Friday, May 29, 2015
Via JMG: Mozambique Legalizes Homosexuality
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
"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.
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.”
“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"
Thursday, May 28, 2015
Via American Atheists's / FB
Since Senator Rubio seems to be confused about this: We don't want to criminalize Catholic teachings or even call them "hate speech." But his religious beliefs don't excuse his bigotry. And criticizing him for his bigotry isn't persecution, it's holding him accountable.
Via adicting Info: Teens Are Leaving Religion In Droves, And That Spells Big Trouble For The GOP
It is no secret to anyone who bothers to turn on a television news
show or use Google that the current incarnation of the GOP is hellbent
on turning America into a fundamentalist Christians theocracy. They
believe that everything that is even a little bit progressive, from
climate change to acceptance of homosexuality, to abortion, is some evil
liberal plot to take away their Bibles, burn down their churches, and
persecute Christians. While thinking people know that they are deluded,
the people who make up today’s GOP pander to the nut jobs who believe
it. Well, luckily for the rest of us, that base of people and their
politicians are getting older and dying off. Even better is the fact
that younger version of these people are not replacing them.
According to a recent- and quite thorough study, today’s adolescents are leaving religion in droves. It isn’t because they haven’t found god yet or anything like that, either, according to this study. It’s because there has been a cultural shift, and these people do not need or want religion in their lives. Jean Twenge, the psychology professor from San Diego State who led the study, says:
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/05/28/teens-are-leaving-religion-in-droves-and-that-spells-big-trouble-for-the-gop/
According to a recent- and quite thorough study, today’s adolescents are leaving religion in droves. It isn’t because they haven’t found god yet or anything like that, either, according to this study. It’s because there has been a cultural shift, and these people do not need or want religion in their lives. Jean Twenge, the psychology professor from San Diego State who led the study, says:
“Unlike previous studies, ours is able to show that Millennials’ lower religious involvement is due to cultural change, not to millennials being young and unsettled.”Further, the study concludes that this is the least religious generation in six decades. Also, because it is a cultural change, these young people are unlikely to turn to religion as they get older. According to Twenge, who also authored a book on the Millennial generation entitled Generation Me, this shift has to do with the fact that children born in the 1980’s and 1990’s are simply more inclined to be individualistic than those before them. She describes Millennials as tolerant, confident, open-minded, and ambitious but also disengaged, narcissistic, distrustful, and anxious,” and calls them the “Entitlement Generation.”
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/05/28/teens-are-leaving-religion-in-droves-and-that-spells-big-trouble-for-the-gop/
Via The Washington Blade: Obama to host Pride at the White House on June 24
President Obama is set to host Pride at the White House on June 24. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
President Obama is set to host Pride at the White House on June 24. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
President Obama is set to host Pride at the White House on June 24. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
JMG HomoQuotable - Armistead Maupin
Labels: Armistead Maupin, boycotts, Fire Island Pines, HomoQuotable, Ian Reisner, Mati Weiderpass, Ted Cruz
Via Sri Prem Baba: Flor do Dia- Flor del Día- Flower of the day 28/05/2015
“Pais e educadores precisam tomar consciência da grande
responsabilidade que lhes foi dada: interromper o ciclo da ignorância
neste planeta. Porque através da educação das crianças podemos quebrar o
círculo vicioso da destruição e realmente mudar o mundo. Para isso,
precisamos fazer nossa parte que é ajudar as crianças a encontrarem seus
dons e talentos, e se alinharem com a sua verdadeira missão. Não basta
largar a criança na escola, é preciso se responsabilizar e se comprometer com o despertar do amor desse Ser.”
“Padres y educadores necesitan tomar consciencia de la gran
responsabilidad que les fue dada: interrumpir el ciclo de la ignorancia
en este planeta. Porque a través de la educación de los niños podemos
romper el círculo vicioso de la destrucción y realmente cambiar el
mundo. Para eso, necesitamos hacer nuestra parte que es ayudar a los
niños a encontrar sus dones y talentos, y alinearse con su verdadera
misión. No basta dejar al niño en la escuela, es necesario
responsabilizarse y comprometerse con el despertar del amor de ese Ser.”
“Parents and educators need to become aware of the great responsibility they have been given: to interrupt the cycle of ignorance on this planet. Through our children’s education we can break the vicious circle of destruction and create a change in the world. We need to do our part in order for this to happen. We must help our children to discover their gifts and talents, and to live in alignment with their true purpose. It is not enough to put your child in a school system – you have to be responsible and committed to awakening the love within this human being.”
“Parents and educators need to become aware of the great responsibility they have been given: to interrupt the cycle of ignorance on this planet. Through our children’s education we can break the vicious circle of destruction and create a change in the world. We need to do our part in order for this to happen. We must help our children to discover their gifts and talents, and to live in alignment with their true purpose. It is not enough to put your child in a school system – you have to be responsible and committed to awakening the love within this human being.”
Today's Daily Dharma: The Dawning of Truth.
The Dawning of Truth
If
we use the practice tools that develop intelligence and clarity with a
confused, selfish motivation, reality is bound to collide with our
fiction. This is where practice is supposed to bring us. This is the proof that the dharma works. It’s the end of our confused, fictive world, and the dawning of truth.
- Lama Tsony, "Facing Fear"
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Via JMG: Wikipedia Updates World Marriage Map
As I reported yesterday, Greenland's Parliament has voted to adopt
Denmark's laws on same-sex marriage. That vote goes into effect on
October 1st, prompting Wikipedia's map monitors to change Greenland's
color to mustard, which means "pending." That tiny dot of dark green in
the Middle East is Israel and if you squint you'll see that same-sex
marriage is also pending in Nepal (although that bill has not yet been
presented). Chile is apparently mustard-shaded because in February 2015
the government announced that it was formally dropping its opposition to
same-sex marriage. Civil unions were signed into law by Chile's
president last month and the marriage bill is expected soon.
Reposted from Joe Jervis
Via JMG: GERMANY: Chancellor Angela Merkel Spokesman Says Same-Sex Marriage Is "Not A Goal Of This Government"
Via Reuters:
Reposted from Joe Jervis
Chancellor Angela Merkel's coalition agreed on Wednesday to make small changes to same-sex civil partnership rules but staunch opposition from conservatives in her party means Germany will not follow Ireland in allowing gay marriages any time soon. Although there are growing divisions within the party, Merkel's Christian Democrats are still overwhelmingly opposed to same-sex marriages partly due to fears it could upset voters on the right. However, polls show 75 percent of Germans are in favour of legalising gay marriages, as are the Social Democrats (SPD) and all opposition parties. The overwhelming "yes" vote in Ireland for same-sex marriage had triggered a discussion in Germany about the lingering gap in rights between registered partnerships and marriages. "Today was an important milestone in dismantling discrimination and the chancellor is pleased about that," her spokesman Steffen Seibert said. "But same-sex marriages are not a goal of this government." "Every country makes its own laws - some countries go one route while others go another," said Seibert, when asked about Ireland. "In Germany we'll take a path that suits Germany."Merkel was elected to a third term in 2013.
Via JMG: Where Gay Men Are The Happiest
Planet Romeo, an Amsterdam-based dating and community site, collaborated with the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz in Germany to carry out an online survey of 115,000 gay men around the world. They combined rankings on public opinion, public behavior and life satisfaction – how gay men feel about society’s view on homosexuality, how gay men feel they are treated by other people, and how satisfied gay men are with their own lives, respectively – into one worldwide ranking on gay happiness. Iceland tops their list as the country where gay men are the happiest, followed by Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Uruguay, Canada, Israel, Netherlands, Switzerland and Luxembourg. The United States ranks 26th in the list. The 10 worst countries by this ranking are Kazakhstan, Ghana, Cameroon, Iran, Nigeria, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Ethiopia, Sudan and Uganda.Hit the link and scroll down for the full ranking.
Via JMG: Feds to Induct Gay Rights Pioneer Frank Kameny Into Labor Hall Of Honor
Via press release from the US Department of Labor:
Reposted from Joe Jervis
Frank Kameny, who for decades fought to end discrimination in the federal workplace, will be honored by the U.S. Department of Labor in June with an induction to its Hall of Honor. Kameny's legacy as a civil rights leader has made a monumental difference in improving the lives of all workers all across America. A World War II veteran and Harvard-educated doctor of astronomy with the U.S. Army Map Service, Kameny was discharged and barred from federal government employment in 1958 after U.S. Civil Service Commission investigators asked if he was a homosexual.Kameny died at age 86 in 2011. Earlier Hall Of Honor inductees include Ted Kennedy, Bayard Rustin, Mary Harris "Mother" Jones, and the 9/11 Rescue Workers. Kameny's ceremony will take place on June 23rd and the Labor Department suggests the Twitter hashtag #ThankFrank. (Tipped by JMG reader Jeremy)
Kameny fought the injustice, eventually taking his case to the U.S. Supreme Court, which denied his petition in 1961. The setback led him to become a co-founder of the first gay rights organization in Washington, D.C., and began his tireless fight to force the nation's largest employer — the federal government — to end discrimination in its employment practices based on sexual orientation. "Frank Kameny was a groundbreaking leader in the LGBT civil rights movement. He fought tirelessly to live out his truth and to end workplace discrimination," said Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez. "At the Department of Labor we work every day to carry on his legacy and ensure that all workers, no matter who they are or who they love, have equal access to opportunity."
Labels: activism, American history, feds, Frank Kameny, Labor Department, LGBT History, LGBT rights, Obama administration
JMG Quote Of The Day - Daniel O'Donnell
Labels: Daniel O'Donnell, Democrats, gay politicians, Ireland, LGBT rights, marriage equality, New York state, NY Assembly
Via NYT: On Same-Sex Marriage, Catholics Are Leading the Way
Take
a look at this list of countries: Belgium, Canada, Spain, Argentina,
Portugal, Brazil, France, Uruguay, Luxembourg and Ireland. Name two
things that they have in common.
They don’t share a continent, obviously. Or a language.
But
in all of them, the Roman Catholic Church has more adherents, at least
nominally, than any other religious denomination does.
And all of them belong to the vanguard of 20 nations that have decided to make same-sex marriage legal.
In
fact, countries with a Catholic majority or plurality make up half of
those where two men or two women can now wed or will soon be able to.
Sri Prem Baba: Flor do Dia- Flor del Día- Flower of the day 27/05/2015
“Nascemos querendo receber amor exclusivo. Passamos a vida exigindo
esse amor em nossas relações. Mas isso não existe, então sofremos.
Apanhamos até perceber que tudo que buscamos está dentro de nós mesmos.
Então compreendemos que seremos amados somente quando esse amor estiver
fluindo abundantemente dos nossos próprios corações. Parece absurdo, mas
assim é.”
“Nacemos queriendo recibir amor exclusivo. Pasamos la vida exigiendo ese amor en nuestras relaciones. Pero esto no existe, entonces sufrimos. Sufrimos hasta percibir que todo lo que buscamos está dentro de nosotros. Entonces comprendemos que solamente seremos amados cuando ese amor esté fluyendo abundantemente desde nuestros propios corazones. Parece absurdo, pero así es.”
“Nacemos queriendo recibir amor exclusivo. Pasamos la vida exigiendo ese amor en nuestras relaciones. Pero esto no existe, entonces sufrimos. Sufrimos hasta percibir que todo lo que buscamos está dentro de nosotros. Entonces comprendemos que solamente seremos amados cuando ese amor esté fluyendo abundantemente desde nuestros propios corazones. Parece absurdo, pero así es.”
"When we are born, we want to receive exclusive love. We spend our
lives demanding this love from our relationships, but it does not exist,
so we suffer. We get caught up in this idea until we realize that
everything we are looking for is within us. Then we understand that we
will only be loved when love is flowing abundantly from our own hearts.
This seems absurd, but that’s how it works.”
Today's Daily Dharma: Caught Up in Thoughts.
Caught Up in Thoughts
The thoughts are not the problem. Thoughts are the nature of the mind. The problem is that we identify with them.
- Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo, "No Excuses"
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Sri Prem Baba: Flor do Dia- Flor del Día- Flower of the day 26/05/2015
“Às vezes é necessário realizar a prática de uma austeridade
inteligente, que é quando fazemos um esforço, um exercício, para
redirecionar os vetores da nossa vontade. Tenho incentivado e sugerido
cada vez mais a prática do silêncio, porque ele é a fundação que
sustenta o templo da consciência.”
“A veces es necesario realizar la práctica de una austeridad inteligente, que es cuando hacemos un esfuerzo, un ejercicio, para redireccionar los vectores de nuestra voluntad. Vengo incentivado y sugiriendo cada vez más la práctica del silencio, porque éste es la base que sustenta el templo de la consciencia.”
“A veces es necesario realizar la práctica de una austeridad inteligente, que es cuando hacemos un esfuerzo, un ejercicio, para redireccionar los vectores de nuestra voluntad. Vengo incentivado y sugiriendo cada vez más la práctica del silencio, porque éste es la base que sustenta el templo de la consciencia.”
“Sometimes we need to practice an intelligent austerity, which means
putting our energy towards an activity that redirects our willpower.
More and more, I have been encouraging and suggesting the practice of
cultivating silence. Silence is the foundation on which the temple of
awareness rests.”
Today's Daily Dharma: Respect Between Sects.
Respect Between Sects
Whoever
honors his own sect and disparages another man’s, whether from blind
loyalty or with the intention of showing his own sect in a favorable
light, does his own sect the greatest possible harm. Concord is best,
with each hearing and respecting the other’s teachings.
- Ashoka, "Ashoka, Beloved of the Gods"
Via JMG: Greenland Approves Same-Sex Marriage
Google Translate has a bit of difficulty with Danish, but our resident
international expert, JMG reader Luis, advises us that Greenland's
Parliament has just voted unanimously
to adopt Danish laws legalizing same-sex marriage and gay adoption.
Greenland is an autonomous country within the kingdom of Denmark and is
not a member of the United Nations. More than three times the size of Texas, Greenland has a population of about 57,000.
Reposted from Joe Jervis
Vi JMG: TEXAS: Lawmaker Vows To Kill His Own Bill Rather Than Allow Anti-Gay "Defy SCOTUS" Marriage Amendment
From the Houston Chronicle:
Reposted from Joe Jervis
A Democratic state senator has dredged up anti-gay marriage legislation that advocates thought was dead this session, attaching the language to an uncontroversial county affairs bill under the noses of his fellow Democrats. While gay rights advocates decried the move, the bill's original sponsor in the House said he would never let his legislation pass with the anti-same-sex marriage language in-tact. "I'm the author of the bill. I will resolve the bill," said Rep. Garnet Coleman, D- Houston, a staunch gay marriage advocate.BOOM. (Tipped by JMG reader American Putz)
House Bill 2977, as Coleman originally filed it, was an uncontroversial county affairs placeholder bill, meant to act as a vehicle for lawmakers to ensure important local issues can be passed late in the session. As the bill was headed to the Senate committee for approval this week, however, Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr. attached a number of other bills to Coleman's legislation, including one that would seek to block a Supreme Court ruling in favor of gay marriage.
If the bill passes in the GOP-dominated Senate, which Coleman expects it to, it would need to return to the House, where the lower chamber's members would have to concur with the changes. Coleman said if he can't strip the anti-gay marriage off his legislation, then he would withdraw it completely. "If I can't get it off, then the bill goes to bill heaven," Coleman said. "I don't support that legislation or that language."
Labels: Cecil Bell, crackpots, Eddie Lucio, Garnet Coleman, LGBT rights, marriage equality, religion, SCOTUS, Texas
Monday, May 25, 2015
VIa JMG: IRELAND: Marriages By September
Via the Irish Times:
Reposted from Joe Jervis
Work will begin this week to give effect to the referendum decision to amend the Constitution with the first same-sex marriages likely to take place as early as September. Tánaiste Joan Burton said legislation would be brought before the Seanad and Dáil as early as possible, with the aim of getting it passed before the summer recess. “That would mean that we would be in a position to have same-sex marriage celebrations, civil ceremonies by, probably, September,” she told reporters at the Africa Day celebrations in the Phoenix Park. The Constitution will be formally amended in the coming days when President Michael D Higgins signs the Marriage Equality Bill into law, and a new sentence will be added to article 41 stating: “Marriage may be contracted in accordance with law by two persons without distinction as to their sex.” To give effect to the amendment, the Oireachtas will enact the Marriage Bill 2015, which will state in law the principle that being of the same sex is no longer an impediment to marriage. It will also make clear that religious solemnisers will not be obliged to solemnise the marriage of a same-sex couple, and that the same prohibited degrees of relationship will apply to same-sex marriages.RELATED: In the above map from Freedom To Marry, Finland is shaded red although their law doesn't go into effect until March 2017. Slovenia is shaded light green because although their legislature approved same-sex marriage in March 2015, their bill has not yet been signed into law due to a continuing battle to place the issue to a public referendum.
Via The Guardian: LGBT veterans to get their first federally approved monument
Via Deep South Daily: “I am the mother of a gay son and I’ve taken enough from you good people”
Read one of the most heartfelt letters a newspaper has ever published.
It seems that a century’s worth of progress has been made for gay rights since the dawn of the millennium fifteen years ago. Back then, not a single U.S. state had marriage equality. The term “marriage equality” was not even a part of the social zeitgeist. But today, marriage equality is the law of the land in all but a handful of states. It looks likely that the Supreme Court will soon rule on a right to marriage for all. And just yesterday, Ireland — traditionally a very conservative, Catholic country — became the first nation to pass (and overwhelmingly so) marriage equality by national referendum.Even more importantly than marriage, a social revolution has made being an LGBT person more socially accepted — at times even celebrated — than the kids of the year 2000 could’ve ever dreamed. Still, there are constant reminders of the work that remains to be done.
We still see the forces of discrimination and bigotry hard at work to stave off the tide of freedom and acceptance that LGBT people are now experiencing. Evangelicals rally around viciously anti-gay reality show stars — like the Robertson family of Duck Dynasty or the Duggars of 19 Kids and Counting. And that’s why it’s important to remember that, for all these gains, there is still work to be done.
In April 2000, a mother named Sharon Underwood from White River Junction, Vermont wrote one of the most heartfelt and pointed letters to the editor that the Valley News has probably ever received. In the letter, she expressed her righteous anger at the local do-gooders whose moralism had for years inflicted pain and torment on her young gay son. That letter is still prescient today. Even now, it tells the story of thousands of LGBT youth trapped in communities where they still aren’t welcome.
Sri Prem Baba: Flor do Dia- Flor del Día- Flower of the day 25/05/2015
“O mal atrai o mal. O mal em você sente atração pelo mal lá fora. Isso
ocorre porque a maldade precisa ser ativada para ser purificada e
transformada. E conforme a purificação vai acontecendo, você começa a
ver que tudo está absolutamente certo, mesmo quando está errado. Os
erros, na verdade, são oportunidades de aprendizado, cura e libertação.”
“El mal atrae el mal. El mal en ti siente atracción por el mal ahí afuera. Esto ocurre porque la maldad necesita ser activada para ser purificada y transformada. Y conforme la purificación va sucediendo, comienzas a ver que todo está absolutamente bien, hasta cuando está equivocado. Las equivocaciones, en verdad, son oportunidades de aprendizaje, cura y liberación.”
“El mal atrae el mal. El mal en ti siente atracción por el mal ahí afuera. Esto ocurre porque la maldad necesita ser activada para ser purificada y transformada. Y conforme la purificación va sucediendo, comienzas a ver que todo está absolutamente bien, hasta cuando está equivocado. Las equivocaciones, en verdad, son oportunidades de aprendizaje, cura y liberación.”
“Evil
attracts evil. The malevolence in us feels attracted to the malevolence
outside. Evil needs to be activated in order to be purified and
transformed. As this purification takes place, we start to see that
everything is absolutely right, even when it is ‘wrong.’ Mistakes are in
fact an opportunity for learning, healing, and liberation.”
Today's Daily Dharma: Undistorted Experience
Undistorted Experience
When
mindfulness is quick enough, the student will experience the moment of
consciousness itself. He will see one mind-moment arising and vanishing
in clear detail. This is to witness the truth of experience, undistorted
by delusion. It is a glimpse of ultimate reality.
- Cynthia Thatcher, "How Long Is a Moment" |
Sunday, May 24, 2015
Via Mindbodygreen.com: 8 Things Happy People Do Every Morning
For many of us, mornings begin in a rushed panic. We allow our alarm
clocks to buzz at least a dozen times before we decide we have to get
out of bed. We then rush around our homes half-awake trying to get ready
for our day. In a hurry, we stub our toe on the bedpost, forget to put
on deodorant, and don't pack a lunch because we simply do not have time.
It's no wonder that so many folks despise the thought of being awake before 9 am!
So it may not surprise you to know that happy individuals tend to actually enjoy their mornings. They appear to thrive on waking up with the sun and look forward to a new day or possibilities. These happy people have humble morning rituals that increase their own sense of well-being and give their day purpose.
Happy people tend to share many of the following morning habits:
1. They wake up with a sense of gratitude.
Practicing gratitude is associated with a sense of overall gladness. They start the day with love. This means that they're truly appreciative of their life and all of its little treasures. They practice small acts of gratitude in the morning by expressing thankfulness to their partner each morning before they rise from bed. They may also write about their gratefulness for five minutes each morning in a journal that they keep bedside.
2. They begin anew each and every morning.
They know that it's a brand-new day to start over and do something different. Yesterday may have been a complete failure for them, but today is a new day for success and adventure. Individuals who aren't ruined by one bad day are resilient creatures. Resiliency is a telltale sign of having purpose and happiness.
3. They take part in prayer, affirmation, or meditation.
Many of the happiest folks alive are spiritual. Prayer is a way of connecting and giving thanks for our creator. Meditation helps keep our mind focused, calms our nerves and supports inner peace.
Happy people even use affirmations to declare how their day will go. Steve Jobs' morning routine used to start by looking in the mirror and asking himself: "If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?" And Benjamin Franklin asked himself each morning, "What good shall I do today?"
4. They read.
Some happy people read a bit of scripture each morning, while others read inspiring stories to get their day started. Either way, they make it a ritual to read self-improvement literature to stretch and grow their insight and knowledge. It's starts their day off on a positive note with new ideas to guide their day's journey.
5. They keep things simple and don't rush out the door.
Complex morning routines are difficult to stick to and set us up for failure. Happy individuals' routines are simple for them because they prepared the night before. They picked out their work attire, prepared their lunch, set their coffee to brew — all the night before. A simple routine limits any multitasking that most people do in the morning to ensure that they make it to work on time. Multitasking may create stress and anxiety and steal your peace during your first waking hours.
6. They exercise.
Exercise boosts levels of health-promoting brain chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which may help buffer some of the effects of stress and also relieve some symptoms of depression. Exercise is a big enough priority that happy folks tend to do it first thing in the morning so that they don't have to try to make time later in the day for it. They recognize that willpower is strongest in the morning.
Morning exercise gets the blood flowing and gives them more energy throughout the day. One study published in the Journal of Health Psychology discovered that working out improved how people felt about their physical bodies — even if they didn't lose weight or gain any noticeable improvements in their physique.
7. They get some fresh air.
Morning walks are beneficial for all creatures. Walking is also proven to stimulate creativity in the brain, which isn't a bad way to start the day either.
If they have a dog, they walk it. Walking the dog a mile or two in the morning is a form of much needed exercise for humans and dogs alike. When happy individuals walk their dog outside, they breath in the crisp morning air, which promotes a sense of vitality.
8. They savor the beauty of their surroundings and practice being present in the moment.
Whether they go on a morning walk with their dog or sit in their favorite chair by the window, taking the time to appreciate their environment can be invigorating and gets folks excited about their day. Being present connects and grounds them to what is really important in the moment. There is a certain kind of wisdom that comes with being a witness to your own life.
How many of these habits do you perform each morning? Are there some that you would like to see on the list?
It's no wonder that so many folks despise the thought of being awake before 9 am!
So it may not surprise you to know that happy individuals tend to actually enjoy their mornings. They appear to thrive on waking up with the sun and look forward to a new day or possibilities. These happy people have humble morning rituals that increase their own sense of well-being and give their day purpose.
Happy people tend to share many of the following morning habits:
1. They wake up with a sense of gratitude.
Practicing gratitude is associated with a sense of overall gladness. They start the day with love. This means that they're truly appreciative of their life and all of its little treasures. They practice small acts of gratitude in the morning by expressing thankfulness to their partner each morning before they rise from bed. They may also write about their gratefulness for five minutes each morning in a journal that they keep bedside.
2. They begin anew each and every morning.
They know that it's a brand-new day to start over and do something different. Yesterday may have been a complete failure for them, but today is a new day for success and adventure. Individuals who aren't ruined by one bad day are resilient creatures. Resiliency is a telltale sign of having purpose and happiness.
3. They take part in prayer, affirmation, or meditation.
Many of the happiest folks alive are spiritual. Prayer is a way of connecting and giving thanks for our creator. Meditation helps keep our mind focused, calms our nerves and supports inner peace.
Happy people even use affirmations to declare how their day will go. Steve Jobs' morning routine used to start by looking in the mirror and asking himself: "If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?" And Benjamin Franklin asked himself each morning, "What good shall I do today?"
4. They read.
Some happy people read a bit of scripture each morning, while others read inspiring stories to get their day started. Either way, they make it a ritual to read self-improvement literature to stretch and grow their insight and knowledge. It's starts their day off on a positive note with new ideas to guide their day's journey.
5. They keep things simple and don't rush out the door.
Complex morning routines are difficult to stick to and set us up for failure. Happy individuals' routines are simple for them because they prepared the night before. They picked out their work attire, prepared their lunch, set their coffee to brew — all the night before. A simple routine limits any multitasking that most people do in the morning to ensure that they make it to work on time. Multitasking may create stress and anxiety and steal your peace during your first waking hours.
6. They exercise.
Exercise boosts levels of health-promoting brain chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which may help buffer some of the effects of stress and also relieve some symptoms of depression. Exercise is a big enough priority that happy folks tend to do it first thing in the morning so that they don't have to try to make time later in the day for it. They recognize that willpower is strongest in the morning.
Morning exercise gets the blood flowing and gives them more energy throughout the day. One study published in the Journal of Health Psychology discovered that working out improved how people felt about their physical bodies — even if they didn't lose weight or gain any noticeable improvements in their physique.
7. They get some fresh air.
Morning walks are beneficial for all creatures. Walking is also proven to stimulate creativity in the brain, which isn't a bad way to start the day either.
If they have a dog, they walk it. Walking the dog a mile or two in the morning is a form of much needed exercise for humans and dogs alike. When happy individuals walk their dog outside, they breath in the crisp morning air, which promotes a sense of vitality.
8. They savor the beauty of their surroundings and practice being present in the moment.
Whether they go on a morning walk with their dog or sit in their favorite chair by the window, taking the time to appreciate their environment can be invigorating and gets folks excited about their day. Being present connects and grounds them to what is really important in the moment. There is a certain kind of wisdom that comes with being a witness to your own life.
How many of these habits do you perform each morning? Are there some that you would like to see on the list?
JMG Editorial Of The Day
From the editorial board of the New York Times:
In a statement conceding defeat, the Iona Institute, the main opposition group, said it would continue to affirm “the importance of biological ties and of motherhood and fatherhood.” The absurdity of that statement speaks for itself. As soon as the referendum is ratified by Parliament, Ireland will join 19 nations that have legalized same-sex marriage — an honor roll that does not include the United States.
The Irish path to legalizing same-sex marriage was remarkable because advocates have long seen courts and legislative initiatives as easier paths to prevail on an issue that continues to trouble many people on moral and religious grounds. Lawmakers in the United Kingdom approved same-sex marriage in 2013. In the United States, the expanding recognition of marriage rights in 36 states and the District of Columbia has been achieved through lawsuits and legislatures. The Supreme Court is expected to rule next month on a case that could establish a constitutional right to same-sex marriage.
The outcome in Ireland sends an unmistakable signal to politicians and religious leaders around the world who continue to harbor intolerant views against gays and lesbians. It also should offer hope to sexual minorities in Russia, the Arab world and many African nations where intolerance and discriminatory laws remain widespread. The tide is shifting quickly. Even in unlikely places, love and justice will continue to prevail.
Today's Daily Dharma: A Good Look Around.
A Good Look Around
There's
a lovely freedom in momentarily stepping back into the privilege freely
taken by children, finding the gap in the cyclone wire fence and
sauntering along in that heightened state of casual alertness, just
having a good look around.
- Susan Murphy, "The Secret Life of the Street" |
|
|
|
Saturday, May 23, 2015
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)