Revoked

Via Sonja van Kerkhoff: Links to what is in the news

2012-01-31T02:54:00.000-08:00

Sean manages this page and adds what he finds in the news. These links will stay here and when I have time I’ll make cross links from the “About” page and other pages on this blog so this can be more useful as a resource and forum for discussion.

January 2012: Genetic or Not, Gay Won’t Go Away | Next new item title pasted in here

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

2012-01-31T01:24:00.000-08:00

Tricycle Daily Dharma January 31, 2012

Attaining Freedom

Sometimes people get very rigid and tense trying to be good, disciplined, and ethical. Tension can also arise when we become more aware of the immense amount of destruction—seen and unseen, intentional and unintentional—that our mere physical existence causes. From a Buddhist point of view, however, this is what it means to be born in samsara, and this is why we need to attain freedom from samsara.

- Khandro Rinpoche, "Complete Abandon"
Read the entire article in the Tricycle Wisdom Collection

Via AmericaBlogGay: Romney campaign showcases endorsement of pastor who claims gay marriage helped cause 9/11

2012-01-31T01:22:00.000-08:00

The Romney campaign released a letter of support from Florida "social conservatives" (that's the new nice word for the religious right), including a pastor, Dr. Roberto Miranda of the COPAHNI Fellowship of Hispanic Pastors of New England, who has suggested that 9/11 happened because of gay marriage being legalized in Massachusetts. Here's the letter on Romney's campaign site.

And here's the pastor:

Is it exaggerated to see prophetic significance in the fact that on September 11, 2001 Boston served as the point of departure for the deadly forces that spread so much destruction and havoc in this nation and all over the world? What took place at the material level is now being carried out at the moral and spiritual level, as the virus of homosexuality and gay marriage begins to spread dramatically all over this nation and perhaps the world.

Really, Mitt? Now, the Romney campaign problem welcomes the controversy because it's their anti-gay beard to deflect attention from the fact that Romney once claimed he was better on gay issues than Ted Kennedy.

Via cdn.unicornbooty.com:

2012-01-30T15:49:00.000-08:00

Frank Schaeffer calls Fundamentalist Christians Village Idiots

2012-01-30T14:37:00.001-08:00

Via JMG: Cynthia Nixon Clarifies

2012-01-30T13:05:00.003-08:00

"My recent comments in The New York Times were about me and my personal story of being gay. I believe we all have different ways we came to the gay community and we can't and shouldn't be pigeon-holed into one cultural narrative which can be uninclusive and disempowering. However, to the extent that anyone wishes to interpret my words in a strictly legal context I would like to clarify: While I don't often use the word, the technically precise term for my orientation is bisexual. I believe bisexuality is not a choice, it is a fact. What I have 'chosen' is to be in a gay relationship." - Cynthia Nixon, speaking to the Advocate.

Read Nixon's full statement.

Labels: bisexuality, Cynthia Nixon, sexuality

Reposted from Joe

Via JMG: The 2 Bears - Work

2012-01-30T13:00:00.001-08:00

One of these guys is Joe Goddard from Hot Chip, one of the few bands I've really liked in the last couple of years. The 2 Bears album was released today on iTunes UK. The physical CD comes out next week, apparently also in the UK only.

(Tipped by JMG reader Aaron)

Labels: bears, Britain, dance music, pop music

Reposted from Joe

Via Follower of the Buddha:

2012-01-30T09:34:00.000-08:00

Nalanda LGBT Buddhist Cultural and Resource Center

Rely on the Teachings, not just the Teacher.
Rely on the Meaning, not just the words.
Rely on the Real Meaning, not just the interpretation.
Rely on the Experience, not just the idea.
The Buddha

Follower of the Buddha

Rely on the Teachings, not just the Teacher.
Rely on the Meaning, not just the w...ords.
Rely on the Real Meaning, not just the interpretation.
Rely on the Experience, not just the idea.

Namo Buddhaya Namo Dharmaya Namo Sanghaya སངས་རྒྱས་ཆོས་དང་ཚོགས་ཀྱི་མཆོག་རྣམས་ལ། Sang-gye cho-dang tsog-kyi cho-nam-la
I take refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha 諸佛正法眾中尊 བྱང་ཆུབ་བར་དུ་བདག་ནི་སྐྱབས་སུ་མཆི། Jang-chub bar-du dag-ni kyab-su-chi
Until I attain enlightenment. 直至菩提我歸依དག་གིས་སྦྱིན་སོགས་བགྱིས་པའི་བསོད་ན...མས་ཀྱིས། Dag-gi jin-sog gyi-pe so-nam-kyi
By the merit I have accumulated from practising generosity and the other perfections 我以所行施等善འགྲོ་ལ་ཕན་ཕྱིར་སངས་རྒྱས་འགྲྲུབ་པར་ཤོག །། Dro-la pan-chir sang-gye drub-par-shog
May I attain enlightenment, for the benefit of all migrators. 為利眾生願成佛

By: Follower of the Buddha

Enough Said:

2012-01-30T06:36:00.000-08:00

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

2012-01-30T02:56:00.001-08:00

Tricycle Daily Dharma January 30, 2012

Winds of Emotion

Awareness is the basis, or what you might call the “support,” of the mind. It is steady and unchanging, like the pole to which the flag of ordinary consciousness is attached. When we recognize and become grounded in awareness of awareness, the “wind” of emotion may still blow. But instead of being carried away by the wind, we turn our attention inward, watching the shifts and changes with the intention of becoming familiar with that aspect of consciousness that recognizes "Oh, this is what I’m feeling, this is what I’m thinking." As we do so, a bit of space opens up within us.

- Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, "The Aim of Attention"
Read the entire article in the Tricycle Wisdom Collection

JMG Quote Of The Day - Frank Bruni

2012-01-29T15:13:00.001-08:00

"[T]he born-this-way approach carries an unintended implication that the behavior of gays and lesbians needs biological grounding to evade condemnation. Why should it? Our laws safeguard religious freedom, and that’s not because there’s a Presbyterian, Buddhist or Mormon gene. There’s only a tradition and theology that you elect or decline to follow. But this country has deemed worshiping in a way that feels consonant with who you are to be essential to a person’s humanity. So it’s protected. Our laws also safeguard the right to bear arms: not exactly a biological imperative. Among adults, the right to love whom you’re moved to love — and to express it through sex and maybe, yes, marriage — is surely as vital to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as a Glock. And it’s a lot less likely to cause injury, if that’s a deciding factor: how a person’s actions affect the community around him or her." - New York Times columnist Frank Bruni, on Cynthia Nixon's controversial comments.

Labels: Cynthia Nixon, LGBT rights, Quote Of The Day

reposted from Joe

Via Christians Tired of Being Misrepresented // The Christian Left:

2012-01-29T15:06:00.001-08:00

Paula - A teacher in New York was teaching her class about bullying and gave them the following exercise to perform. She had the children take a piece of paper and told them to crumple it up, stamp on it and really mess it up but do not rip it. Then she had them unfold the paper, smooth it out and look at how scarred and dirty it was. She then told them to tell it they’re sorry. ....Now even though they said they were sorry and tried to fix the paper, she pointed out all the scars they left behind. And that those scars will never go away no matter how hard they tried to fix it. That is what happens when a child bully’s another child, they may say they’re sorry but the scars are there forever. The looks on the faces of the children in the classroom told her the message hit home.

By: Christians Tired of Being Misrepresented

The Dalai Lama Interview- Capitalism. Socialism.

2012-01-29T15:01:00.000-08:00

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

2012-01-29T05:27:00.001-08:00

Tricycle Daily Dharma January 29, 2012

Skillful Attitudes

Skillful attitudes of mind are the key to facing potentially explosive situations and the ongoing highs and lows of life and practice. In fact, recognizing these attitudes and cultivating their antidotes is the foundation for all spiritual growth. By cultivating skillful attitudes of mind, we will respond to more and more of life with awareness and wisdom. With steady awareness of the way things are, the perseverance to stay with that awareness, and the willingness to learn from it, we maximize our sense of well-being.

- Steve Armstrong, "Got Attitude?"
Read the entire article in the Tricycle Wisdom Collection

Via JMG: Romney Foundation Gave To "Ex-Gays"

2012-01-29T04:39:00.000-08:00

Last night Rachel Maddow and Wayne Besen of Truth Wins Out delved into the donations made by a Romney foundation. I recently mentioned the anti-gay groups that get Romney money, but as Besen explains, at least one of those groups also advocates for "ex-gay" therapy.

go to link here on JMG

Via JMG: GOP Intro's Bill Banning Same-Sex "Ceremonies" On Military Bases

2012-01-29T04:31:00.000-08:00

GOP Rep. Tim Huelskamp has introduced a bill which allows military chaplains to refuse to conduct same-sex marriages. Which they already can. But the bill also bans the use of military facilities for such events.

Servicemembers Legal Defense Network

"Here they go again with another round of resistance tactics that have already been rejected by Congress and the American people. There is no need for the so-called 'protections' in this bill or the proposed regulations. No chaplain today is being required or pressured to marry anyone, straight or gay. Period. The bill's ban on use of military facilities and chaplains officiating at ceremonies for gay and lesbian service members is nothing more than plain, old-fashion discrimination. There is no place for that prejudice in our armed forces or in our country," said Sarvis.

Human Rights Campaign

Rep. Huelskamp and other right wing Republican Members of Congress appear to have missed the memo from military leaders who say that open service is working just fine. Instead, in their compulsive need to use our brave men and women in uniform as political pawns, these Members of Congress have invented issues that don’t exist in order to score some points. These antics coming from Rep. Huelskamp shouldn’t be a surprise as he was the one forced to admit on the floor of the U.S. House last summer that he wanted to strip funding for training materials that he hadn’t even read.

Labels: bigotry, DADT, GOP, military

reposted from Joe

Via AmericaBlogGay:

2012-01-29T04:25:00.000-08:00

Dan Savage on gay marriage: Religious right on last ropes:

"Dan makes an interesting point: The gay-bashing wing of the GOP has pretty much lost the GOP presidential primary. Bachmann, Perry, Cain are all out, and Santorum is on his way out. They were the true far-right evangelical candidates, and they couldn't even win the GOP nomination, let alone the general election"

"'On a side note, I've written before about how good Dan is on TV representing our community and our issues. I cannot think of anyone who is better. Watch this 3 minute segment (Current isn't able, legally, to post more than 3 minutes of any one show). You'll see what I'm talking about".

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

2012-01-27T06:35:00.001-08:00

Tricycle Daily Dharma January 27, 2012

Forgive and Forget

To forgive does not necessarily mean to forget. Sometimes to forget is not wise, but to forgive is wise. And it is at times not easy. It can, in fact, be quite challenging. It will come as no surprise that one of the most difficult people to forgive can be yourself. Yet with patience and gentle determination, it can be done.

- Allan Lokos, "Lighten Your Load"
Read the entire article in the Tricycle Wisdom Collection

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

2012-01-22T01:43:00.001-08:00

Tricycle Daily Dharma January 22, 2012

What Kind of Mind?

When you check your mind, do not rationalize or push. Relax. Do not be upset when problems arise. Just be aware of them and where they come from; know their root. Introduce the problem to yourself: “Here is this kind of problem. How has it become a problem? What kind of mind feels that it's a problem?” When you check thoroughly, the problem will automatically disappear. That's so simple, isn't it?

- Lama Yeshe, "Your Mind is Your Religion"
Read the entire article in the Tricycle Wisdom Collection

Via JMG: MILESTONE: Every Company On Fortune's Best 100 List Protects Gay Employees

2012-01-21T19:19:00.000-08:00

Google is the nation's best company to work for according to the 2012 edition of Fortune Magazine's annual rankings. And for the first time, every company in the list's top 100 offers sexual orientation non-discrimination protections.

"It's been gathering strength over the 15 years that we've done the survey," said Milton Moskowitz, a co-author of the list. Similar progress has been made in benefits for same-sex domestic partners, which are now offered by 89 of the 100 companies listed, up from 70 five years ago. "It's not surprising to me that the places that are ranked the best to work are also the ones that are going to respect and value their employees," said Michael Cole-Schwartz, communications manager at the Human Rights Campaign, an organization that advocates on behalf of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans.

RELATED: About 60% of Fortune 500 companies currently offer domestic partner benefits. That's almost double the number from ten years ago.

Reposted from Joe

via jmg: Freedom To Marry Issues Impressive List: American Mayors For Marriage Equality

2012-01-21T19:17:00.000-08:00

A Freedom To Marry press conference including Mayor Bloomberg and many others is underway at this writing. Video to follow, hopefully. If your mayor does not appear on the list, send him/her this statement to join.

Labels: activism, Annise Parker, Freedom To Marry, LGBT rights, marriage equality, Michael Bloomberg, NYC

reposted from Joe

Via JMG: Sex-Act Morality Flow Chart

2012-01-21T19:07:00.001-08:00

(Via - The Friendly Atheist)

Labels: atheism, religion, sexuality

reposted from Joe

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

2012-01-21T02:16:00.000-08:00

The Nature of Anger

Because we imagine anger is never a good thing, it is easy to think we should practice simply not being angry. But that approach is too general and abstract. It’s important for each of us to be precise, to be real, to be personal and honest, to find out exactly what my anger is. To do that we need to ask ourselves lots of questions about its actual nature.

- Nancy Baker, "Precious Energy"
Read the entire article in the Tricycle Wisdom Collection

Via JMG: Lesson For NOM: Hate Doesn't Pay

2012-01-13T03:19:00.001-08:00

The three most virulently anti-gay candidates finished four-five-six last night. The three relative moderates on LGBT rights finished far ahead. Rick Perry, whose campaign was sunk by a disastrous anti-gay commercial, finished behind "Other." While we can't expect the same result in a place like South Carolina, the New Hampshire rankings do not bode well for that state's marriage repeal campaign.

Labels: 2012 elections, GOP, New Hampshire, NOM

Via JMG: Positive Marriage News From WA

2012-01-13T03:10:00.000-08:00

The prospective vote count on Washington state's marriage bill looks very positive.

The Legislature is on the verge of having enough support to make Washington the seventh state to approve gay marriage, according to a tally by The Associated Press. A same-sex marriage bill is expected to be introduced by the end of the week. The AP reached out to all 49 state senators over the past week and found that more lawmakers are firmly supporting gay marriage than opposing it, by a margin of 22-18. The measure needs 25 votes to pass the Senate. The House is widely expected to have enough support, and Gov. Chris Gregoire publicly endorsed gay marriage for the first time last week.

Labels: LGBT rights, marriage equality, Washington state

reposted from Joe

Via JMG: Gay People: Haiti's Scapecoats

2012-01-13T03:05:00.000-08:00

This partially animated clip tells how Haitian gays were scapegoated as the cause of the devastating earthquake which occurred two years ago today.

Labels: earthquakes, Haiti, LGBT rights, natural disasters

reposted from Joe

Via JMG: "Functional HIV Cure" Trial Advances

2012-01-13T03:00:00.001-08:00

Via press release:

Sangamo BioSciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: SGMO) announced today the initiation of two new Phase 2 clinical studies (SB-728-1101 and SB-728-902, Cohort 5) in its program to develop a "functional cure" for HIV/AIDS. Sangamo's ZFP Therapeutic® approach (SB-728-T) generates T-cells that are resistant to HIV infection using its zinc finger nuclease (ZFN) technology to permanently disrupt the DNA sequence encoding CCR5, a co-receptor used by HIV to enter cells. The company expects to present data from its SB-728-T HIV clinical trials at appropriate medical meetings in 2012.

Most interesting: "In addition to safety, the study will evaluate the effect of escalating doses of Cytoxan on SB-728-T engraftment, the effect of SB-728-T treatment on viral load following HAART interruption." In other words (I think), they'll be looking at whether patients can cease taking meds after the treatment.

Labels: HIV/AIDS, medicine, science

Reposted from Joe

Via JMG: Coalition Of Religious Leaders Issues Letter Denouncing Gay Marriage: "Help! The Gov't Won't Pay Us To Oppress You!"

2012-01-13T02:58:00.001-08:00

From a letter issued today by the heads of the Salvation Army, the National Association of Evangelicals, the Hispanic Christian Conference, the Lutheran Missouri Synod, the Mormon Church, the Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, and United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (Plus other lesser-known religious hate groups.)

By a single stroke, every law where rights depend on marital status—such as employment discrimination, employment benefits, adoption, education, healthcare, elder care, housing, property, and taxation—will change so that same-sex sexual relationships must be treated as if they were marriage. That requirement, in turn, will apply to religious people and groups in the ordinary course of their many private or public occupations and ministries—including running schools, hospitals, nursing homes and other housing facilities, providing adoption and counseling services, and many others.

So, for example, religious adoption services that place children exclusively with married couples would be required by law to place children with persons of the same sex who are civilly “married.” Religious marriage counselors would be denied their professional accreditation for refusing to provide counseling in support of same-sex “married” relationships. Religious employers who provide special health benefits to married employees would be required by law to extend those benefits to same-sex “spouses.”

Religious employers would also face lawsuits for taking any adverse employment action—no matter how modest—against an employee for the public act of obtaining a civil “marriage” with a member of the same sex. This is not idle speculation, as these sorts of situations have already come to pass. Even where religious people and groups succeed in avoiding civil liability in cases like these, they would face other government sanctions—the targeted withdrawal of government co-operation, grants, or other benefits.

Read the entire letter.

Labels: bigotry, Catholic Church, hate groups, LDS, LGBT rights, marriage equality, religion, Salvation Army

reposted from Joe

Via JMG: CALIFORNIA: Avis Sued For Offering Discounts To Gay Groups

2012-01-13T02:53:00.000-08:00

An Arizona woman has filed suit against Avis, alleging that the car rental giant violates California's law against sexual orientation discrimination when if offers discounts to LGBT groups. Dave Rice reports at San Diego Reader:

Lynn Evenchik claims that Avis’ practice of offering discounts to members of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association and National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce constitutes a violation of California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act, which prohibits businesses from offering discounts to customers based on sexual orientation. Evenchik paid $311.36 to rent a car from Avis at San Diego International Airport for a period of one week in July of 2011.

She later learned that members of the aforementioned groups received discount codes entitling them to 20 to 25 percent off standard rental rates due to marketing agreements Avis had entered into with the organizations. “These unfair and unlawful business practices result in many consumers who are not affiliated with those organizations paying substantially higher rental rates than those made available to gay and lesbian renters,” the complaint states.

The suit calls for Avis to pay damages to anybody who rented a car since the discount offer began.

Labels: business, California, lawsuits

reposted from Joe

Via JMG: Nancy Pelosi Calls Out Homocons

2012-01-13T02:49:00.000-08:00

"Oh, but what about them? He [Barney Frank] chooses a party that supports his values. They've chosen a party that supports their income — a party that denigrates them and treats them with disrespect." - House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, on the attacks made on Frank by the likes of GOProud. Hit the link for the Advocate's cover profile on Pelosi.

Labels: Barney Frank, GOProud, homocons, Nancy Pelosi

reposted from Joe

Via JMG:

2012-01-13T02:47:00.001-08:00

Canada: We Take It Back

After worldwide outrage poured into Ottawa, the Canadian federal government is backtracking on the invalidity of gay marriages by foreign visitors. Things aren't quite settled, however.

The federal government will consider changing the law to ensure non-residents married in Canada can obtain divorces, Justice Minister Rob Nicholson said Thursday afternoon. Wading into a controversy that has quickly blown into an international cause célèbre, Mr. Nicholson made assurances the government “has no intention of reopening the debate on the definition of marriage.” [snip] Mr. Nicholson's statement gave immediate hope to married same-sex couples who are seeking a divorce but appeared to have no prospect of obtaining a one in Canada. However, it left one central question unanswered: Does the government consider their marriages to be legal, or not?

Lambda Legal, Freedom To Marry, the ACLU, and GLAD have issued a joint statement.

No one’s marriage has been invalidated or is likely to be invalidated. The position taken by one government lawyer in a divorce is not itself precedential. No court has accepted this view and there is no reason to believe that either Canada’s courts or its Parliament would agree with this position, which no one has asserted before during the eight years that same-sex couples have had the freedom to marry in Canada. [snip] The message for same-sex couples married in Canada remains the same as it is for same-sex couples validly married here in the United States: take every precaution you can to protect your relationship with legal documents such as powers of attorney and adoptions, as you may travel to jurisdictions that don't respect your legal relationship. There is no reason to suggest that Canadian marriages of same-sex couples are in jeopardy, or to advocate that people try to marry again elsewhere, as that could cause these couples unnecessary complications, anxiety, and expense.

Sorry about that, American Family Association. Snork!

Labels: ACLU, Canada, Freedom To Marry, GLAD, Lambda Legal, LGBT rights, marriage equality

reposted from Joe

Via AmericaBlogGay:

2012-01-13T02:46:00.001-08:00

Pelosi nudges Obama on gay marriage, while White House fights off GOP accusations

From HuffPost:

In a February cover story with The Advocate, a national gay and lesbian news magazine, Pelosi declined to give specifics on conversations she may have had with Obama on the issue. Instead, she said she has been focused on pressing the Democratic National Committee to fund efforts to reject state-level anti-marriage ballot measures. "There are more ways to get your voice heard than just speaking," she said.

Pelosi added, "But I hope the president would just say he supports equality in marriage."

The Advocate story is here. HuffPost goes on to note that the White House is at pains to explain why Republicans are now saying the President has the same position on marriage equality as Romney, Santorum and Gingrich. That's not something the White House wants to hear the GOP say as we approach the election, as it's sure to be sore point with gay voters.

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

2012-01-13T02:41:00.001-08:00

Tricycle Daily Dharma January 13, 2012

How to Surrender

In the Shin Buddhist tradition, as we listen to the teaching we are made to realize that we can never surrender ourselves. Resistance comes from the deepest center of our karmic selves. That’s why the Buddha Amida’s compassion says, “Tai, you don’t have to surrender.” When I hear that, when I understand that I can’t do it because it’s not my nature—that it’s like saying, “Fly to the sky”—then I realize that I don’t have to surrender, yet, naturally and spontaneously, the surrender takes place by virtue of true compassion.

- Taitetsu Unno, “Even Dewdrops Fall: An Interview with Taitetsu Unno”
Read the entire article in the Tricycle Wisdom Collection

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

2012-01-12T02:57:00.001-08:00

Tricycle Daily Dharma January 12, 2012

The Fifth Precept: Not Using Intoxicants

To refrain from taking intoxicants is one of the primary vows that laypeople may take and that monastics have to uphold. One of the main reasons for not becoming intoxicated is that this can—and often does—lead to breaking other vows or straying from one’s integrity. Another reason for not becoming intoxicated is that for many, intoxication obscures the clarity of mind—the clarity to understand and rest in one’s true nature moment to moment.

- Lama Palden, "The Fifth Precept"
Read the entire article in the Tricycle Wisdom Collection

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

2012-01-11T04:24:00.001-08:00

Tricycle Daily Dharma January 11, 2012

Get up where you fall down

In Genjokoan, Dogen writes, “Those who have great realization of delusion are buddhas.” The place where you get to be Buddha, so to speak, is in delusion, and there’s plenty of that to go around. You get up where you fall down. You don’t get up somewhere else. It’s where you fall down that you establish your practice.

- Ryokan Steve Weintraub on Sojun Mel Weitsman, "Umbrella Man"
Read the entire article in the Tricycle Wisdom Collection

Via AmericaBlogGay:

2012-01-11T02:21:00.003-08:00

Pope says gay marriage threatens the "future of humanity itself." No word on the threat caused by raping children.

Yes, the rape of the next generation doesn't seem to merit as much concern as two adults in love who simply want to settle down. As always, I ask, why should we care about the moral pronouncements of people who aid and abet the rape of small children? From Reuters:

"This is not a simple social convention, but rather the fundamental cell of every society. Consequently, policies which undermine the family threaten human dignity and the future of humanity itself," he said.

The Pope seems to be parroting Rick Santorum's argument that somehow straight men will leaves their wives and hook up with the gay guy down the street if given the chance. Which raises the question of why the Pope believes that all "straight" men naturally would be tempted by "teh gay."

Via AmericaBlogGay:

2012-01-11T02:21:00.001-08:00

Gingrich lies about Catholic Charities bigots

Good job by Soledad O'Brien on this one. Equality Matters has more.

Via Nalanda LGBT Buddhist Cultural and Resource Center:

2012-01-10T13:33:00.001-08:00

Wall Photos

‎"If one wishes suffering not to happen to the people and the earth, it begins with a kind heart."

Pema Chodron

Via JMG: SHARIA LAW: Liberty Counsel Rewrites The Declaration Of Independence

2012-01-10T13:08:00.001-08:00

The Liberty Counsel has boldly issued their own "Declaration of American Values," a document they'd presumably like to see become law. Here's a small sampling of the chilling items they demand of the government:

To secure our national interest in the institution of marriage and family by embracing the union of one man and one woman as the sole form of legitimate marriage and the proper basis of family.

To secure the free exercise of religion for all people, including the freedom to acknowledge God through our public institutions and other modes of public expression and the freedom of religious conscience without coercion by penalty or force of law.

To secure the moral dignity of each person, acknowledging that obscenity, pornography, and indecency debase our communities, harm our families, and undermine morality and respect. Therefore, we promote enactment and enforcement of laws to protect decency and traditional morality.

It should be plain to even the most casual observer that the Christianist right demands nothing less than that the complete imposition of Sharia law. You don't get to decide what you read, what you watch, whom you fuck, and certainly not whom you marry. Jesus knows best and those who complain the loudest will be the first up against the wall. This country is heading for its own Kristallnacht, should these 21st century fascists ever get any real power.

Labels: dominionists, hate groups, Liberty Counsel, Sharia Law, theocracy

Reposted from Joe

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

2012-01-10T02:14:00.001-08:00

Tricycle Daily Dharma January 10, 2012

Seeing Clearly

Our practice is to meet life exactly as it is and to notice whatever fear, anger, or doubt gets in the way of direct intimate contact with this moment, bringing attention to that as well. Rather than changing something or seeking to get somewhere we imagine we should be, practice is about seeing clearly exactly how things really are and how we relate to them. Practice thus becomes an increasing intimacy with life just as it is, and there is nothing—including the ideas that we should be getting something or somewhere—that is unworthy of the clear, nonjudgmental attention we call mindfulness.

- Douglas Phillips, "Q&A with Douglas Phillips"
Read the entire article in the Tricycle Wisdom Collection

Via Obama for America:

2012-01-10T02:12:00.001-08:00

Daniel --

The Mitt Romney who ran for U.S. Senate in 1994 promised voters in Massachusetts that he'd be a stronger advocate for LGBT rights than Senator Kennedy.

And in 2002, while running for governor of Massachusetts, Romney's campaign passed out fliers for Pride Weekend, saying "All citizens deserve equal rights regardless of their sexual preference." Yesterday afternoon, Mitt Romney's current campaign actually disavowed that 2002 flier.

You're probably wondering a few things. First, just exactly which part of that flier doesn't he agree with? And second, what could have possibly changed between yesterday morning (when Romney said he felt gays and lesbians deserved "full rights") and yesterday afternoon? Maybe he thinks that line won't play as well in the upcoming South Carolina primary?

It's election season again, and the only Mitt we really know is the one who will say whatever it takes to win. If he is the Republican nominee, we can expect him to suddenly try and be best friends with LGBT voters again. That's why we're sending him the message that it doesn't work like that -- and that we won't let him get away with it.

Say you'll help hold Mitt accountable before he has a chance to pander yet again:

http://my.barackobama.com/Hold-Mitt-Accountable

Mitt's going to try to be whoever he thinks he needs to be to get elected -- it's our job to make sure those tactics come at a cost.

Stay tuned,

Jamie

Jamie Citron
Director, LGBT Vote
Obama for America

Bye June - Shades of Purple [Official Music Video]

2012-01-10T02:08:00.000-08:00

Via JMG: Ron Paul New Hampshire Flyer

2012-01-09T17:40:00.001-08:00

In this flyer being distributed in New Hampshire, Ron Paul brags that he introduced a bill that would bar the federal courts from considering DOMA cases. Which is rather remarkable, as DOMA is a federal law.

Labels: DOMA, mental illness, New Hampshire, Ron Paul

Reposted from Joe

Above & Beyond feat. Miguel Bosé - Sea Lo Que Sea Será (Official Video)

2012-01-09T17:36:00.001-08:00

Thich Nhat Hanh on Aimlessness

2012-01-09T15:19:00.000-08:00

ॐ Thich Nhat Hanh Quote Collective ॐ

Does the rose have to do something? No, the purpose of a rose is to be a rose. Your purpose is to be yourself. You don't have to run anywhere to become someone else. You are wonderful just the way you are. This teaching of the Buddha allows us to enjoy ourselves, the blue sky, and everything that is refreshing and healing in the present moment. We already have everything we are looking for, everything we want to become. We are already a Buddha so why not just take the hand of another Buddha and practice walking meditation? Just be. Just being in the moment in this place is the deepest practice of meditation. The Heart Sutra says that there is "nothing to attain." We meditate not to attain enlightenment, because enlightenment is already in us. We don't need to search anywhere. We don't need to practice to obtain some high position. We can enjoy every moment. People talk about entering nirvana, but we are already there. Aimlessness and nirvana are one. We have everything we need to make the present moment the happiest in our life, even if we have a cold or a headache. We don't have to wait until we get over our cold to be happy. Having a cold is part of life. I am happy in the present moment. I do not ask for anything else. I do not expect any additional happiness. Aimlessness is stopping and realizing the happiness that is already available.

--Thich Nhat Hanh--

Via JMG: Molestation Victims Are Crybabies!

2012-01-09T14:07:00.001-08:00

Victims of pedophile priests are just big wailing crybabies, according to a graphic and story posted by the Catholic League. Stop complaining, Timmy! You know you wanted it.

Labels: Bill Donahue, Catholic Church, Catholic League, douchenozzles, evil, molestation, pedophilia

Reposted from Joe

Via JMG: Romney Spox Denies Gay Pride Flyer

2012-01-09T09:27:00.001-08:00

"I don’t know where those pink flyers came from. I was the communications director on the 2002 campaign. I don’t know who distributed them. I never saw them and I was the communications director. I never saw them and I never approved them. I’m not quite sure where they came from." - Romney spokesman Eric Fehrnstrom on the above flyer, which includes the tagline: "Paid for by the Romney For Governor Committee. Romney was questioned about the flyer during yesterday's GOP debate.

Labels: GOP, LGBT rights, Mitt Romney

Reposted from Joe

Via JMG: Mitt Romney: I Oppose Same-Sex Marriage But Do Not Discriminate Against Gays

2012-01-09T02:59:00.001-08:00

At this morning's GOP debate, the moderator tried to trip up Mitt Romney by quoting his 1994 pro-gay comment to Boston's Bay Windows, a statement which is still denounced today by the anti-gay industry. Romney opened by restating his opposition to same-sex marriage, then launched into a vow of non-discrimination in other areas.

Think Progress blogger Zack Ford reacted.
RELATED: Immediately following the debate, GOProud rushed out this press release.

We thank Governor Romney for having the political courage to speak up for gay Americans. He made it crystal clear this morning that he will be the type of President that gay people, and those who care about gays and lesbians in this country, can trust and be proud of. On issue after issue – whether it’s the economy, jobs, taxes, energy, healthcare or retirement security – Mitt Romney is offering common-sense conservative plans that will improve the lives of all Americans – gay or straight.

ALSO RELATED: Don't forget that Romney signed NOM's hate pledge in which he vowed to thwart the progress of LGBT civil equality. The pledge also includes a promise to appoint a federal commission to investigate any so-called "repression of religious liberties" by gay rights activists.

Labels: debate watch, GOP, GOProud, LGBT rights, marriage equality, Mitt Romney

Reposted from Joe

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

2012-01-09T02:53:00.001-08:00

Tricycle Daily Dharma January 9, 2012

Equanimity in Relationships

The Buddha prescribed equanimity in the face of suffering. In relationships, this means accepting the inevitability of painful disconnections and using them as an opportunity to work through difficult emotions. We instinctively avoid unpleasantness, often without our awareness. When we touch something unlovely in ourselves—fear, anger, jealousy, shame, disgust—we tend to withdraw emotionally and direct our attention elsewhere. But denying how we feel, or projecting our fears and faults onto others, only drives a wedge between us and the people we yearn to be close to.

- Christopher Germer, "Getting Along"
Read the entire article in the Tricycle Wisdom Collection

Campanha de enfrentamento à Homofobia

2012-01-09T02:51:00.001-08:00

Campanha de esclarecimento da população sobre homofobia e incentivo à denúncia através do Disque Direitos Humanos - Disque 100.

A mobilização é uma iniciativa da Secretaria de Direitos Humanos da Presidência da República, do PNUD, da Unesco e da TV Globo.

A peça é protagonizada pelos atores Marcos Damigo e Rodrigo Andrade, que interpretaram um casal gay na novela Insensato Coração.

Via AmericaBlogGay:

2012-01-09T02:44:00.001-08:00

Romney now disavowing 2002 pro-gay campaign flyer

Flippy floppy flippy floppy. Never forget that when he was running for Senate against Ted Kennedy, Mitt Romney said he'd be better on gay rights than Kennedy.

The man claimed to be more pro-gay than Ted freaking Kennedy.

So what are we to believe? That a man with a history of being super duper pro-gay and a flip-flopper is flip-flopping about being super duper pro-gay, or that somehow someone made a fake flyer with paid for by the Romney campaign on it?

Keep lying, Mitt.

If he wins, the evangelicals are gonna die when they find out who the real Mitt Romney is. This will be the biggest hoax anyone pulled on them since being assured that Ken Mehlman wasn't gay.

The Videodrome Discothèque Vault Presents: Jennifer Saunders & Joanna Lumley Look Back At AbFab

2012-01-08T13:51:00.000-08:00

Via Norman Lorenz / Facebook:

2012-01-08T05:36:00.000-08:00

Mr. Santorum:

As a gay father of two children, a son, 14 in a public middle school, and a daughter, a senior at a local all girls Catholic school, I am sure my children would step up front to share their real story of love and acceptance with you. As a partner with my husband who married in CA in 2008, we celebrate 30 years together in 2012. We have run a business, paid our taxes, participated in neighborhood and community events, contributed to the economy, and are liked by many and loved by our family.

As a potential president, before you slight one race, ethnicity and/or orientation, I would suggest that you ask your supporters to inform you that we are all God's children. I am offended that you would take such risk with our nations children suggesting that they be raised by incarcarated individuals versus a loving and nurturing family. We happened to have saved our children from drug infested households and acoholic biological parents. And as a nation, we wonder why our social, judicual, and health services, not to mention our education system are strained to meet these needs? As a college professor of early education, much of our social service is strapped because young children are being brought up in environments that are substandard and neglected. You wonder why children are failing to get to school let along failing throughout their growth planes to adulthood, thus the cycle repeats itself. They are unprepared.

If this is truly your value for how young children should be raised, I can only hope that my fellow patrons of your political party do NOT elect you President. How disrespectful. As a gay man, proud to be a parent, proud that our family courts in CA could see the capacity of our family to raise these children, I have to say, that as our 14 year old heads off to private catholic high school, and our daughter enters the CSU system in the fall 2012, I am encouraged that fortunately the current administration holds our best interests at the center of this nation, one for all and all for one. I invite you to expand your horizons. You are certainly welcome to come and visit our household in CA to see and experience the difference. Good luck in your campaign.

Sincerely, a supporter of President Obama

Norman Lorenz, M.Ed.,
Professor of Education
Sacramento City College,
Sacramento, CA

Rick Santorum focuses on gay marriage
www.latimes.com

Los Angeles Times - California, national and world news - latimes.com

www.latimes.com

s is a leading source of news on Southern California, entertainment, movies, television, music, politics, business, health, technology, travel, sports, environment, economics, autos, jobs, real estate and other topics affecting California

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

2012-01-08T05:20:00.001-08:00

Tricycle Daily Dharma January 8, 2012

Trust in Awakening

Too often we get hung up on the exhortation “Do not squander your life” and interpret it as a scolding, as if we were naughty children caught wasting time. I see the teaching “Be responsible” more as an expression of absolute trust in the possibility of awakening. The message is “Hey, you! You can do it. You can respond. You’re capable of the perfect living and dying of this moment.”

- Bonnie Myotai Treace, "Rising to the Challenge: Filling the Well with Snow"
Read the entire article in the Tricycle Wisdom Collection

Via JMG: CHICAGO: Cardinal George Apologizes

2012-01-07T12:00:00.000-08:00

"During a recent TV interview, speaking about this year's Gay Pride Parade, I used an analogy that is inflammatory. I am personally distressed that what I said has been taken to mean that I believe all gays and lesbians are like members of the Klan. I do not believe that; it is obviously not true. Many people have friends and family members who are gay or lesbian, as have I. We love them; they are part of our lives, part of who we are.

"I am deeply sorry for the hurt that my remarks have brought to the hearts of gays and lesbians and their families. I can only say that my remarks were motivated by fear for the Church's liberty. This is a larger topic that cannot be explored in this expression of personal sorrow and sympathy for those who were wounded by what I said." - Cardinal Francis George, in an apology posted on the website of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

George's initial statement caused a firestorm of bad press, with both newspaper editorial boards and national LGBT groups joining to denounce his words. Truth Wins Out last week ran a full-page Chicago Tribune ad demanding George's resignation. Reactions to the apology are below.

Equality Illinois

It appears that the Cardinal has had a chance to reflect on the deeply hurtful and destructive statement he had made on Christmas day in comparing the movement for LGBT equality to the Ku Klax Klan. His apology is important and will go some way toward healing the pain he has caused. However, his actions will speak louder than words, and we will be paying attention to see if his words translate into acts of dignity and respect towards LGBT people," said Bernard Cherkasov, Chief Executive Officer of Equality Illinois, the state's oldest and largest organization advocating for full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.

Truth Wins Out

"We called for Cardinal George's resignation but we think remorse is a positive step in the right direction," said TWO's Executive Director Wayne Besen. "It is gratifying to see the Cardinal take personal responsibility for the hurt he has caused and we hope this incident leads to improving relations with the LGBT community."

Gay Liberation Network

This is completely disingenuous. No one was challenging the church's "liberty." Even though George himself has done everything he can to prevent legal equality for LGBTs, we have never in turn insisted that the church be forced to perform same-sex marriages, for example, any more than others have insisted that it be forced to perform marriages for divorcees. Furthermore, apologies, in order to be real, need to be issued directly to those wronged. A web posting is about as passive a delivery of an apology as you can get. Cardinal George could have picked up the phone and called an LGBT journalist and had a genuine dialog about the issues. Moreover, his original slam against "the Gay Liberation Movement" sounded like it was directed at the Gay Liberation Network, which has led demonstrations against his support of discrimination on several occasions, and he could have delivered an apology to GLN.

NOTE: Gay Liberation Network says that despite Cardinal George's apology, they will go through with tomorrow's planned noon protest outside Chicago's Holy Name Cathedral.

Labels: activism, Catholic Church, Chicago, gay Pride, religion, Truth Wins Out

Reposted from Joe

Via AmericaBlogGay:

2012-01-07T04:12:00.000-08:00

RuPaul heading to NH to clarify that he is not Ron Paul

Hysterical. I was thinking of this the other day, the similarity of the names RuPaul and Ron Paul, and whether there was any fun to be made of it (but then thought that I'd be accused of mocking trans people, and decided not to). Well, Ru went there, from Politico.

RuPaul explained to POLITICO: "I'm going to N.H. on a mission to spread love and set the record straight: contrary to recent reports, I am NOT Ron Paul. And I am not running for President of the United States. I hope to meet Ron Paul in person so we can be seen together to put the rumors to rest once and for all. And to remind Mr. Paul and all the Republican Presidential candidates ‘if you can't love yourself how in the hell are you going to love somebody else. Can I get an ‘Amen?’"

Via JMG: Buddy Comes Out

2012-01-07T03:45:00.001-08:00

Kristy McNichol, the Emmy-winning teen star of the 70s drama Family, has come out at the age of 49. McNichol's butch character Buddy was the subject of much speculation and not a few fantasies among young lesbians of the day.

McNichol, 49, who has lived with her partner Martie Allen, also 49, for the past two decades, decided to make a statement about her sexuality and share this photo because she is "approaching 50" and wants to "be open about who I am." She "is very sad about kids being bullied," her publicist Jeff Ballard tells PEOPLE. "She hopes that coming out can help kids who need support. She would like to help others who feel different."

McNichol retired from acting twenty years ago after her very public battle with bipolar disorder had been splayed across the world's tabloids. (Via - Boy Culture)

Labels: coming out, lesbians, television

reposted from Joe

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

2012-01-07T03:42:00.001-08:00

Tricycle Daily Dharma January 7, 2012

Face to Face, Hand to Hand

In a sense, all of Buddhist practice takes place here, in this most intimate realm: here, in the family, shoulder to shoulder with fellow workers, beside each other on the cushion. Even alone in a cave, there is no way out of the sense object we call the body. We meet each other face to face, and so have all our teachers and ancestors met each other. In this way have all the Buddhas taught. Hand to sweating hand.

- Sallie Tisdale, "Washing Out Emptiness"
Read the entire article in the Tricycle Wisdom Collection

Being Gay is a Gift from God

2012-01-06T12:26:00.001-08:00

Via Gay Poltics Report:

2012-01-06T11:33:00.001-08:00

Bye bye, Bachmann; hello, Santorum
LGBT advocates watching the Republican nominating process cheered Rep. Michele Bachmann’s sixth-place finish in the Iowa Caucus and exit from the presidential race, but Sen. Rick Santorum’s meteoric rise to nearly win in Iowa has many recalling his long record of anti-gay rhetoric and opposition to LGBT rights. "Michelle Bachmann has one of the worst records on LGBT issues of a presidential candidate in a long time. ... Unfortunately though, her exit from the race still leaves a field full of candidates who want constitutional amendments to ban marriage equality, a return to 'don’t ask, don’t tell' and continued workplace discrimination against LGBT people," said Michael Cole-Schwartz of the Human Rights Campaign. Washington Blade (1/4), On Top Magazine (1/5), USA TODAY (1/4)

Are social conservatives plotting to stop Romney?: Social conservative leaders are set to meet next week to discuss the presidential field; some invitees say they will strategize about ways to block Mitt Romney from becoming the Republican nominee. Other GOP insiders doubt that’s possible, suggesting it may be too late to unify behind a single alternative to Romney. Politico (Washington, D.C.) (1/4)

Santorum questioned about extreme views: Fox News host Bill O'Reilly asked Sen. Rick Santorum how he plans to defend his non-mainstream views on homosexuality, such as his desire to dissolve the existing marriages of same-sex couples. "I’m saying that this is gonna be put on you, that you’re an extremist man, out of the mainstream," O’Reilly said. Towleroad (1/5)

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

2012-01-06T04:58:00.000-08:00

Tricycle Daily Dharma January 6, 2012

Love Is All Around

So as adults, we need to become newly aware of the love that has infused our lives all along, to turn our attention to it afresh with the eyes of a child. To do so is to become conscious of the tremendous capacity for love that even now permeates our being—to open to it, to be healed by its life-giving energy, and to participate in its power to renew our world. We can awaken to the deepest goodness in ourselves and others. We can learn to recognize and commune with the blessings that have always been pouring forth.

- John Makransky, "Love Is All Around"
Read the entire article in the Tricycle Wisdom Collection

Via JMG: Israel Seek Gay Envoys

2012-01-05T13:02:00.001-08:00

Israel has posted a request for volunteer gay envoys to promote the nation's diversity.

The Israeli government is launching a program to recruit homosexuals to be unofficial envoys. In a bid to boost its international image, the country's ministry of Public Diplomacy and Diaspora Affairs has established a cadre of diverse volunteers who speak about Israel around the world. In a recent post on its website, the ministry encouraged minorities and members of the homosexual community to step forward. Ministry spokesman Gal Ilan said Thursday that the goal was to highlight Israel's diversity. He said when people think about Israel, the homosexual community is often overlooked.

Some have charged Israel with pinkwashing in order to promote gay tourism. From the New York Times:

The growing global gay movement against the Israeli occupation has named these tactics “pinkwashing”: a deliberate strategy to conceal the continuing violations of Palestinians’ human rights behind an image of modernity signified by Israeli gay life. Aeyal Gross, a professor of law at Tel Aviv University, argues that “gay rights have essentially become a public-relations tool,” even though “conservative and especially religious politicians remain fiercely homophobic.” Pinkwashing not only manipulates the hard-won gains of Israel’s gay community, but it also ignores the existence of Palestinian gay-rights organizations.

Labels: gay tourism, Israel, marketing, Palestine

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Reposted by Joe

Via JMG: Frothy: I Hardly Talk About The Gays

2012-01-05T12:54:00.001-08:00

Although he's known in the foreign press primarily by the "homohater" label, Rick Santorum says that he's hardly been speaking about the gays. Igor Volsky has the quote at Think Progress:

If you’ve been following me out on the trail, I haven’t been talking a lot about this. Although I strongly believe in it. What I’ve been talking about as I did last night on my acceptance speech where didn’t talk about this issue, I talked about the importance of getting this economy going and talked about my grandfather and coming here for freedom. And this is the fundamental issue in this campaign is whether government is going to be big and obtrusive and telling people how to manage their — their lives or — and are they going to support the basic values of faith and family that allow government to be limited and allow our economy to be strong. Those are the things I talked about and did across Iowa.

The boldest of the lying no longer takes our breath away in the slightest.

Labels: batshittery, fascists, liars, Rick Santorum

Reposted from Joe

Via JMG: TENNESSEE: Christianists Push Bill To Legalize Bullying Based On Religion

2012-01-05T12:51:00.001-08:00

Here we go again, just like we saw in Michigan. Tennessee's WSMV reports on a new bill that is a "top priority" of the Family Action Council.

A proposal by some state lawmakers is already under fire, even before the legislative session begins. They're considering making a change in the law to allow students to speak out against homosexuality, if that's what their religious beliefs call for. Supporters have said this is about protecting the free-speech rights of students who want to express their views on homosexuality. But gay rights groups are calling the idea a "license to bully." Kelly Fussman is the founder of the No Hate Club at Hendersonville High School.

She says she sees examples of bullying every single day. "I've had a lot of friends bullied for just being who they are, whether it's for their sexuality, their gender identity, their religion," she said. Fussman says she is worried about the bill in the legislature that she believes could make the verbal abuse worse. The proposal would alter the state's anti-bullying laws to allow students to speak their religious and political views against homosexuality without punishment as long as the student isn't threatening harm or damaging property.

Labels: bigotry, bullying, education, fascists, hate groups, religion, Tennessee

Reposted from Joe

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

2012-01-05T04:07:00.000-08:00

Tricycle Daily Dharma January 5, 2012

Breaking the chains that bind us to suffering

One way to handle the impulses that bind us to suffering is through cognitive intervention. If we’re behind the wheel and another driver cuts us off, leans on his horn, or otherwise drives provocatively, we can construct a narrative to explain his aggressiveness: “He’s late for something, and probably not for the first time. He’s desperate to get there, and you know yourself what that’s like!” The same line of creative speculation works in the face of any form of hostility: “She may have just lost her job,” or “He just had a fight with his wife.” These kinds of stories, even if fanciful, offer us some breathing room, interrupting the reaction chain that binds us to suffering.

- Bodhin Kjolhede, "Pain, Passion, and the Precepts"
Read the entire article in the Tricycle Wisdom Collection

Via AmericaBlogGay: Pelosi announces immigration decision to defer deportation of gay spouse

2012-01-05T04:06:00.000-08:00

Nancy Pelosi's office just informed us that a rather well known gay deportation case has been put on hold. It might have been nice for the administration itself to actually tell us about this.

Pelosi Statement on Anthony John Makk and Bradford Wells

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on the decision by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to grant deferred action to Anthony John Makk. This afternoon, Pelosi spoke to Anthony John Makk and his husband, Bradford Wells, and informed them of the decision. Leader Pelosi had personally intervened in this case.

“The positive resolution of Anthony’s immigration petition is a personal victory for Bradford and Anthony, and keeps this loving couple together.

“Anthony would have faced deportation because of the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act, even though he has lived in the United States for more than 20 years, has no criminal history, has never lived here illegally and is the primary caregiver to his husband. The Obama Administration’s recent efforts to prioritize immigration enforcement for the removal of criminals and others who pose a threat to national helped pave the way for today’s good news.

More background from our previous reporting on this.

Via JMG: WA Gov. Chris Gregoire: I Will Introduce Bill To Make Gay Marriage Happen

2012-01-04T17:18:00.000-08:00

"It is now time for our gay and lesbian citizens to be treated equally and that means marriage." - Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire. Story developing, update here in minutes.

UPDATE: The Seattle Times has more.

Gov. Chris Gregoire on Wednesday said she'll put forward legislation to legalize marriage for gay and lesbian couples. The proposal will be introduced during the legislative session that starts Monday. If it's approved, Washington would become the seventh state to legalize gay marriage. "It's time, it's the right thing to do, and I will introduce a bill to do it," Gregoire said in a statement. "Our gay and lesbian families face the same hurdles as heterosexual families -- making ends meet, choosing what school to send their kids to, finding someone to grow old with, standing in front of friends and family and making a lifetime commitment," Gregoire said. "For all couples, a state marriage license is very important. It gives them the right to enter into a marriage contract in which their legal interests, and those of their children if any, are protected by well-established civil law."

Washington state currently has an "everything but the name" domestic partners law that was upheld in the bitterly contested Referendum 71 battle.

Labels: Christine Gregoire, marriage equality, Washington state

Reposted from Joe

ॐ Thich Nhat Hanh Quote Collective ॐ

2012-01-04T15:28:00.000-08:00

Thich Nhat Hanh Quotes 8

If we can hold our anger, our sorrow, and our fear with the energy of mindfulness, we will be able to recognize the roots of our suffering. We will be able to recognize the suffering in the people we love as well. Mindfulness helps us to not be angry at our loved ones, because when we are mindful, we understand that our loved ones are suffering as well.

–Thich Nhat Hanh

By: ॐ Thich Nhat Hanh Quote Collective ॐ

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

2012-01-04T14:29:00.000-08:00

Tricycle Daily Dharma January 4, 2012

Returning Home

The ultimate goal of the spiritual journey is to realize the union of your mind and ultimate reality. You discover eventually that not only are you in reality, but that you also embody that reality. Your ordinary body becomes the body of a buddha, your ordinary speech becomes the speech of a buddha, and your ordinary mind becomes the mind of a buddha. This is the great transition that you have to make, relinquishing your fixation on the separation of samsaric beings and buddhas. When we can talk about them as ultimately the same, when this actual transformation occurs within an individual, it is a truly great occurrence. It is remarkable because an ordinary, confused being still retains that preexisting continuity between an ordinary being and an enlightened being, in the sense that what you become is what you have always been. At the end of the journey, you are simply returning home.

- Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche, "Letting Go of Spiritual Experience"
Read the entire article in the Tricycle Wisdom Collection

Via JMG: Norway Paper: Santorum The Homohater

2012-01-04T10:36:00.001-08:00

Rex Wockner tips us to the headline from Norway's Dagbladet.

Labels: journalism, Norway, Rick Santorum

Reposted from Joe

JMG Quote Of The Day - Kate Kendell

2012-01-04T10:34:00.001-08:00

"In the repellent race to the bottom (no pun intended) it should be no surprise that Santorum did so well in the Iowa caucuses. Mitt Romney is in a major stall, and in a field of class clowns Rick Santorum stands out as particularly cartoonish. [snip] Santorum's win is not a referendum on who he is as a man (inhumane and ignorant), or who he is as a candidate (pandering and mean). It is simply the gasping statement of a thankfully dying breed of Americans -- those who fear, loathe or hate anyone different from themselves, who mistrust or reject the idea that government can and should be a force for good, and who detest even the slightest exposure to information or ideas that challenge their world view." - Kate Kendell, executive director of the National Center For Lesbian Rights, via press release.

Labels: 2012 elections, Iowa, Kate Kendell, NCLR, Quote Of The Day, Rick Santorum

Reposted from Joe

JMG HomoQuotable - Dan Savage

2012-01-04T06:52:00.000-08:00

"Political reporters? When Elizabeth Santorum says, 'I have gay friends and they support my dad because they agree with him about family issues,' i.e. her dad's opposition to gay people having a families of their own, your immediate response should be a request for the names and phone numbers of some of these gay friends. Because that claim requires checking out before you put it in print or pixels. Reassure Elizabeth you'll quote her friends anonymously to protect them from potty-mouthed gay bloggers, they can talk to you on background or whatever, but tell her that you're going to need to verify the existence of these gay friends.

"Because you're a journalist, not a stenographer. You'll either catch Elizabeth Santorum in a revealing lie—what does it tell us about this moment in the struggle for LGBT equality that even homophobes like Elizabeth and her dad perceive a political risk in being perceived as homophobic?—or you'll land a fascinating interview." - Dan Savage, saying that the media should stop accepting homophobes' claims of having gay friends.

Labels: Dan Savage, HomoQuotable, Rick Santorum

Reposted from Joe

Via JMG: Urban Dictionary's Word Of The Day

2012-01-04T05:51:00.001-08:00

(Tipped by JMG reader Some Teacher)

Labels: language, Santorum, Urban Dictionary

Reposted from Joe

Watch 'Glee' Star Darren Criss Perform 'Teenage Dream' Live

2012-01-04T03:21:00.001-08:00

Via ॐ Thich Nhat Hanh Quote Collective ॐ

2012-01-03T16:27:00.001-08:00

Let us walk together and let us generate the energy of peace and happiness and joy. Let us transform this place and this time into the kingdom of God, into the pure land of the Buddha. This is possible. The collective energy of mindfulness will be generated and penetrate into every one of us for our transformation and healing.

--Thich Nhat Hanh--

Via Nalanda LGBT Buddhist Cultural and Resource Center:

2012-01-03T15:31:00.000-08:00

Wall Photos

The truth you believe and cling to makes you unavailable to hear anything new.

JMG Tweet Of The Day

2012-01-03T13:50:00.001-08:00

After an Iowa restauranteur launched a new menu item dubbed "Santorum Salad," you knew it would be about ten minutes before the dish had a Twitter account. Only ten or so tweets so far, but most of them are gold, Jerry, gold!

Labels: Rick Santorum, Santorum, tweet of the day

Reposted from Joe

Via JMG: Cindy & Meghan McCain Pose For NOH8

2012-01-03T13:48:00.000-08:00

Andrew Belonsky reports that the pair previously posed separately, but have just rejoined the NOH8 campaign for a mother/daughter shot. Nice timing too, caucus-wise.

Labels: Cindy McCain, Meghan McCain, NOH8

Reposted from Joe

Via JMG: Today's Big Lie From The Christian Right

2012-01-03T13:40:00.000-08:00

"In the few states where marriage has been redefined to include same-sex couples, various churches and ministries have already been threatened with the loss of their tax exempt status if they refused to perform ceremonies for same sex couples." - Bishop Harry Jackson, writing for Town Hall.

Jackson is repeating the same ridiculous lie put out last month by New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan, who claimed (also without any proof) that Catholic churches were being threatened with lawsuits for not performing same-sex weddings. They really don't care, obviously, that WE know they are lying. Their audience takes them at their word and that's all that matters. Praise! Glory! Donate!

Labels: bigotry, Harry Jackson Jr., liars, religion

Reposted from Joe

Via Gay Politics Report: Santorum favors dissolving marriages of same-sex couples

2012-01-03T12:49:00.000-08:00

Former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum, a Republican running for president who has performed well in recent polls in Iowa, said in an interview last weekend that he favors ending the marriages of gay and lesbian couples who legally wed under current state laws. Santorum explained that their marriages would be "invalid" under his proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution. "What exactly happens to the kids in many of those families ... and why would it be a good thing for them and for society if they experienced the government forcibly tearing their parents' marriages apart?" Michelangelo Signorile writes. MSNBC (1/3), The Huffington Post (1/1), GoPride.com (1/1)

Via Gay Politics Report: Should Obama engage opponents on marriage issue?

2012-01-03T12:47:00.000-08:00

President Barack Obama this year is unlikely to change his official position on marriage because he’s reluctant to energize voters who are deeply opposed to gays and lesbians legally marrying, say political observers. One marriage equality advocate insists the president would gain from officially supporting marriage equality, but others say Obama's smart to allow the his cabinet members to make sweeping policy statements and note that Obama’s progress on LGBT issues is already substantial. The New York Times (tiered subscription model)

É hora de ser solidário!

2012-01-03T05:56:00.001-08:00

Via AmericaBlogGay: The top 10 gay reasons to vote Republican in 2012

2012-01-03T05:13:00.001-08:00

It's not entirely clear what the source of this is. It's from "Boston Spirit Magazine," but at the same time is on the Boston Globe Web site. Odd. Ah, it seems to be a gay blog on the Globe site. Anyway, I'm surprised reason 6 made its way past the Globe's editors.

JMG Editorial Of The Day

2012-01-03T05:01:00.001-08:00

From ESPN Magazine:

Just as some argue that gay players can't gain the respect of their teammates, there were those who felt that white players would never believe in their black teammates. We hear that gay players' sexuality would be a distraction in the locker room, just as black players supposedly weren't intelligent, disciplined and committed enough to satisfy whites. The objection that fans would savage an openly gay player is no different from the belief that whites did not want to sit in the same section as blacks (or live next door to them). For every concern that fundamentalists would not accept a gay player, so too was it believed that Southerners would never play alongside black players.

Read the full article. (Tipped by JMG reader Michael)

Labels: coming out, gay athletes, sports

reposted from Joe

Via JMG: Civil Unions Begin For Hawaii & Delaware

2012-01-03T05:00:00.000-08:00

With the new year comes the enactment of civil unions for the residents of Hawaii and Delaware. Hawaii News Now tells of the first couples to take part there:

For Donna Gedge and Monica Montgomery, there was a lot of anticipation as they awaited the stroke of midnight -- and the law to take effect. "It's very high," said Montgomery. "We've been waiting a long time and now the night is finally here so it's really exciting." "I'm nervous," said Gedge. When asked how long she and Montgomery had been together, she replied, "We've been together for 33 years, so it's been a very long time." Lydia Pontin and Bonnie Limatoc-DePonte said they were ecstatic and happy, but also knew they were part of a historic occasion. "We are not doing this to hurt anybody. We are just doing this because we love each other," Pontin said. Limatoc-DePonte immediately added, "And we want to be able to live like everybody else and be able to have a life and have it together and enjoy. We are not trying to step on anybody's toes or anything."

(Via - Andrew Belonsky)

RELATED: Five states now have civil unions: Illinois, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Hawaii, and Delaware.

Labels: civil unions, Delaware, Hawaii, LGBT rights

reposted from Joe

Via JMG: Feds To Anti-Gay Group: Disclose Donors

2012-01-03T04:58:00.001-08:00

Laurel Ramseyer reports at Pam's House Blend:

For the third time in two years a federal court has told Family Policy Institute of Washington that they can’t hide the identity of donors to their political action committee “Family PAC“. Yesterday a 3-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit released a 23-page opinion affirming an earlier federal district court ruling that upheld Washington’s campaign donor disclosure laws.

Washington’s Public Disclosure Law and related code requires political committees to disclose the names and addresses of contributors giving more than $25, and in addition the occupations and employers of contributors giving more than $100. FPIW alleged that these laws are unconstitutional because potential donors to Family PAC “have indicated that they are unwilling to donate if Family PAC is required to report their name and address.” They offered no evidence to back up that claim, however.

Ramseyer notes the FPIW is an affiliate of the Family Research Council and Focus On The Family. This doesn't bode well for NOM, does it?

Labels: campaign finance, feds, hate groups

Reposted from Joe

Via JMG: he Wife Of GOP House Majority Leader Eric Cantor Supports Marriage Equality

2012-01-03T04:56:00.001-08:00

Via JMG: Ricky Martin To Marry In New York

2012-01-03T04:54:00.001-08:00

I guess the rumor that he was going to get married in Spain was just that.

Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin and his boyfriend Carlos Gonzalez will marry on Jan. 28 in New York, the El Nuevo Dia newspaper reported on its Web site Sunday. Martin and his partner, according to a source close to the Puerto Rican daily, will wed in the U.S. city which last June 24 approved marriage between homosexual couples.

Labels: gay artists, gay weddings, Ricky Martin

Reposted from Joe

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

2012-01-03T03:39:00.001-08:00

Tricycle Daily Dharma January 3, 2012

The Value of Slowing Down

We can afford to drop our defensiveness and listen to our colleagues; we can afford to be imaginative and open. If we slow down and drop our resistance to work’s unpleasantness, we discover that we are resourceful enough to be daring, free from fear and arrogance. Such confidence enables us to know instinctively which situations need to be confronted, which should be nourished, and which can be disregarded. Mahakala reminds us to sharpen up during times of conflict, to be mindful and pay attention. With such alertness we can in fact preserve the sanity of our workplace even during extreme discord.

- Michael Carroll, "Mahakala at Work"
Read the entire article in the Tricycle Wisdom Collection

NEW YEAR'S MESSAGE FROM THE 17TH GYALWANG KARMAPA, OGYEN TRINLEY DORJE

2012-01-01T14:22:00.001-08:00

Mobile Uploads

NEW YEAR'S MESSAGE FROM THE 17TH GYALWANG KARMAPA, OGYEN TRINLEY DORJE
December 28, 2011

Many people have expressed anxiety about disasters that might befall the world in the year 2012. In fact, we never know what any given year might hold. But if we are sincerely committed to following a path of compassion and wisdom, this uncertainty about the future need not cause us any concern. Whatever happens, we simply keep our focus directed steadily at what matters most—cultivating compassion and equanimity, and acting to benefit others. If we harbor this attitude in our hearts, we can make anything that occurs positive for ourselves and for others.

The year 2011 itself brought many unanticipated challenges—to our natural environment and to many human communities. My heartfelt prayers go to all those who suffered in the turmoil of this year.

I wish especially to offer my prayers to all those who connected with me in any way during this year, as well as to all who will connect in the future. May you find lasting happiness and true peace. May all of us who share this planet go forward together into the new year in harmony. May we live this year with mutual love and respect for one another and for the earth that is our common home.

By: Tashi Oser

I'm Married And I Know It

2012-01-01T10:53:00.000-08:00

Via JMG: Ron Paul's Website Boasts Of Endorsement From "Death To Gays" Christian Pastor

2011-12-29T17:37:00.001-08:00

"In a society that was being converted, homosexuals could continue to be converted as they were in the church of Corinth. Even after a society implemented Biblical law and made homosexuality a crime, there are many checks and balances that would be in place. The civil government could not round them up. Only those who were prosecuted by citizens could be punished, and the punishment could take a number of forms, including death. This would have a tendency of driving homosexuals back into their closets. I think I have demonstrated how even capital punishment can be restorative. Other aspects of penology such as restitution, indentured servitude, etc. are certainly restorative." - Pastor Phil Kayser, from his 2009 book, Is The Death Penalty Just? Ron Paul's website is currently bragging about the endorsement of the "eminent" Keyser.

Has Andrew Sullivan fully retracted his endorsement yet?

UPDATE: The above endorsement has now been yanked from Ron Paul's site.

Labels: 2012 elections, Christian Love, GOP, Ron Paul

Reposted from Joe

Via JMG: Truth Wins Out To Run Full-Page Ad Calling For Resignation Of Cardinal George

2011-12-29T17:24:00.000-08:00

The ad will run in this Sunday's Chicago Tribune. Via press release:

Truth Wins Out stepped up its campaign calling on Chicago Archbishop Cardinal Francis George to resign today by placing a full-page ad in this upcoming Sunday's Chicago Tribune. The ad is headlined, "Hey, Cardinal Francis George, Gay is not like the KKK," and slams the Cardinal for foolishly comparing the LGBT community to the Ku Klux Klan. It satirically includes a picture of a rainbow-robed Klansman and debunks the lies and misinformation disseminated by the Archbishop about the LGBT community. The ad comes as an online TWO petition calling on George to step down has reached more than 4,000 signatures. "We felt compelled to place this ad after Cardinal George compounded his initial smear with further insults disguised as an apology," said Truth Wins Out's Executive Director Wayne Besen. "It seems the sin of pride is keeping George from saying he is sorry for his outrageous and misleading remarks about Gay Pride. At this point, the only road to redemption is his resignation."

Labels: bigotry, Catholic Church, Chicago, gay Pride, religion, Truth Wins Out, Wayne Besen

Reposted from Joe

Via AmericaBlogGay:

2011-12-29T02:51:00.000-08:00

Chicago Cardinal again compares gay pride parade to the Klan

Pedophile-enabling religions, that still haven't come clean, have lost any right to make moral comparisons about anything.

Statement from Francis Cardinal George, OMI

Archbishop of Chicago

December 27, 2011

The Chicago Gay Pride Parade has been organized and attended for many years without interfering with the worship of God in a Catholic church. When the 2012 Parade organizers announced a time and route change this year, it was apparent that the Parade would interfere with divine worship in a Catholic parish on the new route. When the pastor's request for reconsideration of the plans was ignored, the organizers invited an obvious comparison to other groups who have historically attempted to stifle the religious freedom of the Catholic Church. One such organization is the Ku Klux Klan which, well into the 1940's, paraded through American cities not only to interfere with Catholic worship but also to demonstrate that Catholics stand outside of the American consensus. It is not a precedent anyone should want to emulate.

Gay journalist Rex Wockner responds via email:

"The Chicago gay pride parade attracts 800,000 people. It proceeds through a heavily congested, dense urban cityscape. Absolutely positively everything in its wake is disrupted. What on earth makes one service at one church on one day special enough to change the start time of a gigantic parade? Let alone excuses comparing 'the gay liberation movement' with the 'Ku Klux Klan'? No, cardinal, the gay pride committee is not targeting the Catholic church. 'The gay liberation movement' is not targeting the Catholic church either. Your church building is affected in no way any different from hundreds upon hundreds of buildings for miles in all directions (Lake Michigan notwithstanding). You really do need to get out more."

This is part of the larger religious right "we're so oppressed" mantra, that the Catholic church has clearly adopted now as well. If they can't have their way in everything, if governments and elected politicians refuse to do their bidding 100% of the time, then the Catholics are being terribly oppressed. It's a spin off of the old "you're intolerant of my intolerance" argument the religious right likes to make in an effort to stifle all criticism of their bigotry. In this case, if you don't do what the Catholic church tells you, even if you're not Catholic, well then, you're just like the Klan.

One can only imagine Cardinal George grocery shopping. "You know who else won't accept expired coupons? The Klan."

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

2011-12-29T02:48:00.001-08:00

Tricycle Daily Dharma December 29, 2011

Mindful Breathing

Mindful breathing helps you see your anger, your frustration, your suffering. When you breathe mindfully, you practice looking deeply into yourself. You are made of feelings, perceptions, mental formations, and consciousness. Your true nature is what—if not these things? Because it is wrong perceptions that make you suffer, and if you don’t know the nature of your own perceptions, you are not likely to get free of your suffering. So your true nature is the nature of your feelings, your perceptions, your mental formations, and your consciousness.

- Thich Nhat Hanh, “Interbeing with Thich Nhat Hanh”
Read the entire article in the Tricycle Wisdom Collection

Via JMG: Did Nixon Have A Gay Affair?

2011-12-28T10:51:00.001-08:00

According to a new biography of Richard Nixon, Tricky Dick had a long-running gay affair with Mafia-insider Bebe Robozo, who was investigated for acting as a money-carrying middleman between Howard Hughes and Nixon.

Fulsom uses recently revealed documents and eyewitness interviews — including with FBI agents — to shed new light on long-standing suspicions among White House insiders that Nixon may have been more than just good buddies with Rebozo. He claims Nixon's relationship with Pat, his wife of 53 years, was little more than a sham. A heavy drinker whom his own staff dubbed 'Our Drunk', Nixon used to call his First Lady a 'f***ing bitch' and beat her before, during and after his presidency, says Fulsom. The pair had separate bedrooms at the White House — and in Key Biscayne, the exclusive resort near Miami where Nixon holidayed, Mrs Nixon didn't even sleep in the same building. Rebozo, however, was in the house next door. Fulsom claims one of Nixon's former military aides had a secret job 'to teach the President how to kiss his wife' so they would look like a convincing couple.

One source told the book's author that Rebozo "was definitely part of Miami's gay community." Rebozo's personal wealth reportedly quintupled during Nixon's years in office.

Labels: books, GOP, Richard Nixon, The 70's

Reposted from Joe

Via JMG: Ron Paul's Newsletters Get Tweeted

2011-12-28T10:50:00.001-08:00

Somebody is tweeting out Ron Paul's infamous newsletters, line by bigoted racist line.

Labels: assholery, GOP, racism, Ron Paul

Reposted from Joe

Via JMG: Unsurprising Ron Paul Tidbit

2011-12-28T10:48:00.001-08:00

Michael Heath, the head of Ron Paul's Iowa campaign staff, is also on the board of directors for Peter LaBarbera's SPLC-certified anti-gay hate group, Americans For Truth About Homosexuality. In 2009 Heath headed Maine's Christian Civic League. More at Box Turtle Bulletin.

Labels: hate groups, Iowa, Mike Heath, Ron Paul

Reposted from Joe

Via JMG: Quote Of The Day - Cardinal George

2011-12-28T10:43:00.001-08:00

"The Chicago Gay Pride Parade has been organized and attended for many years without interfering with the worship of God in a Catholic church. When the 2012 Parade organizers announced a time and route change this year, it was apparent that the Parade would interfere with divine worship in a Catholic parish on the new route. When the pastor's request for reconsideration of the plans was ignored, the organizers invited an obvious comparison to other groups who have historically attempted to stifle the religious freedom of the Catholic Church. One such organization is the Ku Klux Klan which, well into the 1940's, paraded through American cities not only to interfere with Catholic worship but also to demonstrate that Catholics stand outside of the American consensus. It is not a precedent anyone should want to emulate." - Cardinal Francis George, repeating his "gays = KKK" comparison. (Via JMG reader Robert)

UPDATE: Veteran journalist Rex Wockner sends us this comment.

The Chicago gay pride parade attracts 800,000 people. It proceeds through a heavily congested, dense urban cityscape. Absolutely positively everything in its wake is disrupted. What on earth makes one service at one church on one day special enough to change the start time of a gigantic parade? Let alone excuses comparing 'the gay liberation movement' with the 'Ku Klux Klan'? No, cardinal, the gay pride committee is not targeting the Catholic church. 'The gay liberation movement' is not targeting the Catholic church either. Your church building is affected in no way any different from hundreds upon hundreds of buildings for miles in all directions (Lake Michigan notwithstanding). You really do need to get out more.

Labels: assholery, Catholic Church, Catholics, Chicago, gay Pride, hate groups, religion

reposted from Joe

Riley on Marketing

2011-12-28T03:01:00.000-08:00

Revoked

Via Sonja van Kerkhoff: Links to what is in the news

January 2012: Genetic or Not, Gay Won’t Go Away | Next new item title pasted in here

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

Tricycle Daily Dharma January 31, 2012

Attaining Freedom

Via AmericaBlogGay: Romney campaign showcases endorsement of pastor who claims gay marriage helped cause 9/11

Via cdn.unicornbooty.com:

Frank Schaeffer calls Fundamentalist Christians Village Idiots

Via JMG: Cynthia Nixon Clarifies

Via JMG: The 2 Bears - Work

Via Follower of the Buddha:

Nalanda LGBT Buddhist Cultural and Resource Center

Rely on the Teachings, not just the Teacher.Rely on the Meaning, not just the words.Rely on the Real Meaning, not just the interpretation.Rely on the Experience, not just the idea.The Buddha

Enough Said:

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

Tricycle Daily Dharma January 30, 2012

Winds of Emotion

JMG Quote Of The Day - Frank Bruni

Via Christians Tired of Being Misrepresented // The Christian Left:

The Dalai Lama Interview- Capitalism. Socialism.

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

Tricycle Daily Dharma January 29, 2012

Skillful Attitudes

Via JMG: Romney Foundation Gave To "Ex-Gays"

Via JMG: GOP Intro's Bill Banning Same-Sex "Ceremonies" On Military Bases

Via AmericaBlogGay:

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

Tricycle Daily Dharma January 27, 2012

Forgive and Forget

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

Tricycle Daily Dharma January 22, 2012

What Kind of Mind?

Via JMG: MILESTONE: Every Company On Fortune's Best 100 List Protects Gay Employees

via jmg: Freedom To Marry Issues Impressive List: American Mayors For Marriage Equality

Via JMG: Sex-Act Morality Flow Chart

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

The Nature of Anger

Via JMG: Lesson For NOM: Hate Doesn't Pay

Via JMG: Positive Marriage News From WA

Via JMG: Gay People: Haiti's Scapecoats

Via JMG: "Functional HIV Cure" Trial Advances

Via JMG: Coalition Of Religious Leaders Issues Letter Denouncing Gay Marriage: "Help! The Gov't Won't Pay Us To Oppress You!"

Via JMG: CALIFORNIA: Avis Sued For Offering Discounts To Gay Groups

Via JMG: Nancy Pelosi Calls Out Homocons

Via JMG:

Canada: We Take It Back

Via AmericaBlogGay:

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

Tricycle Daily Dharma January 13, 2012

How to Surrender

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

Tricycle Daily Dharma January 12, 2012

The Fifth Precept: Not Using Intoxicants

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

Tricycle Daily Dharma January 11, 2012

Get up where you fall down

Via AmericaBlogGay:

Pope says gay marriage threatens the "future of humanity itself." No word on the threat caused by raping children.

Via AmericaBlogGay:

Gingrich lies about Catholic Charities bigots

Via Nalanda LGBT Buddhist Cultural and Resource Center:

Via JMG: SHARIA LAW: Liberty Counsel Rewrites The Declaration Of Independence

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

Tricycle Daily Dharma January 10, 2012

Seeing Clearly

Via Obama for America:

Bye June - Shades of Purple [Official Music Video]

Via JMG: Ron Paul New Hampshire Flyer

Above & Beyond feat. Miguel Bosé - Sea Lo Que Sea Será (Official Video)

Thich Nhat Hanh on Aimlessness

ॐ Thich Nhat Hanh Quote Collective ॐ

Via JMG: Molestation Victims Are Crybabies!

Via JMG: Romney Spox Denies Gay Pride Flyer

Via JMG: Mitt Romney: I Oppose Same-Sex Marriage But Do Not Discriminate Against Gays

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

Tricycle Daily Dharma January 9, 2012

Equanimity in Relationships

Campanha de enfrentamento à Homofobia

Via AmericaBlogGay:

Rely on the Teachings, not just the Teacher.
Rely on the Meaning, not just the words.
Rely on the Real Meaning, not just the interpretation.
Rely on the Experience, not just the idea.
The Buddha