Say Cheese! Flash Mob On Bondi Beach

Another great find from JMG

A Moment Of Light At DC's Hate Rally

Now THIS will give you a smile. When the guy hired to provide the sound system for yesterday's Power Rangers For Jeebus hate rally in DC found out what his customers stood for, he donated his fee back to the gay activists counter-protesting the event and even let them use the haters' own microphone! The Washington Post cannot restrain its glee:

Instead of getting arrested, the ministers got something else: A couple of dozen gay activists, surrounding them with rainbow flags and signs announcing "Gaga for Gay Rights" and "I Am a Love Warrior." By the end, the gay rights activists had taken over the lectern and the sound system and were holding their own news conference denouncing the ministers. "We're here to say, my love is legit!" announced David Valk, an organizer of the National Equality March for gay rights. Another speaker, Ian Thomas, went to the microphone and announced: "I was created a bisexual male. Just like many figures in the Christian Bible, I like boys and girls!" [Organizer Gary] Cass turned angrily to the AV guy. "We're not on the clock, are we?" He turned with equal anger to Valk. "You guys gonna help us pay for the microphones?" The gay activist smiled. "God," he said, "works in mysterious ways."

In this case, God took the form of Chuck Fazio, from DC Podiums. Fazio was hired by the religious conservatives to provide the sound system for the event, but upon learning of their cause, he decided to donate his proceeds to the gay rights activists and to give them a chance at the microphone before shutting down the amplifiers. "I don't want bad karma," he explained, noting with some pride that the lectern they were using was the same one used by Borat on a recent Washington visit. The conservative activists could not have anticipated this unusual turn of events when they arrived, some wearing "Fear God" T-shirts and one carrying a sign spelling AIDS from the biblical phrase "the wages of sin is death."

Our hero for the day, Chuck Fazio! Event planners, activists, party promoters: please consider giving your future business to DC Podiums. And Chuck Fazio might be the guy to hire for your Washington DC wedding. FTW!

courtesy of JMG

Marriage Equality For Buenos Aires

After a gay couple won their lawsuit charging that a city law banning same-sex marriage was illegal, the mayor of Buenos Aires says he won't challenge the court's ruling, bringing marriage equality to the capital of Argentina.

The court ruled that two articles in the city's civil code that say only people of different sexes can get married are illegal. The court decision applies only to Buenos Aires. Same-sex unions in most of the rest of Argentina remain illegal. The legal challenge was initiated by a gay couple, Alejandro Freyre and Jose Maria Di Bello. Judge Gabriela Seijas ordered the city's civil registry department to honor their union. "The law should treat each person with equal respect in relation to each person's singularities without the need to understand or regulate them," the judge said in her ruling. The city code prevents people from "enjoying the rights that couples who enter into matrimony are entitled to," she said. Those rights include inheritances, pensions and the ability to make decisions for the other person when he or she is incapacitated. Macri called the ruling a "very important step," adding that "we have to live together and accept reality. ... The world is headed in that direction."

And soon, our own nation's capital! Congratulations Alejandro and Jose!

great news courtesy of JMG

Mr. And Mr. Name Hyphen Name

This from JMG

We've discussed this here a couple of times, but today the New York Times tackles the issue of the difficulties and expense in trying to change your name after a same-sex marriage.

Couples who live in states that don’t allow or recognize same-sex marriage or its equivalents (civil unions, for instance) generally can’t just rely on a marriage certificate as proof of a name change and instead have to go through the in-court name change process. This means they will have to pay a $100 to $400 fee to file a petition at court, publish a notice in a local newspaper and get a court order officially changing their name and that they can use to change everything else (just one more area where being gay can cost you more). Even more, couples who live in states that do allow or recognize same-sex marriage and civil unions often in practice don’t have it that much easier. While changing a name on a driver’s license can be done without a problem in such states, changing federal documentation can be trickier.

Since the federal government doesn’t recognize the right to same-sex marriage, even if you get married in a state that allows it, whether you can get the name change processed by Social Security or the passport office merely with the marriage certificate and required forms currently tends “to be hit and miss,” said Emily Doskow, an attorney in California who specializes in same-sex and transgender family issues and writes about marriage and divorce issues for the legal information publisher Nolo. “It depends on what local office you are going to, what the opinion is at the moment and whether you get a staff person who cares or doesn’t care,” she said.

The above article doesn't address the issue of why gay people might wish to assume a new married name, which I think is far more interesting.

thanks again to JMG

Ten Year-Old Boy Won't Say Pledge Of Allegiance Until Gays Can Marry

A hero to us, a brainwashed victim of the homo-nazi agenda to others.

thanks to JMG

HomoQuotable - Sir Ian McKellen

"I increasingly see organized religion as actually my enemy. They treat me as their enemy. Not all Christians, of course. Not all Jews, not all Muslims. But the leaders. . . . Why should I take the judgment of a declared celibate about my sexual needs? He's basing his judgment on laws that would fit life in the Bronze Age. So if I'm lost to God, organized religion is to blame." - Sir Ian McKellen, speaking to the Los Angeles Times. McKellen appears in the remake of the 1960s classic series The Prisoner, which debuts tonight on AMC.

thanks to JMG for this find

TERROR CAMPAIGN AGAINST LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER IRAQIS CONTINUES UNCHECKED BY IRAQI G

Ali Hili sent a message to the members of SOS: Support Iraqi LGBT.

--------------------
Subject: TERROR CAMPAIGN AGAINST LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER IRAQIS CONTINUES UNCHECKED BY IRAQI G

IRAQI LGBT – November 2009 – The rise of fundamentalist groups in Iraq since the 2003 U.S. led invasion has proven deadly to LGBT Iraqis, who are now being forced to either hide or face the consequences.

Using the internet as a means to track down new victims, militia members are now employing computer analysts to monitor traffic on gay dating and networking websites in the region. They work with internet café owners to single out people who frequent these sites and set up fake profiles in the attempt to lure them out.

On the 28th of August, police raided the houses of Asad Galib and Faeq Ismail, both 24 years old, and took them into custody. They were held and questioned for about four hours, accused of viewing gay websites in an internet café on the 21st of July. Both men denied the accusations and explained that the websites had already been open when they had begun using the computers. They were later released and are now in contact with Iraqi LGBT, a London based organization working to support and protect LGBT individuals in Iraq.

Others who have been accused or are suspected of such activities have not been as lucky.

On the 2nd of September, the body of 21-year-old student Mizher Hussien was discovered in Al Najaf, a city south of Baghdad. His head and genitals had been severed, and he had the word “pervert” written in black across his chest. The details of his murder are unknown, and Iraqi police have refused to launch an investigation into the cause or motivation of the crime.

On the 18th of September in Al Shatra Amara, two bodies were found exhibiting signs of torture. They had both been decapitated and left with a paper stating, “This is the end of all pervert homosexuals”.

Iraqi LGBT has been working since 2003 to raise awareness of the abuses being committed against LGBT people in Iraq, as well as provide protection to those who have been targeted. The organization currently funds a number of safe houses in the region, with nearly 100 individuals in Iraq directly benefitting from their work. In addition, Iraqi LGBT has been involved in securing asylum for Iraqi refugees who have been forced to flee the country.

Unfortunately, Iraqi LGBT has not been able to help everyone. The organization estimates that over 720 LGBT men and women have been murdered by these extremist militias in the last six years. The Iraqi government has largely been absent in pursuing the roaming death squads who carry out these acts, likely due to the influence of extremist Shia religious parties that are calling for a moral cleansing of Iraq.

With extremist militias threatening all those known to support LGBT rights, including the 2006 raid of an Iraqi LGBT planning meeting in which five activists were arrested, there is little hope for Iraqis suffering under the new socio-political climate. Once the most liberal and secular of the Arab nations, nowadays a religious extremism has taken hold of the country to the detriment of its people.

Iraqi LGBT calls for immediate international action to prevent the further torture and execution of LGBT people in Iraq. More information and details on making donations to the safe houses effort can be found at the Iraqi LGBT blog:


http://www.facebook.com/l/90abf;iraqilgbtuk.blogspot.com/2009/11/terror-campaign-against-lesbian-gay.html

Move afoot to outlaw divorce

Protect Marriage

Bil Browning sent a message to the members of The Bilerico Project.

Weekly Reader: Fruit Bat Fellatio, Las Vegas, & Scaring Our Elders

While I took a few vacation days this week to travel to NYC, the Editorial Team kept things plugging right along and the great contributor content didn't stop for an instant. These posts really stood out this week:

Sunday
Fellatio in fruit bats
Filed by: Gloria Brame Ph.D.
http://www.facebook.com/l/08e51;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/fellatio_in_fruit_bats.php

Are you normal?
Filed by: Michele O'Mara
http://www.facebook.com/l/08e51;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/are_you_normal.php

Monday
Is Violence Inevitable In Our Fight For Equality?
Filed by: Father Tony
http://www.facebook.com/l/08e51;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/is_violence_inevitable_in_our_fight_for_equality.php

Vegas still casts desert mirage of equality
Filed by: Cassandra Keenan
http://www.facebook.com/l/08e51;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/vegas_still_casts_desert_mirage_of_equality.php

Tuesday
About that LGBT boycott of the Obama Campaign, the DNC, and Organizing for America....
Filed by: Alex Blaze
http://www.facebook.com/l/08e51;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/about_that_lgbt_boycott_of_the_obama_campaign_the.php

Zenyatta: Why Should We Care About a Horse?
Filed by: Patricia Nell Warren
http://www.facebook.com/l/08e51;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/girl_power_zenyatta_rules_supreme_now.php

Wednesday
Why I'm So Damn Frightened of You
Filed by: Diane Silver
http://www.facebook.com/l/08e51;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/why_im_so_damn_frightened_of_you.php

Counterpoint: trans-inclusion is distracting to LGB legislation
Filed by: Austen Crowder
http://www.facebook.com/l/08e51;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/counterpoint_trans-inclusion_is_distracting_to_lgb.php

Thursday
For marriage victories, we must face and use religion
Filed by: Matt Comer
http://www.facebook.com/l/08e51;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/for_marriage_victories_we_must_face_and_use_religi.php

I've signed on to Don't Ask, Don't Give (and you should too)
Filed by: Bil Browning
http://www.facebook.com/l/08e51;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/why_ive_signed_on_to_dont_ask_dont_give_and_you_sh.php

Friday
When Its Not Your Fight
Filed by: Antonia D'orsay
http://www.facebook.com/l/08e51;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/when_its_not_your_fight.php

Video WH 'held for review': Obama official Melody Barnes' support for marriage equality
Filed by: Pam Spaulding
http://www.facebook.com/l/08e51;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/video_wh_held_for_review_obama_official_melody_bar.php

BONUS:

Bloggers honored at 2009 Courage Awards - The NYC Anti-Violence Project
Filed by: Pam Spaulding
http://www.facebook.com/l/08e51;www.bilerico.com/2009/11/bloggers_honored_at_2009_courage_awards_-_the_nyc.php

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Catholic church trying to 'blackmail' D.C. in attempt to erode lgbt equality

After pouring a huge amount of money into defeating same-sex marriage in California and Maine, the Catholic church is now jumping into the D.C. argument with a little blackmail:

The Catholic Archdiocese of Washington said Wednesday that it will be unable to continue the social service programs it runs for the District if the city doesn't change a proposed same-sex marriage law, a threat that could affect tens of thousands of people the church helps with adoption, homelessness and health care.

make the jump to the rest of the article here

Gay Rights Go Global

Gay Rights Go Global

Wednesday 11 November 2009

by: Peter Tatchell | GlobalPost

London - A new bill before the Ugandan parliament proposes the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality” and “serial offenders.” A sentence of life imprisonment will be imposed for touching a person with homosexual intent. Membership in gay organizations, advocacy of gay human rights and the provision of condoms or safer sex advice to gay people will result in seven years jail for “promoting” homosexuality. Failing to report violators to the police within 24 hours would incur three years behind bars. The new legislation will also apply to Ugandans who commit these "crimes" while living abroad, in countries where such behavior is not a criminal offense.

Jump here to read the rest

Mormons Endorse Not Leaving the Gays To Rot.

Mormons Endorse Not Leaving the Gays To Rot.

Stop the presses! The LDS church, via spokesman Michael Otterson, held a special news conference today to announce to every soul in the entire universe that they support "the right of people (gays) to have a roof over their heads and the right to work without being discriminated against."

Wow... what a stance.

A truly groundbreaking day in the progression of civil rights. Gays can now have a roof over their heads and not be fired from their jobs thanks to the stamp of approval from the Mormons.

C'mon, really? How is this even news? Did gay folks really need the church's nod of approval to have what Otterson himself admitted are "common-sense rights"?

jump to read the rest here

SHOCKER: Salt Lake City Passes LGBT Rights WITH Support Of Mormon Church

Last night the city council of Salt Lake City unanimously passed an ordinance outlawing discrimination against gays in employment and housing, the first such law in the entire state of Utah. Very surprisingly, among those speaking in support of the bill were official representatives of the LDS Church.

Hours after the LDS Church announced its support Tuesday night of proposed Salt Lake City ordinances aimed at protecting gay and transgender residents from discrimination in housing and employment, the City Council unanimously approved the measures. "The church supports these ordinances," spokesman Michael Otterson told the council, "because they are fair and reasonable and do not do violence to the institution of marriage." They also are consistent with Mormon teachings, he said. "I believe in a church that believes in human dignity, in treating people with respect even when we disagree -- in fact, especially when we disagree." Normally more deliberate, the council opted to vote after dozens of residents in the overflowing crowd expressed their support. "Guaranteeing a right to fair housing and fair employment is not an issue of compromise," Councilwoman Jill Remington Love said. "We are a stronger, better city this evening. I'm proud to serve on a City Council where this isn't even controversial."

The LDS Church's endorsement was hailed by leaders of Utah's gay community -- some of them stunned -- who called it a historic night they hope will set the stage for statewide legislation. "This is a great step," said Will Carlson, director of public policy for the advocacy group Equality Utah. But, he noted, four out of five gay Utahns live outside the capital and should be afforded protection as well. "Equality Utah will continue to work for that." Councilman J.T. Martin said some will dismiss the church's move, arguing LDS leaders blinked or caved to pressure. "That's not the case," he said. "I can tell you they do have compassion. They have church members who have gay sons and daughters, and they know this is an issue that touches everyone's life."

Do you think this is penance for Prop 8? Damage control? Does it matter?

thanks to Joe

HomoQuotable - Lee Daniels

"Precious is really not a black story. I told it originally for a black audience, and I'm a black, gay filmmaker. So I told it with a gay sensibility, and I gave a black sensibility to it, because I'm African-American. But I think it's a universal story, and it goes beyond sex and/or culture to be universal.

"I met this lady who was 60 or 70 years old and attending the Sundance Film Festival, and the day after our first screening, she started sobbing in my arms. It was the most beautiful moment in all of this for me. I realized that it didn't matter if you were gay, black or from Philadelphia. This woman, who could barely speak my language, had embraced the moment and understood Precious." - Director Lee Daniels, whose film Precious shattered box office records for a limited release last weekend when it opened on 18 screens. The most Oscar-hyped film of the season, Precious opens nationwide on November 20th.

(I know I should see it, but it looks soooo depressing.)

Courtesy of JMG

Aussie! Aussie! Aussie! !

Australian territory becomes first to legalise gay unions

(AFP) – 13 hours ago

SYDNEY — An Australian territory became the first to legalise civil partnership ceremonies for same-sex couples, in a move supporters hoped would spark national momentum.

Under the new laws, gay couples will be able to hold a legally recognised civil union ceremony in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), home to the nation's parliament.

The region's legislators approved the bill on Wednesday, moved by the ACT Greens party, after an amendment banning heterosexual couples from being recognised under the system.

The amendment means the law will not go against national legislation that says civil unions must not mimic marriage.

"We understand that this is not same-sex marriage," said Greens MP Shane Rattenbury, who drafted the bill.

jump here to read the full article

From Bilerico

About that LGBT boycott of the Obama Campaign, the DNC, and Organizing for America....

Filed by: Alex Blaze

November 10, 2009 5:00 PM

I have the following problems with the LGBT boycott of the DNC that a few bloggers launched yesterday:

1. I thought we were already boycotting the DNC. Am I the only who thought that the gAyTM was already supposed to be shut down?

2. The list of charges against the DNC, in its current form, contains some half-truths and unconfirmed rumors on it. According to MLK, self-purification was an entire step when it came to executing a social justice action, and it should be instinctively obvious as to why. If we're seeking justice, we have to base our actions in truth.

3. They say the boycott ends once ENDA is passed and DOMA and DADT are repealed, but they don't specify whether they mean a transgender-inclusive ENDA or not. Since a known and unapologetic transphobe is organizing this, it's a very appropriate question. (And, yes, I would say the same thing if a homophobic transsexual person were organizing something like this.)

4. There has been some movement forward on LGBT issues. Hate crimes legislation passed, discrimination against trans folks in government was banned, a slew of LGBT people were appointed to high-ranking positions, LGBT-specific health care provisions were included in the House bill, an inclusive ENDA's plugging along, the HUD opened up their definition of family to include LGBT families, the Census Bureau will release data on same-sex couples who put themselves down as "married," the HUD will study LGBT housing discrimination for the first time ever, increased HIV/AIDS treatment funding through the Ryan White CARE Act was proposed in the House, the DHHS lifted the HIV travel ban, abstinence-only education is most likely gone, and the DHHS has promised to create an LGBT senior resource center.

These are important changes for lots of people in the community, and if the biggest thanks the DNC can expect to get is a boycott, then what motivation do they have to move on more issues?

Continue reading "About that LGBT boycott of the Obama Campaign, the DNC, and Organizing for America...." »

Shelly Goldstein -- Stupid Callous Homophobic Hateful Legislation

'Don't Ask' repeal likely part of 2011 defense budget bill Action expected soon on ENDA, federal DP benefits

U.S. Rep. Barney Frank says action on ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ the Employment Non-Discrimination act and a bill providing partner benefits to LGBT federal employees could come in the months ahead. (Photo by AP)

'Don't Ask' repeal likely part of 2011 defense budget bill
Action expected soon on ENDA, federal DP benefits

By CHRIS JOHNSON, Washington Blade
Nov 10 2009, 2:53 PM

The effort to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” will likely come next year as an amendment to the Defense Department spending bill, rather than through a standalone bill, according to gay Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.).

Frank said in an interview with the Blade that repealing the 1993 law barring gays from serving openly in the military would happen as part of the fiscal year 2011 defense authorization bill.

Jump to the article here