09/1/2010- by Natasia Langfelder

Singer/Songwriter Jewel has a new album to shill, so she went on Chelsea Lately to try and let someone who cares know. No, I don’t care about her music and chances are you haven’t cared since “Foolish Games” came out. “Why are you being so hard on, Jewel?” You are probably asking yourself. I know, I know, I never thought I would be lambasting Jewel either. I mean Jewel? Who cares!

Well, so she was blabbering about her album and about how she and her husband are backpacking around the country when she decided to tell the world that while she travels with her husband, she wears “lesbian shoes.” You know, like “ugly comfortable lesbian shoes.” Because lesbians wear ugly shoes.  Girl, don’t insult my shoes. You don’t know me. I’m assuming that Jewel isn’t referring to lesbian shoes such as these pink, peeptoe, hidden platform Christian Louboutins that I have been wearing all summer. Because those would be a bitch to travel in.

 Now THOSE are some hot lesbian shoes. Watch the clip below:

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Suddenly Laura Bush loves Gay marriage, Elizabeth Haselhof has tea with Melissa  and now supports same-sex marriage – then Rekers gets caught with rentboy  and the right wing is exposed for its ex-gay fraud- and now we have the RNC remnant from the Bush Era, the actual architect of the anti-gay Republican hate campaign, co- creator of the  wedge issue that targeted a minority community, used gays and lesbians as battle bullets,  coming out as a homosexual?

My G-d what is the world coming to? I ask!

Ken Mehlman, who headed the Republican National Committee between 2005 and 2007, has come out in an interview with the Atlantic’s Marc Ambinder: Mehlman arrived at this conclusion about his identity fairly recently, he said in an interview stating that he had grappled with this side of himself for over 43 years.

He agreed to answer a reporter’s questions, he said, because, now in private life, he wants to become an advocate for gay marriage and anticipated that questions would be asked about his participation in a late-September fundraiser for the American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER), the group that supported the legal challenge to California’s ballot initiative against gay marriage, Proposition 8.

What a mindless mongrel if I may. You mean to tell me that this man was not having sex or fantasies of sex with men for the best part of those 43 years?  Who was he fantasizing about not being able to marry? George W. Bush?  Was there ever a rentboy between 2005 and 2007?  Come out Come out wherever you are? Was there a suspicious mama?  A phony fiance?

Is this guy short of money? Does he want to sell a book; I for one am not buying! Sorry Mehlman but you hurt my feelings, not to mention the harm to the LGBT community; and it will take a lot more than you “being happier” for me to get over it.

More and more years of Bush and his taking down of this country – and you did it in the name of us Queers?

Known as the Great Conciliator and a reputation for being most forgiving, I cannot wrap myself around your dishonorable conduct.  Now that I find out he is Jewish too – I ask the big question. Oy Vey Why?

You knew exactly what you were doing and how it impacted millions of lives.  You took an entire minority on the ride of its life, sacrificing your brethren like lambs to the slaughter.

“Here take this one’s rights while I continue to indulge in my CON-fusion!”

What makes it all so much worse for me is that like me, Ken Mehlman is Jewish.  While I can understand the pressures of a nice Jewish existence – including the expectations of his Momma Judith and Pappa Arthur, Ken Mehlman has not lived my ideal of what it means to be a good Jew- close to the Torah and its expectations of social justice – and WHAT ABOUT the mitzvoth!

He has not only betrayed the LGBT community but fueling the all white gay hating Christian existence certainly could not have served his Bar-mitvah covenant.

Go here to see Ken Mehlman on Charlie Rose – do not forget to throw up as in vomit. http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/155

MelanieNathan
nathan@privatecourts.com

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MELANIE NATHAN
nathan@privatecourts.com

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Yeah, I said it. I would say it to her face, to her father’s face, to her partner’s face. Mary Cheney, daughter of ex VP Dick Cheney and partner to Heather Poe and mother to children being raised by two dogs…I mean women. Raw Story is reporting that Mary donated $500 to a republican candidate who wants to ensure that same sex marriage never happens.

Cheney gave $500 on April 1 to Kelly Ayotte, a Republican 2010 Senate candidate from New Hampshire, according to the election records database Newsmeat. Ayotte is seeking to fill the seat of retiring GOP Sen. Judd Gregg.

Ayotte told the Concord Monitor last August that she is “against same-sex marriage and believes marriage is between a man and a woman,” the paper reported.

The New Hampshire news station WMUR 9 also notes Ayotte opposes same-sex marriage. “Support traditional marriage,” reads her stance on the issue, as defined by “one man, one woman.” Three of the other four Republican hopefuls have expressed similar views. [Source]

I’ve said it before and I will say it again. Mary is a millionaire, she doesn’t need the benefits that marriage equality affords. She can take care of her partner, ensure her partner has health care, ensure her partner will be taken care of should anything happen to her, ensure that her child and property will go to Heather if anything happens to her, etc. So she doesn’t care about lesbians who are struggling, lesbians who have lost their jobs during the economic downturn who can’t put their partner on their health insurance or make sure that they will gain ownership of their property should the worst occur. She is selfish, she is homophobic, she is a snake.

Mary: You are a horrible excuse for a human being.

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08/16/2010- by Natasia Langfelder

By now you have all heard the tale of the homophobic offensive guard for the Philedelphia Eagles, Todd Herremans, who tweeted some anti-gay statements regarding the popular HBO show, True Blood. Specifically, he said: “Not a fan of how they get u hooked with the 1st 2 seasons then bring on a barrage of homosexuality.” Those damn vampires and their gayness! It’s so much worse than the whole “living on blood” thing. Am I right or am I right? … Or am I right?

Anyway, so the online queer community called Herremans out on his BS and he apologized. But Jason Zinoman, a writer over at www.Slate.com wrote an article today entitled, “True Blood’s “Barrage of Homosexuality” with the subtitle, “Was the Philadelphia Eagles’ Todd Herremans on to something?” Say what, dude? No way was Herreman onto something. Zinoman goes on to lavish us with his insights, which include that True Blood is trying to insight a gay panic riot in their straight male viewership. Because straight men are scared of the gays! Beware of the gays bro. Gays are cool as long as they don’t hit on me, right, dude? Zinoman writes:

The writers clearly enjoy making their audience feel uncomfortable. The excess of gore and the violent sex are designed to shock. They haven’t recently introduced homosexuality, as Herremans would have it, although you could make the case that there has been something of a barrage lately. And this season, the show’s fluid sexuality has a pointed dramatic purpose that invites and even encourages this kind of gay panic.

Maybe the show wants to make people uncomfortable, but it also wants to turn them on. There is a lot of sex in True Blood, hot sex, gay sex, lesbian sex, non-consensual sex, rough sex, etc. People like sex. People like sex and violence. I’m pretty sure HBO isn’t trying to gross out the bros, bro. Zinoman has a theory about how True Blood creates this homosexual panic. First, they get their straight male audience to get cool with a male character. There are tits involved, the straight male is like, dude maybe this vamp is coolio. Then BAM that cool vampire becomes a GAY vampire. But it’s too late because the dude bro has made a connection with the character and seeing this character have ‘the man sex’ freaks him out.

Last week, what bothered Herremans was surely the sex between Talbot and Eric. Straight male audiences surely identified with the confident alpha dog Eric, perpetually surrounded by adoring topless strippers. It was a shock to hear him explain that, when he said it’s been a long time since he’s “done this,” he was referring to vampires, not men.

DON”T YOU SEE HOW HBO IS MANIPULATING YOU, DUDE BROS! Zinoman writes:

True Blood performs a similar trick by getting straight male audiences invested in scenes of gay sexuality. Herremans’s tweet shows that it worked.

Wow. Sooo, True Blood showing the gay sex to freak out dude bro’s everywhere, instead of creating and telling a unique, compelling story that gets millions of viewers to tune in every week. Who knew?

Am I being too hard on dude bro Zinoman’s entry? Maybe. Recently, Slate has become kind of a weird place with feminist bloggers (and my personal favs) such as Hanna Rosin defending a Cornell scientist who used vibrators on young female children as well as a Cornell report that said partial female circumcision was okay, defending the doctor who gave out “anti-lesbian” pills to women pregnant with female children and attacking Jezebel.com. I used to love Slate, but what the hell is in their water coolers lately?

You can read the original Slate article here: http://www.slate.com/id/2264098/ 

Ps. You can also read, “How Black People Use Twitter,” Maybe their headline writer quit?

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Anti-Gay Laura Schlessinger, now apparently a racist too?  Someone should strip that mean spirited ego centric piece of dangling doo-doo apology for a human of her doc-tatorship – or whatever the hell it is she has placed before her name “DR.”   She is Dr. NO or NO Dr.!

Who would have dreamed it?  “DON’T NAACP ME” asserted ‘the better than thou’ Schlesinger, in a tirade exposing her for exactly who she is – an angry bigot – no more no less… or maybe  more – time will tell.   “I thought once we had a Black President the attempts to demonize whites hating blacks would stop.  But it has not I don’t get it.  Its hasn’t and It’s all about power: She ranted on after the shocked caller, a self described “black woman married to a white man” called for advice about being treated with disrespect through racist remarks perpetrated by family and friends.

The conversation went haywire when Schlesinger challenged the caller ‘s gripe and proceeded to throw out three consecutive “N’” words – what is this woman thinking.  No surprise to me.  I have listened to her show and am astounded by her popularity. She berates most of her callers anyway with her condescending pernicious soliloquies  - all in an attempt to elevate her sorry nothingness to an attempted something-ness.

Goodness, who sponsors this trash?

Read/ hear audio  - you be the Judge.   I think she should be banned off the air- if they did it to The guy with the cowboy hat – why not do it to the woman with the wig?

After a break, the caller said she was appalled by Schlessinger’s use of the word. “Oh, then I guess you don’t watch HBO or listen to any black comedians,” she said. “My dear, the point I am trying to make…we’ve got a black man as president and we’ve got more complaining about racism than ever. I think that’s hilarious.”   Schlesinger and the caller then got into an exchange about the use of the word:

CALLER: Is it OK to say that word? Is it ever OK to say that word?
DR. LAURA: It depends how it’s said. Black guys talking to each other seem to think it’s ok.
CALLER: But you’re not black, they’re not black, my husband is white.
DR. LAURA: Oh, I see, so a word is restricted to race. Got it. Can’t do much about that.
CALLER: I can’t believe someone like you is on the radio spewing out the n***** word, and I hope everybody heard it.
DR. LAURA: I didn’t spew out the n***** word!
CALLER: You said “n*****, n*****, n*****” and I hope everybody heard it.
DR. LAURA: Yes they did, and I’ll say it again: n*****, n*****, n***** is what you hear on HBO.
[Crosstalk]

DR. LAURA: Why don’t you let me finish a sentence? Don’t take things out of context. Don’t NAACP me, leave them in context. “If you’re that hypersensitive about color and don’t have a sense of humor, don’t marry outside of your race,” Schlesinger said after hanging up with the caller.

She apologized the next day, opening her show with an apology.

“Yesterday, I did the wrong thing,” she said. “I didn’t intend to hurt people, but I did. And that makes it the wrong thing to have done. I was attempting to make a philosophical point, and I articulated the “n” word all the way out – more than one time. And that was wrong. I’ll say it again – that was wrong.”

Schlessinger said she “was so upset [she] could not finish the show.”

“I pulled myself off the air at the end of the hour,” she said. “I had to finish the hour, because 20 minutes of dead air doesn’t work. I am very sorry. And it just won’t happen again.” Boo Hoo Laura Remember your an-gay days – when you said the following and now you want us to believe YOU ARE NOT a Bigot.

And so it should not get her outa here!  She is NOT qualified to Counsel a fly!

According to various sources, Dr. Laura Schlessinger has said or written the following anti-gay slurs, which promoted the website - http://www.stopdrlaura.com/laura/

“A huge portion of the male homosexual populace is predatory on young boys.”

“If you’re gay or lesbian it’s a biological error.”

“I call homosexual practices deviant.”

“The First Amendment is not the 11th Commandment. Its protection does not extend to ALL speech.”

“When we have the word ‘homosexual,’ we are clarifying the dysfunction, the deviancy, the reality.”

“….[reparative] therapies which have been successful in helping a reasonable number of people become heterosexual.” 7

“…I believe that homosexual behavior is deviant; that when homosexuals adopt children, these children are intentionally robbed of a necessary mom and dad…”

“I’m sorry, hear it one more time perfectly clearly: If you’re gay or a lesbian, it’s a biological error that inhibits you from relating normally to the opposite sex.  The fact that you are intelligent, creative and valuable is all true. The error is in your inability to relate sexually intimately, in a loving way to a member of the opposite sex – it is a biological error.” Quoted from Dr. Laura’s Website, 1998-DEC-8

ON MATTHEW SHEPARD

“You know what was largely responsible for that guy’s [Matthew Shepard's] death? Those two guys who killed him did not go out looking for a homosexual to kill that night. They were shooting pool. He went to the bar. He left with two guys he thought he was gonna have sex with. He got murdered. How many women has that happened to? How many women have left bars thinking they were gonna get some action with some guy who raped and murdered and tortured and murdered them?

Far more women than homosexual men have ended up dead that way, I would guess. Is that a hate crime against women? I think so but they specifically picked the woman who was willing to leave for sex. If Matthew hadn’t been willing to leave for sex, he might still be alive. That certainly doesn’t make him responsible for his own death but when you put yourself into a situation of going off to have anonymous sex with people you meet at a bar, what kind of person is gonna leave with you? Usually scum…. This was a terrible tragedy but it’s also one that might have been avoided if he had simply gone home with his friends instead of thinking he was gonna get a little.” – Dr. Laura radio show, April 16, 1999 (quoted by CBSC).

By the way – her apology weights low against the extent  of the Tirade. “I should not of said that” in no way excuses the lengthy and non stop verbosity of the rant.  Its not as if she said mere words – here insensitivity and her lack of basic sense outweighs her nebulus apology.  Fire her- its about time!

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08/06/2010- by Natasia Langfelder

Yes, you read that right. Braintrust and swimsuit model Brooklyn Decker wants to be horribly oppressed! The 23 year old model who hit the big time when she landed this year’s cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition told Women’s Health magazine:

“I want to live a normal life – drive my kids to school, have tons of animals running around, be barefoot and pregnant…I want all that … just not anytime soon.”

Can’t a woman be “normal” and pregnant without being barefoot? Last time I checked women can still work while they are pregnant or be stay-at-home moms without being ‘barefoot.’

Ms. Decker then goes on to say what every beautiful model known for their beauty says to try to get us “normal” women to like them. She talks about how down to earth and low maintenance she is! Only she’s not, but she thinks we are stupid enough to believe her and like her for it! She says of appearing on the set of the movie she is starring in with Jennifer Anniston and Adam Sandler, Just Go With It:

“When people hear ‘bikini model,’ they have one thing on their mind. Then they see you’re someone who shows up to the set in pajamas and no makeup, watches sports and belches.”

Right, Brooklyn. I’m looking forward to the interview when you say you “eat all the time!” and “love food!”

[Source]

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08/05/2010- by Natasia Langfelder

It’s that time again, the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) are set to air September 12th and the blog-o-sphere is atwitter with the news of Lady Gaga’s 13 nominations. Between artists like Miley “I pretended to kiss that girl but I didn’t” Cyrus, Katy”I keep telling people that I want to kiss girls but I don’t” Perry and Christina “I pretend to be bisexual but I’ m not” Aguilera, there are plenty of opportunities for women to exploit lesbianism and bisexuality on the mainstream scene to increase their own popularity and up the ante on their sex symbol status. I really can’t stand it.

The most famous faux lesbian kiss on MTV was the fake Britney Spears and Maddona kiss, neigh all those years ago. But recently, Sandra Bullock and the married Scarlett Johansen shared a liplock at the MTV Movie Awards this June. While I didn’t see the kiss, because the MTV Movie Awards are three hours of complete suck, I wasn’t pleased when the media flipped out about how hot it was the next day. I don’t want to attack the women individually, because Sandy had a huge shock with the Jesse James white supremacist cheating thing, so she gets a free pass. Johansen gets a free pass too, because, boobs. But they did inspire me to write an open letter to straight women about this out of control epidemic. Here’s to hoping the letter gets out and we are able to stop the faux lesbian kisses at the VMAs!

Dear Straight Women,

I get it – you are hot; your friend is hot; you’re so sexually open! It’s so great when guys pay attention to you for doing it! Oooo you are so liberal and yet so not wearing Birkenstocks and would never actually go ‘down there,” but still so liberal and hot!

I wish that all lesbians were as hot as you and not plaid-wearing motorcycle mamas who hate men and use Natty Light as lube. IF ONLY REAL LESBIANS WERE AS HOT AS YOU! I’M IN LOVE WITH YOU AND, YES, WHEN YOU ARE DRUNK AND SAD BECAUSE NO GUYS LIKE YOU I WILL BE THERE TO TELL YOU THAT YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL NO MATTER WHAT THEY SAY. Xtina Aguilera style.

However, maybe you don’t have to kiss each other to prove some crazy point about how hot you are. Maybe you can just try being yourself to get attention and not try to get boys to look at you by exploiting and trivializing my sexual orientation.

Xoxo,
Natasia

Reblogged from http://gay-e-magazine.blogspot.com/

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07/29/2010- by Natasia Langfelder

Katy Perry is pretending to be bisexual to get attention again. Yay! She said:

“I used to want to kiss Megan Fox, but now she’s married and I’m not so sure about that anymore. Probably Natalie Portman now -she’s hot and smart.” [Source]

Oh Katy, no one wants to see you kiss a girl! Perry slammed LGBT activist Lady Gaga for using biblical imagery in her video for Alejandro as exploiting the bible. But Perry has no qualms about exploiting same sex love. Another example of her insensitivity to the gay community? One of her first songs was called “Ur so Gay” and basically called an ex-boyfriend gay because he broke up with a girl. The audacity! Of course any man who dumps a woman must be a bad gay man in disguise.

Perry’s likeability, which has never been high among queer women, has taken a hit recently. Perry appeared on the 9th season of American Idol and acted like a mean girl. She picked on contestants looks, told one he made her feel dirty and told an orphaned contestant that had lived through being put through an abusive and violent foster care system that “this isn’t a Lifetime movie.” Perry’s annoyance factor also went up when she became engaged to British comedian Russell Brand. Perry and Brand have been criticized for leaking new rumors about their wedding on a regular basis.

Despite all this, Perry’s song “California Gurls” is a summer anthem. Let’s hope that by next summer Ms. Perry’s popularity will be a distant memory.

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July 22, 2010 – By Melanie Nathan

Since Lesbians may be attracted to Mark Ruffalo, ( per  the story line – The Kids Are Alright!) I thought I would post this. All kidding aside this is Mark on Fracking and the Environment.

“Vote for Moratorium – and stand up to the likes of BP.  Urging Americans to care even if the issue does not effect you directly.”

Maybe Ellen should step up and scream for UAFA.
Maybe Barney Frank should stand up and scream for A Civil Rights Amendment.
Maybe You should all Scream for something that does not impact you directly!

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When it come to immigration reform,  the people who count first on this topic, to my way of thinking, are those who under current law are not treated equally, yet President Obama has seemingly provided the visual for the year long covert alliance-making between the various religious groups and the Administration, some Politicians/ Senators such as  Chuck Schumer,  Congress Flip-Flop Gutierrez, which reflects a myriad of alliances, which in my estimation points to an attack, not only on the LGBT quest for equality, under current immigration law, but also on our factual existence as couples with a right to happily call our American Country, home!

“Normally on the opposite side of political issues backed by the Obama White House, leaders are aligning with the President to support an overhaul that would include some path to legalization for illegal immigrants already here. They are preaching from pulpits, conducting conference calls with pastors and testifying in Washington — as they did last Wednesday,” reports Laurie Goodstein for the New York Times.

Noticeably at the end of the New York Times Piece is a little reference to the BIG caveat

“But Mr. Blackwell  said  although Evangelicals will board the boat for  Comprehensive Immigration reform the whole effort could implode if the final legislation extended family reunification  provisions to same-sex couples where one spouse did not have legal status. For evangelicals, he said, “That would be a deal-breaker.” (hidden in the crevice of a final statement to the entire article.) Translated by Me as follows:  ” WE THE RELIGIOUS – Who proclaim G-d our exclusive ally, will be compassionate to the immigrants as long as they are not gays and lesbians.”

Gay Couples are separated from bi national loved ones, or who are forced  as Americans by Americans into exile!  But who cares- Jerold Nadler does! But who else and if you do Where the heck are you?’

This is for you President Obama- our own LGBT activists have messed us up in the most scary fashion. Why should we bi national  couples become the pawns and tools of people’s mistakes and political careers.

religious leaders – Compassion be damned!  Gay Rights Advocacy Groups – Where are our rights under current law?  Did any of you truly believe that we would be anything but scapegoats or political pawns under comprehensive Immigration reform? Feigned victories by our gay and lesbian organizations, while so many dwell in hell.

Be not surprised – you were all warned. But instead you read the Advocate, Pam, Bilerco , Huffington Post and nod and say thanks and lick each other’s ego’s to the stale scent of lets ask no ” real questions.”

Others –  and you all know who you are have rarely done more than serve as parrot or space for the likes of Immigration Equality’s- (self professed as the Pre-eminent Immigration equality organization) life altering mistake and insincerity.  Pam’s Blend houses Steve Ralls, of Immigration Equality,  and she has never questioned his or IE’s strategy of shooting us in the heart and soul of UAFA as a stand alone, by trying to run after those who we know hate us. That group has spent your money making alliances with those who are stabbing us in the back as we speak!

Now as I continue to make enemies as I speak my heart -

This dearth of sanctified online high profile real estate and the writers that service it spew the strategy of Immigration Equality, without question or even understanding.

Banned from commenting on the truth at Immigration equality BLOG – and failure to silence me on Lezgetreal -  I am upping the ante.

This report from the New York Times endorsed my fear and validates my advice to Immigration Equality one year ago, NCLR since and other groups, NOT to endorse or follow the dangle of ‘Comprehensive Immigration Reform” carrot, but to rather keep the Uniting American Families ACT as a stand-alone Bill with EQUALITY the issues as opposed to jumping in on what was bound to be a huge immigration controversy immigration option for same-sex couples denied immigration parity under the Immigration and Naturalization Act.

But some evangelical leaders said their latest strategy was to push a handful of lame-duck Republicans to join Democrats — probably after the midterms — to pass an immigration bill on the ground that it is morally right.

Although other religious leaders have long favored immigration overhaul — including Roman Catholics, mainline Protestants, Jews and Muslims — the evangelicals are crucial because they have the relationships and the pull with Republicans.

“My message to Republican leaders,” said the Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, the president of the evangelical National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference and one of the leaders who engaged his non-Hispanic peers, “is if you’re anti-immigration reform, you’re anti-Latino, and if you’re anti-Latino, you are anti-Christian church in America, and you are anti-evangelical.”

Evangelicals at the grass-roots level are divided on immigration, just as the nation is. But among the leaders, recent interviews suggest that those in favor of an immigration overhaul are far more vocal and more organized than those who oppose it, as long as the queers are out! Of course!

Their presence was a testament, in part, to the work of politically active Hispanic evangelical pastors, who have forged friendships with non-Hispanic pastors in recent years while working in coalitions to oppose abortion and same-sex marriage. The Hispanics made a concerted effort to convince their brethren that immigration reform should be a moral and practical priority.  Hispanic storefront churches are popping up in strip malls, and Spanish-speaking congregations are renting space in other churches. Some pastors, like Mr. Hybels, lead churches that include

Congress is unlikely to pass an immigration law this year. Republicans and Democrats who face re-election in November are skittish about the issue, given the broad public support for Arizona’s new law aiming to crack down on illegal immigration. Say the piece – I believe we would be lucky if it were to ever happen.

The Article insulting to say the least – as is every single piece that is written that fails to acknowledge the importance of our LGBT bi-national plight.

More of the NY Times Piece – “These cross-cutting clusters are just splinter groups, so far,” said Larry J. Sabato, director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia. “Support for the Arizona law is so strong within the G.O.P. that it will be difficult for the comprehensive-immigration-reform evangelicals to have much short-term impact.”

The support of evangelical leaders is not yet enough to change the mess of the mass. But they could mobilize a potentially large constituency of religious conservatives, an important part of the Republican base better known for lobbying against abortion and same-sex marriage. They already threaten the party’s near unity on immigration. “

So while they mobilize and align for support, we the LGBT community become the scapegoat, as I predicted in my Article in mid 2009, which I shall reference here again.   Again I cannot scream loud enough we need a movement not three career boost seekers making political moves for an huge politically marginalized  group such as the bi-national gay and lesbian community.

All hope that is there is gone unless we get an , a special visa, repeal of DOMA, UAFA as a stand-alone – or an Amendment to the Civil Rights Act.   But alas I fear these mere benchmarks fail to serve the immediate needs of those living the hellish life of a gay or lesbian bi-national.

So all I can think of is an Executive order –

Dear President Obama:

I am so angry and I cannot express it without a SCREAM such as the one above! I am so tired, so tired. I ask one question of you Mr. President.  How can you continue to condone the separation of LGBT families through inequality under the Immigration and Naturalization Act?

It is one thing that we cannot marry and I know you campaigned against Gay Marriage per se; but Sir,when you told us we deserved equality and we worked crazily for your election, and voted accordingly, was it you intention to keep Americans exiled from their own countries and from their partners, whom they would marry if the could?

Mr. President, Sir – please if all you do is make one executive order for us – let it be simply to allow gays and lesbians who are in permanent partnerships with some form of contractual nexus to be included in the current Immigration and Equality Act.

Please!

Sincerely,

Melanie Nathan and Signed tacitly : 36,000 suffering Americans.

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07/15/2010- by Natasia Langfelder

In a clip that is making it’s way around “the internets” Bill O’Reilly and his busty blonde FOX News cohorts are sputtering with rage! Nothing new, I know. This time the targets of their rage are rogue pockets of liberals tucked away in Montana are daring to suggest that schools should give young children proper sex-education classes. Specifically, telling kindergartners that gay people exist and that tolerance and acceptance of those who are different from you is the right way to go.

Naturally, the people good ol’ Billy meant to offend were the gays. The people I think should be offended? Everyone in the State of Montana. Lets take a look at some of the quotes from the clip, shall we?

“Any clear thinking people would say that children should not be interruped in their childhood with the idea that people have sex differently. I think 99% of my audience agrees with that.” – Bill O’Reilly

Oh Bill, Billy, Billy, bahbill, bill bill…of course everyone agree with THAT. However, telling a child that a woman can choose to have a wife or a husband isn’t going to enlighten the child on any type of sexual behavior. Do you think the teachers in Montana are going to show clips from queer porn to get their point across? Of course he does! Because he has a very low opinion of anyone from Montana.

 ”Montana? I don’t get it…Montana?” … “Traditional, rural, people.” – Bill O’Rielly

Did he just call them hillbillies? Like banjo playing inbred people from Deliverance? Or like people who aren’t gay, don’t enjoy sex and will never enjoy sex and are completely uneducated and unaware of the world around them? He sure did! Basically if you live in a rural area, you don’t know what gay is. Not buying my argument? Fine, it gets worse:

“Education attracts liberal minded people, this stuff comes from the school board the reason is they don’t want bullying they want tolerance across the board.” - Bill O’Rielly

How dare those crazy, deranged liberal Montana educators want TOLERANCE? HOW DARE THEY! THAT GOES AGAINST THEIR RURAL VALUES. Sorry Bill, but I was never aware that being from Montana or the mid-west precluded someone from being a good person and tolerating others. Those whiny Montana liberals and their desire for peace and loving ones neighbor!

“Then all of a sudden it’s Heather has two mommies or Gary has 18 daddies…” – Bill O’Rielly

Okay, now the gays can go back to being insulted.

Watch the clip below for all the hatemongering you can stand!

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6-23-10 Melanie Nathan

According to John Fisher, co-director of ARC International, an NGO which advocates the protection of gay rights said Tuesday that South Africa reached a new low at the UN Human Rights Council meeting held in Geneva this week.

The UN Human Rights council was discussing a special report on racism. Githu Muigai, of Kenya, which said that “the identity of each individual is made up of a multitude of components, such as gender, age, nationality, profession, sexual orientation, political opinion, religious affiliation and social origin.”

Jerry Matjila, South Africa’s representative at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, said that to protect gays, “demeans the legitimate plight of the victims of racism” and thus blatantly refused to support the United Nations efforts to protect the gay community against discrimination.

Matjila said the World Conference against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance in Durban in 2001 had shown that the only victims for inclusion ought only be those  listed in the Durban Declaration and Program of Action (DDPA,)  which after much negotiation at the 2001 summit, had been clearly identified and victims of discrimination on the basis of  sexual orientation were not included. He said: “South Africa disagrees with the inclusion of victims implicitly or explicitly, other than those listed in the DDPA.”

LGR has written many a report this year reflecting the hypocrisy of the Country that boasts a constitution that is all inclusive in its equality and human rights protection, to include sexual orientation.

Despite its constitution LGBT community in South Africa is amongst the worse in the world in terms of lack of tolerance, non acceptance and blatant snubs in the justice system.

South African president Zuma has made ambassadorial appointments and Cabinet selections of outspoken homophobes.  Now as for this disgusting statement to add to the hypocritical list no one has spoken to whether or not there is an  actual obligation to follow the DDPA definition of “victims.”

South Africa Shame on you – you are doing very little Justice to the relinquishment of apartheid, a vow Taken by Madibe Mandela after his release and election in 1990.

Information about the Conference taken from reports in THE STAR and The CAPE NEWS.

Excerpt From South African Bill of Rights:
7.

1. This Bill of Rights is a cornerstone of democracy in South Africa. It enshrines the rights of all people in our country and affirms the democratic values of human dignity, equality and freedom.
2. The state must respect, protect, promote and fulfil the rights in the Bill of Rights.
3. The rights in the Bill of Rights are subject to the limitations contained or referred to in section 36, or elsewhere in the Bill.

8. Application

1. The Bill of Rights applies to all law, and binds the legislature, the executive, the judiciary and all organs of state.
2. A provision of the Bill of Rights binds a natural or a juristic person if, and to the extent that, it is applicable, taking into account the nature of the right and the nature of any duty imposed by the right.
3. When applying a provision of the Bill of Rights to a natural or juristic person in terms of subsection (2), a court ­
   1. in order to give effect to a right in the Bill, must apply, or if necessary develop, the common law to the extent that legislation does not give effect to that right; and
   2. may develop rules of the common law to limit the right, provided that the limitation is in accordance with section 36(1).
4. A juristic person is entitled to the rights in the Bill of Rights to the extent required by the nature of the rights and the nature of that juristic person.

9. Equality

1. Everyone is equal before the law and has the right to equal protection and benefit of the law.
2. Equality includes the full and equal enjoyment of all rights and freedoms. To promote the achievement of equality, legislative and other measures designed to protect or advance persons, or categories of persons, disadvantaged by unfair discrimination may be taken.
3. The state may not unfairly discriminate directly or indirectly against anyone on one or more grounds, including race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture, language and birth.
4. ^*1 No person may unfairly discriminate directly or indirectly against anyone on one or more grounds in terms of subsection (3). National legislation must be enacted to prevent or prohibit unfair discrimination.
5. Discrimination on one or more of the grounds listed in subsection (3) is unfair unless it is established that the discrimination is fair.

10. Human dignity

Everyone has inherent dignity and the right to have their dignity respected and protected.

Melanie Nathan
Nathan@privatecourts.com

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06/17/2010- by Natasia Langfelder

As everyone knows by now, Perez Hilton posted an upskirt shot of Miley Cyrus on his twitter account. Perez posted a video responding to the allegations of child pornography. He states that Cyrus was wearing panties in the picture and that she’s not so stupid that she wouldn’t wear panties in public. She is however, according to Perez, very unladylike in her posture. That unlady-likeness is why he posted to picture in order to “teach” her how to act like a lady. He intercuts his video with footage of Miley Cyrus performing her new single ‘Can’t be Tamed’ on Britain’s Got Talent, specifically showing her faux lesbian kiss with a dancer.

…

Homophobic much, Perez? It is unladylike to kiss girls? Is that something Miley should be ‘taught’ not to do or is it an example of an out of control teen slut that deserves public derision? Like, deserves for pictures of her private parts to be posted on the internet? That’s disgusting.

More disgusting, Perez is mocking Miley further, both with his ‘apology’ video and on his twitter account, saying:

I can’t wait to attend and be a presenter at the @MuchMusic Awards in Toronto this Sunday, co-hosted by #MileyCyrus!

I’m sure that now that you have humiliated the girl, she will be very happy to see you too, Perez.

Personally, I have mixed feelings about Perez Hilton in general. Mainly stemming from his slut-shaming of very young women. Miley Cyrus and Vanessa Hudgens bear the brunt of his need to make young women feel shamed about their sexuality. Should Miley cover up? Yes. Should Perez Hilton try to shame her into covering up? No. That’s not his place and he’s simply perpetuating the cycle, he’s telling women they can get famous and get free publicity on his blog if they act slutty. It’s a vicious cycle. Perez Hilton has called Vanessa Hudgens a slut for years, based on a nude picture she sent to a boyfriend that was leaked to the media. It’s unclear why that one picture would make her a ’slut’ for years. Perez even went on the radio to claim he was dating her longtime boyfriend, Zac Efron. It’s confusing. He’s sending mixed messages and he’s not helping anyone.

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Whitman- a -Drag

Meg Whitman a Drag in Auction Bid for California -

This is a parody video in which Sordid Lives’ Dr. Eve and Brother Boy discuss masturbation to thoughts of California Gubernatorial Candidate Meg Whitman, as a method to cure homosexuality.

How could anyone who disapproves as intensely as I do of Meg Whitman, ex-Ebay-CEO, attempts to purchase California for her Power Toy Box, resist this video – as unattractive as any thoughts derived from this video may be to some! Apologies in advance-

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Now, I admit, I like breasts. I think that a woman’s breasts are beautiful. I also dislike the idea of sticking sacks of saline or silicone inside them to inflate their size. Call me old fashioned, but unless we are talking reconstructive surgery, I am not very keen on breast implants.

As everyone reading here probably also knows, I dislike Sarah Palin with a passion. I believe that she is an anti-feminist and a danger to women everywhere. Thus, it is with great pleasure that I get to confound and confuse people by saying- stop obsessing with Sarah Palin’s breasts! Whether or not she had breast implants does not really matter to me. What she chooses to do with her body is up to her. While I object to the how she is trying to force women into not having a choice about what we do with our bodies and our lives, I really feel that it is needless to discuss whether or not she had implants. The photos in question may show little more than her not wearing a bra, or wearing a bra, or just that the lighting and posture are different and make her breasts look bigger. The reality is that it does not matter.

There is a certain hypocracy to the whole idea that it is wrong for her to have had breast augmentation surgery. It is as if women who have had this surgery are, somehow, less than pure women. Of course, we are talking about the societal purity here. We have a tendency as a society to equate breast augmentation with porn stars and prostitutes. In other words, women who have breast implants put in are fake women. A large number of women have breast augmentation because they have been convinced that they are suppose to. They are bombarded by images of women who have these supposedly ideal bodies that they want to emulate because they have been sold a bill of goods via the media as to what the perfect woman is suppose to look like. Women are undergoing risky surgeries to their genitalia in order to create the perfect looking vulva, and having ever larger breast implants put in to satisfy a societal fetish regarding huge breasts. There are women out there who have their breasts augmented so out of proportion with their bodies that their breasts look like they would be at home on two separate cows.

Whether or not Sarah Palin had her breasts augmented is between her and her husband. If she had them, so what? If she did not have it done, so what? The hypocracy lies in the notion that women are inferior for having natural breasts and inferior for buying into the societal fetish about huge breasts. If Palin bought into that societal fetish, then so be it. For her, it is par for the course. The thing is, as vile as I believe that this woman’s politics and actions are regarding women and families, what she does with her own body is her own choice. She is the one who must bear the consequences of her actions. The rest of the salivating public should realize that we have far more pressing matters to worry about than whether or not Palin’s breasts are bigger today than they were in November.

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6-09-2010 Melanie Nathan:-

Our earlier reports came to fruition when today the Unites States Conference of  Catholic Bishops and the National Association of Evangelicals, urged through a press call for support of comprehensive immigration reform and specifically for the exclusion of same-sex partners from  immigration reform, thereby insisting on the status quo for gay and lesbian couples – exile, detention, hiding and no visas or sponsorship for same-sex couples in loving committed relationships.

However Immigration equality thinks this is no big deal and assert that the gay community has the upper hand on this one.

Today Steve Ralls, the spokesperson for Immigration Equality, speaking again to Kerry Eleveld at to the Advocate – said the breadth of support that has developed for folding gay families into the bill puts conservatives at a disadvantage. The combination of all those things have led us to the point where our inclusion in the bill is expected among most faith and immigration groups and those that are preaching for our exclusion are really the ones who are fighting an uphill battle.”

Immigration Equality has long touted its front row seat in the LGBT immigration rights arena as “the only national organization that is dedicated to advocating for equal immigration rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and HIV-positive immigrants. As a leader on these issues, news media often seek out our opinion on issues that affect our community.”

So it seems that according this foremost advocate on same-sex immigration equality, who devised the strategy for the inclusion of same-sex partners in immigration reform as a means to attaining equality, as opposed to lobbying for UAFA as a stand-alone bill,  are informing us that the Unites States Conference of  Catholic Bishops and the National Association of Evangelicals who were lobbying on the Hill today, present little concern to bi-national same-sex inclusion in reform to come, which according to Senator Schumer said last week that he believed an immigration reform bill, which has yet to be introduced, could potentially be passed by the end of the year or at least by March of 2011.

Fortunately there is an opposing religious stand and maybe the center -left amongst them will make a stand for what is morally right.

What no one is speaking about in the Advocate Article is the fact that bi-nationals are still facing extreme uncertainty and the strong Catholic lobby has already impacted UAFA’’s relationship with Immigration reform:-

On October 8 of 2009, the Senate Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugees, and Border Security held a hearing on Comprehensive Immigration Reform:  and testimony was delivered  by Cardinal Theodore McCarrick Archbishop Emeritus of Washington, D.C. entitled “Comprehensive immigration reform: Faith-Based Perspectives.” After outlining in great detail the hardship and suggestions for Immigration reform, the Cardinal proceeded to testify with this overt exclusion in direct opposition to S. 424, the Uniting American Families Act.

“Mr. Chairman, we are opposed to the inclusion of S. 424, the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA), in comprehensive immigration reform legislation.  The legislation would permit same-sex partners to enjoy the same immigration benefits as married couples in our immigration system.  While our tradition and teaching values all persons as children of God, we believe that the enactment of UAFA would erode the institution of marriage and family by according marriage-like immigration benefits to same sex relationships, a position that is contrary to the very nature of marriage, which pre-dates the Church and the state.  We also believe its inclusion into comprehensive immigration reform would add another controversial issue to an already polarized and divisive debate.”

What  precisely is Immigration Equality doing to combat this lobby?  Is there a strategy, a plan? USCCB had a seat at the table already – was pro LGBT testimony provided .  What measures were taken to counter this sordid testimony; letters, rallies, grass root organizing, Press call outs ? What – Blog pieces? Did Immigration Equality call on the other organizations to assist in this counter lobby effort?  If so who – show us the letters,  the communications.  Show us something that is not couched purely in solicitation and fundraiser parlance!  Where are the Press releases?  Where is transparency.  Is the IE  BOARD asking questions?

Are they resting on their laurels – well maybe – based on the statement by Ralls, they believe UAFA has the upper hand in relation to immigration reform- so maybe we are going to have another Prop 8 scenario- where our California Marriage Equality community was outgunned.

I am calling on Immigration Equality to NOT underestimate the power of the Lobby.

Is Immigration Equality providing direct counter press calls and lobby efforts to that of USCCB?  Has IE written anything on their website about this lately?  Or will simple feed Kerry Eleveld sound bytes suffice?

A few weeks ago,Immigration equality conducted a community telephone call. Rachel Tiven, Executive Director introduced Julie Kruse who delivered the messaging, where she commented on Immigration Equality’s “incredible success” (see a BILL anywhere anyone?)  while thanking the grass roots efforts around the  country  those “who have applied the pressures.”

Here is a lost opportunity – Why has  Immigration Equality not acknowledged OUT4Immigration, the only group whose massive communication outreach to bi-nationals and coordination has had any impact on garnishing congressional and countrywide support for UAFA and why not form an alliance so that they can work and plan, hand-in hand?

In the call Kruse stated that there was no certainty about the inclusion of UAFA – that we could be excluded at any time, when answering one of the submitted questions. “yes, we can be stripped out; but harder to take us out once we are already in; it is better than fighting to get in.”

I found this to be rather odd sense of security, given that we are NOT in the House BILL and there is NO Senate version, only a framework of intent; and a miserable flip flop by Gutierrez, without anything introduced into Congress.

Truth be know we are not included anywhere YET. Hence why does Ralls think we are in good shape with the powerful Lobby of Catholic Bishops – on the HILL today specifically calling for our exclusion.

Rachel Tiven, the Board of Immigration equality do you think that a miserable ten line article at the behest of Ralls in the advocate is sufficient counter power against the USCCB?  Where is your outrage. Stop placating your supporters and get out ghere and be heard. Get the mainstream press on it.Do your own Press Calls. Contact OUT4Immigration, and NCLR and ask what you could all do together.  Why were you not on the Hill with a contingent of counter Protesters.

Every single visit by a  skirted Bishop, should have been followed by that of an LGBT clergy supporter, organized by Immigration Equality.

Both Kruse and Tiven mentioned on that call that we must remain vigilant. Vigilant – give me a break – that denotes waiting for something to happen – what about proactive?   I cannot imagine that IE did not know about today’s Call to Press – we, like other sites,  have been reporting on it at Lezgetreal for over a week. Kruse admitted on that call, ” It is a problem we have to keep our eye on…” Again same type of talk keep an eye on?

I am asking to see the proof  from IE that they are doing the work they say they are doing. I want accountability to the bi-national community.  Show us what you have done, and what you are doing.

Gutierrez

The Gutierrez Flip Flop:-

When Rep Luis Gutierrez introduced the House Immigration reform Bill, It excluded UAFA; last month Gutierrez suddenly announced he supported its inclusion and yet has failed to say where and how he plans to include it.

Here are reader comments from the Immigration Equality site:

1.  Re; Gutierrez’s flip flop – Did he provide any explanation as to why he left the UAFA language out of his bill as originally introduced? Has he now decided that the US Conference of Catholic Bishops is too toxic to continue bowing to their wishes? Perhaps he saw that the UAFA language was going to be included in the Senate version and didn’t want to lose all those Chicago LGBT votes. Politicians rarely do something simply because it’s the right thing to do.”

2. “Now the question is, why can’t we do the same with the UAFA? I really believe that using the rider option (attaching it to a bigger bill) is the best option (not the only but the best) to get the UAFA pass in this Congress. The possibility of a CIR passing this year is getting slimmer and slimmer. If it’s not done by this year, then the UAFA will have to be re-introduced again in the next session of Congress and we will have to start all over again.”

3.” @1 not much more we could ask for? how about a bill being introduced with us.. how about everyone stop saying “CIR must include UAFA” and actually make some progress? This lip service is getting old..”

4. ” I think if Democrats hold onto or strengthen their numbers in the midterms, then they’ll tackle CIR in early 2011 to get it out of the way before the 2012 election. Otherwise, I don’t see it making it through a Republican-led House and/or Senate, not without significant changes (including us being removed)”

None of these comments received any response form Immigration Equality.

While the broader immigrant community see LGBT as their ball and chain and while we see Amnesty as ours, surely the course we are on is worth a round table?

Again I am asking for transparency, for the truth, for real leadership, for inclusion, for proactive advocacy, for a strategy, for alliances, for a direct and targeted response to the USCCB and NAE, re-visit the CIR course, See if we can get UAFA and DREAM ACT  attached to legislation other than the risky and controversial CIR.

Stop waiting to be Defensive – get in on the attack.. with a strategy…. or our bi-nationals will have another ten years to wait.

By Melanie Nathan
Nathan@privatecourts.com
@oblogdeeoblogda

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06/09/2010- by Natasia Langfelder

Katy Perry took a much shot at Lady Gaga’s controversial video for ‘Alejandro’ via twitter. She said:

Using blasphemy as entertainment is as cheap as a comedian telling a fart joke.

The video for ‘Alejandro’ combines gay erotic with biblical references. So, according to Katy Perry, this is wrong. No one should exploit the bible! That is sacred. But, Katy ‘I kissed a girl and I liked it but not really’ Perry sees no problem with exploiting faux lesbianism for her own career advancement and for entertainment. Everyone remembers the song that put Katy Perry on the map, where she sings about kissing another girl and making her an ‘experimental game’ and not really a human being. Also, she has a boyfriend, teehee, she would never actually be a dirty ugly lesbian! Also, if you kiss a girl, it’s not really cheating because women don’t count for anything! So lesbian sexuality and love = perfectly ok to exploit. Bible, not so much. Thanks for setting the record straight, Katy. Also, everyone loves a good Sarah Silverman fart joke, don’t you dare attack that.

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“I’ve known [Elena Kagan] for most of her adult life and I know she’s straight,” said Sarah Walzer, Kagan’s roommate in law school and a close friend since then. “She dated men when we were in law school, we talked about men — who in our class was cute, who she would like to date, all of those things. She definitely dated when she was in D.C. after law school, when she was in Chicago – and she just didn’t find the right person.”

via Elena Kagans friends: Shes not gay – Ben Smith – POLITICO.com.

The blogosphere and press are torn between berating those of us who want to know, trying to figure it out, and wondering why nobody has actually asked her yet.

Politico decided to ask her old college friends.

Her friends have said she dated men in college. You know what? So did I.

The longer this goes on, the more of a bad taste I get in my mouth.

I also find myself agreeing with Andrew Sullivan, so surely the end is nigh.

What the hell is so shameful about being gay? And stop with all that “What she does in her bedroom is her own business” — I’m not asking if she likes it with the lights on. Being gay — by the way — isn’t just about what you do in bed. It’s about what you do on the kitchen table too.

I’m kidding.

Being gay is about who we love. It’s about the lifetime of discrimination, fear, rejection and threat we’ve seen. It affects our sense of security and fairness. Being gay is as relevant as and no more shameful than ethnicity and faith.

It is not just about sex.

So — media? — you can ask. You’re not asking whether she leaves her socks on — you’re asking about her family, her loves, her life, her identity. And then she can answer, and we can all get over it.

4/5/10-by Melanie Nathan and Paula Brooks

This is the face of South African lesbian who was beaten and raped for five hours by a man who told her he wanted to “turn her into a woman”.

According to the Cape Argus, Millicent Gaika of Gugulethu Township alleged her attacker “acted like an animal who wanted to kill” and said “I thought he was going to kill me; he was like an animal. And he kept saying: ‘I know you are a lesbian. You are not a man, you think you are, but I am going to show you, you are a woman. I am going to make you pregnant. I am going to kill you.’”

Gaika said the assault began after she and some friends were walking home after spending the evening at another friend’s residence. As she approached her home, they met her alleged attacker and he asked Gaika for a cigarette. Gaika then said she gave him one and stayed to smoke with him while her friends walked on. A few minutes later, the man refused to pass the cigarette to Gaika and walked into his room.

When Gaika attempted to recover her cigarette, the man locked the door and it was then he began raping her.

Said Gaika, “He started hitting me and I fought back. Then he started doing what he did to me. He pulled off my clothes and pushed me down on the bed. He did it more than once. He was holding me down, strangling me and pushing his hands hard on to my neck.”

Ms. Gaika also said her alleged attacker had never objected to her sexuality before. “He was very nice to me – I’d known him for years.”

The attack on Gaika continued for nearly 5 hours, and only ended after neighbors finally heard her screams, broke down the assailant’s door and found Gaika naked from the waist down on a bed and bleeding. They then held the assailant until police arrived.

A Gugulethu police spokesman said Gaika’s attacker has been arrested and will remain in custody until his court appearance on Tuesday. Gugulethu is located about 10 miles north of Capetown.

According to a report by international group ActionAid, 10 new cases of lesbians being raped are reported every week in Cape Town alone and this attack was not the first one on Gaika.

In 2002 she was raped by four men who were originally sentenced to between 10 and 15 years each for the crime, but who were later released early from prison.

These rapes are going largely unrecognized by the state and unpunished by the legal system.

ActionAid has called on South Africa’s criminal justice system to recognize these corrective rapes, as a separate crime category. It argues this will force police to take action over the rising violence and ensure the resources and support is provided to those trying to bring perpetrators to justice.

Ndumi Funda, the founder and director of Lulekisiswe Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Women’s Project in Nyanga, was at Gaika’s house yesterday and said she was “deeply hurt and traumatized”.

“This needs to be stopped. We know of so many that this happens to and nothing is done about it. How many more young lesbian women must die?”

When LGR received these pictures from South Africa today we had to make a tough call. Publishing these pictures was a tough decision because they are so awful; however we must force ourselves to look at these and then demand action!!!!!

In South Africa one of out 4 people are HIV positive or have aids, and many lesbians have contracted HIV/AIDS because of these rapes and have died.

A statement released by South Africa’s national prosecuting authority said: “While hate crimes – especially of a sexual nature – are rife, it is not something that the South African government has prioritized as a specific project.”
We demand that South African President Zuma change that and do something!

UPDATED 4-6-10 Melanie Nathan
Wynberg Magistate’s Court on Tuesday.  A handful of demonstrators gathered outside the court calling for the alleged attacker not to be granted bail. The victim’s cousin said the incident has shocked the Gaika family. She told Eyewitness News she found it difficult to comprehend why her cousin was raped as a result of her sexual preference. It is alleged the 40-year-old male accused strangled Gaika with a wire and brutally beat her before raping her.

• South African Lesbian Brutally Attacked In Corrective Rape (lezgetreal.com)

The celebration includes a Hebrew language LGBT film series, theatrical and musical performances by prominent Israeli artists, cooking demonstrations, art exhibitions, literary readings, and panels discussions on LGBT culture in Israel and Zionist perspectives.

This Thursday April 8 a local anti-Israel group called QUIT (”Queers Undermining Israeli Terrorism”)will be protesting outside the Roxie Theater (16th and Valencia Streets, San Francisco) where the festival will have its opening night films.

This is no time to be bringing  Israel’s political debates or American foreign policy into our LGBT  cultural explorations.  We are   fighting our own struggle here , in the USA – for Equality.    Our struggle is not one that has anything to do with Israel’s policies.  Separate issue, wrong place – I say please quit  QUIT!

Israel is one of the few Countries that treats its Queers with respect and dignity enacting pro gay laws in the Knesset and providing for full equality under the law, notwithstanding its religious basis.

The USA   is a Country that has a reprehensible discrimination record against the LGBT community.  I say QUIT should quit!

This festival is truly a gift and should be supported for what it is.  As an out Jewish lesbian I am grateful for Israel’s  Knesset.  It serves as a shining example and provides hope to us here in the US as we look up to its record on equality.

We are calling supporters of  LGBT equality to turn out and show support for ISRAEL as a country that fully supports LGBT equality. The right wing or religious views in Israel have not hampered equality there as it has done here.

However, my wife, Dorit Nathan-Israel,  who is Israeli disagrees with me completely (here we are -James and Mary) and says that QUIT has ever right to protest – that is their view and this is a legitimate venue to express it.   This, she says, is a human rights issue too, for them and so it is fair for them to be there. She says Quit should not Quit but supporters on the other side of the issue should come out to express heir views as well.

However, Dear Wife, because this post is mine…. I have the last word…. and it goes like this..

So San Francisco we are a Queer first CITY .… when it comes to our needs and right now our need is Equality which will only be engendered through acceptance.  This cultural event moves the discussion toward acceptance and so we are obligated to support it.   When we have full acceptance and full equality here in the USA, then we can afford to protest other issues should we choose.

To QUIT I say this – QUIT! Join the fight for Equality dear brothers and sisters and then we can talk more….

“Out in Israel” is, sponsored in part by the Israeli Consulate, the San Francisco and East Bay Federations, JCRC, BlueStarPR, and Congregation Sha’ar Zahav.

More information can be found about festival at http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=67384

Post dedicated to my beloved Granny Rosie, of  blessed memory,  on this what would have been her birthday.

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Picture above: My Wedding at Congregation Rodef Sholom
Married by rabbi Stacy Friedman

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It reads like an innocuous enough letter really.

Newly elected Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown reaches out to his conservative supporters all over the United States and declares that the Democratic Party will run with a liberal to challenge him for his senate seat.

Oh wait, that’s pretty much what they’ve always done. How is this news?

Try this on for size:

While the letter doesn’t spell it out, the point of this letter is to point out that the Democratic Party could possibly run a lesbian against Scott Brown. A lesbian, a homosexual. One of those.

And no, he never says it. He’d be even more of an idiot than I already believe he is to run an anti-gay campaign in Massachusetts. But everybody knows that Rachel Maddow is queer. It’s not a secret, not a revelation to anyone. So much of the talk around her when she started on television revolved around her sexual orientation, and she regularly references it on her show.

The letter also points out that Rachel Maddow lives in Western Massachusetts. Seems like a simple enough fact, but why state it? Presumably stating that she’s a Massachusetts resident would be sufficient to establish her eligibility for the senate nomination.

Western Massachusetts is one of those terms that means more than it appears to mean.

If someone says to you, “Oh, she’s a fan of k.d. lang.” (wink, wink, nudge, nudge) You’re (often) learning more about a woman than her taste in music. Or like when my gym teacher introduced her roommate who had the distinction of being the only female cop the town ever had. While these are all based on stereotypes, they’re also huge, flashing, neon sign cultural indicators.

Similarly, because of the significant community of lesbian women in the areas surrounding Northhampton, Massachusetts, indicating a woman is from that area can certainly be more revelatory than a tip towards her geographic location. Northhampton has the highest number of lesbian couples per capita of any city in the United States. Even the dumbest politician knows his demographics.

Much of the Republican base is very homophobic, moreso, I believe, than its leadership is. While insinuating the threat of a homosexual in the senate, they risk nothing. They don’t risk alienating the more gay-friendly conservatives, but they still manage to make it absolutely clear for the homophobes too.

Comments on various websites covering this story prove that it’s been an effective technique. Brown supporters have resorted to homophobia, transphobia, and veiled references to rape in order to defend their senator.

While Maddow’s producer, Bill Wolf stated that they found it incredible that Scott Brown couldn’t find anyone scarier to campaign against, I don’t.

A charismatic, western Massachusetts-dwelling, lady-loving-liberal  sounds like exactly the kind of spectre that the Republicans are looking for, and have found. Whether she’s running for office or not, they’ll campaign against her, and they’ll raise a bucket of money to defend the Massachusetts senate seat from a lesbian who never wanted it in the first place.

Read my timeline of the rumour mill and reactions I compiled earlier.

03/24/2010- by Natasia Langfelder

Breaking news…Susan Powter hates fat girls. Which is surprising given her current relationship with everyone’s favorite plus sized comedian, Jessica Kirson.  Powter has even gone on the record as saying that she doesn’t project her fitness happy lifestyle onto her partner, she just let’s her make her own choices.

In case you don’t know who Susan Powter is, she had a tv show for one season in 1994, based on health and wellness. In 2007, she starting blogging about fitness and wellness online. Her website consists of recipes, poems, fitness tips and home movies. Powter recently went on a tirade against Oscar winner Gabourey Sidibe, in a lovely titled movie called, “Fuck the Right to Fat Girls.” Watch the hatefest below:

The video tears into Gaby for being overweight. Susan says that being overweight will kill Gaby’s career and that Gaby is also doing herself a disservice for being fat and that 85% of diseases come from being overweight. She also endorses the hateful names Howard Stern called Gaby.

First of all, as a lesbian, I cannot stand another lesbian endorsing Howard Stern’s dismissal of Gaby. Howard Stern is basically saying that if a woman is not attractive, she has no worth in our society. These sentiments are constantly echoed in the media. It’s not good for woman to have to torture themselves to fit such a ridiculous mold. I reject it. I may not be the hottest girl in the room, but I have something to say and I know how to say it. I have more to offer the world than beauty and so does every woman out there, even if she doesn’t know it. Ps. Susan, you’re fugly. Pug fugly, so you aren’t worth anything to Howard Stern either. He would slam your self-proclaimed “radical lesbian” ass to the curb.

Second of all, 85%? You can’t make up a figure and say it’s fact. Should Gaby lose a few pounds for health reasons? Probably. But that’s really no reason to hate anyone. Much less to “fuck” their rights as women of size.

Susan also mentions a time where she was“260 pounds, nothing looked good nothing felt good. “ Project your insecurities much, Susan? Gaby looked beautiful in her Oscar dress. And you know what makes her even more attractive? Her sense of humor and her amazing talent as an actress.  

Is being fat going to hinder Gaby’s career? Yes. It will make it much harder for her. If she had Kate Hudson’s body, she would be much more likely to be offered the kind of humorous roles that she deserves. But being African-American makes it harder too. Tasha Smith (Why Did I Get Married) is one of the funniest actresses in Hollywood, her body is tight and her humor is awesome. Will she ever achieve the type of fame that Katherine Heigl has? Nope and she is a hell of a lot funnier. Is Susan advocating Gaby pulling a Michael Jackson (too soon?) and dying her skin white? Being a lesbian makes it much harder to gain celebrity too, should Susan become straight? But Susan was really big in the 90s right? Oh right, that was because she was passing. She pretended to be straight, or at least, didn’t tell anyone she was a lesbian while she was still a relevant figure. That’s no way to live life. I would rather be fat than in the closet.

Susan ends her video with a “more to come” visual…stay tuned.

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As we countdown to Health Care Reform – Chris Matthews- shows footage of a protest in D.C.   An old gray-bearded man, clearly suffering his ailment sits on the ground, alone ,  face to face with a very large group of uniform suits-  GOPS, reminiscent of the undead, akin to Zombies from “Thriller, “  – their uniform suits revealing their faceless facade – with compassion excluded from all morality, least of all their lexicons,  they approach the man on the ground and slaughter whats left of him, with their words.

A paradox – the dying man on the ground  is more alive he in his ability to  ’sit’ his ground while the Undead go crazy with their misdirected anger.  They target, the alive yet dying man who clearly is very sick.    Chris informs us that the man on the ground  has Parkinson’s and no medical insurance.

Suddenly the undead start, en masse,  to berate the old man on the ground and my eyes and ears afflicted in disbelief.

Since the berating of the woman in the wheel chair, some months ago, I have never seen such rude,  and disgusting behavior,   an overture of horrendous insults and self serving rhetoric.   Throwing money at the man and yelling “No more handouts.”  Anyone of any relevance who remains silent  about this putrid behavior, in my mind is participating in it.  Republican leaders who fail to denounce this – are as good as the UNdead themselves.  What kind of animals are these people?  How dare they treat a fellow American in  that way. It was an assault.  I am sick to my stomach having borne witness.  I would like to get the names of those UNDEAD on the front line… and expose them for who they are – UNDEAD…

By Melanie Nathan – nathan@privatecourts.com

sick and ashamed!    Ah now Ed Shultz reports on the same incident ….. shoot my remote is not working – now I have to leave my easy chair and turn off the durn TV – I cannot watch this again. Poor me!

Melanie Nathan 3-13-10.  Third party outing is unusual and heinous; what could be worse than a police officer of the serve and protect type, calling the Military to out a service person. I thought Don’t Ask Don’t Tell was between the military and the soldier!  Apparently not; not when Rapid City, South Dakota Police seek revenge.

The Associated Press,  TIMBERLY ROSS, reports  that – Twenty  eight-year-old Jene Newsome  was honorably discharged earlier this year under the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” law after Rapid City, S.D., police officers saw an Iowa marriage license in her home and told the Ellsworth Air Force Base. The police were at Newsome’s home in November with an arrest warrant for her partner, who was wanted on theft charges.

The  American Civil Liberties Union filed a complaint against the western South Dakota police department, claiming the officers violated Newsome’s privacy when they informed the military athat she was a lesbian.

“I played by ‘don’t ask, don’t tell,’” Newsome told The Associated Press. Yet, she was outed in this degrading and ‘witch- huntesque’ manner.  “I just don’t agree with what the Rapid City police department did. … They violated a lot of internal policies on their end, and I feel like my privacy was violated.”

The “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy has come under renewed debate after Defense Secretary Robert Gates called for a sweeping internal study on the law earlier this year.  As the review is under way, officials were also expected to suggest ways to relax enforcement that may include minimizing cases of third-party outings.   Gates has suggested that the military might not have to expel someone whose sexual orientation was revealed by a third party out of vindictiveness or suspect motives.  Yet here it is – at great cost to Newsome’s life and career.

Associated Press reports that Rapid City Police Department says Newsome, an aircraft armament system craftsman who spent nine years in the Air Force, was not cooperative when they showed up at her home in November with an arrest warrant for her partner, who was wanted on theft charges in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Police officers, who said they spotted the marriage license on the kitchen table through a window of Newsome’s home, alerted the base, police Chief Steve Allender said in a statement sent to the AP. The license was relevant to the investigation because it showed both the relationship and residency of the two women, he said.    How blatant an admission of invasion of privacy.

When I read the report  of the Police in defense of their actions, I was stunned :- “It’s an emotional issue and it’s unfortunate that Newsome lost her job, but I disagree with the notion that our department might be expected to ignore the license, or not document the license, or withhold it from the Air Force once we did know about it,” Allender said Saturday. “It was a part of the case, part of the report and the Air Force was privileged to the information.”

We  were wondering if our readers believed this – “He said his department does not seek to expose gay military personnel or investigate the sexuality of Rapid City residents. ”

Allender said the department was finishing its internal investigation and has determined the officers acted appropriately. They have not been placed on leave during the investigation.

In the complaint filed last month with the department, ACLU South Dakota said police had no legal reason to tell the military Newsome was a lesbian and that officers knew if they did, it would jeopardize her military career.

Newsome, who was discharged in January, said she didn’t know where the marriage license was in her home when police came to her house on Nov. 20 and claims the officers were retaliating because she wouldn’t help with her partner’s arrest.

“This information was intentionally turned over because of ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ and to out Jene so that she would lose her military status,” said Robert Doody, executive director of ACLU South Dakota. The ACLU is focusing its complaint on the police department, not the military, and Newsome said she and her attorney have not yet decided on whether to file a lawsuit.

“The ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ piece is important and critical to this, but also it’s a police misconduct case,” Doody said.

Even though 80 percent of “don’t ask, don’t tell” discharges come from gay and lesbian service members who out themselves, third-party outings are “some of the most heinous instances of ‘don’t, ask, don’t tell,’” said Nathaniel Frank, a research fellow with the Palm Center think tank at the University of California, Santa Barbara and a New York University professor.

Many in the Military have felt that they are getting close to the repeal of DADT and one can barely imagine how awful it must be to have one’s years of work and career ripped away at the whim of some hateful and vengeful person.  This case will be interesting as it makes its way through the Court; while drawing attention to how destructive and polarizing  the law is in itself, it will also serve as a testament to the suffering of so many.

President Obama, Chief Gates, et al, in this instance revelations of the abuse of DADT such as this surely indicates the urgent need  for a moratorium until such time as  the repeal of DADT. A moratorium on enforcement ought to be a matter of course, especially since our Commander in Chief is opposed to DADT.

By Melanie Nathan, nathan@privatecourts.com

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Melanie Nathan;  2/28/10   -  Clay Aiken came out as Gay over a year ago.  now he is advocating for Gay rights.  If one wears the hat of celeb – and you come out as Queer — you have not come home until you use your talent and celebrity capital to come OUT FOR EQUALITY.

So yes it has been a year Clay Aiken, since you stepped out ( of the ‘fan-will -not -love -me- fear and oops-there go-my-CD/Itune-sales’ ) and embossed your sexuality with the risk of publicity.

Now we welcome Clay with gratitude as he has finally come home.  Your speech at HRC – for whatever it is worth – let me think -  mmm maybe a few lil ol lady crooner fans will awaken this Sunday to realize that the  nice quiet ordinary looking young man who can sing well and father kids is entitled to be treated by his country with respect.   Maybe HRC will spoil its coffers with some Clay money. Yeah Clay money – that is why HRC brought out the big guns for where?  For North Carolina, silly.   North Carolina?  Yes that is where HRC hosts its second largest annual fundraiser.

Who will watch this other than the Choir?  Will Clays Fans be truly informed or is this a sheltered piece of info for our friends only, Andy, Joe, Pam, et al…. hey put me in there too please, its Melanie….  Well anyway here it is and if your Mom happened to hear the speech please let me know…..  here is the Link:   CLAY AIKEN SPEECH  AT HRC.

Via Pam’s Blend – “What the hell took me so long? I was waiting like so many folks are waiting… for change,” Aiken said. “I realized the time for waiting has passed. The power of truth and living honestly is very liberating”.

Per Melanie Nathan :- Sorry Clay I do not buy it. Waiting for change to come out – is that another word for afraid to come out in a hostile climate?

Now let me ask this HoHum …what HRC is different about this: Looks the same ol same ol to me- oh ok its centered that is what is difference.

1. “We are going to eliminate the tax that you pay on domestic partner benefits. We’re going to get rid of that this year at long last.”

2. “We are going to extend domestic partnerships to federal employees.”

3. “We are going to get people living with HIV/AIDS treatment much earlier if they are on public assistance.”

4. “And finally, finally this year we are going to bring down the discriminatory policy known as ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’…once and for all.”

Grrrrrrrrrrrr – Stop being realistic all the time HRC – realistic and practical has got us nothing for years.  A civil rights movement cannot afford to be practical. What are these Galas about?  Keeping you in Jobs?  How about risky – Like – This year we are going to support the Repeal of DOMA – We are going to support Jerold Nadler’s Respect for Marriage Act, We are going to help Ugandan Gays and lesbians get the hell out of Dodge; We are going to ensure Bi-national LGBT spouses can live together in the USA.

My question is how do we win the hearts and minds (as Cliche’d as that sounds) of the ‘Lil Ol Ladies ‘ of America?  The ones that do not attend Human Rights Campaign Dinners. Any ideas out there?

By Melanie Nathan. www.oblogdeeoblogda.wordpress.com

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

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If someone had ever told me that one day I would be involved in a blog off with Tammy Lynn Michaels (Etheridge?) I would have told them they were crazy. But that appears to be where I am now. Last week I posted an article that displayed excerpts of Tammy’s blog, as they were extremely negative and had induced speculation about whether or not she and Melissa were breaking up. tammy responded to me…in VERSE. Click on her name to see the entire blog post about me. Tammy has taken down the blog, but not before diligent Melissa Etheridge fans had saved it and sent it to me.

My first reaction to it was shock. Tammy reads my posts! But actually, it was a little disturbing. It is no surprise that she removed it as it makes her look crazy. Which really proves the point I was trying to make in my post in the first place. As one of the commenters said, “get a private journal.” I don’t know a lot about Tammy, but I never knew she was so out there. I always figured her and Melissa were normal. I have a serious response to her and a more lighthearted one.

The Serious:

Tammy, the message I was trying to send across in that post is that you were bringing media speculation upon yourself and your partner. In the end, I don’t care about your relationship, but there are tons of people who do. There are fans (yours, Melissa’s, both) who are genuinely upset by your thinly veiled attacks on your partner. These women are invested in you both as a couple. It’s not silly and it’s not a joke. You represent that LBQ women can be successful and in love and beautiful. They were the ones that brought your blogs to the attention of LGR writers and they are the ones that you keep guessing. And they are guessing, there are certain Melissa message boards that have banned discussion and speculation of your blog content. I’m sure you know this. The media will have moved onto another story, but your fans, the people who keep you rich and famous won’t. If you truly value them, don’t keep them guessing.

Also, I’m not invisible. I’m not a nameless faceless blogger who exists only to attack people. My full name is on each one of my posts, my picture is on the website. I keep comments enabled for all my posts, so that people can tell me how much they love me or hate me. The last time I checked, you don’t have comments enabled on yours. I’m much more touchable by my readers than you are. I’ve been called every name in the book. I write because I love to write and I have an opinion. In your post, you insult my credentials. No, I don’t have a journalism degree from Columbia. I have a NYC public school education. I was lucky enough to have teachers that cared about me and taught me how to read, write and most importantly, think critically.

I think you are a beautiful woman and I respect you for defending yourself, but I’m not attracted to you. Sorry, female desire is a fickle thing.

Ok enough with the serious. Time for the fun, read my line by line reaction to Tammy’s love poem to me! (I’m in Italics)

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

god bless as we all guess

hey
(yo)

we don’t know each other do we?
(there is no way this lady is talking to me)

i don’t know you
and you don’t know me
(this is so not me)
it’s okay

we don’t have to act
like you know
what i’m saying
meaning
intending
hoping to get out of you

(unless it makes you feel
more important to report
on my alleged inner feelings and
intentions?)
(um…maybe this is a message for me! In VERSE! Tammy is writing me poetry! Holy Crap! This is so exciting! She reads my posts!)

the last thing i need
is a stranger’s affection – sympathy
or otherwise-
thank you though
the offer was thoughtful
and came from a warm place
i’m sure
(Your welcome! Oh yeah, totally a warm place.)
i like to be optimistic
(Me too! We have so much in common yay!)

you sit behind your screen
and anonymous nickname
hmmm- who needs big girl panties?
(haha yeah, that big girl panty thing was pretty funny.  I crack myself up! And I crack up Tammy Lynn! This is going well! See commenters, she likes me! All is well)
not me- you know who i am
where i am
and all of my names
(O yeah, I don’t know if you hypen or not, so really I’m not quite sure. I’m thinking of wikipedia-ing you to find out and now that we like each other, maybe I will try to find out more about your life story or something. Maybe we can be friends!)
and THAT
sweet darlin’
IS wearing big girl panties
big girl thongs, in fact
thongs that ride way far up into
my dark hole bizz-ness

(wait what?)
big girl thongs
i like ‘em
cuz then you can floss
when you’re done eating
(AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. noooooooooooooooooooo really? Are you hitting on me?)

strangers don’t know facts.
hence: a stranger. and not
a family member or friend
or JOURNALIST
(ouchies. whatev, you blog like a Rosie O’Donnell wannabe on crack)

i read what was sent to me
a pompous, silly, trite,
immature, presumptuous gossip
about some fantasies of me….
(Wait, fantasies?)
(much like what we used to send out
in 6th grade
only it took us until senior year
to forget about it
or realize
it wasn’t true after all)
(so lost…)
and i wondered if what you really want
is for me to MAIL you a pair
of my big girl panties?
(huh? wait, NO. You ARE hitting on me! Jeez..for the love of…don’t mail me your panties! I TAKE IT BACK I’M SORRY JUST KEEP YOUR PANTIES ON. I’ll leave you alone I SWEAR)
you want me.
(AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH nooooo I’m engaged!! I love my girlfriend! YOU ARE OLD ENOUGH TO BE MY MOTHER!)
all that meanness you wrote-
you want me.
you’re just one of those people
who abuse others
and think they’ll climb in bed with you.
THINK AGAIN!!!!
i have changed!!!
(ooo did you used to be a slut? That’s really interesting, I should really wiki you. Is that why Melissa fans don’t like you?)

ah, strangers who call themselves bloggers.
can’t live with ‘em
can’t live without ‘em
(Does that mean you like me?)
but they do get noisy
especially when they get bored
and feel invisible
and want my panties.
(help help! I don’t want your panties, I’m sorry!)
god bless you

(did I sneeze? IS SHE WATCHING ME?)

as you guess
guess
guess
guess
god bless.

(umm…bendicion?…I really don’t want your panties, just FYI. I completely regret saying that now as the image of your hairy dark moist chocolate starfish is now searing into my corneas…does this mean you don’t like me?)

02/22/2010- by Natasia Langfelder

There is a thin line between positive lesbian visibility on television and ratings stunts. Desperate Housewives is starting a “lesbian” storyline. Dana Delany plays Katherine Mayfair on the show. Katherine is crazy. Literally, she just got out of a psych ward. She was in that psych ward because resident beefcake Mike Delfino left her for Terry Hatcher’s character, so she stabbed herself and blamed him. Because a woman who would stab herself over a man is likely to give up on men and go to women right? Isn’t that the argument that people use to say that “sexual orientation” is actually “sexual preference”? Also, the media always portrays bisexual women as psychotic and violent. Basic Instinct anyone?

Anyway, so Katherine Mayfair is all set to being her lesbian adventure. It goes without saying that Mayfair is conventionally attractive. Long flippy hair, skinny, big boobs botox. Enter the equally conventionally attractive stripper with a heart of gold, played by Julie Benz, who all the women in town want to keep away from their husbands and who all the husbands are drooling over.

Ostentibly, the women will be able to breathe a sigh of relief when they find out the stripper is a big ol’ lesbian right? No. The men be even more turned on when they realize the stripper is lesbian/bisexual. Because then they could “watch” or have “threesomes.” This storyline isn’t for lesbians, it isn’t to increase understanding of LBQ women or to fold diversity into a mostly homogeneous cast. This storyline is to suck in male watchers and get more media coverage for the dying nightime soap.

It can be argued that Desperate Housewives has a large female audience, so this storyline isn’t pandering to straight men. However, this is about attracting new viewers, which Delany and Benz making out will certainly do. It will also pull in lesbian viewers who are desperate for characters on television that they can relate to and who are LBQ. The inclusion of these LBQ characters will not help our community. First, we don’t all look femme, starvation skinny or white. Also, surprisingly, most lesbians have not spent time in a psych ward or stabbed themselves and most of us aren’t strippers. I know this might come as a shock to the straight world, but most lesbians are mentally and emotionally stable people who work regular jobs and aren’t active in the sex industry.

I understand that all characters on television are flawed, otherwise it wouldn’t be interesting for viewers to watch the story. But Desperate Housewives isn’t presenting a lesbian storyline, they are ripping off the plot of male-oriented porn. Worse, this is being shoved down the throats of the LBQ community as being positive. The Advocate interviewed Dana Delany about the lesbian romance. Delany comes across as having great intentions and is acting as much depth into the role as possible. Delany acting alongside Jennifer Beals in a bit part in the L Word and she is an advocate for marriage equality, having took part in the protests on Prop 8. Despite Delany’s best intentions, it is unlikely the script will reflect them.

The Advocate brings attention to the fact that Desperate Housewives has a spotty track record with their gay storylines saying to Delany:

Desperate Housewives has been criticized in the past, perhaps a bit unfairly, for introducing gay story lines and then letting them fade into the background.

It seems that, ultimately, the Advocate is ok with the way Desperate Housewives has used the LGBT community to garner ratings and superficially court an LGBT audience, tossing us enough bones to convince try to convince us that they are serving our community instead of exploiting it.

Read the entire interview here:

http://www.advocate.com/Arts_and_Entertainment/Television/Dana_Delany_This_Housewife_is_Anything_But_Desperate/

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Perez Hilton, the celebrity blogger, constantly contradicts himself. He claims that he is doing everything he can to support the LGBT community. But you can find him forcibly outing gay celebrities and calling straight cheesy rappers (Sorry Will.i.am) fags. You can also find him on the cover of gay mags, the Advocate and Out.

In his latest thoughtless move, Hilton has chosen to hate on Ellen DeGeneres. The post starts with a picture of Ellen and Portia, Portia is wearing a dress so he has a “greater than” sign pointing to the dress. Because femme lesbians are cuter than butch ones? Great message to send to his extensive readership. Dresses on lesbians aren’t better than suits on lesbians. Women can rock a butch look still look hotter than a straight woman in a dress and heels. Hilton then calls Ellen a diva for asking for a 150,000 dollar wardrobe budget, despite the fact that Paula Abdul probably had a larger one. He then tells her that it’s ok if Abdul gets a larger wardrobe budget, because women who wear dresses and skirts need more money than women who wear pantsuits. This is ridiculous. I don’t know why Hilton feels the need to hate on women who don’t like to wear dresses, but despite his self proclaimed “gay activism” he has chosen this route.

Hilton also adds a qualifer to the statement, as if that would make it ok. “Not to belittle your style…” It’s too late Perez, you have already belittled her style and the style of every woman (gay or straight) who chooses not to wear dresses. Ellen looks great. She is a hot sexy butch woman and I’m sure that Portia De Rossi would give you an earful for suggesting that she is “greater than” Ellen because she wears the dress in the relationship. Straight men and women read your blog and if you send the message that all women, gay or straight, need to dress like femme barbies, they will listen to you and follow your example. Grow up buddy. Decide if you are a LGBT activist or not.   

Read his post below:  

Which Idol Judge Wants a $150K Clothing Budget?

Filed under: American Idol > Ellen DeGeneres > Simon Cowell

You’d think Simon Cowell – and you’d be wrong.

Actually, funny gal Ellen DeGeneres is the one making herself right at home at the Idol stage and has started making outrageous demands. Sources on American Idol suggest that Ellen has insisted that she get a $150,00 clothing allowance for custom-made clothing while she is on the show.

But will the Idol bosses foot that bill?

The sources says she won’t be taking no for an answer: “Ellen feels it’s only fair because Paula received a hefty allowance for hair, makeup and wardrobe.”

Yes, but Paula wore more than just a pant suit every week. Not to belittle your style, girl, but this seems a little extreme

Read More: Celebrity gossip juicy celebrity rumors Hollywood gossip blog from Perez Hilton http://www.perezhilton.com/#ixzz0ftweVeNC
Celebrity Juice, Not from Concentrate 

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Thanks for the ammo Carly; excuse the heading here, but that is my interpretation – after all Fiorina definitely left the Sheep open for interpretation.  Hey Ms. Fiorina, you are not selling a printer here – the wares are my rights, my taxes and an already bankrupt State. Get out of the race skaap, you are wasting your money and my time.  Why would I want a failed CEO – who laid off people and then counted her bonus  - to follow the footsteps of  the failed CEO who is about to TERMINATE? 

Last week, The democratic Party of California launched a new website to get the truth out about Carly Fiorina’s record of failure, www.CarlyFailorina.com. 

And that very same day, a funny thing happened — Fiorina fell flat on her face, yet again, says Said Shawnda Westly, Executive Director, California Democratic Party 

Which of her fails is the biggest? Asks the Dems:- 

Head to www.CarlyFailorina.com today and vote on the top Fiorina fail now! 

We see three main candidates for Carly Fiorina’s biggest failure: 

• In what’s become known as the “demon sheep” video, the Fiorina campaign managed to undercut her own message about right-wing fiscal principles, provide her opponent an easy target for ridicule, and introduce questions about her own competence, all at the same time. (submitted by Liz);
• Carly Fiorina has had one chance to be on top, at Hewlett-Packard. Here’s how badly she failed her shareholders: HP’s stock price fell by over 60% from the time she took over in July 1999 to the time she left in February 2005. (submitted by George)
• And here’s how she failed her employees: she managed to cut 18,000 American jobs in fewer than six years. As if that weren’t bad enough, in a massive failure of understanding or basic compassion, she apparently saw that record as a success, calling the off-shoring of jobs “right shoring” and saying she regretted not firing more people sooner. (submitted by Peg)
• Which one do you think is the worst?

Vote for the biggest “Carly fail” on www.CarlyFailorina.com today and see how others have voted! 

P.S. To get the truth out about Carly Fiorina’s record of failed leadership, we need as many California voters as possible to see www.CarlyFailorina.com. Tweet  and FB this message to friends today! We want a ton of visits from LGR to this site…. 

Melanie Nathan

By Melanie Nathan , nathan@privatecourts.com
Human Rights Advocate. 

Melanie Nathan,  2/08/10 .  On the 3^rd of February I posted the news that Senator Schumer will not be including our LGBT families in his immigration reform Bill.  Amongst the very many e-mails sent to me as a result, here is one example, sent to us by a very angry binational same-sex partner.  http://lezgetreal.com/?p=25829   I reported –  ” Have you ever wondered why a long silence actually starts to sound like a deafening noise? It is now that the silence from Senator Schumer is deafening, with the shocking revelation from a reliable source informing us at Lezgetreal that Senator Schumer will not be including UAFA or LGBT rights in his immigration reform bill to be introduced in the weeks ahead” 

  Perhaps this forthcoming exclusion is what sparked todays letter by 60 Congressional representatives to the President and Congress, urging inclusion of gay and lesbian families in immigration reform or via UAFA.  The effort led by Rep Tammy Baldwin sent a letter to the White House and Congress to urge support for UAFA and LGBT inclusion in comprehensive immigration reform. Soon thereafter our website, known for its assertive coverage of the binational plight was visited again by members of Congress and offices much higher than that.  Perhaps the White House is going to take action. 

 Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), the lead House sponsor of the Uniting American Families Act, which would also end discrimination against LGBT binational families, asserts “We must take the government out of the business of singling out LGBT families for discriminatory treatment and live up to our democratic ideal of equality under the law,” Nadler said. “I join my colleagues in calling on Congress and the White House to include the Uniting American Families Act, which I have introduced in every Congress since 2000, in any immigration reform legislation, and end discrimination against binational LGBT families.” 

 What I find particularly disconcerting is that Immigration Equality, who holds itself out as the “pre-imminent” organization for immigration equality rights, has failed to come forward with the knowledge that Senator Schumer is not planning to include us, and continues to msilead us by their silence. 

  Does IE have a duty to play level with binationals?  I believe they do for as long as they find themselves in the number one  slot on the issue.    What has stopped them from keeping us fully informed?  

 This organization has led us down a treacherous and unwise path – into the corner we now find ourselves, and still they make decisions without our involvement as a community.  They have made a choice to side with those who do not want us and to try and convince the strongest of all faith based powers that it is a good idea to include gays and lesbians.   

 So now that the White House has been alerted to Act - 

 The question becomes: 

 1. Would you like to see quick and soon passage of UAFA as a standalone;  Or 

 2. Are you ready for the long and hateful haul of immigration reform; 

 The difference between the two lies in the philosophy: Whereas the first seems to rest on equality the second will rest on immigration. Which is the tougher argument.  Will the immigrant community be impressed by the fact that the house already has 60 on board for immigration reform?  Will that make them think we are worthy to their cause? 

  While much hated in the eyes of so many in this Country – gays and lesbians, et al, may now be coupled with  the other most disliked group – whom the conservatives choose to refer to as ‘illegal aliens,’ and progressives refer to as ‘undocumented workers/immigrants.’ 

 It is already apparent that even amongst those immigrants seeking respite from the woes of the system, resentment is building because some feel they have a much more worthy cause than ‘the gays’ – I have received emails to this effect – more worthy because we are maybe 100,000 and they are 12 million in number.   An example of some dialogue can be found at the comments at http://lezgetreal.com/?p=25829

 Schumer is known to have stated that he has chosen to abate the voracious displeasure of the Catholic community.  Can you imagine once we are included what is yet to come? 

 That said perhaps Schumer will be doing us a favor. 

 I too am calling on President Obama to PLEASE urge Congress to pass a stand-alone Bill right now – UAFA.  I for one will be glad to accept an amendment to the Current Nadler legislation – where the evidentiary proof of permanent partnership must include an affirming certificate from any Jurisdiction in the World. (eg. marriage certificate, DP or civil union certificate.)  That will dismantle the fraud argument because we will be on a level playing field with the straight spousal community. 

 Please help us avert a faith based immigration vs. LGBT equality battle – already emerging. 

A  READER’S LETTER (amongst hundreds);Sunday, February 07, 2010
TO;
President Obama
Senator Gillibrand
Senator Chuck Schumer
Congressman Peter king
State Department, Hilary Clinton
Congresswomen Nancy Pelosi
Congressman Steve Israel
CNN
Melanie Nathan at http://lezgetreal.com
New York Times
 

“To  Senator Chuck Schumer
Sir:  

I never thought that I would be calling you a liar and a cheat but I was wrong. When I watched you at the UAFA Senate hearing I was so happy that you where a senator from Long Island standing up to the right wing nuts, the church and all the bigots in this country. But after reading a story on Lezgetreal.com (http://lezgetreal.com/?p=25829 ) I was so wrong about you! I guess you are like all the rest that say something and turn around and do something else.  

After I talked to L. Fresco in your office I thought I could just sit back and just wait till you came out with the bill on Immigration reform but once again my government let me down. He had told me that you where not going to include the UAFA into your bill till the Latino senators and congressman were made happy and they got their way.  

 Because I was told they would block the bill and not support it. It looks like you couldn’t get there support so you turned your back on us. Because of you and senator Gillibrand and Congressman Peter King I now have to make plans on leaving my country for good to be with my husband, yes we are legally married in Canada and 20 other countries. I’ve sent your office my marriage Lic, faxed it to your DC office, and hand delivered it to your long island office.  

Not only that I had sent the forms from the US state department to sponsor my husband but didn’t get an answer from you, Gillibrand, Peter King and the white house. This was to proof that I am legally married to a non American and asking for help to sponsor him into this once great country. But since this is a gay issue and an immigrations issue no one will help.  

Just to let you know I am now going to contact ever single congressman, senator and newspaper in this country to let them know that you lied in a the senate hearing (6/2/2009) and because of your actions not including the uniting American families act into your immigration reform bill anther taxpaying US citizen has to leave his home land for good.  

I’m really mad and upset that I’m sitting here and my husband is half way around the world all because of the Republican Party and the church that has it in for gay rights and civil rights. I’m really mad and upset that the Democratic Party for not having a back bone and standing up to the right wing. I’m also mad and upset that I can be legally married in 20 countries and the country that claims civil rights has very little to gay people. I’m also mad and upset at Chuck Schumer for talking the talk but can’t walk the walk! I’m, also upset that the US state department is handing out visas like water to the people of Haiti and I can’t get one for my husband who has legal rights to one being married to an American. What a wonderful country this is, ya right!  

Thank you for your none help!
 I, am a  US Taxpayer who can’t get any help  

Action Alert -February 8th, 2010  

At 10:30am on February 11 — one week after our call-in to Senator Schumer’s office — the Long Island Immigrant Alliance will hold a rally outside of Schumer’s Melville office (145 Pine Lawn Road, Melville, NY 11747). The rally will show support for Senator Schumer’s comprehensive immigration reform bill, which would fix a broken immigration system, end the exploitation and demonization of immigrants, strengthen our economy by $1.5 trillion, and support our nation’s values. For more information about the rally, call 631-789-0720    Long Island Immigrant Alliance  …  

Melanie Nathan

LAST THOUGHT: None of this would be necessary as this would all be moot if DOMA were repealed and Sexual orientation was included in the Civil Rights Act.

By: Melanie Nathan  

nathan@privatecourts.com
www.privatecourts.com
Human Rights and Personal Advocacy.

 

 

 

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• Reblog from Me at LGR BREAKING: SHOCKING REALITY- Senator Chuck Schumer Is Planning To Exclude Gay And Lesbians From Immigration Reform Bill. (oblogdeeoblogda.wordpress.com)
• Senator Gillibrand LGBT Meet and Greet- binationals ask for UAFA answers. (topix.net)

  

 Senator Schumer has not confirmed, nor announced, what specific proposals will be in his immigration reform bill. We do encourage everyone, however – as we always have – to make sure they reach out to their representatives and urge them to support inclusion of our families in any immigration reform bill.
 If you haven’t already done so, you can click here to send that message to your Members of Congress.
 It is critical that everyone call on their Members to support our inclusion. Now – in the days and weeks prior to the bill’s introduction – is the time to take action.
 Once lawmakers announce the specifics of their legislation, we’ll have more information here. Comment by Steve @ Immigration Equality — February 4, 2010 @ 2:43 pm 

STEVE do not tell me that you and all at IE have not had the news for a month that UAFA was being excluded by Schumer’s Bill. Time to come clean is NOW!

02/06/2010- by Natasia Langfelder

Natalie Portman was “terrified” when she had to kiss Mila Kunis (Forgetting Sarah Marshall, That 70’s Show, Family Guy) in her new movie ‘Black Swan’. Black Swan is a movie about two rival prima ballerinas in the high stakes world of ballet dancing. In the movie (spoiler alert, only if you are planning to see the movie, which I’m pretty sure you aren’t) Portman and Kunis have a sex scene together. In an interview Portman states:

“I was terrified. At the moment I lived in a state of inner terror.”

Inner terror? Kissing a beautiful accomplished actress is terrifying? Portman who has previously shot nude scenes and played a stripper in the movie “Closer” is also worried the lesbian sex sequence is overshadowing the plot of the film and worries it will make her be taken less seriously as an actress. She added: “Nudity is something absolutely natural and I’m not prudish – but in a film it can be distracting. But stripping isn’t? Portman goes on to say:

“Doing ‘Black Swan’ I couldn’t say no. The project is a huge opportunity for me to show a new me. I can’t always play the nice mothers. My other problem is that single pictures are being taken out of context and put on the internet.” Right, Portman is always playing the nice mother, or the nice stripper. Playing a nice lesbian is a huge leap for her. There is nothing wrong with strippers, but it’s sad that Portman regards playing a lesbian as her least family friendly role.

Portman studied psychology at Harvard has a reputation for being “I can guarantee you I’m not one of the most intelligent actresses of the world.” I completely agree with you Natalie and to prove it, I’m running some of Portman’s best quotes below:

“Star Wars hasn’t changed my life at all.”

Except for the millions of dollars you made and the wooden acting that eventually will become your legacy among the millions of Star Wars fans worldwide.

“When a guy tells me I’m cute, it’s not something desirable. Cute is more like what you want your pet to be.”

Cute is awesome. We can’t all be devastatingly gorgeous in a half-fed way.

And then there was the time she compared meat lovers to rapists: I say that Foer’s ethical charge against animal eating is brave because not only is it unpopular, it has also been characterized as unmanly, inconsiderate, and juvenile. But he reminds us that being a man, and a human, takes more thought than just “This is tasty, and that’s why I do it.” He posits that consideration, as promoted by Michael Pollan in The Omnivore’s Dilemma, which has more to do with being polite to your tablemates than sticking to your own ideals, would be absurd if applied to any other belief (e.g., I don’t believe in rape, but if it’s what it takes to please my dinner hosts, then so be it).

Portman told Allure magazine in an interview, regarding being famous: “I’m not black, but I know what it feels like.” That quote speaks for itself. Natalie Portman: Not America’s Smartest Actress.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Course…  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 Posted by Melanie Nathan,  

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

 @oblogdeeoblogda – I Twitter too! 

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1/29/2010- by Natasia Langfelder

In a public display of open homophobia rarely seen by large corporations today, CBS rejected an ad featuring two men kissing from the Super Bowl lineup. The ad was for the gay dating site, ManCrunch.com. CBS stated that the ad”is not within the Network’s broadcast standards for Super Bowl Sunday.” However, in the past Super Bowl ads have featured half naked women violently fighting with each other while being sprayed with water. These are the values that CBS feels are more appropriate to align themselves with.

 CBS is known for running the most entertaining and cutting edge commercials during the Super Bowl, as advertisers go all out in terms of both expenditure and creativity to catch the eye of the large viewing audience. Even news websites, such as Slate, run reviews of Super Bowl commercials, making the commercials more of a part of the viewing experience of the game than an afterthought.  Excluding representation of gay men from the airwaves during the event, is effectively exiling them from sharing in this Nationwide event.    

Advocates for CBS are making the argument that ManCrunch staged this as a publicity stunt. However, how could this stunt be staged without the presumption of anti-gay bias on behalf of both CBS and Super Bowl viewers? Refusing to air this ad during the Super Bowl is insulting to every straight man who watches the Super Bowl, who is comfortable with his own sexuality and with the gay community. CBS is assuming ignorance and homophobia on behalf of a large population of men. It’s unfair to paint football fans with the same brush.  Hopefully, with increased media pressure, CBS will change their stance and air the ad.

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I really believe this is the case. It will go to the Supreme Court – regardless of who wins.  What makes it so astounding is the parameters of the evidence.   Maybe a historian can answer – has there ever been any such spectacle, where an entire minority community has been put on trial and had their existence questioned in this way?   It hits me hard everytime I hear any of the evidence, whether it be a scientist, a young gay person who has been subjected to reparative therapy. Whatever is stated in that courtroom is a statement for tens of thousands more LGBT people out there.   I feel like a mother trying to protect her children.  I want to shake President Obama and wake him up.  Is he watching – is he seeing this testimony?  Please Mr. President help stop this craziness – its criminal for us to be raked over the coals in this way.  How do I tell my children that their family is less than?  That they do not have a valid family?   Please stop this trial now – you can do it, Sir.    Why should we wait 10 years?  Please repeal DOMA now!  I feel like I am in Salem at a witch trial.

Gregg Cassin reporting for LGR from Court today “”It’s impossible to overstate the importance of this case to the future of marriage in America,” said Ron Prentice of ProtectMarriage.com. “Not only is the constitutionality of California’s Prop 8 at stake, but so are the marriage laws of 45 other states and the federal Defense of Marriage Act.” 

That said if you have the stomach there will be a re-enactment of the trial and it will be found at http://www.johnirelandonline.com/Trial/Prop8Trial.html    in the meantime if you visit this site you can see the start as well as picyures of all the witnesses and attorneys.  

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Posted by Melanie Nathan

Cindy McCain, wife of Sen. John McCain, posed for the NOH8 campaign to raise awareness for marriage equality. Cindy McCain is not known for championing political causes and during her husband’s run for the presidency, remained quiet and reserved. Her daughter, Megan McCain, has been very outspoken about her support of marriage equality. It’s refreshing to see two strong women taking a stand for a cause they believe in, even if it flies in the face of the Republican Party’s value. Megan in particular has caused a stir in the Republican Party; calling for change in the party’s social policies in order to further fiscal policies.

Cindy and Megan McCain are raising awareness and supporting the LGBT community more than Michelle Obama or the Obama administration has. Considering the promises the Obamas made to us while they were on the campaign trail, this is surprising and dissapointing. I welcome and appreciate the support of the McCain women.   

To view Cindy McCain’s picture, click the link:

http://www.bouska.net/noh8/index.htm

Cassidy told Reveal Magazine that she left EastEnders because she didn’t feel comfortable with her character engaging in a same sex relationship.  She calls the relationship not true to the character of Sonia and calls the lesbian story itself “shocking.” Cassidy goes on to display her ignorance further when she says that she would consider going back to EastEnders, but only if Sonia was the star of a really “shocking” storyline. Basically, she is claiming she would return to the show for the same reason she says she left the show. Someone call MENSA, this girl is a genius. Obviously, Cassidy is upset that she was cast as a lesbian. I would like to applaud EastEnders for including lesbians in their stories, lesbians exist in real life and deserve to be represented on the screen. Only most of us are much more attractive than Natalie Cassidy. Cassidy has also appeared on the UK version of dancing with the stars, “Strickly Come Dancing.” I would like to nominate Cassidy to appear on Oxygen’s “Dance Your Ass Off.” That show is much more appropriate for her.

Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) said in an interview with DC Agenda that lawmakers will work on passing other pro-LGBT bills next year, and could take up legislation to repeal DOMA — known as the Respect for Marriage Act — at the end of the two-year session starting in 2011. “The Respect for Marriage Act is a bill that we can’t pass right now; we know we can’t pass it right now,” he said.

Nadler apparently is reiterating the Barney Frank strategy voiced that Congress won’t take up the DOMA repeal next year because other LGBT-related bills, including the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, legislation providing partner benefits for LGBT federal workers and a repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” are taking precedence. Supporters hope to pass those measures by the end of 2010.  Nowhere do we have mention of UAFA (Uniting American Families Act) other than if it is not in Comprehensive Immigration reform, Nadler will come in with an amendment –albeit hard to the fight.

So as a tired activist having read this article we can all note that the order of things is the same, the timing is pushed even further forward and the progressives are following the beat of the usual drum.   The interview reports Nadler as saying,  “The Respect for Marriage Act comes up after that, maybe at the end of the next Congress, maybe afterward,” he said.

Nadler’s legislation would overturn DOMA, allowing the federal government to recognize same-sex marriages. It also has a “transport provision” that would allow same-sex couples to marry in one state and still receive federal benefits even if they move to another state where gay nuptials aare not recognized. 

The ripple impact of the removal of DOMA is that in all likelihood the US will have to recognize married gay couples for the purposes of immigration and then UAFA and immigration equality would be moot. There are an estimated 90,000 binational couples around the world, in hiding in US, abroad in exile, pending deportation or waiting for visas to expire.  Every time a gay married American’s spouse leaves the USA, entry back into the USA, even with a valid visa, is not guaranteed.

The entire article about the DOMA repeal legislation and all LGBT strategy can be found at http://dcagenda.com/2009/12/10/no-doma-repeal-next-year-nadler and is a worthy read.

So it seems to me that it is now all about building the support.  If this is the only way that this repeal happen then it is incumbent on all of us to get ourselves and families out there in front of our politicians – not giving up our dollars so easily to rusty old campaigners- and looking for the blood that beats from hearts such as ours.

 Even though we need to call our senators and members of Congress, asking them to sign on to the bill, we still need to wake America up to the fact that we exist, we are decent and we are not going away.

Gay Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) hasn’t signed on as a co-sponsor to Nadler’s bill, saying that lawmakers will instead focus on other LGBT issues this Congress and the bill’s trasport provision could cause political problems for House members seeking re-election. I completely disagree – this is a damned if you do and damned if you don’t moment.   I am so appalled at the tip- toe –thru- the –tulips  technique that smacks of low- self- politcal -rights- esteem. 

The article points out that  Nadler said he hasn’t “had too many conversations” with Pelosi on the proposed DOMA repeal since it was introduced, but noted that the speaker has privately encouraged House members to co-sponsor the bill. We all know – healthcare-healthcare-healthcare – financial crisis – queers get to the back of the line and with a little luck we may still be here for you when we get to you.  A big miscalculation by our own leadership – the timing -   did they think that a healthcare debacle and  would be the impetus for our legislation or the measure of faded promises?

  DC Agenda also reports Nadler had not spoken much with Frank on the issue since the bill’s introduction and from this I garnish perhaps some harsh feelings remain, a sense I had from my own discussions with senior staffers close to both Congressmen when the new bill was originally introduced. I believe Frank felt slighted at the fact that Nadler had jumped in with the all-encompassing legislation (The Big One) that would may have rendered Frank’s pets ENDA and DADT redundant.

Although supporters have said other bills will take priority this Congress, advocates for the DOMA repeal have hoped for congressional hearings on marriage by the end of next year. This is where the support can happen as we bring our stories to DC. 

Right now we cannot allow ourselves to be put off by or rely on a fragmented strategy and ineffective leadership we cannot  miss our beat – we have our work cut out for us more than ever.  This is our lives they are playing with and we don’t have time anymore. We have to play this differently to what we have been doing – or not doing! Eevery queer- gay- lesbian- treansgender- bi- questioning must get their story out to our members of Congress and Senators, in more than mere letter form.  Forget those standard letters they keep sending you to send – do this do that – blah – okay do it but that is not all you need to do. Write your own letter explaining who you are, what you do, what you like, what you want, tell them about your kids and how much everything is costing you without your rights. Get personal.  Our members of Congress are asking you to do it. Nadler has asked repeatedly to hear from our community. They want to meet you. Make an appointment with your member of congress or a staffer of your Senator. Turn uop and say I am here to collect my rights. Be nice be polite – let them see we are decent normal people.

Dc Agenda adds the quotes  -  “Some of the people we’re dealing with are very busy with a number of other things.”   There’s not a sense of urgency, the sense that this bill has to have a Senate sponsor right now because it’s going to pass right now, because it’s not, so we’re talking.” Even without a sense of urgency among lawmakers, Nadler said he thinks DOMA should be repealed because it’s “a stain on the national honor.” – Indeed I agree with Rep Nadler, but for me, because  it is such a severe civil rights abuse it is unconscionable, yet it is always on the backburner. 

Excluding a handful, our lawmakers do not care about us gays and lesbians – we are not a priority – and like an abandoned child I must cry and  tell them who I am – we must all cry out loudly now.  Rep. Nadler is a dear friend to our community, he can do no wrong in my eyes;  he is willing to truly stand up for what he believes to be the right thing, fearless of political misfire.  I know no other member of Congress as truly concerned– and so it is with gratitude that I commend the Congressman for being so open in the interview.  I know he is up against a huge brick wall and he is in essence begging for OUR help.

 Write a personal letter; attach photographs. Do it three times a year. Send a Holiday card with your family picture and tell them you are waiting for your equal treatment. It will go a long collective way.  Imagine if one in  every ten cards turns out to be from a queer constituent.

When it comes to UAFA – the major obstacle that UAFA supporters will face is opposition from Catholic leaders. This what I have been saying for a long time. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has urged lawmakers to exclude the provision from immigration reform because church leaders support reform, but oppose the LGBT-specific provision. The recent Manhattan Declaration certainly adds to this taint.  

Rep. Nadler said opposition to UAFA from Catholic leaders will make inclusion of the measure in the bill “a very difficult fight.”  This is precisely why I have been personally advocating for UAFA as a stand- alone Bill to give LGBT couples immigration rights; this is what I am sure Rep Nadler would have preferred. But one man can’t take on all.

I have been in disagreement with the Immigration Equality strategy since June of this year when they failed to pursue UAFA as a stand -alone at the appropriate time.  My earlier articles refer to this in more detail. Hanging around waiting for immigration reform has hurt binationals and the UAFA cause really badly. I pray that this strategy will work in the long run. I cannot wait to eat my words!  I too have had to join this imposed badwagon and have indeed risen to the occaision.  However as an advocate currently helping other binationals in crisis,  on a daily basis, this strategy is not serving us and remains risky and costly.  

I am not sure if the politicians get quite how cruel this lack of law is.  I rue the day when Steve Ralls and Immigration Equality sold out the “equality” in immigration for “immigrant reform.”  They might as well change their name to just that. It may seem like semantics, but it is not, and I fear our time has been lost by this dire distraction.

Even with opposition from Catholic leaders, Ralls said the list of religious groups who support the inclusion of UAFA in immigration reform “is very long and diverse,” and includes Quakers and Episcopalians. Ralls underestimates the Catholic power and did he forget the religious right?  The problem is that the Catholic leaders are now knee deep in our civil life and shoulder deep in immigration matters.

Ralls told DC Agenda  - “If the Conference of Catholic Bishops decides that they’re willing to throw the immigrant community under the bus because of the inclusion of LGBT couples, I think that would be a shame because, at the end of the day, immigration reform can help millions of families — both gay and straight — and that should be Congress’ priority.”  Well duh ….. it would be a shame, but what do you think is going to happen and when did you think people came ahead of zealot agenda and religious ferver seeking a bed in the center of Congress? It will not be seen as the fault of the Church it will be used against us and it will hurt. As the Catholic Church prepares to shoot its devotees in the toe, mostly Latina immigrants, the gay community will be vilified further and there will be a huge rise in Latina vs. gay animosity. 

We do not need it. It is a dire strategy by chosing it we are not bringing our exiles home. Why are you not fighting for the stand-alone based- not on immigration reform but rather based on the question of inequality; what about equality for the American gay  spouse who cannot sponsor a spouse?  Why have you coupled our inequality with immigration reform? It makes no sense to me. Entering the world of religious homophobia – purposefully, thinking that is our answer. We need UAFA as a stand- alone bill and now it may be too late.

When asked whether he would support immigration reform legislation that doesn’t include a UAFA provision, Nadler replied, “I hope it doesn’t come to that.” “All my efforts are designed to make sure it doesn’t come to that, so I’m not going to get into what happens at that point,” he said.

Again I urge my brothers and sisters to pick up the fight – we cannot sit back anymore – we all need to put a story in a card to our Reps.  Keep a look out there will be more to come and soon…

Blogged by melanie nathan,
www.oblogdeeoblogda.wordpress.com
nathan@privatecourts.com
Picture: Rep. Jerrold Nadler & melanie nathan.

My opinion is that these expressions of frustration are a result of a fractured leadership, where organizations struggle to survive through their specific micro-causes, at the inextricably detrimental shot in the toe to our movement as a whole.  The other part of the problem are the grassroots – who when asked to write letters to congress, tell their stories etc, fall so way low of what we could achieve.   It is time to wake up LGBT community we are being thrown to the wolves on every issue, by everyone- all we have is us and there are 2 ways to get this done-

1. Forget the fragnmented micro legislation as an emphasis for victory – DEMAND leadership conference and establish a PINKPLAN with the ultimate goal 1. Civil rights amendment and 2. Repeal of DOMA

2. Get out on the Streets and stand on corners

3. Boycott everything and everyone anti gay

4. That would include the US Government; “I refuse to pay tax from this moment on!”

5. Law firms come out to help us!

6. All Gay closeted folk – now is when you should show us who you are. You should come out in the name of equality

7. ALL members of the military COME OUT ON THE SAME DAY in defiance of DADT- how about TAX day? April 15^th – that will give you time to get your savings accounts in order

8. Call on our friends in Congress to take the helm and push for us: I specifically name:

Reps and Sens:  Kristin Gillibrand, Chuck Schumer,  Jerrold Nadler, Zoe Lofgren, Lynn Woolsey. Jackie Speier, Nancy Pelosi, Joe Sestak (wants Specter’s Senate seat),  Patrick Leahy, Barbara Boxer (up fro reelection) and please feel free to add to the list.

9. Go to your corporate employers and ask them to take a stand

10. LGBT non profits – risk your status and stop paying payroll taxes for your employees. 

THIS IS THE STATEMENT THAT TRIGGERED MY COMMENTS:

In light of continuing delays in the House of Representatives, we must state clearly and unequivocally: Passing basic job protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people must happen now.

At a time when our government is deeply focused on the critical issue of employment, it is inexcusable to delay action on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). Each and every job lost to prejudice based on sexual orientation and gender identity needlessly compounds the unemployment challenges facing our nation. We call on Congress for the immediate passage of ENDA.

For decades now, we have called upon Congress to pass legislation to address the basic right of LGBT people to work free from discrimination at our jobs, and now Congress tells us we must wait another year. In 29 states, it remains legal to fire people based on sexual orientation and in 38 states, discrimination based on gender identity remains legal. In failing to take swift action to pass ENDA, our government allows unfettered bigotry to go unchecked, leading to the loss of jobs, fear in the workplace, economic instability, and personal hardship, while allowing employers to lose competent experienced workers. ENDA is urgently needed by our communities.

The majority of Americans consistently state their support for employment protections and voters have affirmed similar state and local measures. There is absolutely no reason for Congress to continue to delay this non-controversial bill or drop LGBT issues to the bottom of their agenda. We will not be denied basic rights any longer. Nothing is more important than protecting people’s jobs, so ENDA must pass now. Further delays are absolutely unacceptable.

Those who signed the Statement:

Matthew Coles & James Esseks, Co-Directors, American Civil Liberties Union LGBT Project

Terry Stone, Executive Director, CenterLink: The Community of LGBT Centers

Toni Broaddus, Executive Director, Equality Federation

Jennifer Chrisler, Executive Director, Family Equality Council

Lee Swislow, Executive Director, Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders

Jarrett Tomás Barrios, President, Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation

Joe Solmonese, President, Human Rights Campaign

Rachel B. Tiven, Executive Director, Immigration Equality

Earl Fowlkes, President/CEO, International Federation of Black Prides, Inc.

Kevin Cathcart, Executive Director, Lambda Legal

Christian Berle, Director of the Log Cabin Republicans National Office

Sharon J. Lettman, Executive Director/CEO, National Black Justice Coalition

Kate Kendell, Executive Director, National Center for Lesbian Rights

Mara Keisling, Executive Director, National Center for Transgender Equality

Rebecca Fox, Executive Director, National Coalition for LGBT Health

Rea Carey, Executive Director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund

Michael Mitchell, Executive Director, National Stonewall Democrats

Gregory Varnum, Executive Director, National Youth Advocacy Coalition

Selisse Berry, Founding Executive Director, Out & Equal Workplace Advocates

Jody Huckaby, Executive Director, Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) National

Jo Kenny, Interim Director, Pride at Work AFL-CIO

Masen Davis, Executive Director, Transgender Law Center

 Blogged by Melanie Nathan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Blogged by Melanie Nathan nathan@privatecourts.com 

The 4,700-word statement, yet another reproach for the LGBT communities, named the Manhattan Declaration,  asserted: “[W]e will not comply with any edict that purports to compel our institutions to participate in abortions, embryo-destructive research, assisted suicide and euthanasia, or any other anti-life act,” the statement says, “nor will we bend to any rule purporting to force us to bless immoral sexual partnerships, treat them as marriages or the equivalent, or refrain from proclaiming the truth, as we know it, about morality and immorality and marriage and the family. We will fully and ungrudgingly render to Caesar what is Caesar’s. But under no circumstances will we render to Caesar what is God’s.”

 ”If you look at the Manhattan Declaration, we are clear that we see a genuine increase in the threat, especially on the sanctity of life front,” said Robert George, a Roman Catholic and a professor at Princeton University. “That’s the result of the federal government having an administration that is deeply committed to legal abortion and [government funding] and a majority in both houses of Congress that share that commitment…. We could have said many of the things that we are saying today a year ago, but some of the things we are saying today have an urgency to them as a result of the [Obama administration].”

 This declaration was drafted in last summer and was worked upon for several months before it was declared on Friday by the leaders of Conservative Christian communities.

The Conservative Christian communities in this declaration are implored to disagree with all rules and regulations that   accept any ideals against Christian doctrines, marriages in same sex and abortion. The leaders of Christianity supporting the declaration stated, “They are motivated and come from the deepest resources of our faith.” They also added that they could have made the declaration earlier but they consider this declaration to be more relevant for the present and future. According to the advocates of this declaration, ‘historic understanding of marriage’, ‘religious liberty’ and ’sanctity of life’ are the major highlights of this declaration.    

Yet, in snide hypocrisy these so called Leaders of Catholic, Evangelical and Orthodox groups were present during the declaration and made it clear that the declaration does not have any political interest.

 So yes, those of a faith that declares its hate – you may – but do not take the majority of Americans for fools, for we believe that you are in truth endeavoring to impact politically. I trust that the majority of true Christians will declare opposition to this statement that purports to speak for all of faith- because it is simply not so for those who subscribe to G-d as a loving G-d.

 Let us not forget the way the various Churches and doctrines have been used to pronounce upon policy through the world over many an era; in modern times we can look to the abhorrent example of Apartheid.  Born from Calvinism in Europe and transported to South Africa via the arrival of Jan Van Riebeck in 1652 on the Shores of the Cape, developed a group who considered themselves a nation of people, the Afrikaner, a white minority in Southern Africa.  They used gunpowder and bible under the Dutch Reform Church’s teachings to ensure that black people were ruled undeserving of equality, that black Africans had an inferior place, one of servitude in a society of religious fervor. In 1949 Apartheid was born, a direct concomitant of these interpretations of the Bible and that birth was engendered in the form of LAW, yes legislation that declared racial prejudice legal, but also institutionalized the required compliance with its discriminatory codes.

 By: Melanie Nathan,
www.nathan@privatecourts.com 
www.visualcv.com/melnathan 
Note Photo: Consist of Archbishop Wuerl/

Updated – Donald William Wuerl (born November 12, 1940) is an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He is the sixth and current Archbishop of Washington, having previously served as Bishop of Pittsburgh from 1988 to 2006.  Evangelicals like Chuck Colson, Roman Catholics like Archbishop Donald Wuerl, and the other religious leaders who signed the “Manhattan Declaration” don’t seem to understand that justifying discrimination in the name of religious freedom is dangerous to society.

UPDATED: By now we have all heard about the Manhattan Declaration put out by various religious right figures and groups urging, among other things, non-cooperation with laws that in any way recognize same sex couples. It has been condemned in many circles and for good reason.  Wayne Besen of Truthwinsout.org said the following: “This is a disturbing call for anarchy from a group of radical clerics and activists who believe they don’t have play by the same rules as other taxpaying Americans.”  And according to the blog Instaputz, there is another reason to not only oppose this document but also raise the alarm about it.   Some of the names those signing the declaration aren’t a surprise. They are the usual folks who oppose lgbt equality – Tony Perkins, James Dobson, Maggie Gallagher, Gary Bauer, etc.

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• The Manhattan Declaration – Go Sign it! (liveactivecultures.net)

Exerpts  from the story: 

“Despite my promise to my daughter to keep hush, “I flew like a bat out of hell” to see the Principal, who, ironically an “out” lesbian, was not surprised to see me show up on the issue; she mentioned that I was the fourth parent to complain about this lack of discretion on the part of the teacher. I explained that my child was extremely conflicted in trying to reconcile her respect and admiration for her teacher with her love and pride for her family.” 

” The advertisement had clearly hurt my child; its viciousness was not something she had been subjected to before. What could be worse than adults lashing out like that at children? It was direct and personal and having heard it before, was not personally outraged as when I realized the irresponsibility and how damaging those lies were to my babies.”

“I have to show my child that our family is worth fighting for and that anything short of complete equality is simply not good enough.  I think this story illustrates the far reaching effects of de jure disqualification and the de facto reality of inequality. Whether we receive equal rights or not, nothing will derogate from the fact that we are here; us, our spouses and our kids and nothing can or will ever change that simple fact.”

Petition to President Obama:

The Obama administration was absent in yet another critical fight for the soul of our nation. His failure to speak out forcibly against Question 1 in Maine is unacceptable. Sign our petition. Then, ask everyone you know to do the same.

President Obama, I urge you to immediately file a brief in the federal court challenge to Prop 8 and ask the court to rule that it is unconstitutional to allow a majority to take away the rights of a minority.   www.eqca.org

 PLEASE HELP AND SIGN THE PETITION

Hours after the LDS Church announced its support Tuesday night of proposed Salt Lake City ordinances aimed at protecting gay and transgender residents from discrimination in housing and employment, the City Council unanimously approved the measures.

Mormon teachings assert that the Church believes in human dignity, respect even when in disagreement.   The Council opted to vote after dozens of residents in the overflowing crowd expressed their support. “Guaranteeing a right to fair housing and fair employment is not an issue of compromise,” Councilwoman Jill Remington Love said. “We are a stronger, better city this evening. I’m proud to serve on a City Council where this isn’t even controversial.”

Yet that said what about the Mormon money for Prop 8 Hate ads which I believe got the vote against Gay marriage. Perhaps we should read into what may be a slap in the fact statement when Michael Otterson, a spokesperson  intrigued with “The church supports these ordinances, because they are fair and reasonable and do not do violence to the institution of marriage.”  I imagine still justifying their interference in another State. If described in these terms as to do VIOLENCE- imagine how passionate they must have been when parting with those furtive millions! So inferring that gay marriage may do violence to marriage by virtue of their support of prop 8 – is not too far reaching…

Although an astounding feat, the LDS Church’s endorsement was applauded by LGBT leaders in Utah’s gay community.   Although I agree this can and must be viewed as positive in the big scheme of things; please call me ungrateful because “AS LONG AS the queers (you know the ones your compassionately adorn with limited equality) do not cause havoc to your marriages there in Utah – even those where your teaching and silence condones many wives – you will remain solid behind your church influenced dollars that robbed my buddies of their right to one spouse each!

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

(AFP) –reported  8 hours ago-  NEW YORK — New York’s state assembly on Tuesday put off a tentatively planned vote on a bill that would allow same-sex marriage. “A vote did not take place. They are negotiating,” a spokeswoman for the assembly’s upper house, the State Senate, told AFP.

Governor David Paterson had asked Monday for the upper house to vote Tuesday on a bill allowing gay nuptials. The bill was approved in the state’s lower house in May, but faces a tougher battle in the Senate. Commentators said it was unlikely to have mustered the necessary 32 votes.

No date was set for the next possible debate and vote on the measure. The issue is being raised in New York days after voters in Maine voted in a referendum to overturn a gay marriage law passed by their state legislature in May.

Maine was the third state where voters repealed the local government’s approval of same-sex marriage rights, following California and Hawaii. Gay marriage has not yet won a popular vote in any US state. Five states that have moved to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples have done so through court rulings or votes in the state legislature. Those states are Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts and Vermont. New Hampshire will allow gay marriage starting in January.

Melanie Nathan’s Comment  :  This is just too much.  I keep thinking why do they disapprove of us?  Why are we so badly thought of  by our fellow Americans-  that they would not want to give us our equality?   It makes me realize that we need a PR Campaign. One where we can introduce our families to America. We must get out there and be visible. Perhaps activists in a less aggressive fashion. (Although there is room for that too! )  But we must march our families to the fore of public opinion.  By Showing America who we are and waht we do for our Communities and  Country.  We have depended for too long on Non-profits with itemized and limited agendas.  Although great progress has been made, most of America does not know who we truly are, that we are the same as they are. We must pitch stories to local press, volunteer in our communities, join Board and Committees, Be on the PTA, . Perhaps readers can comment on PR ideas.

We should all take up the MANTRA:  “look me in the eye and tell me I am not the same as you” Per openly gay NY City Council Speaker Christine Quinn.    I Invite you all to JOIN the Great Gay PR Campaign. We must change minds and public opinion win hearts or whatever that cliche suggests…. this is up to eacg and every one of us.   This is the only way we will win – together of course with unified and not fragmented advocacy. 

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

 “A lot of folks use Facebook to stay in touch with friends and family. For Sarah Palin, it’s a great way to spread lies about health insurance reform.  A few months back, Palin took to Facebook to declare that health reform would create “death panels,” and drive private insurers out of business — and nonpartisan fact-check sites and the independent Congressional Budget Office debunked those lies.

But that hasn’t stopped Sarah Palin. She’s back with a new Facebook note claiming that reform will raise costs on families and drive up deficits. Unfortunately for her, even the conservative “Tax Foundation” says those claims are false. “

So we’re calling out Sarah Palin, and taking to Facebook to debunk her lies on the very same pages she’s using to spread them.  Call Sarah Palin at 202-747-1812″

No more lies – it is not going to work anymore….

Refs: http://www.democrats.org/page/content/callemoutpalin

 Melanie Nathan -Quoting from Democratic Party Webpage and e-mail. Spread the word good lezgetrealpeeps- especially on your facebook sites!

I say – if stifling religious freedom saves lives, so be it!

Jackson told the newspaper he fears religious leaders could be prosecuted for inciting anti-gay violence, even though the legislation — expected to be signed Wednesday by President Barack Obama — contains language meant to preclude prosecution of religious leaders and others on the basis of speech or beliefs.

I say – let the chips fall where they may!

“We could find ourselves in a situation where we’re accused of inciting someone,” Jackson said. “I am categorically opposed to the hate crimes bill.”

I ask -Why did he not come out against Hate Crimes before sexual orientation was included?

Thank my Adonai for the solace I find in the voice of Rev. Steve Jolly of Freemason Street Baptist Church in Norfolk’s who disagrees, telling the Virginian-Pilot: “If I stand up in the pulpit and say the consumption of alcohol is evil and we should pour it all in the river, that’s a personal opinion. That’s very different from saying, ‘There’s a bar down the road; let’s break in and pour all the alcohol into the river.’”

But I must say – people like the BISHOP – scare me still! Has he considered that the Hate Crimes ACT protects lesbians like me from people like him? His intent is clear and I am pleased to recall my law school lesson where I learnt mens rea is mens rea!

Refs: http://blackchristiannews.com/news/2009/10/virginia-pastor-says-hate-crimes-bill-stifles-religion.html

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

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Tim Coco, the US citizen binational spouse said that  Attorney General Eric Holder did not act on a Friday deadline in the case of Genesio “Junior” Oliveira, effectively denying the 30-year-old Brazilian man’s request for asylum in the U.S. on humanitarian grounds.

This is not the first time a gay man from Brazil has been denied an immigration path through marriage to the USA.  The other case involving a Brazilian is that of the husband of US citizen Gordon Stewart, as Pfizer employee who is now living in exile in the United Kingdom so he and his spouse can live their marital relationship.

In June 2009, Gordo, together with Shirley Tan provided oral testimony before Senator Leahy and other Senators on the Senate Judiciary Committee in the hope that the Uniting American Families Act would engage congress enough to do something about the inequities in our immigration law.

Coco said, “We needed the Attorney General to make a decision on whether Junior could come home,” said Coco, 48, of Haverhill. “He didn’t take this request seriously.”  It seems as if the Justice department has yet to respond to questions about this case.

In 2002, Oliveira had sought asylum in the U.S. apparently basing his case on a rape as a teenager in Brazil.  But an immigration judge denied his request.  The Associated Press noted that it does not typically name rape victims, but Oliveira speaks openly about his case and is allowing his name to be used.

Oliveira  and Coco married in Massachusetts in 2005 and bought a house together. However unlike other married couples in the US, gay marriages have no bearing on the immigration law that overtly discriminates against same-sex spouses.  The undeniable fact is that gays and lesbians are allowed  to marry in the US in under the law of certain States. Yet because of the Defense of Marriage Act they are precluded from federal rights which includes that provided by the Immigration and Naturalization Act.

In March, Sen. John Kerry asked Attorney General Eric Holder to grant Oliveira asylum on humanitarian grounds.  Kerry spokeswoman Brigid O’Rourke said Monday that the senator will continue to work toward a solution that would reunite the couple for good. The fact is that if Tim and Junior were a heterosexual married couple, they would never have suffered through more than two years of separation,” said O’Rourke.

The Uniting American Families needs it’s time now. While there are thousands of unpublicized stories in the shadows right now, many more are being exposed to Congress and yet Senators such as Kerry who favor the passage of UAFA are still failing in their leadership on the issues.  What is the point of advocating for individuals when you have the power of the legislation in your hands?

Coco said he thought there was “no way” the Obama Administration would deny Oliveira’s asylum request after Kerry made his plea to Holder.  “We are profoundly sad,” said Coco. “This is more than any married should have to face.”

AP reports, the case comes as Obama tries to smooth a rocky relationship with gay activists, who want him to end the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy on gays, which he has pledged to do but hasn’t given a timeline. Tens of thousands of gay rights supporters marched in Washington earlier this month, demanding Obama keep his promise to end the policy.

Coco said he has spent about $250,000 in legal bills and hasn’t seen Oliveira since January, though the two video chat online every night. A heterosexual sponsorship of a spouse costs $750-$1500 if you use an attorney.

Oliveira was denied a visa to return to Massachusetts last year for the funeral of Coco’s mother. Gordon Stewart’s husband has been denied the right to visit his spouse’s sister who has cancer. 

Coco said the couple plans to launch a legal challenge against the federal Defense of Marriage Act as a violation of immigration laws.

That may be a worthy attempt but with my experience in this issue I believe that energy should be put into legislation – we should be calling all our Representatives in Congress and demanding the change we were promised.  Challenging this in the Courts will still yield one major shield for those who are not allowed to marry in their respective States.  Until marriage is uniform, UAFA, which ascribes the right to Permanent Partners, as the relationship that seeks validity to circumvent DOMA.  

 In the meantime, pending legislation, which must happen and soon,  I call on Senators Feinstein, Kerry, Gillibrand, Schumer, Frank to pave the way for binationals by enacting / introducing/Class Private Bill whatever it takes -a moratorium on all deportations of married LGBT spouses;  by providing a special Visa Program with status for married LGBT couples (perhaps one that can sunset pending a solution or legislation– similar to the R1 (religious workers visa program) for married lesbians and gay spouses.

When I was in DC during August I spoke with congressional staffers and received an “interested” response to this idea. 

The reason for this is based less on the privilege granted to ‘a would be immigrant,’ but rather based on the RIGHT – the CIVIL RIGHT of the American Spouse…. Never since the days pre-civil rights movement has there been such a flagrant apartheid-esque practice perpetuated upon US citizens.  We do not have a right that other Americans have.

O’Rourke said Kerry supports the couple’s legal challenge to the Defense of Marriage Act, which limits how state, local and federal bodies can recognize partnerships and determine benefits. He also called for a law to extend benefits to domestic partners. This I personally find outrages. Why does Senator Kerry not get behind the REPEAL of DOMA.  Congressman Nadler has had the courage to introduce it in the form of the Respect of Marriage Act.  Why is he talking Domestic Partnership.  Another incremental crumb? I don’t want to hear that word…Domestic Partnership.

This month, Obama called on Congress to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act. Well do it. This case is one in thousands. We need our remedy now. I am not available for a life on hold. Neither is Mr. Coco.

 Melanie Nathan. nathan@privatecourts.com

blogger  and personal advocate
www.oblogdeeoblogda.wordpress.com

When listening to the Video, below, I am wondering which would be the hottest political hot potato – UAFA (Uniting American Families Act, ) as stand-alone legislation or comprehensive immigation reform or comprehensive immigration reform including UAFA?

The bottom lines is we must push very hard for UAFA now - to ensure that it will be included in CIR and that this time line is adhered to. That is Senator Gillibrand’s loud and clear message.   Surely  our organizations should take heed of these important words. Given the time constraints -  with us the pending hot potato issue,  is it not time to rally behind Rep. Nadler and ensure we get RMA (Respect for Marraige Act)  the shot of the excitement it deserves and so badly needs?  Wake up activists and get together to talk about a comprehesnive strategy- we have mere months left…

Are we still waiting for Barney Frank to have his day with DADT before pushing for the very  legislation that serves as the essence of who we are ? The critical repeal of Defense of Marriage Act? (DOMA;) the  legislation that denies our relationships, with the one that calls for its RESPECT- which defines who we are?  I believe that Hate Crimes, ENDA, DADT, UAFA, CIR would be a relative breeze if the psycho-politico-socio recognition of our most basic civil right- the de jure recognition of our de facto relationships was at the helm of our struggle!

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

“Pass the Uniting American Families Act” and I say

now!

Senator Leahy and Melanie Nathan June 2009.

 

The Uniting American Families Act (UAFA) of 2009,  would grant same-sex couples the same immigration benefits — and responsibilities — as opposite-sex couples, under the same existing legal framework.  It is cosponsored by 22 senators and 117 members of the House of Representatives and has the support of a diverse coalition of businesses and civil rights organizations, including the NAACP, the American Bar Association and the Anti-Defamation League. In highlighting some of the hardships, the article should be read, and more importantly the comments that appear thereafter.

Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.)   reflect on the legislation introduced to what they refer to as “to right the  wrong”.   The words of both Senators appear in a jointly authored article appearing in publication  –  ”THE HLL” today.   

“We must change the law to end the gratuitous cruelty being imposed  thousands of couples  around the country. We urge Congress to incorporate UAFA into the forthcoming comprehensive immigration reform. No immigration reform we enact can be truly comprehensive unless it also addresses this deprivation of the civil rights of bi-national families. There is no rational reason to continue this discriminatory treatment. It is long past time that Congress did something about it.”

I for one have always feared that UAFA will take a back seat as a stand alone bill to Comprehensive Immigration Reform. while I understand and truly appreciate the Senator and Congressman’s plea for inclusion in CIR, I fear that this may derogate from the work that still needs to be done to sweeten UAFA  and pass it as a stand alone, this year.  My own comments, together with the very valuable input by Lavi Soloway, founder of Immigration Equality,  are noted in the posting’s comment section. I for one believe that if organizations such as Immigration equality worked directly with the Senator and Congressman, they could forward UAFA.  Instead IE has nailed their hat onto the Comprehensive Immigration reform hat stand.    This action could have served well to compliment out4immigrations letter writing campaign, but again we find our organizations’  inability to unite in strategy.

What I find most interesting is the Article’s heading – “PASS THE UNTING AMERICAN FAMILES ACT” and so I hold hope that Senator Leahy and Rep. Jerrold Nadler will continue to lead and motivate to acheive this ultimate goal.  I am still urging Immigration Equality to work on the underlying impediments to UAFA with Senator Leahy and Rep. Nadler. Please work on the Feinstein concern – the underlying contractual nexus issue – it is the ultimate key to passage and you have known this since 2007.

I am calling on all Gay and Lesbian and Bisexual and Transgender communties to appeal urgently to your representatives to help those who are suffering now.  Those who are about to leave their homes for countries abroad.  I have 25 cases on my list right now of people facing this huge challenge – who are set for exile in the coming months and it is plain wrong!  Some have aging parents, one has a heart ailment;  these Americans are being forced to leave the US to be with their loved ones at great cost.  Its a civil rights and a human rights abomination and American Law is the culprit.  It must change and I for one am intolerant of the fact that they are being asked to wait for Comprehensive Immigration reform when in fact they are the subject of discrimination and inequality that has nothing to do with Comprehensive immigration reform.     If you want to learn more about how to effectively advocate, contact www.Out4Immigration.org

Melanie Nathan, of Private Courts Inc.  An Advocacy and Conflict Resolution Firm. www.privatecourts.com and www.oblogdeeoblogda.wordpress.com  and www.divorcemediattors.com  nathan@privatecourts.com

Speaking of songs, on August 18th, Stereogum.com had an exclusive premiere of the Tiësto and Tegan & Sara collaboration track “Feel It In My Bones”. DJ Tiësto remixed “Back In Your Head” and was a major success in the clubs. Last June at the Bonnaroo Festival, Tegan & Sara joined Tiësto on stage during his set and sang vocals for the remix. I’m uncertain but maybe shortly after that performance there was talk of the artists collaborating on a song because, in a recent vlog, Tegan and Sara said that they wrote the song a year ago and have been dancing to it ever since.

I enjoy the song very much and I love how they’re exploring different genres; Feel It In My Bones is streaming at myspace.com/tiesto. It’s a dance feel good track that I’m sure will get played at clubs throughout the world. This song is featured on Kaleidoscope, the fourth studio album by Tiësto, along side with his other collaborations with artists such as Emily Haines, Calvin Harris and Nelly Furtado, to be released 10/6/2009.

Another important date is October 27, 2009; Tegan and Sara’s sixth studio album Sainthood is released. The album’s title is taken from a lyric from the song “Came So Far For Beauty” by Leonard Cohen. I’m really looking forward to this album because it’s the first time that Tegan & Sara co-wrote some songs together and I’m interested in the album’s new sound. “It’s a really great sounding record. The songs are so different and it’s obvious even to me that we have changed, grown and challenged ourselves a lot with this one.” – Per Tegan’s blog (teganandsara.com).

Earlier this week, Sara posted the album artwork & track listing on their website along with a couple of tour dates, Los Angeles, Oct 25 at The Orpheum Theater and New York, Oct 30 & 31 at Town Hall, in support of the new album. All shows are currently on sale through ticketmaster.com. It seems like these girls are just non-stop music making muses. Tegan & Sara truly are a dynamic duo.