Via JMG: Record 470 Openly LGBT Delegates To Attend Democratic Convention

At least 470 delegates at the Democratic Convention will be openly LGBT. Chris Johnson reports at the Washington Blade:

The upcoming Democratic National Convention is set to have a record number of openly LGBT delegates, although goals for some states aren’t being met, according to new data from the National Stonewall Democrats. The organization as of Wednesday evening identified at least 470 openly LGBT delegates that are set to attend the convention, but more data is expected to become public at a later time. A total of 5,963 delegates are set to come to Charlotte, N.C.., for the event during the week of Sept. 3. Having 470 delegates exceeds the goal of 418 delegates at the convention and is already higher than numbers from 2008, when 277 delegates participated.

California leads the pack with 74 LGBT delegates. States sending only one: Mississippi, North Dakota, South Dakota, West Virginia and Wyoming. Several states are sending LGBT delegates for the first time ever.

Labels: Charlotte, Democratic convention, gay politicians, JMG, LGBT rights, North Carolina

reposted from Joe

From the San Francisco 49ers: It Gets Better

Family and Freedom - Republicans for Marriage Equality

Expanding Marriage Rights does not Redefine Marriage

Via The Platzner Post / FB:

Via Buddhism on Beliefnet:

	Daily Buddhist Wisdom
	Those who attain perfect wisdom are forever inspired by the conviction that the infinitely varied forms of this world, in all their relativity, far from being a hindrance and a dangerous distraction to the spiritual path, are really a healing medicine. Why? Because by the very fact that they are interdependent on each other and therefore have no separate self, they express the mystery and the energy of all-embracing love. Not just the illumined wise ones but every single being in the interconnected world is a dweller in the boundless infinity of love. - Prajnaparmita More Buddhism Quotes >>

Via JMG: NEW YORK: Bullied Bus Monitor Karen Klein Launches Anti-Bullying Foundation

You may recall that over $700,000 flooded into an internet account set up as a "vacation fund" for New York bus monitor Karen Klein after she was seen being brutally bullied by students on a viral cell video. This is what she's doing with some of the money:

My story inspired more than 32,000 people to engage in their own act of love by donating to a fundraising campaign created by Max for my support. As you probably know, together we raised a lot more money than what I needed to go on vacation. 32,000 people around the world raised $703,873 for my behalf. It has changed my life forever. Now, I am not only going on vacation, but I am able to retire and take care of my family. You have all inspired me by your acts of love. But now it is time for me to give back and to turn your single act of kindness into my own personal movement to stop bullying in America. The Karen Klein Anti-Bullying Foundation, which I am seeding with $100,000, will be the gathering point for millions of people to support the anti-bullying movement. Together, we will change the world.

(Image via Buzzfeed)

Labels: bullying, good work, New York state

reposted from Joe

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

Tricycle Daily Dharma August 24, 2012

Stay with Your Broken Heart

To stay with that shakiness—to stay with a broken heart, with a rumbling stomach, with the feeling of hopelessness and wanting to get revenge—that is the path of true awakening. Sticking with that uncertainty, getting the knack of relaxing in the midst of chaos, learning not to panic—this is the spiritual path.

- Pema Chödrön, "Stay with Your Broken Heart"

Read the entire article in the Tricycle Wisdom Collection through August 26th, 2012
For full access at any time, become a Tricycle Community Supporting or Sustaining Member

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

Tricycle Daily Dharma August 23, 2012

The Greater Joy

The scriptures say that when the mind indulges in sensual objects, it becomes agitated. This is the usual state of affairs in the world, as we can observe. In their quest for happiness, people mistake excitement of the mind for real happiness. They never have the chance to experience greater joy that comes with peace and tranquility.

- Sayadaw U Pandita, "A Perfect Balance"

Read the entire article in the Tricycle Wisdom Collection through August 25th, 2012
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Primavera, verao, outono, inverno e... primavera - filme completo legendado

Dan Savage vs. Brian Brown: The Dinner Table Debate

Via Informed Comment:

http://www.juancole.com/2012/08/on-real-gender-and-racial-equality-gloria-steinem-poster.html

Via Buddhism on Beliefnet:

Daily Buddhist Wisdom
	This is the work of those who are skilled and peaceful, who seek the good: May they be able and upright, straightforward, of gentle speech and not proud. May they be content and easily supported, unburdened, with their senses calmed. May they be wise, not arrogant and without desire for the possessions of others. May they do nothing mean or that the wise would reprove. May all things be happy. May they live in safety and joy. - Metta Suta More Buddhism Quotes >>

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

Tricycle Daily Dharma August 22, 2012

Compassion Despite Dislike

Remember that you don’t have to like or admire someone to feel compassion for that person. All you have to do is wish for that person to be happy.

- Thanissaro Bhikkhu, "Head & Heart Together"

Read the entire article in the Tricycle Wisdom Collection through August 24th, 2012
For full access at any time, become a Tricycle Community Supporting or Sustaining Member

Via Nalanda LGBT Buddhist Cultural and Resource Center

"In the present circumstances, no one can afford to assume that someone else will solve their problems. Every individual has a responsibility to help guide our global family in the right direction. Good wishes are not sufficient; we must become actively engaged." 

 

- His Holiness, the Dalai Lama

Via Courage Campaign:

Today the Republican National Committee finalized its platform concerning marriage equality. Which platform do you want to see your elected official stand behind?

Via JMG: NOM Launches "Brown Vs Savage" Site

NOM has launched a new website dedicated to coverage and reactions of Brian Brown's dinner with last week. The debate itself has not yet been released. From the site:

Dan Savage is one of the most influential activists bent on redefining marriage. Millions of Americans have seen his TV show on MTV or read his syndicated column. President Obama and his wife Michelle, along with hundreds of celebrities and sports stars have participated in Savage’s “It Gets Better” anti-bullying project. But there’s another side to Dan Savage that most haven’t seen: the bully. This April, when speaking to a group of high school students in Seattle, Savage launched into a tirade against Christians and what he termed the “bull****” in the bible.” He went on to call students who attempted to leave his presentation “pansy-a**es”. Savage has a long history of obscene anti-Christian comments, and yet he continues to be celebrated as the face of the gay marriage movement.

At least NOM didn't (yet) repeat the lie about that "spontaneous" staged walkout by "sobbing and horrified" students, who were put up to it by Focus On The Family.

Labels: bigotry, Brian Brown, Catholic Church, Dan Savage, evil, hate groups, NOM, religion, Vatican

Reposted from Joe

Via JMG: Tweeted Out By Matt Barber

 

Good As You points us to today's Twitter message from Matt Barber, whose employer is being sued for kidnapping. I'll add a message of my own.

 

Labels: bigotry, evil, hate groups, hypocrisy, kidnapping, Liberty Counsel, Matt Barber, theocracy

Reposted from Joe

Two from Gay Politics Report:

• Republicans poised to reaffirm opposition to marriage equality
  Republican Party subcommittees have reportedly approved party platform language that criticizes the Obama administration's decision not to defend the Defense of Marriage Act, and supports a "constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman." The language still must be approved by the full GOP committee today, and by delegates at the GOP convention in Tampa next week. BuzzFeed (8/20)     

• GOP platform addresses LGBT community, group says: Certain language included in the Republican Party's national platform is meant to signal the party's support for LGBT Americans, according to R. Clarke Cooper, the director of Log Cabin Republicans. A GOP delegate who supports marriage equality proposed the language "We embrace the principle that all Americans have the right to be treated with dignity and respect," Cooper said. Metro Weekly (Washington, D.C.)/Poliglot (8/20)