Equality California is the largest statewide lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender-rights advocacy organization in California. In the past decade, EQCA has strategically moved California from a state with extremely limited legal protections for LGBT individuals to a state with some of the most comprehensive civil-rights protections in the nation. EQCA has passed over 60 pieces of legislation and continues to advance equality through legislative advocacy, public education and community involvement.

Each year EQCA honors the inspirational leaders and outstanding allied organizations whose selfless work helps create a better world for all people. The Equality Awards recognize the achievements of the organization, its sponsors, members, staff and volunteers, as well as the LGBT community.

This year EQCA  awards could not be more appropriate given the state of marriage equality in California.  California Supreme Court Justice Carlos R. Moreno, the court’s sole dissenting voice against last year’s Proposition 8 Campaign, will be honored with the prestigious EQUALITY & JUSTICE AWARD.  I am sure that hearing this most esteemed jurist is a treat one ought not miss.

When he was sworn in as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of California in 2001, Justice Carlos Moreno chose to relinquish his lifetime seat on the U.S. District Court where he had presided over a broad range of complex civil and criminal matters since his appointment in 1998 by President Bill Clinton. On the state’s highest court, he has the opportunity to “really address critical cutting-edge issues involving social policy,” and his service allows him to contribute to “decisions about what direction the law is going to take.”  Proposition 8 proves the point.  

In his dissent, Justice Moreno referred to California’s equal protection clause, which protects fundamental rights of minorities from the will of the majority, as the main principle of the constitution. “Proposition 8’s withdrawal of any of those rights from gays and lesbians cannot be accomplished through constitutional amendment,” he wrote.

Proposition 8, he argued, demonstrated an “unprecedented instance of a majority of voters altering the meaning of the equal protection cause.” Moreno also cited the Iowa Supreme Court’s April argument for allowing same-sex marriage and said today’s majority ruling “weakens the status of our state constitution.”

Sam & Julia Thoron will be honored with the PHYLLIS LYON & DEL MARTIN MARRIAGE EQUALITY AWARD, recognizing their  tremendous contributions to the fight for marriage equality and especially the battle to defeat Proposition 8.  “For those who have not had the chance to meet the Thorons in person, “says PFLAG Executive Director Jody M. Huckaby, “  and experience the passion that they have for securing the right to marry for everyone need not look much further “ as the awards will provide this special opportunity.  Together, they have provided years of leadership to PFLAG, with Sam a Past board president,  on both a local and national level, and it is rare to meet a PFLAG’er who has come in contact with them who cannot speak of how the Thorons touched their lives.

 If you are in the San Francisco area, you can still get tickets to the EQCA event to hear from the Thorons themselves, so check out EQCA website today.  

San Francisco  CITY HALL  1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco. Attire is formal and age minimum is 21 years.  Saturday Feb 13, 2010, 6.00 PM.   Tickets are still available. 
EQCA – Contact information
2370 Market St. 2nd Floor,  San Francisco, CA 94114 -
ph: 415.581.0005 

Melanie Nathan

Melanie Nathan,  nathan@privatecourts.com
who has provided testimony at the invitation of
EQCA for a CA State Resolution
in support of UAFA, will be covering the event for
Lezgetreal  and will provide a detailed report.

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By Melanie Nathan, san Francisco, February 3, 2010, –  The National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change, organized by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, started today, with events planned through Sunday at Sheraton Dallas Hotel.  

This conference is starting on his very day when I broke this story “Shocking Reality” - many of my readers called Senator Schumer’s office only to be shunned off with comments such as “Oh yes, Melanie Nathan’s article is just an opinion piece… and said that Senator Schumer is a sponsor of UAFA anyway…. “ 

Well, well as if we did not know that and if  so why not then include us? Is that a message that we should pursue UAFA as a stand alone only?   We will be looking for answers…     That said, my source was informed of this directly by the Senator himself. 

I am hoping that when the conference attendees get together and realize that the entire movement is screwed by lack of cohesive planning,  and piecemeal legislation, our brothers and sisters will, ‘carpe diem’ and all come to a simple conclusion – 2 words “OMNIBUS BILL.”   Amend the Civil Rights Act to include all Americans.   This rediculous state of affairs with a Senator sponsoring a bill and then possibly thwarting its progress through an alternate venue, is illustrative of my point…. piecemeal be damned – we want our CIVIL RIGHTS and now.  “The Color of my skin Senator, is GAY!!!”

The Creating Change conference at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel downtown will feature Army National Guard Lt. Dan Choi, a West Point graduate and Iraq war veteran who faced discharge after announcing on television that he is gay.  They seem to be focusing a lot of attention on DADT because Lt. Dan Choi will be speaking.  This is great and hopefully more Americans will be reached through further visibility. ( I am not sure how much more visible Dan can get in our community.)

Also on the agenda this week: gay marriage, which will probably be top of mind among conference attendees. In California, a trial is under way seeking to overturn that state’s voter-approved measure that bans same-sex marriage – a case that could make its way to the Supreme Court.   

Other sessions will feature workplace equality, HIV in older adults and creating safer environments for gay youth.  They will also explore aging issues among gays and lesbians and homophobia in nursing homes and extended-care facilities, according to the spokesperson Sue Hyde.  Great! But…. 

I researched interviews and comments with Task Force’ the organizers - noting some basic information in  articles in Dallas Press, including  The Dallas Morning News  and then also the Task force Press Release about the Conference  which I quote below:

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 — National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Executive Director Rea Carey will present the annual State of the Movement address at the National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change, in which she will present a vision for the year ahead in the struggle for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality. 

Just a week after President Obama delivered his State of the Union address, 2,000 LGBT activists will converge in Dallas, Texas, for the 22nd National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change, Feb. 3-7. Activists will strategize on how to advance LGBT equality and acquire the skills needed to build the political power of the LGBT community in 2010 and beyond. 

“This is a critical and exciting time in our struggle for LGBT equality,” says Carey. “Having 2,000 LGBT rights supporters come together to plan and strategize is an unparalleled opportunity to create change.”

 The State of the Movement address is an opportunity to take stock of the past year and lay out a plan to move forward in the year ahead. It is one of the most anticipated events of the Creating Change conference. Carey will address critical legislative issues specifically affecting the LGBT community, including passing an inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act and the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Other broader areas of focus will include the need for access to quality/affordable health care and racial and economic justice-related issues. Carey’s State of the Movement address will take place on Friday, Feb. 5, at 1:45 p.m. (CST) in the Dallas Ballroom of the Sheraton Dallas Hotel in downtown Dallas, Texas.  

I was unable to find any publicity that specifically referred to the three most important things our community could possibly address right now, especially given the fact the Conference, according to its Executive Director (above),  will be an unaparalleled opportunity to strategize.    I am hoping these issues are in the State of the Movement Address – and if not that those at the Conference make the most of the opprtunity for transparent, reflective, remedial and productive co-ordination of efforts.  Its not a race to the finish line, my friends, its an opportunity for a hole in one!  

The Course…  

1. Piecemeal Legislation is working against us; our limited resources are too wide spread, affecting zero result;  

2. The need for a comprehensive and cohesive plan where we work to accomplish the repeal of DOMA – the inclusion of Sexual orientation in the Civil Rights Act;  

3. Immigration Reform for Gays and Lesbian spouses/ DP’s etc.  

My contribution to the Conference is breaking of the news about Senator Schumer’s Bill – that gay and lesbian immigration reform will be excluded from the Bill, just as it was by Guiterrez in the House Bill for comprehensive immigration reform.  My suspicion is that this fact may have been well known to some, yet not revealed.   The imprtance of this revelation is a call out to the entire LGBTQI community and America that this is unfathomable.  I dont give a continental brick about long term strategies, I want my inequality recognized for exactly what it is and NOW!!  So the 2,000 of you there in Dallas – pick up your courage and go for the BIG one!!

 Maybe my preceding , SHOCKING REALITY- article could help change Schumer’s stance – even though Senator Schumer’s staffers are informing callers that my article is merely an opinion piece.  I can tell you that it was the Senator himself who told my source that this was his plan.  

Wake up you guys at the conference – forget the bits and pieces and talk about CIVIL RIGHTS for us…..   Once same is accomplished everything else that smacks of LGBT discrimination will fall into place – because the law will then require, via one bill, that we be treated equally.  

How much louder can I yell..” THE   COLOR  OF   MY   SKIN   IS   GAY!”

Conference details : What: The National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change  When: Today through Sunday at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel Highlights: Speakers include Thomas A. Saenz, president and general counsel, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund; and Rea Carey, executive director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. Kai Wright, a writer and editor, will moderate a panel of youths.  Cost: Full conference rate $350; daily rate $75

 

 Posted by Melanie Nathan,  

 nathan@privatecourts.com
www.oblogdeeoblogda.wordpress.com  
 www.privatecourts.com 

 @oblogdeeoblogda – I Twitter too! 

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 by Melanie Nathan:-  Annual gala to be held on Saturday, May 1 at Metreon Cityview in San Francisco

(San Francisco, California, February 2, 2010) — Vicki Randle, lead singer and percussionist of the acclaimed Tonight Show Band, will be honored at the 33^rd Anniversary Celebration for the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) on Saturday, May 1, 2010, at Metreon Cityview. NCLR is the nation’s premier national legal organization committed to advancing the civil and human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people and their families through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education. NCLR will also honor Will Phillips, the ten-year-old fifth grader from Arkansas who gained international attention for his refusal to say the United States Pledge of Allegiance at West Fork Elementary School because of its false promise of “liberty and justice for all.”

 “While this past year has been a rollercoaster of victories and setbacks, we are more committed than ever to our core mission of advancing the civil and human rights of LGBT people and their families,” said NCLR Executive Director Kate Kendell. “We are especially thrilled to have young Will Phillips, whose conviction to hold true to his values and principles has inspired all of us and given us an overdue renewed sense of faith during these difficult times. The example he has shown—incredible patience and perseverance in the face of threats and ridicule—provides all of us who are dedicated to making a difference with an extraordinary model to follow.”

 In addition to celebrating the achievements of the past year, NCLR will honor Randle and Phillips for their commitment to advancing the rights of the LGBT community.

 Randle, a vocalist, percussionist, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter, will receive the Voice and Visibility Award, which recognizes an individual who has helped to give voice and visibility to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. Randle has worked openly as a lesbian in the music and television industry for more than 20 years. For the past 14 years, she has been the lead singer and percussionist of the acclaimed Tonight Show Band led by Kevin Eubanks, playing the diverse and eclectic mix of styles that makes the band so unique. Her musical career began as a singer and acoustic guitarist, and she divided her early career between political causes such as anti-war, gay and women’s rights rallies of the 70’s and 80’s and showcase clubs around Southern California, notably the Ice House and the Bla Bla Cafe. Celebrated singer-songwriter and pioneer of women’s music Cris Williamson will present the Voice and Visibility Award.

 Arkansas fifth-grader Will Phillips captivated the nation when he innocently stated his support for LGBT equality. During an interview with CNN, he explained, “I’ve grown up with a lot of people and I’m good friends with a lot of people who are gay and I think they should have the rights all people should, and I’m not going to swear that they do.” To recognize his courage and support, NCLR will honor Phillips with the Fierce Ally Award, presented by Judy Shepard, activist and founder of the Matthew Shepard Foundation.

 The 33^rd Anniversary Celebration is NCLR’s annual signature event that draws a sell-out crowd of 1,700 lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their supporters. Festivities begin at 8 p.m., with the ever-witty Kate Clinton returning by command performance as emcee.

 Presenting Sponsor of the Anniversary Celebration is Wells Fargo. Gold Sponsors are AAA and American Airlines: Rainbow.

 For more information on NCLR’s 33^rd Anniversary Celebration, visit http://www.nclrights.org/2010ann.

 Posted by Melanie Nathan, nathan@privatecourts.com

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2/1/10- by Paula Brooks

Album of the Year
Taylor Swift, Fearless
Best Female Pop Vocal Performance
Beyonce, Halo
Best Male Pop Vocal Performance
Jason Mraz, Make It Mine
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration
Jay Z, Rihanna, Kanye West, Run This Town
Best Rock Album
Green Day, 21st Century Breakdown
Record of the Year
Kings of Leon, Use Somebody
Best New Artist
Zac Brown Band
Song Of The Year
Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It), Beyonce
Best Pop Vocal Album
The E.N.D., The Black Eyed Peas
Best Rock Song
Use Somebody, Kings of Leon
Best Dance Recording
Poker Face, Lady Gaga
Best Electronic Dance album
The Fame, Lady Gaga
Best Remixed Recording
When Love Takes Over, DJ David Guetta

Best Reggae Album DID NOT go to accused drug dealer and gay basher extraordinaire Buju Banton… That Grammy went to Stephen Marley for Mind Control.

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Melanie Nathan, San Francisco, CA, January 26, 2010 ,  - Celebrity stand-up comedian & media personality, Rosie O’Donnell is making her highly anticipated return to stand-up comedy at the much talked about Club Skirts Presents The Dinah® on Friday, April 2 at the Palm Springs Convention Center – the sunny Oasis’ largest concert venue. 

The Dinah and Rosie

“I am beyond thrilled to have Rosie O’Donnell join our stellar entertainment line-up on our 20^th Anniversary,” says Mariah Hanson, founder of Club Skirts Presents The Dinah®, “my customers love Rosie. She’s a role model, a beacon of hope, and a voice of truth.  And at The Dinah, once again, she’ll do what we have missed from her for years: stand up. And no one, and I mean no one, does it better than Rosie!”

While O’Donnell’s stand-up career went on hiatus in 1995, the comedian has since then remained in the spotlight with a slew of highly mediatized projects – from hosting her own syndicated talk show “The Rosie O’Donnell Show”, gracing the Broadway stage in “Grease”, co-hosting the daytime women-oriented talk show “The View”, to now emceeing her own on-air daily two-hour show “Rosie Radio” on Sirius XM Radio.

“This year we are presenting some great party with a cause themes. Rosie headlining our main comedy show is a perfect fit. Not only is she hilariously funny, but she has long been a fervent advocate for not only our own LGBT causes but for children via her ‘Rosie’s Broadway Kids’ and ‘For All Kids’ charity Foundations, and her current philanthropist endeavors to foster Haitian orphans. Her presence at our event is the perfect fit.  Rosie is yet another proven example that it’s possible to have the time of your life at The Dinah, and at the same time make a difference,” adds Hanson.

O’Donnell’s Dinah show will officially mark her long-awaited, and overdue, return to stand-up – a debut which O’Donnell distinctively wanted to offer as an exclusive to Mariah Hanson and Club Skirts Presents The Dinah®.

Commemorating its landmark 20^th Anniversary, The Dinah 2010 will take place March 31 through April 4, 2010 at The Hilton Hotel, The Hyatt Regency and the Palm Springs Convention Center. Despite the current economic climate, ticket sales are up from last year and the Hilton Hotel sold out in record time over the holidays. The newly renovated high-end Hyatt Regency is almost at capacity.

“Leisure diversion becomes a necessity for many who will seek relief of some sort,” explains Hanson,  “especially when it delivers the caliber of entertainment The Dinah has continuously been providing for many years combined with the top of the line selection of social entertainment venues and the financial incentive of all-inclusive package deals.”
 Speaking of The Dinah’s legendary fun-filled weekend of out-of-this-world entertainment, Hanson is premiering many other groundbreaking activities.

A special “No H8″ Sunday Pool Party hosted by award-winning fashion photographer Adam Bouska and Jeff Parshley, co-founders of the iconic N0 H8 campaign, will take place at The Hilton Hotel on Sunday, April 4^th. As a continuous effort to protest against Proposition 8 banning gay marriages, Dinah participants will have a chance to get their faces painted with the symbolic NoH8 black and red logo, have their picture taken and be part of a Dinah group shot that will be added to the ongoing campaign.  Continuing her activist efforts to raise awareness among the LGBT community about marriage and equality rights, Hanson, who sits on the Board of Equality California, is certainly producing THE ultimate Dinah – the party of a lifetime, but nevertheless a party with a cause.   To that end, a unique celebrity fashion show sponsored by “No H8” Campaign will be hosted during the White Diamond Party on Friday, April 2 following Ke$ha’s performance with parts of the proceeds going to Equality California. 

For the first ever since her coming out, “Family Ties” actress Meredith Baxter will make a public appearance joining the prestigious panel of celesbians and entertainment luminaries that will grace the catwalk in support of the LGBT community’s fight for equality.

 “It was important for me to invite Meredith Baxter to participate in this fashion show,” comments Hanson, “it was very courageous of her to come out the way she did and to right off the bat publicly take such an activist stand for same-sex marriage. I have nothing but admiration for her and was thrilled when she said yes.”
 Also new this year is the creative and original battle of the webisodes hosted by OML, and a never-been-done-before astonishing circus in and beer garden.

… a  jillion things and bundles of fun that will make you go: The Dinah…I wanna!

  Melanie Nathan Reporting: January 25 , 2010 – by Melanie Nathan. The people in Uganda to cntact and target is the UEPB, a public trade promotion organization which operates under the Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Industry in Uganda was established by Parliamentary Statute. The Board  consists of the very politicians who will be deciding that being gay or lesbian in Uganda is a crime; which will carry a 20 year sentence.  UEPB has a 12-member Board of Directors half of who including the Chairman are from the private sector. The Board is constituted as follows: - 
 
Picture : Hon. Henry Bagiire, the State Minister for Agriculture

a)Chairman-Private Sector
b) one representative of Uganda Manufacturers Association-Private Sector
c) one representative from Uganda National Chamber of Commerce-Private Sector
d) one representative of Uganda National Farmers’ Association- Private Sector
e/f) two representatives of Exporters Associations- Private Sector
g) one representative of Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Industry- Public Sector
h) one representative of Ministry of Finance.- Public Sector
i) one representative of Ministry of Foreign Affairs- Public Sector
j) one representative of Ministry of Agriculture- Public Sector
e) one representative of Uganda Investment Authority- Public Sector
f) the Executive Director, Uganda Export Promotion Board – Public Sector

UEPB carries out its mandate “to facilitate the development, diversification, promotion and co-ordination of all export related activities that lead to export growth on a sustainable basis, ” be sure to inform Ugandans  that we will isolate them from the rest of the World if they fail to completely withdraw the Gay Kill Bill. You can see  their government is intricately connected to their trade, and so we must hit where it counts.

    UEPB: Exporters First Stop Center

“While Arabica was introduced at the beginning of the 1900’s, Robusta coffee is indigenous to the country, and has been a part of Ugandan life for centuries. The variety of wild Robustacoffee still growing today in Uganda’s rain forests are thought to be some of the rarest examples of naturally occurring coffee trees anywhere in the world. The coffee trees are inter cropped with traditional food crops and grown in the shade of banana trees and other shade trees. In these self-sustaining conditions, coffee is left to grow naturally, flowering on average twice a year.

Uganda has the unfortunate circumstance of being landlocked, and needing good relations with its neighbors to move its coffee crop to a port city. Transportation bottlenecks can result in containers of full of steaming coffee beans stuck on the back of a truck or a dock somewhere …not good for quality! But in recent years the problems of unstable East African politics and weak infrastructure seem to be improving, judging from the excellent quality coffee coming from the Northern Bugisu region along the Kenya border. Good marks are the Mbale Bugisu Coffee Factory and the Budadiri Coffee Factory -names of the mills where the coffee are prepared. Good Ugandan coffees are both unique among East African coffees and of intense character. Germany has been a strong buyer of Ugandas arabica crop but two years ago the outrageous Java prices resulted in numerous containers appearing in the US as a Java substitute.

Coffees from politically unstable regions, especially East Africa and the 10-year civil war in Uganda, bring up ethical issues. But the plain fact is this: coffee is a cash crop. It is grown by 300,000 small-holder farmers in Uganda. It is 95% of the Ugandan exports and 2,800,000 people rely on it for a living! Most production is Robusta, and the prices they get are low. Arabica farming is more work, but the rewards are greater! Quality in coffee is a way to break pay farmers better. Here you have the opportunity to buy the best of Ugandan coffee… “

 Dear Ugandan Exporter ,  

We treat all Ugandans as one!  Until you work as a community to rid yourselves of the pre-genocide attacks on the LGBT community in your country of 32 Million people, we plan to boycott your trade. we will not do any of the following: 

Attend your buyer seller meets   regardless of where; attend in-bound and out-bound trade missions; participate in contact promotion programmes; support you in participation of Ugandan exporters in relevant local, regional and international trade fairs and exhibitions; utilize your expert industry counselling;  and forget those presentations at international export promotion workshops, seminars and conferences cause we wont be there! and most of all WE WILL NOT BUY YOUR COFFEE -

We at Lezgetreal support the gays and homosexuals and lesbians in Uganda; it is not a crime to be a homosexual or lesbian in our world, but we are not welcome to yours.  (LGBTQI) Your attempts to criminalize homosexualitydefies all understanding, as it is clear that it emanates from nowhere other than biblical teaching of the likes of sickos like Scott Livelly, et al.  If you choose to be a Church State, then make that announcement openly and give people who do not believe in what your State stands for, an opportunity to leave Uganda, before you criminalize them. 

That said, without much ado, we will not tolerate this kind of persecution from any country.  We are going to boycott your country.  You economy has grown and you are improving your poverty. I hope you do not choose to force your Country into poverty yet again.  You must get rid of the hate Gay Bill.  Completely.  Regardless we are starting the boycotts immediately. 

If you enact this law, then many people from foreign countries dare not come to Ugandan, for example what if a political trade envoy is gay?   If he comes to your land, he is a criminal.  Why would any corporation want to support your country.  You are asking to be kicked out of the World economy and we are ready to oblige. So here goes America…. Write to the following Companies and tell them what we plan to do. This will go viral and millions of people will see this as well as the US Congress.

In Solidarity,

So  my dear queer community lets start the ball rolling. The Ugandan people need letters from you – here is a start – be polite please do not put yourself in a bad light and tell them why its not okay to criminalize gays. Tell then your story and about your life.  Lets see if with a nice letter and a big fat boycott if we can change the hearts and minds of Ugandans . remember they have been told we are the devil.

Also another Article written by Melanie Nathan on the impending http://lezgetreal.com/?p=25370  Million Person March In Uganda scheduled for Feb 17th, 2010;

1 . Kawacom (U) Ltd
    m284 Ntinda
    P. O. Box 22623 Kampala, Uganda
    Tel: + 256 31 260201
    Email: rlugone@ecomtrading.com

2  Olam Uganda Ltd
    7/9/ Mapera Rd Nalukolongo, Kampala
    P.O. Box 23436 Kampala, Uganda
    Tel: + 256 41 271440/271418
    Email: niraj@olamnet.com

3. Ibero (U) Ltd
    44/50 7th Street, Kampala
    P.O. Box 23139 Kampala, Uganda
    Tel: +256 41 342621/31 261464
    Email: traffic@ibero.co.ug

4. Kyagalanyi Coffee Ltd
    1/2/3 5th Street, Kampala
    P.O.Box 3181 Kampala, Uganda
    Tel: + 256 41 344021/251447
    Email: kcl@kyagalanyi.com  

5. Mbale Importers and Exporters Ltd
    27/29 Pamba Rd, Mbale
    P.O Box 264 Mbale, Uganda
    Tel: +256 75 725400
    Email: mbaleimpex@utlonline.co.ug  

6. Pan Afric Impex (U) Ltd
    62 Bombo Rd, Kawempe, Kampala
    P. O. Box 7257 Kampala
    Tel:  + 256 41 567847
    Email: panafricimpex@utlonline.co.ug  

7. Kamapala Domestic store Ltd
    9 3rd Street, Kampala
    P.O. Box 30532 Kampala, Uganda
    Tel: +256 41 235597
    Email: kds@infocom.co.ug

8. Great Lakes Coffee Company Ltd
    M289 Ntinda, Kampala
    P.O.Box 27198 Kampala, Uganda
    Tel: +256 41 286961
    Email: glc@imul.com

9. Ugacof Ltd
    246 Bweyogerere, Kampala  
    P.O Box 7355 Kampala, Uganda
    Tel: + 256 41 286290/286288
    Email: fbe@ugacof.com

10. Sitanida Agencies Ltd
      14 william street, Kirumira Towers, Kampala
       P.O. Box 27544 Kampala, Uganda
       Tel: + 256 41 255913  
        Email: sitanida@africaonline.co.ug  

11.Wabulungu Mult-purpose Estates
    508 Bombo Rd, Kawempe, Kampala
    P.O. Box 27544 Kampala, Uganda
    Tel: +256 41 254485

12. MTL Main Traders Ltd
      46 Palisa Rd, Mbale
      P.O. Box 6217 Mbale
      Tel: +256 45 36377/41 256426
      Emal: lawrence.mwaka@mtluganda.com

13. Job Coffee Ltd
     103 3rd Street, Kampala
      P.O. Box 4152 Kampala Uganda
      Tel: + 256 41 255914
      Email: jobcoffee@infocom.co.ug

14. Union Export Services Ltd
      103 3rd Street Kampala
      P.O. Box 7455 Kampala, Uganda
      Tel: + 256 41 258778
      Email: unex@starcom.co.ug

15. Bakwanye Trading Co. Ltd
      13/15 3rd Street, Kasese
      P.O. Box 240 Kasese, Uganda
      Tel: 256 483 44068/44007
        Email: cobwa@yahoo.com

16. Gumutindo Coffee Coop Enterprise Ltd
      46 Palisa Rd, Mbale
      P.O. Box 283 Mbale, Uganda
     Tel: +256 45 34415/772 927942
     Email: mutindo@Infocom.co.ug

17. Simba Cafe East African Ltd
      M466 Ntinda, Kampala
      P.O. Box 26926 Kampala, Uganda
      Tel: +41 285866
      Email: branton@wananchi.com

18. Lakeland Holdings Ltd
      9 3rd Street, Kamapala
      P.O. Box 29129 Kamapala, Uganda
      Tel: 256 41 345120
      Email: lakelandholdingsltd@yahoo.com

By Melanie Nathan, custody2008@gmail.com

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By – Melanie Nathan – UGANDA – 24 January, 2010: Is Uganda the New “Old South Africa?” Anti-gay Pastor Martin Ssempa will be spearheading a million-man march on 17 February, in support of the proposed Anti Homosexuality Bill, an event he says will give Ugandans a chance to show how they feel about homosexuality. Edward Ssekandi, Uganda’s parliamentary speaker reportedly stated that there is no way Ugandans can be intimidated by remarks from the Ugandan President to go slow on this KILL GAY BILL bill.

Uganda’s National Pastors Task Force Against Homosexuality*, chaired by Ssempa has resolved to support the Bill with amendments that include reduction of the sentence from death penalty to 20 years for aggravated homosexuality and the inclusion of a provision of “counseling and rehabilitation [by the church] to persons experiencing homosexual temptations.”

Ssempa maintains that homosexuality is illegal, breaks the laws of God and that it breaks the laws of nature which stipulate that a male goes with a female. According to him it is a Taboo for same-sex people to be in relationship and he basis his assertion on African culture, tradition and Religion.

When I worked as an attorney in Africa, I often came across the conflict between customary vs. civil Law. What I find interesting is the presumption that the tribal and law of God, are fused when it comes to homosexuality. So the rationale is to make the civil law impose the tribal and Law of God. Fascinating; that means that the Gay KILL Bill that Uganda is seeking to enact fails in the global sense, because it pertains to a belief system of a particular tribal existence.

This, in my opinion provides legitimate reason to remove Uganda from its global citizenry, and to isolate it to its own world of tribalism. To function in the internationally today and to expect trade with World and other International privileges, such as Ambassadors, diplomatic relations etc. the Country must at the very least comply with the most succinct aspects of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Mr. Pillay has already urged Uganda to withdraw the Bill in question, that seeks to make criminals of LGBTQI people in Uganda.

This is a far reaching legislation. What if my US government or a US corporation asked me, a lesbian, to go to Uganda for a conference or on a trade mission? Does that mean all foreign countries will have to screen who it can and cannot send to Uganda. If a member of the US Congress is openly Gay and meets with a Ugandan President or Diplomat- is the Ugandan talking to a common criminal?

Is the crime they are intending an act, an omission or a lifestyle. He you are short one arm, so you are committing a crime. What next?

That said, I believe the World needs to take a much stronger stand, perhaps to coincide with the March. This is what in my foreign affair naivety.

I suggest:

1. All African Countries Take a role in condemning the Bill

2. The WAC pass a resolution condemning

3. The UN pass a resolution condemning the Bil

4. The USA and other Western Countries open their embassies to provide shelter for all LGBT people on or before the 17^th of February with an option for Political asylum.

5. The USA and other Western Countries cease all trade with Uganda until it discards the Legislation and alters this course. This would have to include reparative education for the people of Uganda. Embargos and Sanctions.

6. The South African Government takes a leading role in urging Uganda to discard the Bill.

7. The South African President Zuma, immediately withdraws Jon Qwelane from as an ambassador for Uganda. (mmm- Zuma sending an openly Gay Ambassador.)

On the 17th of February, all the LGBT communities around the World must come out onto the streets in Rallies to be counted, to show Uganda that in the rest of the World we are out and open, albeit difficult in some instances and although we do not have equality we are not criminals. We need large numbers to show that their 1 million means absolutely nothing to the World at large. We will isolate them and help all the gays get out of that country. We will never help Uganda again when the next Idi rears his ugly head.

Prepare America for the 17^th Of February 2010. We also are telling Zuma that unless he withdraws his ambassador, threatens sanctions and takes an influential role in the demose of this hate legislation, we the WORLD shall boycott the 2010 World Cup Soccer.

*The taskforce represents The National Fellowship of Born again Churches, The Seventh Adventists Church, The Uganda Joint Christian Council which also represents the Orthodox Church in Uganda and The Roman Catholic Church in Uganda.

By melanie nathan; Picture Nitikwana Original,
Private Collection; Melanie Nathan
binationals@privatecourts.com
www.oblogdeeoblogda.wordpress.com

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CLUB SKIRTS PRESENTS THE DINAH® CELEBRATES ITS 20TH MILESTONE ANNIVERSARY  WITH A MUSIC LEGEND: SALT-N-PEPA Headlining Saturday Night’s “Hollywood Party” At the Palm Springs Convention Center .
by Melanie Nathan,  : -  

Palm Springs, CA - Mariah Hanson, founder of Club Skirts Presents The Dinah®, has just announced another HUGE headliner for the 2010 highly anticipated Dinah weekend held March 31 through April 4 (www.TheDinah)  in the sunny Oasis.  Joining the stellar line-up is the legendary Grammy Award-winning American hip-hop trio Salt-N-Pepa who will rock the house during Saturday night’s “Hollywood Party” at the Palm Springs Convention Center. 

As the first all female rap crew, Salt-N-Pepa historically changed the face of the music scene. The groundbreaking cult band has broken many records in the music industry and is, to this day, credited as being one of the first rap artists to cross over into pop mainstream, laying the groundwork for a number of other female artists in the likes of TLC, Destiny’s Child and Beyonce. 
Selling over 15 million albums and singles worldwide, Salt-N-Pepa became the first female rap Grammy winners; the first female rap act to go gold or platinum; and the first female rap act to have a multi-platinum album.

“Much like The Dinah has over the years changed the face of lesbian event production, Salt-N-Pepa have changed the face of women in music. We herald them as the perfect headliner for our signature event,” says Hanson.   

Blending the old with the new, Hanson is commemorating The Dinah’s milestone 20th Anniversary by delivering a never-been-seen before star-studded entertainment program – a sure crowd-pleaser and show stopper event! 

After all who else but Hanson can bring together on the same stage, under one roof for one weekend ONLY, the hottest, sexiest and most talented music divas of yesterday and today – from Ke$ha, the current # 1 Billboard charting artist in the country (who stole Lady Gaga’s “most downloaded song on iTunes” record), Paradiso Girls, Lolene to music legend Salt-N-Pepa? 

This year club Skirts Presents The Dinah® is not just breaking grounds, it is making history!   www.TheDinah.com

Note:       K$sha was announced as anothe scoop  Headliner at http://lezgetreal.com/?p=24549 some weeks ago and now this adds to the extraordinary line-up for the weekedn long series of lesbian entertainment and  events.
Pictures Courtesy The Dinah/ 1. Salt-N-Pepa and 2. Mariah Hanson on stage with Katy Perry at The Dinah.

By Melanie Nathan, nathan@privatecourts.com
www.oblogdeeoblogda.wordpress.com

@oblogdeeoblogda

We shall overcome some day…

By  Melanie Nathan 1/10/10 :  A much anticipated day is about to dawn, Monday, January 11^th, as the contentious trial,  Perry v. Schwarzenegger will commence.  From inception of the idea,  this smacks of all that a Hollywood movie is made of,  starting with the birth of the idea, to the unlikely right/left team of  Olson and Boies. As Attorneys for Plaintiff s they will be arguing that marriage—and, by extension, the right to marry the person you choose—is a fundamental right. The hope is that precedent will serve to knock down Proposition 8 and Californians will have their right to get married in California, restored.   Two interesting and in depth articles can be found in the New Yorker and Newsweek, heralding the importance of this chapter in LBGT history. 

The  federal trial challenging Prop 8, is scheduled to begin on Monday January 11, 2010 at 8:30am in Courtroom 6 on the 17th floor of the Phillip Burton Federal Building at 450 Golden Gate Ave. in SF.  There will be very limited seating available in the courtroom and an overflow room on the 19th floor broadcasting the proceedings live. It is likely that the court will upload the trial daily to You Tube – Marriage Equality has assured supporters that they will do their best “to keep everyone in the loop.”

My sense of synchronicity tells me that we may be on to some equality here,- but then is that not what the courts are for?  Justice and the establishment of precedent, setting law.   This case has been touted as a possible Brown v. Board of Education for this Century.  Although initially, our LGBT organizations and community were somewhat concerned by what seemed a premature strategy, it seems that not only is everyone on board, but lending vigorous support.  What I find powerful is the fact that maybe for once the scales are indeed balanced -  in a sense – as the Plaintiff’s Team, at least,  have both right and left  in harmony.

The City of San Francisco has taken the lead in marriage equality, in an unrelenting committment for its residents and remains a vital ally with thanks to the original initiatives of Mayor Newsom and the leadership in the City attorney’s office by   Dennis Herrera who was sworn into office as City Attorney for a third term this past week. This office represents the only external amicus allowed by Judge Vaughn Walker in the Trial.  At the swearing-in ceremon, attended  by city employees, friends  and a ‘whose who’ of dignitaries, any mention of equality received standing ovations and rousing applause.

 This is a critical case and the concern was always that should we lose in the Court, the ripple effect could be damning.  The other concern has been that due to recent State losses on the issue, there is an indication that the popular sentiment is still anti-gay marriage. When this case ladders to higher Courts, the negative populace may impact the Courts’ decisions by swaying against same-sex marriage.  The contention is that the Supreme Court tends to follow what is popular. 

However, I draw one significant difference.  In this case, I believe we ought to credit our Justices with the ability to distinguish fundemental rights from the popular opinion, which in effect crosses over into the very crux os this case.  Imagine the double face slap of a populace idea impacting the Supreme Court, in a case that would seek in its effect to limit the ability of  a popular vote usurping the rights of a minority.

This will go on for years, of that I have no doubt, and maybe legislation will preceed a final outcome in the Courts, that is my hope – repeal of DOMA at the fore.  However I take my hat off to this daunting challenge and those who are up for the fight.  The success of the case  will all be in the argument  that is most deeply researched and  eloquently played and for that I have a sense that Plaintiff team will demonstrate a solid, creative, inspiring and profound case.  I also believe that  Judge Vaughn Walker’s call to the Defendants to show how same-sex marriage hurts traditional marriage, will yield fascinating responses by the Defendants, because in truth for years I have tried to wrap my head around the argument and simply cannot do so.

What fascinates me about the marriage equality fight in California is the fact that a core small group of activists, volunteers and grass root organizations do so much work organizing participation.  Showing up by the community is an essential aspect of our success and we should all do our small part. So with that please join Marriage Equality USA’s  leaders Molly McKay & Davina Kotulski and Stuart Gaffney & John Lewis, Courage Campaign leader Ksuzanne Massey, PFLAG parents Sam & Julia Thoron and Helen Laird, NCLR Executive Director Kate Kendell, Lambda Marriage Project Director Jenny Pizer, couples who joyfully married, couples who want to marry, clergy leaders, musical performances by Veronica Klaus, Diane Larsen, local choirs and many, many more at the early morning vigil.

Marriage Equality has provided the following Statement: “Together we will share the spirit of courage, hope and strength that will herald in the light on this important next chapter of our civil rights movement.

There will be LOTS of strong coffee provided to those willing to get up that early and join us. Couples are encouraged to bring copies of their marriage licenses, photos from their weddings or anything that might help illustrate the importance of marriage equality and/or our experiences of getting married.     For more information and updates the vigil and court case go to www.marriageequality.org.

Recommend:  The New Yorker:http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/01/18/100118fa_fact_talbot?currentPage=1  By Margaret Talbert. (An extensive and worthy Read.)

SEE YOU AT
Federal Court Case Challenging Prop 8
Monday January 11, 2010
Morning Vigil for Hope and Marriage Equality
6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Phillip Burton Federal Building Plaza
450 Golden Gate Ave in San Francisco

Melanie Nathan, nathan@privatecourts.com

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Posted by Melanie Nathan:

Here is a letter that many more of you may have received. Please pursue this. If we make a big noise about televising it, it may well happen. If we are silent we will be forgotten.  People and Oraganizations make your voice heard asap.  An important factor is that this trial involves one where the rights of LGBT community was brought into the public through a Public vote. Those who oppose TV cite fear as a reason and have threatened not to show up as witnesses. I do not believe that the Judge should negate our rights to view, simply because those who voted for Prop 8 are now cowardly afraid to be seen.   If you can take my rights from me- try to justify it to the Court and while you are about it, let me see your face.

“Dear Melanie,

This is extremely urgent and extremely important.

U.S. District Court Judge Vaughn Walker — who will be overseeing a federal court challenge to Prop 8 starting this Monday (January 11) — is considering whether or not to open the court room to TV cameras.

The court just announced that it is seeking public comment on the proposal to televise the trial — and that all comments must be submitted to the court by a Friday deadline.

The interest in this case is unprecedented. And not surprisingly, supporters of Prop 8 — who eliminated the right of same-sex couples to marry — do NOT want the trial to be televised.

Opponents of Prop 8 — led by attorneys David Boies and Ted Olson — are seeking to televise the case in the interests of full transparency. They want this historic trial to be watched by as many Americans as possible. And, of course, we agree.

We have just this one chance to make our voices heard — thousands of Americans calling for equality, transparency and accountability. That’s why we’re teaming up with CREDO Action to collect as many signatures as possible asking Judge Walker to televise the case. We need your signature now:

SIGNATURE DEADLINE: FRIDAY 9 a.m.:

http://www.couragecampaign.org/TeleviseTheTrial

Together, along with our friends at CREDO, we will hand-deliver your signatures to Judge Vaughn Walker on Friday before the deadline.

This case presents issues that are very important to the public, and will affect millions of people. However, if the case is not televised, only a tiny fraction will ever be able to watch the trial in person.

By televising the trial, the public will be able to see for themselves the arguments and evidence presented by both sides, and will therefore have more confidence in the outcome of the trial.

That’s why we think the Prop 8 court case should be televised and we’re collecting as many signatures as possible to submit to Judge Vaughn Walker. Click here to sign now and say “YES — the Prop 8 trial should be televised.” SIGNATURE DEADLINE: FRIDAY 9 a.m.:

http://www.couragecampaign.org/TeleviseTheTrial

If you know other people who believe the Prop 8 trial should be televised as well, please forward this message to them ASAP.

Thank you so much for making your voice heard at this critical time. We will update you as soon as further news develops.

Rick Jacobs
Chair, Courage Campaign Institute   “

Thanks Courage Campaign for having the Courage and keeping us on our toes.

Melanie Nathan
Blogger
Nathan@privatecourts.com / www.oblogdeeoblogda,wordpress.com
 

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                                                                    Reported by Melanie Nathan

Following a Press release in LOS ANGELES, CA -  Celebrating its 20th milestone anniversary (March 31- April 4, 2010), Club Skirts The Dinah (www.TheDinah.com) is once again breaking grounds by delivering the creme de la creme of all things entertainment – and  this year again it includes THE Billboard pop artist with the current # 1 hit in the country and two other buzz-heavy breakthrough performers. 

She’s done it again!  Mariah Hanson, the visionary master brain and envelope pushing event producer behind The Dinah, has secured another extraordinarily exceptional entertainment line-up for the 2010 Dinah Shore weekend held at the Hilton Hotel and The Hyatt Regency in Palm Springs, CA!

In the span of two decades, Mariah Hanson, founder of Club Skirts, has turned The Dinah into a MUST SEE, MUST BE SEEN AT event, building a reputation as a trendsetter and the catalyst propelling new young artists to the top of the charts – Lady Gaga and Katy Perry were the breakthrough artist of 2009, Colbie Caillat in 2008 and The Pussy Cat Dolls back in 2006.

If The Dinah 2009 was EPIC not only securing the performances of a Grammy nominee and a Top Ten Billboard artist with the then # 1 Song in the country, but as well making it the most attended Dinah ever despite the economic crisis, The Dinah 2010 will be HISTORIC!

Meet The Dinah 2010 performers who will grace the stage of the prestigious Convention Center in the Sunny Oasis:

 Pop singer Ke$ha, who only this past few weeks, who came out about her bisexuality a few days ago, just scored her first # 1 hit with her contagiously catchy tune ”Tik Tok”  ending Jay-Z and Alicia Keys‘ five-week reign at the top of the US singles chart-  and bumped Lady Gaga off the number spot in Australia last week ….. number one in New Zealand, too and Canada.

Ke$ha is scheduled to perform at the highly anticipated 20th Anniversary of Club Skirts The Dinah (March 31 thru April 4) during Friday night’s White Diamond Party at the Palm Springs Convention Center.

Ke$ha   gained exposure in the mainstream media after being featured on Flo Rida’s single, “Right Round”.    ”Right Round,” soared to No. 1, selling more than 636,000 downloads its first week out, and shattering the all-time one-week digital single sales record. (Ke$ha also contributes her sassy vocal stylings to “Touch Me,” another track from Flo Rida’s upcoming 2009 album R.O.O.T.S.)

Also Featuring:
PARADISO GIRLS -The “Will I Am” Produced all Girl-Band from the creator of The Pussy Cat Dolls
LOLENE – The Dance Club Billboard Chart-Topper British Sire

  The countdown has started … tik tok … tik tok … it’s Dinah time!    www.TheDinah.com

  Posted by Melanie Nathan
 

 Posted by: Melanie Nathan   
nathan@privatecourts.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR AND WELCOME TO 2010  – In solidarity – until we receive the last of our 1,138 Federal Rights!

And to the Rest of the World too!

12/12/09-by Paula Brooks
Here is a rundown on a few events scheduled to happen this week in the LGBT community…

Monday, December 14, 2009- Rally for Marriage Equality in DC
Time: 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Location: Kennedy Recreation Center, 1401 7th St. NW
Help pass marriage equality in DC to strength our laws, strengthen our community and strengthen our families.

Join the Campaign for All DC Families and DC Clergy United to rally for marriage equality. Join us to show your support and to call on the DC Council to enact full marriage equality in the District.

For more information contact nick.mccoy@alldcfamilies.com

If you would like to volunteer to help us promote the event on Sunday, December 13th from 1pm-3:30 pm OR if you would like to volunteer at the rally itself, please email christine.sloane@alldcfamilies.com

Friday, December 18, 2009- LESBIAN Movie NIGHT
Time: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Location: at “Safe Haven Room” 1013 Polte Rd. Sedro Woolley WA. inside Central United Methodist Church.

Cascades RainBow Center Presents! LGBTQ- MOVIES/Coffee “LESBIAN Movie NIGHT”! This event is planned to happen on Friday 18th at 7P.M., along with 3rd meeting of an OpenMtg. of LGBTQ AA candle lite 12 step meeting at 7:30 P.M. in another room. Popcorn and refreshments served.

Saturday, December 19, 2009- Fashion Show Fundraiser

PROGRAM
6.00 P.M – Red Carpet
7.00 P.M – Fashion Show
8:30 P.M – Celebratory Party ,& VIP Reception
Cocktails & Light buffeted Supper for VIP Enclosure
Cash Bar, Live DJ Sets by DJ KAYPER &
Surprise Celebrity Performances

TICKETS
35$ – Fashion Show, Limited Standing
50$ – Fashion Show & Party, Limited Seating
75$- Fashion Show & Party Reserved Seating
125$ – VIP Reception, Fashion Show & Party, Preferred Seating
25$ – Celebratory Party Only

On the heels of a series of successful and ground-breaking music, visual arts, and film festivals in 2009, Rock for Rights, Purdah, and I VIEW, respectively, Engendered heats up the winter season with its annual fashion, art, and activism extravaganza. The arts and human rights organization, which focuses on creating awareness around gender and sexuality issues at the intersection of ritual and religion in South Asia and its Diaspora, is hosting Fashion Conscience 09 on Saturday, December 19, 2009, at 6 p.m. at NYC’s prestigious Asia Society.

Engendered is a non-profit, trans-national arts and human rights organization focused on exploring the complex realities of gender and sexuality in the South Asian Diaspora. Based in New York, Engendered presents an annual four-part festival that brings together the best in contemporary South Asian performance, music, visual arts, and cinema. Both a political and aesthetic festival, Engendered uses the medium of arts and culture to create change and promote social justice by initiating public dialogs around women’s issues, gender inequity, sexual orientation, and minority and health rights. For more information about the organization, please visit www.engendered.org.

Saturday, December 19 at 9:00pm- KRAVE “PARTY 4 WOMEN WHO LIKE WOMEN”

Start Time: 9:00pm
Location: THE ROCK
944 CROMWELL AVENUE
Rocky Hill, CT

DJ Shanti is going to try to blow up the dance floor with her music… Come and have fun at the Rock… $3 coronas & cherry bomb shots!

If you have a LGBT related event planned… let us know at paula@lezgetreal.com and we’ll get it up here…

Posted by Melanie Nathan –  Birther Brigade vs. Progressive Protesters -   I recently posted my support of the Progressive Protesters in Wheat Ridge, Colorado; – a group of women led by Pat and Maggie who braved the icy cold and the bullies from the wicked world of Wolf to defend our President and his birthright.   The Protesters are asking that Wolf respect our President and the Office of the Presidency by taking down this highly offensive Billboard.  They do believe it expresses racism and much more.

The self-righteous Birther Brigade is determined to spew hate, citing freedom of speech, feigning victimhood and asking YOU America to joint their ’cause.’  It is astonishing –  a man places this billboard with cartoon effigiesand traitorous accusations, on his business car dealership lot,  and calls for help for a ‘cause’ that is referring to our President in most hateful terms.   Then he has the audacity to complain about ‘hate’ directed at him. Of course we hate you Wolf – you put the Billboard up dammit!  Take the friggin thing down and maybe we will stop thinking you ARE a White supremacist. Take it down and maybe we will stp calling you hatemonger. Its very simple. Take it down Mr. Wolf and stop asking for answers that have already been given.

 Did he forget that he erected (note below his choice of word) the board?  What is his real cause; acknowledgment for the erection?

Here is what The Wolf has posted on his website:- where he proudly displays his ( ahem if you please…hate-free) Billboard 

“We here at Wolf’s Interstate have been called racists, bigots, hate-mongers, hillbillies, rednecks, and white supremacists among other things in the last few weeks because of our BILLBOARD that we erected on our dealership’s property last month.  Nothing could be further from the truth but some people won’t let it go and insist that since they feel they’re right and we’re in the wrong our opinions and right to free speech shouldn’t count.

Our billboard still stands asking one simple question and until it’s answered I don’t think it’s going anywhere so if you’d like to support the cause and show these people that they’re not the only vocal citizens, come on down to Wolf this Saturday the 12th of December for some free coffee and good conversation with people who are concerned about what is happening to this great country.  The protesters have organized to be here from 10am to 1pm standing on the corner but we’ll be here from 9am until 7pm and you’re welcome to come down whenever works best for you and meet the staff here at Wolf and tell us what you think.  Bring a sign or don’t, but be sure to bring a smile and show these protesters that you can voice your opinion without using the profanity and the name calling that they’re shoving on us.  Us “hate-mongers”? Sounds like the pot calling the kettle …”   http://www.wolfinterstateleasingandsales.com/2009/12/10/protest-this/

Okay Progressive Ladies you keep going and keep us posted……  hopefully more will join you tomorrow as you keep our guard -  Oh and while Wolf is serving up that free coffee to the degenrates that walk his lot – be sure to keep those free and meaningful hugs plentiful!

Call Wolf and tell him its enough -on 720 898 9019.

Blogger:
Melanie Nathan -
nathan@privatecourts.com

Photos: Provided by Pat Dunn.

The Holidays can be a great time of the year… but sometime… if you are in a new committed lesbian relationship… after you’ve gone over the river and through the woods to grandma house… you might have just a bit of ‘splainin to do and a lot of questions…

Jessica Clark & Lacey Stone tackle the festive season. Whose house should we go to… How do we handle the awkwardness… Can we sleep in the same bed?

Lesbian Love The Festive Season from lacey stone on Vimeo.

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 THE LGBT RECORDING ACADEMY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LOGO/MTV NETWORK
PRESENTS THE 2009 OUTMUSIC AWARDS  -NEW YORK CITY’S LEGENDARY WEBSTER HALL TUESDAY, DEC. 8, 2009                 

 POLITICAL HUMORIST KATE CLINTON AND NOAH’S ARC’S RODNEY CHESTER WILL HOST THIS NIGHT OF RECOGNITION OF LGBT MUSICAL EXCELLENCE  

New York, NY (November 18, 2009) – The OUTMusic LGBT Recording Academy and its Board of Directors today announced that the 2009 OUTMusic Awards will take center stage at New York City’s legendary Grand Ballroom of Webster Hall on Tuesday, December 8th at 8 p.m. The 2009 OUTMusic Awards will be hosted by Kate Clinton and Rodney Chester. This year’s milestone celebration will recognize and celebrate musical excellence while featuring performances from some of the hottest names in LGBT music. Nominations for the 2009 OutMusic Awards can be viewed at www.outmusic.com/awards.html.  

“We have cultivated new partnerships with some amazing organizations that know of our struggle,” said Diedra Meredith, OUTMusic executive director. It is my hope to create an equivalent presence in the music industry for these amazing artists and performers through the OUTMusic Awards. I’ve been waiting all my life for this moment to arrive! Our community is tenaciously strong, it’s been a long tough road, but with the OUTMusic Awards, we will make history during a time when LGBT Equal Rights is gaining momentum! This is our entry into the fight for LGBT Equal Rights.”  

This special night of celebration for LGBT recording artists will be filled with celebrity presenters to honor openly gay recording artists for their achievements and courage to be OUT and proud through their free expression of music. Throughout the night, special presentations will be made to Kevin Aviance, who will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award and Toshi Reagon with the Heritage Award. Also, the late Willie Ninja will be named OUTMusic Icon for his worldwide, inspirational, innovative and trendsetting contribution to the artistry of Vogue, fashion and performance. OUTMusic will also honor founders Dan Martin and Michael Biello with the Visionary Award.

The 2009 OUTMusic Awards Pre-Show will be hosted by Julie Goldman of LOGO’s Big Gay Sketch Show and DeMarco Majors of LOGO’s “Shirts and Skins.” DJ Shane Phoenix and the Rickster of Q Nation FM’s hit radio show “Q’s In The Biz” will broadcast LIVE from the Red Carpet and can be seen on www.qsinthebiz.com. DJ Stacy will broadcast LIVE from the Red Carpet on Girlscenenyc.com her popular show “Listen 2 Me” presented by JAMBOX.

For this year’s awards, OUTMusic has partnered with LOGO/MTV Networks to create three new, special award categories for those artists who have befriended the LGBT community and are seen as tastemakers by the LGBT community. The three award categories included NEXT GAY ICON, FIERCELY FASHIONABLE and KEEP BRINGIN SEXY BACK. The winner will be determined by the number of votes received by fans of the artists. To vote for your favorite artist in each category, please log onto www.logoonline.com.    

The evening will be filled with some of the best recording artists in the LGBT entertainment industry including a spectacular opening performance by Christine Martucci, whose song “There You Are” has been chosen as the theme song for the 2009 OMA. Also, performances by Jason Walker, Toshi Reagon, R&B crooner Nhojj, Rachael Sage, Jasper James, Levi Kreis, Deepa Soul and Kevin Aviance. Also, a Gay Hip-Hop Evolution segment will feature Tori Fixx, J.R., Soce The Elemental Wizard,Mack Mistress and Da Fresh Geex. 

Tickets for the 2009 OMAs can be pre-purchased for $25.00. Special Group discounts of 10 or more are available. Please visit www.outmusic.com to purchase tickets. Tickets will also be available at the door for $40.00.

OUTMusic is the premier 501c3 non-profit organization that is dedicated to honoring, supporting and advocating on behalf of under represented openly (LGBT) Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Recording Artist & Performers. The organization was founded by life partners Dan Martin and Michael Biello over 18 years ago to provide a safe and supportive environment for LGBT recording artists & performers.

The organization is a network of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered musicians and supporters. Performers, composers, lyricists, producers, recording artists, activists, promoters, press/media and even non-musicians who believe in the importance of Queer Music History have joined Outmusic over the years.

The mission of OUTmusic is to ensure that underrepresented OUT artists/entertainers have equal and inclusive presence in the mainstream entertainment industry; an industry that has fostered the silent “don’t ask don’t tell” policy. This policy has perpetuated the stigma of homophobia & discrimination in the entertainment industry, the military and the work place. OUTmusic works to put an end to homophobia in the entertainment industry and the world we live in. They educate, advocate and raise awareness with the goal of bridging the gap between the mainstream and LGBT entertainment industries.   

Anyone can become a member of Outmusic, as they welcome fans as well as artists. If you support the idea that LGBT artists should have an organization that works to raise awareness of their music. 

Please go to OUTmusic Awards Website  (here) and see how you can support this extraordinarily important organizations.  These musicians and artists help provide critical visibility that our community must engage in our quest for Civil Rights.

OUTSTANDING ROCK SONG 2009 NOMINEES
(*) Stewed Tomatoes (*) Leather Daddy
Athena Reich Love is Love
Jen Urban & the Box Let’s Ride
Josh Zuckerman Got Love?
Phil Putnam I’m No Prize

OUTSTANDING POP SONG 2009 NOMINEES
Athena Reich Love is Love
Billie Myers I Hope You’re Happy Now
Ellen Rosner Ready, Steady, GO
Heiskell Sick Of Nothing
Rachael Sage Too Many Women (from the FAME Soundtrack)

OUTSTANDING HIP HOP/RAP SONG 2009 NOMINEES
baron. Feel Like Fashion
Jasper James ROCKET
Mack Mistress Make it Bounce
Soce, The Elemental Wizard Grossed Out
Tori Fixx I’m the Same

OUTSTANDING R & B/SOUL SONG 2009 NOMINEES
Kalup Linzy presents Asshole
Nhojj Love
Robert Anton Bigger Than Me

OUTSTANDING ELECTRO/DANCE SONG 2009 NOMINEES
Ari Gold Where The Music Takes You
Brian Kent Breathe Life
Christian Andreason Running Back to You – HITPLAY Mix
Jason Walker Can’t Stop (Joey Negro Remix)
Lori Michaels Meet Me At The Partay

OUTSTANDING FOLK/COUNTRY SONG 2009 NOMINEES
Blair Hansen & Vicci Martinez Break Away – (HANNAH FREE Soundtrack)
Crooked Willow Fall Away (Reprised)
Julie Clark Growin’ Up
Nick Granato Who I Am
Rachael Sage Hunger In John

OUTSTANDING JAZZ SONG 2009 NOMINEES
Avi Wisnia No Scrubs
Lucy Smith You Pause – (HANNAH FREE Soundtrack)
Rachael Sage Site-Seeing
Steven Franz Skins & Shirts

OUTSTANDING INSTRUMENTAL/SOUNDTRACK SONG 2009 NOMINEES
HANNAH FREE, Starring Sharon Gless Goodby Rachel
HANNAH FREE, Starring Sharon Gless On the Lake
HANNAH FREE, Starring Sharon Gless Meadow Waltz
Jon Gilbert Leavitt Lullaby Valkyrie (Lullaby (Walkure)
Jon Gilbert Leavitt Love Theme from “Heels”

OUTSTANDING CHORAL SONG 2009 NOMINEES
San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus Make Your Own Kind Of Music / New World Coming
San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus We Looked To The Future
San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus U.S.S. Metaphor Highlights
San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus ensemble: The Lollipop Guild UP THE LADDER TO THE ROOF
San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus with Joan Baez Swingin’ With The Saints

OUTSTANDING CONTEMPORARY SPIRITUAL SONG 2009 NOMINEES
Christian Andreason I Belong to You
Deepa Soul Stand Together
Levi Kreis Stained Glass Window
Sir Ivan Kumbaya

OUTSTANDING THEATRE/CABARET/COMEDY SONG 2009 NOMINEES
Brian Wilbur Grundstrom Pepe! The Mail Order Monkey Musical – Bridge Club
D. C. Anderson What’s Happened Since
San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus My Gallant Crew
Terese Genecco The Man I Love
Vontanner A Shangri-las Girl

OUTSTANDING INTERNATIONAL SONG 2009 NOMINEES
Caera Suantrai (Seothin Seotho)
Isle of Klezbos/Metropolitan Klezmer Miracle Medley: Hasidic Nign/Poor Man’s Tune
Lee Adam Wilshier Last Of The Secret Agents
SONiA of disappear fear shorashim
Sugarbeach Mama I Love Her

OUTSTANDING PRODUCER 2009 NOMINEES
Jon Gilbert Leavitt Pride 2009
Rachael Sage Vertigo
Scott Free Equal
Soce, The Elemental Wizard Slippin Away
Tori Fixx CoExist (DJNB’s Club Video Mix)

OUTSTANDING SONGWRITER 2009 NOMINEES
Athena Reich Love is Love
Dudley Saunders Love Song for Jeffrey Dahmer

Posted by Melanie Nathan:
Keep your eyes open for my Gals
TOMBOY FRESH, California.

12/01/09-by Bridgette P. LaVictoire
Three years ago, my best friend phoned me up with the worst news he could give me. The test had come back positive. After three years of waiting and hoping that it would never happen, he knew. He had AIDS.

Three years prior to that, I men him online. He was a transman struggling with drug addiction and facing having to return to the streets when his then living arrangement fell apart. He was an Afghan vet who had been drummed out of the military for charges that were later overturned. Bereft of money, the job he loved, and a family to support him (since his family did not support his transition), he wandered homeless on the streets. He became hooked on drugs, and one day obtained a needle that was contaminated.

My family and I stepped in to take care of him. We helped get him to where we lived and he stayed with us for six months. He has been clean ever since.

The hardest part of the phone call was realizing that he would never be able to transition. AIDS made it impossible for him to undergo the surgery in the long run, and the hormones were enough to damage his potentially fragile health. Over the next few months and years, he would gradually go back to his female identity even though nothing I ever really saw said that he was anything less than a guy. We knew that the disease would likely kill him long before I passed along. It was not easy to realize all of this.

We are still in touch. Every day, I am glad that he has been a part of my life. One day, he will be gone. I pray every day that it will be a long time before that happens.

My friend has since had his veterans benefits restored, and is responding well to treatment. Those around him hope that he will still be with us when a cure is found. There is still hope.

Women’s & Trans’ Poetry Jam & Open Mike
Tuesday Dec 29th 7PM – 9PM

Feature Writers: Penny Arcade & Maria Lisella

A runaway at thirteen, a reform-school graduate at sixteen, a performer in the legendary New York City Play-House of the Ridiculous at seventeen, and an escapee from Andy Warhol’s Factory scene at nineteen, Penny Arcade (aka Susan Ventura) emerged in the 1980’s as a primal force on the New York art scene and an originator of what came to be called performance art. Arcade’s brand of high camp and street-smart, punk-rock cabaret showmanship has been winning over international audiences ever since; one of her plays La Miseria is about growing up Italian American in which different household saints have commentaries.

In a world where people are concerned about traveling with a light footprint, Maria Lisella tries to tread unnoticed — eavesdropping on conversations like a Mata Hari of the spoken word. Crowded subways, ancient temples, ghostly war-torn countries channel others’ voices; have give her a chance to cheat life and slip into someone else’s shadow and shoes for moments at a time.

Bluestockings Bookstore  $5 suggested donation- Hosted by Vittoria Repetto – the hardest working guinea butch dyke poet on the lower east side;   Bluestockings Bookstore
172 Allen St.
(between Staton & Rivington)
1 1/2 blocks south from E.Houston
NYC       -    212-777-6028
info@bluestockings.com     http://www.bluestockings.com/
Open mike – sign-up at 7 pm – 8 minute limit
Bring your poetry, your prose, your songs, and your spoken word.

Take V or F train to 2nd Ave. and exit from the 1st Ave exit and walk south down Allen St. (aka. 1st Ave) 1 ½ blocks to the store

Maria Trumpler and Kathryn Dudley – Published: November 27, 2009 in NY Times.

Maria Jean Trumpler and Kathryn Marie Dudley were married Monday by the Rev. Johanna Nichols at the Champlain Valley Unitarian Universalist Society in Middlebury, Vt.

Ms. Trumpler (left) 48, is the director of the Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies at Yale and a senior lecturer in women’s gender and sexuality studies. She graduated from Princeton and received a Ph.D. in the history of medicine and life sciences from Yale. She is a daughter of Irma and William Trumpler of St. Pete Beach, Fla.

Ms. Dudley, 50, is a professor of American Studies and anthropology at Yale. She is the author of “Debt and Dispossession: Farm Loss in America’s Heartland” and “The End of the Line: Lost Jobs, New Lives in Postindustrial America.” She graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, and received a Ph.D. in anthropology from Columbia.  She is a daughter of Jack Dudley of Racine, Wis., and the late Marcia Dudley, who lived in Guilford, Conn.

Congratulations to the Couple from Melanie Nathan and Lez Get Real.  Visibility is our true champion. Thank you.

Blogged by Melanie Nathan, www.privatecourts.com;
www.oblogdeeoblogda.wordpress.com;
Contact Nathan@privatecourts.com

 By Melanie Nathan The billboard, located at 4855 Miller Road, shows two cartoonish images of Obama wearing a Muslim turban and reads “PRESIDENT or JIHAD?” It also says “BIRTH CERTIFICATE – PROVE IT!” alluding to the conspiracy theory which claims Barack Obama was born in Kenya rather than Hawaii, which would disqualify him for the office of President.  The words “WAKE UP AMERICA! REMEMBER FT. HOOD!” appear on the bottom of the billboard. The sign belongs to a sleazy looking bloke (sorry my judgment)  used car dealer who describes his business as a “car dealership.”

“Since Fort Hood, I’ve had it,” owner Phil Wolf, displaying an educated command of the English language, told FOX 31 News Friday. “You can’t suggest things. You can’t profile. You gotta call a spade a spade.”    ”Everything I have read about Mr. Obama points right to the fact that he is a Muslim. And that is the agenda of what Muslim is all about. It’s about anti-American, it’s about anti-Christianity,” Wolf said.  (I call that treason talk, Mr. Wolfe not freedom of speech – !) 

The Anti-Defamation League condemned the sign, as did AM760 radio host David Sirota, who discussed the sign and interviewed Wolf on his program Friday morning. “It’s out of control,” Sirota said. “This conservative hatred of Barack Obama is out of contol, and this brings together all those strands of it: the racism, the anti-Muslim fervor. It’s one thing to criticize the president on health care, or Wall Street reform, or immigration. But this is outrageous. And I think it’s a fair question to ask why these questions about religion and ancestry are being directed so viciously at the first African-American President of the United States.” 

 “Are you a racist Wolf?” asked Ed Schultz on his ED SHOW, MSNBC TV?  “I am not,” answered Wolf.  I was unclear as to why Ed Schultz gave this apology of an American the time of day.  Did Ed think he would get a retraction from him? Or an explanation that made any sense?    Anyway I was much relieved to hear Mr. Schultz speaking to a woman named Pat on his radio show the next morning, and was proud of her resilience and her courage. 

 A  small group of dedicated progressive women, led by PAT have been protesting at the Wolf car lot since last Friday. They are organizing a big protest for Saturday Nov 28, starting at 10 am (“until we run out of volunteers to carry signs”).  This will probably go for at least 3-4 hours if the ladies’ past efforts are any guide. An internet  notice said “Would be great if a lot of men showed up, this time too.”

On the Ed morning show, she explained how a few women had pulled together and protested at the site of the billboard in question.  They braved the insults of a group of male bullies who went scurrying the moment men arrived to stand on the side of the women.  The minute the good men left the little cowardly bullies would reappear with their insults and threats. 

I thought Pat was amazing – a brave hero- standing before a group of adversaries for hours and enduring the insults.   She insists on continuing her protest and will be out there tomorrow with a big request for many more to join her side and that of the progressive women who show no fear.   

 The  ADL issued a statement calling the billboard an exploitation of the Ft. Hood shootings that is “divisive and offensive, and perpetuates hateful and harmful stereotypes about Muslims”, prominent conservatives have been silent thus far. “That could suggest that conservative leaders are afraid to confront the extreme fringe of their base,” Sirota said. “Or it suggests they actually condone this message. Either way, it’s disturbing.”

I ASK YOU – Help these wonderful progressive women protest the Racist Anti-Obama Billboard in Wheatridge Sat Nov 28 @ 10:00 AM (Visibility / Sign Waving)  -    They are getting some flack from the dealership. Having some men with them could help. The protesters and the sign are just 50 feet from I-70 Westbound so the protest has the potential to be seen by hundreds of thousands of Black Friday-Christmas Shoppers driving by on Saturday.  

Their message is – Dust off your old Anti-Iraq War signs, impeach, Stop Torture, whatever… and bring them Saturday. Show the public what Wolf is so proud of.  Help change the discussion back to the crimes of the Bush Administration, The protest is at Wolf interstate Leasing and Sales Location: 4855 Miller St Wheat Ridge, CO 80033  Map from the Wolf Website .   http://wolfwheatridge.com/index.asp?s=7772

To contact the organizer of the event directly email Saturday, November 28 from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM patdunn4@comcast.net 

Hope this post gets a few over there to help/.  Have a Great Weekend and goodluck to you brave ones who speak for us all….

UPDATE Apparently Wolf had erected the Billboard in response to a challenge by a Denver  radio host Peter Boyles, who hosts the top-rated morning program on Denver’s KHOW-AM, Wolf who owns multi State car lots is planning on erecting more Billboards across the Country.

My thoughts: Where does one draw the line? While freedom of speech serves our essence as a nation, this language is deplorable both in intent and effect. We are a Country at War.  The proponents of this language are in essence committing a subversive and treasonous act when one considers all the circumstances. They accuse the President of the United States as being on the side of the enemy during a time of war? I would never have imagined seeing anything like this.  Its not mere lack of decorum or common decency – it is a sign that racial hate is so intensely pervasive that it has the power to cause Americans to turn into traitors.  Speaking of our President in the fashion has the significant stench of siding with the enemy.

 Blogged by Melanie Nathan nathan@privatecourts.com 

11/26/09-by Paula Brooks
The modern Thanksgiving holiday traces its origins from a 1621 celebration at the Plymouth Plantation, where the Plymouth settlers held a harvest feast after a successful growing season. It is this iconic event that is generally referred to as the “First Thanksgiving.”

Squanto, a Patuxet Native American residing with the Wampanoag tribe, who had learned English after he had been kidnapped, and enslaved in England, taught the Pilgrims how to catch eel and grow corn…. Pretty much getting them through that first winter in the new land…

Successive generation of Native Americans really latter came to regret that Squanto was such a nice guy…. Because The European colonization of the Americas latter forever changed the lives, bloodlines and cultures of these original peoples inhabiting the the continent by bring them infectious disease exposure, displacement, warfare diminished populations and a general destruction of their cultures and religons.

So Native American Activists are planning another little Thanksgiving get together in Plymouth, Mass for later today to express just how they feel about the Pilgrims…

The United American Indians of New England say they have been holding the annual protest since 1970 to call attention to the disastrous consequences that eventually followed that first feast between European settlers and Native American tribes nearly 400 years ago.

The groups co-leader Moonanum James, a Wampanoag Indian, said native people have no reason to celebrate the arrival of the Pilgrims. He called Plymouth Rock a monument to racism and genocide.Organizers said participants in the protest planned to gather at about noon on Thursday by the statue of Massasoit on Coles Hill above the Plymouth waterfront.

via Indians plan Plymouth, Mass. Thanksgiving protest The Republican-American.

11/26/09-by Bridgette P. LaVictoire
Just over four centuries ago, my ancestors held a thanksgiving feast in what is today Quebec. While this feast does not correspond to the festival held in the United States, it is an important note to remember. In all cultures and all societies, there has always been a festival to mark the end of the growing season and the beginning of the hunting season, and to mark the end of a long and often treacherous journey, such as those of the French settlers who came to Quebec with Samuel de Champlain.

Feasts and masses of thanksgiving were scattered across the calendar for whenever an even that required thanks be given occurred. The first thanksgiving celebration was held in Virginia in 1619 on a small farmstead known as Berkeley Hundred. However, it was in 1863 that the first national thanksgiving was announced in the United States by Abraham Lincoln. He set the date as being the last Thursday of November. In 1939, Franklin Roosevelt tried to make Thanksgiving the third Thursday in November, but in 1941, Congress set the date officially to be the fourth Thursday in November, which was occasionally the next to the last Thursday in November.

Every year, friends and family gather across the nation to celebrate Thanksgiving and some of us watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Even for those of us who have no family and few friends, it is a day to remember what we are grateful for.

To all of our readers, may you have a happy Thanksgiving.

Joy Behar has her own show and what a stroke of happiness for us queers; she is her own person and clearly is at the helm of her nightly presentations.  Her strength and force will go a long way as notwithstanding her progressive sensibility, her VIEW always seems so correct in a matter of fact “how could it be any different “ kind of  way.   Hence she may reach those who have yet to be touched.

I watched the Joy Behar show on TV last night.  Her guests explored a “home for the hols” topic, with an emphasis on their personal coming out experiences and the difficulties in coming out to family, or having same-sex partner be invited to the family table. The guests included Judy Gold comedienne. The show can be viewed at  http://joybehar.blogs.cnn.com/.

Clearly Ms. Behar is a great advocate for the LGBT community, albeit perhaps inadvertent. She has a distinctive ability to address issues within the realm of acceptance and not mere tolerance.  In providing the voice to one who says he is sick at the thought of male and male sex, – and the humor that ensued as a result, enhances her credibility and showcases the issue. The concerns and hardships for the LGBT community are expressed through the personal experiences and stories of the of guests who wear their “out” badges so proudly on their sleeves.

This Thanksgiving I want to thank Ms. Behar on behalf of our community, for providing a forum where we do not feel we are portrayed as an oddity or slither of irrelevant society, despite the ratings risks that may result.   She has a special gift where her “chutzpah-esque” humor transcends any possibility of alienation by landing squarely on the side of the person who she perceives as just another person.  The talent is in her ability to highlight the issue without making it an issue. You go Joy Behar. We love you dearly and oh yes “thanks!” Happy Thanks giving to All at LGR – Writers, Publisher Paula, Lizzy, Bridgette, Sei – Readers, Fans, Bloggers, Activists, Binational couples in hiding or exile abroad.!

Blogged by Melanie Nathan, -
Mama- Wife- Writer- Activist – Lawyer- Friend
www.oblogdeeoblogda.wordpress.com 
Contact:-  nathan@privatecourts.com
www.privatecourts.com, www.divorcemediators.us

Posted by Melanie Nathan; Today,  Nov 20^th  is  Transgender Day of Remembrance. A sombre day with hundreds of  events around the world to honor  the memories of lives lost to anti-transgender violence. This day of Remembrance is celebrated with events purposeful in memoriam, advocacy and education.

The day was first observed by Transgender communities in 1999, and is held on the anniversary of the death of Rita Hester, a transgender woman whose life was cut short in Boston just weeks following the gay-bashing death of Matthew Shepard. To date, her murder, like most anti-transgender murder cases, remains an unsolved crime.

Events are planned in many centers around the US, including Portland, New York, Richmond, San Francisco and many more, including abroad. 

This year’s commemoration also comes just weeks after President Obama signed into law the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which added gender identity to the federal hate crimes law.  This year’s Day of Remembrance is especially poignant, coming on the heels of the one year anniversary of Lateisha Green’s shooting death in Syracuse, New York.  Her killing led to New York State’s first-ever hate crime conviction stemming from the death of a transgender person.  It was just the second such conviction in United States history.

Let us remember -
Angie Zapata, an 18-year old Latina transgender woman was found brutally murdered in her home in CO.
 2009:
Taysia Elzy, age 34  Indianapolis, Indiana USA;
Caprice Curry, age 31 San Francisco, California
Jimmy McCollough, drag performer, 34, Fayetteville, North Carolina
Foxy Ivy, under 35, Detroit, Michigan
Kelly (Frederick) Watson, age 32 , Albuquerque, New Mexico
Christopher Jermaine Scott, 30, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Cesar Torres, 39,  El Paso, Texas
Beyonce (Eric) Lee,  21 New Orleans, Louisiana
Tyli’a Mack also known as NaNa Boo, 21, Washington, DC
Paulina Ibarra,  21 East Hollywood, California
JJDoe, Baltrimore  http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bal-stabbing1026,0,2707985.story
Jorge Steven Lopez Mercado,: Cayey, Peurto Rico,  decapitated,  November 14, 2009
Jorge was found on the site of an isolated road in the city of Cayey, he was partially burned, decapitated, and dismembered, both arms, both legs, and the torso. Jorge was 19 years old.
Sources: http://www.365gay.com/news/murder-suspect-thought-puerto-rico-gay-teen-was-a-woman/

Please feel free to list names in the comments section – with asmuch information as you would like to provide.

Posted and blogged by – Melanie Nathan. nathan@privatecourts.com

 Melanie Nathan Posts:   Rocking’ The Gay 50’s  presented by The Graceland Girls

“Rockin’ The Gay 50’s” brought to you by The Graceland Girls, is a hysterically funny satire on gay adolescence in the 1950’s, the way many of us wish it had been! The show is an amalgam of 50’s rock music with same-sex vignettes for every occasion.

The Graceland Girls is a group of Lesbian musicians and actors over 50. They raise awareness around Gay Equality by spreading laughter through entertainment. They believe in serving a larger community irrespective of age, race, gender or ability.

“The reason I took up the production of this show, besides its enormous entertainment value, is I saw a group of women over 50 so passionate about creating something unique for the community that they were ready to turn their savings into production cost!”, comments Roke Noir. Ms. Noir is the President of Roke Noir Productions, “In Business for a world without strangers” which brings inspiring, innovative and intentional events to the queer community and its friends in the SF Bay Area.

The World Premiere of “Rockin’ The Gay 50’s” will run for 4 days in the SF Bay Area at two landmark theatres; solar powered Ashby Stage in Berkeley on Nov 21st and 22nd and The Victoria Theatre, the oldest operating theatre in San Francisco on Dec 5th and 6th.

Four Shows Only:
- Saturday Nov 21st, 8:00 PM – Ashby Stage, Berkeley
- Sunday Nov 22nd, 2:00 PM – Ashby Stage, Berkeley
- Saturday Dec 5th, 8:00 PM – The Victoria Theatre, San Francisco
- Sunday Dec 6th, 2:00 PM – The Victoria Theatre, San Francisco

“ I had so much fun singing and dancing to the music” says Susan Newman, who came to watch a Sneak Preview of the show on Oct 24th at a Rock & Roll Halloween Party in Oakland “ and I laughed the entire time till I started crying. I am going to bring my son and my mother to the show.”

J. Althea, the Director and one of The Graceland Girls, conceived the show quite accidentally, when love gone awry again and again whispered in her ear: “If only love had been gay from the start”. “Rockin’ The Gay 50’s will be performed by an all gay cast & band but since gay people don’t have a monopoly on adolescent angst, the show is for all folks of all ages and persuasions. Come on down and have some FUN !” says Althea in between playing the piano and advising on Elvis’s entry.

The comedy acting that accompanies the music includes scenes such as The Leader of the Pack crashing & dying, and being dragged offstage to return with wings in time for “Teen Angel”. Another over-the-top scene occurs during “Sherry”. “If you know the lyrics (“won’t you come out tonight”) you can imagine the twist The Graceland Girls have on that song” says Althea with a big grin.

Special discounted tickets are available for children, seniors and members of the community with disability. “We don’t want anyone to be turned away for lack of funds” says Ms. Noir. “ We have a work-exchange in place for people who want to see the show but are going through financial hardships.”

Please go to http://www.gracelandgirls.com/ for More Information and Tickets. Contact Roke Noir at info@gracelandgirls.com or 510.681.9740 if there are further questions.

11/08/09
As the holidays draw near, we are asked to support a variety of programs that need holiday donations.  I know this because I am one of the people asking.  I work for a medium sized nonprofit human service agency which serves single adults and families with children – persons with mental illness, homeless families, at risk youth and more.  Many of our folks lack the support networks that make the holidays so special so we, as their support system, ask our supporters to help.  It seems so simple.

I’m also one of those people who won’t support the Salvation Army or the Boy Scouts because they actively discriminate against LGBT persons (and sometimes receive public funds to do so).  Walking by the red kettles is incredibly difficult. I feel like a complete jerk until I think of my sisters and brothers feelings when they experience the institutional discrimination these groups practice. I smile because the bell ringer isn’t to blame for institutional policies (probably not) and wish them a Happy Holiday as I walk past.

Finding an organization to support during the holidays that embraces the LGBT community requires some effort, but it can be a way to make your holiday donation go a little further toward helping our community – you might “adopt” the family with the gay child or your might simply help stretch the dollars of an organization that invests $$ into domestic partner benefits.

So what do you do?

First, ask.  More than a few of your LGBT friends (and allies) probably work for non-profits.  Ask if their organizations have holiday projects and then ask about the “LGBT-friendliness” of the organization.  Not only do you get firsthand insight, you have the added bonus of supporting the work of your friend.  As a supervisor, I certainly appreciate staff who invest their energy into helping me find donors for these particular projects.

Second, take a look at the LGBT focused organizations in your community.  They have food pantries and clothing closets and all sorts of projects that could benefit from your holiday support.  Google, phone book or local pink pages can lead you to an organization directly serving our community.  Maybe a few bags of groceries or office supplies isn’t what you have in mind, but you never know how you can make an impact.

Third, look for indicators.  When you google “giving tree” and your city name, find a contact and ask pointed questions.  Does the organization include sexual orientation and gender identity in their non-discrimination policy?  Do they offer domestic partner benefits?  Do they serve LGBT consumers?  I never shy away from questions and I’ve had no problem redirecting people to other holiday projects that are a better fit for their vision.  Some of this information may be available via their website or printed materials if you prefer to do the research.  Or it should be available, right?  If it matters.

Finally, use the power of Google.  Look in the local paper for recent stories about human service agencies.  Check out the blogs and Facebook for events spearheaded by LGBT civic groups and find out who they benefit. Conversely, see what the local LGBT performers and artists are doing and to benefit what groups.

The most important recommendation I can make is to please find a way to give.  Yes, it certainly makes a difference in the lives of those on the receiving end.  But having run holiday projects for several years, I can personally attest that the benefits of giving transcend the effort you may invest to find the right match.  I’ve seen the sheer joy when a carload of officemate pull up, jump out and start unloading.  Their care with wrapping, their careful designation of which gift belongs to which recipient and their shared pleasure are far and away some of the best moments of the year.

You might organize your office, your book club or even your immediate family to do a collective project or simply reach out on your own.  Organizations having Giving Trees, Adopt a Family, Food Basket and many other projects available.  Don’t be afraid to suggest your own.  I have a group of students who won’t be in town during the holidays, but they came up with the idea of preparing “stocking stuffers” that we can distribute during our party.  Another local restaurant is donating turkeys for our group homes to prepare a holiday meal, while staff contribute small gift items to help us ensure everyone has something to open.

It feels good to help other people.

*************************************************************************************************

Sue Kerr works for Pittsburgh based Community Human Services Corporation which is very active with the local LGBT community, particularly those experiencing homelessness or mental illness.  For more information on their holiday projects, visit  http://www.chscorp.org//Holiday%20Giving.html Feel free to “ask” her via email skerr@chscorp.org.

Melanie Nathan: Considering Maine and Reflecting on California:

Does marriage equality and more specifically same-sex marriage hurt traditional marriage? This most confounding question has yet to be answered by anyone, especially those who expound the rhetoric while seeking to ban same-sex marriage.  The derogatory impact of same-sex marriage on straight marriage has yet to be quantified.  I wonder how one would be able to figure it out.

Could it be that for every 4 gay marriages one straight person will not marry his fiancé; could it be that for every 4 gay marriages one straight couple will divorce?  Could it mean that allowing gay marriages will result in less straight people marrying and thereby reduce the numbers of married people?  I am trying so hard to come up with a formula, can someone please help me?   

Proposition 8 succeeded in California, and effectively removed a fundamental constitutional right, as endorsed by the Courts by way of popular vote – the right for any couple in California to marry regardless of gender was stripped.  Prop 8 was initiated in direct response and its mantra was  to “protect the institution of marriage” by keeping lesbians and gays out.  

After the barrage of voracious advertisements led 51% of voting Californians to believe that gay marriage would by its mere legality threaten straight marriages. Churches poured their money into the advertising coffers, tacitly claiming the interests of their God.   Silly them there is a better way to save the institution of marriage and just think it can be done without stripping other Americans of their inherent rights, as well as the advantage of quantification.  The obvious, unambiguous and only one absolute vehicle to sustain the precept of marriage is clearly the “The outlawing of Divorce.”  We must bring a new proposition to the voters in this earnest quest and that would be  ahh maybe -Proposition 9 – “Repeal of the Legislative Right to Divorce Act.”

Notably, divorce, unlike same sex marriage, can be easily quantified.  I believe in California the divorce rate is approximately 1 in 3. There you go – for every 60,000 marriages ending in Divorce, we can save 60,000 saved – see how easy that was. Not like our difficulty when we attempted to quantify the impact of same-sex marriage on ‘ traditional marriage.’ – that means we would have 60,000 out of every 180,000 marriages saved… How powerful is that!

This is a call to all those who truly believe in the sanctity of marriage. Support the rescue of marriage by ending divorce for good. Here is a safer and better plan – how about making that retroactive.  Anyone who has been divorced consider your good-selves remarried.

Indeed the next obvious step is legislation that prohibits one’s right to divorce.  Divorce is not an inherent right; it is one that is granted by specific statute. For example in California there would be no divorce if the Family Law Code did not deal create it. It gets worse – Divorce involves one spouse suing the other for divorce.  In California the first paper served by a plaintiff spouse on a defendant spouse reads “SUMMONS- You Are Being Sued.”  How bizarre – to separate church and State in this fashion.  It is an abomination to the sacred right of marriage to think that after spouses have said “till death do us part” that one may sue the other for divorce and that our law allows that to happen.

If Maine supports the ban of same-sex marriage tonight, I profess this to be the nest obvious step there too. 

Is this ban on Divorce a joke?  Not according to a Sacramento man, John Marcotte who is collecting signatures to place a new piece of legislation on the 2010 ballot for the people of California to decide on. He wants to make it illegal to divorce in California. Read his petition here.

Why? He contends that this is a natural extension of what religious conservatives did when they voted “Yes” on a ballot measure to ban gay marriage so that they could “protect traditional marriage”.

From John Marcotte’s Rescue Marriage website, here’s the statement announcing the new ballot measure:

“I loved Proposition 8, but felt it did not go far enough. So fresh from the office of our legal counsel, I present the 2010 California Protection of Marriage Act.

No party to any marriage shall be restored to the state of an unmarried person during the lifetime of the other party unless the marriage is void or voidable, as set forth in Part 2 of Division 6 of the Family Code.”

Marcotte has just launched his first couple of PSAs on the 2010 California Marriage Protection Act. Here they are:

Few Choice Quotes From the PSAs:

“My kids are being taught in school that divorce is all right.”

“You said ‘Till death do us part’. You’re not dead yet.”

“Hell is eternal, just like your marriage is supposed to be.”

“If we allow anyone to get divorced, before you know it, people will be divorcing their dogs.”

Lock Step-lock-jaw-Republicans-and conservatives- and those on the right – do not fail – put your money where your mouth is and support the BAN on DIVORCE.

Blogged by MELANIE NATHAN, CEO of Private Courts, Inc. Consulting, mediation & private advocacy ; motivated by injustice, I blog about family law/mediation, politics, news andLGBT equality and anything that ‘tickles my fancy.’ Otherwise blogging as O-blog-dee-o-blog-da. Websites and blogs include: http://www.privatecourts.com; http://www.divorcemediators.us; www.oblogdeeoblogda.wordpress.com. nathan@privatecourts.com

10/22/09-by Bridgette P. LaVictoire
Senator Kristen Gillibrand is going to be attending a ‘meet and greet’ and The Center in New York City. The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transsexual Center in New York is a Community Center catering to information and resources for the LGBT Community.

Senator Gillibrand was appointed by David Patterson to replace Secretary of State Hilary Clinton earlier this year. Since then, she has been a vocal advocate for the repeal of DADT as well as pushing for the passage of other pro-LGBT legislation.

Such events are usually created in order to allow for the community and the leadership of the community to get to know their state’s politicians a little better.

The event is RSVP, usually to get an accurate headcount before hand. The RSVP email is: nyadminint_gillibrand@gillibrand.senate.gov

The event can also be found on the Center’s website, and on Facebook.

10/15/09-by Paula Brooks
The LGBT activist group Queer LiberAction is set to hold a Queer Kiss-in at the Fort Worth Stockyards on October 17, 2009, when Queer LiberAction members intend to call attention to LGBT civil right issues in Fort Worth by displaying their affections for one another in a positive and affirming way in a very socially conservative area of that city.

The event organizers say their protest is designed to be fun and engaging while carrying a serious message….

That message… LGBT’s should be able to express their affections in public without the fear of intimidation, or violence.

Says Blake Wilkinson, founder of Queer LiberAction…

“In 2009, GLBT people have every right to display our affections publicly just as everyone else does. Our community is harassed in our own bars and clubs. We do not have the right to marry the person whom we love. We are not included in federal hate crime legislation, which protects us from violence directed towards our community, and we can be fired from our jobs simply for being gay.

It is of the utmost importance now to respectfully but without falter publicly affirm who we are and who we love.

We are holding the Queer Kiss-in at the Fort Worth Stockyards to illustrate how GLBT people are treated as second-class citizens in our everyday lives. ”

Early this morning the Human Rights Campaign building was vandalized. Early police reports say that around 4am this morning the building was defaced. According to police the vandals used either paintball guns or balloons filled with paint. It appears to have been a drive by and the police have no suspects.

The vandalism occurred after HRC’s Annual National Dinner fundraiser where President Obama spoke. This was the most publicized dinner HRC has held because of the President’s appearance. Obama’s speech was televised live on Cspan and also covered by CNN.

Today is also the National Equality March where thousands of LGBT people will be marching for equal rights.

LGR will be following this story and will provide updates from the police as they come in.

Leslie Ewing

At 4:30om EST today a group claimed responsibility by leaving a comment here on this post. Calling the act “glamdalism” the group states in their message that “a crew of radical queer and allied folks armed with pink and black paint and glitter grenades. Beside the front entrance and the inscribed mission statement (of the HRC building) now reads a tag, “Quit leaving queers behind.”

Here is the full message

Communique from the Forgotton:

Human Rights Campaign HQ Glamdalized By Queers Against Assimilation

HRC headquarters was rocked by an act of glamdalism last night by a crew of radical queer and allied folks armed with pink and black paint and glitter grenades. Beside the front entrance and the inscribed mission statement now reads a tag, “Quit leaving queers behind.”

The HRC is not a democratic or inclusive institution, especially for the people who they claim to represent. Just like society today, the HRC is run by a few wealthy elites who are in bed with corporate sponsors who proliferate militarism, heteronormativity, and capitalist exploitation. The sweatshops (Nike), war crimes (Lockheed Martin), assaults on working class people (Bank of America, Deloitte, Chase Bank, Citi Group, Wachovia Bank) and patriarchy (American Apparel) caused by their sponsors is a hypocrisy for an organization with “human rights” in their name.

The queer liberation movement has been misrepresented and co-opted by the HRC. The HRC marginalizes us into a limited struggle for aspiring homosexual elites to regain the privilege that they’ve lost and climb the social ladder towards becoming bourgeoisie.

Last night, Obama spoke at the HRC fundraising gala and currently the HRC website declares, “President Obama underlines his unwavering support for LGBT Americans.” The vast amount of organizing resources the HRC wastes on their false alliance with the Democratic party leaves radical queers on the margins to fend for themselves. Our struggle has always had to resist the repression of conservative tendencies in government and society to gain liberation in our lives.

The gourmet affair was sponsored by 48 corporations including giants Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, and Wachovia Bank. At $250 dollars a plate the HRC served our movement a rich, white, heternormative atmosphere that purposefully excludes working class queer folks.

REMEMBER THE STONEWALL RIOTS! On the 40th anniversary of Stonewall, pigs raided a queer bar in Texas, arrested and beat our friends, and we looked towards politicians and lawyers to protect us. This mentality is what keeps the money flowing to the HRC and their pet Democrats, and keeps our fists in our pockets.

Most of all we disagree that collective liberation will be granted by the state or its institutions like prisons, marriage, and the military. We need to escalate our struggle, or it will collapse.

~~Love and Solidarity~~

Photo by DB King via Flickr (Click image for more NEM photos)

LGR is staying on top of this story and will bring more updates as they come in.

Lezzymom has two kids and a wonderful partner. Her political commentary has appeared on C-Span and CSPAN.org. Visit her Lezzymom blog for more of her insights.

10/06/09 – From The L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center:

From The Gay Family Values Blog:

So, one of the fun parts of being parents is holidays. Bryans favorite holiday is Halloween and the best part of Halloween is deciding and finding the right costumes for the kids. We hope you enjoy our shopping trip on our search for the best Halloween costumes for the kids.

09/19/09-by Bridgette P. LaVictoire
On 21 September, this upcoming Monday, the next National HIV/AIDS Community Discussion will be held in Washington, DC. The event is designed to discuss with the community a variety of ways in which to issues surrounding HIV/AIDS and to provide a venue for input from the public. This is being billed as a way to allow the public to provide some input as the White House shapes its HIV/AIDS policy. The discussion is hosted by the White House Office of National AIDS Policy or ONAP.

The event is RSVP only. This is usually done in order to make sure that a venue is not overrun badly by a press of people and is not intended to weed out dissenting viewpoints. The town hall meeting that Senator Bernie Sanders held in August was also RSVP.

“With more than 56,000 new HIV infections occurring in the United States each year, the President believes that we must re-focus national attention on the domestic epidemic,” according to the press release concerning the event. Policy directions that President Obama is exploring include reducing the number of infections and the spread of the disease as well as improving access to medical treatment and reducing the disparities experienced by people with HIV/AIDS with regards to medical care. Part of the Healthcare reform package is intended to provide help with regards to the latter two since it would provide greater access to medical care itself.

The discussion will be moderated by Wallace Corbett of the DC Ryan White Planning Council and will feature Jeffrey S. Crowley, the director of White House Office of National AIDS Policy and Dr. Shannon Hader, the director of DC Department of Health’s HIV/AIDS Administration

The event will be held at The University of The District of Columbia in their auditorium. For directions please visit their website.

To RSVP that you would like to attend the event, please visit this website.

08/19/09 – From ButchVoices.com:

Butch Voices is a grassroots organization dedicated to all self identified Butches, Studs, Aggressives, other similar identities, and their Allies. We, at Butch Voices, feel it is important to bring together our diverse communities, build bridges, make connections, and use our collective voices to gain better understanding of each other and promote positive visibility. We are holding the first Butch Voices Conference on August 20th – 23rd, 2009 in Oakland, California. The conference will be held at the Marriott City Center Hotel Complex in downtown Oakland.

Keynote speakers for the event include:

* Jeanne Cordova, Feminist Butch/Activist,/Publisher & Author
* S. Bear Bergman, Author/Theatre Artist/Gender-Jammer
* Malkia “Mac” Amala Cyril, Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Media Justice

Scheduled workshops include a panel discussion on Stud/Butch images in the media moderated by filmmaker Cheryl Dunye (Stranger Inside, The Watermelon Woman). Other conference events will include a meet and greet, networking dinners, evening entertainment, a spoken word performance, and a night of karaoke fun.

To find more information on the conference including workshops and presenters, please vist ButchVoices.com.

LGBT leaders and organizations join national mobilization for full equality.

Equality Across America, the new grassroots network calling for Federal action to protect the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans, has moved forward with plans for a massive national day of action on Sunday, October 11, 2009. Major national LGBT organizations including the Gay Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) and the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC) have endorsed the march as have local and state grassroots organizations like Join the Impact Chicago, One Struggle One Fight and Freedom Democrats of Miami-Dade.

October 11 has been observed as “National Coming Out Day” since 1988. As well, this year commemorates the 30th anniversary of the first March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. “We’re marching this October to demand action from the Federal government to protect our rights in all fifty states,” said Kip Williams, one of the organizers. “Real equality can only come from the President, the Congress and the Supreme Court.”

Equality Across America brings together veteran movement activists such as David Mixner, Torie Osborn, Cleve Jones, Anne Northrop and Nadine Smith, with new organizers like Williams and Robin McGehee, who lead the successful “Meet in the Middle” rally in Fresno, California following the California Supreme Court decision on Proposition 8. “We’ve got people from the Stonewall generation to the Facebook generation working together to win real equality,” said McGehee. “We’re tired of compromises and delays.”

The march in the nation’s capital is necessary to help supporters of equality focus their attention on the Federal government after decades of work at the state and local level according to Academy Award winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black. “The Fourteenth Amendment to the US Constitution guarantees equal protection under the law, but LGBT Americans are still denied that protection, now is the time to push for real equality, in all matters governed by civil law.”

Lt. Dan Choi, also a member of the march steering committee, is working to ensure a strong presence by LGBT and straight veterans at the march. “The majority of Americans reject discrimination in the armed forces, it’s time for Congress and the Administration to move on this and all issues of equality for LGBT Americans.”

Equality Across America pledges more than a march and has begun recruiting volunteers in all 435 US Congressional Districts to pressure members of the House of Representatives. “We want to bring together all the different groups that support equality: young and old, gay, straight, bisexual, transgender, people of all races, faiths and backgrounds from every corner of this country” said Corey Johnson of New York. “We want every member of Congress to know that there are LGBT people and our allies in every single district.”

Equality Across America has also reached out specifically to HIV/AIDS activists, interfaith leaders and Youth organizers to create independent events during the weekend in DC, as well as to state equality associations to build local actions throughout the US in conjunction with the march for those who cannot travel to DC on October 11.

“The LGBT struggle for equality is the civil rights movement of the 21st century,” says pioneer activist and City Commissioner Nicole-Murray Ramirez of San Diego. Ramirez who has been a part of every national march for LGBT rights, since 1979 says, “history has proven for us to achieve full equality we must be engaged in the suites of political power and the streets of activism.”

The National Equality March is scheduled to begin at 12 Noon on Sunday, October 11. The exact route of march is still being negotiated with the DC authorities. Organizers are building partnerships with other groups to create workshops, trainings, seminars and teach-ins throughout the weekend. Parties, concerts and other entertainment are being actively discouraged. “It’s not about another party, it’s about getting to work,” said Kip Williams.

The march and district lobbying campaign are directed by a national Steering Committee of over 60 members from throughout the nation, reflecting the diversity of the LGBT community. Operating under the auspices of the Tides Center, Equality Across America is a not-for-profit, tax exempt organization.
Contact:
Loch Powell
Loch@NationalEqualityMarch.com
323-352-4367

www.nationalequalitymarch.com

I livE hErE Fundraiser Cocktail Party: Saturday, August 22, 7:00-11:30 PM

This event hosted by actress and I Live Here Founder: Mia Kirshner, Operation USA, Causecast and CODEPINK benefits the launch of the Malawi Prison Project.

Drinks, food, a live and a silent auction, art, music (KCRW DJing the event), and dancing are all included in the $25 ticket price ($30 at the door; save five bucks at http://donate.opusa.org/ilivehere).

The event will take place Saturday, August 22, 7:00-11:30 PM At CAUSECAST Headquarters 969 Colorado Ave. Santa Monica, CA 90401

Please support this incredible labor of love and help us raise the funds necessary to start our first I livE hErE Program. There is limited space to the event, please hurry and purchase Advance Tickets. For any further questions, please contact info@i-live-here.com.

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The World Outgames is a quadrennial event that aims to address the mind, the heart and the body of LGBT community all over the world. They were held for the first time in Montreal, Canada, in 2006 with more than 18,000 participants from 111 countries. This year, the event is going to be held in Copenhagen, Denmark from July 25 to August 2.

The program includes 34 sports tournaments, 17 official parties, several LGBT themed art shows and exhibitions, an international choir festival, a tango festival, a film festival, a leather festival and a number of special performances featuring cabaret, theatre and opera, and the Love of Freedom – Freedom to Love Human Rights Conference.

OutCities is part of the program. It’s a cultural feast, an international collaboration with LGBT artists from different parts of the globe: Antwerp, Mexico City, Tel Aviv, Rio de Janeiro and Aarhus (a Dannish city) will fill the streets of Copenhagen with music, installations, events and performances on gender, identitu and diversity.

Visit www.copenhagen2009.org for complete program information. Tickets to all parties except the Grand Opening are now on sale. For more information about the parties and tickets, click here. If you can’t make it to Copenhagen, The next edition of Outgames will be held in 2013 in Antwerp, Belgium.

Lezzie is half-closeted Brazilian Philosophy High School teacher writing on everything she has the opportunity to read, listen to and see (as a good Gemini).You can find out more about here by checking her profile at http://lezgetreal.ning.com/profile/Boudecca.

Netherlands is the first country to take a secondary school to the Pride Parade.

Students aged 14-17, their teachers and some school directors will join the Canal Parade.

In Amsterdam, the Parade happens down the city historic canals. Last year Tens of thousands of people watched 80 colorful boats parade through the city. Four days of festivities include street parties and the best club circuit parties, besides de main Parade.

Scholenboot is a positive effect of of a city wide project the Municipality of Amsterdam initiated two years ago, to promote safety towards LGBT people and sexual citizenship for all in Amsterdam secondary schools. Other boats will join Scholenboot at the head of the Parade, one of them hosted by Minister Plasterk of Education.

Amsterdam Gay Pride weekend this years will be organised from 31 July to 2 August, with the main Parade happening on Aug 1, Saturday.

For further information on the event, click here. Scholenboot has also made a website. If you’re fluent in Dutch and would like to see it, click here.

Lezzie is half-closeted Brazilian Philosophy High School teacher writing on everything she has the opportunity to read, listen to and see (as a good Gemini).You can find out more about here by checking her profile at http://lezgetreal.ning.com/profile/Boudecca.

]]> http://lezgetreal.com/?feed=rss2&p=16571 0 http://lezgetreal.com/?p=15606 http://lezgetreal.com/?p=15606#comments Sat, 11 Jul 2009 22:17:20 +0000 Mary Catherine Benge http://lezgetreal.com/?p=15606

Thursday July 9th was the beginning of the festivities for Philadelphia’s 15th annual International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. Opening night was full of fun with a mingle-type reception, showing of the film The Prince, and a hoppin’ after party at Hamilton Hall at UArts. This is the largest queer film festival on the east coast with more than 100 films to show! If you are in the area, or need a vacay, then get out there and join in the fun! The festival will be going on until July 20th. You can check out all in the info here, and if you are like me, be a bit jealous if you can’t make it this year!

As a newly out lesbian, this year was my first to attend the Pride Parade.

You all must remember what it was like to be surrounded by fellow gays for the first time in bulk because it is a memorable feeling. At least, this was for me. Please, don’t get me wrong. People are people regardless of their sexual preference; yet, being around a large group of people who understand you, even in the most mundane way, is reassuring – comforting in the least. I am a native Austinite, used to the “weirdness” of life, and as I walked through crowds of gays, transsexuals, bisexuals, femmes, butches, and straight supporters, I felt nervously at home.
You know the feeling when you first bring home a new (or old) love interest.

You have no idea how the family or desired will react to the other. Your nerves make you nauseated, but being back in the kitchen and cooking or sitting on the old sofa your parents have owned since you were five makes you content with the present, if nothing else.
This is how L.A. Pride 2009 made me feel.

The outcast of society – in some places, not my mind ☺ – gave me the feeling that I was home. Now, I am not a stereotypical lesbian, and I have been told by many that I am going through a phase because I “act and look too straight to be gay”. My point is that I do not get stared down when I eat out in small and conservative Texas towns, as some of my more masculine friends do, where there are no (yeah, right!) lesbians. I cannot say I have ever been victim of discrimination due to my sexuality based off of my looks.

Physically, I can blend in where I go. This feeling I experienced at Pride came not from past exclusion or lesbian insecurity, but I believe, from the joyful energy of the people at the parade.
I love how, as people, we can not only feed off of others unspoken emotions, but that they have the ability to ease our own at the same time. I saw no one upset about money, complaining about recent political events (although I may have joined in if I had), or fighting with one another about anything! All it took was a handful to create a joyous day, which had the potential to be a day of sadness, and envelop their energy on everyone else. The positive attitudes made me not only comfortable being myself, but proud.
I encourage everyone to spend their days with a positive attitude always because it may bring up another person during their day as well. Be happy and, as always, be proud.

Mary Catherine Benge is a writing student from Austin, Texas. You can find out more about her by finding her on facebook.

The No H8 Campaign is shooting today 1:00-7:00pm at Adam Bouska’s Photography Studio in North Hollywood.

The studio is located at the Noho Lofts, 5355 Cartwright Ave #320. You do NOT need to schedule a specific appointment, just be sure to show up during the posted time. The whole process is very quick (about 15 minutes). All you need to bring is a PLAIN white v-neck/t-shirt, and they’ll take care of painting the “NO H8″ logo on your cheek when you get there!

The 39th Annual Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender pride parade is featured in this episode of “L.A. Happens” #103 hosted by John McQuilkin.

The Democratic National Committee will be hosting a $3 million fundraiser at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Southern California tonight with the star of the show as none other than President Barack Obama.

We know our country faces scores of serious problems and we in the LGBT community have endeavored to be patient.

We’ve waited for the slightest sign Obama would live up to his promises… to be a “fierce advocate” for our equal rights.

Obama pledged to repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy… But we have watched as highly qualified and trained gay and lesbian members of our armed forces get discharged under Don’t Ask Don’t Tell under his watch. And so far our “fierce advocate” has done nothing…. Except to send hand written notes saying how sorry he is.

Obama promised to support a “complete repeal” of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act and pledged to advocate for legislation that would give same-sex couples the 1,100+ federal rights and benefits we are denied, including the same rights to social security benefits. He said, “Federal law should not discriminate in any way against gay and lesbian couples”…. And so far our “fierce advocate” has done nothing…. Except to invite a little over 100 LGBT family to an Easter Egg hunt at the White House.

We have watched as his “commitment” to repeal DOMA has been removed from the White House Web site. As his promise to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was replaced with an insipid version.

And in the aftermath of yesterday’s California Supreme Court ruling, Obama has remained silent while his press secretary summarily and causally writes off any questions on the issue.

Tonight President Obama comes to the Southland asking for more money…

But before we give anymore, we need his words… We need his deeds… And we need our “fierce advocate” to be our “fierce advocate” NOW.

Last year we hit the streets for Obama because he promised us change we could believe in… Tonight we hit the streets to tell him we want what he promised us…

If you’re in the area and would like to let the President Obama know for it is time for that change, show up with your anger, your voice and a sign at 7:00PM when he attends the DNC fundraiser at Beverly Hilton tonight….

http://lezgetreal.com/?p=13379

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This is something I must warn you about. This is something you must ask questions about, think about.
Recently, an anonymous source tipped me off to the fact that they believed these men you saw abusing this “nice little old lady” were actually members of Charles Colson’s Prison Baptists.
Who in the hell is Charles Colson you say? Well for those of you who don’t know Mr.Colson, let me give you a little history lesson.

Charles (Chuck) Colson was from 1969 to 1973 the chief counsel for  Richard Nixon, and was called by some the ‘evil genius’ of an evil administration, and President Nixon’s “hatchet man.” During his time at the White House, Chuck’s day-to-day duties included drafting legal briefs on particular issues, reviewing Presidential appointments, suggesting names for White House guest lists and inviting influential private special interest groups into the  White House policy-making process.
Chuck also performed special assignments for President Nixon, like seeking to hire Teamsters thugs to beat up anti-war demonstrators, writing a memo listing Nixon’s major political opponents, that later known as Nixon’s Enemies List, and once proposed firebombing the Brookings Institution, and stealing politically damaging documents while firefighters put the fire out. Colson also set up a little boys club called the White House Special Operations Unit.   He organized  them to stop leaks in the Nixon administration, and later became known by their pet name “The Plumbers”. The Plumbers went on to fame for their “intelligence gathering” on the Democratic Party known as the Watergate burglary, and their break in of  Pentagon Papers-leaker  Daniel Ellsberg’s psychiatrist’s office. Chuck later leaked Mr. Ellsburg’s confidential FBI file to the press hoping to show everyone how evil and crazy the folks in the anti-war movement really were.
Colson has said about himself he was “valuable to the President … because I was willing … to be ruthless in getting things done”. Word around the Hill is: “Colson would walk over his own grandmother if necessary.”

Back in the day, Chuck was really something… But unfortunately for Chuck, his enthusiasm for his work landed him in a bit of trouble. He ended up going to jail for his irrational exuberance, but before Chuck went before the judge to be sentenced, Chuck found Jesus. While a few people thought is was a ploy on Chuck’s part to reduce his sentence… Chuck hung with lord, and started another little boys clubs called the Prison Fellowship Ministries to convert his fellow travelers in irrational exuberance to the lord too.

Now I am sure we’ve all heard of Blackwater International now called Xe. It is another little boys club that most think is nothing more than a mercenary group with some pretty damned good connections and contracts with the United States Government, founded by Erik Prince. Blackwater is most infamous for it’s “we are above any and all laws” attitude after being blasted for the cold blooded murder of 17 innocent Iraqi civilians. They also ran into trouble here, in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina…. Seems they really like to shoot people without much cause.

Mr. Prince is a well documented Extreme Right Wing supporter, and was born pretty well off. Erick’s daddy was the founder of an automobile-parts company that introduced lighted vanity mirrors for cars. He was also the co-founder of the  Family Research Council. Erick does not like the gay much, and has given $670, 000 to the Family Research Council and another $531, 000 to Focus on the Family headed by James Dobson, who also don’t like the gay much. And In 2000, Erik Prince’s Freiheit Foundation gave $500,000 to Chuck’s Prison Fellowship Ministries.

Chuck does not like the gay all that well either.

As a matter of fact, that video you saw was made famous by Chuck in a full page ad this past December. In the New York Times he pointed to it as an example of just how evil and crazy the gays really are.

Heads up all you gays boys and girls out here in the sunshine state, because a little bird has told me that Prince and Colson were seen at lunch recently in DC. Possibly they were discussing the upcoming decision on Prop 8, and what they “expected” evil and crazy the gay will do after the court makes its announcement.

Now let’s look at that video again, the one Colson railed about in the NYT.

You can see the men if you make it full screen and pause it. Now Take a good look. They look like focused criminals with a plan, not angry irrational gays. They deliberately walk up to her from all sides, some of them covering their faces before they even get to her.

This looks like a setup to me. Especially since it was an old woman… an old woman who was in front of news cameras. Now we maybe angry gays…. But give me a break…. we are not stupid criminals…

This whole scenario stinks to high heaven. Ask yourself what all this means?

What does it mean when violent people are sent into our assemblage and carry out these acts?

A man in cahoots with a group like Blackwater recruiting ex-cons into his new religion dream worries me. Especially when I keep hearing about the alleged connection between Colson, and the video we all remember from the first prop 8 protests: Old Lady Gets Cross Knocked Out Of Her Hand By Gay Protesters.

I believe win or lose, whatever the decision is on Prop 8, we will see more of this. I want this to be known about by everyone organizing, or planning to attend a celebration or protest next week. I looked into our own history, and found an example very recently, at the WTO protests in Seattle, that should give us all great caution next week.

This is easy for a small militant group to accomplish, and when a man who gets his money from Blackwater murder, who collects ex-cons into his new religion, is the man who breaks this story about the old lady cross horror in the New York Times with a full page advertisement I have to ask: What in the hell is going on here?

Do you think this is too far fetched? Is it to much of a stretch that Colson, who  copped a guilty plea for obstruction of justice on the pentagon papers scandal, could do this? Well I’m telling you that is exactly the crime he committed as Nixon’s Chief of Council. Are you familiar with the story?

Daniel Ellsberg told the truth about Vietnam. The Pentagon papers he leaked proved that the Gulf of Tonkin incident was a lie fabricated to start the war. It proved that we had been taken to war on the basis of a lie. Sound familiar? Read the wikipedia link on him. You can see he’s still trying to warn people: “Ellsberg was arrested, in November 2005, for violating a county ordinance for trespassing while protesting against George W. Bush’s conduct of the Iraq War. ^[20]“

Now let’s look at that video again, the one that was all over the news, the one Colson railed about in the NYT. This looks like a setup to me. Notice that none of these men have been brought to justice. When the first attacker begins yelling at the camera he just keeps shouting over and over: “We should fight! We should fight!”. We can see at least the first guy who attacked that woman on news programs nationwide, and the police can’t find him?

This whole scenario stinks to high heaven.

There needs to be an investigation, but more urgently I want all of us to be aware of what could happen to us next week. If you see anyone committing violent acts I call upon you to stop it! All of you! Tackle them and hold them down, and if the cops won’t break ranks to get them like in Seattle, then drag them over to the police line. The LGBT community advocates non-violent protest, and there are people who will dress up like wolves in sheep’s clothing to vilify us.

I’d like to refer back to the article about Blackwater on Alter.com. The connection between Colson and Prince is alarming in light of future contracts for Blackwater to police us all over this nation. The article tells:

“ With President Bush using the Katrina disaster to try to repeal Posse Comitatus (the ban on using US troops in domestic law enforcement) and Blackwater and other security firms clearly initiating a push to install their paramilitaries on US soil, the war is coming home in yet another ominous way. As one Blackwater mercenary said, “This is a trend. You’re going to see a lot more guys like us in these situations.”

I know its scary stuff and you might want to just forget about this. Remember what happened to those protesters in Russia last week. I would hate to see that happen to anyone, anywhere, but I especially don’t want to see it happen here, to me, and to you.

Charles Colson

He also made TIME magazine’s list of 25 most influential Evangelicals in America:

“The spectacular Christian rehabilitation of Charles Colson—the man who once advised Richard Nixon to firebomb the Brookings Institution, a liberal think tank—began after Colson’s Watergate prison term, with his best-selling conversion narrative, Born Again. His resurgence accelerated as he founded Prison Fellowship Ministries and built it into a $50 million organization that operates in all 50 states and 110 countries.”

My that’s a lot of power. Also enough money to take out a full page add in the New York Times alerting everyone to the horrible violence being carried out against the faithful. Combine that kind of power with high ranking government official allies, and a sick mercenary group like Blackwater, and we have ourselves a serious problem.

Bottom line; no matter what walk of life you come from, doesn’t it worry you that people with money and lies are carrying out these kind of actions against the American people, not just gays? Doesn’t it bother you that money earned by Blackwater for slaughtering innocent Iraqis is being sent home to fight gay marriage, influence our government corruptly, and police the citizens of this country like terrorists? How many awful things can be done to us with our own tax dollars here? Should other arms of these groups be recruiting ex-cons to do their dirty work?

By the way, that old woman in the video with the cross, that’s Phyllis Burgess. Reports surfaced immediately on sites like the AfterEllen.com message board. The word I’m getting on her is that in Palm Springs Phyllis was well known as a trouble before the incident. She was also seen this at Democratic rallies shouting for McCain, and trying to get a rise out of people there. I would not leave this woman the local gays call “The Fred Phelps of Palm Springs” out of the investigation, and would not be the least surprised to find that she was in on the setup or funded by one of the groups associated with Colson, and Prince. Ask why she dropped her charges against her “attackers” as soon as the damage against our community was done.

And if you think I’m crazy here, ask why none of these “gay protestors”, not even the guy screaming “we have to fight” for the news cameras were ever arrested. No one was arrested. The local police reffer to the suspects as “ghosts”.

The 26th Long Beach Lesbian and Gay Pride Celebration was held this past weekend and my wife and I were there when a 4.7 earthquake hit.

We had entered the festival and met up with friends at the various tents that were set up for music and dancing. We walked around and saw lots of familiar faces while we explored our shopping ops, food finds, and drink deals. The mojitos were rockin and we scoped some cute clothing at the Tung Gear clothing booth. We made some donations and signed up for some mailing lists, and listened to people talk about equality, substance abuse, legal aid, and other issues affecting LGBTs. The food booths offered a good variety and there was plenty of pride gear for sale all around.

Around 8pm we made our way over to the main stage to watch Jazmine Sullivan perform, who has an amazing voice and recently released the hit song “Bust Your Windows”, which is a must for your iPod.

She did an awesome job performing her songs and keeping the crowd pumped. She was very gay friendly and told the crowd not to let the haters get to us and kill our dreams. Closer to the end of her performance she fell on stage, and after standing up and removing her shoes she said she was happy that she had her first official stage fall in Long Beach because we are so supportive.

Just after her performance, we were waiting for Sara Bareilles to come on stage when we felt the bleachers start to sway from side to side.

Everyone who was sitting on the bleachers froze and held on until it stopped a few second later. The woman who was speaking on stage didn’t skip a beat, and the crowd below seemed not to notice anything. We walked down the bleachers to the ground and some of the people below were asking each other “Did you feel that?” “Was that an earthquake?” We could see that the street lights were still swaying and instantly knew that it was in fact an earthquake.

Most of the people went back to what they were doing un-phased and continued to walk around and shop, eat, etc.

My wife and I started to leave immediately, trying to get a hold of our babysitter at the same time. The cell phone lines were all tied up and we could only reach people who had land line numbers, and everyone in the family networked messages that everyone was okay.

On the drive home we listened to radio which told us that the earthquake was located southeast of Los Angeles and was felt as far away as San Diego.

The quake measured a 4.7 on the Richter scale and lasted about ten seconds. It was followed by a 3.1 magnitude aftershock and originated from the Newport-Inglewood Fault which is about 10 miles from our home in Carson. When we got home we had some broken dishes and and excited pets, but luckily no broken windows like some had been reporting in the area. The kids were a little scared and so we did our emergency preparedness talk and drill, and made sure everyone knew the plan if we had an aftershock. At the end of the day, we were all safe, and grateful that it all worked out.

If you live in California and are looking for information on what you can do to prepare for an earthquake, you can visit www.earthquakecountry.info.

Julie Phineas is a work at home mom of 2 who lives in Southern California. You can find out more about her by visiting her page on MySpace.

From the March for Equality website:

We have recognized for a while now that “gay” is not an umbrella term for our community, we just want to make sure that everyone in the LGBTQQIAA(Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and Ally) community knows that we intend to fight tooth and nail until all those letters are seen as the best umbrella term there is, HUMAN!

The new event name is “March for Equality” and will still be taking place on June 28th 2009.

For more information visit: www.mylgbtrights.com
]]> http://lezgetreal.com/?feed=rss2&p=13036 2 http://lezgetreal.com/?p=12682 http://lezgetreal.com/?p=12682#comments Tue, 12 May 2009 16:00:39 +0000 ~Julie Phineas~ http://lezgetreal.com/?p=12682

California activists awaiting the day of decision by the California Supreme Court regarding Proposition 8 are preparing to gather for the decision regardless of the outcome.

With the recent swine flu pandemic, organizers are concerned about educating those who plan to attend about methods to aid in the prevention of further outbreaks as a result of gathering together after the ruling.

Here is the press release issued by the Meet in the Middle 4 Equality organizers:

Swine Flu Health Advisory

Protect Your Health

* Avoid enclosed spaces
* Thoroughly wash
hands often
* Stay hydrated

What We’re Doing

We are very concerned about
your health and wellbeing.
We are taking the following
precautions:

* Event will be outdoors
* Hand sanitizer available
* Bottled water available

Meet in the Middle 4 Equality is excited about our upcoming rally at Fresno City Hall as we await the decision of the California Supreme Court ruling on marriage equality, however we share your concern regarding the Swine Flu outbreak.

As most know, the Swine Flu has spread to the United States. At the time of this posting, there are 109 laboratory confirmed cases and one known death. On Tuesday, April 29, 2000, the World Health Organization raised the level of its six-tier alert system to 5. Media coverage is non-stop at this point which seems to be heightening the situation.

Meet in the Middle 4 Equality is well aware that the outbreak of this flu could impact the number of those that attend the rally. However, the event is being held outdoors. Viruses and bacteria are commonly spread from human to human through close contact via the air. Being indoors, in confined areas with poor ventilation, adds to this risk. Outdoor precautions suggest frequent hand washing, covering your mouth when coughing then washing your hands before touching anything or anyone. Hydration is also an important factor in preventing illness. Frequently drinking water throughout the day is always good practice to remain healthy.

The biggest preventative measure anyone can take is hand washing. This includes using soap and water, vigorously lathering your hands for at least 15 seconds, then completely rinsing. The use of antibacterial gel is another way to prevent spread of illness however this should not be used in place of frequent hand washing but rather an additional measure taken to protect yourself and others.

With this in mind, we hope that we will see you at the celebration. Meet in the Middle 4 Equality hopes to have antibacterial hand gel available to all attendees in hopes this would help put minds at ease while mingling within the crowd. We appreciate your support.

For further information on the Swine Flu, please go to: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu

Note to family:

“Gay interventions” during any of the holidays are likely to backfire.

Rather than put out the time and expense, save yourself the embarrassment and disappointment because no matter what you do it’s not your life and ultimately you can’t influence your gay relative’s sexual orientation any more than you can influence what color eyes they are born with.

Let’s not go there with the whole ‘gay is a choice argument’, because it’s irrelevant. It doesn’t matter how your gay relative got to be gay any more than it matters how their eyes got to be brown. What matters is that they ARE gay and if you can’t accept them for who they are then honestly that’s your loss.

Interventions are best saved for people with actual problems that require serious help.

Being gay shouldn’t be a problem for anybody unless they’re a bigot and if that’s how you want to live your life we wish you the best. Just remember that your gay relatives deserve the same respect so live and let live.

When you wake up tomorrow your relative will still be a gay person and you will still be related to one.

Next holiday, celebrate those that are alive and well and honor those who have already passed and remember: sexual orientation has nothing to do with that.

Today is Cinco de Mayo (translated it means the 5th of May) which is the day that Mexico celebrates their unity and patriotism.

Being a lesbian of Mexican heritage, this is a holiday close to my heart. Today is the day that many people of Mexican descent remember their heritage, and even if it’s been far removed from their current life the culture somehow is never lost.

Even though I am ‘third generation’ (meaning that my grandparents were born in Mexico but my parents and self were born in America) I still have some traditions instilled in me, like the urge to make the sign of the cross when passing by a church, or making tamales with my sisters at Christmas.

When Cinco de Mayo comes around, I find myself clinging to that part of me, and trying to pass what I can onto my children. They are supposed to wear something ‘Mexican’ to school later today. It will be interesting to see what they come up with. Did I mention my children are half white?

Here is a picture of my daughter a few years back on a Cinco de Mayo when I dressed her up to celebrate…

As a two mommy family, we don’t usually attend Cinco de Mayo celebrations outside of the house, but I hope that will change sometime in the future. Perhaps when the children are older. Whenever Gina and I are in a setting with what we call ‘my people’, I find that I get alot of looks from them. I think that many Mexicanas like myself are expected to settle down with a nice Mexican boy and have as many of his babies as possible. I can’t say that ‘my people’ are disappointed in me for being gay, but the looks we get are not usually comfortable to be around.

In any case many of our family and friends are Cinco de Mayo pros and are kind enough to invite us to their celebrations. Many times because there is usually alot of alchohol consumption at Cinco de Mayo parties (much like on St. Patricks Day) we have had smaller more family oriented celebrations. The children do learn alot at school and participate in many multi-cultural activities, and I am excited to see what they come up with for later today.

In any case whether you are of Mexican heritage or not, today is a day that anybody can be Mexican and participate in the festivities. Be safe and be sure to designate a driver if you are going to drink. Take plenty of pictures of the kiddos if you have ‘em and celebrate in some way. My daughter is 6 years old now (going on 26, LOL) so the picture of her above is always going to be a precious Cinco de Mayo memory.

Thanks for reading and happy Cinco de Mayo!

Julie Phineas is a work at home mom of 2 who lives in Southern California. You can find out more about her by visiting her page on MySpace.