Lez Get Real

We're HavingTechnical Difficulties

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 15:33:00 +0000

UPDATE:
We've moved our site and you can now find it at www.lezgetreal.com. Thank you!

The LGR Video of The Day 02/16/09

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Happy Bloody Valentine's Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 23:00:00 +0000

I can't believe it. I spent the whole week planning a romantic Valentine's Day for me and my new girlfriend, with lots of fun activities all leading to sex, and I've woken up with my period and stomach cramps!

Don't get me wrong, I know it's not all about my own personal sexual gratification, but who has the energy to perform properly, when all you really want to do is lie under a blanket with a hot water bottle, and watch crappy Saturday telly?

I don't feel like getting all dressed up in my bondage suit, I don't feel like eating sushi off my girlfriend's bottom, I don't feel sexy at all. I've got a painful zit on my chin, I've already cried 5 times and I feel an obsessive compulsion to clean the house. Valentine's Day was not meant to be like this. I'm supposed to feel like rose petals and pink blancmange, and instead I feel like a cactus and cold rice pudding.

Well, darling. Here's the video I made for you anyway, perhaps we can do it all again in about 5 days time? What? You'll have your period then?

Perhaps that's where "lesbian bed death" comes from. Sex time during the month is already halved by periods, then add another week of two sets of sore tits and extreme mood swings, that leaves one week of each month to be in sync with each other - one night being too tired, one night with a headache, one night not to be in the mood, one night being depressed, one night there's a good film on and one night "I just feel like cuddling tonight, is that OK?". That leaves 1 day of the month which is actually doable and convenient for both of you. And that's surely the time you're bound to have an argument about not having enough sex!

Happy Valentine's Day everyone - I hope you get yours!

P.S. You can send this video to your loved one as a Lizzy E-card at http://www.lizzythelezzy.com/cards )

Lizzy the Lezzy is created by Ruth Selwyn, who is an animator and filmmaker. For more Lizzy please visit http://www.lizzythelezzy.com

Exclusive Video: Early Valentine for My Studsband

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 23:00:00 +0000

This lesbian mom has an amazing voice and she shares it with us all as a gift to her wife for Valentine's Day.

I love how she used the term 'Studsband' in the title of this video!

That is a pretty accurate reflection for what I consider my wife to be as well, she takes on the role of being my husband therefore she is a 'studsband'. That is a new term for me and it definitely fits how we identify as a lesbian couple.

Anyhow, this lesbian mom has a really, really good voice and I am proud that she is a part of the LGBT community.

If anybody out there has the means to get this girl going into a successful career as a lesbian vocalist I think she is a hit! Her YouTube screen name is 'busymother24' so reach out to her for sure if that is you. ;o)

Happy Early Valentine's Day everyone!

Julie Phineas is a work at home mom of 2 who lives in Southern California. You can find out more about her by visiting her page on MySpace.

The Lez Get Real Top Ten: Top Ten Non Lesbians

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 20:00:00 +0000

Top Ten Non Lesbians

Lately I have noticed more women coming out of the closet as non-lesbians.

It's becoming quite clear that some women, especially those in the public eye, have concerns that others might think they are gay. There have been quite a few women who have publicly defended their hetero-sexuality and here is my top ten list of them.

#1
Salma Hayek
This hetero woman is number one Non Lesbian because so many lesbians wish she was one of us and fair game.

#2
Katy Perry
She kissed a girl, and she liked it, but she's not a lesbian. Go figure.

#3
Paris Hilton
Paris Hilton wants to get in on the action in an episode of the L Word, but she'll be keeping her panties on since she's not a lesbian.

#4
Gina Gershon
This Non Lesbian is surprising considering her lesbian experience in the movie Bound is a classic.

#5
Denise Richards
Another Non Lesbian with a classic lesbian movie experience. She made out with Neve Campbell in Wild Things, but in real life she's hetero.

#6
Mischa Barton
She's been seen kissing women so it's no wonder we wonder about this one. Her official statement however, is that she is in fact a Non Lesbian.

#7
Kelly Clarkson
The poor woman is a little creative and now everyone thinks she's gay. She confesses that she has had to defend herself against lesbian rumors for the most part throughout her career.

#8
Kate Hudson
It was rumoured Kate had been getting up close and personal with an attractive woman at a party, and she denied it saying only 'boys' for her.

#9
Marcia Cross
Okay so redheads aren't my type, so I am not too up in arms over this one. Apparently, because Marcia is over 40 and single some people thought she might be gay. Not so, says the actress; which makes her our #9 Non Lesbian.

#10
Hillary Clinton
The original Non Lesbian in my eyes is the former first lady. Not only did she come out publicly as being a Non Lesbian, she also added to her disclosure "not that there's anything wrong with that." You go girl!

Julie Phineas is a work at home mom of 2 who lives in Southern California. You can find out more about her by visiting her page on MySpace.

Lez Travel: Discover Sweet

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 17:00:00 +0000

Sweet is a new lesbian travel company with a focus on "social and environmental awareness".

They recently celebrated their first birthday and the company is making waves in the industry so to speak. Every one of Sweet’s vacations are "carbon neutral", which means that they offset the pollution created by air, land and sea travel. Sweet also makes it a point to raise money for worthwhile causes and take part in meaningful projects all over the world. They claim to travel to "amazing places with the very best lesbian entertainers and off-the-hook parties".

Here's what else they have to say...

Sweet is for women who want to do it all on their vacations and in their lives. It’s for women who work hard and play hard, women with big hearts and big dreams. It’s about making life as sweet as possible. That means we’re producing fun events, raising money and awareness for causes about which we feel passionately and encouraging our guests to reach their personal goals all year round, in addition to running our business in a environmentally and socially responsible way.

As we’re making decisions about pricing, policies, entertainment, partnerships, even where to go for lunch, we ask ourselves, “Is that Sweet?” or “How can we make that Sweet?” As you browse our web site, you’ll see that sweetness at every turn.

If that sounds "sweet" to you then be sure to check them out!

Their website is DiscoverSweet.com where you'll find vacation information, event information, and a discussion forum as well.

Here is a promo video as well just for fun...

ACLU Asks Arkansas Court to Bar Anti-Gay Group from Adoption Ban Lawsuit

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 12:00:00 +0000

The ACLU of Arkansas last week asked the Circuit Court of Pulaski County to deny a motion for intervention by the Arkansas Family Council Action Committee in Cole v. Arkansas, the case challenging Act 1, which banned adoption or foster parenting by any person who is unmarried and lives with a partner.

The Arkansas ACLU chapter sued the state on behalf of more than a dozen families and is seeking to overturn that law which went into effect Jan. 1. In the suit, the families argue that the act’s language was misleading to voters and that it violates their constitutional rights.

The Arkansas Family Council Action Committee is the conservative group that campaigned for a new Arkansas law banning unmarried couples from serving as adoptive or foster parents and said it would make different arguments in defending the new law from the ACLU lawsuit. The Family Council previously has told the court that Arkansas Attorney General McDaniel couldn’t be trusted to adequately defend the law since McDaniel and Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe had both opposed the measure during the election.

AG McDaniel has said he has no plans to step aside from the case and a spokesman for Governor Beebe, said the governor is confident that McDaniel will properly defend the new law.

Court papers filed by the ACLU say that the Arkansas Family Council has no legal grounds to enter the suit in Pulaski County Circuit Court.

The ACLU argues that both the Family Council and the attorney general’s office had the same goal and that was defending the legality of the ban. They also said that McDaniel has a legal obligation to defend the new law, even if he and Gov. Mike Beebe opposed the measure during the election.

In a statement sent to LGR, Rita Sklar of the ACLU said…

The plaintiffs in this case are children and families who are directly impacted by Act 1: A grandmother who has been kept from adopting her own grandchild, a father who goes to a dangerous job every day not knowing if his own mother would be able to adopt his children if something were to happen to him and his wife, a mother who has already adopted one child from the state but is not allowed to adopt another, and over two dozen other families who can show how Act 1 jeopardizes their families. The defendants in the case are the state entities responsible for enforcing Act 1 and placing children in foster and adoptive homes.

The Family Council Action Committee claims that if it is not allowed to intervene it will be left “completely without a voice” – for the Family Council to claim it has been rendered mute on this issue is laughable. Is there anyone in the state who doesn’t know what their position is on this law?

We support the Family Council Action Committee’s right to speak out publicly about its position on Act 1 and its beliefs about families and parenting, which they haven’t hesitated to do. We also support their right to participate in the case like any other interested party by seeking to file friend-of-the-court briefs. But the judicial system would grind to a halt and the cost to taxpayers would be astronomical if everyone who is merely interested in a legal case could intervene as a plaintiff or defendant. And in this case, slowing the legal system down further only harms Arkansas children who are being denied homes because of this law and parents who are blocked from making their own decisions about who should adopt their children if something should happen to them.

No date has yet been set by the court for a hearing….

Teri Hatcher and Swoosie Kurtz Set to Kiss

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 11:00:00 +0000

As reported by Out in Hollywood, actresses Teri Hatcher and Swoosie Kurtz are set to share on on screen kiss on the hit show Desperate Housewives this March.

The setting of the show is the street of Wisteria Lane in the fictional American town of Fairview, Eagle State. It follows the lives of a group of women, seen through the eyes of their dead neighbor, as they work through domestic struggles and family life, while facing the secrets, crimes and mysteries hidden behind the doors of their beautiful suburban neighborhood.

The show features an ensemble cast, headed by Teri Hatcher as Susan Mayer.

Recently, Gale Harold who plays Susan's boyfriend, Jackson, has been off of Desperate Housewives as he recovers from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. According to Out in Hollywood, two-time Tony winner Swoosie Kurtz will play a lesbian administrator at Susan's school.

The LGR Video of The Day 02/13/09

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Reese and Bianca 2/11/09 Scenes

Featured Lesbian Blog: Two Lesbos Goin at It

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0000

I love Two Lesbos Goin At It.

This blog started when two lesbians (One Lesbo & Lovely Spouse) decided to start a blog together and couldn't agree on it's style, theme, or what to post. After going at it about the blog, One Lesbo went it alone on the blog they are still... Two Lesbos Goin At It. On this blog you can read about celebrity lesbians, see celebrity lesbian couples, watch videos about and by lesbos and also catch some angry rants as well.

Most of the posts on this blog have videos, and I really like the videos and pictures that One Lesbo picks out.

She always finds the steamy lesbian commercials, or good pictures of Lindsay Lohan and her girlfriend. Sections for these on the blog are aptly named, Lesbo Photos and Lesbo Videos. ;o)

I suggest you take some time to visit this blog if you haven't already.

I love the feel and color, and navigating the blog is easy too. It's not too flashy and has just the right amount of widgets and features to keep you entertained without slowing down your computer. Plus their banner and logo is HOTT. Two Lesbos Goin at It is always abreast of current events so be sure to subscribe to their blog so you can stay abreast too. ;o)

Marriage Protest Underscores The Move Forward In Several States

noreply@blogger.com (Sei) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 04:00:00 +0000

New York was the scene of a small gathering of marriage equality activists. They braved a gloomy, cloudy day to be rebuffed by marriage bureaus and county clerk’s offices. Some were turned away holding signs saying “Just Not Married”. The protests occurred across the country as part of Freedom To Marry Week.

The New York protests come in the wake of the announcement that New York State will not be considering same-sex marriage this year. It is likely that marriage equality will be taken up by New York next year. However, three other states are considering same-sex marriage right now.

New Hampshire recently held hearings concerning the bill which is before committee currently. Among those who testified were Bishop Gene Robinson who called on the bill to be passed as matter of fairness. His view was opposed by Pastor Robert Hayes who stated how New Hampshire had always been about conservativeness. Bishop Robinson countered later with “It always surprises me that conservatives, who accuse the gay community of promiscuous and superficial relationships, would not be in favor of a law that would encourage committed relationships.” Of course, Conservatives kept pounding out the same old line about how this will destroy marriage and how this hurts children without ever showing any legitimate proof there of. Typically, they dismiss studies done on the effects of same-sex marriage on couples using flimsy excuses about how those studies are on flaws premises from “biased” “liberal” committees.

Maine is unlikely to pass legislation this year as they are still considering putting it into committee for consideration, at least according to the last information released. Vermont, however, is likely to pass the legislation as there are enough legislators who have signaled their support for the bill which is currently in committee to pass it through. Committee hearings on the bill will proceed soon. Should Vermont pass same-sex legislation, it will be the first in the country to legislatively allow same-sex marriage.

Micah Stanek, who moved to New York with his partner after Prop 8 passed in California, said “New York is especially important because the rest of the country follows what happens here.”

However, in many respects, as Vermont goes, so goes the North East. New York Senate Majority Leader Malcolm A. Smith, no relation to VT House Speaker Shap Smith, has stated that he and many of his fellow legislators are committed to bringing about marriage equality in the near future.

Sei is a trans-lesbian who lives in Vermont and has a strong passion for LGBTI rights. She has a BA in History and her hobbies include sci-fi, anime, fantasy, action movies, video games, and more. You can visit her Blogger profile here.

Hawaiian House Passes Civil Union Bill

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 02:50:00 +0000

In 1998, nearly 70 percent of Hawaii voters passed a constitutional amendment authorizing the Legislature to define marriage as between one man and one woman, but today a Civil Unions Bill that would give same-sex partners the same rights as marriage has won passage from Hawaii’s State House of Representatives.

House lawmakers voted 33 to 17 on the measure that could put Hawaii alongside just three other states that allow the legal unions.

Opponents say the measure is just a different name for gay marriage, and Hawaii's constitution defines marriage as between one man and one woman.

The Civil Unions law as written contains language that specifically would not force churches to perform same-sex ceremonies. The measure would also recognize same-sex marriages or civil unions from other states.

Three other states, Vermont, New Jersey and New Hampshire, allow civil unions. Two states, Massachusetts and Connecticut, allow same-sex marriage.

The bill now goes up for senate consideration where it is expected to face a tough challenge there from same-sex marriage opponents.

Presbyterian Church to Examine Civil Unions

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 01:00:00 +0000

Last week The Presbyterian Church (USA) announced it has appointed 13 members to special committee to study the issue of Civil Union and Christian Marriage.

Last year, the Presbyterian General Assembly voted to create the special committee, “representing the broad diversity and theological balance”.

The committee has five main issues to report on:

The history of the laws governing marriage and civil union, including current policy debates;
How the theology and practice of marriage have developed in the Reformed and broader Christian tradition;
The relationship between civil union and Christian marriage;
The effects of current laws on same-gender partners and their children;
The place of covenanted same-gender partnerships in the Christian community.

The special committee has also been charged to make its report to the 219th General Assembly next summer in Minneapolis.

The denomination already allows ministers to bless same-sex unions, but the ceremonies can’t replicate marriage ceremonies.

Last year’s General Assembly voted 54 percent to 46 percent Friday to drop the requirement that would-be ministers, deacons and elders live in “fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman, or chastity in singleness.”

The proposed change to the church constitution would require the approval from a majority of the nation’s 173 presbyteries, or regional church bodies, a yearlong process that has proven to be problematic in the past.

The church has 2.2-million members across the country.

https://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2009/09098.htm

Lesbian President Says Donors Will Be Ashamed

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 23:00:00 +0000

Cherry Jones is a Tony Award winning actress and an out lesbian.

She is currently playing the President of the United States on the hit show "24". When she was asked about Prop. 8 she said she thought it should be repealed and that in a few years "the majority of those who voted for Prop. 8 will be ashamed of themselves."

Jones was formerly in an 18-year relationship with architect Mary O'Connor, and has now been in a relationship with actress Sarah Paulson for the past 5 years.

Jones reveals that she is "not the marrying type" and she "originally wanted the movement to be about civil unions, because to me, 'marriage' is more of a religious bond and civil union is about the state."

Jones is known primarily for her stage work, and is considered to be one of the foremost theater actresses in the United States.

Judd Gregg Withdraws His Nomination as Commerce Secretary

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 22:02:00 +0000

In a surprise announcement, Republican Sen. Judd Gregg of New Hampshire has withdrawn his nomination to become President Barack Obama's commerce secretary.

In a statement released by his office, the New Hampshire senator says…

I want to thank the President for nominating me to serve in his Cabinet as Secretary of Commerce. This was a great honor, and I had felt that I could bring some views and ideas that would assist him in governing during this difficult time. I especially admire his willingness to reach across the aisle.

“However, it has become apparent during this process that this will not work for me as I have found that on issues such as the stimulus package and the Census there are irresolvable conflicts for me. Prior to accepting this post, we had discussed these and other potential differences, but unfortunately we did not adequately focus on these concerns. We are functioning from a different set of views on many critical items of policy.

“Obviously the President requires a team that is fully supportive of all his initiatives.

“I greatly admire President Obama and know our country will benefit from his leadership, but at this time I must withdraw my name from consideration for this position.

“As we move forward, I expect there will be many issues and initiatives where I can and will work to assure the success of the President’s proposals. This will certainly be a goal of mine.
“Kathy and I also want to specifically thank Governor Lynch and Bonnie Newman for their friendship and assistance during this period. In addition we wish to thank all the people, especially in New Hampshire, who have been so kind and generous in their supportive comments.

“As a further matter of clarification, nothing about the vetting process played any role in this decision. I will continue to represent the people of New Hampshire in the United States Senate.”

Gregg been named the Commerce nominee a week ago after the withdrawal of former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell welcomed Sen. Judd Gregg back to the chamber with open arms, saying in a statement that Gregg's move to withdraw his nomination as Commerce Secretary is "principled"...

Sen. Gregg made a principled decision to return and we're glad to have him. He is among the smartest, most effective legislators to serve in the Senate--Democrat or Republican--and a key advisor to me and to the Republican Conference. It's great to have him back."

Maine Same-Sex Marriage Supporters Send a Valentine to State Lawmakers

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 18:48:00 +0000

Supporters of gay marriage gathered today at the State House to deliver Valentine's Day cards to lawmakers, and what they call a "special Valentine's Day" message to legislators, urging them to support a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage in Maine.

The measure, which would also recognize valid marriages of same-sex couples from other states, and is being introduced by Maine State Senator Dennis Damon (Trenton- D). Under current Maine law, marriage is defined as the union between one man and one woman and Damon expects this is going to be a hard fight.

The Maine Freedom to Marry Coalition, which says it plans to spend Valentine’s Day, gathering support for the measure, organized the rally and is a broad-based coalition of organizations, businesses, and people of faith working together to end discrimination in marriage against same-sex couples.

The Opponents, the Maine Coalition of Concerned Families, of course, say the bill threatens the traditional family values that have been a social cornerstone for thousands of years. They've launched a web site and plan a counter rally on Sunday.

Same Sex Soap Opera Wedding Just Might Happen

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:00:00 +0000

Friday February 13th, 2009 is the date set for the first same sex wedding in soap opera history.

The couple preparing is Bianca Montgomery (Eden Riegel) and Reese Williams (Tamara Braun). Although the episode is set for this Friday the 13th, it will be Valentine's Day in the Soap Opera world, and a Valentine's Day wedding is sure romance. However, soap operas are famous for twists and turns in their story lines and this episode should be no exception. There have been incidents of reasonable doubt sprinkled throughout the show leading up to the event, hinting at Reese's bisexuality and Bianca's problems with her baby-daddy.

Here is the official story line:

Reese and Bianca decide to have a commitment ceremony in Pine Valley and get married later in Paris, since gay marriage is not yet legal in Pennsylvania where Pine Valley is located. Those plans change as they plan to legally marry in Connecticut. They set their wedding date on Valentine's Day. Bianca's cousin, Greenlee Smythe also plans to marry her former husband Ryan Lavery on that same day. The two couples arrange for a double wedding.

Bianca finds out that Reese was once engaged to a man and that she is Reese's first lesbian partner. She is hurt Reese did not tell her this. She also becomes increasingly insecure in their relationship as she sees her fiance getting closer with Zach (their sperm donor who is also Bianca's brother in law).

The lesbian wedding is set to take place on Valentine's Day in the soap opera world, but will air in the real world on February 13th and then again on February 16th.

Tune in to see how to drama unfolds at this lesbian wedding on ABC and in the meantime here is a sneak peak at this historic event:

And you can also view the official wedding photos (already!) here.

Hateful Details Are Revealed Before A Sad Anniversary

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 14:00:00 +0000

A year ago today Lawrence (Larry) King, a 15 year old boy in Oxnard, California was shot in the head at school by classmate Brandon McInerney because Larry wanted Brandon to be his Valentine.

Yesterday, 365gay reported that the Ventura County prosecutors office revealed details of the killing supporting their motion to refuse a move by the defense to have the case moved to juvenile court. Brandon McInerney was 14 at the time of the murder. McInerney, who turned 15 last month, is charged with first-degree murder and a hate crime. If the case against McInernery is tried in adult court, he faces a sentence of 50 years to life.

To emphasize the fact that the case should be handled in adult court, prosecutor’s revealed that McInerney planned the killing and shot King “execution style.”

They went on to say that Brandon McInerney has a “racist skinhead philosophy”. Details provided mention that McInerney sat behind King in class and shot him in the back without saying a thing. When King fell to the floor, McInerney got up and fired a second shot into the back of his head. It was the first time the prosecutor has provided details of the killing.

While the case against McInerney continues, so does the outpouring of sadness and support from the LGBT community.

Many were made aware of the hate crime when talk show host Ellen DeGeneres spoke out about the tragedy on her popular show. There are video tributes to Lawrence (Larry) King on the popular video site YouTube, and sympathies for King have been expressed by numerous people including Judy Shepard, Human Rights Campaign president Joe Solmonese, and Senator Hillary Clinton. Vigils and marches followed the murder, and LGBT hate-crime and anti-bullying organizations have shifted into a higher gear ever since.

A website has been set up called RememberLarry.com where you can learn more and leave comments.

LGBT Seniors - Hardships, Struggles, and Pride

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 11:00:00 +0000

Alienation:
Many LGBT elders are faced with feelings of loneliness, and suffer alienation from within their communities. The struggles and experiences are unique and range from having lived an entire life in the closet or being left widowed and without a partner or a support system due to the governments failure to recognize our partnerships.

Ageism in Society and the Gay Community:
Ageism is a serious problem in our society in general with explicit and sometimes unconscious discrimination and stereotyping of middle aged and and elderly people. The gay community views anyone over the age of 35 as a senior, and as a result it has a strong impact for people searching for the fountain of youth, and makes it harder for older gays to maintain a good sense of self-esteem.

Coming Out:
LGBT elders, it doesn't cross peoples minds that the individual may have been a lifelong gay activist or have a partner. The elderly LGBT person needs to continue coming out in a society that sees gay identity as sexual, and dismisses the notion that elderly people also have sexual identity and sexuality. Many LGBT elders have lived their life in silence, never being true to themselves, and face the hardship of coming out at an old age. Our society today is much more open and affirming of LGBT people, with most coming out resources aimed at youth, and little in the way of assistance for the elderly who have been closeted and seek to be free in their respective identities.

Lack of independence:
LGBT elders often face a lack of independence either with a nurse aid, or in a nursing home or hospice. Being under the care of others and not having true independence makes living out your identity or coming to terms with it more of a struggle.

Non-accepting environment:
While of course LGBT seniors are not going to be subject to schoolyard taunts many are placed in an environment with fellow seniors who have been part of the society that has ridiculed them and sought to pathologize their lives. Can you imagine what it must be like to be an out and proud member of the community who suddenly gets thrust back into an environment with those who do not understand, are not accepting, or worse are disgusted and morally opposed by your "lifestyle".

Transgender Elderly:
The LGBT seniors who have already transitioned into their appropriate gender face the difficulty not only of acceptance from a generation that does not understand gender issues, but also the financial cost of keeping up with hormones and some medical routines that some trans people choose to undergo. The senior who is just coming to terms with being transgender having never even known of the concept faces the hard task of self acceptance, societal acceptance, and the lack of information out there for LGBT elders.

Rainbow Senior Pride:
Even in the face of all the roadblocks faced by queer elders there are some wonderful things that this sub-section of the community can be proud of. For one, their generation represents the very face of the gay liberation movement, the old drag queens who stood up to police brutality at Stonewall, the gays and lesbians demanding change from within the system of oppression, and organizing a powerful and dedicated constituency organized for social justice and change. It is the queer elders of today who organized the groups such as The Mattachine Society, The Gay Liberation Front, The Daughters of Bilitis, and so many other early groups that fought for freedoms for sexual minorities.

Books of Interest:
The Changing Of The Guard: Lesbian And Gay Elders, Identity, And Social Change
by Dana Rosenfeld

Gay and Gray: The Older Homosexual Man by Raymond Berger

Village Elders photobook by Penny Coleman

Dyke Life: From Growing Up To Growing Old, A Celebration Of The Lesbian Experience by Karla Jay.

Sociological Analysis of Aging: The Gay Male Perspective by J. Michael Cruz

Long Time Passing: Lives of older lesbians by Marcy Adelman

Gay and Lesbian Aging: Research and Future Directions by Gilbert Herdt

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Aging: Research and Clinical Perspectives by Douglas Kimmel

LGBT Assisted Living/Retirement Homes:
http://www.rainbowvisionprop.com/

http://www.flock2it.com/

http://www.carefreecove.homestead.com

http://www.gleh.org/

Links/Resources:
Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders

LGBT Aging Issues Network

Old Lesbians Organizing for Change

Gay and Lesbian Association of Retiring Persons

Videos:

Queers United is the activist blog uniting the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersexual, Asexual community & straight allies in the fight for equality http://www.queersunited.blogspot.com

The LGR Video of The Day 02/12/09

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Remembering Lawrence "Larry" King

Station Pulls the Plug on the American Family Association

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 05:30:00 +0000

We reported that the Human Rights Campaign issued an Action Alert against the American Family Association’s (AFA) one-hour television special called “Speechless: Silencing Christians.” The paid program was going to air on WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids, MI.

However, with in an hour of the action alert the following statement was put up on the WOOD-TV website,

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - WOOD TV8 has rescinded the offer to air a controversial paid program originally set to air Monday.

"Speechless: Silencing Christians" was scheduled to air Monday at 7 p.m ., in the slot immediately before President Barack Obama's prime time press conference. The program was pulled from that slot.

The producers were contacted and offered another time slot.
In a statement Wednesday, WOOD/WOTV/WXSP General Manager Diane Kniowski said the offer is now off the table.

"We made a gesture of the 2-3 p.m. Saturday time period. It's been 24 hours and we had no response," Kniowski said. "Our station is being bombarded with calls and messages, and we find ourselves in the middle of someone else's fight. Ours was a fair offer and we are removing ourselves from this matter."

Thanks to HRC for their quick call to action. Thanks to all Lez Get Real readers that took action. The AFA has been very vocal right now and are trying to make Americans fear gays. It's going to be important that we continue to take action and use our voice when these things come up and shut this down everytime they try to spread hate and lies.

It's also important to use your voice and show your support for companies and organizations that do support gays. Tell them thanks, buy their products, tell your friends. This is how we will continue to build allies and have a stronger more unified voice when the AFA tries to make it's attacks on our community.

Lezzymom has two kids and a wonderful partner. Her political commentary has appeared on C-Span and CSPAN.org. Visit her Lezzymom blog for more of her insights.

Lez Post Photos: I Love My Wife

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 04:00:00 +0000

Are Landmark Lesbian Couples Doomed to Divorce?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 01:00:00 +0000

Connecticut Landmark Couple
Photo by bobster1985

I was very sad to learn that one of the couples involved in the landmark case in the state of Massachusetts which legalized same sex marriage in that state recently filed for divorce following a lengthy 2 year separation. (article)

This is not the first same sex couple in a landmark marriage case to divorce. A lesbian couple who married in 2003 a week after a landmark decision legalized same-sex marriage in Ontario, Canada had been together for nearly 10 years; but they separated after just five days of marriage. (article) A lesbian couple who married in California in 2008, after a landmark decision struck down the state's ban on same-sex marriage, filed for divorce only three days later, citing "irreconcilable differences".

Norm Fletcher, a local lawyer, told Santa Barbara News Press that the California couple may have split up because they were no longer fighting for a common cause.

"In a way, gays and lesbians had a common enemy in the form of the state and society. People who have common enemies tend to stick together." But once they are able to "marry," he said, "It's no longer you and me against the world – it's you and me against each other."

Boston divorce attorney Gerald Nissenbaum told the Boston Herald that the lesbian couple from Massachusetts may have lost their spark after they won their battle in the courts.

"Whenever there's a cause that keeps people together, once the cause is over, in my experience, there's a high rate of dissolution of the relationship," he said. "It's sad, but it's real."

He added,

"And what a surprise: Gay people are like everyone else."

On a personal note, I am one of the 18,000 couples that were married in California before Proposition 8 eliminated marriage rights for same sex couples, and I know that our relationship has been under stress throughout our journey.

We see how landmark lesbian couples are thrown into the spotlight, and when we got married there were TV crews present throughout. The lesbian couple who was the first in line to get married when we did here in Los Angeles was on the front page of every newspaper in the area in every language. Having your relationship scrutinized is hard and that's exactly what happens to these couples. I know that if my wife and I didn't have good communication, we might not have made it through these crazy times.

I can't even imagine the legal battles and press conferences and media scrutiny that landmark lesbian couples have had to endure.

Now that we are facing having our marriage nullified via Proposition 8, we are making sure to take time to nurture our relationship and stay connected through it all. I feel a certain kinship with any same sex couple who has been through a marriage, and I am always rooting for them to stay together. When I found out that the landmark lesbian couple from Massachusetts was parting ways it made me sad. Having been through a divorce once myself, I sincerely wish them the best.

Julie Phineas is a work at home mom of 2 who lives in Southern California. You can find out more about her by visiting her page on MySpace.

The HRC Issues Action Alert Against Misleading AFA Television Program

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 22:30:00 +0000

The HRC has issued the following Press Release

HRC President Joe Solmonese:

“At a time when America is striving to come together, the AFA continues to use LGBT Americans as a wedge issue to divide us from reaching our basic equality.”

WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, today issued a national action alert against the American Family Association’s (AFA) one-hour television special called “Speechless: Silencing Christians,” which is promoted to “reveal the truth about the radical homosexual agenda and its impact on the family, the nation and religious freedom.” The HRC alert urges members to contact the station and ask that they pull the scheduled program and instead air a fair discussion or debate on both the issues and pending legislation.

The paid one-hour program, which uses Washington, D.C. as a backdrop, is also the centerpiece of a new AFA website which includes the video, a slanted online survey and a plea for donations. The paid program is expected to air on WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids, MI this weekend, and may have already aired in smaller, regional markets. To view the action alert online, visit: www.hrcactioncenter.org/campaign/stopthespecial.

“Make no mistake. This is the opening salvo in a campaign designed to denigrate LGBT Americans and deny us our basic rights,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "Just as our community is at a point where measures protecting millions of Americans heads to Congress and a willing President, the AFA unleashes 60 minutes of lies and distortions to scare voters. The AFA and its allies have never been 'speechless' when it comes to promoting their own agenda, and that's driving a wedge in the very places where LGBT Americans work, live and even pray.”

“It's telling that even the most basic forms of protection -- stopping violent crimes of hate or ensuring that people are judged not for who they are, but for their work -- lead the AFA to launch a national, paid campaign of hateful lies,” added Solmonese. “We welcome a debate on these issues and ask that WOOD-TV pull the program and instead devote it's Sunday program, 'To the Point' to a honest and fair discussion. Let's have a conversation that leads to understanding rather than paid advertising promoting lies and distortions about a single group of Americans.”

The AFA program is hosted by controversial talk show host Janet Parshall, who in 2006, suggested Matthew Shepard's lifestyle was responsible for his murder and called gay adoption “state-sanctioned child abuse.” (CNN’s Larry King Live, Jan. 17, 2006) In the new AFA program, the AFA and its allies purposely promote lies and distortions, including the following:

1. Lie: If hate crimes laws are passed, pastors will be prosecuted for preaching what the Bible says about homosexuality.

Truth: Pastors will not be held liable for hate crimes based on preaching anti-gay sermons. The First Amendment protects a preacher from being charged as an accessory to a hate crime simply because of their speech. The Matthew Shepard Act only punishes violent crimes, not a person’s speech, beliefs or thoughts. In fact, the legislation contains language specifically protecting free speech.

2. Lie: Legislation that will provide employment protection based on sexual orientation or gender identity will force churches to hire homosexuals.

Truth: The federal legislation contains language exempting the vast majority of religious corporations, associations and educational institutions, and permits all religious organizations to condition employment on compliance with its significant tenets, including ones barring LGBT employees.

3. Lie: Homosexual acts have a key role to play in the spread of all STDs and HIV/AIDS.

Truth: HIV and STDs don’t distinguish by gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic. Statements such as those made by the AFA in this video hamper efforts to prevent the spread of sexually-transmitted diseases by spreading ignorance and misinformation.

4. Lie: Allowing the government to redefine marriage hurts children because studies show children need a mother and father to do well in life.

Truth: All scientifically reputable studies on the subject of same-sex parenting show that the sexual orientation of a child’s parent does not affect a child. Furthermore, all leading children’s welfare and rights organizations conclude that there is no measurable difference between children raised by loving lesbian and gay families and those raised by different-sex couples.

The station, WOOD-TV, was set to air the program on Monday to coincide with the President's economic address, but pulled it after concerns from local activists. The AFA and local member churches immediately reacted and launched a campaign, leading to the station's announcement that it would air the program on Saturday, Feb. 14.

“Most lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans have been raised in an organized religion — and many continue to cherish their faith community. But religion is a source of both solace and suffering for most of us. This video outrageously promotes spiritual violence against LGBT people,” said Harry Knox, director of the Human Rights Campaign’s Religion & Faith Program. “Despite what the AFA claims, a growing number of mainstream denominations have endorsed hate crime legislation, including the United Methodist Church, the Presbyterian Church USA and the Episcopal Church USA.”

To learn more about the Religion & Faith Program at the Human Rights Campaign visit: www.hrc.org/religion.

Lezzymom has two kids and a wonderful partner. Her political commentary has appeared on C-Span and CSPAN.org. Visit her Lezzymom blog for more of her insights.

Move Over Josie Davis - Lesbians Love Portia Dawson

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 21:00:00 +0000

Actress Josie Davis plays a part in the new movie coming out this February 27th called The Trouble With Romance.

The movie is the directorial debut for Nicolas Cage, with an intriguing trailer and look into the trouble with love and romance. One storyline in the movie includes a lesbian encounter between Davis and co-star Portia Dawson. When asked about the movie by the World Entertainment News Network Davis mentioned the scene telling WENN "I'm not into girls and the scene was not easy for me. It was definitely a challenge." Now, I don't know if you have ever seen Portia Dawson, but she is a hottie! I know there are plenty of lesbian actresses who would have loved to play Josie Davis' role just for a chance to romp around with Portia Dawson a little.

To add insult to injury look what else she told WENN:

"It was really hot on the set, temperature wise; I think it was 103 degrees or something, and I had this girl on top of me with this long hair and it was in my face and we're sticky and sweaty and she was dripping on me."

I'm thinking "Uh huh.. keep talking... I'm followin ya..."

Then she goes on to say, "It was just ridiculous."

Gasp!

And then "I hear other girls who say, 'Oh, I just do it.' I think they were out drinking or something."

Are you kidding Josie Davis!?!?

Portia Dawson is on top of you, dripping with sweat and her long hair is in your face...

Don't you know that is many a lesbian's fantasy??

Girrrrlll... move over honey! You need to take a pass on those roles in the future and let a lesbian actress have a crack at it. I am sure we would do the scene justice - as long as we can get rid of that guy in the middle.