Friday, May 29, 2015

Via Believe Out Loud / FB:


Via JMG: Mozambique Legalizes Homosexuality


Homosexual acts will be legal in Mozambique on Monday as the law signed by the president in December goes into effect. The new criminal code no longer contains a murky clause which provided that "measures" could be taken against those who "habitually engage in vices against nature." That clause was written in 1887 when Mozambique was still a Portuguese colony. The country has a population of 23 million, 56% of whom identify as Christians. While the legalization of homosexual acts reduces the number of countries which criminalize homosexuality to 78, there are no other legal protections for LGBT citizens of Mozambique. (Via Pink News)


Reposted from Joe Jervis

U.S. Navy Combat Veteran Fights for the Freedom to Marry


Via JMG: Obama Issues Pride Month Proclamation


 
"From the moment our Nation first came together to declare the fundamental truth that all men are created equal, courageous and dedicated patriots have fought to refine our founding promise and broaden democracy's reach. Over the course of more than two centuries of striving and sacrifice, our country has expanded civil rights and enshrined equal protections into our Constitution. Through struggle and setback, we see a common trajectory toward a more free and just society. But we are also reminded that we are not truly equal until every person is afforded the same rights and opportunities -- that when one of us experiences discrimination, it affects all of us -- and that our journey is not complete until our lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law.

"Across our Nation, tremendous progress has been won by determined individuals who stood up, spoke out, and shared their stories. Earlier this year, because of my landmark Executive Order on LGBT workplace discrimination, protections for Federal contractors went into effect, guarding against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The Federal Government is now leading by example, ensuring that our employees and contractors are judged by the quality of their work, not by who they love. And I will keep calling on the Congress to pass legislation so that all Americans are covered by these protections, no matter where they work.

"In communities throughout the country, barriers that limit the potential of LGBT Americans have been torn down, but too many individuals continue to encounter discrimination and unfair treatment. My Administration supports efforts to ban the use of conversion therapy for minors because the overwhelming scientific evidence demonstrates that it can cause substantial harm. We understand the unique challenges faced by sexual and gender minorities -- especially transgender and gender non-conforming individuals -- and are taking steps to address them. And we recognize that families come in many shapes and sizes. Whether biological, foster, or adoptive, family acceptance is an important protective factor against suicide and harm for LGBTQ youth, and mental health experts have created resources to support family communication and involvement.

"For countless young people, it is not enough to simply say it gets better; we must take action too. We continue to address bullying and harassment in our classrooms, ensuring every student has a nurturing environment in which to learn and grow. Across the Federal Government, we are working every day to unlock the opportunities all LGBT individuals deserve and the resources and care they need. Too many LGBTQ youth face homelessness and too many older individuals struggle to find welcoming and affordable housing; that is why my Administration is striving to ensure they have equal access to safe and supportive housing throughout life. We are updating our National HIV/AIDS Strategy to better address the disproportionate burden HIV has on communities of gay and bisexual men and transgender women. We continue to extend family and spousal benefits to legally married same-sex couples.

"And because we know LGBT rights are human rights, we are championing protections and support for LGBT persons around the world. All people deserve to live with dignity and respect, free from fear and violence, and protected against discrimination, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. During Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month, we celebrate the proud legacy LGBT individuals have woven into the fabric of our Nation, we honor those who have fought to perfect our Union, and we continue our work to build a society where every child grows up knowing that their country supports them, is proud of them, and has a place for them exactly as they are.

"NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2015 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon the people of the United States to eliminate prejudice everywhere it exists, and to celebrate the great diversity of the American people.

"IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth. - BARACK OBAMA.


Reposted from Joe Jervis

Via Sri Prem Baba: Flor do Dia- Flor del Día- Flower of the day 29/05/2015

“O adolescente rebelde está pedindo amor incondicional. Na verdade, ele não está dando conta do que sente, ele está desesperado. Esse é um amor exigente. Enquanto você está ali dando o seu melhor, ele está jogando pedras. Mas é preciso compreender que esse é o seu material de escola. Você está aprendendo a não se identificar com sua própria criança ferida, a manter sua mente equânime e não aceitar o convite para a guerra. No momento, esse filho é o seu mestre.”

“El adolescente rebelde está pidiendo amor incondicional. En verdad, no se está dando cuenta de lo que siente, está desesperado. Este es un amor exigente. Mientras tú estás ahí dando lo mejor, él está tirando piedras. Pero es necesario comprender que este es tu material de escuela. Estás aprendiendo a no identificarte con tu propio niño herido, a mantener tu mente ecuánime y no aceptar la invitación a la guerra. En ese momento, ese hijo es tu maestro.” 

“Rebellious teenagers are asking for unconditional love. In truth, they are not managing to cope with their feelings, and are in a state of despair. This is a very demanding form of love. While you are there giving your best efforts, they are hurling stones back at you. You must understand that this is your learning material. You are learning not to get identified with your own wounded child, and how to keep your mind balanced and not take up the gauntlet or accept the invitation to fight. At this moment, your child is your teacher.”

Today's Daily Dharma: The Myth of Enlightenment.




The Myth of Enlightenment

One idea that really hampers us is to believe that people get 'enlightened,' and then they’re that way forever and ever. We may have our moments, and if we get sick and have lots of things happening, we may fall back. But a person who practices consistently over years and years is more that way, more of the time, all the time. And that’s enough. There is no such thing as getting it. 

- Charlotte Joko Beck, "Life's Not A Problem"