Pride and Shame

noreply@blogger.com (Pride and Shame) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 02:01:00 +0000

Uncle Tom Obama
June 12, 2009

The Obama Justice Department is defending DOMA in court. This from a “fierce advocate” for GLBT Equality. More like the actions of an Uncle Tom who doesn’t give a shit about honesty or ethics now that he has power. And not much different than the last administration - except at least they were honest that they hated us. More Info...

Contact the White House and see if Uncle Tom is in.

Call: 202-456-1111
Email: www.whitehouse.gov/CONTACT/

Suggested Email (copy & paste into email)

Hey Uncle Tom. If Defending DOMA in court is your idea of being a "fierce advocate" for GLBT rights - than take your self-congratulatory support and shove it up your ass. Don't give me a "happy pride" proclamation one day and then fuck me in court the next.

Remember, your parent's would not have been able to get married if it were not for the Supreme Court. But good job pulling up that ladder so the rest of us can't enjoy the rights that you now enjoy.

noreply@blogger.com (Pride and Shame) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 02:33:00 +0000

Miss California USA Carrie Prejean
April 20, 2009

Miss California is both stupid and ugly. Stupid because in last night’s Miss USA Pageant she stated, "We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite.” Last time I checked, we could only choose same-sex marriage in a handful of states, and in Prejean’s homestate of California, that Constitutionally guaranteed civil right was taken away.

Why ugly? Because H8 is ugly, and Miss Prejean had the chance to be on the right side of history, and chose instead to perpetuate hate by stating on national television that all Americans are not equal.

Note: The PaS authors were present at the show, and ended up in a shouting match with anti-gay supporters of Miss CA after the show, at which point we were assaulted by them. I guess we shouldn’t be surprised that the same family that taught Carrie to hate is also a family that believes violence is an acceptable answer when someone disagrees with you.

The Miss CA organization has said they are saddened and disappointed by Prejean’s answer. More Info...

Now the real question - given her status as first runner-up, will she get to wear the Miss USA crown, and with it show the world that the United States is a country where discrimination is acceptable? Not if we have anything to say about it.

Email: MissUPR@missuniverse.com

Suggested Email (copy & paste into email)

As part of a protest organized by PrideandShame.com, I wish to express to you my utter shock and disdain at Miss California’s ignorant answer during the 2009 Miss USA Pageant.

If Miss USA is to represent our country, it is unthinkable that your organization would ever consider letting Carrie Prejean wear the crown. In the USA, all citizens are equal. Just because our Federal Government and certain religions have chosen to institutionalize homophobia and discrimination, it does not make those behaviors any more acceptable.

In the unlikely event that as first runner-up, Carrie takes the title of Miss USA, know that hundreds of thousands of gay men and women in the pageant community and those who believe in equality will hold your organization and your advertisers accountable for perpetuating hate. The Miss Universe Organization would never tolerate a contestant espousing racism or sexism onstage, and you should make a statement condemning Miss Prejean’s comments as definitively as you would a statement on those other issues.

Hate is ugly, and so is Miss California. Do not make the Miss Universe Organization or its advertisers suffer the consequences of her ignorance.

Sincerely,
Another Citizen for Equality

noreply@blogger.com (Pride and Shame) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 14:29:00 +0000

Ken Starr
March 5, 2009

UPDATE! Starr will be in court today, arguing to annul the marriages of CA same-sex couples who wed before such unions were prohibited. I'd like to argue for Ken Starr's hatred to be declared illegal. Ken Starr is back. The man who became Nemesis to the Clintons during Whitewater is back in the courts advocating for the interests of the right. This time, he is fighting to have existing CA gay marriages annulled. More Info...

Taking away the civil rights of citizens is inherently UnAmerican. Let's tell him so. Download the attached file and send it to him to tell him what we really think of his politics of hate. Or call his office and quiz him on the lyrics of Stephen Schwartz.

Office: 310-506-4621
Email: Ken.Starr@pepperdine.edu

noreply@blogger.com (Pride and Shame) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 21:43:00 +0000

The United States of America
March 3, 2009

The US Government was sued today by 15 same-sex couples who were denied federal marriage benefits after legally marrying in Massachusetts. This is largely due to the Defense of Marriage Act which prohibits the federal government from extending Federal marriage rights to same-sex couples, despite the state’s ability to legalize such marriages.

The lawsuit is organized by the organization GLAD, who is also the organization who fought successfully to obtain the right of marriage for same-sex couples in 2003. More Info...

Visit the website of Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders and join the fight - get on their mailing list, and DONATE!

Click here for GLAD.: www.glad.org/doma

noreply@blogger.com (Pride and Shame) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:03:00 +0000

Rep. Ellen Tauscher
March 3, 2009

Rep. Ellen Tauscher of CA is introducing a bill today in the House that would repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” military policy. This all occurs in light of the government’s recently amended recruitment policy for the armed forces - now illegal immigrants who volunteer their service can be granted citizenship.

An aside - cnsnews.com published a story about this issue a while back that quotes none other than Larry “One if by Mouth, Two if by Ass” Craig saying “Current policy has served us well. I think we ought to sustain it. I see no evidence that it should be repealed.” HA! More Info...

Write to your Representative and tell them to support Rep. Tauscher’s bill to repeal the homophobic policy of our military.

Click here to write to your Rep.: https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml

Suggested Email (copy & paste into email)

I am writing to you as part of the continued efforts of PrideandShame.com to achieve LGBT equality.

As your constituent and as an American, I urge you to support the recent bill introduced by Rep.Tauscher to repeal the homophobic “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.

The time for looking the other way as institutionalized hatred is allowed to fester is ended. Look now, and call it what it is - WRONG. Given that our military forces are so under-staffed that we are now offering amnesty to foreigners who choose to serve, it is reprehensible to allow Americans to serve their country yet force them to conceal their sexual orientation. Repeal this policy.

Sincerely,

Another Citizen for Equality

noreply@blogger.com (Pride and Shame) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 22:20:00 +0000

K-NBC Los Angeles
February 2, 2009

Remember a little while back when the Los Angeles ABC affiliate was taken to task for their homophobia in refusing to run an ad? It’s happened again, and this time, the homophobe has rainbow stripes.

The LA NBC affiliate refused to run an ad featuring gay families produced by GetToKnowUsFirst.org, stating that they did not run advocacy ads during the Super Bowl. However, multiple advocacy ads ran, meaning the exclusion of GTKUF’s ad can only be attributed to anti-gay sentiment. More Info...

Tell NBC this is unacceptable, and that you are calling them on their hateful and discriminatory policies.

Click here to contact NBC on their website.: www.nbclosangeles.com/about_us/

Suggested Email (copy & paste into form)

As part of a demonstration organized by PrideandShame.com, I’m writing to call you to task for your hypocritical and homophobic exclusion of a gay-themed ad during the Super Bowl. It is completely unethical, unfair, and unAmerican for you to exclude the ad from GetToKnowUsFirst.org. I will seek to tell my fellow consumers the truth about your network - that you discriminate against gay people and that you are liars. We will take our viewership elsewhere, and with us, your advertising dollars.

Sincerely,

Another Citizen for Equality

noreply@blogger.com (Pride and Shame) — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 16:20:00 +0000

Johanna Sigurdardottir & The People of Iceland
February 1, 2009

At 1pm EST today, Iceland is swearing in the first ever openly gay world leader. Johanna Sigurdardottir, 66, will take an oath as Prime Minister of Iceland. More Info...

What does it say about America, that as the supposed leader of the free world, we don’t allow gay people the same rights and protection as all other citizens? How could we ever have a gay President if LGBT people are not treated as people?

Contact your state Governor today.: www.usa.gov/Contact/Governors.shtml

Suggested Text (copy & paste)

I'm writing to you as part of a demonstration organized by PrideandShame.com. This week, the world's first gay premier will take office in Iceland. This historic event highlights the shortcomings of our country, a country predicated on the principle that all men are created equal. I urge you to work to advance the human rights of all LGBT people through marriage rights, adoption rights, the right to openly serve in the military, safe education, and anti-discrimination legislation so that one day, America might once again stand as an example for freedom, not for the perversion of own Constitution.

Sincerely,
Another Citizen for Equality

noreply@blogger.com (Pride and Shame) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 20:03:00 +0000

Ted Haggard
January 29, 2009

In November 2006, evangelical leader Ted Haggard was forced out of the Colorado Springs church he had founded after admitting to “sexual immorality” involving a male prostitute named Mike Jones.

HBO is preparing to release a new documentary on Haggard, around which a huge wave of media coverage is converging. Some of this coverage allows Haggard to be a hypocrite and to perpetuate myths about gay identity.

The LA Times today published a telling Q&A with the closet case. Note that the interview came BEFORE a former church member came forward alleging Haggard performed sex-acts and sent dirty txt msgs to him in 2006. More Info...

Haggard says “my therapist says is that I am a heterosexual with issues, and I think that’s accurate”. Haggard’s furtive behavior reflects poorly on all LGBT people because it garners the attention of the press and sends the message that gay people are shameful, dirty people who can’t be trusted. That, and Haggard is a self-hating jerk who, with this interview, sets gay people back miles in our fight to gain the mainstream acceptance we deserve. Send an email to the editors of the Times to ensure they know and ask that they publicize the fact that Haggard’s “issues” with being straight are self-hate and an affinity for fellatio. Shame on him.

Email: Editorial Staff, Letters Desk of the LA Times and Ted Haggard's Website

Suggested Email (copy & paste into email)

As part of a demonstration organized by PrideandShame.com, I must express how utterly ridiculous and offensive Ted Haggard continues to be (see LA Times Q&A of 1/29/09).

Haggard represents the net result of a culture that demonizes LGBT people with religion and narrow mindedness. His statement that he is a “heterosexual with issues” perpetuates the image that gay people can be cured, or are in some way abnormal. We are not. We are loving, caring individuals who have the self-respect and the critical thinking skills to recognize the ignorance of anti-gay belief systems, and live our lives pursuing happiness.

The only thing any of us have in common with Haggard is our sexual attraction and love for people of the same sex. The difference between us is gargantuan - we also love ourselves.

Sincerely,

Another Citizen for Equality

noreply@blogger.com (Pride and Shame) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:21:00 +0000

GetToKnowUsFirst.org
January 26, 2009

The organization whose gay family ads were rejected by K-ABC in Los Angeles has won. K-ABC has reversed their decision, issued apologies, and the ad will run. More Info...

Tell the folks at GTKUF.org you are proud for them standing up and fighting for what is right!

Email: GetToKnowUsFirst@gmail.com

Suggested Email (copy & paste into email)

As part of the activists at PrideandShame.com, congratulations on your recent victory with K-ABC in Los Angeles. Thank you for standing up for what is right. Without organizations like yours, the LGBT movement would be nowhere. Keep on pushing!

Sincerely,

Another Citizen for Equality

noreply@blogger.com (Pride and Shame) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 14:32:00 +0000

.... KINDA.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand
January 23, 2009

Here's what the new junior Senator from NY said about gay people's right to marry... "What I’d like to do legislatively, on the federal level—and I think we’ll be able to do this with the new president—is actually make civil unions legal in all 50 states, make it the law of the land. Because what you want to fundamentally do is protect the rights and privileges of committed couples, so that they can have Medicare benefits, visit in the hospitals, have adoption rights. All [the] things that we give to married couples, committed gay couples should be eligible for."

Isn’t it refreshing to hear from a federal official that gay people should be extended the same rights as straight people in all 50 states? Well, don’t get too excited. Here’s THE REST what she’s said:

"And then the question of whether you call it a marriage or not, what you label it, that can be left to the states to decide. [It’s] so culturally oriented. My mom’s generation, they want their gay friends to have every right and privilege that they should be eligible for as a married couple, but they feel uncomfortable calling it marriage. To them, a marriage is a religious word that they learned from the Catholic Church: It’s a covenant between a man, a woman, and God. So they feel uncomfortable with the word. But they don’t feel uncomfortable with the rights and privileges. I think the way you win this issue is you focus on getting the rights and privileges protected throughout the entire country, and then you do the state-by-state advocacy for having the title."

Marriage is too much to ask for (and don’t even ask her about gun control), but it is one of the more enlightened stances we’ve seen on the issue in a long time, and now she’s your new Senator from New York. Now if we can just get her stance to be reversed on Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, Gun Registration, Gay Immigration Benefits, and Medicaid for people with HIV, we'd really be in business. What gives? Politicker.com says KG needed to say all of those things to get elected. Isn’t that the reason we hate politicians??? More Info...

Sen. Gillibrand should know that we support her as the choice to be the next US Senator from New York... IF she continues to support us.... and that’s a big if.

Click here to email Senator Gillibrand.: kirstin.gillibrand@mail.house.gov, kirstin_gillibrand@gillebrand.senate.gov

Suggested Email (copy & paste into email)

Dear Senator Gillibrand -

As part of a demonstration created by PrideandShame.com, I want to congratulate you on your appointment to the US Senate. My congratulations to you is tempered by caution for your stance on the issues which very often seems to want to align with those at the ballot box and not with your heart or mind.

Your stance on civil unions is an admirable one, but know that it is not enough. Plessy v. Ferguson taught us all that separate is NOT equal. LGBT people deserve full marriage rights - anything less is Un-American. It has been implied in the press that your stance on gay-partner immigration, funding for those with HIV, and gays in the military was deliberately conservative to woo constituents in NY’s upstate conservative enclave. I want to remind you that now you represent the entire State of New York, and while it makes me shudder to imagine a politician who can change her stance on such moral issues as these simply to play to a constituency, that is what you must do if you are to glean the support of your state.

This is a different game now, Senator. Being a “Blue Dog” will not get you reelected. You must rethink your conservative stance on these issues.

Best of luck in your new term. I hope that in the coming months we’ll be talking about how proud we are of our new Senator, and not how she let our state down.

Sincerely,

Another Citizen for Equality

noreply@blogger.com (Pride and Shame) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:04:00 +0000

K-ABC 7 Los Angeles
January 22, 2009

The Los Angeles affiliate of ABC (whose parent company is the heterocentric Disney Corporation) thinks gay families are “too controversial”. The organization GetToKnowUsFirst.com has been running a series of spots depicting gay families. The advertising staff at K-ABC - Mary Carrera, Doug Coss, Fran Viesti, Rich Vedder, and Tom Levee - refused to run the ad during President Obama’s inauguration, and released a statement with the lame excuse quoted above.

More Info...

Let ABC and Disney know this kind of demonizing behavior will not be tolerated. Send an email to the K-ABC advertising staff and the Disney ad staff and tell them you’ve had enough.

Email the Advertising Staff of K-ABC & their parent company, Disney: sales@myabc.com, james.smith@disney.com, AdSalesInquiry@news.abctv.com

Suggested Email (copy & paste into email)

Attention Mary Carrera, Doug Coss, Fran Viesti, Rich Vedder, Tom Levee of K-ABC 7:

I am writing to you as part of a protest organized by PrideandShame.com. It was recetnly reported that K-ABC refused to run an ad depicting gay families during the Presidential Inauguration because you deemed it “too controversial”.

For you to call American Families filled with love and care for their children “too controversial”, is at best, offensive, and at worst, another part of the hate machine in California that seeks to put LGBT people back in the closet by demonizing us and our children. You should be ashamed of yourselves.

I am copying James Smith, Vice President of Advertising Sales for the West Coast region at Disney to make certain my displeasure reaches as far as possible. Disney & ABC should know that this sort of homophobic censorship is not only Un-American, but it will not be tolerated by the thinking, loving citizens who have up to this point been your loyal viewers and customers.

GetToKnowUs.com deserves an apology, a refund, and a public statement that states your company encourages and supports all families that possess love, not simply those that possess heterosexuals or marriage licenses.

Sincerely,

Another Citizen for Equality

noreply@blogger.com (Pride and Shame) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 04:49:00 +0000

President Barack Obama
January 20, 2009

Mere hours after he took office, President Obama’s staff has revamped the White House website to look great, and it includes a section on his administrations civil rights agenda, which discusses at great length priorities to create LGBT equality. Take that, W! More Info...

Tell the President you appreciate his concern for the rights of all Americans, especially our LGBT community.

Click here to contact President Obama.: www.whitehouse.gov/contact

Suggested Message (copy & paste into webform)

As part of a campaign organized by PrideandShame.com, I want to express how proud and optimistic I am today: proud of the historic inauguration of a President who reflects a new image for America, one of inclusion and global citizenship, and optimistic that LGBT issues are a high priority for you. I hope that your administration will vigorously pursue these goals. Should you do that, know that you will continue to receive my support, and my thanks for your service.

noreply@blogger.com (Pride and Shame) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 04:17:00 +0000

Dean Scontras & The Maine Republican Project
January 20, 2009

Maine State Senator Dennis Damon has introduced a bill that would revise the state’s definition of Marriage to allow “two persons” to marry.

The Maine Republican Project, a political vanity project for Dean Scontras (whose bio contains typos and whose main claim to political fame is a failed bid for the US Congress) has come out in stark opposition to the bill. Scontras is mobilizing the right wing base and trying to raise money to defeat Rep Damon’s efforts to create marriage equality. More Info...

After Prop 8, we cannot afford to be passive about this issue ever again. Let’s use our collective muscle to keep Scontras from gaining a foothold and fill his email with letters of opposition to his misguided agenda of hate.

Email: Click here to email Dean and the leadership of the Maine Republican Project.

Suggested Email (copy & paste into email)

I am writing this email to you as part of an activation created by the online activist group PrideandShame.com. Your organization recently came out in opposition to State of Maine extending the right to marry to all of its citizens, gay or straight.

The movement for marriage equaility was dealt a crushing blow when Prop 8 passed in California. We will not allow such a defeat to happen again.

It is not only offensive and inhuman for you to try and deny citizens their constitutionally promised rights, it is also ridiculous for Dean Scontras to try and gain political capital in his failed political career by polarizing the citizenry with this issue. Mainers are tolerant, moderate people, who will not fall for your tactics, and who see you for what you are - a wanna be.

Stick to alternative energy, Dean. This political effort will have the same results as your others. You will fail.

Sincerely,

Another Citizen for Equality

Donate to EqualityMaine to help the fight for LGBT rights in Maine.: www.equalitymaine.org

noreply@blogger.com (Pride and Shame) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 23:03:00 +0000

Mary Francis Berry
January 16, 2009

The former chairwoman of the Committee on Human Rights wrote an op-ed in today’s New York Times that states, “The creation of a new, independent human and civil rights commission could help us determine our next steps in the pursuit of freedom and justice in our society. A number of explosive issues like immigration reform await such a commission, but recommendations for resolving the controversies over the rights of gays, lesbians and transgendered people should be its first order of business.” More Info...

Tell the New York Times you agree with her, and believe the Obama administration should act swiftly and definitively to protect the civil rights of all Americans.

Email: letters@nytimes.com

Suggested Email (copy & paste into email)

To the Editor -

I wish to sound my voice as part of a demonstration organized by PrideandShame.com in support of Mary Francis Berry’s comments in her January 16 Op-Ed piece “Gay but Equal”. Gay and lesbian civil rights are one of the foremost questions by which history will judge our collective commitment to the concept of an America where all people are created equal. Dr. Berry’s assertions that a new commission should be established are revolutionary - that is precisely what is needed to create change in a system that consistently lets its LGBT citizenry down. We cannot allow our government to perpetuate, support, or to stand idly by while our rights are trampled upon. As MLK day is upon us, we must remember that as Dr. King told us, “A right delayed is a right denied.”

Sincerely,

Another Citizen for Equality

noreply@blogger.com (Pride and Shame) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 12:42:00 +0000

Rev. Al Sharpton
January 14, 2009

Since the passage of Prop 8, there has been a lot of finger pointing at the black community and the religious community over their votes for the anti-gay measure. Despite this fervor of scapegoating, Rev. Al Sharpton remains convinced that LGBT people deserve equality. More Info...

Tell the Alliance of Faith Based Organizations that you agree with Rev. Sharpton, and hope they will act in support of LGBT equality.Contact Alliance leader Minister Louis Hinton.

Email: lchinton24@gmail.com

Suggested Email (copy & paste into email)

Dear Minister Hinton -

I recently read on PrideandShame.com about Al Sharpton’s comments at a recent meeting of the Alliance of Faith Based Organizations. I am writing to express my support for Rev. Sharpton’s comments, and hope that you and the AFBO will follow his lead and continue to fight for the civil rights of every human, gay straight, or otherwise. Thank you for support of our movement. If we are to win this battle, we need you, and we are proud to count you, Rev. Sharpton, and the AFBO among our allies.

Sincerely,

Another Citizen for Equality

noreply@blogger.com (Pride and Shame) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:49:00 +0000

Ken Blackwell
January 13, 2009

How would you feel about a leader that feels that gay and lesbian people suffer from a “compulsion” that can be “restrained”?

What about if he were the chair of the RNC? How about a Senator? Or even a Vice-President?

That’s what we’re looking at with emerging GOP heavyweight Ken Blackwell, who is a possible 2010 Senate candidate and is considered one of the GOP’s best prospects for high office. As black republican, the GOP is heralding him as the conservative answer to Barack Obama. Obama he is not - while we have a problem with the Rick Warren choice, at heart Obama understands that gay people can no more restrain their homosexual impulses than straight people can restrain theirs. More Info...

Blackwell’s campaign to be RNC chair is ongoing... but only if he can slog through our emails of disgust to get some real work done!

Email: ken@blackwell2009.com

Suggested Email (copy & paste into email)

Dear Mr. Blackwell -

Your comments this past summer on the Signorile show illustrate your utter ignorance about what it means to be gay or lesbian. Should homosexuals be able to control their impulses, as you state, would we EVER choose to suffer the injustices our culture inflicts upon us, including having to listen to you?

Your comments were completely ignorant, and thus, I have to assume, so are you.

I hope the RNC selects someone else for the chair position, as you do not represent America.

Sincerely,

Another Citizen for Equality

noreply@blogger.com (Pride and Shame) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 03:27:00 +0000

Dave Cheatham and P. Eric Turner
January 12, 2009

Indiana has a law banning same-sex marriage. But that hasn’t deterred state representatives Dave Cheatham (D - yes, that’s the letter that stands for DEMOCRAT) and P. Eric Turner (R - predictably...) from working to amend the state’s constitution to bar gay marriage. Why you may ask, would lawmakers seek to amend the state constitution to ban an activity already deemed illegal? Your guess is as good as ours. More Info...

Let’s ask Dave and out why they are wasting Indiana taxpayer dollars to fan their own flames of hate and homophobia. Couldn’t they just go to a Mormon temple to do that and NOT waste money and time?

Contact Dave Cheatham -
Phone: 317-232-9600 Email: h69@in.gov

Contact P. Eric Turner

Phone: 317-232-9600

Email: h32@in.gov

Suggested Email (copy & paste into email)

Dear Representative -

As part of a campaign organized by PrideandShame.com, I am writing you to pose an important question. We are in the midst of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. Joblessness is at an all time high, consumer confidence is at an all time low. Natural resources are being squandered at unheard of rates. The world is slowly dying at the hands of humanity, and our country is bleeding from a lack of leadership and integrity. Wars rage across the globe for no apparent reason, killing young men and women from your state everyday.

Why then, are you seeking to waste the hard-earned money of your constituents to ban the already illegal practice of gay marriage?

The ability of someone else to get married has absolutely no bearing on your relationship. You may continue to believe that marriage consists of a union between a man and a woman, I won’t mind. But stay out of my relationships. Your persistence in seeking a constitutional amendment is at best, a twist of a knife Indiana has already placed in the side of gay couples, and is at worst, a reflection of your hateful and twisted soul.

You should be ashamed of yourself.

Sincerely,

Another Citizen for Equality

noreply@blogger.com (Pride and Shame) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 01:04:00 +0000

Pepsi
January 12, 2009

The American Family Association is calling for a boycott of Pepsi products after Pepsi gave $500,000 each to HRC and PFLAG. More Info...

We’re calling for a boycott of the American Family Association. Oh, and we’re sending notes of support to Pepsi. Tell them we thank them for their support of the LGBT community! (And that we love their re-brand!)

Call Pepsi: (914) 253-2000
Click here to send them an message: cr.pepsi.com/usen/pepsiusen.cfm?date=20090112

Suggested Email (copy & paste into email)

I read on PrideandShame.com that your company may fall victim to a radical conservative boycott based on hate.

I want to thank you for supporting LGBT causes through your financial contributions to HRC and PFLAG. While the American Family Association may wish to harm your company and make a statement by organizing a boycott of your products, I think Pepsi has made a socially responsible and morally just decision in making these contributions. LGBT rights are the choice of a new generation, and I thank you for supporting our goal.

Sincerely,

Another Citizen for Equality

noreply@blogger.com (Pride and Shame) — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 16:29:00 +0000

James Bopp Jr.
January 9, 2009

The AP today is reporting that supporters of the November Ballot Measure against gay marriage in CA are trying to have records of their campaign donations blocked from public view.

To translate... these bigots want to be able to put a white sheet over their heads while they engage in their campaigns of hate.

James Bopp Jr., the attourney representing the haters, has represented numerous conservative campaigns over the years, including anti-choice advocates and other un-American causes. More Info...

Send Bopp a letter telling him to stop being a hypocrite.

Email: jboppjr@aol.com

Suggested Email (copy & paste into email)

Dear Mr. Bopp -

You should learn the difference between writing a check to support a cause and casting a vote.

Voters already are protected by a white sheet at the voting booth - it is called a curtain. Your hypocrisy in trying to conceal the identity of Prop 8 donors is riduclous, because as stated in today’s AP article, "The problem with their argument, of course, is that campaign finance laws, both at the state and federal level, have been litigated endlessly now since Watergate and the argument has, in one form or another, been rejected,” said Scheer (Executive Director of the First Amendment Coalition).

Proposition 8 supporters used campaign finance records during the campaign to threaten gay rights supporters. Do your research.

This letter is not a threat. It is a politically minded citizen telling you that I believe your position on this issue is both morally and constitutionally wrong. You should be ashamed of yourself, and I am ashamed that you call yourself an American.

Sincerely,

Another Citizen for Equality

noreply@blogger.com (Pride and Shame) — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 00:51:00 +0000

McDonald’s
January 8, 2009

McDonald’s is bad for your health, and even worse for your soul. A number of months ago, McDonald’s created an uproar in the conservative community by publicly allowing Richard Ellis, vice president of communications for the fast-food mega-giant, to serve on the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce board of directors.

The religious right freaked out, launched a ridiculous boycott, and as of December, called their efforts a success - McDonald’s caved, and backtracked in the most embarrassing way possible.

A quote from the head of the American Family Association: "This is so strange, because it's the family that McDonald's appeals to," Wildmon had said. "And they are promoting a lifestyle that would utterly destroy the traditional family." More Info...

At the conclusion of the above article, the authors state that those who are pleased that McDonald’s got their balls cut off by the Hatemongers should “thank your local McDonald's manager.” Instead, let’s tell them we are utterly disappointed in their behavior, and that their clown’s outfit is utterly tacky.

Click here to send them an email.: www.mcdonalds.com/contact/contact_us/social_responsibility.html

Suggested Email (copy & paste into email)

As part of a protest organized by the online activist group PrideAndShame.com, I’m am disgusted by both your food and your behavior toward gay, lesbian, bisexual, and trans people. You should be ashamed of yourselves for caving to pressure from the conservative right to sever ties with the NGLCC. Their campaign and boycott was filled with lies, misnomers, and fear. I will no longer patronize McDonald’s, and will communicate to all my friends and neighbors that their cheeseburger dollars are lining the pockets of cowards. We are not “lovin’ it”. In fact, we’re fighting to have it our way, right away.

Sincerely,

Another Citizen for Equality
Call them:: 1-800-244-6227

noreply@blogger.com (Pride and Shame) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 21:48:00 +0000

Rep. Tammy Baldwin
January 6, 2009

Today Rep. Tammy Baldwin is presiding over the US House of Representatives. She is one of two openly gay members, and the only lesbian. While this is not the first time she has done so, we want to take this opportunity to applaud her courage and to encourage her to fight for GLBT equality in Washington.

Send Rep. Baldwin an email of thanks!

Click here to email Rep. Baldwin.: tammybaldwin.house.gov/get_address.html

Suggested Email (copy & paste into email)

Rep. Baldwin -

As you presided over the House today, I was reminded of the courage it takes you to be the only openly lesbian member, and how along with Rep. Frank, you continue to tirelessly fight for LGBT equality. Thank you for taking the courageous path, and please, continue to fight for me and my rights. Thank you for your service.

Sincerely,

Another Citizen for Equality

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Ihrig) — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 16:45:00 +0000

GLAD
January 5, 2009

GLAD (Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders), a New England based gay rights group, has begun a campaign to have the other six New England states join CT and MA with legal gay marriage by 2012. More Info...

Let's send GLAD a message that we are proud of the work they do, and want to see them achieve this goal of marriage equality ASAP. Send them and email of support of even better, a financial contribution.

Donate to GLAD by clicking here.
Email: gladlaw@glad.org

Suggested Email Text:
As part of the online activist group PrideandShame.com, I want to applaud your efforts toward and gay & lesbian equality, and to let you know that I support your goal of same-sex marriage throughout New England by 2012. Thank you for staying at the forefront of the fight for equality.

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Ihrig) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 15:10:00 +0000

Happy new year!

noreply@blogger.com (Pride and Shame) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 18:34:00 +0000

Sony
December 31, 2008

Sony’s Playstaion Online Community “Home” thinks gay is a bad word. They have for months now had filters on online chats and handles that censor offensive words, including the word gay.

Sony has responded to activist complaints by stating “the company is looking into the censoring of words,” but to date has made no definitive action to end the exclusion and demonization of the word gay. More Info...

Sounds like they need a push, and we’re here to give it to them. Send an email to Sony telling them that we will not tolerate their intolerance. Then go save some princess on the Wii.

Email: psn_account_support@playstation.sony.com

Suggested Email (copy & paste into email)

Dear Sony,

As part of PrideandShame.com’s ongoing actions to achieve gay equality, I am writing to you to express my displeasure at your censorship of the word gay in the Playstation online community “home”. I respectfully request that you delay no longer in addressing this issue. Gay is not a dirty word, and your censorship of it sends a message to children that gay is bad and should not be spoken or discussed.

Should you continue in the careless practice of censoring users who utilize non-offensive language, know that we will take our gaming business elsewhere.

Sincerely,

Another Citizen for Equality

Call Sony: 800-345-7669

noreply@blogger.com (Pride and Shame) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 00:18:00 +0000

Barack Obama & Rick Warren
December 30, 2008

Barack Obama's transition website has just opened up a new chance to submit questions to the President-Elect and his team. This is a tremendous opportunity to speak in an organized, dramatic way about our discontent regarding Rick Warren's participation in the inauguration. More Info...

Cut and paste the bold text below into the input field when prompted to ask your question, or simply search the questions for PrideAndShame and vote for this question. You may have to register, but the process is quick and easy. This activation will only take a minute, but can have a HUGE impact. It's time to demand accountability from the man to whom we've entrusted our future, and to be vocal about how personally we take this affront.

Link to Submit Questions: change.gov/page/content/openforquestions20081229/

Suggested Email Text (copy & paste into email)

As part of the activist group PrideAndShame.com, I want to know how you'd feel if Michelle invited a KKK leader to the White House for inclusiveness? Inviting Rick Warren to your Inauguration is the moral equivalent. How could you do this to me?