Friday, February 7, 2014
Via JMG: Gay Bashing As An Olympic Sport
The video is the newest fundraising tactic by the Russia Freedom Fund, which aims to raise a million dollars by the end of the Olympics to support LGBT Russian activists. The video was produced by the Fair Games Project, an Indiegogo campaign launched by filmmaker Michael Rohrbaugh. The Fair Games Project also produced a powerful gun violence PSA that received significant attention last year. Athlete Ally is one of the producing partners on the video as well. Other fundraising tactics for the Russia Freedom Fund include a new national initiative called Uprising of Love: Pride House 2014, where restaurants, bars, and clubs will donate $1 of every drink sold from 9 p.m. to midnight to the fund. It takes place during tomorrow's Opening Ceremonies. In addition, Melissa Etheridge released a new single last week and will donate 100% of the profits to the fund. The significance of the Russia Freedom Fund is that it's the only way Americans can directly support LGBT Russian activists.Wow.
Reposted from Joe Jervis
Via JMG: Google Doodle Slams Russia
Google has nailed its colours to the mast over Russia's gay rights record in a new Google doodle, which is dedicated to the Olympic charter. The internet company's logo was presented in the colours of the rainbow flag and also featured images of Winter Games events. The build-up to the Sochi Games, the opening ceremony of which takes place on Friday, has been disrupted by a debate over the apparent conflict between the central principles of the Games and anti-gay laws in Russia. The doodle linked to search results for "Olympic charter" and quoted from it: "The practice of sport is a human right. Every individual must have the possibility of practicing sport, without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play."The message is currently appearing worldwide. Thank you, Google! (Tipped by many JMG readers)
UPDATE: The Human Rights Campaign applauds.
"Google has once again proven itself to be a true corporate leader for equality,” said Griffin. “Alongside Olympic sponsors like AT&T, Google has made a clear and unequivocal statement that Russia’s anti-LGBT discrimination is indefensible. Now it’s time for each and every remaining Olympic sponsor to follow their lead. The clock is ticking, and the world is watching.”
Labels: Google, LGBT rights, Russia, Sochi Olympics
Via JMG: Rabbis Stand With LGBT Ugandans
Dear President Museveni, I am writing to implore you, respectfully, to veto Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill that was recently passed by the Ugandan Parliament. As a rabbi, I honor the inherent dignity of each and every person. Jewish theology, tradition and history compel me to uphold the values of kavod habriyot, respect for all of creation, and btzelem elohim, the notion that all people--including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people--are created in the Divine image. Tragically, I know from our history that the stripping away of human rights from specific minorities is often a precursor to targeted destruction. If this bill is signed into law, it would be a grave violation of human rights and would be one of the most abhorrent manifestations of discrimination against LGBT people worldwide.Read the full petition. (Tipped by JMG reader David)
Labels: Judaism, LGBT rights, religion, Uganda
Via JMG: Coca-Cola And Chevrolet To Run Gay-Inclusive Ads During The Olympics
From the New York Times:
Some marketers are seeking to respond to the protesters without agreeing to their demand to condemn the Russian law. During the opening ceremony coverage, Coca-Cola plans to run a 90-second version of “America Is Beautiful,” its 60-second Super Bowl commercial by Wieden & Kennedy that salutes diversity, and generated complaints from some viewers who expressed outrage that “America the Beautiful” was sung in multiple languages along with English. Also during that coverage, Chevrolet plans a commercial for its Traverse minivan with diverse families — including two same-sex couples — to illustrate a theme, “The New Us.” The spot was created by the Commonwealth unit of the McCann Worldgroup.You likely are already familiar with the now-famous Coke ad. I haven't found the Chevy ad yet.
Labels: advertising, LGBT rights, Russia, Sochi Olympics
Via JMG: Obama On Sochi Delegation: Of Course We Sent Open Gays There On Purpose
Via JMG: Dilbert Mocks Indian Anti-Gay Law
Today's Dilbert comic strip
mocks India's recent recriminalization of homosexuality via the strip's
Indian intern character Asok, who first appeared in 1996 and is now,
apparently, openly gay. (Tipped by JMG reader Mike)
JMG Headline Of The Day
Police are investigating. Doubtlessly a follower of One Million Moms, who claimed victory over Good Luck Charlie and the Disney Channel last week. (Tipped by JMG reader Richard)
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