LESTER & CHARLIE: Real Housewives Take on Gay Marriage

That's Gay Salutes: Focus on the Family

Textbooks for Change

After Prop 8 passed, a small group of amazing students decided to help build the movement for marriage equality one textbook at a time. So they created  "Textbooks4Change" to support the Courage Campaign's Equality Program, giving students the opportunity to directly donate 6% of every textbook purchase to marriage equality. At no extra cost.

Please read the message below from Barak Wouk, founder of Textbooks4Change and a student at Columbia University. Then click here to watch their inspiring video, spread the word about about this innovative program and -- if you are a student -- purchase your textbooks via Textbooks4Change:

http://www.textbooks4change.com

Andy Kelley
New Media Organizer, Courage Campaign

Dear Daniel --

As a student, I was part of the 64% of Californians under the age of 24 who voted against Proposition 8. But it wasn't enough.

To defend Judge Vaughn Walker's decision that Prop 8 is unconstitutional and bring marriage equality to America, we need students to get involved. Students like me have always been good volunteers, but, because of a lack of cash, we haven't been able to contribute much money to marriage equality.

Until now.

Today, the Courage Campaign is helping us re-launch Textbooks4Change to give students the opportunity to raise money for marriage equality by simply purchasing their textbooks. At no extra cost. If you are a student and you want to buy textbooks, click here to watch our short video and find out more:

Using Textbooks4Change is easy. Here is how it works: 

1) Click here to go to Textbooks4Change

2) Press the big red "Purchase Textbooks" button

3) Buy textbooks from Barnes & Noble, Textbooks.com or Half.com

4) 6% of each purchase is donated directly to the Courage Campaign's Equality Program!

That's it.  

If you are a student, parent or professor -- or know someone who is a student, parent or professor -- please spread the word about Textbooks4Change.com today. By simply forwarding this message along, you will build the movement for marriage equality one textbook purchase at a time.

Thank you for supporting our effort to give students the power to make marriage equality a reality across California and the country.

Barak Wouk

Founder and Executive Director, Textbooks4Change

Junior at Columbia University 

The Courage Campaign is a multi-issue online organizing network that empowers more than 700,000 grassroots and netroots supporters to push for progressive change and full equality in California and across the country.

To support our work, please chip in what you can today:

Via JMG: Glee Jane Lynch Emmy Award winner Speech

VIA JMG: HomoQuotable - R. Clark Cooper

"Mr. Mehlman’s recent revelation that he is gay is actually good news for the party. He joins a growing chorus of elected Republican officials and well-known Republicans who support full civil rights, including former Vice President Cheney, former Solicitor General Ted Olson, former First Lady Laura Bush, as well as my former State Department colleagues Ambassador John Bolton and Ambassador Mark Wallace.

"Inclusion isn’t just the right thing to do – it is also smart politics. Today’s voters believe that people should be judged by the content of their character, not by their sexual orientation. This is entirely consistent with the traditional Republican respect for the individual. Promoting that value will help us win in at the ballot box. Also, openly gay Republicans running for office like L.C.R. member, Richard Tisei, candidate for Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor, and former L.C.R. Board Member, Steve May, candidate for the Arizona Legislature, help personify diversity in the party.

"Fortunately, the Republican National Committee and the campaign entities, the National Republican Congressional Campaign Committee and the National Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee are making strong efforts to focus on common conservative themes. These entities have reached out to Log Cabin Republicans to help revitalize the party. Inclusion will help Republicans rebuild the party base and regain a majority in Congress that can benefit all Americans." - Log Cabin Republicans executive director R. Clark Cooper, writing for the New York Times.

Labels: GOP, HomoQuotable, Ken Mehlman, Log Cabin Republicans, Quislings, R. Clark Cooper

reposted from Joe

Gay Marriage and Drinking Fountains

Via 365gay: The Blue Power Ranger Reveals All.

For most of us who grew up in the 1990s, ‘The Mighty Morphing Power Rangers’ ruled our existence. The Japanese import was a huge franchise in the 90s, and actor David Yost played Billy the Blue Ranger—a favorite among the multi-colored crime fighters—from 1993 to 1996.

In a tell-all interview with “No Pink Spandex,” Yost revealed that he is gay. Even more shocking and disturbing than a gay man in blue spandex is Yost’s departure from the show: it was caused by homophobia on set.

Yost said, “I was called ‘f*ggot’ one too many times [by the show's] creators, producers, writers, directors.”
After spending several years out of the limelight, Yost is again perusing an acting career.

Exodus' Founders Come Out

Via Himalya Crafts Facebook:

The Birthplace of the Gautama Buddha, Lumbini is the Mecca of every Buddhist, being one of the four holy places of Buddhism It is said in the Parinibbana Sutta the Buddha himself identified four places of the future pilgrimage: the sites of his birth, enlightenment, first discourse, and death. All of these events happened outside in t...he nature under trees. While there is not any particular significance in this, other than it perhaps explains why Buddhists have always respected the environment and natural law.

Lumbini is situated at the foothills of the Himalayas in the modern Nepal. In the Buddha's time, Lumbini was a beautiful garden full of green and shady sal trees (shorea). The garden and its tranquil environs were owned by both the ShaAsoka pillarkyas and Kolias clan. The beauty of Lumbini is described in Pali and Sanskrit literature. 

The Baha'i Faith is Homophobic: The following was a handout at an Association for Baha'i Studies conference:

Re-thinking Same-Sex Attraction: And the General Principles of How to Overcome It
By Lynne Schreiber

Lynne Schreiber • Rethinking Same‐Sex Attraction and General Principles of How to Overcome It
The fact that some people experience same‐sex attraction as unwanted and take measures to overcome it
remains somewhat hidden from society, including much of the mental health profession. Shedding light
on this process may be encouraging news to those who struggle with such attraction. Understanding the
complex factors that commonly shape same‐sex attraction unlocks the possibility to conceptualize a new
framework for growth.

LYNNE SCHREIBER’s expertise comes not through academic study or professional years of service, but
through 20 years of struggle and spiritual transformation. The presenter has also gained much learning
through extensive study of the Bahá’í guidance, Christian materials and cutting edge research on
overcoming same sex attractions.

General Principles of How to Overcome Same-Sex Attraction
1.Education & Independent Investigation of Truth
2.Support
3.Healing & Growth through Relationships
4.Personal & Spiritual Development

1. "To the question of alteration of homosexual bents, much study must be given, and doubtless in the future clear principles of prevention and treatment will emerge.“ (From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer, 22 March 1987)
2. “God has given man the eye of investigation by which he may see and recognize truth. He has endowed man with ears that he may hear the message of reality and conferred upon him the gift of reason by which he may discover things for himself. ... Man is not intended to see through the eyes of another, hear through another's ears nor comprehend with another's brain. ... Therefore depend upon your own reason and judgment and adhere to the outcome of your own investigation; otherwise you will be utterly submerged in the sea of ignorance and deprived of all the bounties of God.” (Abdu'l-Baha, Foundations of World Unity, p. 75)
3. “One could have concluded that homosexuals could well establish stable relationships with one another for mutual support, … This, indeed, is the conclusion that some churches and governments have come to. But Bahá’u’lláh, having divine knowledge of human nature, shows that such a relationship is not a permissible or beneficial solution to a homosexual’s condition.” (Letters of The Universal House of Justice, 5 June 1993, Homosexuality, p. 11)
4. [Homosexuality]… “is regarded by the Faith as a distortion of true human nature, as a problem to be overcome..." (From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly, 11 September 1995)
5. 5-"Whether deficiencies are inborn or are acquired, our purpose in this life is to overcome them..." (From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly, 11 September 1995)
6. “To be afflicted this way is a great burden to a conscientious soul. But through the advice and help of doctors, through strong and determined effort, and through prayer, a soul can overcome this handicap.” (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, 26 March 1950)
7. 7- “[T]he Faith does not recognize homosexuality as a “natural” or permanent phenomenon. Rather, it sees this as an aberration subject to treatment…” (From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer, 22 March 1987)
8. 8-"The view that homosexuality is a condition that is not amenable to change is to be questioned by Bahá’ís. …The statistics which indicate that homosexuality is incurable are undoubtedly distorted by the fact that many of those who overcome the problem never speak about it in public, and others solve their problems without even consulting professional counsellors." (From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly, 11 September 1995
9. “Observe My commandments, for the love of My beauty.“ (Baha'u'llah, The Kitab-i-Aqdas, p. 20)
10.  “Psychiatric treatment in general is no doubt an important contribution to medicine, but we must believe it is still a growing rather than a perfected science. As Bahá'u'lláh has urged us to avail ourselves of the help of good physicians Bahá'ís are certainly not only free to turn to psychiatry for assistance but should, when advisable, do so. This does not mean psychiatrists are always wise or always right,…” (From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to the National Spiritual Assembly of the British Isles, June 15, 1950, Compilations, Lights of Guidance, p. 284)“Turn to your Bahá’í brothers and sisters, who are living with you in the kingdom. Indeed, the believers have not yet fully learned to draw on each other’s love for strength and consolation in time of need.” (Letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, dated May 8, 1942, in Directives of the Guardian, pp. 40-41, #109)
11. “As for the responsibility of Assemblies and of individual Bahá’ís, certainly all are called upon to be understanding, supportive and helpful to any individual who carries the burden of homosexuality.” (From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer, 22 March 1987)
12. “If, therefore, a homosexual cannot overcome his or her condition to the extent of being able to have a heterosexual marriage, he or she must remain single, and abstain from sexual relations.” (From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly, 11 September 1995)
13. 14-“There are, of course, many kinds and degrees of homosexuality, and overcoming extreme conditions is sure to be more difficult than overcoming others.” (From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly, 11 September 1995)
14. Any individual so afflicted must, through prayer, and any other means, seek to overcome this handicap.” (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to a National Spiritual Assembly, 6 October 1956)
15. “The Universal House of Justice will pray that, armed with the guidance con­tained in this letter, the National Spiritual Assembly will act with love, sensitivity and firmness to assist the believers both to gain a deeper understanding of their true and ennobling purpose in life and to make a strong and determined effort to overcome every handicap to their spiritual development” (From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly, 11 September 1995)
16. “By responding to the Message of the Manifestation of God we learn how we should live and draw on the spiritual strength which comes with it. Through studying the Word of God and training ourselves to follow His commandments, we rise to the full stature that He has designed for us.” (From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual, 17 September 1993)
17. "If others hurl their darts against you, offer them milk and honey in return; if they poison your lives, sweeten their souls; if they injure you, teach them how to be comforted; if they inflict a wound upon you, be a balm to their sores; if they sting you, hold to their lips a refreshing cup.” (Abdu'l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha, p. 24)
18. “Through sincere and sustained effort, energized by faith in the validity of the Divine Message, and combined with patience with oneself and the loving support of the Bahá’í community, individuals are able to effect a change in their behaviour; as a consequence of this effort they partake of spiritual benefits which liberate them and which bestow a true happiness beyond description.” (From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual, 3 July 1990)

Resources

Heart of Female Same-sex Attraction, Janelle Hallman

Restoring Sexual Identity: Hope for Women Who Struggle with Same-sex Attraction, Anne Paulk

Emotional Dependency, Lori Rentzel

Coming out of Homosexuality – A New Freedom for Men and Women, Bob Davies & Lori Rentzel

Reparative Therapy of Male Homosexuality: A New Clinical Approach, Joseph Nicolosi

Growth into Manhood, Alan Medinger

Out of the Shadows: Understanding Sexual Additions, Patrick Carnes

When Homosexuality Hits Home, Joe Dallas

Someone I Love is Gay, Anita Worthen & Bob Davies

www.exodusinternational.org/

www.narth.com/

www.peoplecanchange.com/ (Support for men who seek to grow, heal and change regarding same-sex attraction.)

Understanding the roots of lesbianism, Free audio format, www.laughterfrompurity.com

Development of male homosexuality, Free audio format, www.laughterfrompurity.com

Bahá’í Resources (dealing with trauma and spiritual development)

It is Not Your Fault, Patricia Romano McGraw

Drawing Nigh to Baha’u’llah, Adib Taherzadeh (Audio series, June 16-17, 1984 Alaska Summer School)

References

American Psychological Association (2009). Report of the American Psychological Association Task Force on Appropriate Therapeutic Responses to Sexual Orientation.

Karten, E. Y., & Wade, J. C. (2010). Sexual orientation change efforts in men: A client perspective. The Journal of Men's Studies, 18, 84-102.

Moberly, Elizabeth (1983). Homosexuality: A New Christian Ethic.

Throckmorton, Warren (1998) Attempts to Modify Sexual Orientation: A Review of Outcome Literature and Ethical Issues, Journal of Mental Health Counseling, October, volume 20, pages 283-304.

Throckmorton, Warren & Yarhouse, Mark A. (2006). Sexual Identity Therapy: Practice framework for managing sexual identity conflicts.

Whitehead, Neil & Blair, My Genes Made Me Do It! A Scientific Look at Sexual Orientation.

Via HRC:

Dear Daniel, Summer is ending and rush hour once again includes school buses, crossing guards and brand-new back packs. Remember your parents telling you that school was your job? Maybe now you’re saying it to your kids, or just noticing that the rhythm of our days includes this migration of young people to learn every day. It is through education that we learn citizenship: not only the history, language and math lessons that enable us to understand the issues our society faces and our government must address. It's also where we learn to work with others, and where we form our ideas about those around us. Most of all, it’s where opportunity is born, or dies. Opportunity is born in schools where all students can safely learn the tools of future success--equally taught, equally valued. It dies in schools that are crumbling and cold, where the toilets don't work and the books are torn. It cannot survive in schools where some students fear danger around every corner, and know that no one is going to protect them from it.   Every young person must take that morning walk or bus ride toward opportunity. This is their most basic civil right, and this is what we are all committed to. For LGBT students, the risk of harassment, bullying, discrimination and violence in school is always present. Jump over to our blog to learn more about the Safe Schools Improvement Act and the Student Non-Discrimination Act, both of which can make our schools safer and more welcoming. If you are a parent, you want your children to experience all the wonderful opportunities that school offers. But children can feel devalued when teachers don't actively acknowledge families that resemble their own - and this is especially true for kids with two moms or two dads. Children can feel dejected when they hear anti-LGBT comments and taunts. The HRC Foundation’s Welcoming Schools Guide is a tremendous resource to help elementary schools proactively include ALL family structures and children. Go to welcomingschools.org to download free tools for parents, educators and administrators. And be sure to check out the site in September to find out about our back-to-school blog and webinar series for parents, educators and administrators. And if you have not already done so, I encourage you to do something this week to improve the lives of children in your community. It can be as simple as donating some school supplies, but it’s important. You will be investing in the next generation of leaders who will make decisions about everything from LGBT rights to energy policy. Furthermore, our civil rights laws cannot overcome the hurdles that people face if they are not educated and qualified to succeed in any job they choose.  Joe Solmonese President, Human Rights Campaign

Gay Old Party Ken Mehlman shouldn't have been expected to fight for gay rights when he didn't know he was part of the group.

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Gay Old Party
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Tea Party

ViaJMG: New York Times Compiles LGBT Bloggers' Responses To Ken Mehlman's Coming Out

New York Times op-ed editor Tobin Harshaw has compiled bloggers' reactions to Ken Mehlman's coming out, quoting Pam Spaulding, Melissa McEwan, and this here website thingy on the left, and the usual Quisling apologists on the right. Pam Spaulding nails it:

"While it’s nice that Ken has finally come out of the closet as an advocate, it’s really hard to forgive him for the damage he did to the community by working actively against it for pay for years. That he can coast on the gains for our community by supporting AFER’s stellar work on Prop 8 on the backs of many during his tenure at the RNC who bore the brunt of homophobia, those who died as a result of hate crimes, the activists who were assailed professionally is unbelievable. Yet here we are in 2010 watching it unfold. As a human being Mehlman owes the community a serious apology for fomenting homophobia for political gain.”

Labels: Gay Patriot, JMG, Ken Mehlman, Melissa McEwan, New York Times, Pam Spaulding, Quislings

reposted from Joe

Via JMG: CBS Poll: 75% Support Gays In Military

Scroll down the below just-released CBS poll for questions about DADT and same-sex marriage. Other topics on the poll: immigration, Obama, Palin, and the economy.
CBSNewsPoll Obama 082610

Labels: CBS, DADT, marriage equality, military, polls

reposted from Joe

Via JMG: Peter, Paul & Mary To NOM: Stop Playing Our Song At Your Hate Rallies

The Courage Campaign reports that sixties folk music star Peter Yarrow is NOT happy that NOM has been playing Peter, Paul & Mary's cover of This Land Is Your Land at NOM's hate rallies. Yarrow has sent Brian Brown a cease and desist letter. I bet NOM doesn't even know that Woody Guthrie wrote This Land as an counterpoint to God Bless America.

Sadly, Mary Travers passed away last year.

Labels: bigotry, Brian Brown, folk music, NOM, religion

reposted from Joe

Quote of the Day:

While getting dressed one morning, I decided I'd been spending too much time on my computer: I caught myself checking the lower right corner of my makeup mirror to see what time it was.
-- Darlene Jacobs

Via JMG: Signorile Vs. Log Cabin Republicans

Via JMG: HomoQuotable - Dan Savage

"I have no beef with evangelical Christians who support full civil equality for gays and lesbians despite believing that gay sex is a sin. Heck, I'll personally mow the lawns of evangelical Christians who refrain from actively persecuting gays and lesbians. I've said that the gay rights movement shouldn't get into arguments about theology and that people have a right to their own beliefs. I frankly don't care if someone thinks I'm going to hell after death and I'm not going to argue with him for the same reason I'm not going to argue with someone who believes that I'm going to the lost continent of Atlantis after dinner.

"All gays and lesbians want from evangelical Christians is the same deal the Jews and the yoga instructors and the atheists and the divorced and the adulterers and the rich all get: full civil equality despite the going-to-hell business. (And isn't hell punishment enough? Do we have to be persecuted here on earth too? It's almost as if they don't trust God to persecute us after we die. Have a little faith, people!)" - Dan Savage.

Labels: Dan Savage, HomoQuotable, religion

reposted from  Joe

Via EQCA and Greg Louganis:

Dear Daniel, As a four-time Olympic gold medalist and five-time world champion, I have proven that I never back away from a challenge. But many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Californians find every day to be a challenge as they struggle to be treated equally. That’s just not right. So I’m joining Equality California to do something about it. One month from today, together with 50 other swimmers, I’m tackling a 1.7 mile swim in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Malibu. We share the same mission: raise critical visibility and funds for LGBT rights in California. Our goal is to raise $100,000. Be a champion and donate to the Swim for Equality now! Your gift will help inspire the swimmers as they compete—and will also enable Equality California to fight for LGBT Californians. Can I count on you to support all the swimmers by making a donation today in support of our efforts?   EQCA is on the front lines building a state of equality in California by organizing thousands of volunteers going door to door in communities across the state, gaining support for marriage equality by having one-on-one conversations. And EQCA is in Sacramento, lobbying for 16 bills that expand protections for LGBT Californians—to add to the 60 that they have all ready passed. You can be a champion and help achieve equality— make your donation to help all LGBT Californians cross the ultimate finish line—equality. What are you waiting for? Dive in! Yours, Greg Louganis	Swim for Equality Over 50 people will raise critical visibility and funds for LGBT equality by swimming 1.7 miles off the coast of Malibu on September 25. Their Goal: $100,000 Current Total: $35,118 Will you help them cross the finish line?