher.

The longtime anti-gay marriage crusader, head of the ironically named National Organization for Marriage, debated HRC's Joe Solmonese on MSNBC's “Hard Ball” last week and revealed herself to be a frightened, out-of-touch alarmist peddling an empty bag of arguments. But she was right on one key point — that same-sex marriage represents a major change for the nation.

Now that gay marriage victories have been delivered by “activist” judges (Massachusetts, Iowa) and state legislatures (Vermont, California), the conservative Christians are running out of scapegoats and bogeymen.

Instead of invoki ...

Should D.C. reunite with Maryland?

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 05:00:00 EST

Should D.C. reunite with Maryland?
This city's residents deserve representation - Returning to the Free State may be our best option
By John Klenert
Friday, April 17, 2009
IT IS INDEED IT IS the best of times and the worst of times in the latest battle for equal voting rights for all the Americans who happen to live in the District of Columbia.

The best of times: Our incredible Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, working both houses of Congress for almost 20 years, continues to do her best to accomplish her goal in her home city of full representation in the Congress.

The worst of times: Sen. John Ensign of Nevada produced the latest insult of stripping the City Council of any legislative say on guns. The blood of our citizens and police forces lies not only at his doorsteps but also on his hands with the likely growth in the sc ...

Marriage equality is inevitable in D.C.

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 05:00:00 EST

Marriage equality is inevitable in D.C.
Kudos to Catania for marriage recognition bill, now we wait for Congress.
By Peter Rosenstein
Friday, April 17, 2009
THE QUESTION OF marriage equality is no longer if, but when. The when is the crux of what the LGBT community and D.C. Council must now determine.

I applaud Council member David Catania for spurring the move to recognize same-sex marriages performed outside of D.C. as marriages here. This major step forward, by unanimous vote of the Council, showed the time to act has come. Mayor Adrian Fenty has said he will sign the bill after the second reading on May 5. Then this bill, like all other legislation passed by our Council and signed by the mayor, goes to Congress for a review. If they don't act on it within 30 days, it becomes law. But remember: It took 10 years from the tim ...

Marriage in D.C.: If not now, when?

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 05:00:00 EST

Marriage in D.C.: If not now, when?
Enough waiting, it's time to finally move forward on equal rights in the city
By Lane Hudon
Friday, April 10, 2009
FOR MORE THAN two years now, I have been asking questions, talking to people and working on strategy to achieve marriage equality in D.C. Although it is a matter of nomenclature, thanks to the work of folks like David Catania, Jim Graham and Phil Mendelson, it is still hugely important because of a simple idea called respect.

In the District of Columbia, the law is very close to treating LGBT people the same as any other American citizen who walks our streets. Just this week, the Council voted 12-0 to recognize the marriages of same-sex couples legally wed in other jurisdictions. Whether or not we should pursue marriage isn't really the question. The center of debate and di ...

Time to boycott Jamaica?

Fri, 3 Apr 2009 05:00:00 EST

Time to boycott Jamaica?
Fight against 'most homophobic place on earth' could change participants along with policies
By Laura Douglas-Brown
Friday, April 03, 2009
This week, a small group of activists launched Boycott Jamaica, an effort to bring tourist dollars to bear against the Caribbean island's long history of virulent homophobia. While the effort is still fledgling, it has the potential to have lasting impact — if not directly on the island's government, then on boycott participants and those they educate about it.

Jamaica's record of hostile, even deadly treatment of its LGBT citizens is well documented. In 2006, boycott organizers note, activists interviewed by Time Magazine dubbed it “the most homophobic place on earth.”

The State Department's Human Rights Report for 2008, released in February, noted th ...

Mo' money

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 05:00:00 EST

Mo' money
Salary survey sheds light on how nation's LGBT rights groups are spending funds
By KEVIN NAFF
Friday, March 27, 2009
THIS ISSUE OF the Blade includes an in-depth look at the salaries of the nation's LGBT rights leaders. It's been five years since the Blade last conducted a salary survey like this and this year's is greatly expanded.

It includes information on 30 organizations — nearly double the size of our last study — and we've added several regional groups, like Equality Maryland and Equality Virginia, along with a few HIV/AIDS groups, including Food & Friends and Whitman-Walker Clinic in D.C.

In addition to executive director salaries, we've included some basic financial information for each organization: total revenue, percentage of revenue dedicated to executiv ...

In corporate America, silence is golden

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 05:00:00 EST

In corporate America, silence is golden

By KEVIN NAFF
Friday, March 27, 2009
SPEAKING OF CORPORATE greed, all the belated populist outrage over AIG's bonus payouts shows just how little most Americans know about the evolution of the term “bonus” as it is used in big business.

Rather than use bonuses to reward performance, many companies include “bonus” payments as a guaranteed part of compensation, a mind-boggling perversion of the term.

As an alumnus of big corporate America, I recall listening incredulously as non-performers in the office counted down the days to their big March bonus payouts and compared notes on impending purchases. Exotic vacations! A new boat! Granite countertops!

They exhibited no sense ...

HIV wake-up call

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 05:00:00 EST

HIV wake-up call
The epidemic is out of control in D.C. and there's plenty of blame to go around
By Victor Maldonado
Friday, March 20, 2009
JUST THIS WEEK, the D.C. Department of Health HIV/AIDS Administration released estimates on the number of District residents living with HIV. The numbers are jaw-dropping. According to HAA, 15,120 District residents, or 3 percent of the population, are HIV positive.

To place that number in context, if D.C. were an independent nation, its HIV infection rate would be higher than that of many African countries. There is a natural inclination to ask how the capitol city of the United States developed epidemic levels of HIV comparable to those of a developing country.
The answer is simple: leadership. The lack of it and need for it have fanned the flames of this crisis. And ...