This Sunday 22^nd April french voter will choose between 10 presidential candidates. The polls are currently giving the socialist Francois Hollande and the right-wing candidate Nicolas Sarkozy winner of the first round. Out of the ten candidates three of them are women: the extreme left-wing candidate Nathalie Arthaud, the green party candidate Eva Joly and the extreme right-wing candidate Marine Le Pen. However, according to the polls none of them will be present for the second round.
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans topic has not, as often, been considered as an important societal issue. During this campaign candidates used the fear of the other The association Sos Homophobie in its annual report of 2011, shows that there the last few years, the number of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender has increased. Compared to year 2010 there is 18% more testimonies. Since last year, internet has been the first play where homophobic discrimination takes place. Assaults in public places has increased 43% between 2009 and 2010. However, these numbers are only the tip of the iceberg. They represents the number of cases identified and reported and not all other victims. The fact that there is still discrimination based on your sexual orientation should remind us on the importance of the next presidential elections. It is the opportunity to make mentalities change.

In the context of the presidential election this same association submitted to the candidates twelve questions on equal rights, the fight against discrimination related to sexual orientation and gender identity. Each party answered to the questions, which shows an effort to take in consideration the LGBT’s rights. Anyhow, the results of the questions shows us that all political parties are not willing to do much more effort. As usual, there is a strong contrast between the left and right parties. None of the right-wing parties are open to same-sex marriage and equality in access to parenthood. On the other hand, all left-wing parties are in favor of equal rights between heterosexual and homosexual people. There is just one question on which they all agree on, which is to help and support people victim of homophobia.

It seems hard, if not even impossible, to fight homophobia if the States doesn’t give the right message to the people. A start would be to give equal rights to everyone. By refusing to give homosexuals the same right of marriage and parenting it puts them in a different category. The heterosexuals are considered better, more worthy. This creates and encourages discrimination based on sexual orientation. Nonetheless, these issues are not considered as essential in the campaign. Even though all the parties have expressed more or less their opinion, only few plans on actually realizing it. Four candidates, the socialist Francois Hollande, the left-candidate of Front de Gauche Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the anti-capitalistic Philippe Poutou and the green candidate Eva Joly wants to give same marriage rights for all couples. The centrist candidate, Francois Bayrou, agrees with them concerning equal parent rights for everyone. The other candidates say they only agree to give same-sex couples the right to a civil union which would be comparable to the marriage. That is still discriminatory towards LGBT people.

With the eleven other questions the candidates continue to draw the difference between the left- and right-wing parties. One question concerned the blood donation. In France, if a man has had once a sexual intercourse with an other man it is enough for lifetime ban on blood donation. This to prevent the risk of HIV contamination. The green candidate Eva Joly and anti-capitalistic candidate Philippe Poutou are both saying that the selection should not be based on prejudice, but on real medical facts. Nicolas Sarkozy talks about only refusing it to people who have had sex in less that a year. Marine Le Pen expresses herself all against. Once again, refusing blood donation from gay people because of the “risk factor” reinforces a negative image of gay people assimilated to sickness.

The conclusion of these twelve question is that the difference between left and right is more than ever accurate when talking about minorities issues. Only the left-wing leader of Le Front de Gauche: Jean-Luc Mélenchon and the green leader of Europe Ecologie : Eva Joly answered positively on 11 out of the 12 questions. The Green party represented by Eva Joly is already, since 2001, the first political party to have claimed the recognition of LGBT parents/families and equal rights with different sex families. Already then they also suggested the right for adoption for same-sex couples. In contrast to them, Marine Le Pen answered negatively to all questions except one, which concerns assistance to young people victim of homophobic attacks.

For the french people, who takes the gay issues into account for the elections, have suddenly narrowed their choice. Even though some of the right-wing candidates promises changes, it is not one of their main issues. Nicolas Sarkozy, when elected in 2007, promised to give more financial rights to gay couples, nothing ever happened.

With only a couple of days left before the first round of the French presidential election, the polls estimates the socialist Francois Hollande and the right-wing leader Nicolas Sarkozy winners. The first one suggests, in addition to the equal rights, a ministry of women’s right conducted by a women. This in order to reduce the gaps between men and women in the society.

Which is not so much of a surprise. What is surprising, on the other hand, is the great popularity of Marine Le Pen, who is estimated to have around 15%. She is representing the extreme right-wing party: Le Front National. This party collects the people’s fear and then distributes a message of hate and discrimination. What is frightening is the normalization process that goes along the fact that this party is fighting for the third place at the elections. More and more people identifies to what the party represents and says. More and more people therefore convey this message of hatred.

This years campaign feels like it only started three weeks ago. And even since then, there haven’t occurred any debates (that because the top runners wanted to wait for the second round). When it concerns social issues it seems like it is always the same. The left-wing parties puts the focus on these issues, while the right-wing parties knows their existence but does not put a priority on solving them.

Anti-ACTA protest in Paris

29 January 2012
by Pauline Malmqvist

On the initiative of Anonymous a hundred of people protested this Saturday in Paris against ACTA. They also asked to protest in 36 other french cities.

ACTA, known as Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement, is an international treaty that aims at reinforcing the copyright laws. It wants to reinforce the cooperation between all the countries that has signed ACTA. Like SOPA and PIPA, ACTA threatens the liberty of internet and the freedom of expression. This treaty has been secretly negotiated by the United States, the European Union, Canada, Australia, Mexico, Japan, Morocco, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland. Which is the first controversial issue about ACTA: the States hid it away from us during the process of the law which lead us to know nothing about this treaty. 

The agreement expands the copyrights law by criminalizing file-sharing, which firstly was a civil infringement. It will give the right for the governments worldwide that has signed the treaty to allow right holders to seek personal data through ISPs (Internet Service Providers). It will also give copyright holders legal means to pursue people suspected of bypassing copyright protections. It also allows to seize goods at theirs borders if suspected of containing infringing content. 

In order to reinforce the copyright laws ACTA has severe penalties. The judicial authorities have the authority to order the person engaged in infringing activity:
- To pay the right holder damages adequate to compensate for the injury the right holder has suffered as a result of the infringement. (Section 2: Civil Enforcement, Article 9: Damages, paragraph 1 – ACTA)

- For offences specified in paragraphs 1, 2, and 4 of Article 23 (Criminal Offences), each Party shall provide penalties that include imprisonment as well as monetary fines sufficiently high to provide a deterrent to future acts of infringement, consistently with the level of penalties applied for crimes of a corresponding gravity.(ACTA in section 4: Criminal Enforcement, Article 24: Penalties). 

Anti-ACTA protester

In the European Union 22 members has signed the treaty on Thursday 26^th January in Tokyo, including France. However, it still must be signed by the European parliament. The hope that the treaty can still be stopped lead to protests from the internet hacker group Anonymous but also non-member of the group. As a matter of fact, a European Parliament official, Kader Arif, resigned and stated: “I want to denounce in the strongest possible manner the entire process that led to the signature of this agreement: no inclusion of civil society organizations, a lack of transparency from the start of the negotiations, repeated postponing of the signature of the text without an explanation being ever given, exclusion of the EU Parliament’s demands that were expressed on several occasions in our assembly”.

This was a awakening alarm for some of us, unfortunately to few. Only a couple of hundreds of people gathered in Paris to protest on Saturday 28^th. The French medias did not put the spotlight on ACTA, that might explain also why the crowd was not as big as expected. 

Behind the Guy Fawkes masks people yelled “No to ACTA” and “We are legion”. They stated that they want to defend the liberty and rights of each individual.

Protests were particularly strong in Poland, where a thousands of citizens marched together against ACTA. There were also several government officials that showed their disapproval of ACTA by wearing the now very famous mask of Guy Fawkes. 

To show their disapproval of ACTA, Anonymous has launched several attacks against Governmental and entertainment websites, including the FBI and also the french Governments. Until the European parliament has not signed ACTA there is still hope that ACTA will not be enacted. On avaaz.org there is a petition, that they plan on taking to the European parliament so the voice of the citizens may count for something. It did for SOPA and PIPA, why not for ACTA? 

Anti-ACTA troll

So apparently Kris Humphries has been hiding out here in Minnesota while recovering from his “wife” filing for divorce.  I’ve decided I’m using quotes around all heterosexual marriage terms.  If some straight people are refusing to recognize or respect gay relationships, I’m refusing to recognize theirs.  I’m also going to use air quotes when talking to my straight friends.

Oh, you’re inviting me to your “wedding”? (air quotes)

My friends wouldn’t hit me, would they?

Poor Kris.  Pick a nice Minnesota girl next time.

I can’t believe I’m even writing about this.  I’ve been back and forth about it all week, not wanting to contribute to hype and yet wanting to contribute to the hype.

I wonder, do you think they were prepared for the level of backlash they’ve received from the gay community?  Was it planned all along, the “divorce”?  Is Kris hiding out here in Minnesota just part of the act?  I’m gonna go find him and ask him.  I wonder what gym he goes to.

The internet has certainly exploded with commentary, and many of my gay friends have been discussing/arguing/venting their views on Facebook.  E! Network has been in damage control-mode, and Kim herself, as attention loving as she is, canceled the remainder of her Australia trip.

On a side note, Kim and Kris renewed their “wedding vows” (can’t stop with the quotes) on The Ellen Degeneres Show last month.  Ellen has been curiously silent since the news broke.  C’mon Ellen, where’s the gay outrage?

Actually, I don’t even think my voice of gay outrage is any different from anyone else’s in the matter.  I’m mad for all the same reasons everyone else is – they have the legal right to get married and then divorced in a few months, and yet people believe gays getting married would undermine the “sanctity” of straight marriage.  That’s why we’re all mad about this, right?

I do think, however, I can fix Kim’s PR problem.  Why would she want to lose her gay fan base; we can make or break a show.  (Does she HAVE a gay fan base?)

Really, my solution solves all her problems by keeping her in the spotlight AND allowing her to show her support for the gay community.  It’s easy.

Kim, get gay married!

Everyone knows you were shopping for a basketball player boyfriend for your show long before you met Kris (who wasn’t even your first choice) so, time to start shopping for a nice Minnesota boi.  NOT me, I’m taken.  Actually, probably shouldn’t pick a Minnesota boi, either, as long as we have Michele Bachmann in this state, we’re not going to be getting married any time soon.

So, how about New York?  Any New York bois willing to step up to the plate?  Who would you like to see Kim coupled with?  I bet Dani Campbell wouldn’t mind 15 more minutes of fame.  Do we even want Kim on our team?  Share your thoughts below!

Have something to say to Riley?  Email her at RDylan1980@gmail.com or find her on Facebook.  http://facebook.com/rdylan1

Mmm, opening messages like these on dating sites get me every time. One question, mildly offensive. She’s clearly “the one.” God. I should have sent her the link to Plenty of Match.com in response.

However, I’m not going to write about online dating (again). After much laughing/scoffing/grumbling, I realize that my not-so-suave admirer actually raised an interesting question. This was confirmed when I posed her question on a social networking site, and one of my acquaintances responded: “Isn’t it clear from your photos? Weird.”

Now wait a second. What does butch mean, exactly? I attempted to explain that I don’t identify as butch, and jokingly said I was a “boi,” further confusing some of those in my social circle.

What was a boi? If one is neither butch nor femme, what are they?

Labels! We need labels!! Everyone is so much more comfortable when people can be put in boxes. Good lord. It seems as though a bit of a lez-ucation is in order. Allow me to help. And stereotype as I see fit.

1. Boi: First of all, this term can be confusing in the gay world, as “bois” are something different to gay men. In the lez world, simply put, a “boi” is a younger lesbian that typically looks and acts like a guy. She dresses in clothes designed for men, has a boyish hairstyle and carries herself like a dude. Think of the “boi” as the metro version of masculine lezzies. Still, the operative word in this definition is “young,” as older lesbians generally aren’t referred to as “bois.” I’m 31. Hell, I’m taking this term to the grave with me. Simply because I’d rather not be called…

2. Butch: that other, less pretty term for masculine lesbians. Butches are generally a little more rough around the edges. Butches are the dykes on bikes. Butch women might go to the barber and not a stylist, and need to learn how to properly use hair products. [Note: I am now worried that a pack of dykes on bikes will be arriving to kick my ass.] Honestly, I love butches. Perhaps I will become one someday. (No). They remind me of my dad. Many of them like to be called dad(dy). Especially by women who consider themselves…

3. Femme/lipstick: Why “lipstick”? Because they WILL wear lipstick. I won’t even wear lip gloss. Femmes are often hard to differentiate from straight women. They look and act exactly the same. How to tell them apart from straight women? Check to see if A. they have their tongue in your mouth and B. Yeah, I don’t have any other ideas. Femmes wear dresses and skirts (NOT with army boots) and can walk in heels. Actually, they can probably run. They are into fashion, makeup, and hair. They are NOT into sports. They’ll look hot waving pom pons while watching you, though. If she looks femme, but she’s into sports, she’s a…

4. Sporty dyke: Oops, I just gave my definition above. She looks femme and she’s into sports. She can walk in heels, but prefers cleats. Or tennis shoes. Sporty dykes rarely wear their hair down. Ponytails, buns, and headbands are the norm. And not just during the game. Honestly, I could give more details, but there’s no way I could be more thorough than the definition on Effing Dykes.  Other terms you might not be familiar with include…

5. Futch: This term comes from the combination of femme + butch. Duh. Dani Campbell, from Tila Tequila’s reality show, says she invented the term. Yeah, no she didn’t, but we’ll excuse that. She’s cute. Girls that identify as futch may not buy ALL their clothes in the men’s department. They might pick more masculine clothing still designed for girls. They also wear makeup. I could be futch. No way will I go out without my guyliner.

6. Soft-butch: Pretty much the same as futch. Somebody just decided we needed more labels. Girls that are bois/futch/soft-butch will often be…

7. Androgynous: There’s a great Joan Jett song with this name. When a person is andro, it’s difficult to tell on first glance whether they’re a guy or a girl. I’ve begun to realize that all the double-takes I’ve received are actually people trying to figure out what I am. Meh. Keeps it interesting.

8. Chapstick lesbian: I’ll always love this term, because Ellen DeGeneres coined it. When her character was asked on her TV show “Ellen” if she was a lipstick lesbian, she said that she was more of a “chapstick” lesbian. Chapstick lesbians are everywhere, and other labels may apply to them as well. Pretty much every lezzie that isn’t a femme is a chapstick lez. Seriously. Go up to any lezzie and ask if she has chapstick. Who wants to makeout with chapped lips?

9. Bull dyke: A dyke that looks like a bull. Ok, no. But she’s as strong as one. Bull dykes are butchies, and they are big. Not big as in fat necessarily, big as in thick. We need more of these on my football team. They wear cargo shorts and polos. Or flannel. They wear Birkenstocks, sometimes with socks. Bull dykes probably have a knife if you need one, and have something hanging off the karabiner in their belt loop. Using this term is often seen as derogatory, but I use it with love.

10. Stone Butch: First, these women are proud to be butch, but “stone butch” actually means she’s a giver, not a taker. Yes, that way. They are the touch-er, and not the touch-ee. [Random: Stone Butch Blues is an award-winning novel by Leslie Feinberg that is a fantastic piece of gay literature.]

11. Gold Star: Me. Ok, that wasn’t a definition. A Gold Star lesbian, plain and simple, has NEVER been with a guy. Good luck finding one. Pretty sure we are slowly going extinct.

Skyler Cooper. What a stud.

12. Toaster: A toaster isn’t a type of lesbian, per se; it’s the hypothetical “prize” you win if you are a girl’s first sexual experience with another girl. NOT their first makeout – you must actually sleep with them. We’re playing for fake kitchen appliances here. Sometimes it’s also fun to refer to your straight female friends as “toaster” if they’ve never been with a girl. “You’re next, Toaster.”

13. Stud: An African-American butch lesbian. Check out Skyler Cooper. Damn.

14. Baby dyke: A baby dyke can be one of two things – a really young lesbian, or one who has just come out. They often insist that they are “very mature for their age.” Don’t believe them. You will break their cute little hearts. Let them date other baby dykes. Just a friendly word of advice.

15. Genderqueer: This term is the umbrella word for any gender identity other than man or woman. People that see themselves as genderqueer could be saying that they are both man and woman, neither man nor woman, moving between genders, unlabel-able (apparently “genderqueer” isn’t a label. Mmhmm.), or blurring the lines between genders. Thank you, Wikipedia.

16. Flower/hippie lesbian: These lesbians are easy to find. Just look for the guitar slung over their shoulder. And their dreads. And unshaven…everything. Or go to any Ani DiFranco concert. They’ll win your heart by serenading you with something that they write for you on the spot, and if you break theirs, they’ll write songs like “Untouchable Face.”

In all sincerity, I don’t understand the need to label. Do YOU feel safer if you can label me? Do you feel safer with a label? Me, I’m a short-haired, make-up wearing, beer-drinking, opera-singing, deer-hunting, football-playing, theatre-loving, dog-owning lesbian. Put that in box.

Disagree with Riley? Has she missed anything? Would you like to hear more?

Share your comments below or email her at RDylan1980@gmail.com

Related articles

• Lez Ask the Femme: Should I Let My Girlfriend Have a Boyfriend? (lezgetreal.com)
• A Tiny Clip From The Second Season Of My Little Pony (lezgetreal.com)

What’s your type?  Do you think you have one?

I’ve been asked this question before.  Haven’t we all?   To tell the truth, I feel a little uncomfortable answering.  The images that pop in my head of my “dream girl” (my dream girl would have to be my type, right?) make me feel shallow, narcissistic.  Boobs.  Long hair.  Abs.  The images that pop into my head are all physical attributes.  What the hell?  I’m kidding myself.  That isn’t my type…  But wait, I have a subscription to Playboy…?

So what is mine?  Do I even have one?

I look back at the four relationships I’ve been in.  I don’t think each girl could be more different than the other.

Girl #1: redhead, lifeguard, country girl, averagely talented at theatre/sports, an overall nice Minnesota girl

Girl #2: brunette, tall, incredibly intelligent, amazing actress, awesome personality, “X-Files” and “Friends” geek (I say this with love)

Girl #3: Can I describe Angela as a girl? Ha… masculine, muscular, short, outstanding athlete, quick to laugh, just as quick to anger, a cop

Girl #4: blonde, southern, small, not an athlete OR an actress, crazy, spontaneous, sexy

Um.  Maybe I don’t have a type?

Still, I look at my list above and one relationship stands out.  (One of these things is not like the other. Ha…) It was the only time I ever dated someone I didn’t feel at the time was my type.  Read: feminine.  If I wanted to date a guy, I’d date a guy, right?  And um, I’m a lesbian.

I remember when I first met Angela.  Online.  Myspace.  (You can laugh now.)

She pursued me heavily.  A first.  I wasn’t the “boy” in the relationship.  Also a first.  SHE took care of ME.  Bought me dinner.  Gave me presents.  Held the door.  Offered her arm.  Did this feel unnatural for me?  At times.  Honestly, I’d rather have someone hold MY arm.  But for some reason, with Ang, I felt I could relax.  Being the “guy” in a relationship is a lot of work, even when you’re good at it.

She was a cop.  She sent pictures of herself in uniform, and I could see that she had short-cropped hair, shorter than mine.  But her eyes were almond colored, and were extremely feminine.  She had a great smile, great teeth.  Did I mention the “cop” thing?

After three months of talking online, and another month of phone conversation, we finally agreed to meet for a weekend in Indianapolis.  She arrived at the hotel first, and when she opened the door to the room, my first thought was… “My god, she looks like a little DUDE!”  I mean, I shouldn’t have been that surprised; I had pictures.  But the way she carried herself, her physicality…  It was in that moment, that exact second, I said to myself the very thing which has given me the balls to live the way I choose from then on:

Fuck it.

I jumped out of the box I’d put myself in, and decided to try something different.  I’d been speaking to this woman for four months; we had a very real connection.  I didn’t want to write that off because I was worried she wasn’t my type.

And it was different.

I quickly learned she wasn’t really the guy.  I’m embarrassed that I thought she would be.  I was young and naïve.

It’s easy to see why, though.  People look at me and assume.  Am I really the guy?  Anyone that’s been in a relationship with me can tell you, I will cry at “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” harder than you will.  And don’t even get me started on “Intervention”!  And I am almost always the more emotional/more sensitive one in a relationship.  To be truthful, I don’t see gender roles at all in same-sex relationships, be it in day to day living or the bedroom.

Ang and I figured it out.  We loved each other and had a ton of fun.  When a gorgeous girl walked by, did we both stop and stare?  Yes.  Sometimes, she’d turn to me and say “You like the girlie girls!”  Well, yeah.  So did she.  But we also liked each other.

Did I eventually leave her for someone that was blonde, feminine, soft and curvy?  Yep.   And I can tell you right now that it had nothing to do with love, with being in love.  I loved Angela.  I was in love with her. But my relationship with her was in shreds.  She tore me apart.  (That is its own story, yet to be written.)  I didn’t leave her because she wasn’t my type.

I can tell you that I’m glad, in that millisecond outside of the hotel room door, that I said “Fuck it.”  I’m glad I was in that relationship.  I learned a lot about myself, about love in that relationship.  Just as in any relationship I learned what I want in a partner and what I don’t.  When I think back to Angela, I don’t think, “Well, I definitely don’t want someone more masculine than ME again!”  Nope, I think, “I definitely don’t want someone so ANGRY again.”

Why am I even on this topic?  Soccer.

Lately I’ve been watching USA Women’s Soccer and am not going to deny that I didn’t get turned on watching Abby Wambach head two goals in the last two games.  But wait!  She kinda looks like a dude!

So what.

So do I have a type?  Sure.  Talented.  At anything.  Sports?  Ok.  Theatre?  Ok.  Flip cup?  Definitely.  (Kidding. Kinda.)  Intelligent.  Funny.  Motivated.  Driven.

These things are not physical attributes.  Do I have a physical type?  Well…Attractive.  Masculine, feminine, I don’t care.  And you know as well as I do that people become more physically attractive the more you appreciate them for less superficial reasons. (Side note – Google image searched Abby Wambach just for shits and giggles and saw that she used to have long typical soccer-girl hair.  Physically, much more attractive with the new ‘do she’s got going on.  Am I right?)

So, I guess I DO have a type.  It just isn’t physical.

And um, those girls in my Playboy magazine may not have all the non-physical attributes that I’m looking for in a woman, but… I read it for the articles, anyway.

Image via Wikipedia

06/13/2011 – by Cynthia S. Wright

Even though 30 Rock star/comedian Tracy Morgan issued an apology last weekend via his publicist addressing his June 4th homophobic tirade in Nashville, Tennessee – many are still upset over Morgan’s antics.

Recently, a few notable celebs and media hounds have come out expressing their opinion over Morgan’s “comedic act.” Although, Morgan’s co-stars, Tina Fey and Cheyenne Jackson both issued statements chastising Morgan, while Alec Baldwin decided best that he stay out of it by addressing the situation passively on Twitter.

At the same time, there has been one main figure that has stuck up for Morgan’s comedic rant, even if the comedian’s material was viewed as controversial. Roland Martin, a CNN analyst has come out against those who feel that Morgan should be fired for his comedic material. Even though Martin was also one of the more vocal media figures calling for Michael Richards‘ head when he started yelling racial epithets during a comedic heckling – he views Morgan’s rant differently. Martin took to his blog and Twitter to discuss the hypocrisy of those that are attempting to vilify the 30 Rock star.

Taken via Martin’s blog:

There isn’t enough space on the Internet to chronicle the number of times a comedian has said nasty and vile things. Some of it leading the audience to fall out laughing or sometimes, or as in the case of Morgan, walk out in protest. If we are to demand an apology for every time a comedian is sexist against men or women, racist or homophobic, we might as well launch a website called www.comediansapologizedaily.com.

Say I’m wrong. Fine. Say I’m insensitive to gays and lesbians. Fine. I’ll wait for the usual bigots to say that I’m defending Tracy Morgan because he’s black. Fine.

So, the fact that Morgan clearly went on a hate-filled rant that caused folks to walk out during his set (and he still continued, after he noticed they were leaving) should be allowed because he is a comedian who cracks funny, inappropriate jokes? I don’t think so. Being no stranger to Morgan’s comedy or those that Martin also cites in his article – I understand that humor is not necessarily politically correct. However, what I fail to understand is how can Morgan’s jokes be seen as funny?

Even comedian Chris Rock (who has been known to push the envelope), at first supported Morgan via Twitter on Saturday but soon recanted and changed his tune, after actually reading what Morgan had said.

Tracy morgan is a tad off we all know that so when tracy says something i usually don’t take it anymore serious than i would a statement from gary busey or flavor flav,” he wrote. “when i first heard the statement i thought it was offensive but it also reminded me of my father saying ill kill you if you ever bring home a white girl but after reading everything tracy said . wow i get it that s*it wasn’t called for and i don’t support it at all. now can i please go to the tony awards without getting my *ss kicked.”

Try as you might, I will never see a killing an LGBT youth as funny (especially with the LGBT’s society history of suicide and abuse), just like I won’t see a black person lynch joke amusing. Being that Martin is such an acclaimed analyst; it shocks me that he can’t see why most are upset with Morgan’s horrible attempt at comedy.

Stabbing his child? God don’t make no mistakes? Where is the punch line in all of this? Instead of trying to make folks laugh, he used his stage as the time to express his own personal opinion and failed at being a comedian.

Related articles

• Roland Martin Spews Bullsh*t Defense of Tracy Morgan (pamshouseblend.com)
• Wanda Sykes: Tracy Morgan ‘Just Yelled ‘Fire’ In A Crowded Theater’ (towleroad.com)
• Cheyenne Jackson “Appalled” By Tracy Morgan’s Tirade (advocate.com)

Recently Herman Cain sat down with CBS reporter Brian Montopoli to discuss his presidential campaign. While, at first, Cain didn’t seem like a forerunner in the upcoming Republican primary – with the lackluster support that his fellow

Herman Cain

contenders, Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum, Ron Paul and Mitt Romney have been drumming up, it may be of little surprise that Cain is sliding ahead in the polls.

What also needs to be pointed out, that even after Cain’s admittance of hiring an openly gay person for his cabinet (over a Muslim), his popularity within the Republican party has not lessened.

“I don’t have a problem with appointing an openly gay person because they are not going to try to put Sharia law in our laws.”

Yet, before anyone can possibly think that Cain is rushing towards the “dark side” (for Republicans), he quickly reminds where his true allegiance lies.

During the interview with Montopoli, the former Godfather Pizza CEO was asked his feelings on same-sex marriage. Cain, of course wasn’t beyond touting his biblical beliefs in order to satisfy his conservative-viewing audience.

“I believe that homosexuality is a sin, because I’m a Bible-believing Christian. But I know that some people make that choice; that’s their choice.”

Last night, while being interviewed by Wolf Blitzer, Cain was asked again if he would support marriage equality.

“I support traditional marriage. Let’s move on, Wolf.”

So, it is okay for a gay person to work in Cain’s cabinet but for them to be married is sinful? How does that even make sense? The issue surrounding conservative politicians is that they want to tow the line for their party but at the same time appear “modern”.

Quit flip-flopping on LGBT issues, Cain. This is not a pizza joint.

Image via Wikipedia

06/09/2011 – by Cynthia S. Wright

Tracy Morgan should stick to what he does best, which is letting someone write his jokes, while he play the asinine character that he so realistically portrays on 30 Rock.

Of course, with anything involving Morgan, he wouldn’t allow it to be that easy. During a recent comedy show in Nashville, Tennessee (you can guess where this is going), the comedian decided to let his audience know exactly how he felt about homosexuals and President Barack Obama’s “allegiance” to them.

During his tirade, Morgan mocked the President for accepting something as perverted as homosexuality, that being “born this way” is a joke and that he would even stand his own son, if he ever came out to him.

Morgan’s homophobic rant was captured by Kevin Rogers, an audience, who reported the overrated comedian’s efforts to to Truth Wins Out:

-Mr. Morgan took it upon himself to mention about how he feels all this gay shit was crazy and that women are a gift from God and that “Born this Way” is bullshit, gay is a choice, and the reason he knows this is exactly because “God don’t make no mistakes” (referring to God not making someone gay cause that would be a mistake).

-He said that there is no way a woman could love and have sexual desire for another woman, that’s just a woman pretending because she hates a fucking man.  He took time to visit the bullshit of this bullying stuff and informed us that the gays needed to quit being pussies and not be whining about something as insignificant as bullying.

-He mentioned that gay was something kids learn from the media and programming, and that bullied kids should just bust some ass and beat those other little fuckers that bully them, not whine about it.  He said if his son that was gay he better come home and talk to him like a man and not [he mimicked a gay, high pitched voice] or he would pull out a knife and stab that little N (one word I refuse to use) to death.

-He mentioned that Barack Obama needed to man up and quit being all down with this just because he has a wife and two daughters.  All of this being followed by thunderous cheer and “You go Tracys”.  Tracy then said he didn’t fucking care if he pissed off some gays, because if they can take a fucking dick up their ass… they can take a fucking joke.

What I don’t understand is why should we take the musings of a second rate sidekick on a hit TV show’s hateful rhetoric is funny? When did it become “funny” to denigrate a whole community of people and then throwing God in it to make yourself feel vindicated? Not only that but when will it ever be funny to joke about murdering your child, if he were ever to turn out gay.

Also, what does Obama having a wife and two daughters have anything to do with his stance on gay rights? The last I checked LGBT equality has not been utilized in every state. Using the President’s families as means to call him “soft” is shallow and reminiscent of the issues that some black men try to use when opposing the LGBT community. In other words, all Morgan was able to do is show that homophobia doesn’t cease to exist even if you are quasi-famous.

Morgan can attempt to mask his true feelings behind some cheap laughs (after all, who would dispute his rationale in Tennessee) but you can’t joke your way out of this. Luckily for him, Morgan’s show was in Tennessee – somehow it’s doubtful that this routine would fly in New York or on the set of 30 Rock. Neither Morgan or his publicist have yet to discuss the topics covered in his last comedic outing.

Tina Fey hasn’t commented on her co-stars recent antics.

Related articles

• Today in Disappointing Celebrity News (slog.thestranger.com)
• Tracy Morgan Apparently Would Stab His Son If He “Whined” About Being Bullied (queerty.com)

Image via Wikipedia

06/09/2011 – by Cynthia S. Wright

It appears that Bryan Fisher has another issue with gays infringing on “his society.” On his radio show, the American Family Association speaker took to the airwaves calling for his listeners to stand up for their hetero rights and boycott Old Navy for allowing LGBT pride shirts amongst the merchandise. Granted, the Old Navy shirts are only available in “select” stores (not sure any of those stores would be near Fisher or his listeners) and in limited quantities – it is nice to see that something promoting love and acceptance is causing Fisher’s tighty-whities to bunch up.

However, Fisher didn’t end with calling for his listeners to end the boycott – he couldn’t, it would be too easy. In his mind, the LGBT communities shame should be akin to what Representative Anthony Weiner is currently facing. How? Fisher doesn’t clarify – of course – he just knows that it is shameful and disrespectful to all the heterosexuals out there. Of course, his thinking is flawed being that Rep. Weiner – a straight, married man who deceived his wife for years has absolutely nothing to do with LGBT pride and equality. Hate to break it to you Fisher, I know you want to grasp at straws to feed your blatant hate for those that don’t fit your straight, white Americana dream (which was founded on lies, by the way) but the fact is a straight, man cheated publicly and twisting that to somehow coincide with celebrating LGBT pride is unfounded and not based in reality. Although, if Fisher were to have it his way – I’m sure Black History Month, Native American Heritage Month and all those other months that don’t fit his agenda would be worth boycotting too.

Even still, that doesn’t stop him from adding another boycott to his long, extensive list. Leaving some to question, what establishments are they even supposed to shop at these days? Has it been narrowed down to Wal-mart at this point; perhaps they need to start making their own clothes – since it is hard for them to be around those they demonize every chance they get. How unfortunate.

Image by lez get real via Flickr

05/29/2011 – by Cynthia S. Wright

With all the attention same-sex marriage equality has been given in New York, one senator has spoken out against all the fuss surrounding same-sex marriages and how they align with the black civil rights movement. Diaz’s outburst stems from NY mayor, Michael Bloomberg who gave a speech linking black civil rights with the current struggle for marriage equality.

You can probably guess on what side Mr. Diaz’s allegiances lie being that he is both a black man and old enough to recall the civil rights era. In a statement, released on Thursday, Diaz goes in on how he is tired of seeing black civil rights trivialized by marriage equality.

“There is no just comparison between America’s struggle to overcome the evils of slavery and the promotion of the lifestyle of homosexuality. It is preposterous for Mayor Bloomberg to degrade and minimize the plight of African-Americans in this civil rights struggle by equating it with the effort to push to legalize homosexual marriage.

[…]

Black leaders should not allow Mayor Bloomberg or anyone else trivialize their suffering and their history!”

Now, now Diaz – even though as a black woman – I do understand where you are coming from, but as a gay female (one looking to get married next year), your analysis is not completely on point. Are the two struggles identical? No, they are not – with relatives born and bred in the South, I have heard plenty of stories of the segregation and abuse some of them had to endure during the civil rights era. The hoses, the attack dogs, being bludgeoned with billy clubs not being able to go to certain places unless there was a designated spot for you. As a black person today, I can’t image that – even though I do feel a form of racial segregation still exists in the society, the obvious use of it that my grand-parents and older relatives witnessed is something I can’t begin to fathom.

So for that, I do understand why Diaz feels the way that he does. In his logic, you can’t change the fact that you are black – so to be ostracized for such is a horrible thing is illogical and hurtful. Where as (in his mind), being gay, it was your choice to do something against the “mainstream.” So, why should it be lumped together when it is obvious that a person is black, where as with being gay it isn’t necessarily so clean cut.

Although, it is has been well documented that LGBT‘s members helped the civil rights fight, Bayard Rustin being one of the key players that helped fight injustice towards blacks, was bullied and in some ways bashed for not only his race but for who he chose to love unashamedly. How quickly that is forgotten in order to promote a skewed view of societal politics.

I will be the first person to tell anyone that being gay is not a choice, due to the fact that the issues I faced being a lesbian are not the same types of prejudices I face as a black woman. My gayness is not apparent and it something you wouldn’t know about me until we engaged in a conversation; I can’t hide the fact that I’m black.  However, I have struggled with both, not necessarily equally but at the same time being called out and made to feel less than for being your authentic self – Diaz and others like him should understand how it feels to be the “scapegoat” for those narrow minded, bigoted folks that are afraid of change and of losing “control.”

As a black, gay woman it bothers me to see my race not aligning itself with the LGBT equality. The black community would be an extremely positive ally; once they got over pushing those away who are also seeking freedom to be who they are without fear of being harmed or threatened. Showing support would not take away from black civil rights because even though integration still happened – racism has not gone away. If minority groups took the time to stand together in opposition to anyone’s civil right being taken away – things would have been handled a long time ago.

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

05/17/2011 – by Cynthia S. Wright

Recently, Sara Quin of the indie music duo, Tegan & Sara wrote an open letter to the music industry about the state of misogyny and homophobia in the industry. Her main frustration seemed to be with Tyler the Creator, a rapper associated with the group, Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All, who has recently been making waves in the underground music and social media circuits.

During the course of the letter, Quin hones in on Tyler’s music, most notably his first solo album, Goblin asking them [the industry] why he is getting praised, when he is facilitating stereotypes in music.

“If any of the bands whose records are held in similar esteem as Goblin had lyrics littered with rape fantasies and slurs, would they be labeled hate mongers? I realize I could ask that question of DOZENS of other artists, but is Tyler exempt because people are afraid of the backlash? The inevitable claim that detractors are being racist, or the brush-off that not “getting it” would indicate that you’re “old” (or a faggot)? Because, the more I think about it, the more I think people don’t actually want to go up against this particular bully because he’s popular. Who sticks up for women and gay people now? It seems entirely uncool to do so in the indie rock world, and I’ll argue that point with ANYONE.”

Tyler, after reading or having someone tell him the excerpts responded to her post via his Twitter on Sunday.

“If Tegan And Sara Need Some Hard Dick, Hit Me Up!”

In all honesty, with all that is out there about Tyler – his response; I hope wasn’t too much of a surprise. At the same time, Tyler doesn’t see himself as a homophobic, the rapper who views himself similar to the Sex Pistols and The Doors discussed some of the homophobic accusations with The Guardian.

“Somebody called me a homophobe. I’m not homophobic. I just say ‘faggot’ and use ‘gay’ as an adjective to describe stupid shit.”

Of course, you would Tyler.

My issues with this scenario are two-fold. Yes, there is an issue of misogyny and homophobia throughout hip-hop and yes – the music industry propels a lot of that to make money. Yet, at the same time, Quin is adding more fuel to the fire than extinguishing the flames.

Quin believes that Tyler gets a “pass” because others are afraid to stand up because there will be some type of backlash. She then lists racism, age and not being “with it” as reasons why the backlash may occur. Now, is she implying that Tyler gets a pass because if someone were to come after him, he’d [Tyler] be quick to pull the “race card?” Which is somewhat doubtful being that Tyler is about shocking his critics, bringing up race wouldn’t give him that punch he so desperately craves.

Also, I hope Quin is aware that Tyler is not the only one in the crew that deserves to be called out. In a story recently published in The Guardian, the crews’ sound engineer, Syd tha Kyd, an open lesbian discussed why she felt the need to join OFWGKTA.

“When I first started really fucking with Odd Future heavy, my dad was like, ‘Really? They talk about some crazy shit and as a female, you’re slapping a lot of women in the face.’ I’m like, ‘That’s what I do. I slap bitches.’”

Your girlfriends are lucky women, Syd. I don’t know about you but having a lesbian align herself with Tyler and his gang would probably upset me more, instead of some copycat rapper craving attention.

Misogyny and homophobia run prevalent in the music industry. It’s sad but true and being that I’m also a gay, black female that LOVES hip-hop – trust me, I feel the brunt of it.  Even though Quin is releasing her frustration and may feel that her heart is the right place – her way of addressing the issue may be a bit misguided.

Black rappers are forced tow the line just as much as any other racial group in the music industry; I would even go as far to say that they are put out there much more than other racial groups. Now, do I agree with what those rappers say – no, I don’t but I also make the choice not to indulge in certain artists. If others don’t have it in them to do the same, that is a personal choice. Even if the musical industry decided to stop promoting those with anti-gay, anti-woman, anti-whatever rhetoric – there would always be someone there willing to step in and make money off of that part of society that finds it acceptable and with this being the era of Youtube, the likelihood is high.

Should we be upset? Yes, but addressing your concerns to a corporate machine that is more concerned with making bank over preserving the souls of those that listen and purchase their artists’ music – instead of trying to talk about – actions need to start coming into play.

What irks me about this open letter is that in addressing Tyler’s inane rap lyrics (which are slightly reminiscent of an early Eminem – yeah, that guy), she is giving Tyler, his fan base and the media industry what they want – a reaction. Not to toot my own musical horn but I’m pretty savvy in both mainstream and underground music but (perhaps, it is due to my current location) Tyler and his crew didn’t even register on my list of things to listen to – but with all the interest surrounding Quin’s dislike of Tyler and the music industry that upholds him (not to mention the countless articles on the topic, mine included) – I had no choice but to listen to see what the fuss was about.

Unfortunately, that is the issue because I’m probably not the only one that had that same idea, and as a result, Tyler has probably picked up a few more fans and allies in all this. Especially if they find Quin’s narrative condescending and hyper-emotional, lumping her article together with any other privileged, white woman (even, if she’s a lesbian) rants that they may have come across.

After all, for every Tyler there is a Lil B and Angel Haze (a bi-sexual, Californian teenager) out there trying to challenge our views on love, sexuality and ourselves. Tyler’s shtick has been done before (and better) so his fame is probably short-lived at best. So, instead of focusing our attention on him, let us discuss those that are attempting to change the game – even if they are taking it one step at a time. At least then we are choosing change and progress over rewarding bad behavior.

Related articles

• Sara Quin Bashes Tyler’s “Sickening Rhetoric” (spin.com)
• Sara of Tegan and Sara Takes on Tyler, the Creator (pitchfork.com)
• Despite Slurs, Rapper Says He’s Not Homophobic (advocate.com)
• Tegan and Sara Are Pissed About Tyler the Creator’s Homophobic Raps. But What About Nicki Minaj’s New Insult? (queerty.com)
• Tegan and Sara finally take a stand against Tyler the Creator and his hateful gimmick (hipsterrunoff.com)

Canada may be more liberal when it comes to certain issues but it appears not everything is as open, like we are made to believe especially in the land of sports. With NHL player Sean Avery’s pro-gay video endorsement, he became one of the few athletes willing to speak out for marriage equality. Even though Avery’s endorsement has been receiving mostly positive reviews, others involved in the NHL aren’t too keen on his views on marriage equality.

Monday evening, Uptown Sports Management, an Ontario-based sports player agency took to their Twitter account to give their rebuttal to Avery’s stance.

Reynolds on Uptown Management Twitter

It was quickly found out that the tweets were coming from Todd Reynolds, the vice president of the sports agency. In the tweets, Reynolds reveals that he is “very sad to read Sean Avery’s misguided support of same-gender ‘marriage’. Legal or not, it will always be wrong.”

Apparently, Reynolds didn’t feel it was misguided to use a professional Twitter account to spout out a personal opinion and not one the entire agency necessarily believed in.

Reynolds, who is still acting as the voice for the sports agency continues on, expressing that this is not about hate or bigotry (because he’s not – of course), since he’s believes everyone is equal.

So you believe that the LGBT community are “equals”, just not equals that can engage in marriage because “it will always be wrong.”

Nice to know you believe you aren’t a bigot because you are probably the only one that is buying in to what you are saying.  Especially since the definition of bigotry explicitly states that it is a “stubborn and complete intolerance of any creed, belief, or opinion that differs from one’s own.”

So, what would Reynolds like for others to call him? Okay, he’s honest but a lot of bigoted people are honest – so what is he trying to prove? The only thing Reynolds was capable of showing is that not only is he close-minded but he is unprofessional, using a business handle to showcase your personal rhetoric shows lack of tact and class. Not only that, his actions might have compromised some of his clients – even if he doesn’t think so. During an interview with Cybulski & Company on TSN Radio, Reynolds addressed his tweeting and any impact that it may have had on his clients.

“There’s certainly a voice for the other side on this particular issue. I was merely responding to be the other voice. I believe in standing up for what you believe in. I’m passionate about what I believe in. And I believe in morality and I believe in right and wrong. I know many people with different viewpoints for what is right and wrong.

“But I’m a little disappointed in some of the response. If you oppose a viewpoint, you’re immediately targeted by some people as a hater, a bigot, intolerant, homophobic and many other terms. That’s obviously not the case for people who know me. … I don’t hate anyone.”

Let’s keep it real, Reynolds. You may not hate the person directly but you do hate their choice in lifestyle and wanting to share in the same privilege that you are allowed to partake in.

“And I’m certainly not a bigot. But I believe in marriage between one man and one woman. It’s a social debate that’s raged on for quite some time. In Canada and the U.S. it’s a hot-button topic right now. I guess maybe it was how I was raised. I believe in voicing your opinion and not being part of the silent majority.”

Nothing wrong with voicing your opinion just prepare for others to voice their opinions, since you felt the need to share your own.

“I’ve already been asked, ‘What if some of your clients don’t agree with this decision?’ Well, that’s fine. We’re going to disagree on all kinds of issues in life. But we have to be able to talk about them.”

Or Tweet about them under a business name.

“… If Mike Fisher or any other client of ours agrees or disagrees, is of no consequence. Nor should they feel the need to comment on it. But I feel Sean Avery or any other player can comment on one side of the discussion … why can I not comment on it as well?”

He used a business name as the platform for his agenda and only when he was found out did he try to address it personally. Commenting personally is one thing, Avery commented on his stance but he didn’t use the New York Rangers Twitter account or anything that would have you think that the entire NHL team was behind him. He spoke out on his own – you know it was him; he didn’t hide, Reynolds can’t say the same.

Rev. Canon Albert Ogle and Bishop Christopher Senyonjo- Photo courtesy Albert Ogle

As the day has wound down and darkness falls in Uganda, we report with deep concern and sadness from Lezgetreal.  Our friends at SDGLN are holding our hands and on top of today’s happenings in Uganda – specifically at the hearings for the Kill-the Gays, anti-homosexuality Bill.  The Rev. Canon Albert Ogle and Bishop Christopher  Senyonjo have been providing direct reports and these can be found via SDGLN and Warren Throckmorten - as well as the AP reports.

UPDATE 3: Here is a report from SDGLN,  a San Diego BLOG and Media outletwhich quotes Bishop Senyonjo speaking about his experienced in today’s hearings:
“Bishop Christopher Senyonjo spent most of today at a hearing by the Ugandan Legal Parliamentary Committee, which is charged with compiling a report for Parliament on the future of the “Kill the Gays” bill proposed by the rabidly anti-gay lawmaker David Bahati.”

Ogle Reports, “The seven-member committee will make recommendations following several days of public response to the Bahati bill,” said Bishop Christopher, one of Uganda’s leading voices fighting homophobia in Africa in an effort to advance human rights.

“Supporters of the bill included pastor Martin Ssempa and others who continue to claim homosexuality is imported from the West, is a threat to Ugandan children and needs to be legally stopped,” he said.

Today’s hearing marked the final testimony, and a committee report is expected immediately. Some veteran observers of Ugandan politics predict that the bill could come up for a vote as soon as Wednesday.

Bishop Christopher said he is convinced that the bill will move forward to Parliament and if passed, it will be up to the president to veto it. International pressure from the U.S., the United Kingdom, the European Union and human rights organizations is intense, but Ugandans are being greatly influenced by anti-gay American missionaries from the Religious Right and from the extremely conservative Anglican Church in Africa.”

When the bishop spoke at the hearing, one of the parliamentarians thought that he was going to support the bill and was surprised to hear him opposing it.

“I am not advocating for the LGBT community,” Bishop Christopher told the astonished member. “I am just dealing with reality.”
The bishop spoke specifically to the effect that criminalization of homosexuality has on access to information about HIV and AIDS, prevention and care.

“If we criminalize the LGBT community further, it will drive Ugandans further underground and compromise the relationship of medical, counselors and clergy that is sacrosanct and needs to remain confidential,” the bishop said. “How can we expect doctors to treat everyone when this bill will require them to report on their patients who are LGBT?”

Three other reports were given by members of the Civil Society Coalition dealing with the legal and medical issues that would be created by the passage of the controversial bill. Two attorneys and a local physician, Dr. Sagmugoma, addressed the issues of discrimination and the major violation of human rights that would transpire if the bill was passed.

Further testimony was given by the Ugandan Human Rights Commission on the bill’s violation of international law, particularly requiring any Ugandan living abroad to be extradited back to Uganda to face prison for being gay.

“Punishing someone for being who they are violated human rights,” the bishop said.

UPDATE 2: The AP just released a story which summarizes the situation after the end of hearings today. The next step is for the committee chair Stephen Tashobya to write a report from the hearings. Tashobya is quoted as saying he would have the report completed by tomorrow. However, he just told me a few minutes ago that he cannot promise to complete the report by tomorrow. He did say that he would complete the report before the end of Parliament which is the 18th of May. When I asked him how the Parliament could vote on a bill in this manner, he said that the Speaker (Edward Ssekandi) makes those decisions. Theoretically, the Speaker could call Parliament into session anytime before May 18 for a vote on any left over bills.

According to Tashobya, the Company bill did not pass today, and the Procurement bill was pushed to tomorrow, thus making it even more difficult for any new bills to come to the floor before Speaker Ssekandi’s end of official business date of May 11. The AHB coming to the floor appears to hinge on the completion of the committee report by Mr. Tashobya  sometime tomorrow and the Speaker’s willingness to bring it to the floor on Wednesday. If this does not happen, the Speaker would have to call the MPs together sometime during the festivities of the Presidential inauguration and the swearing in of the new Parliament on the 18th.

UPDATE: I just spoke with LGBT advocate Brian Nkoyooyo (about 5pm there) who was in the hearings today. He said that the Human Rights Commission, Sexual Minorities Uganda and the Coalition on Human Rights presented testimony in opposition to the bill. The hearings are still being held, although he did not know who else intended to testify. He was not sure if hearings would take place tomorrow but believed that the bill could come to the Parliament for discussion by Wednesday.

SIGN THE PETITION   -  TELLING PRESIDENT MUSEVENI TO VETO THE ANTI-HOMOSEXUALITY BILL http://www.allout.org/petition/uganda

LISTEN TO OUR  MAY 07, 2011 – Swirl Radio INTERVIEW WITH BAHATI – Michelle Meow and Melanie Nathan spoke to David Bahati on Swirl Radio, aired yesterday – and here the podcast can be found by clicking here: First the News, then Bahati- http://swirlradio.com/

READ ARTICLES ON UGANDAN Kill THE GAYS BILL – all articles are located at :- http://lezgetreal.com/?s=Uganda%2C+.

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By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Barclays Bank Building San Francisco - See you there soon!!!

If Uganda’s parliamentary members  enact the Anti-gay bill this week, as predicted by a good many Ugandan sources, including its author, David Bahati,  it must either be willing to  isolate itself or the representatives of the people have their heads deep in the ground! In my many conversations with David Bahati, he has said he is not concerned with what the international community thinks – and he is seated in the belief that the World does not give a damn about LGBTI human rights.

I know that corporate America is constantly seeking the multi billion pink dollar  – gay and lesbian (LGBTI) dollars have enormous clout  as well as in Europe and the UK. These banks also hire and promote LGBTI people as part of their diversity programs or just because gays and lesbians and their families  are a part of all our communities -a simple fact.

Barclays Bank has a large presence in Uganda and I am currently researching the rest of the banks on the list below and beyond…

They also have the following byline on their website:

Diversity and our People

Talented people are the foundation of our success, whatever their style, personality, age, race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability…..

Barclays Bank – must come out now and speak out against Uganda’s Kill the Gays Bill – or we will call for an International Boycott. How can any international corporation,  with diversity programs – and which employ gays and lesbians, many providing  benefits to same-sex couples, continue to sit back and watch this legislation happen – knowing that we as a community will be calling upon these corporations to depart Uganda the minute that Bill passes this next week.

The bank is primarily involved in meeting the banking needs of individuals, small and medium businesses (SMEs), as well as large corporations. Prior to 2006, the bank focused on meeting the banking needs of large corporations and high networth individuals. That focus was loosened to include SMEs and regular customers. As of December 2010, Barclays Bank (Uganda) was the third largest commercial bank in Uganda, with assets in excess of US$476.4 million (UGX:1,100 billion)

Barclays Bank (Uganda) opened for business in Uganda in 1927, with two branches in the capital city, Kampala and one in Jinja, the country’s second commercial centre. In February 2007, Barclays Bank completed the acquisition of Nile Bank Uganda Limited, strengthening its presence in the country. As of July 2009, Barclays Bank (Uganda) employs more than 1,000 colleagues, has fifty three (53) branches and eighty (80) ATMs in service.

Perhaps these corporations do not realize the seriousness of this. In a world where countries have moved toward same-sex relationship acceptance – beyond mere tolerance – such as Barclays’ home turf – the United Kingdom- where same-sex gays and lesbians can legally marry (civil unions) – such companies cannot continue to serve their clients in good faith if they remain silent and /or do not leave the Ugandan market.

OH and by the way – This is just a tip of the iceberg- or should I say a spark off the Volcano?

SO here is a list of Banks – in Uganda – and we shall be going industry by industry – as time goes by in the next couple of weeks – looking into who is doing what in Uganda.  I invite other bloggers to join in the SLAM!

P.S. WHO DOES DAVID BAHATI BANK WITH?

This is a list of commercial banks in Uganda^[

1. ABC Capital Bank
2. Bank of Africa^[2]
3. Bank of Baroda
4. Barclays Bank
5. Cairo International Bank
6. Centenary Bank
7. Citibank Uganda Limited
8. Crane Bank
9. DFCU Bank
10. Diamond Trust Bank
11. Ecobank
12. Equity Bank
13. Fina Bank
14. Global Trust Bank
15. Housing Finance Bank
16. Imperial Bank Uganda^[3]
17. Kenya Commercial Bank
18. National Bank of Commerce
19. Orient Bank
20. Stanbic Bank
21. Standard Chartered Bank
22. Tropical Bank
    

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all articles are located at :- http://lezgetreal.com/?s=Uganda%2C+Bahati.

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MAY 07, 2011 Broadcast

LISTEN TO MY INTERVIEW WITH BAHATI

Michelle Meow and Melanie Nathan spoke to David Bahati on Swirl Radio, aired yesterday – and here the podcast can be found by clicking here: First the News, then Bahati- http://swirlradio.com/

_______________________________________________________________________________________

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Thank you Paul Canning for the Inspiration!

Uganda is days away from enacting an insanity that will exacerbate a life already so tenuously lived,  and in doing so, its proponents are claiming that homosexuality is NOT a human right- that the Country has a right to its sovereignty – to make laws that protect its people – and that this law is imperative  because homosexuals are recruiting children “into homosexuality” in the schools.

This weekend, Michelle Meow and I challenged David Bahati, the author of the impending Anti-Homosexuality Bill, in a debate on Swirl Radio – and like many conversations we have had before, Bahati avoids the pertinent questions that may implode his version of gay and lesbian.  Questions such as what about the people who are in loving relationships who are NOT recruiting the children (as if that were even possible.)  Michelle tried to impart that being a lesbian is not about having sex.  I asked how Bahati would explain my being a lesbian – when no one recruited me…. and so on.

But the man is stuck in a crazy mind-set so deeply seated – rooted by seed of hateful Evangelicals who marked their target with money and power in exchange for their bidding and it turned into this – in the name of God, the  God I thought we all shared and the very God that made me the way I am and David Bahati the way he is.

“Mr Bahati – when did you know you were straight?”  “I did not need to know because it is natural for me…” – “Ah I said well then I can rest my case- because in the same way it is natural for you, my being a lesbian is natural for me.”

There is no changing his mind – it is set -he told me he would even turn in his own child… if he found his child is  gay – and now it is up to us to yell our international scream…..

This early Monday morning as you tune into your day and hopefully have found your way to read this post, thank your lucky stars you are not the one waking up in Uganda; and  to this horror as explained d by  Uganda’s Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights and Constitutional Law:

THE ANTI-HOMOSEXUALITY BILL, 2009;
On the 14th of October 2009, David  Bahati tabled the  Anti-Homosexuality Bill in the Ugandan Parliament. The Bill is currently before the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee.

The objective of the Bill is ” to establish a comprehensive consolidated legislation to protect the traditional family by prohibiting:-
(i) any form of sexual relations between persons of the same sex; and
(ii) the promotion or recognition of such sexual relations in public institutions and other places through or with the support of any Government entity in Uganda or any non governmental organization inside or outside the country “.

Amongst other aims, the Bill seeks to prohibit all marriages except those between man and woman, to prevent and penalize homosexual behavior, including a death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality”, to prohibit ratification of any international treaties, conventions, protocols, agreements and declarations which are contrary or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, and to prohibit the licensing of organizations which promote homosexuality. Read the Bill !!

On a critical analysis, the Bill covers much more than the title alone proclaims. A much better title for this Bill would have been the “The Anti Civil Society Bill”, the “Anti Public Health Bill”, or the “Anti-Constitution Bill”. We, the various member organizations of the Uganda Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights and Constitutional Law see many unconstitutional and Human Rights violating implications of the Bill. As a matter of fact, this Bill represents one of the most serious attacks to date on the 1995 Constitution and on the key human rights protections enshrined in the Constitution including:

• Article 20: Fundamental rights and freedoms are inherent and not granted by the State
• Article 21: Right to Equality and Freedom from discrimination
• Article 22: The Right to Life (the death penalty provisions)
• Article 27: The Right to Privacy
• Article 29: Right to freedom of conscience, expression, movement, religion, assembly and association (this includes freedom of speech, Academic freedom and media freedom)
• Article 30: Right to Education
• Article 32: Affirmative Action in favor of marginalisd groups and
• Article 36 on the Rights of Minorities

The Bill has serious implications for instance Parents, Teachers, Lawyers, Medical Personnel, Counselors, or Landlords who do not report homosexual behavior of their child, pupil, client or tenant. They can be fined 5 million Uganda shillings, or put away for three to seven years in prison. Furthermore, it puts at serious risk any civil society leader or religious leader trying to work with homosexuals, resulting in closing down his or her organization, or punishing him or her accordingly. In short, this Bill targets everybody, and involves everybody: it cannot be implemented without making every citizen spy on his or her neighbors.

For more comments on the Bill by our coalition, click HERE

PLEASE send Press releases and Statement here to LGR re your condemnation of the BILL – time is of  the essence.. LGR@privatecourts.com

all articles are located at :- http://lezgetreal.com/?s=Uganda%2C+Bahati.

HERE IS THE BILL

09 10 14 Bill No 2018 Anti Homosexuality Bill

LISTEN TO MY INTERVIEW WITH BAHATI

Michelle Meow and Melanie Nathan spoke to David Bahati on Swirl Radio, aired yesterday – and here the podcast can be found by clicking here: First the News, then Bahati- http://swirlradio.com/

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Melanaie Nathan, Tlali Tlali and Ndumie Funda March 2011

A 13-year-old lesbian  was raped in Atteridgeville, Pretoria, the Department of Dustice and Constitutional Development (DOJCD) announced today.  How many more South African men are cowards?  Today the South African Department of Justice came out in probably one of the strongest statements we have seen to date, calling men who rape women, cowards.

“Government condemns this senseless and cowardly act of criminality,” department spokesperson, Mr.  Tlali Tlali said in a statement. He said the girl, who was open about her sexuality, was raped in what seemed to be an act of “corrective rape” on Thursday.

SAPA reports  that according to activists, lesbian women are often victims of “corrective rape”, which is forced sex with a man to “cure” their sexuality.The department said every South African had the right to express themselves in the sexual orientation of their choice.

Tlali said police and the National Prosecuting Authority’s sexual offences and community affairs unit would investigate the case. The girl and her family would also receive assistance from the department of justice and the department of social development.

“Gay and lesbian rights are human and constitutional rights which must be protected and respected at all times,” he said.

Just two weeks ago, Noxolo Nogwaza, a 24-year-old member of the Ekurhuleni Pride Organising Committee, a gay rights group, was brutally raped and stoned to death in Kwa Thema township outside Johannesburg, targeted because she was a lesbian. Neighbors report hearing that  the men threatening to rape her to  take away her lesbianism.

Activists  have held two meetings with Mr. Tlali Tlali, one such meeting just this past Monday,  to bring reforms and awareness and shed light on homophobia with particular reference to so called corrective rape.

Ndumie funda, director of Luleki Sizwe said “It kills me. It tears my heart apart. Especially a 13 year old, it is almost an infant. It is time that the entire community stood together, also gay friendly people, churches and leaders. This task team needs to act now. We cannot sit and fold our arms. We need to act ASAP. Justice is all we are asking for, this bastard needs to be ARRESTED, prosecuted to the full extend of the law. We ask the community to help the SAPS getting this person.

We also need to see justice for Nxolo. We need to beyond just task teams, we need an imbizo where the whole community comes together and where we protect and govern vulnerable people like. In this regard we need to act immediately. We ask President Zuma to speak out at the soonest in this time of sorrow. ”

Melanie Nathan of LezGetReal, who attended one such meeting reported: “We have been imploring upon Minister Radebe to openly condemn Corrective rape of lesbians and to legislate such rapes as hate crimes. To date this is the strongest statement from the office of the Minister.  However we would like to have Minister Radebe himself stand before a microphone and call all South African men who rape women  “cowards” as well as call upon the people of South Africa to stop the homophobic attacks on lesbians and other LGBT people.”

Mel Nathan and Ndumie at parliament Corrective Rape Meetings And the SA Gay Flag

Mr. Tlali Tlali, from the department said every South African had the right to express themselves in the sexual orientation of their choice.

The meeting held with DOJDC and National Prosecuting Authority this week, with Luleki Sizwe and other activist groups, rendered a commitment to effect the sought after LGBT Task force on the issue in partnership between the DOJDC, DPA, SAP and grass root activists aqs well as NGO’s. The meetings have been held under the leadership of Mr. Tlali Tlali.

As part of the team talking with government, Henry Bantjez (Luleki Sizwe ) commented, “We can categorically state that we are confident that the Department of Justice and president Zuma’s ANC Government condemns this cowardly act.” A spokesperson in the DOJ (Tladi Tlali) stated that the government would like to reiterate that everyone in South Africa has the right to express themselves in the sexual orientation of their choice. “Gay and Lesbian rights are human and constitutional rights which must be protected and respected at all times.”

Our sources informed us that Department of Social Development is assisting the young girl and her family during this trying time and interacting with the South African Police Service and the National Prosecuting Authority’s Sexual Offences and Community Affairs unit in an effort to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice and are prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Luleki Sizwe is calling for maximum sentencing in this case, given prosecution. Eugene Brockman (Gay flag of South Africa) commented “We are saddened by this violent act against this very brave young girl who did nothing wrong but being herself. Enough is enough and we are not ending our plight (and talks) with the government to escalate issues of corrective rape…”

We extend our love and support to the young and her family. No longer will we tolerate any form of discrimination or violence against the lgbti community,” Bantjez said.

Studies by the government-funded Medical Research Council in 2009 and 2010 found that one in four South African men admitted to committing rape, and one in three in north-central Gauteng province, where Nogwaza and Simelane were attacked.

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

For many months, since Jon Qwelane was surreptitiously sneaked into Uganda, as South Africa’s Ambassador to the Country that openly hates homosexuals, via criminalization of homosexuality, and a stepped up plan to enact even more onerous legislation by way of the David Bahati Kill the Gays Bill, LezGetReal has been calling for the Ambassador’s recall.

Almost three years after writing his notorious article, homophobic journalist Jon Qwelane is to finally receive judgment from the Equality Court in a case lodged by the SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).

Now with the ruling about to be handed down about an An article  written by Qwelane which  created an enormous stir with the Democratic Alliance calling on President Jacob Zuma to remove controversial Qwelane from the post, one can only wonder if finally the result will be to remove the homophobic Ambassador who represents an all inclusive country in a country that hates gays enough to openly seek their demise!

Vincent Moaga, spokesman for the Equality Court, released a statement on Thursday confirming that judgments is expected to be handed down in the South Gauteng High Court on May 27 in the matter between the SA Human Rights Commission and former Sunday Sun columnist Jon Qwelane, now South Africa’s Ambassador to Uganda, relating to a homophobic article he wrote on July 20, 2008.

According to Moaga : “The commission instituted the court proceedings in terms of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act.”

He said that Qwelane did not present himself at the Johannesburg based court recently, when the matter was set down for a directions hearing, as a result of which the commission argued for default judgment to be granted against him. This is the reason, I believe Qwelane left SA and was given the ambassadorial position – as a form of  “pat ya on the back – here is a favor – get out Dodge thanks for your support pal -” by President Jacob Zuma = a highly suspicious quid pro quo in exchange for Qwelane’s support and perhaps silence of yet to be discovered issues.

While in terms of the referral the commission is asking the court to grant an order of an unconditional apology and a symbolic compensation against Qwelane, we continue to plead with Zuma for Qwelane’s recall. Perhaps the Court should rule on that too – ahem! Pardon me!

DA international relations and cooperation spokesperson Stevens Mokgalapa said in a statement : “It is with dismay … that we contemplate the fact that Ambassador Qwelane remains as our emissary to Uganda.” Professor Pierre de Vos in 2008 wrote : “This is hateful stuff.  Ignorant stuff; the  kind of thing written by a man who is not very secure about his own sexuality.

“To equate homosexuality with bestiality is the kind of primary school argument used by bullies to denigrate gay men and lesbians and is not worthy of anyone with an IQ of more than 60.

Even a Facebook campaign was started to ‘Protest Jon Qwelane’s Appointment As SA Ambassador to Uganda!’. The Sunday Sun newspaper officially apologized for the column after the press ombudsman found that it did break the Press Code.

We continue to encourage the LGBT community in South Africa to pressure the Zuma administration for the recall of Qwelane – that man should not be involve din any governmental affairs of whatsoever nature,

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda



Noxolo's Blood

“Break the Silence – Say No to Homophobia” is the call of South African LGBT activists and friends and family of the silenced victims of violence against sexual minorities.  South Africa is country of contradictions, yet  great promise and it started with the awesome  “post-apartheid -never again oppression-esque” Constitution.

Back in March British Airways kindly sponsored me to be the keynote speaker for Cape Town Pride.  I did not prepare a speech until I landed and spent a day talking to friends and hosting an activist gathering.  It then hit me – awesome Constitution – yet oppression?  I was asked to speak because of my years of activism against so called “corrective rape” of lesbians. So I tied the two together – living your Constitution is a right and a responsibility – of the people. It is up to the people to hold government responsible, and the accomplishment of the post apartheid era will only be truly felt when people do the imperative work to live the Constitution – that will  be the true accomplishment.

Now the the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) has decided to break its silence and add its lone voice amongst the progressive forces in condemning the brutal rape and stoning to death with bricks of Noxola Nogwaza, KwaThema township, Ekurhuleni, Gauteng province.

This is an example of living the Constitution – true citizenry – a model for South Africa, Africa and even the World. Who would have thought? Metal workers of South Africa. Thank you. Now the challenge remains:

Noxolo Nogwaza’s body was found lying in an alley in the township and her head  was completely deformed, her eyes out of her sockets, her brain spilt, teeth scattered all around and face smashed beyond recognition. The bloody rocks the subject speak the pain.  “This is the highest form of brutality and barbarism meted on a fellow human being for her sexual orientation and a choice to be in an intimate relationship with a same sex being. No person or human being can be allowed to be inflicted such torture and brutal killing in our society.” ( via Cobus Fourie, SA GLAAD.)

“We send our heartfelt and deepest condolences to his family and friends. We call on the South African Police Services (SAPS) to work tirelessly in apprehending the culprits of these gruesome and evil acts against a fellow human being by a mob of scavengers that belong in the gallows of shame and life imprisonment. This heinous and dastardly killing of Nogwaza is a reflection of the deep-seated homophobia and intolerance directed towards the gay or lesbian people by some male chauvinists’
remnants in our society post apartheid South Africa.

As Numsa we abhor homophobia with all its manifestations since its against the noble objectives of a non sexist society as envisaged in the Freedom Charter.

We call on the ANC WL to be in the forefront struggles in sharpening the awareness of our people around the rights and gays or lesbians. The front-line role of the ANC WL will go a long way in creating a climax of understanding and acceptance of gay and lesbian’s people as key integral part of our society. The gays and lesbians people have a right to exist and be free in our country without any fear or threats of murder or intimidation. Our continued silence on the rights of gays and lesbians will gradually make South Africa another Zimbabwe or Namibia where gays or lesbians rights are being trampled upon by their governments.

The struggle for a free and democratic South Africa was also about the struggle for free and liberation of gays and lesbians in our country from the bondages of patriarchal domination and suppression.

The attack on lesbians or gays in our country is a hate crime and should be classified as such by our legal system. The people who commit acts such as “corrective rape” and murder of lesbians or gay’s people do so with the full guarantee that they will not be prosecuted by the justice system. The justice system continuously fails the Lesbian, Gay, Transgendered and Bisexual People (LGTBP) community through insensitive law enforcement agencies, repeated postponement of trials and delaying
sentencing.

We call on all the progressive forces to be in the forefront of the struggle by breaking their silence on homophobia.”

I hope Leadership of South Africa will show the same courage – Break the Silence – Say No to Homophobia!

1. Call upon President Jacob Zuma in a show of Solidarity to  our sister Noxolo’s family, the SA LGBT community, to recall outspoken homophobe, Jon Qwelane from his Ambassadorial post to Uganda, where the “kill the gays” bill is still pending a possible vote.

2. Minister Jeff Radebe – please make a formal statement calling upon South African men to desist from raping women and lesbians. It is not their right – it is UNAFRICAN – Call it un-manly – call it oppression – call it cowardice.  Tell the people of South Afirca that rape will be met with very harsh consequences.  Announce, Minister Radebe, a WAR ON RAPE!  Come OUT and speak against homophobia, in very specific and conclusive terms.

Ous Sister Noxolo RIP - You will Not die in vein

Homophobia  is a last frontier of discrimination – fight for it!

More Articles:

http://lezgetreal.com/?s=south+africa%2C+melanie+nathan

South Africa: Badly Burnt Body of Murdered Lesbian

Melanie Nathan – 12-02-2010-  When dogs are dragging human bones pulled from the ashed remains of a lesbian sister; raped, murdered, burnt and left in a public toilet, an entire world is  deprived of its dignity – because this horror… (Continue reading)

Calling out Media & South African Government on Corrective Rape of Millicent Gaika

Melanie Nathan; Nov 21, 2010 -  A  wealthy young British couple, traveling in Gugulethu on Honeymoon, was hijacked last week, and tragically the beautiful wife, Anni Dewani, was fatally shot, causing an international media blitz and outcry.  South Africa… (Continue reading)

Tagged with: Anni Dewani British Couple british couple on honeymoon Corrective Rape Gugulethu hijacked Lesbian Luleki Sizwe Murder Ndumie Funda shot in car South Africa Wynberg Magist

The Shocking Truth of Corrective Rape – Survivors Speak from South Africa….

Melanie Nathan – 11-14-10.  WARNING – This is not for the faint of heart. The verbal descriptions in the Video contain explicit language. Corrective Rape in South Africa has been on the rise. The term was coined in South… (Continue reading)

Tagged with: Brutal Corrective Rape Hate Crime LulekiSizwe Melanie Nathan

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Seems like everyone’s “favorite” LGBT blog, GayCities HQ in San Francisco recently acquired Queerty. The man that was once the figurehead behind Queerty, David Hauslaib, posted on the “new” site today giving his parting remarks while ushering in the new management. The only original writer coming back is Daniel Villareal, but it appears that GayCities has added some of their own

New Queerty Staff

stars as well, with Matt Baume, Dan Tracer, Oscar Raymundo, Dan Renzi, Scott Wallis, Jeff Katz, and editor, Jeffrey James Keyes.

So, you would think with all the newness running around that there would be a little more – well – diversity amongst the ranks. Perhaps, with the Hispanic flavor that writers Villareal and Raymundo bring – maybe the staff at Queerty feel that the have their diversity bases covered. Well, it’s nice to know that Queerty views diversity without having a single notable, person of color, woman or trans member within their ranks.

If Queerty was marketing itself as a gay man’s blog site, or better yet, a gay man’s blog site that specifically caters to those in the lighter spectrums of the racial demographics than they would be on point. Instead, that is not the case. Hauslaib himself stated in his farewell address that the reason he decided to launch Queerty back in 2006 was because he saw a void in queer media.

“…Too many outlets unwilling to challenge institutions, lawmakers, and positions, which were accepted as truth-tellers and hard, unchangeable facts. But I also wanted to see more stories told about LGBT people, from our heroes to our villains, our teens to our seniors, our celebrities to our everyday gays. Too many outlets unwilling to challenge institutions, lawmakers, and positions, which were accepted as truth-tellers and hard, unchangeable facts. But I also wanted to see more stories told about LGBT people, from our heroes to our villains, our teens to our seniors, our celebrities to our everyday gays.”

Hauslaib’s ideology is all well and good, if only he truly practiced what he preached. Queerty has always been known to cater to specific demographic, which have been the white, more than likely affluent, gay men. How Hauslaib feels that Queerty in itself tells stories of the entire LGBT community is beyond believable, when not only has there been racist and transphobic comment fights between visitors of the site, one such that was documented on Transgriot but how they put up articles that are blatantly racist and poorly researched like the one claiming that Malcolm X was the greatest civil rights escort, yet their main quote from the article when researched was found to be untrue – the author that published the quote, even admitted its falseness.

What seems to be different that they are claiming to clean up their act – at least where the snark is concerned. Chris Bull commented on the new direction that Queerty is going.

“While we are committed to maintaining the best of Queerty, we also recognize that you have demanded change. In recent months the Queerty patented wit devolved into predictable snark, eviscerating everyone and everything in its path. Some of the comments simply piled on. We will maintain the independent voice at all cost, going after with a vengeance the powerful, the hypocritical and the just plain foolish. But now we’ll also strive for a better sense of journalistic balance and fairness.”

Let’s hope this new direction also means that there will be more diverse, group of writers under the Queerty umbrella. Not quite sure that it will happen but we will have to wait to see.

If you are an athlete, you have undoubtedly sustained some type of injury, yet the extent can obviously vary. Some roll an ankle, sit out a week, and then they are back. Others pull a muscle or tear ligaments, forcing them to remain inactive for months on end. Then there are the career-ending injuries that we never see coming. We cannot predict, and unfortunately, we cannot prevent. Yet, no matter the degree of the injury, we are affected. Not only do sports provide us with mental stimulation, camaraderie, and competition, for many, it is our only release. Our outlet. Our source of sanity.

On April 16, I endured a second-degree sprain in my left ankle, and being persistent, went back into the game. With five minutes remaining, I was tackled, after the play was finished, in the endzone, completely unprepared, completely tearing my right ACL, needing to be carried off the field.

The following days were hell. I was unable to walk without pain, yet I had to. I had to walk. My left side did not have time to be sore. It did not have the time to feel, experience, or analyze its own pain because it had to be strong for my right. The shooting pain, the needles, the constant ache, and undesired pressure were forcibly ignored because there was something much more traumatic occurring on the other side. One of the two had to be strong. Hold its own. Literally stand up in the face of adversity and fight for the other. One had to brave the pain to sustain the other.

I had surpassed pride. I was unwillingly forced to ask for help.

And not only ask for it, but accept it.

To overcome an injury, we not only need physical strength and healing, but we need to become stronger mentally. We need to know –and believe– that we can and we will overcome the setback. We will come back stronger and more determined and ambitious than we were prior to the life-altering incident.

So, where do you find this mental strength? The most obvious answer is within yourself. With your own knowledge, desire, dedication, and passion for the game. Yet, I get it. With countless setbacks and discouraging news time and time again, it is difficult not to lose sight of your goal and your initial hunger for the end result. To get back to the game. Back to our friends. Back to doing what makes you, you.

And although the endless encouragement and support from family and friends are acknowledged and appreciated, they usually cannot relate to the grave mental stress serious injuries evoke. We need something more.

Teammates. The ones who know you as the competitive athlete you are. The ones who know and have seen the extent to which you have involved your heart, your mind, your body, your soul, only to have it all taken away from you in the matter of seconds.

And for some, more than once. Making it more difficult and more discouraging every time.

Let them in. Let them help you. Let them be there for you because when you start losing sight of your ultimate goal, the end result, what you are fighting for… You will have numerous people there to remind you.

You are fighting a worthwhile battle.

And so are they. Remember, not only do you have to allow them to be there for you, but you have to be there for them. Support them. Be who you would want them to be if you were in their place. Be their number one fan. Support. Guide. Teach. Believe.

And after reviewing this article, I feel as though I have cheated you, as there have been no gay references.

So I shall conclude with this…

The majority of gay-thletes desire to have the demeanor of a badass. But, lez get real, we’re a bunch of pussies. When we are sick and/or hurt, we want to be waited on, hand and foot; we desire every ounce of your attention. So, Ladies, wait on your injured woman. Baby her. You never know when you will need her to return the favor.

Questions? Comments? Have a topic you want me to write on? Email me at theunluckyfox@gmail.com.

Today's Funeral for Noxolo Picture by Imana Thuto Ditaba

TODAY we all stood on a mound of God’s Earth and held the Rainbow Flag – We held it close to our hearts and flew it high above the hallowed ground – now home to a battered and a savagely brutalized body – while we screamed into the sunny African sky – farewell beloved sister.

Noxolo – may your beautiful and loving soul, child of G-d,  soar in peace free and safe; and  the ravages of your murderous exodus pale to the brightness of your new star.

Your suffering shall not be for nought, dear sister, because we will fight till the last lesbian draws her last proud breath – for justice sought is righteousness gained and your legacy will empower our promise and indulge our pursuit.

No child of God should have suffered to the extent you did, our dear little sister;- and we cannot understand why – yet we know what we must do- while we find justice, advocate for change, we must hold your family in loving embrace, because we are people who love, nothing more and nothing less.  We are not the ones who hurt or cause pain – we are the ones who talk about love and it matters not who we love….

Global sisters stand as one -in solidarity – on that mound of sand next to the hole that refuses your soul,

Make your voice heard because Noxolo  is me, you – we are all one!

Rest In Peace NOXOLO – brave and beautiful sister, Child of G-d.

__________________________________________________________________________

Note: The meaning of the name Noxolo is Peaceful

The body of Noxola Nogwaza, a 24 year old lesbian was found on Sunday morning. This is just 4 weeks after the body of 20 years old Nokuthula Radebe was discovered and which has not even been reported in the media.  The pain of these brutal attacks grows and my heart goes out to their family and friends.  May both Nogwaza and Nokuthula Rest in Peace. Note the South African Main Stream media has failed to cover this – even in the wake of the the Government seeking to establish change via a series of meetings between activists and the MINISTRY of Justice and Constitutional Development.  The next meeting is scheduled for May 03, 2011.

http://lezgetreal.com/2011/04/updated-points-to-extreme-brutality-in-the-horrific-corrective-rape-murder-of-24-year-old-lesbian/

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By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Lesbians Outside Parliament in Cape Town 3/11. Copyright Mel Nathan

Melanie Nathan – April 27-2011-
In the wake of the pending second meeting,  set for early May, with  the Department of Justice and the National Prosecuting Authority in Cape Town, South Africa,  – regarding so called corrective rape of lesbians, activists are shocked at the horrific news of yet another brutal rape and murder of a lesbian in the  South African Township Kwa-Thema.

Noxolo Nogwaza, the latest known victim is a 24-year-old lesbian and a gay Pride organizer for Ekurhuleni Pride Organising Committee (EPOC), an LGBTI organization in Kwa-Thema.

Her badly beaten, mutilated body was found in the same area as that of the 2008 victim – soccer star Eudy Simelane.

Ms Nogwaza’s face was so battered it was unrecognizable. Her body had been stabbed all over with glass and an empty bottle. A used condom were also reportedly found in her genitals.

Victor Mukasa,  project coordinator of the Human Rights Defenders Project at CALI, said: “ It is the responsibility of the South African Government to protect all its citizens. Hate crimes against LGBT people in this country are on the rise and the government should come out openly against these actions.”

However, as yet, one cannot refer to such crimes  as  hate crimes,  as there is no legislation defining corrective rape as such.  The request for appropriate defining legislation was one of the many reform requests our group made of  the Minister of Justice when we attended  the  meeting held in Cape Town  in March 2011.  I was privileged to have my work on the subject recognized through the invitation to attend the meetings, which will now be one of a series, having represented Luleki Sizwe and Ndumie Funda, the lead organization in the reform endeavor.

South Africa has an all inclusive Constitution and “Protection of individuals who are vulnerable because of their sexual orientation and or gender identity is something provided for in the Constitution of South Africa and should be put in practice, ” says Mukasa.

Ntsupe, Chairperson of EPOC said: “It is very clear that these rapists are on a mission. We will not rest until justice prevails. Eudy’s case was not recognized as a hate crime against a lesbian and the same is not done in the cases of many other people who have been raped and/or murdered on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity or expression in South Africa.

EPOC is determined to get to the bottom of the Noxola case and push for justice.  The murder of Ms Nogwaza has been reported to Tsakane Police. She will be buried on Saturday.

Melanie Nathan, Ndumie Funda, Tlali Tlali SA Parliament . Copyright LGR.

Mr. Tlali Tlali, Chief of Staff to Minister Jeff Radebe, told us at the meeting in March in South Africa’s Parliament, that the Ministry will be taking serious and urgent steps to attend to the needs of the victims of  so called “corrective rape.”  The meeting included the agreement that a commission with ad hoc committees would be established to look into furthering the reforms that were suggested and others that may be needed.  I sincerelyhope that this case spurs the issue into emergency mode.

What sets so called “corrective” rape of lesbians apart from rape in general is the aspect of the aggravated motivation, which goes further than sexual violence into the realm of hate of a specific group of persons.

Recently I was filmed by Carte Blanche about corrective rape in the South African Townships  – - look out for the interview with Derek Watts.

When In Cape Town, I took a Journey into a Township with 14 other lesbians.  I will be Publishing the story of my Day as a Lesbian in the Township.

Marching into Parliament Melanie Nathan & Ndumie Funda Photo by Henry Bantjes

FUNERAL SERVICES WILL BE HELD ON APRIL 30

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By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Melanie Nathan Speech in South Africa about Uganda and Homophobia, Photo by Hetty Zantman, Cape Town.

Without the death penalty – may be the  urgent David Bahati concession – to ensure a vote by May 12, 2011 on the Anti- homosexuality Bill, which became known as Uganda’s Kill the Gays Bill.  But from my direct dealings with Mr. Bahati I am not sure if this is at all clear – via the recent April 20 Interview between Bahati and Associated Press and my own conversations with the author of the deathly bill.   It remains unclear whether that includes “repeat offenders” and what is clear is that it will still provide for “life in prison” sentences.

Approximately two weeks ago on LGR I reported that David Bahati, author of the  Ugandan Anti-homosexuality Bill,  has been reluctant to let go of his Party’s desire to ignore the Bill in the final weeks of this Parliamentarian session.   I spoke directly to Mr. Bahati and he informed me that the Bill would be coming up for hearing and it will be voted upon during this Parliamentary  session.  Clearly the heat was on.

According AP Reports (Via SF GATE) David Bahati said if the parliament committee the bill currently sits before recommends that the death penalty provision be removed, “I would concede.”  “The death penalty is something we have moved away from,” Bahati told The Associated Press in an interview.

Tuesday, the Associated Press reports that Bahati re-issued his “consession” that he would be dropping the death penalty from the bill if it would help to move the bill forward. But it is NOT clear at this time if the so called reissue of concession includes so called “repeat offenders” or not.

In my recent series of discussions with Mr. Bahati,  we sought common ground; me trying to explain what being a LESBIAN is and means and him trying to convince me that the “homos” are recruiting children in the schools in Uganda, and that all he is doing with his legislation is protecting the children of Uganda.

Mr. Bahati told me that he really enjoyed our  weekly conversations. He asked me many questions and I gave him my truth. I like to think that our dialogue may have some influence.  Bahati wanted us to reach ‘common ground,’ as he put it:

Bahati: “My Sister, Nathan, please do you think it is okay to recruit children in the schools?”

Me: “  Mr. Bahati, Sir, we have indeed reached common ground because I agree with you – it is not okay to recruit children into homosexuality; however where we disagree is that I do not believe it is possible to recruit anyone into homosexuality – a person is a homosexual or not.”

I explained being a lesbian is not a choice – that I had not been subjected to anyone ‘s advances, suggestions or influence – in other words not recruited – so all homosexuality could not be explained in terms of protection of children and recruitment.  being gay, I explained is the way I am just as being straight is the way he is. “Mr. Bahati – who recruited you to be straight? did it happen at school?”   I further explained that anyone who does anything to harm a child sexually in the schools – whether gay or straight, ought to be subject to regular rape, defilement, pedophile laws, just as is the case in most countries around the world.  I also mentioned that helping teens, who find out they are attracted to members of the same sex – with guidance and counseling is hardly recruitment and absolutely helpful in preventing suicide for those who are feeling isolated or confused.

I also explained that Mr. Bahati should not consider homosexuality or lesbian relationships as a sexual act.  In the same way as I do not view his life as a sexual act.  For me, it is about having a loving relationship and how I express that in the bedroom with my partner is of no importance to anyone who is not there!

At the end of each conversation it becomes clear to me that Mr. Bahati will do anything he can to get that Bill presented into this session, but that the critical hearing must come first.   For Mr. Bahati the Bill is an imperative and I believe he is concerned he may be perceived as having failed if he does not manage to get a vote in this sitting.

Regarding the so called concession regarding the death penalty, Box Turtle explains:-

That’s not much of a concession; the more “lenient” punishment is lifetime imprisonment in a Ugandan prison. That’s hardly an improvement, and it’s barely scratching the surface. The bill would lower the bar for conviction, making mere “touching” for the perceived purpose of homosexual relations a criminal offense. It threatens teachers, doctors, friends, and family members with three years imprisonment if they didn’t report anyone they suspected of being gay to police within twenty-four hours. It also would broadly criminalize all advocacy of homosexuality including, conceivably, lawyers defending accused gay people in court or parliamentarians proposing changes to the law. It even threatens landlords under a “brothel” provision if they knowingly rent to gay people.”

The recent attack of 22-year-old transgendered woman, Chrissy Lee Polis in a Baltimore McDonald’s has struck a nerve within the conservative right part of society but for the wrong reasons. Polis was attacked as she attempted to enter the Ladies room, which the two assailants didn’t agree with. At

This is what it's about - not race!

first, the attack wasn’t being classified as a hate crime due to the fact that Polis wasn’t known to be a transgendered woman. It instead incited those (the conservative right, of course) that felt it was another instance of blacks using a “thug” mentality to bully an unsuspecting white woman because she happened to be white woman in a predominately black populated restaurant in a black part of town.

Of course, the Caucasian part of the conservative right wasting no time in jumping all over this – like, well, white on rice. The Free Republic website alone seems to echo those that are aligned with the conservative mentality that blacks are basically feral creatures that can’t be trusted.

Commenter Slump Tester weighed in about his disgust, glossing over the fact that this case happens to specifically about transphobia within the black community and not about race.

“Let’s all be sure to call McDonalds Corporate to let them know we saw their latest commercial! 1-800-244-6227, 7 days a week, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CST I asked them if it’s standard procedure for an employee to film stuff like that, and then tell the perps to leave before the cops arrive, and if that’s the kind of people they hire. How long before the thugs will be hitting folks with bricks, and singing ‘You deserve a brick today’? “

Another poster, raygunfan pushed the sentiment even further, “…victim isn’t the right color, if it were the opposite, two white beating down a black tranny, this would have Jesse and co. flying in with a coterie of press sycophants…”

The Free Republic is not the only one echoing the same sort of sentiment, the Cobalt SS network weighed in with some of their thought processes. Member Whyyoumadson commented:

“Thats why a white guy cant hit a black guy…its a hate crime and they are trying to sue everyone and jesse jackson has to get involved. but if a black dude hits a white dude its all good and who cares 3 quarters of the time. I mean not eveywheres like that but in Chicago thats how it seems almost ALL the time.”

What the two assailants did was wrong, plain and simple, race notwithstanding. The assault had nothing to do with Polis being a white female; this was a hate crime. The two females, one being only 14, not only beat Polis but the abuse was so bad that she had seizures and no one – outside of a white, elderly woman – extended a hand. Even though, the conservative right would like to say this was all about race – those in the know – realize that this would have happened if the victim were black – the issue the attackers had with Polis was over feeling that someone (no matter how the person classified themselves) that was born a man was entering the ladies restroom. Not only that, but if the victim were a black, trans woman she wouldn’t be given the same amount of press because like most things involving black society – if it isn’t about painting blacks as negative, it is best that it is kept hidden.

Should people be angry over Polis’ beating in a McDonald’s restaurant? Should we be angry that employee, Vernon Hackett filmed it and then got it posted on World Star Hip-hop? Yes, we should – it is disgusting and it is tragic that someone wasn’t extended the common courtesy of using a public bathroom because of the attackers homophobic views on the subject. The fact that no one jumped in to help her shows again how much homophobia runs rampant in the black community. Still, at the same time, this is not a race derived crime – the conservatives and racists need to point their fingers at another story altogether because all this shows is how little they care to research the issues surrounding transphobia and urban society.

What we need to do is address those that feel it is okay to treat LGBTQ people in this manner, no matter who they are (including schools, the black church, and the conservative minded families) and examine why some of black society feels this type of injustice is okay. We need to fix that, instead of focusing on the race of the victim when it is not about her race but her gender.

Related articles

• Police Make Arrests In Baltimore McDonalds Assault (lezgetreal.com)
• MARYLAND: Trans Woman Brutally Attacked At Baltimore McDonald’s (joemygod.blogspot.com)
• Trans Woman Brutally Attacked at Baltimore McDonalds (lezgetreal.com)

Not sure if Dilbert creator, Scott Adams is trying to drum up publicity for his comic strip or that he is actually this much of a narcissistic. Adams, a

Scott Adams

former member of Mensa has recently come under fire, first for his personal blog post, in which he stated that the best way for men to handle women is to handle them like children or mentally challenged people. Even though, Adams later deleted the post – the outcry was felt among Men’s rights advocates and feminists chastising Adams for using such a public platform to denigrate women. Since Adams has been married since 2006 – how does his wife feel about this admission?

With the negative press brewing stemming from that event, you would think Adams would decide to fade back into the anonymity that only his comic strip would provide, instead he opted to do the opposite – he decided to let everyone know how he felt – on everything.

Next, Adams took to defending Gwyneth Paltrow after Huffington Post blogger, Keli Goff wrote a column discussing the star that – for reasons unknown – constantly feels that she has to show she’s “down”. Paltrow states, “…everything in my life that’s good is because I worked my ass off to get it and to maintain it.” An admirable trait but coming from Paltrow it seems to scream as false, after all she was born to two acting parents, her “Uncle Steven” is acclaimed director Steven Spielberg – in all honesty, she had more going for her out the womb than most do in a lifetime.  Goff eloquently pointed that out citing Paltrow and others that obviously have “white privilege” but attempt to ignore it.

It seems that Adams didn’t like nor agree with Goff’s analysis; which is not surprising. He countered Goff, by saying that she benefited from hot, smart, African-American privilege using that to secure her places at both NYU and Columbia universities. Doesn’t sound misogynist or racist at all, right?

“It’s worth noting, in the interest of context, that Goff was born with a few advantages herself. She’s beautiful, smart, and apparently had the resources she needed to make it through NYU and go on to get her Master’s Degree at Columbia University.  If you ask Goff what made her successful, would she credit her hard work and leave out her other obvious advantages? Or would she answer honestly and say, “I worked hard for what I’ve achieved, but it didn’t hurt that I’m a brilliant, smoking-hot African-American woman in 2011.” I’m just saying that people don’t generally talk about their advantages. To do so would be…wait for it…gloating.”

Actually, gloating is more like someone lauding their supposed intellectual prowess over the masses and using exorbitant ways to show how “above average” they are. Which sounds right up Adams alley. Using the moniker, “Planned Chaos” he fooled people on various sites, most notably Metafilter into believing that he wasn’t Adams, only to be forced out of hiding by someone on Metafilter’s staff.

“If an idiot and a genius disagree, the idiot generally thinks the genius is wrong. He also has lots of idiot reasons to back his idiot belief. That’s how the idiot mind is wired. It’s fair to say you disagree with Adams. But you can’t rule out the hypothesis that you’re too dumb to understand what he’s saying. And he’s a certified genius. Just sayin’.”

Nothing like an insecure artist using a pseudonym in order to seem like his own biggest fan. Who is Adams trying to convince?

In one of his last efforts to make himself totally abhorrent, he weighed in on his observations about Tea Party Republican, Marilyn Davenport’s recent controversial email depicting President Obama as an ape. In his opinion, it is not about racism but more about the “liberal” media taking a rumor and turning it into a public relations wet dream.

“The same thing is happening today with a Republican official who emailed some friends a humorous photo of President Obama’s face on a chimp and a punch line about his birth certificate. If your only context is what the Internet says about this story, you assume it’s a typical racist act by a Republican who is already guilty by association. But if I add the context that Googling ‘George Bush monkey’ gives you over 3 million hits, and most of them are jokes where President Bush’s face is transposed on a monkey, you see what’s really going on. Democrats and advocates of civil rights are using the media to further an agenda at the expense of a woman who was probably so non-racist that the photo in question didn’t set off her alarms as being a career-ending risk.”

The problem that the Adams’ and the Davenport’s of the world fail to see is that equating any black person to a primate (monkey, apes, gorilla, etc.) will always be deemed as racist because for centuries, white people used that particular metaphor to dehumanize blacks, to keep them in line, and to make sure that white women always feared the black male. Never has anything been attributed to whites in such a way,  and with Adams’ supposed intelligence it is shocking that he can’t say outside his own privilege enough in order to put it all together. After all, this is taking place in real world America and not in an “all white” office setting – so it is probably hard for him to identify at all.

Unfortunately, he still didn’t shut up.

“According to the wise and fair denizens of the Internet, this behavior is proof that I am a thin-skinned, troll, asshole, dick, fame-whore, ego maniac, douche nozzle, misogynist. That list might sound bad to you, but keep in mind that I was starting from a pretty low base, so I think my reputation is trending up.”

No matter how much Adams tries to prove otherwise, all that he has going for him is that he is a white, male in American society. Hopefully, the rest of America will soon wise up and throw him out where the rest of the Sunday comic papers go – the garbage.

Related articles

• ‘Dilbert’ Creator Defends Gwyneth Paltrow From Black Writer (theroot.com)
• Dilbert Creator Scott Adams Defends Republican Official’s Obama Chimp Email (mediaite.com)
• In Case You Weren’t Already Clear that Dilbert is Abject Hackery (popculturehasaids.wordpress.com)
• What’s the difference between Scott Adams and Jacqueline Howett? (fury.com)

The arrest today of alleged accessory in the Lisa Miller abduction case renders a complaint with a bevy of names and revelations that can only serve to shock – how people are willing to risk defying the law of our Country in the name of religious anti-gay dogma.  What we suspected has in fact come to light and can be noted from the Complaint in the case of the Abduction of Isabella Miller.

Lisa Miller absconded in defiance of a Custody Order, abducting the child Isabella. It has been years since her non-biological mother, who has custody via the US Courts, has been able to see her daughter.  Had Lisa Miller the biological non custodial mother allowed jenkins visitation/ shared custody – none of this would have happened. It was that simple.  Instead with the help of the  ex-gay movement and right wing Christian groups around her, Miller was provided with the ability to abscond the USA – to abduct Isabella – in essence depriving her other lawful parent of her rights – Miller could not have done it alone.

The person arrested in the case is one, Timothy Miller, no relation to Lisa Miller, – read the complaint below.

Reading back on LGR’s articles over the past years on the case one notes the challenges LGR made to the Groups we believed were involved.

The FBI has done an amazing job of keeping on this case , in their determination to seek justice for Janet  Jenkins and the child Isabella.  The imperative of holding ALL people responsible to uphold the law of our Country cannot diminish because of someone having a separate religious ideology.   This shows that not even super wealthy right wing evangelical Christian Ministries will get away with crimes such as this.

Names, via emails and evidence indicated in the Complaint is extensive  – e.g.
“a. Philip Zodhiates is a wealthy man and a “Liberty Leader” who has a beach
house in Nicaragua. Lisa Miller and Isabella Miller have been staying at the home of Zodhiates.
b. Victoria Hyden is the daughter of Zodhiates. Zodhiates asked Hyden to
disseminate a request to get Lisa Miller supplies.”

THE  ARREST   As it broke has been reported by LGR here -

http://lezgetreal.com/2011/04/arrest-made-in-abduction-of-isabella-miller-by-lisa-miller/comment-page-1/#comment-157004

It seems the connection to Miller being in Managua – via other countries is explained in the detailed complaint below.

THE COMPLAINT

I am a Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBn. I have been a
Special Agent since October of2008. I am currently assigned to the Burlington, Vermont Resident Agency. 2. The facts in this affidavit come from my personal observations, my training and experience, information obtained by other law enforcement officials and witnesses, and court documentation. This affidavit is intended to show merely that there is sufficient probable cause for the requested criminal complaint and arrest warrant and does not set forth all of my knowledge about this matter.    3. Based on my training and experience and the facts as set forth in this affidavit, there is probable cause to believe that Timothy David Miller has violated 18 U.S.C. §§ 1204, 2; aiding in   international parental kidnapping of minor Isabella Ruth Miller-Jenkins (IMJ) by Lisa Miller and  other unknown persons. This crime involved removing a child from the United States on or about September 22, 2009, and retaining a child who has been in the United States, outside of the United States from September 2009 to the present, with the intent to obstruct the lawful exercise of parental rights by Janet Jenkins. I have reason to believe that Timothy Miller violated 18 U.S.C. §§ 1204, 2 in that: a. Timothy Miller had knowledge of the parental rights litigation in the United States involving Lisa Miller and regarding IMJ.

FULL DOC Below…

Miller Jenkins Criminal Complaint

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

President Obama rocked San Francisco and is on his way to Las Vegas. After Black Eyed Peas and an evening that that for $25.00 topped the one for $38,000 – (not that I was at both – but can only imagine!)  the President took the stage around 9 p.m., delivering a rousing speech, and a crowd asserting support : “I love you Obama,” and “I love you back,” by the President.

This all after an  historic meeting and Town Hall at the FaceBook headquarters, where the President joked at having been the cause of Mark Zuckerberg dressed in tie…. the President went into San Francisco to his speech at the Masonic Center, Nob Hill, having completed his $38,500 per person event in Pacific Heights,

President Obama was much fun and inspiring :”I have 19 million friends, which is just a half-million behind Sponge Bob,” Obama said. “That’s something to aspire to.”

Clearly unhappy with the Washington DC  milieu : “In Washington, the conversation is just different than the conversation you hear around the kitchen table or the water cooler,” Obama told the crowd. “I don’t want a campaign heard by pundits and cable channels.” The President does want to speak to the people – and he wants the people to support his billion dollar campaign.

My plan as an LGBT writer is to endorse the President to the fullest extent (I may not have but for the repeal of DADT)  and to ask the President to apply himself first and foremost to helping binational same-sex couples remain in the USA together via a special visa program pending the repeal of DOMA – to immediately STOP deportations of LGBT spouses and fiance’s.

We MUST support President OBAMA and also work to get progressive Democrats elected in every realm possible….

I am Angry beyond measure at the insanity of the Republican party  -  and the people in this country who voted TEA PARTY (Although the latter will see the demise of the Republicans as we knew them!) The only possible excuse (if that be one at all) is that Boehner and his gang of obstructionists are suffering PTS at the shock of the election of an African American President. Still!   Example – 1. Insanity?  Boehner wants to use DOJ money to Defend the constitutional rights of same-sex couples in the DOMA cases that the Obama administration has refused to defend.  He wants to spend tax payer money out of the DOJ on  a quest to prevent a LOVING event, that will provide civil rights.   AND to add insult to injury he want to take money from  the Justice for victims of serious crime such as rape and murder!

During December 2010 I was approached by the Bay Area Reporter for my annual predictions and I said President Obama will change his mind on Gay marriage.  I truly believe he is headed in that direction.  When we see our men and women serving openly in the military without equal rights want to live in shared quarters or bring spouses home from foreign countries, in parity with heterosexual servicemenbers, there will be very little choice but to make the change of mind…. it simply must happen.

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Image via Wikipedia

04/21/2011 by Cynthia S. Wright

Ted Nugent, a rock star whose celebrity stems more from his outrageous antics over any musical talent, has decided to speak out against the NBA’s judgment on Kobe Bryant against the “most protected” class in the United States – the gays. In an article to the Washington Times, Nugent comes out against Bryant’s fine, because the gays and their political correctness are getting in the way of boys being boys.

“Gay rights groups applaud the decision of the NBA, which must make all the homosexual basketball fans feel peachy and special. Who knows, maybe the NBA will use Mr. Bryant’s $100,000 to buy courtside seats for gay basketball fans. Yeah, that’s the ticket. Show some gay pride, NBA.

Those among us who work tirelessly to shut down (and shout down, if the need arises) speech they disagree with must also be absolutely gay with pride and satisfaction over this fine.”

Nugent tries to use some of his “Uncle Ted” logic to make his point but due to his foolish rhetoric fails to make any sort of concrete sense. Nugent, who finds homosexuality “morally wrong” lets it be known that gay rights are of no importance to his “pro-American” lifestyle. This isn’t about Bryant, per se but it is more about giving Nugent a chance to chime in with his two cents about what he feels is wrong with America – again.

“Think of it: $100,000 for calling someone a name. A simple apology from Mr. Bryant to the referee obviously wasn’t good enough for the NBA.

I doubt Mr. Bryant would have been fined 10 cents had he referred to the referee as a useless Christ on a crucifix soaking in a vat of urine.

No, the real reason Mr. Bryant was fined was because he used an anti-gay term to describe the referee. One has to wonder how much the NBA would have fined Mr. Bryant if, before the game, he had told the referee he ‘looked quite gay’ that night.”

The problem with Nugent’s reasoning – again, is that Bryant demeaned someone by using an insulting slur; which is akin to any other racist word out there. If the “gays” were the protected sect in society, we wouldn’t be having this issue with Bryant because he would have known better. Nugent doesn’t seem to understand  or acknowledge this because it wouldn’t appeal to his “white male privileged” sense of being. So what does he do? He lashes out because he has nothing else going for him. After all, he is the “Nuge” – he is what defines Americana and he is here to defend the rights of all the “moral” citizens.

It is amusing that a figure like Nugent would dare point fingers and cast stones with his very checkered past. How quickly he would like for us to forget that he is a self-admitted Draft Dodger, at first painting himself as an anarchist hero only later to be found out that he applied for student deferment for one year by enrolling in college. A college that he bothered to never attend; instead he opted to go out on tour with his band, never fulfilling his studies or his duty to his “beloved” country. There there was the time in 1978, when Nugent began a relationship with a seventeen-year-old female and that due to age difference they could not marry, so (with the parents consent) he signed papers to become the teenager’s legal guardian. Does that sound like a moral, upright citizen to you?

At the same time, has Nugent ever been held accountable for anything morally wrong that he has ever done? Of course not, because (as much as he would like to not admit) he is a privileged, heterosexual, somewhat famous, white male. One that continually gets a “pass” just like most in the entertainment industries – so, of course he feels threatened by what Bryant is going through because he’s done what Bryant has done and much worse. This is more about Nugent realizing that his foolish daily antics might soon be numbered – which has been long overdue for this crazed rock star.

Related articles

• Rocker Ted Nugent Rips NBA for Fining Kobe Bryant’s Anti-Gay Slur (towleroad.com)
• Quote Of The Day – Ted Nugent (joemygod.blogspot.com)
• Uncle Ted’s Douchebag Fever (passthedoucheys.com)

About To Exile to be with Partner

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Protesting the failure to Provide Same-Sex Spouse Green Cards:  This evening, Out4Immigration, GetEQUAL, and Marriage Equality USA are teaming up to draw attention to the need for urgent passage of the Uniting American Families Act — legislation that would solve the problem that binational same-sex couples face because LGBT American citizens are unable to “sponsor” their partner to stay in the country. Over and over again, binational same-sex couples are forced to flee the country in order to keep their relationships intact, while heterosexual Americans face no problem at all sponsoring partners who are not yet American citizens. IT must be noted that currently The Defense of Marriage Act that prevents the same-sex couples from obtaining green cards is also up for repeal,; Whichever  occurs first will be a matter of strategy on the part of the Democrats and a matter of the usual opposition by Republicans.

NOTE: TIME CHANGE 7:00 PM at  Nob Hill Masonic Center (1111 California Street) from 7pm-8.30pm

While couples are forced to fight court case after court case to avoid being deported, more and more couples are growing weary of the legal battles — and legal fees — they must incur in order to remain in the United States. American citizens like Gina Caprio, who is leaving the country next week to be with her partner in the United Kingdom, are forced to choose between the person they love and the country they love. Gina has spent thousands of dollars in unfair and unjust expenses to spend time with her partner, all the while keeping well within the confines of the law – never breaking it – only to be expelled via this injustice – by her own Country’s inept laws.

President Obama has a clear pathway to solve this problem. By either putting presidential power behind the recently-introduced Uniting American Families Act or by issuing an Executive Order to halt deportations while the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is in question, the President could take action to allow same-sex bi-national couples relief from the impossible choice between love and country. Just a few weeks ago, deportations were halted for a few days before being picked up again — the advocacy community hopes that the President will again halt these deportations…this time, permanently.

“The Obama administration has already indicated that DOMA section 3 is unconstitutional and that they will not defend it in court,” said Amos Lim, founding board member of Out4Immigration. “However, until that issue is settled, LGBT families are still needlessly suffering and being torn apart because we are being treated unequally under the law. We urge President Obama and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano to stop the deportations and stop separating LGBT binational families until the issue of DOMA is resolved. We also hope that President Obama will urge Congress to finally pass the Uniting American Families Act as soon as possible!”

Gina Caprio, an American citizen in a binational relationship, said, “Immigration reform must include a focus on what is happening to Americans in same-sex binational relationships and the Federal government must stop tearing families apart or, as in my case, must stop forcing U.S citizens to choose between love or country. As an American citizen in a same-sex binational relationship who is about to leave her country to be with the person I love because I cannot legally sponsor her to immigrate to the U.S., it saddens me to think how my country has turned its back on me by denying me and my partner access to the same Federal immigration rights granted to heterosexuals in binational relationships.”

“The Uniting American Families Act has been introduced in Congress over and over again — with bi-partisan support — but has never made it over the finish line,” said Dennis Veite, an activist with GetEQUAL. “It’s time for the President to say, once and for all, whether he supports the right of couples to remain in the United States in order to build their lives here together, or whether he and the Department of Homeland Security will continue to force American citizens into exile simply because of the person they love. Enough is enough.”

I personally take the stand that the Repeal of DOMA is the answer and that the focus of advocacy groups and the President must  be on it repeal , while pushing for urgent remedy via a definitive plan to provide for a special interim visa process for same-sex spouses – while DOMA cases are being pursued and while DOMA pends repeal.  I do not think our families who are forced to make life changing decisions should be expected to wait any longer.  It is not enough to advocate for STOP THE DEPORTATIONS without also providing for those who are currently stranded on other continents or leaving the USA to start new lives abroad.

Tonight’s event will take place outside the Nob Hill Masonic Center (1111 California Street) from 7pm-8.30pm Pacific. More information can be found at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=114167805332846.

Out4Immigration is a volunteer grassroots organization that addresses the widespread discriminatory impact of U.S. immigration laws on the lives of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and HIV+ people and their families through education, outreach, advocacy and the maintenance of a resource and support network. For more information, go to www.out4immigration.org.

Founded in 2010, GetEQUAL is a national grassroots organization whose mission is to empower the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community and our allies to take bold action to demand full legal and social equality, and to hold accountable those who stand in the way. For more information go to www.getequal.org. For more information, go to www.getequal.org, www.facebook.com/getequal, or www.twitter.com/getequal.

Founded in 1998, Marriage Equality USA is a national grassroots organization whose mission is to secure legally recognized civil marriage equality for all, at the federal and state level, without regard to gender identity or sexual orientation. For more information, go to www.marriageequality.org.

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

President Obama will arrive in San Francisco today on his California Fund-raising endeavor, to raise big money from hefty donors. At least that is the hope of his recently launched campaign in the bid for re-election- 2012.  But the question is to what is the same as 2008 and what is different.  Will the President receive the laud and accolade he enjoyed last campaign? The  money needed – or will his  donations reflect the wrath of those bitter by the failures at the lost opportunities when the Democrats had both houses and the President’s Pen?

Money came from high tech, movie and music moguls and celebs in general.  What will this California trip yield?  I know that here in San Francisco we expected the passage of UAFA, the Repeal of DOMA, ENDA and the repeal of DADT. We wanted the DREAM ACT and the better part of immigration reform.  While The Don’t Ask Don’t tell Policy was  repealed – much was missed while the President and Speaker played volleyball with HealthCare – now though dubbed Obama-care is rolled  around in a batter of desperate compromise!

The  President has sold out venues at $38000 per plate – and that should bring a chunk of change – but will hands reach as deeply into pockets as in 2008 when Obama seemed to hail the dawn of a new era….. and that he did … but lets look at the score card – Equality is barely nigh for us gays, lesbians, transgender and queerish people. We are sick of being second class citizens – but we must still apply our cash to the slaughter of the Republicons.

Three years after a campaign that featured actors fanning out across the country to stump for Obama, and employees from Google and other high-tech companies joining his team, there have been some signs that fervor for Obama in Hollywood and Silicon Valley has ebbed.” Reports the Washington Post.  “Political strategists say his base of supporters is more sober, perhaps fatigued by recent high-profile state elections.

Certain Hollywood progressives have also been disappointed by the President’s handling of issues such as same-sex marriage.

His packed, star-studded two days on the West Coast include six fundraisers and two town halls, including one Wednesday at the Palo Alto headquarters of Facebook.

On Wednesday evening, he will attend a small dinner hosted by Salesforce.com chief executive Marc Benioff in San Francisco’s regal Pacific Heights neighborhood that will require each guest to donate $35,800 to Obama’s reelection campaign.

The next morning, Obama will attend another expensive fundraiser, fly to Reno, Nev., for a campaign-style speech in that swing state before going to Los Angeles for three fundraisers, including one at Sony Pictures Studios featuring actor Jamie Foxx.

Also on his schedule is a dinner at the Brentwood restaurant Tavern, which film producer Jeffrey Katzenberg and recording executive Berry Gordy are expected to attend, according to the Hollywood newspaper Variety.

While all this is going on, we the people will show up holding our signs saying – what about us? STOP the deportation of same-sex partners? Do not let Boehner wast tax money on defending DOMA cases.  Let the Bush tax cut for the rich die!  Give our kids their DREAMACT – repeal DOMA.

However let me make it clear fellow dissatisfied ‘s we must we must support this President while we speak our our signage – we must raise the requisite billions – because I truly believe and I make this predication – that by the very seating of the 112th Congress, President Obama’s entrenchment in a second term is ensured – AS LONG AS WE GIVE the MONEY!!! So we must because rest assured the Republicans may well have stewed their final goose and guess where – at A TEA PARTY!

There is no option but to support the President – as I believe there may be a good chance we could recoup the House as Tea Party madness impacts even the Republicans who hoped they could make something of their time in Congress. However as they continue to obstruct, Boehner is unable to move the hard right,  and while they try outrageous ploys – such as the Boehner attempting to use DOJ money to fund HIS Defense of the Defense of Marriage Act – we can be assured he is  knocking nails one by one into the coffin of the Republican Majority – for a very long time to come….

That said when the day comes the Democrats must be ready for the repeal of DOMA and issues well developed for the completion of the promise of the “Yes We Can”!

I have always said give the Republicans enough rope and they will… you know the rest of the cliché’ and they are well on their way.

So lets get out our purses while we shout from the street –  to hope for the very least or dare we say YES WE CAN?

PS – Despite holding the President’s feet to the fire – I have resolved to support him to the maximum of my capacity; I will be unwavering.  That does not mean I will not continue to critique his tardy equality record.  I do see that he can be influenced and I predict that he will repeal DOMA in a second term…

PRESIDENT OBAMA LGBT FAMILIES ARE IN EXILE AND PAIN
HERE IS MY DONATION
CAN YOU PLEASE MAKE
A PLAN!!

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Thank you think Progress for putting this together. How does excluding Gays help protect marriage? Watch Maggie Gallagher incur the wrath of Congressman Jerold Nadler. Watch Rep. Conyers. Watch the Republicans and their anti-gay hate and ignorance!  Do you think the President’s actions on Defense of Marriage Act are appropriate?

Okay its hard to watch – for me it is – because I want to jump into that screen and grab those idiots by their respective collars and shake some reality into them.  Come and have dinner with me and my children Maggie and then tell me I am not good enough to share your my civil right – just because of your RELIGIOUS beliefs?   It is sickening that the America of Toady would even give this pure hate fear and ignorance its draconian drum roll!

An Aside – Maggie is not wearing her wedding band.

We asked her why not and you can see her answer on our post at…….. http://lezgetreal.com/2011/04/national-organiztion-for-marriage-nom-is-maggie-gallagher-divorced/ where Maggie herself showed up to comment!

VIDEO CREDIT to “Think Progress”

“Rabbi Gershon Steinberg-Caudill In response to gay bashing incident -” In my youth it was White gangs attacking Blacks. The Civil Rights issues change but the ignorance just seems to continue on. I think it would help if the preachers would just teach LOVE and stop with the homosexual bashing. God DOES NOT hate gays. THERE IS NOTHING AGAINST HOMOSEXUALS IN THE HEBREW BIBLE!”

Melanie says: “Maggie your religion is your religion – but you are using it to preach hate  – cause and effect-  of your beliefs being slammed at our nation – and I believe you did use the words “I believe”  -  That gay kid who got beat up yesterday, my friend who has to exile the USA to be with her wiife, and the mother of the child who committed suicide last month do not give a rats piece of turd about your beliefs.  We are on Earth! Come down to Earth! The shaming of LGBT people and inciting of hate all in the name of your beliefs are counter productive to a free and democratic society where church and state have no relationship other than to co-exist in harmony. You Maggie Gallagher are in flagrant breach of that harmony.  Now lay off my life and beliefs and I will get out out of your face.

Or have the courage to debate me……I challenge Maggie to a debate on SWIRL RADIO!  She responded to me via e-mail and now I have challenged her via email too…..

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

“The best 10,000 we ever spent was when we paid to become ex-gay and met each other instead,”  says the Jansons a Gay married couple.  They note that there is another option rather than being shamed and ex-gay. You can love G-d and Jesus Christ and be loved by G-d and Jesus – and live your life happily gay in a monogamous relationship with someone of the same sex, great job, children, career and life.

But, says Janey Boynes, ex-lesbian Ministry – if you want Christ and G-d you have to accept their terms. That means don’t be gay.

The debate raged forth when the Jansons answered – what about Women?  According to the bible you should not be a Minister.   Are you accepting G-d’s terms?

Since starting his show, CNN ‘s Dr. Drew has failed to attained my interest. Tonight he did; he ended the  program – “Now you will understand why I prayed before this program.”

A subject of major importance according to my priorities as an activist and writer. What was encouraging to me was the in depth detail and well mixed group of speakers that Dr. Drew included into the conversation.

Dr. Drew had a bundle of well qualified guests on his show – Alan Chambers, the Executive Director of Exodus, self proclaimed Christian Ministry – that purports to counsel people with alternatives to homosexuality -  in truth a mask to their promotion of so called reparative therapy; Dr Alicia Salzer , a Psychiatrist who helps people traumatized by homophobic related reparative treatment;  Rev Doctor Neil Thomas from MCC Church; a married Gay couple who met at the Exodus Ex-Gay Conference;  Janey Boynes from her self named Ministry for ex-gays.

Reparative therapy comes from a conservative standpoint.  Dr. Salzer noted – “I see harm coming from it as a Psychiatrist.” The producer of a   documentary called “Abomination” she noted that she met hundreds of people who had tried such so called therapies which had ” resulted in very harsh circumstances.  Janey Boynes , describes herself as an ordained Evangelist, who gives spiritual guidance, to those looking to change!

“Very disturbing and sad, ” said the  MCC. Reverend.  Christians who love G-d are subjected to  psychology and spiritual violence with Exodus like ex-gay programs.  Why cant people be gay and Christian?

To compare it to disease and addictions is harmful was the consensus between those  guests who were vehemently opposed to the Exodus and ex-gay movement.   “Christians are not qualified to do such work in the name of Christianity.  It must stop. we must bring an end to this harm.

Alan chambers:  “We are a christian ministry – we are simply offering an alternative.  We cannot say it GAY  can be changed guaranteed. We are giving people  a chance to make a decision for themselves.   This remark was countered by the references to Exodus’ website and the billboards that  refer tacitly  to  the need to change – it was countered further by the comments stating that if Exodus is indeed offering alternative why do they fail to help confused people by shaming them about being Gay. The only way to not shame people – is to note that Gay is an okay way to stay – because its basically bullshit that Gay people when finding love – are unable to lead productive and happy lives.

Not everyone is Christian and yet Exodus expects people to live their lives based on their concept of death. The going to hell aspect is pervasive in conference, and everywhere.  It was even reiterated by Jayne on the show.  That was her message.  So while purporting to offer alternatives the reality is they are offering shame as the only alternative to so called reform and within the context they are denying that they are participating in what is known as reparative therapy.

Dr. Salzer noted that although  Chamber says that he is not a proponent of raparative therapy,  you will see books on – and referrals to reparative  therapy.

What is disconcerting is that while asserting counseling – what Exodus does is not therapeutic but  faith based and based on prayer. It is very confusing to ascertain precisely what they do.  Prayer or counseling – unclear?

Kids are killing hemselves because of the shame infused by people and groups like Exodus. They are  suicidal – not because they are born gay and ARE gay, lesbian, transgender, but because they are shamed into thinking it is not normal nor okay to be Gay by faith based groups.

The young  married couple , Larry and KC Janson assured that People are being detrimentally impacted, harmed and affected by faith based groups suggesting and messaging -that unless you are ex-gay you are diseased, addicted !- That the  programs to HELP to become ex-gay -  message: “Be gay and you will  get AIDS and have no kids and never attain a loving monogamous relationship – go to hell etc. -  of course they are going to want to be changed – but will  feel conflicted about their sexuality nonetheless and what could be more harmful than that message?

Larry Janson found love as did his husband KC  who comes from a Southern baptist Christian family.  They both believe that G-d loves them and are very strong in their faith – fully embracing their Christian religion. ” I can be who I am and have a relationship with G-d and still be gay.”

We have to find a way to eradicate these ministries that say G-d cant love LGBT people for being gay. ” Your conferences and billboards say you can change people, ” asserts Janson .  I dont understand how you can run that kind of ministry and d say you are not  touting reparative therapy.

Janey Boynes: “It is important to let viewers know that God loves everybody therefore G-d can change your life (burp !-oops that was me!) – that was a blupse  no on her part… I mean she just basically implied hell right – that change is a must!!!  That is exactly what Jansons and Dr. Salzer were asserting – that is the message of shame.  “I am a good friend of Alan  and support Exodus international-” and there is the buddy link – Birds of a feather. Chambers cannot escape the fact that Exodus and ex-gay provides in reality no alternative – but rather an imperative – “come to us because you must change.” Therein lies the danger – the spilled blood -!

UHUH Janey?

Her website:

“Let me share my testimony as I tell how God called me out of homosexuality.

I believe that what God has done for me, He can also do for you.

If you are struggling with homosexuality, I’m living proof that there is hope through Jesus Christ.

I can offer insight and help provide resources for those seeking a way out.”

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Dr. Drew ended the show by noting the huge amount of internet interest and the any questions.  We will post the Video as soon as we can.

I am now a fan Dr. Drew! It was clear that you are on the side of truth and science  – a realist and you also gave those crazies a fair shake!! Now lets just give them a shake….. comments please…

LETS TELL THE TRUTH ANYONE ONCE GAY IS NOW BISEXUAL – They admit the attraction is still there but in abatement and are in heterosexual relationships = BISEXUAL in my book.

This what appears on the Exodus website in FAQ’s – and show Mr Chambers up as a cowardly liar. To try and have us believe that EXODUS is not involved in shaming and reparative intent is plainly a lie.  I say thank goodness Apple refused his APP.  If you want your freedom of speech Mr. Chambers, then please dont speak with forked tongue!

What does the Bible say about homosexuality?

December 18, 2009 

The Bible is very clear about its condemnation of homosexual conduct. Both the Old and New Testaments speak with one voice on this subject. In spite of the publicity given to pro-gay theologians in recent years, serious and consistent exegetical study still allows no other interpretation.

Those who take seriously the authority of God’s Word should be aware that perhaps no subject poses a greater threat to the place of Scripture in our world today. If the world (and too often, even the church) can be convinced that we can ignore what the Bible teaches about homosexuality, then every other teaching of Scripture can be rationalized. Rejecting its teachings means confidence in the Bible as the inspired Word of God will be seriously eroded.

Unfortunately, Christians have not taken the time to prepare to defend the truth we believe. We may be familiar with the relevant passages, but simply quoting those passages will do nothing for those who have taken the time to understand the pro-gay arguments.

Those arguments usually will be based on one or more of the following approaches to the Bible:

1. References to homosexuality are simply relics of the culture at a certain time and place. Generally this argument does not deny what the Bible says; it just relegates it to a particular era of ignorance and prejudice.
2. The words used for homosexuality have been misunderstood and/or misinterpreted. These words don’t refer to homosexuality as we know it today.
3. Those who wrote the relevant passages of Scripture had no knowledge or understanding of committed gay relationships. Consequently, these passages only refer to specific homosexual acts and not homosexuality as a whole.
4. Jesus never said one word about homosexuality.

These arguments conveniently overlook several key factors. The passages that speak against homosexuality were written over a span of almost two thousand years. From the theocentric Old Testament tribes of the Judean wilderness to the cosmopolitan, multicultural and idol-saturated  cities of New Testament Greece and Rome, God clearly intended to call all cultures throughout all times to conform to His Word.

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By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Melanie Nathan LGR - has the Hair and Michelle Meow from Swirl

Today Swirl Radio’s Michelle Meow and Mel Nathan (me) teamed up to interview Louis Marinelli, the ex-NOM summer bus tour activist who stunned the LGBT world April 8th, by jumping the Maggie Gallagher captained NOM anti- same-sex marriage ship – and boarding the yacht racing ahead toward LGBT Full Equality including gay marriage.

The Interview will be aired on Swirl Radio’s Saturday 23 April, 1.00pm show at 96.00 AM Bay Area, San Francisco; in Boston and (will announce other outlets).  The interview will also be transcribed for LezGetReal.

We were determined to get some extra bit of news from Louis, a delight to interview – sincere and friendly. We did – Louis Marinelli  informed us that he had watched the Maggie Gallagher on Video, receive her GetEQUAL  Anita Bryant Unparalleled Bigotry Award and happened to notice that she was NOT – I REPEAT -NOT wearing her wedding ring, as she entered a Congressional Committee hearing held at her whim to denounce the repeal of DOMA.

Now these are my questions -  and Maggie when you read LGR and comment please be sure to answer these questions….

Does Maggie have the hots for Senator McCain?
Does Maggie Gallager support open relationships as long as you are straight and married?
IS Maggie Gallagher the victim of Domestic abuse?
Is Maggie divorced/ separated getting divorced?
Is Maggie a LESBIAN – ?

or is her Wedding ring being sized for weight loss?

to read more and see Video visit  :_ http://lezgetreal.com/2011/04/maggie-gallagher-gets-anita-bryant-award-for-unparalleled-bigotry-at-congressional-anti-gay-hearing/

Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

04/15/2011 – by Cynthia S. Wright

Yesterday, The Root posted an article by David Kaufman addressing the Kobe Bryant situation. The article titled, “Why Kobe’s Slur Wasn’t Anti-Gay”,  is a well written piece but it seems that Kaufman, like those who choose to support Bryant is trying to downplay the b-ball player’s use of the word “faggot.”

Kaufman expressed, “The real wonder here is how folks could think there is anything to compare in the first place. Without a doubt, Bryant uttered the epithet in anger, but in a fit of homophobia? Not necessarily, at least until we know for certain whether referee Bennie Adams is gay.”

First, let’s stop making excuses.  No more trying to coddle or downplay those things that people in entertainment do, call it what it really is – one of the most prolific basketball players of this era got upset and decided to use a homophobic slur.

Although, there is no concrete proof, one way or the other, concerning Bryant’s homophobia and that Bennie Adams hasn’t come out discussing his sexual orientation, shouldn’t be the point, homophobia shouldn’t fly only if the supposed target is gay themselves. What Bryant did was wrong, plain and simple.

Outside of that, you can’t say within 100% that he’s a stand up guy that just happened to blow his top because a.) His prior record doesn’t show a guy with the best character, and b.) You don’t personally know him (or at least, you didn’t state that). I’ll admit that I don’t, but Bryant did himself a disservice by acting the way that he did.

Yet, the only thing we know is that, Bryant got caught with his hand in the cookie jar – again. It shouldn’t be about the fact that he was caught saying this one time – that we know of – the fact is, out of all the words he could have used, he chose that particular phrase to express his anger.

Furthermore, during his initial apology, never once did he utter the words “I’m sorry.” Instead, the public received this:

“What I said last night should not be taken literally. My actions were out of frustration during the heat of the game, period. The words expressed do NOT reflect my feelings towards the gay and lesbian communities and were NOT meant to offend anyone.”

At that point in time, did Bryant sound like he was sorry? No, he was trying to cover his tracks before his punishment was doled out to him. Was it great that he got slapped with a $100,000 fine (which he plans to appeal) – it sure was – but does it make his actions okay? No, it doesn’t and if he has to be used as an example in basketball, than so be it.

So, why are the LGBT blogs in uproar, the same reason why any black blog would be upset if the term “nigger” was used and this is coming from a gay, black female. A black female that is tired of all the excuses that people so happily give entertainers or those with an exorbitant amount of money unlimited passes. Watching Bryant utter that phrase, it might as well have been a white dude saying the word “nigger” because the outcome (to me) was still the same. In this day in age, we all should know better  – racism, homophobia, anti-Semitism – there are no more excuses, it shouldn’t matter who you are and how much you are fiscally worth.

Not to even mention, white sports entertainers have been called on the carpet as of late as well. Not only did wrestler John Cena of the WWE get in trouble for his use of homophobic slurs, but after the WWE agreed to work with GLAAD to promote equality within wrestling, Michael Cole came along and uttered the same slur as Bryant on Twitter. The difference between Bryant and Cole, though (outside of their race) is that Cole admitted up to his stupidity and apologized on Twitter for the world to see.

No matter how you try to slice or compare, it is still messed up, it still stings – I would have felt it either way because as a black female, I already feel marginalized, throw being gay on top of that – not only do I run the chance of being ostracized by my own community; but I’m also expected to turn the other cheek because some overrated basketball player can’t control his temper and yelled “faggot.” Now, would I say “faggot” is the new “nigger” – not exactly but in most cases, homophobic slurs get more of a pass in modern day society and as someone who proudly identifies as both black and gay – I typically feel the brunt of it and it is not okay.

I need the black population to listen and acknowledge, the same way we get angry at some whites that exhibit “white privilege”;  heterosexual blacks have that same type of mindset when it comes to how they view oppression – maybe it has to do with how (by our own admission) we aren’t comfortable with the gay lifestyle and that we are even more uncomfortable if a white person dares to talk to us about oppression. Still, the fact of the matter is, whether others want to admit it or not, the fact that Bryant expressed himself in that particular way does show his character and it’s not pretty. Hopefully, with all this negative attention,  Bryant will learn to be more accountable for what he says, instead of continuously thinking he’ll be able to walk away unscathed with his reputation intact.

Related articles

• Kobe Bryant To Pay $100,000 For Anti-Gay Slur (lezgetreal.com)
• ‘Not representative’: Lakers, NBA to work with GLAAD in aftermath of Kobe Bryant’s ‘faggot’ slur (miamiherald.typepad.com)
• NBA fines Kobe Bryant $100,000 for ‘f—ing faggot’ slur against basketball referee (miamiherald.typepad.com)
• HRC, GLAAD criticize LA Lakers star Kobe Bryant for apparently calling referee a ‘f—ing faggot’ (miamiherald.typepad.com)

Melanie Nathan – April 14-2011

Congressional advocates for LGBT immigration reform launched a ridiculous strategy on Thursday with the reintroduction of the Uniting American Families Act. The only sensible piece of the strategy being  the release of a letter from 48 House members urging the Obama administration in part to suspend deportations faced by married gay spouses.  This launch however is little different to the past 16 years of fighting for Reform in the arena of green cards for same sex couples.

The Thursday letter from Rep. Zoe Lofgren of California and Democratic colleagues called on Atty. Gen. Eric Holder and Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano to mitigate the discrimination faced by binational married couples following the administration’s February announcement that it considers the Defense of Marriage Act to be unconstitutional. The 1996 law bars married gay couples from the citizen sponsorship rights afforded heterosexual married couples.

The release of the letter was timed with the reintroduction of UAFA, which would help keep most binational couples together by making family-based immigration inclusive of same-sex partners of U.S. citizens and permanent residents. The reintroduction of the UAFA makes no sense to me and is a derivative of the Immigration Equality lobby and quest for survival of the organization.

Two reasons:
1. They already had UAFA caste for success back in 2009 – with a record number of co-sponsors and a majority on both houses with President Obama at the helm. What happened – they tied UAFA to the quest for comprehensive immigration reform (CIR)- spent our  donor money on schmoozing immigration  Latina groups and landed us in the lame duck session in a rah rah for the DREAM ACT – pursuant to their newfound aliances which served to exclude UAFA from its only possible chance of succeeding as a stand alone Bill;

2. Now the climate is different – while DADT has passed and DOMA is up for repeal – why are we wasting time with UAFA- when in fact DOMA will accomplish much more.  We do not need UAFA if DOMA is repealed. Additionally UAFA is not in good shape. Now that marriage is available to same-sex couples in some states, UAFA must change its language from the OLD version – to make way for a more definitive contractual nexus between the parties, otherwise Senator Feinstein will NOT sign on to it.  I have explained this concept in numerous articles.

That said instead of pursuing UAFA – all that energy by Immigration Equality and other organizations should rather be put into special interim Visas for Binational couples – Sunset Visas, similar to the R1 Visa Program and Fiance Visas worded differently to use terms like contractual nexus instead of marriage.

I have no doubt unfortunately – that all the gay.in organizations are going to do follow the Pied Piper  again and assume that the immigratin equality lobby knows what they are doing. It is up to binational couples to YELL reintroduction of UAFA is not good enough, hopeless and a waste of time.

VIA THe Advocate:- ” Lofgren, ranking member of the House Subcommittee on Immigration Policy and Enforcement, called on the Department of Justice and DHS to suspend deportation proceedings and a put a temporary hold on green card adjudications for gay married couples pending either legal resolution or legislative repeal of DOMA.

“Taking these steps would not flout or disrespect existing law, as it would not provide permanent immigration relief to married couples of the same sex, currently prohibited by Section 3 of DOMA,” Lofgren wrote. “Rather, it would prevent the potentially irreparable harm that would be caused by application of a law that is currently under review by the courts and the U.S. Congress.

“As the country grapples with the question of whether DOMA is constitutional and should be the law of the land,” Lofgren continued, “we ask that you take steps to temporarily preserve the status quo and protect American citizens and their spouses from avoidable harm.”

Lofgren’s letter follows a similar one sent to Holder and Napolitano last week by 12 senators, including John Kerry of Massachusetts and Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, urging relief for such couples.

But thus far the administration appears unwilling to do so. Asked whether DHS has responded to the senators’ letter, DHS spokesman Adam Fetcher told The Advocate in a statement, “The administration will respond to the members of Congress directly. Pursuant to the Attorney General’s guidance, the Defense of Marriage Act remains in effect and the Executive Branch, including DHS, will continue to enforce it unless and until Congress repeals it or there a final judicial determination that it is unconstitutional.”

TIME for some real leadership on the part of LGBT organizations and advocates.

NOTE MY POSITION: I support Comprehensive Immigration Reform.  I Support the repeal of DOMA. I applaud the reintroduction of ENDA today.  I m angry at the wool over the eyes introduction of UAFA. I want a special VISA NOW for couples in same-sex marriages/ civil Unions/ and fiances.

This administration ought to be ashamed of not having supported and effected this RIGHT before the Republicans took over the House! Advocates in the LGBT organizations – please wake up and change the strategy NOW!

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Hardly believable to those of the comfort of our respective safety zones.  The Detainees, our brothers and sisters, victimized further by our TAX dollars!  This is an horrific outrage and it must be taken further – these are often people deserving of asylum – yet have not had the legal advice available to them during the time constraints  when asylum could have been available in each case.  These are people who by virtue of their marginalization in their homelands and exacerbated here in  our American society -  are not prone to seeking help or coming forward before they are caught and detained. They live in fear and are traumatized and we AMERICA are making it worse.

The complaint speaks for itself.

Heartland Alliance’s National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) submits a multi-individual complaint for 13 clients detailing civil and human rights violations committed against sexual minorities in the custody of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).Due to the systemic and severe abuses against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender(LGBT) individuals in immigration detention, we urge the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL), pursuant to its authority under 6 U.S.C. § 345, to investigate these complaints, to develop and implement policies to address the violations, and to provide oversight on the implementation of the new policies.Although we recommend several incremental improvements, DHS cannot, consistent with its constitutional obligations, continue to detain vulnerable individuals whom they are unable to protect. This letter summarizes the enclosed complaints and provides recommendations to address the civil rights violations.NIJC, based in Chicago, provides direct legal services to and advocates for immigrants,refugees, and asylum seekers through policy reform, impact litigation, and publiceducation. NIJC’s National Asylum Partnership on Sexual Minorities protects the rightsof immigrant sexual minorities by representing individual clients, providing training andsupport to attorneys who serve LGBT and HIV-positive immigrants, and seeking legalreform.Complainants are 13 gay and transgender immigrants detained by DHS’s Immigrationand Customs Enforcement (ICE) at various facilities nationwide,

Civil rights complaint for LGBT immigration detainees

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda
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Minnesota congresswoman and potential Republican presidential contender (URGH) Michele Bachmann delivered Scripture-crazed speech Monday in Iowa, where she said that marriage equality defied “5,000 recorded years of human history.”

Politicoreports on the speech.   In addition to her comments about marriage, she called for abolishing the tax code, the Department of Education and labeled Planned Parenthood the “LensCrafters of big abortion.”

Quoting from scripture, the congresswoman said it was her faith that drove her to push for a ballot measure to criminalize same-sex marriage in the state — something she said might be possible this year because both state legislative houses are held by Republicans.

“In 5,000 years of recorded human history… neither in the east or in the west… has any society ever defined marriage as anything other than between men and women,” Bachmann said during the latest installment of the Iowa Family Leader’s presidential lecture series. “Not one in 5000 years of recorded human history. That’s an astounding fact and it isn’t until the last 12 years or so that we have seen for the first time in recorded human history marriage defined as anything other than between men and between women.”

Judges are “black-robed masters,” she said, echoing a line she used during another recent trip to Iowa to lambaste the state Supreme Court justices whose ruling effectively legalized same-sex marriage in the state.

“That’s what you had here in Iowa: black-robed masters,” Bachmann said. “They are not our masters. They are not our morality. They are not put there to make the decisions.”

“For seven generations, we had our family born here, raised here, all in northeastern Iowa,” she said. “I feel like I know you, I’m one of you, and it’s wonderful to be able to be here today.”

What Bachmann fails to realize is that she has blown her OATH to uphold the Constitution of the USA – and all its related terms- in favor of scripture – now THAT IS what ought to be criminalized!!

melanie nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com

If you had to choose what is truth or lie it is not difficult to fathom. Republicans say it is because Democrats will not curb spending and the Democrats say its because Republicans want to cut funding for Planned Parenthood’s women health programs.   Are  they not both talking about the same thing?   Tonight Government of the USA is closing shop and republicans are committing political suicide.

Senator Harry Reid and the Democratic Caucus bundled into a press room today to inform  America that  in the early hours of this morning the Parties had agreed on a number to reduce the Budget by- and that number was is 78.  But the Republicans went back and retracted the deal. Senator Reid, backed by a large caucus of Democrats spewed against Republicans, angrily outlining the impact on the Country in no uncertain terms.

It is very clear that Speaker Boehner’s “its because of spending” is so vague that it belies any reasonable human’s ability to think for themselves.  It is clearly based on the Women’s health and that will remain the legacy of this Congress.

Abortion spending is not the issue because elective abortions are not paid for by Federal Money.  It is a cut to women’s health that the Republicans want to effect, yet will not own up to it with blandly stating so – instead they remain seated in vague terminology.

They want to cut funding for cancer screening…. and more…  and more… but is that the real motive?

Just come out and say it if it is. What a bunch of lazy cowards; and if they are not simply lazy cowards then they are obstructionists at any cost – they want to see President Obama fall.  But it will and has already backfired  -HEADLINE ” Republicans Fail miserably in Congress to prevent Shutdown!”

It is ON the House and they control the HOUSE!

I believe the real motive is the Republican determination to shut down the White House at whatever cost; the unpatriotic vitriolic slamming of the President continues as an underlying motive in each and every obstructionist opportunity and what better than the budget.

I believe this is the puss at the end of the festering boil -  racism – genderism-hate -tea-bagging-  and sore loss of the presidency.

What is about to explode is the effort to defy Obama’s presidency – it is a shameful day.

Senator Harry Reid says that “all they need to do is say they will fulfill the agreement they made last night…..  The number is 78 – the deal was made last night. “  Reid says agreement was reached last night.  But now the Republicans are reneging on the number.

Tonight my daughter leaves for DC for a school tour that she has been looking forward to for a year.  She spent this year learning about USA government and how it works. Now she will learn about how is does not work?

What is the lesson she is learning?  She will see for herself – what it means to shut down the government.

However the shameful behavior of the government will not go down quietly in my home. We are going to reflect on the Republicans because they are the ones causing this and it does not have to be so – the harm in over spending is way less worthy of the fight than the harm in loss of life of women in the USA.

I am going to tell my daughter that the government shut down because they want to deprive her of her right to woman’s health services. She will remember this day and it will be a republican defeat on every level for many years to come.

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By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

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Stand by your man or stand up to your man?  To be or not to be? Sex or no sex?  Oh what the heck is the difference between these questions?

ET COME HOME

Well if you are a wife of a Republican Congressman- now is the time to hold back – Do not stand by your man – do not sleep by your man and do stand up to your man!!

This is my question and call to revolution.

While medical necessities for women seem  of  little concern to the Republicans at this time, wives must rise up and refuse their men their reproductive (ahem) “rights.”

The ‘right’ to spew their sperm!

While government function and the Country is being held hostage to their perspective…. ideology or fiscal responsibility could be in the hands of the republican wives…. while women’s reproductive health is in the masturbatory  hands of their beloved husbands. !

“We have never been so close to victory, and our expert advice and analysis has never been more needed. Our legal team is fielding 20 times as many calls and emails as usual, from families who want to know: Are we finally safe? We wish that the answer were yes, because we know that every day of separation or uncertainty is too long to wait to move forward with your lives.” (Rachel Tiven 3/30/2011)

I would like to do a montage of e-mails, blogs, webposts, conference calls where these words have been used by Rachel Tiven, and the other staff   over and over again -  how many years the same – ImmigrationEquality.org is singing the same tune – but now their relevance is at stake.

Again the mantra re-delivered   – and what an outright irresponsible lie it is – yet again!

Immigration Equality Organization will hold one of its Controlled Conference Calls this Tuesday, April 05, to push an Agenda for its continued  relevance as an advocacy group on Capitol Hill.

But  for the introduction of  repeal legislation for the Defense of marriage Act (DOMA) and the Stop the Deportations Project, we are no closer to Victory than we were on June 04, 2009, the day after Shirley Tan testified on UAFA in the Senate Judiciary Committee – when Immigration Equality decided to let go of pushing for UAFA as a stand alone Bill – in favor of the comprehensive Immigration reform – notwithstanding UAFA’s extraordinarily high number of sponsors during a time when we had a majority via the Democratic  Congress, Senate and Presidency, that could have provided the traction if pushed at the time.  Their strategy failed and as predicted killed UAFA!  Now they are asking victims to continue their support of an irrelevant and failed mission.

If Ms. Tiven did not have me blocked from comment I would ask: ” How are ” we” closer to Victory than ever -  when now the Republicans rule the venue and the menu and UAFA needs to be reintroduced?   Further – if we are  closer how relevant is UAFA to that “closer to victory call when the impetus is on the Repeal of DOMA, via pending Legislation and the Courts?

Yes, indeed, we may win our rights to immigration equality via the repeal of DOMA and via the Courts – but that has nothing to do with Immigrationequality.org’s work on UAFA; past present or future!

Immigration Equality’s Julie Kruse once told me “I am in it for the win!”  Yes they really want to win and winning will not be accomplished for Immigration Equality unless they throw UAFA into the mix and claim ownership to it. They will not win if DOMA is repealed – we will –   – unless they add UAFA to the mix now, under the guise perhaps of an “in case of” strategy.

What you are NOT being told is that the repeal of DOMA does not need UAFA for Immigration rights to confer on same-sex spouses.

So is the perception of victory the only reason  Immigration Equality is pushing so hard now for your support of UAFA’s reintroduction – while the repeal of DOMA is already on the table for this Republican non/un- supportive of gay issues Congress?

Nope, there is another compelling reason and that is pure relevance for their ACTION FUND, so recently established and providing the revenue stream for added staff and actions to maintain their DC relevance:-

“Immigration Equality Action Fund advocates on Capitol Hill for equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and HIV-positive immigrants and their families. To end discrimination in U.S. immigration law, Immigration Equality Action Fund works to pass the Uniting American Families Act and LGBT-inclusive Comprehensive Immigration Reform. The Action Fund lobbies legislators and other policy makers, builds coalitions, and empowers LGBT immigrant families around the country to fight for change.”

Without pushing for UAFA – the Action Fund will see its demise; because its very existence depends on it.  Unless IE will continue its course without the power to lobby as this is what the Action Fund was designed to mission.    While DOMA is pending repeal, unless UAFA is reintroduced, IE loses its lobby arm for LGBT families.   It also loses its relevance to lobby for Immigration Reform per se.

So again Immigrationequality.org is asking you to trust in their strategy for your rights – while in truth it’s the DOMA lobby that may be closer to victory and Immigration Equality, has by virtue of its own bad policy, rendered itself irrelevant as an LGBT lobby for our same-sex green card  immigration rights!

NOTE: It is still very important for same-sex binational couples to stand up and tell their stories and to support the REPEAL of DOMA as that is the one battle we can all fight in unison. UAFA had its time – and that was when Repeal of DOMA was not an option.  But now it is and we should all unite with all our might behind it.  Binational couples should tell their stories to Congress and their reps non stop so they can see how DOMA impacts us a a group worthy of full civil rights.  The Courts are on our side….  The days of piecemeal and fragmented legislation are dimming and we must unite to  fight for full civil rights.

* UAFA -   he Uniting American Families Act (UAFA, H.R. 1024, S. 424) is a U.S. bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate discrimination in the immigration laws by permitting permanent partners of United States citizens and lawful permanent residents to obtain lawful permanent resident status in the same manner as spouses of citizens and lawful permanent residents and to penalize immigration fraud in connection with permanent partnerships.^[1][2]
*DOMA -  The Defense of Marriage Act (Pub.L. 104-199, 110 Stat. 2419, enacted September 21, 1996, 1 U.S.C. § 7 and 28 U.S.C. § 1738C) is a United States federal law signed into law by President Bill Clinton on September 21, 1996 whereby the federal government defines marriage as a legal union between one man and one woman. Under the law, also known as DOMA, no state (or other political subdivision within the United States) may be required to recognize as a marriage a same-sex relationship considered a marriage in another state. The law passed both houses of Congress by large majorities.

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

If a Blogger has little to say, you may find a new April 1st  cliche;

with the following words they will begin:

“This is no April Fool’s joke!”

Its the real thing!

And so began the morning for the consummate “unknown” – Ms. Queerty where it was declared today that the ‘non April Fool’ joke would be Robin Roberts of Good Morning America, the early morning national TV show on ABC TV.

Queerty ‘OUTS’ Robin Roberts as a Lesbian in the name of April Fools Day…..

So Queerty is angry with Ms. Roberts because she has apparently accepted a gig with anti gay Chick-fil-A; and he screams: “Why The Hell Is Lesbian GMA Anchor Robin Roberts Teaming Up With Chick-fil-A?”  Is that the way to OUT someone who has never publicly stated they are a lesbian or gay”

Out of Anger or Out for Revenge?  With April Fool as an excuse for a fool?

Say Ms, Queerty: “This is no April Fool’s joke: Robin Roberts, a Good Morning America co-anchor, is headlining a leadership conference put on by Chick-fil-A. What is this lesbian smoking?”

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Ken Hutcherson, a Pastor of Antioch Bible Church has come out in defense of the Defense of Marriage Act. Hutcherson, a senior pastor of his congregation is urging followers (and Youtube viewers) to sign a petition to keep the marriage law in place. Despite the Obama Administration recent ruling that DOMA is itself unconstitutional doesn’t dissuade Hutcherson being that he believes that striking down DOMA will “redefine marriage as we know it.” He, of course, uses the usual fear mongering tactics that are accustomed to the religious right to strike fear by attempting to get his poorly worded opinion across.

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With the marriage in the United States being as shaky as it’s been in recent years as America blazes the trail for divorce before any other nation in the world. It would be nice if that fact happened to get fixed, even though recent statistics have shown a slight decline in divorce; overall America is still in the red when it comes to anything involving marital stability. In a 2010 Time article, Penn State sociologist Paul Amota while conducting research about divorce statistics, stated that even with the [divorce] decline that half-of-all-marriages will still end badly and being that the majority of marriages performed are for straight couples –what is that telling you?

How about adultery? Not only is it a biblical offense (that a few key players in the Bible partook in) but it is also listed in The Ten Commandments, which are believed to be moral imperatives that were handed down by God. So biblically, adultery is a serious offense, one that is duly noted. A study in the Journal of Research in Personality discussed how susceptible spouses are to cheating during their first year of marriage, it explained that roughly “30 – 60% of all married individuals in the United States will engage in infidelity at some point during their marriage.”

Let’s also mention that the three main politicians that helped bring DOMA to pass also have quite a checkered marital past. There is Newt Gingrich, who seems to always have been a serial adulterer. Followed by Representative Bob Barr, who actually manipulated the law enough to get out of admitting an affair under oath – such patriotism. Lest, we not forget ex-President Bill Clinton that at the time of DOMA passing had been known to smoke a cigar or two and then put them in the most “interesting” places. Yet, these are the ones that helped sign the DOMA law into affect, allowing them to comment on marriage when it’s obvious they were incapable (at one point in time) of keeping their own together.

Not to even mention that when it comes to adultery and how it affects families, 2 to 3% of children are the product of an affair (looking at you, John Edwards). How many LGBT married couples do you read about are dealing with that issue?

Maybe a redefinition of marriage might help better things because if left up to the will of the heterosexual community, we might as will start conducting quickie divorces similar to how Vegas does marriages. Marriage as a sacred to the religious right is hypocritical because time and time again its sanctity is violated by those that are quick to judge a loving, stable relationship between same-sex couples; simply because it doesn’t fit into their Christian ideal.

Repealing DOMA will have nothing to do with the overall goals of churches. The bigotry and hypocrisy that runs rampant through the churches teachings of “love and acceptance” will still remain in place because churches are still allowed to marry the couples that fit their criteria. DOMA limits the power of the states to decide who marry – the church doesn’t play as big of role in all of this even though they like to think so.  Pastors won’t be jailed, there is such a thing as Free Speech and even though, the speech may be shrouded in bigotry – it is not something that you can be jailed for. Nice work trying to make yourself a martyr for a cause that you are intentionally fabricating!

Another thing, the Bible also isn’t too keen on bodily adornment either being that Christians should be more concerned with beautifying their inward self than beautifying the outside. At the same time, you are threatened by the repealing of DOMA but gladly turn away when it comes to a shoddy, heterosexual marital system, ornamental jewelry (because truthfully, how are earrings on a man functional), adultery, and lying – because preaching untruths used to intentionally scare people is a lie no matter how you rationalize it.

Related articles

• Watch: Pastor Ken Hutcherson’s Reptilian DOMA Warning (towleroad.com)
• Pastor Ken Hutcherson Is Going To Prison If DOMA Is Repealed (queerty.com)

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3/30/2011 – by Cynthia S. Wright

Proverbs 23:2 ESV

And put a knife to your throat if you are given to appetite.

Recently a portly female preacher felt the weight of God’s burden so greatly, she had no choice but to deliver her testimony from a chair in the pulpit. This preacher had a bone to pick (and no, not the ones on her plate – this time), stemming from her issues with the practice of masturbation and of course, homosexuality

Enraged, supposedly by the Holy Spirit, she lashes out (as much as she could muster – which wasn’t much) against those who practice the art of self love by letting them know that they are “partaking in what God made righteous and perverting it”.  She then banishes them to go get their sex toys and play with themselves as she moves onto her next object of contempt: male semen!

With all the anger that she displays during her talk of this male produced bodily fluid; one would ponder if she is angry about the actual fluid itself, or perhaps angry that no human being capable producing that “diseased” substance has come near her in quite some time.

That doesn’t concern her though because she soon turns her fury onto the gays – most importantly men on the down-low.  “You just keep watching your little husband (I’m sure she knows all about little husbands or does she call them Twinkies for Jesus?) and in a year or so, you will see him come in with his hand swinging. In a year or so you will see him with a switch in his hips.”  Why does that have to mean that he is gay, maybe he just enjoys dancing or is praising God that he can move freely without his mobility being confined to a chair? Whose to say?

Even still, it does sound like her concern (or anger) comes from a personal place, maybe she needs to contact Terry McMillan – I smell a book deal in the works and besides, they can bond over their hatred of their down-low brethren. After all isn’t the down-low all the craze in the black community these days anyway? Instead of acknowledging that maybe your husband was always gay, that he just didn’t want to lie anymore and the best thing he could do was to finally come clean.

After all, isn’t that what you bible-thumpers want or is lying no longer sinful? Also, why is the focus only on black men? Gay women are out there too but she probably left that out on purpose, since she probably believes down-low black men are the ONLY ones that can singlehandedly ruin the black church! Never mind, the talk of preachers sleeping with members of their congregation and breaking up marital homes, that must be a myth.

Now, portly preacher lady has a right to express her opinion. In her clouded, homophobic, one-sided view all the things, she so eloquently expressed might be relevant somewhere.

Yet, as she preaches her hatred from her “saintly chair”, wobbling back and forth, unable to lift herself up to deliver her sermon – no one questions that they are receiving the word of God from someone who is unable to stand long enough to give it.

My question is, when did gluttony get omitted from the Bible? How is that one fact being overlooked, unlike being gay or loving masturbating, which is often not known to the public – how can someone condemn others for living their life when it’s plausible that she might not be able to control her own.

That is often the problem when it comes to the black churches, so quick to cast the first stone (if she could even manage to do that) but at the same time don’t want to atone for their own sins. Gluttony the last time I checked is considered a major sin, a certifiable health risk and in most cases, a choice.

Nothing like improving one’s education – As an intense diplomatic effort proceeds to find  a country where  Moammer Gadhafi can go, and an  international military effort against Gadhafi’s forces continues,  Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni  has offered Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi a home, Uganda, apparently the president’s spokesman told The Associated Press on Wednesday, in what appears to be the first country to offer him refuge. (Source: Washington Post)

The spokesman for Uganda’s president, Tamale Mirundi, told the AP that Gadhafi would be welcome in Uganda. He said Uganda’s policy is to accept asylum seekers, especially because so many Ugandans fled the country during the longtime rule of dictator Idi Amin (and are still fleeing the Country .)

Clearly the President’s spokesperson failed to inform Associated Press that Ugandans are still fleeing in drives, seeking asylum in the UK, USA and South Africa (amongst other Countries) – as LGBTI – Gays, Lesbians and Transgender persons are being directly persecuted by the Ugandan government.

“So we have soft spots for asylum seekers. Gadhafi would be allowed to live here if he chooses to do so,” Mirundi said.

(Okay give me a break!) I think otherwise given the LGBT hate and persecution in Uganda. Its not about  a soft spot for anyone  – its about a soft spot for dictators – It takes one to know one Mr. Museveni!   Perhaps Gadhafi can join the Museveni advisory team – “How to be a Long Term Dictator) – Especially in light of the current election debacle, where Museveni purports a “Free and Fair Election” in the midst of direct reports by Ugandans to LezGetReal of persecution, torture, voter fraud and opposition candidates still in hiding in fear of their lives!

But what I find the most telling is the short memory of Museveni. When Gadhafi was appointed to head the AU as CHAIR Christian minorities, especially in North Africa, did not enjoy freedom of worship and continued to suffer official discrimination. From 2007 to 2009, Gaddafi used celebrations to mark the birthday of Prophet Mohammed to disparage Christianity. Last year while visiting Uganda, he delivered a tirade against the Bible, dismissing it as a forgery.  His Mosque still stands very tall in Kampala, one the largest buildings in Uganda.  I wonder how David Bahati and other members of the Christian faith – who rely on the Bible for Legislation -  in Uganda’s parliament feel about this invitation, given the latter history.

Moammer Gadhafi has been in power for more than 40 years.  Yoweri Museveni only 25-   Yes lessons for the following 15 years would be much appreciated – always a quid pro quo!

Museveni had planned to travel to Libya in mid-March, but sent his foreign minister instead. Days later, Museveni issued a nine-page statement denouncing the U.S. and European military action for interfering in what he said was an internal matter. He also praised Gadhafi, though he urged the Libyan leader to negotiate with the rebels. (Per AP)

“Whatever his faults, is a true nationalist,” Museveni said of Gadhafi. “I prefer nationalists to puppets of foreign interests.”  Do I smell a Butt lick right there?  You know that very ACT of  Levitical Abomination- now a Ugandan Obsession!

One complicating factor to Gadhafi’s living in Uganda may be the International Criminal Court, whose chief prosecutor has said he will decide by May whether to seek an indictment against Gadhafi. Uganda is a signatory to the statute that created the court. But who cares? Not Museveni – Dictators heed naught to legislation – nor treatise – nor International Declarations of Human Rights – I am sure key ‘Advisor Gadhafi’ will have a way out…. But then again he may be too afraid to accept the invitation on this very basis — But the recklessness of the Museveni invitation is suspicious to say the least – especially given the crimes committed by the Libyan Dictator turned murderer.

Who else is going to make the offer… the saga will continue….

UPDATE MARCH 31, 2011 2.52 AM PST

President Museveni last night described as “utter rubbish” reports that Uganda had secretly offered asylum to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.

This newspaper contacted the President through his Principal Private Secretary, Ms Grace Akello, after international media outlets, among them Al Jazeera TV channel, yesterday run news of the alleged refuge.

“That is a totally unfounded rumour, it is utter rubbish,” Ms Akello said, quoting Mr Museveni.
Presidential Press Secretary Tamale Mirundi, cited as the source of the disputed story, separately refuted the report, saying he advised a reporter who contacted him by telephone to approach Foreign Affairs Minister Sam Kutesa.

“That story is Western propaganda and a hoax. I cannot speak on Uganda’s foreign policy matters and that is why I referred the journalist to the responsible ministry,” he said.

To say that Mr Museveni, who has openly opposed military attacks on Libya has now accepted to host Gaddafi, if the latter chose to flee, would mean the President considers his Libyan counterpart a defeated man, said Mr Tamale.

“Some of these Western media outlets have their own motives. How can you offer to bury someone on your plot when that person is not yet dead?”

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
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Melanie will be back on SWIRL RADIO Soon -

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A Sabbath evening with South African friends is filled with tradition, prayer, song and good food. The Jewish people in this part of the diaspora take great pride in their observance of the Sabbath and Kashrut laws.  They walk in large family groups to Shul and return hastily on foot, rain or thunder, to the dinner tables of Rabbis and friends.

This last Shabbat, we braved the odd dash of lightening and did the walk; Dad navigating potholes, ditches and large puddles of water, stick firmly in hand. No bone cancer would stop him from walking as long as he is able, and despite exhaustion.

We did the rituals and said the blessings, where-after we were fortunate to sit down to a scrumptious kosher meal, with families chitter chattering and talking about the usual mundane things in life.

A few at the table had young sons studying at the Yeshivas in Israel; and one parent relayed the story of her twenty year old who remained asleep in bed,  and failed to hear the rocket attack warning in Ashdod. He did awake but with little time to make the estimated 40 seconds from alarm time to bomb shelter destination.    But he stormed out of the room, leaving his shoes behind, yet grabbing a shirt to place on his head instead of his Kipah (yamulkah / Scull cap)  which could not be reached in time.

The young man ran for his life, all the while shredding his feet and other parts of his body as he fell amongst debris and glass on his path to the shelter. Indeed it has been reported that a rocket landed close by. Fortunately he made it.   This terrifying experience was only one such – imagine how many more.

So I ask – when you all sit around your tables, regardless of what side you support; imagine the bombing and disregard for fragility of life, as are the weapon of Hamas terrorists… delivered from the neighboring suburb to yours – a rocket off at any moment at anytime and how that would feel as you run to the shelters with 40 seconds warning – hoping your child would not be the one hit.

I truly believe that if Hamas, a known terrorist group would lay down their rockets and mortars and whatever and fade into the distance of sedation and goodwill, negotiations without

the mantra “we want the Jews off the face of the earth – there should be no Israel at all -”  then perhaps some headway could be made in the movement of settlers – and even if not – there could and should be peace.

Like the Israelis say “Peace in the Middle East is like F**king for Virginity” -

Hamas must go!! What came first the cart or the horse – who cares – just stop in the name of Life….

Headlines:

“Despite Israel‘s intense five-day bombing campaign of Gaza, Palestinian militants have begun using longer-range rockets that now reach up to 25 miles inside Israel, hitting cities such as Ashdod and Be’er Sheva for the first time.

Israeli military officials say the rockets are 122mm Grads, which they believe have been smuggled into Gaza through tunnels under the Egyptian border in recent months. The rockets, which are up to three metres in length, can be disassembled and were almost certainly brought through the tunnels in parts, under the border town of Rafah.

Jonathan Fighel, a retired Israeli army colonel and a senior researcher at the Institute for Counter Terrorism in Herzliya, said he believed the bombing had damaged Hamas’s ability to govern in Gaza but had yet to seriously upset its armed wing, the Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades.”

He said “Israel’s goal in continuing its campaign now was to win the most favorable political solution. “The question is now how do you manage to leverage the military campaign into political gain?” He said Israel would look for a ceasefire but under its preferred conditions, which would include a halt to smuggling tunnels and the ability for Israel to continue to attack militants in the occupied West Bank without reprisals from Gaza.”

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
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In a recent episode of “No More Down Low” TV, the show focused on homophobia and how it impacts not just the US but also the world. During an interview at the Pan-African Film Festival in Los Angeles, Mark Noble spoke to Phylicia Rashad on what she feels is the best way to end homophobia. Rashad, best known for her role as

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Clair Huxtable on the Cosby show, eloquently stated,

“Mothers need to advocate for the rights of gay babies. Mothers need to advocate for the rights of gay babies.  Isn’t that something?”

A statement so simple, yet so profound perhaps due to its simplicity. Experts have often stated that, besides the umbilical cord, the most profound attachment between a mother and their child occurs once that baby is in the world. Many psychologists believe that the bond between mother and child provides the psychological building blocks or foundations needed for children to thrive and become fully functional, secure individuals in society.

Megan Gunnar, a professor working with the Institute of Child Development at the University of Minnesota stated that, “…[support] may provide children with a crucial tool for dealing with stress by buffering their physiological reaction to novel or unexpected events.” In order to see themselves as secure, children need to feel valued at every stage of their lives. Growing up, most children fear rejection (by their peers, school, and society), being gay tends to amplify those feelings more because of how homosexuality is treated. Children aren’t born with the innate ability to combat such discrimination.

Having the outside world attempt to rip you apart for something that you can’t change can be disheartening and in order to combat that, children need know that they are accepted and loved because of who they are and that their sexual preference won’t cause that to change.

For example, there is a blogger named Nerdy Apple Bottom. She is a self-professed cop’s wife that lives in the Bible belt – so one could assume she is fairly conservative. She also has a 5-year-old son that wanted to dress up as Daphne for Halloween. Instead of doing what most would find typical, banishing her child or making him feel guilty – she did the opposite – she supported his creativity. In one of the later posts, she expanded on her thoughts about the situation, “My son is gay. Or he’s not. I don’t care. He is still my son. And he is 5. And I am his mother. And if you have problem with anything mentioned above, I don’t want to know you. …[My] goal is not to dictate what is ‘normal’ and what is not, but to help him become a good person.”

That statement, like Rashad’s, clued in to what is so beneficial about mother’s advocating for their children – that it isn’t about molding a child into what you (or society) want them to be but supporting them for who they are. After all, the world can be a harsh place; gay bashings and LGBT suicides are still prevalent in societies around the world. Instead of adding to the destruction, show the world that being gay is not the problem but that intolerance is.

Rashad and Ms. Bottom are onto something here, lets hope that it continues heading in the right direction.

MN Machine

03/23/11 by Alex Fox

Ok, Ladies, I must overtly admit… I get it. I get why you attend volleyball games. Spandex is hot. I also understand the passion for women’s soccer and their muscular behinds. And I suppose there is even a point to those long basketball shorts, short tennis skirts, and thick softball legs, but…

Don’t you ever just want to watch a woman tackle the absolute shit out of another? See the frustrations in their eyes and the bulging muscles in their arms? Women who literally lay-out every last one of their opponents and leave it all on the field? Blood, sweat, tears, and skin included? How about 11 of them? Or better yet, 22.

The time has come. Actually, the time has been here for years without the deserving recognition. In fact, women have been playing tackle football since the 1920s, but with the constant banter and anti-feminist remarks, such teams were banned and forbidden to compete.

Good news, though, Babe! Women’s tackle football is back, and it is here to stay! Beginning as early as the 1990s, multiple leagues have been forming across the United States, including the WFA (“Women’s Football Alliance”), IWFL (“Independent Women’s Football League”), UFL (“United Football League”), and NWFA (“National Women’s Football Association”). (Unfortunately, the likelihood of these individual leagues joining one unified league is slim to none due to numerous disagreements.)

As just one example of the popularity and competitiveness of these leagues, in the WFA alone, there are over 60 teams nationwide. From the Arizona Assassins to the Minnesota Machine, this specific league functions distinctly under the strict NFL rules. Touchbacks, safeties, touchdowns, and field goals. Penalties, flags, offsides, and facemasking. Women’s tackle football is something worth watching.

(I think this just adds to the list of ways that women are equal [cough-cough-superior-sniffle] to men.)

So get out there and support your local women’s tackle football team! If you want more information on this or other gay-thletes, please feel free to contact me, Alex Fox, at theunluckyfox@gmail.com.

NOW WE must support him with our VOTE!

Huge is Holding the SA Gay Flag which he designed and makes at his own cost ; I am holding 170,000 signatures for delivery to Minister of Justice in SA. Huge is raising money for corrective rape org.

I met Eugene “HUGE” Brockman when I went to Cape Town to speak at Gay Pride. He was one of the friends who made sure I was well looked after. Huge forms part of  a group of other South African gay men -  each living their lives in a manner befitting anyone worthy of  the Title Activist.

My friend Huge accomplishes his name – not for what you Gay Men may be thinking – but for what I witnessed for myself – Eugene has a HUGE HEART!

Together with his partner Henry, they have all but given up their income producing lives to a Project called the “Gay Flag of South Africa.”  Huge designed the Flag – extraordinary in its simplicity as it embraces the Rainbow, we all identify as ours, together with key features of the South African Flag – the very flag meant to symbolize a post oppression and equal South Africa. The one Country in Africa where the Constitution embraces equality, but the fight to own it continues.

What touched me more than anything else – in Cape Town – was how the group of Gay White Men  friends – of which Eugene, is part all embraced the issue of corrective rape of lesbians, expressing devastation by its impact on the women whom they treat as sisters;  not only in advocacy and support, but literally by taking some of the women under their wing.  It sort of reminded me of how lesbians in San Francisco came out to care and advocate for those with HIV/AIDS  in the 80′s.

You see these men live in the City of Cape Town (as do many white lesbian women – very few of which came forward to help their black lesbian sisters)  and the black lesbian and colored lesbian women live predominantly in the Townships.

These men opened their homes, provide money to the women for airtime on the internet and cell phones (extraordinarily expensive in SA) and also money for expensive taxis to get to the various events, including Parliament ion the day the corrective rape issue had its  meeting.

Well today I received this note from my friend HUGE and I want to support him in his quest to win Mr. SA Leatherman (South Africa)  and I hope you will join me in doing so.

As you will see that after my trip to Cape Town and discussions around how we can help Ndumie Funda to keep running Luleki Sizwe – for the immediate care and urgent needs of lesbian victims of “corrective rape” in Gugulethu, it became apparent that HUGE and HENRY would be willing to provide support for the women from an organization raising money around proceeds for this magical FLAG .

This is what he wrote to me:-

GAY SA FLAG at Cape Town Vigil for David Kato

Hi Melanie,

Had a good morning!

Please post on your facebook wall for people to support me in SA Leatherman…

I am invited to take the flag and promote it at the IGLTA Global Convention in Ft Lauderdale in middle-May, which would then raise funds for Luleki Sizwe!

This is a week or so before International Mr. Leather in Chicago May 27th!

If I win SA Leatherman I will be able to get a free ticket to Chicago!

This means I can promote Luleki Sizwe, the Flag and South Africa at both international events!

Please ask people to vote for me by e-mailing “SALM02″ in the subject line to 2011salm@gmail.com – they will then stand in line to win prizes in the States, Europe and Africa!

Thanks for your support my friend!

Huge

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VOTE FOR HUGE FOR MR. SA LEATHERMAN

PLEASE support Huge so we can get him to the USA .  We desperately need money for Luleki Sizwe ‘s victims of so called “Corrective “Rape.

vote by e-mailing “SALM02″ in the subject line to 2011salm@gmail.com – they will then stand in line to win prizes in the States, Europe and Africa!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
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Monica and Cristina SOURCE "Stop the Deportations"

Amidst an historic ruling, we need  President Obama to take a bold move.  Lavi Soloway, an Immigration Attorney who has been working on “Stop the Deportations” a project to prevent deportation of the foreign partner of same-sex married couples, announced on his website that Monica Alcota and Cristina Ojeda, became the first married, same-sex, binational couple to successfully argue that deportation proceedings should be adjourned until their marriage-based immigration case had been fully adjudicated.

The post reads: “The Immigrations and Customs Enforcement attorney and the Immigration Judge agreed that the couple should be given an opportunity to fight for a green card on the basis of their marriage and generously adjourned proceedings accordingly.  During their brief appearance in court, the discussion centered on an acknowledgment that the couple may have a long road a head of them, but that they should be allowed to pursue their case with U.S. Immigration and Customs Services, the administrative agency that processes marriage-based petitions.  Monica and Cristina will report back to the Judge in December to notify the court and the government attorney of the status of their case.  This is a tremendous victory for The DOMA Project and we hope it will signal a shift in how similar cases will be handled in Immigration Courts across the country.”

An immigration judge in Manhattan made an historic ruling this morning, according to Lavi Soloway at Stop the Deportations:

“This morning, Monica Alcota and Cristina Ojeda, became the first married, same-sex, binational  (bi-national) couple to successfully argue that deportation proceedings should be adjourned until their marriage-based immigration case had been fully adjudicated. The Immigrations and Customs Enforcement attorney and the Immigration Judge agreed that the couple should be given an opportunity to fight for a green card on the basis of their marriage and generously adjourned proceedings accordingly.

During their brief appearance in court, the discussion centered on an acknowledgment that the couple may have a long road a head of them, but that they should be allowed to pursue their case with U.S. Immigration and Customs Services, the administrative agency that processes marriage-based petitions.  Monica and Cristina will report back to the Judge in December to notify the court and the government attorney of the status of their case.  This is a tremendous victory for The DOMA Project and we hope it will signal a shift in how similar cases will be handled in Immigration Courts across the country.”

Gay City News interviews the couple:

For Alcota and Ojeda, the legal developments of the last eight months –– in Boston, Washington, and now Manhattan –– represent some respite from what has been “hanging over our heads,” Ojeda explained –– “that I would lose her.”

That’s exactly what happened to Ojeda –– for three months at least –– in 2009. As the couple traveled through upstate New York by bus to bring Ojeda’s belongings from Buffalo, where she had just finished up a master’s degree in social work, to Queens, where the two women now live, a spot border control check resulted in Alcota being detained by immigration officials. She ended up in a privately-run detention center in Elizabeth, New Jersey, from which she could have been deported at any time.

Finally, an Immigration Judge saw Alcota and determined she had “a reasonable fear” of persecution should she be returned to Argentina. She had fled her home country, where she lived in a region near the Chilean border, with her then-partner because the two believed their lives were at risk.

PRESIDENT OBAMA ITS UP TO YOU WE WANT OUR FAMILIES TO BE TOGETHER – WE WANT THE SAME RIGHTS AS YOU!!

My Opinion: This may be precedent setting.  There are other couples in the same predicament as I am writing this -  foreign same-sex  spouses who have cases before the Immigration Judges.  Perhaps if these couples  who are married, were to file such Petitions with Department of Home Land Security, based on Alien relative petitions for green cards, they too may enjoy such suspensions of their deportation orders.

However some may prefer to continue with their asylum proceedings so that their positions are declaratory and reach conclusive results.   This may or may not be advisable depending on the case.  I can attest to the fact that when one goes through a detention period of any length,  deportation hearings, asylum proceedings all the while scrambling to find willing pro bono attorneys,   it gets to a point where one simply wants to live life without the ongoing  drama of uncertainty.

Clearly until the  DOMA law repeals, the law changes via special visas,  or UAFA is passed, the situation of the Couple in this story remains open ended and they are still at great risk.

It is time for President OBAMA to issue an executive Order for these couples and all couples who want to stay with their same-sex spouses in the USA.  If the President is challenged,   let the government be the ones to spend money on lawsuits not the individuals. That is the kind of leadership the LGBTI community expects of this administration.

PS.   I am Still in South Africa! Returning home soon…….

MORE ON SAME  SEX GREEN CARDS by Melanie Nathan

By Melanie Nathan
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