A Gay Activism/Rights Blog!

Standing Up, Speaking Out

2012-02-10T09:24:00.009-05:00

Beating Victim Speaks Out Against Hate

In response to a recent Atlanta, anti-gay beating captured on video before going viral over the Internet, 20 year old victim Brandon White comes out & speaks up against those bent on causing him harm because he is gay.

In a society with extremist Republican political candidates using their hate filled anti-gay "wedge issues," news commentators condoning violence against us for underwear ads, organizations of bigotry/hate including, "One Million Mom March" & their threat of targeting JCPenny's for it's use of a gay spokesperson to governments which seek to create laws to include death penalties to gays, it's no wonder the violent attacks continue against our community...

Enough is enough.

Thank you Brandon, for having the courage to stand up & speak out against those responsible for these atrocious & senseless acts of violence against our community.

May Mr. White be a role model for the rest of our community to stand up & speak out against the lies, intolerance & hate.

Standing up (OK, sitting down) for our rights!

There Is Hope!

2012-01-27T15:09:00.007-05:00

Whether Your LGBT Or Q...

You may have been told you or your "behavior" is wrong, immoral, disgusting or that it's just a phase you are going through. It is not. Because, you are unique & you are beautiful!

You may have heard some of the negative news or stories regarding our community whether from conservative politicians/political candidates, extremist Christians or hate groups but, there is a hope. Hope due to the tireless dedication of those fighting back against the lies, hate & intolerance.

Our community has made positive strides to include marriage equality in 6 U.S. states, the District Of Columbia (not to mention, 3 other states are on the verge of moving forward in the fight for marriage equality) & 14 other locations around the world. The U.S. military's discriminative DADT came to an end, numerous states have enacted various protections & non discriminative laws, LGBT political leaders have come out as have sport figures, actors & other influential figures. More large corporations are recognizing that some of their best employees are LGBT & have begun offering stipends to cover medical insurance tax costs for their employee's spouse/partner, creating zero tolerance policy against hostile workplace discrimination which includes LGBT to backing bills calling for full marriage rights. Extreme anti-LGBT governments like Uganda have world leaders, the U.N. & politicians speaking out against their potential laws against the LGBT community.

It is certainly not the end, but, rather the beginning on a long & often frustrating road towards equality.

There's still so much work to do & together, you & I can help make a difference by educating others.

No matter what anyone tells you, always be yourself because, it's "OK to be LGBT."

Standing up (OK, sitting down) for our rights!

Fighting Against Global LGBT Oppression

2011-12-07T10:33:00.020-05:00

Do As We Say, Not As We Do

As Secretary of State Hillary Clinton winds her way around the globe speaking of issues from public diplomacy, economic & energy to human rights, she speaks out comparing the struggle for gay equality to women's rights & racial equality, she said "cultural or religious traditions are no excuse for discrimination." & " Gay rights are human rights & human rights are gay rights. It should never be a crime to be gay."

I applaud her efforts & appeals to nations to end the criminalization of homosexuality & to stop the discrimination of LGBT citizens abroad. At the same time, I can't help but take notice of the injustices against us right here in her own back yard...

Stop the criminalization & discrimination of LGBT citizens???

While here at home, as an LGBT citizen in many parts of America...

* You can be fired.

* Denied housing.

* Denied marriage.

* Denied the same rights/privileges/responsibilities of marriage that heterosexual couples take for granted.

* Unfairly taxed.
* Lack of anti-bullying laws to protect our most vulnerable youth.

* Discrimination in healthcare.
* Face various abuses of power from law enforcement.

* Lack of other legal protections against those targeting us in a crime.

How can the Secretary of State speak out against other nations & their hatred of it's LGBT citizens when so much criminalization & discrimination goes on right in her own back yard?

If America is going to be the mouthpiece for equality, it needs to lead by example by doing more to end LGBT discrimination's right here at home...

Standing up (OK, sitting down) for our rights!

No Cake For You!

2011-11-21T13:07:00.001-05:00

A Cake For All Occasions, Except Yours...

A wedding day for most is something special celebrating the bonding of a committed & loving relationship. A celebration with good friends, family, music, food & a wedding cake.

But for one couple, the dream of topping the joyous occasion left more of a bitter taste. With a recipe filled with bigotry & intolerance, a Christian cake maker has refused to bake their special day cake & feels treating the soon to be blessed lesbian couple as unworthy of her special creations based on the grounds marriage equality goes against her beliefs.

A public & Christian establishment?

Contact Victoria Childress & tell her you disapprove of her recipe!

Victoria's Cake Cottage

420 NW 51st Place

Des Moines, IA 50313

(515)729-0253

Email

Standing up (OK, sitting down) for our rights!

Transgender Day of Remembrance

2011-11-20T14:44:00.006-05:00

Remembering Those Lost To Hate & Intolerance

May this Transgender Day of Remembrance be the one that sheds light & tolerance on those who's hearts are filled with hate & darkness...

Standing up (OK, sitting down) for our rights!

Anti-Gay Bullying 101

2011-10-27T17:25:00.009-04:00

An Education In Hate

Union-Scioto High School in Chillicothe, Ohio. A place where reading, writing & arithmetic, like most schools, are considered the normal topics of learning for the day but instead, homophobia & intolerance 101 became the lessons learned.

As the student tries to escape his attacker, he was heard saying "why are you doing this?" As his fellow classmates stood by & did nothing.

The shocking video was captured by a student's cellphone which was later posted to Facebook.

The bully's punishment for this horrific attack, 3 days suspension!

How many more young lives will suffer or end at the hands or mouths of bullies?

Contact the Union-Scioto High School

1565 Egypt Pike

Chillicothe, Ohio 45601

(740)773-4102

Tell them, "Stop The Hate, Educate!"
Union-Scioto School District's Mission Statement: "Students of the Union-Scioto Local School District will achieve & succeed in a SAFE & drug free environment."

Standing up (OK, sitting down) for our rights!

Coffee Sure To Leave A Bitter Taste

2011-10-26T12:45:00.007-04:00

Take That Gay Affection Elsewhere...

Out & about looking for a place to get your next java fix? Near a Tim Hortons? Consider spending your pink dollars elsewhere as the recent event at one of their southern Ontario stores will leave a bad taste in the mouth of any LGBT consumer or one who supports equality.

On a recent trip to a Tim Hortons, a lesbian couple says they had been asked to leave or the police would be called because of a complaint of "inappropriate behavior" (hand holding & some kisses) was brought to the store manager's attention by a customer who had also happened to be a pentecostal minister.

Eric Revie, the assistant pastor of Glad Tidings Community Church says he did not ask the manager to ask them to leave but instead told the manager he did not want his young children to see such "lewd" behavior.

Tim Hortons posted a somewhat apology on it's Facebook page & invited the couple to return.

As a long time dedicated follower of Tim Hortons, my pink dollars & I will now reconsider where I get that next cup of java in the future...

Tim Hortons

Guest Services (800)601-1616

Corporate Office (905)845-6511

Fax (905)845-0265

874 Sinclair Road

Oakville, ON L6K 2Y1

Email Form

Standing up (OK, sitting down) for our rights!

New Hampshire Marriage Equality Under Threat

2011-10-24T17:40:00.014-04:00

Marriage Equality, A Threat To New Hampshire

"Let the majority (GOP) decide on minorities civil rights"

Even though the MAJORITY of New Hampshire citizens oppose repealing marriage equality...

As progress in LGBT rights slowly moves forward on the national stage, the desire to push them back in some states by those who continue to feel we as a community are not worthy of the "special" rights so many heterosexuals take for granted.

Take New Hampshire, "Live Free Or Die," where dealing with the issues of jobs & the economy take a back seat by those such as Rep Gregory Sorg (R) who still believe we, the LGBT community remain the biggest threat to society. Rep Sorg, in a recent statement said, "gay marriage will cause harm to society over time, even if it's not evident now." Going on to further say, "Some societal changes take generations to manifest themselves."

Estimated Expenditures would increase $50,500 to "correct" the wrongs of the state in fy 2012.

Contact your state Representative or, if you are not a resident but have family/friends from New Hampshire, tell them to help take a stand against this injustice by contacting their Representative & asking them to vote no on Bill 437 because hate & inequality has no place in the state of "Live Free Or Die."

Standing up (OK, sitting down) for our rights!

National Coming Out Day

2011-10-11T09:17:00.007-04:00

A New Beginning

Be yourself, be proud
&

welcome, to a new day!

Standing up (OK, sitting down) for our rights!

Ledyard, NY Town Clerk's Defiance Of The Law

2011-09-21T13:36:00.007-04:00

Face Of Official Intolerance

Ledyard, New York Town Clerk Rose Marie Belforti, an elected official sworn to uphold the laws of New York has continued in her defiance to break the law by refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples since the passage of marriage equality in New York.

Last month, Mrs. Belforti sent a letter to the town board giving her decision to NOT issue marriage licenses because of her religious beliefs.

Won't do her job because of her religious beliefs?????

She is ENTITLED to her religious beliefs but, at the same time, she MUST perform the job she was elected & sworn to. She cannot decide which laws to follow & which to ignore. If she decides she can't issue marriage licenses, she needs to resign her position as Town Clerk ASAP.

Ledyard Town Clerk Rose Marie Belforti:

Town Building

1099 Poplar Ridge Road

Aurora, NY 13026

Phone (315)364-5707

Fax (315)364-5711

Email Ledyard@hughes.net

Ledyard Town Board, New York Att General, Gov. Cuomo, what are your thoughts?

Standing up (OK, sitting down) for our rights!

DADT Has Passed...

2011-09-20T09:50:00.009-04:00

End Of A Hateful Era

Tuesday, September 20th, 12:01am EDT - With no 21 gun salute or national fanfare for justice finally served (just the destruction of lives & careers), DADT quietly passed into the history books leaving behind a shameful reminder of how equal & free many of us truly are.

Army Chief of Staff General Ray Odierno on this historical moment: "Today marks the end of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. The law is repealed. From this day forward, gay & lesbian soldiers may serve in our Army with the dignity & respect they deserve."

May this day be one we remember as a huge victory but also, may it be a constant reminder of the struggles we have faced & continue to face in our fight for equality.

Congratulations & thank you to ALL who serve!

Standing up (OK, sitting down) for our rights!

The GOP Wedge Trump Card

2011-09-14T12:35:00.004-04:00

Out Of Touch Once Again...

On Tuesday afternoon, the vote so many North Carolina GOP representatives were desperately seeking has finally been delivered on a silver platter. Could it be a bill for jobs creation? NOPE! Maybe tax cuts for the state's citizens? NOPE! Hurricane Irene Help? NOPE! What about education issues? NOPE! The environment & energy? NOPE! Possibly health care? ABSOLUTELY NOT! The most important & pressing issue for the state's lawmakers is "marriage in-equality" & making sure traditional straight marriage is "protected" by passing a Gay Marriage Amendment ballot.

"Protected," forcing a vote against the civil rights of a minority by the majority...

Out of the ass of Senator Jim Forrester (R): "this wasn't a slap in the face to them, it was just something I thought we needed to do to continue to have a strong family structure here in North Carolina."

Shame on those who are put into positions of power that seek nothing more than to hurt others with their hatred/extreme ideologies.

Well Mr. Obama, anything to say?

Standing up (OK, sitting down) for our rights!

New Balance's "Make All Better" Letter...

2011-08-10T12:05:00.009-04:00

Money Not Well Spent...

An open Letter:

"Dear New Balance associates, customers and consumers:
Earlier this year, a private donation was made by our Chairman to a political action committee that is affiliated with Mitt Romney. First, let me be clear that this was a private donation and not a contribution from New Balance. We encourage civic engagement at all levels and will always respect the right of any of our associates to engage in the political process as they see fit. We typically do not comment on private political donations; however, this situation is different.

Mr. Romney recently signed a pledge that challenges same sex marriage and that has offended many including those in the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. Mr. Romney’s position on this issue is not reflective of Jim Davis’, my or New Balance’s position and support of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered community. As a company, New Balance embraces the differences in all people and we work tirelessly to create and sustain an environment where everyone – our associates, consumers, customers and guests – are treated with dignity and respect."

Standing up (OK, sitting down) for our rights!

Historical First Same-Sex Marriages In New York!

2011-07-25T13:43:00.014-04:00

I Do New York!

As a volunteer & advocate for our community, I'm usually in contact with an organization (often my favorite, The LOFT!) or group when I hear of any important issues or events effecting our community as I'm often looking to help since I'm not someone who waits around for a possible "missed opportunity" to make a difference.

July 24th was no exception...

With little sleep the night before, I awoke around 7am to get my morning going as I was eager to get started volunteering in such an historical & joyous event & to be around those that are special to me.

After picking up my friend, we were off on the hour journey to Greenburgh Town Hall (I decide to get there early as I figured there would be plenty of setting up).

Upon arriving to an empty parking lot & locked doors, I panicked & began making calls to find out if I was at the right place & if people were on their way. Well, it turns out we were a few hours early!

Finally, people began arriving & I was eager to get involved. With it pretty much being a catered event, the director of The LOFT asked me to be the "official photographer." So, with camera in hand, I began snapping pictures of everything from the arrivals, license applications, food to the best part, the "I Do's!" choreographed to the sounds of thunderous applause!!!!

Congratulations to some of New York's first who tied the knot & good luck to those who seek it in the future!

Many thanks go out to the Greenburgh officials, the judges, caterers & all who made that magical day possible (especially since they all volunteered their time)!

Standing up (ok, sitting down) for our rights!

DADT's Official Execution Date Set

2011-07-22T17:17:00.003-04:00

60 Days & Counting...

With the stroke of President Obama's pen, the discriminative & destructive DADT has officially begun it's downward spiral into the history books of a shameful & unequal treatment of 1 of America's minority groups.

During the official signing, Obama said, "it undermines our military readiness & violates American principles of fairness & equality."

He went on to say: "In accordance with the legislation that I signed into law last December, I have certified & notified Congress that the requirements for repeal have been met."

DADT officially passes from the law September 20th, 2011.

Standing up (ok, sitting down) for our rights!

Pride In A Community

2011-05-26T10:28:00.004-04:00

Community With A Big Heart

In Wake Of The May 22nd Tornado that devastated the community of Joplin, Missouri, the LGBT community is coming together to make a difference & can use your help.

The EF-5 tornado spared little in it's path including the loss of over 100 lives, destroying businesses, homes & the "Unity Spirit Of Christ MCC," a church founded by & for the LGBT community.

Ways you can help:

American Red Cross - http://www.redcross.org

Spirit Of Hope MCC - (816)931-0750

GLO Center - (417)869-3978

Show Me No Hate - Ed Reggi showmenohate@gmail.com

MCC Of Greater St. Louis - (314)361-3221 help@mccgsl.com

Standing up (ok, sitting down) for our rights!

Priorities, Priorities...

2011-02-02T16:44:00.004-05:00

GOP's Upside Down Priorities...

At a time when American's are struggling to find work (let alone hold onto one since many have continued to move overseas) or who are in jeopardy of their unemployment benefits running out, worrying about putting food on the table, home foreclosures, health care insurance issues, debt, high taxes, the ongoing war in Afghanistan, illegal immigration, etc, the GOP has put together a list of the most pressing issues to deal with in order to "take America back."

At the top of the list are the following:

Health care repeal.
Destroying families by targeting marriage equality.
Denying a woman her right to choose.
Monitoring average Americans who use FOIA.
The White House.

Priorities, oh' the priorities...

As for last on the list, G-d help us all.

Standing up (ok, sitting down) for our rights!

Reload

2011-01-09T16:20:00.006-05:00

You Betcha!

"Commonsense Conservatives & lovers of America" are to heed messages like this huh?

What does your "commonsense" tell you regarding this message from a right wing extremist such a Sarah "Mama Grizzly" Palin?

Standing up (ok, sitting down) for our rights!

Sarah Palin's Message Of Hope...

2011-01-08T16:55:00.006-05:00

Process Of Elimination...

As the news of a mass shooting of 12 which included Congresswoman Gabrielle Gifford (D) of Arizona outside a Tuscon, Arizona grocery store, Alaska's former GOP governor and presidential hopeful Sarah "Mama Grizzly" Palin's twitter featured this image (which has since been removed).

It's the extreme dark GOP ideology such as this that continues to plague & divide this country with anger and violence.

Christian morals uh Sarah?

Standing up (ok, sitting down) for our rights!

The Numbers...

2011-01-05T12:59:00.005-05:00

Uphill Battle

As the fight for equality in 2011 begins to ramp up & the majority of house seats begin to warm with GOP bottoms, this year promises to be one of further complication, but not of impossibility!

Make this the year to:

Get off the couch
Come out
Speak out
Help financially
Volunteer

Quoting former President John F. Kennedy, "ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country."

What can YOU DO for our community because now, your voice & actions are needed more than ever!

Standing up (ok, sitting down) for our rights!

The War Is Over

2010-12-18T15:00:00.003-05:00

The Enemy Has Been Defeated

You were born out of intolerance, you were born out of fears

Causing destruction of lives, not to mention numerous careers

You were strong, you were bold, faithful for 17 years

But now the time has come & you have to leave here

As you begin your journey into history, we celebrate with pride & cheer!

Today is a new day in America. A time for renewal & a time for hope in the land of freedom and Pride!

Standing up (ok, sitting down) for our rights!

Before The Cart

2010-12-03T15:17:00.023-05:00

The Carrot...

Now that angry American voters have handed control of Congress back to the Republicans (those who voted for the GOP never learned) on a silver platter, many are saying "what the fuck?" as they get a real taste of things to come including increased taxes, raising the retirement age, corporate protections, no to anymore unemployment benefit extensions & not to mention a favorite "wedge" of the GOP, LGBT equality issues.

This time, the wedge is taken in the form of "keep the Bush era tax cuts for the wealthy or no compromise on DADT."

Yes, now, during a time of war when highly skilled people are discharged for being who they are, the likes of GOP's crusty Senator McCain, Congressman's Dana Rohrabacher, Fred Upton, Mark Kirk, Marine General James Amos & extreme homophobe Democrat Ike Skelton continue spewing their homophobic views on why DADT should remain all the while the Pentagon, numerous military personnel & a growing number of Americans have called for it's repeal.

Party of NO, the time to end hate & intolerance against your fellow American is now!

P.S. Democrats. Not only has your lack of a spine paralyzed you, it's impact will be felt more far & wide by so many. Thanks for nothing...

Standing up (ok, sitting down) for our rights!

Tidal Wave Of Uncertainty

2010-11-02T14:16:00.004-04:00

Voter Anger To Bring Out Record Numbers

"Voting for change" What does this mean to you? How do you see this in the current election?

In voting for change, what will you be looking for in your party of choice?

Democrats:

Civil rights, health care, jobs, corporate regulation/reform, education, greener energy, campaign finance reform, strengthen gun control, reform intelligence community, protect social security, protecting the working man, pro-active judges.

Republicans:

Tax breaks for the wealthy, more jobs overseas, "moral police" - no to various civil rights/liberty issues, more collaboration of church/state, constitutional amendments, guns, non regulation of corporations, protecting the businessman, conservative judges.

Granted, not all politicians of their respected parties believe/support their parties issues but 1 thing is for sure, you can bet the other party is more likely to lean against it...

Could this truly be an election of change or will it remain business as usual. One thing's for certain, we've had enough...

Personally, our system is so broken, I believe it will take more than a miracle to fix. But for starters, a spine sure would be great...

Standing up (ok, sitting down) for our rights!

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...

2010-10-20T23:22:00.004-04:00

One Step Forward, Two Giant Leaps Back

Openly gay? Ain't no way! - Once again, our openly gay brothers and sisters in uniform (and potential ones) have been tossed back under the Obama bus as the 9th Circuit Court Of Appeals has granted a temporary stay of Judge Phillips recent ruling striking down DADT as unconstitutional.

For the brief time DADT was not in force, the military's business of policing the world went on as usual with no apparent signs of collapse or breakdown of unit cohesion.

Now that you have accomplished to once again take away the right to serve honestly and openly Mr. President, can you say America is "once again" safer?

Change we can believe in, right?

Shame on you sir.

Standing up (ok, sitting down) for our rights!

Out With Honor

2010-10-19T21:19:00.002-04:00

Uncle Sam Want's You Too!

Truly a military of one - 10/19/2010, Pentagon issues orders to all recruiters to accept openly gay recruits & to halt all discharges in response to a recent ruling by U.S. District Judge Virginia Phillips striking down the 1993 law known as DADT as unconstitutional.

What does the future hold in sending this discriminative & destructive law into the history books as something of a distant memory?

What is know is that although the future of LGBT service members is not completely known yet, we can still celebrate a just victory!

Keep up the fight!

To all those serving, gay or straight, I say "thank you for serving to defend our liberties."

Standing up (ok, sitting down) for our rights!