U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer and Republican senatorial nominee Carly Fiorina delivered a spirited debate tonight at St, Mary’s, Moraga, Bay Area, California.  Fiorina clearly on the defensive unable to lift her leg high enough to the tree with big Boxer, who sparred like a heavy weight, while deflecting the occasional light weight banter from her opponent.

Topics ranged from this year’s hot-button issues of the economy and immigration to the always-debatable subjects of gay marriage and abortion.

Yet no incumbent bloodshed over the biggest issue – relief for California’s struggling economy. Rather a pointed dagger at the heart of Fiorina’s tenure at HP where Boxer noted that the 30,000 jobs shipped abroad by Fiorina reflected the size of an entire Foster City; and with a payoff to Fiorina of $100Million.

Irony of Irony – that very money now being used to fund this very campaign!

“Each did her best to portray her opponent as out of touch with Californians’ needs. Fiorina cast Boxer as a 28-year officeholder with an unabashedly liberal, failed record that has been “devastating for this state.” Boxer defended her record while casting Fiorina as a failed “Wall Street CEO” who got rich while laying off thousands of workers and shipping their jobs overseas before being fired by her board of directors.” (Mercury news tonight)

When asked whether the war in Iraq was worthwhile and what lessons should be applied to Afghanistan, Boxer noted she was among 23 senators who voted against the Iraq war, yet she later voted for funding to protect troops and veterans; she said she wants a clear exit strategy for Afghanistan. Fiorina disingenuously admonished Boxer’s votes as being against the interests of troops several times. Yet Fiorina forgets she continues to tout the rhetoric of the very administration that got us into the war as well as tacitly endorsed the war through her silent acceptance thereof.

Fiorina, who has aired a campaign ad likening Boxer’s concern over climate change as a national security issue to worrying about “the weather,” refused to say despite the moderator’s insistence for a ‘yes or no’ answer– either during the debate or at the spin news conference afterward — whether she will support Proposition 23, which would roll back California’s landmark greenhouse gas emissions law. When Fiorina said she had not yet taken a position. Boxer jumped at her saying that she could not understand how Fiorina failed to take a position at this time on so important an issue;  ”If you can’t take a stand on Proposition 23, I don’t know what you will take a stand on,”   noting that the measure would cripple California’s burgeoning clean-energy economy and give other nations the lead.

Boxer jabbed “My opponent is kind of used to creating jobs in China and other places,” noting Fiorina is supported by the same oil and coal interests backing Prop. 23, and “They are hoping that I don’t make it.”

Asked about the status of children of undocumented immigrants, Fiorina said she supports the DREAM Act — bipartisan legislation providing such youths a path to citizenship through college studies or military service — but opposes amnesty for illegal immigrants.

URGH no one ever asks about UAFA-The Uniting American Families Act – which could feasibly be introduced as a stand-alone bill together with the Dream Act.

Boxer insisted she has supported two bipartisan immigration bills in recent years, while Fiorina has called the battle for comprehensive reform “a distraction” from more important issues.

After the debate, Boxer said the two campaigns are working to schedule another faceoff.

Boxer wins on Knockout round 1.

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com

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Posted by Melanie Nathan; September 01, 2010

On MONDAY, October 4th, the NOH8 Campaign will set up studio at Texas University in Rudder Theater in College Station, TX opening up the opportunity to join the campaign to Texas area supporters!

…The photo shoot is scheduled to begin at 4 PM and end at 7 PM.

Anyone that would like to join the NOH8 Campaign is asked to wear a plain white shirt to match the look of the signature NOH8 photos.

Solo NOH8 photos will require a minimum donation of $40 per person while any group or couple photos will require a $25 donation per person in the photo.

Adam Bouska will be working around the clock to photograph 5-10 frames for each person that comes through. The final selection he chooses will be retouched and made available to you through the www.NOH8Campaign.com website!

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO?

ARRIVE BETWEEN 4 PM AND 7 PM @

Texas A&M University
Rudder Theater
200 Discovery Drive
College Station, TX 77845-7546

~ COME CAMERA READY ~

~ WEAR WHITE ~

~ POSE & MAKE A STATEMENT! ~

**The NOH8 Campaign will apply the NOH8 temporary tattoo to your face upon arrival, and we will also supply you with the silver duct tape for the photo.**

***Due to the generosity of Texas A&M we will be able to offer a $10 Discount to ALL solo photos for anyone who presents a Student ID. (ANY student ID not just A&M) So anyone who presents a student ID at check out will only be charged $30 for their solo***

Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com

Melanie Nathan,  September 01, 2010

Martina Navratilova was introduced at the opening ceremony at the U.S. Open in New York  Monday evening and received a rousing welcome inside Arthur Ashe Stadium at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens;

Stating  “In 1981, I came out as a gay woman,”  to strong applause. “That was not a good thing to do back then. There were a lot of doors that were shut in my face because of that, but you know what, I could still play tennis, no matter what.”

She was amongst other honorees who were being honored for their ability to dream and inspire people.

“In a brief speech, the Czech-born Navratilova credited tennis and a positive attitude with helping her field some of life’s “nasty curve balls,” including her upbringing in a Communist country and her health battle. The 53-year-old was diagnosed with noninvasive breast cancer this year and underwent surgery and six weeks of radiation, returning to the court in June to win the Wimbledon ladies’ invitation doubles.,” Reports The Advocate’s Julie Bolcer.

Her famous on-court rivalry with friend Chris Evert is the subject of a new ESPN documentary, Unmatched, which will premiere September 14.



Melanie Nathan; 8-30-2010

Sen. Kirstin Gilibrand had pledged to fight for the LGBT community and has often spoken quite loudly for LGBT equality.

However the frustration of the LGBT community cannot abate for what remain mere words. At A Fire Island event this past weekend,  a few donors strongly urged the Democratic party to do more on LGBT issues. According to Wayne Besen of Truth Wins Out “While largely supportive of the senator’s work, there was palpable frustration with the pace in Washington for repealing Don’t Ask/Don’t Tell and passing ENDA.”  http://www.truthwinsout.org/blog/2010/08/10833/

Andrew Tobias, treasurer for the democratic party, made the case for supporting democrats in the upcoming elections, warning of the dire consequences for LGBT equality if Republicans win the House, Senate or both.

“Still,”  fellow blogger Besen asserts “think how much easier it would be to persuade LGBT voters to show up if ENDA had been passed or DADT repealed? The case AGAINST the more radical elements of the GOP is an easy one. However, the case FOR the Democrats is much more difficult and complicated to make. The Democrats have controlled Washington for two years and while there has certainly been progress on LGBT issues, the big prizes — other than hate crimes legislation — have so far been elusive.”

While this may be the case, it is my contention that very little pressure has been placed on our members in Congress even when President Obama has begged us to hold feet to fire.

The problem in my opinion is the self-marginalization that our community has succumbed to in response to the Bush ‘wedge issue’ political environment, preceded by the lets sneak in through the back door approach that followed Stonewall.

What we have done is carved a thinking that piecemeal legislation will serve us in the first place.  To date, it clearly has failed us and until we set our own standards a lot higher it probably will continue to fail us.

ENDA is a misdirected absorption of resources that we can no longer afford.  It has taken us off the path of a composite Civil Rights movement that should be seeking full equality for LGBT people under one Omnibus/ Civil Rights Amendment Bill.

Besen adds: “Fear will send many Democratic voters to the polls in November. However, scaring people into voting against the bad guys and Mama Grizzlies in the other party is not a long-term strategy. The Democrats, particualrly on LGBT rights, have to sharply define who they are, what they stand for and then fight like hell for their beliefs.”

I agree with Wayne on this, however find that our own community, save for a few voices, such as that of Todd Fernandez, Melanie Nathan, CD Kirven, and a handful more have yet to define what we truly stand for, in terms of a unified benchmark. See – http://lezgetreal.com/2010/07/the-launch-of-hope-finally-grassroots-find-feet-the-american-equality-bill/

Do we stand for equal employment rights – well of course we do; do we stand for equal marriage rights- well of course we do; do we stand for a repeal of DADT, well of course we do. But what the hell are we doing fighting for each such right separately – we should be a one goal stop minority, – and our quest – One Hundred Percent Equality on every issue in respect of which our Constitution purportedly stands at the helm.

Plain and simple – we are a CIVIL RIGHTS Movement and we demand our FULL Civil Rights.  The ONLY way this can happen is via our inclusion (sexual orientation, et al,) in the Cvil Rights Statute.

While Wayne says that “prominent conservatives are speaking out in favor of marriage equality, the Dems have no more excuse to be timid. Whatever cover they felt they needed to be bold, they now have, thanks to Ken Mehlman, Ted Olson and even Glenn Beck.” I find little relevance with such assertion save to say marriage equality per se has served as nothing more than a red herring to detract form Civil Rights in general.

Marriage equality is a natural flowing concomitant of Full Civil Rights. We as a community have made the mistake of focusing only on Marriage, albeit a tremendously important fight and one that must continue.  We can only continue in its fight for as long as we detract from its religious significance and focus our advocacy talking points on “We Demand our Equal Civil Rights Now!”

So to Fund raising and support for democrats I say we ought not hold back our dollars; we must continue to fund our friends,  our only friends. When we can come out as a community with fully competent leadership at the helm of a ‘one stop’ movement, powerful enough to demand full equality and to hold our electeds accountable , maybe we will then found our true champions in Congress who will see less of the career risks and more of standing up for what is right.

Note: Written by Melanie Nathan, with Love and Respect for our Brothers at TWO  (Truth Wins Out)- thanks for encouraging the conversation and for your amazing work.

Melanie Nathan
Private Courts Inc.
Mediation, Human Rights, & Advocacy
nathan@privatecourts.com

http://lezgetreal.com/2010/07/the-launch-of-hope-finally-grassroots-find-feet-the-american-equality-bill/

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LezGetReal features two key LGBT events for the Month of September, the State of Balck Gay Summit and Out on The Hill:-

The 4th Annual STATE OF BLACK GAY AMERICA SUMMIT with SHARON LETTMAN Executive Director, National Black Justice Coalition giving  the Keynote speech. This one day event  will include panelists Rep. Simone Bell, APD LGBT Liaison Patricia Powell, Sandra Lawson, Maurice Jamal  as well as others. It  will be held on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 11am-3pm, Atlanta Marriott Buckhead Hotel, at the time when Atlanta enjoys a myriad of Pride events.

In October 2009, Sharon J. Lettman-Hicks became the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), a civil rights organization dedicated to empowering Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people.

Since 2003, NBJC has provided leadership at the intersection of mainstream civil rights groups and mainstream LGBT organizations, advocating for the unique challenges and needs of the African-American LGBT community that are often relegated to the sidelines.

NBJC envisions a world where all people are fully-empowered to participate safely, openly and honestly in family, faith and community, regardless of race, gender identity or sexual orientation. In concert with NBJC’s mission to eradicate racism and homophobia, her personal goals are to make the Black family the focal point of NBJC; to tell compelling stories about the Black LGBT community; and to see Black LGBT people understood, embraced and respected for their valuable contributions to society.

The National Black Justice Coalition’s First OUT on the Hill Black LGBT Leadership Summit.

September 15-18th in D.C.  – A gathering of the Black LGBT leadership during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 40th annual Legislative Conference.

OUT on the Hill convenes the nation’s top Black LGBT thought leaders, faith leaders, philanthropists and activists to participate in social action that empowers our communities while educating our Congressional leaders, the Obama Administration and federal agencies about our public policy concerns. We plan to come together annually to let the powers that be know that we exist, we are organized and informed, and we have the ability to move the masses towards an America that is more inclusive of Black LGBT people.

OUT on the Hill, September 15-18, features a Lobby Day, which serves as an opportunity for Black LGBT leaders to discuss important policy issues with their Members of Congress and Congressional Leadership; a White House Briefing, which will include presentations from key White House Officials and representatives from the Departments of Justice, Labor, and Health & Human Services.

http://www.nbjc.org/outonthehill/NBJC-OUT-on-the-Hill-package_2010.pdf

Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com

Neil Patrick Harris, Jane Lynch, , gay actors, actresses, writers, producers and directors have a multitude of nominations.  In the Supporting Actor in a Comedy category, half of the nominees are gay, and a fourth is nominated for playing gay.  The Advocate has done our homework in its countdown to the Emmys. ! A collective thanks in the coming out climate – mayby a few closet doors will open to reveal more..

Gay, Gay friendly, an industry comes to life- or should we say would never have been but for our brothers and sisters; as I fondly remember my own Hollywood days, with an ex- a film Editor who chose to stay quiet for fear of no jobs. The irony- the closet was shut tight not only to the hetero colleagues but queer to queer too! Ah those were the 80’s and this be the 2010’s-

Best Comedy Series

Glee and Modern Family seem to be running neck and neck for the win, according to most predictions, with Glee eking out a win. Other nominees are Nurse Jackie, Curb Your Enthusiasm, 30 Rock, and The Office.

Best Drama Series

Mad Men and True Blood are both gay favorites and both nominated, and while both are deserving, Mad Men is the critical favorite. Still, some are predicting Lost will take the prize over the other nominees, including The Good Wife, Dexter, and Breaking Bad.

Best Comedy Actor

Glee’s Matthew Morrison scored a surprise nomination, but most predictions are giving this prize to The Big Bang Theory’s Jim Parsons. Other nominees are Steve Carell for The Office, Alec Baldwin for 30 Rock, Tony Shalhoub for Monk, and Larry David for Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Best Comedy Actress

United States of Tara’s Toni Collette has won this prize before, but this year seems to be Edie Falco’s turn for the also gay-inclusive Nurse Jackie. Lea Michele of Glee will have to settle for a nod, as will Julia Louis-Dreyfus for the now-canceled New Adventures of Old Christine, Amy Poehler for Parks and Recreation, and Tina Fey for 30 Rock.

Best Supporting Actor Comedy

Packed with actors who are gay and actors who are playing gay, most predictions are handing this award to one of two nominees for Modern Family — Eric Stonestreet as deliciously over-the-top Cameron and Ty Burrell as his straitlaced brother-in-law. Glee’s Chris Colfer may be a dark horse. Other nominees are Jesse Tyler Ferguson for Modern Family, Neil Patrick Harris for How I Met Your Mother, and Jon Cryer for Two and a Half Men.

Best Supporting Comedy Actress

The best chance at a gay win goes to Jane Lynch as evil (if misunderstood) coach Sue Sylvester on Glee. Modern Family’s Julie Bowen and Sofia Vergara will give her a run for her money, but Lynch has a solid lead. Other nominees are Holland Taylor for Two and a Half Men, Jane Krakowski for 30 Rock, and Kristen Wiig for SNL.

Best Supporting Drama Actress

As bisexual private investigator Kalinda on The Good Wife, Archie Panjabi was undoubtedly the breakout star of this TV season. But she has some stiff competition from the Mad Men girls, Christina Hendricks and Elisabeth Moss. Other nominees are Christine Baranski for The Good Wife, Rose Byrne for Damages, and the dark horse, Queer as Folk’s Sharon Gless for Burn Notice.

by Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com

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Melanie Nathan; August 28 2010 -

If there is a claim to ownership of  the civil rights movement can we please stake our claim?  Today is the anniversary of the ‘I have a Dream Speech’ -Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Lincoln memorial and it will always be  remembered! Nothing can change what it was about or who it was for and yet in many ways all of us own it.

It belongs to America and American history.

However some say its been hijacked and others say its their domain… “They want to disgrace this day this is our day and we will not give it to them.” Says Sharpton of Beck! and We want to reclaim honor in America says Beck as he trespasses the turf on this day – impeaching the way!

No one group’s struggle can be measured against that of another; yet according to Glenn Beck it can and he is the victim!  Now that slavery is done the “I have a Dream” moment belongs to King Beck?  Or is it Beck the Messiah claiming the Jesus domain?

You may have noticed that LezGetReal has barely given – if any – time to Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck and their Rewriting History Rally.   But now we must, in sharp contrast, give credence to Rev.  Al Sharpton and the crowd of diverse thousands who may seem to have stood in counter to Beck who may have stood in counter to Sharpton – ok – it can be confusing. But if you are queer it ought not be. It ought to be damn clear!

In truth there is only ONE Civil Rights movement – the only one that can ever be – and it must remain all inclusive and as Sharpton noted – it belongs to no ONE group but to everyone.  It belongs to America and it is an ongoing quest – for as long as there is any one group that is the subject of  flagrant discrimination via legislation.

DOMA (The Defense of marriage Act) is the perfect example of  legislated discrimination – as is the Don’t Ask Don’t tell Policy (DADT)

This week I watched Keith Olberman on the subject of Beck and also delighted in 2 Comedy Central pieces, by Jon Steward and Steven Colbert, respectively, on the topic of some omni-power-messianic idea orchestrated by Beck – that he is going to fill the shoes of “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the place of the I have a Dream Speech” and take back a rotten sordid America!  Back from whom – for whom?

Well allow us to inform  Mr. Glenn Beck – the only group without civil rights in this Country are us the Gay Lesbian (LGBTQI) people in the USA.

The rest who acquired such rights under the 1964 Civil Rights Act are now Beck’s victims -  not the other way around as Beck tacitly imposes on the people he incites to hate – to  perpetuate the racism that the Civil Rights Act did not cure – the hate that remains in the hearts of those who listen to  beck, et al!

Beck is no victim- he just cannot not fit that mold.

Now the only overt leadership in this country that recognizes the LGBT plight as a civil rights issue and has had the courage to make the statement – is the African American leadership.  Rev. Al Sharpton said today on CNN that   LGBT equality is a civil rights issue. Julian Bond has stated the point in many speeches including in the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing for UAFA.

Now while we know racism is at an all time high in this Country, all this “we have a DREAM ownership claims” – is a slap in the face to all good Americans who see it in its totality – in its historic context and as a vortex for unity and the  future of equality for all.

The only dream yet to be attained in this country, (besides the de facto riddance of racism and hate,)   in so far as the LAW (de Jure)  is concerned, is the dream as dreamed by same-sex and LGBT populace; LGBT people and their families,  - to marry, to sponsor for immigration, to adopt, to serve, to work, to be included  and protected fully under the federal  law of the USA – ultimately an amendment to the Civil Rights Act, of 1964 that includes Sexual Orientation and Gender identity.

Thanks for your support to the American Equality Bill – and the Amendment of  the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include Sexual orientation and Gender Identity. The Omnibus for all LGBT Equality legislation.

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@provatecourts.com
@oblogdeeoblogda

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“Lets have kids  dear!”

Posted by Melanie Nathan

Choosing Children

08.26.10

A letter from Kate Kendell:-

Twenty-five years ago, I was 25 years old and just starting law school at the University of Utah. I was parenting my daughter Emily, who was 4 years old with her mom, and my former partner, Lori. While it was uncommon for LGBT friends in our circle to be planning for parenthood, it did not occur to Lori or me that we were at the forefront of what would be termed the “gayby boom.”

Lori had been a single parent raising the then 1-year-old Emily when we met. We were just living our lives unaware of a sea-change that was just beginning when it came to issues of parenting and our community. While we were living that life, Academy Award-winning filmmaker Deborah “Chas” Chasnoff and her then life and work partner, Kim Klausner, were in the midst of writing, producing, and directing their groundbreaking film documenting this burgeoning movement. Choosing Children captured on celluloid the choice a growing number of lesbians and gay men were making, a choice that seemed both counter-intuitive and revolutionary: to become parents.

Up until this generation, most LGBT folks were parents because they had been in earlier heterosexual marriages or relationships and then divorced and come out, or vice-versa. In doing so many of them faced hostility from family and former spouses and countless numbers lost or gave up any hope for custody of their children.

Beginning in the early 1980s, a new kind of parenting began emerging. Led by lesbians, often in biological partnership with gay men, women began choosing to have children as lesbian-identified parents. Now, 25 short years later, the groundbreaking idea that lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, and transgender folks can also be parents seems, well, not so groundbreaking. In fact, it is now so commonplace that doing so is viewed by some in our community as assimilationist and pedestrian. Gotta love the march of progress.

But of course, what the fight for the right to be both LGBT and a parent is really about is the right to live a fulfilled and authentic life according to what gives joy and satisfaction to each of us. And in 1985 becoming a parent often meant rejection from both one’s family of origin and one’s chosen family in the lesbian or gay community. It also meant maintaining a pretense of heterosexuality or absolute legal vulnerability because almost every state prohibited openly lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people from adopting, and few if any states provided any parental protections. It was a time of very little community or institutional support for you as a parent or for your child as the son or daughter of a queer parent.

Emily will be 30 next year. She is smart, lovely, creative, open-hearted, and generous. I can hardly believe I have a daughter who is near 30 years old. But then I also can hardly believe the progress we have made in the short time my oldest has been alive. Seeing Choosing Children again was inspiring for many reasons but most of all, it made me really stop and appreciate how far we have come and how much we owe those who blazed this trail uncertain of the terrain ahead of them. Filmmakers Chas and Kim, the parents featured in the film, our own founder Donna Hitchens—who provided legal expertise and commentary—did not intend to be pioneers, but they were, and we are all much better off because of the choices they made.

So please join us for the upcoming Choosing Children 25th Anniversary Screening and Reception, a film that is now a crucial and transformative story of our movement. Our evening together promises to be a celebration of how far we have come and a promise to not end our quest until every family is valued and safe.

Sincerely,

Kate Kendell

Choosing Children 25th Anniversary Screening and Reception

Groundbreaking Film Exploring the First Generation of LGBT Parents Celebrates 25th Anniversary

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Melanie Nathan; 8-25-2010 -

Tonight there is a“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) – Reception & Panel Discussion at the LGBT Center in New York – Location at the LGBT Community Center of NYC, Room 301, 208 West 13th Street, New York, NY- presenting the first New York appearances by Katie Miller (now Yale ‘12) and Jonathan Hopkins (West Point ‘01),  Both  recently discharged , due to DADT.

Knights Out – LGBT West Point Alumni and Allies

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Film Showing and Reception Set for Sept. 14, 2010

SAN FRANCISCO-  Twenty-five years after its premier, the groundbreaking documentary “Choosing Children”—the first film to explore and chronicle the journey taken by lesbians and gay men to become parents after they came out—will return to the silver screen at the Herbst Theater on Sept. 14 to celebrate its 25^th anniversary.

The landmark film, produced by two Bay Area filmmakers, Academy Award winner Debra Chasnoff and Kim Klausner, was released in 1985, introducing viewers to the first generation of lesbians and gay men who chose to become parents after coming out, and contributed to an expanded definition of family that has since opened the doors for millions of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people to become parents. “Before the early 1980s, it was just assumed that if you came out, you gave up the chance and the right to be a parent,” says Chasnoff. “But a small number of brave lesbians and gay men began to challenge that belief. With “Choosing Children” we wanted to share their stories with the world and inspire others that they, too, could redefine family for themselves.”

Chasnoff and Klausner conducted a nationwide search for lesbian-headed families that were navigating what was then a very new legal, political, and social terrain. Ultimately, they found six families who reflected some of the racial and ethnic diversity of our vibrant communities, and who had “chosen children” in different ways. Their stories provide an intimate look at the challenges and joys faced by this early generation of lesbian and gay parents in their quests to build their families—stories that are still fascinating and relevant today.

“Without the pioneering generation that we were able to capture in “Choosing Children,” none of us would have the rights or opportunities for creating families that we have today,” Klausner says. “It is almost beyond comprehension how much the political and social landscape has changed since we made the film.”

The film poignantly captures some of the important history that has contributed to today’s LGBT family rights victories, including the recent Proposition 8 decision by Judge Vaughn Walker here in California. It is partly why so many community groups are cosponsoring this evening celebration for LGBT families, our allies, prospective parents and others.

One of the arenas where the most significant advances have been made is the legal system.

“The legal advances we have made for our families are nothing short of breathtaking,” says National Center for Lesbian Rights Executive Director Kate Kendell. “These gains are largely due to this early generation of lesbians and gay parents, who charted a previously unseen path in order to become parents and raise children, becoming role models for LGBT people everywhere.”

Many Bay Area organizations are joining together for this community-wide screening and celebration to mark the 25th anniversary of Choosing Children, celebrate all the wonderful children LGBT people are now parenting, and raise funds to permanently preserve this historical gem on DVD. The restored 35 mm film print, courtesy of the OUTFEST Legacy Project and the UCLA Film Archive, was a huge hit at last summer’s Los Angeles Lesbian and Gay Film Festival.

If you’ve never seen Choosing Children, here’s your chance to soak up a delightful piece of our cultural history. If you are planning on having children, you will be inspired by the courageous pioneers in the film who figured out how to bring kids into their lives, co-parent with a same-sex partner, and handle concerns from relatives and schools. If you saw the film “back in the day,” this will be a trip down memory lane (including a rarely heard song by Holly Near) and a special moment to marvel at how much progress we’ve made.

The 25^th Anniversary Screening and Reception includes a viewing, and remarks by Chasnoff, Klausner, and the Honorable Donna Hitchens, founder of the National Center for Lesbian Rights who is featured in the film, and dessert reception The event is presented by the National Center for Lesbian Rights, Groundspark, COLAGE, Frameline, Equality California, Our Family Coalition, and PFLAG to celebrate the advances our movement has made in family law and society, and to raise funds to permanently preserve this historical film on DVD.

TICKET and EVENT INFORMATION

“Choosing Children” 25^th Anniversary Screening and Reception

What: “Choosing Children” 25^th anniversary celebration to raise funds to permanently preserve this historical film on DVD
When: 6:30 p.m. on September 14, 2010 (Program begins at 7 p.m.)
Where: Herbst Theater, 401 Van Ness, San Francisco, CA
Cost: $25 (regular admission); $10 (student admission)

Learn more and order tickets

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com

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Melanie Nathan; 8-18-10

Almost 50 at the time, back in In 2007 tennis great Martina Navratilova signed with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) as the group’s Health & Fitness ambassador.  Navratilova continues in this capacity, where she makes appearances at AARP events and offers online tips for AARP members on things like diet and fitness for the senior (that word?) crowd.

Navratilova, has won 59 grand slam tennis titles (the last one six weeks shy of her 50th birthday). Martina has been named “Tour Player of the Year” by the Women’s Tennis Association, “Female Athlete of the Year” by the Associated Press, and one of the “Top 40 Athletes of All Time” by Sports Illustrated.

“Because I’m in my 50s, I’m very concerned about flexibility. I know how much it helps me recover from tough matches or workouts and prepare for exercise the next day. And there are other benefits, too. Staying flexible can help you prevent injury, as well as avoid muscle knots and tightness brought on by daily activities. It improves your posture, reduces stress, and generally keeps your body feeling youthful and agile.” asserts Martina on site in one of many articles available to non members as well.

Here is a Video from the AARP website showcasing an example of the health and fitness advice offered
by the now over fifty ambassador.

http://www.aarp.org/health/fitness/info-08-2010/martina_stretching.html

Navratilova will be at the AARP Orlando@50+ in Orlando, FL: September 30 – October 2, which thousands of AARP members and their friends are expected to attend

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com

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On August 21, 2010, Fifty Master Level Swimmers will plunge into the Great South Bay to swim from Sayville to Fire Island Pines,   to raise funds to benefit the Stonewall Community Foundation, a philanthropic organization supporting the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

Those sponsoring the swimmers and friends from all walks of life will be on hand to cheer them on as they make their way through the 5 K open water route, and to congratulate them as they emerge at the Swim’s endpoint in The Pines in the 2^nd Annual Stonewall Swim.

“The inspiration for many of us lies in combining our passion for swimming and sport with our desire to benefit a group like Stonewall that provides grants to so many LGBT community organizations,” said Bradley Matthews, a Stonewall Swim participant and donor.

Last year, the Stonewall Swim raised $100,000 for the Foundation’s vital work.  This year, the swimmers and organizers hope to double their fundraising effort.

“The Stonewall Community Foundation is  committed first and foremost to building community and giving all who care about strengthening the LGBT community a chance to contribute to that goal,” said Paula Ettelbrick, Stonewall’s Executive Director.

The Swim will start at 9:00 am, with the first swimmers reaching The Pines around noon.

About the Stonewall Community Foundation

Since inception in 1990, the Foundation has awarded more than $15 million in grants to more than 400 organizations.

Stonewall Community Foundation develops leadership in the NYC LGBTQ community and works with like-minded donors to fund and incubate emerging organizations serving an evolving set of issues.  The Foundation’s Stonewall Institute formally trains organizations and key individuals on mission critical skills for running and growing their organizations and offers programs to inspire community members to personal and financial commitments to organizations.  Our Stonewall Quarter Share engages and develops the largest young donor group training them on community needs and helping them learn about grantmaking and leadership development and Stonewall Out in Front will annually develop 40 next generation board leaders for the movement.

The following individuals are available for interviews about The Stonewall Community Foundation, Stonewall Swim 2010 and the LGBTQ community.

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This Blogger is Fuming With the White House – accusing Bloggers of being too critical

Last week,  The Equality Federation met with the White House Staff on LGBT Issues.  It appears the White House is consoling our community with:

1.  DADT “probably later” (employment for 15,000, out of 30 million of us).
2.  ENDA is too hard.
0.  UAFA didn’t even come up it appears.

Here at Lez Get Real, I have been talking about CIVIL RIGHTS for a year now. Its not even in the White House Lexicon – not to mention the current puny shove off we have now received; yet another slap across the face!  Inadvertently Mr. president you Staff have made the case for an Civil Rights Amendment.  That is the only way to FULL equality.

Todd Fernandez, who has joined me to plead for our community to take Equality to the next and imperative level of a  demand for our Civil Rights through an Omnibus Amendment to the Civil Rights Act, and he asserts “our Equal CIVIL RIGHTS is a missing dream – somehow overlooked by a mixed-race President and our entire movement!!!???”

According to reports of the meeting, one Administration official said: “When you are frustrated, you should speak out and hold our feet to the fire.”

Well yes Sir; and then to have the gall to criticize the gay bloggers who are doing just that – yours truly included!

When Brian Bond, Deputy Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement and liaison to the LGBT community, took questions from the audience, he expressed frustration at the often intense criticism levied, particularly by bloggers, against an administration that is “99 percent supportive of your issues.

As far as I am concerned we have only just began Mr. Bond.

This Gay Blogger says: – Quite frankly I do not see the support of our issues. Where is the action?  They can support our issues for the next 10 years – Hooray! That’s it? Thank you and no thanks.

I say the White House has  just dug its grave with the Gay community. We will now accept nothing less than our FULL CIVIL RIGHTS. This Blogger is willing to go to word –war with the  White House – CIVIL RIGHTS are our demands!

Gay and Lesbian Bloggers have a right to be angry – we will get the crowds shouting!We are doing as you say – Holding your feet to the fire!  Show us the burn or it will get hotter!

To  hell with ENDA -DADT and DOMA  your dangling carrots for what?  For stand alone bills – legislation -  To Hell with business as usual – piecemeal is over!  .   This is a call for the Big Guns -  No more flailing piecemeal for them to throw back at us with now -then never then- maybe’s!!! I am sick of my rights being your TOY Mr. President! You have a duty to uphold the Constitution and you are failing us plain and simple.

We need to have you all call the White House and tell them NOW about the American Equality Bill. They do not even know this grassroots piece of legislation is in existence.

This Lesbian Blogger is ANGRY!

Please PRINT AND MAIL, or FAX (WH FAX: 202-456-2461) this flyer:

http://bit.ly/PleaseFileAEBmailer

To:

BRIAN BOND
Deputy Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement and Liaison to the LGBT Community
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

For free on-line fax: faxzero.com, or rapidfax.com (both can be done online without a landline phone).

If you want to complain directly about this pathetic agenda for our equality call:

BRIAN BOND: 202-456-1414. WH switchboard will put you to his voice mail.

They won’t know what the American Equality Bill is yet – but they’ll figure it out.

They don’t seem to know what Civil Rights are either.

Let’s remind them.

The American Equality Bill Project  (ACT ON PRINCIPLES)

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
@oblogdeeoblogda
Senior Political Editor
Lezgetreal

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MELANIE NATHAN
nathan@privatecourts.com

Gabrielle Lindau is a photographer turned writer, director and producer. Her first short film, “These Showers Can Talk” is set to premier this Thursday in NYC. The film is a comedy about the world of lesbian dating and stereotypes. Lesbian singer and rumored Danielle Staub girlfriend, Lori Michaels stars in the film. To hear about the film in Lindau’s own words, watch the interview below:

To find out more about “These Showers,” check out http://theseshowerscantalk.com/  or become a fan on Facebook

To read a transcription of the interview, download the June issue of www.GAY-e-magazine.com

08/10/2010- by Natasia Langfelder

Sex and the City star Sarah Jessica Parker and Bravo VP and on air personality, Andy Cohen will be hosting the Empire State Pride Agenda’s Fall Dinner this year. The Fall Dinner is a fundraiser for the LGBT civil rights organization. Funds that are desperately needed in order to push for LGBT rights in New York, most importantly at the moment, marriage equality. This year, the dinner is being held on October 14th. Last year the event was a huge success and was completely sold out.

The Fall Dinner promises to be a star-studded event. If you would like to attend and mix and mingle with the always gracious Ms. Parker or tell Andy Cohen that we need a lesbian housewife on his popular Housewives Franchise, click HERE

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08/10/2010- Natasia Langfelder

LGBT activist group, Queer Rising, is protesting against homophobic Bronx Senator Reuben Diaz at a fundraiser for him on Thursday. If any of you turned on NY1 this morning, you will learn that Diaz call a reporter who asks him a question he doesn’t like a “homo.” Nice guy, please note that happened after this protest was announced. That is not why Queer Rising is protesting against Diaz, read why in the press release issued by the group below:

Queer Rising is outraged by New York State Senate Majority Leader John
Sampson’s decision to hold a fundraiser for anti-LGBTQ Senator Ruben
Diaz of the Bronx on Thursday, August 12th. Senator Diaz led the
Democratic revolt against Marriage Equality in the Senate last
December, and he is a key target of a unified LGBTQ effort.  In
response, Queer Rising invites all to join us at “The Sampson & Diaz
Bigot Gala” paparazzi protest.  “Queer Rising is in the business of
holding people accountable for their anti-LGBTQ actions, attendees of
this function are supporting a bigot and need to be exposed.” Natasha
Dillon, a founding member of Queer Rising.
 
 
 
Date: Thursday, August 12th
 
Time: 6 pm
 
Location: Maestro’s Caterers: 1703 Bronxdale Avenue, Bronx, NY  10462
 
 
 
Unite with us in the name of full LGBTQ Equality by becoming a
paparazzo. It’s time to give these haters their photo-op and to shame
them for their despicable anti-LGBTQ actions and voting history. Bring
a camera, a sign and be prepared to show Senators Sampson, Diaz and
all attendees that bigotry is never to be supported.
 
 
Formed in Winter of 2009, Queer Rising’s mission is to demand queer
rights through nonviolent direct action.  www.queerrising.org

If you are in NYC, be sure to check it out!

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Senator Barbara Boxer’s campaign  sent out a request in light of the Prop 8 decision.

“On Wednesday, in a long-awaited and historic decision, Judge Vaughn Walker struck down Proposition 8, ruling that the Constitution protected the fundamental right of marriage for all couples in California.”

When Judge Walker’s ruling was announced, Barbara Boxer declared:

“This historic decision is a step forward in the march toward equal rights and reflects a growing legal consensus that marriage equality is protected by the U.S. Constitution.”

Boxer’s campaign asserts “there is so much more work to do to ensure equality and supports a petition to let the Senator know where you stand in this important fight  Online petition — to show Barbara and everyone fighting for marriage equality that you’re standing with them! ”

While positive reactions to Wednesday’s ruling have come from across the political spectrum,  Senator Feinstein called the decision “an enormous victory.” Attorney General Jerry Brown called it “great news for California!” Governor Schwarzenegger supported Judge Walker’s ruling too and has filed asking the Court to order the immediate commencement of marriages for all in California.

But not  Senator Boxer’s opponent, Carly Fiorina. She opposes marriage equality and said she disagreed with the judge’s ruling.

“It’s time to show Fiorina and our opponents where you stand,”  says the campaign in a letter to supporters.

This Petition may well serve as a fundraising tool, however it is indeed a reality that Senator Boxer has been one of the LGBT communities strongest supporters throughout her time in the Senate, never once wavering on her support of our issues.

In prior articles where I have written to ask our community to Support Senator Boxer, I have received negative feedback suggesting that the LGBT community hold the Senator and all Democrats accountable for failure  to take  stronger leadership roles to ensure passage of LGBT legislation such as repeal of DADT and DOMA and the enactment of ENDA  and UAFA, before offering any more funding contributions.

Although I understand this frustration and also feel let down by the political plays, I must say this is one case where a ’shoot ourselves in the toe’ mentality will be tantamount to a shot in the brain!  If Fiorina is elected and we have failed to provide LGBT support to Senator Boxer, we will be, by omission, albeit tacit,  allowing Fiorina to get away with (if you will) her  PRO PROP 8 stance.

I would rather hold  Fiorina accountable for being anti-gay than have  Senator Boxer pay the price for the an LGBT-tardy Democrat Congress.

But we do want to see a fight.

It is my hope that the Senator can offer an even stronger leadership role on  LGBT legislation in the coming months of her term and of course thereafter, including making  leadership calls on the repeal of DOMA and faster passage for UAFA as a possible stand alone Bill.

The Respect for Marriage Act, introduced by Congressman Nadler ought to be a priority especially in the face of the recent Proposition 8 decision.  DOMA’s demise should not have to wait for the rest of the path to SCOTUS.

We are urging Senator Boxer to look at our grass root drafted Omnibus – The American Equality Bill as a mean to true Equality.

by Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
@oblogdeeoblogda
Face Book: facebook.com/melanie.nathan1

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The group announced in a statement today that Coulter would make an appearance at its first annual convention for gay conservatives, Homocon 2010, is scheduled to take place September 25 in The Big Apple.

Coulter, an often controversial figure, has in the past used anti-gay slurs when she called Democratic presidential candidates Al Gore and John Edwards gay and once suggested former President Bill Clinton is also gay.

“The gay left has done their best to take all the fun out of politics, with their endless list of boycotts and protests. Homocon is going to be our annual effort to counter the ‘no fun police’ on the left,” said Christopher Barron, Chairman of the Board of GOProud. “I can’t think of any conservative more fun to headline our inaugural party then the self-professed ‘right-wing Judy Garland’ – Ann Coulter.”

“I can promise you, Homocon 2010 will be a hell of a lot more fun than chaining yourself to the White House fence,” added Barron.

GayPatriot » GOProud Announces Ann Coulter to Headline Homocon 2010 in New York City.

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Rufus concerts are always star-studded events, as celebrities rank among the out and proud singers many fans, so prices are pretty steep and the concerts tend to sell out. Kylie Minogue has also been stepping up her visibility among her LGBT fans, appearing on Logo multiple times and singing with the Scissor Sisters.

If you want to go and have a lot of extra cash, I recommend you get your tickets ASAP. Tickets range from $150 to $1000; the latter price including access to a backstage meet-and-greet with the artists after the show! For tickets, please visit The Watermill Center website, call the Byrd Hoffman Watermill Foundation at 212.253.7484 ext 18, or email benefit@watermillcenter.org.

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08/05/2010- by Natasia Langfelder

Hey New Yorkers- what are you doing tonight? Joe.My.God. blogger Jeremy Hooper and blogger Pam Spaulding of Pam’s House Blend are hosting a fundraiser tonight for NY State Senator Kristen Gillibrand. Gillibrand has been a fierce LGBT ally in the fight for equality. She stands head and shoulders above any other politician on the National scene, in terms of fighting for what she believes in. She is one tough lady. Want to attend the fundraiser? Here are the deets:

  If you are in NYC tonight please consider joining me, Jeremy Hooper, and Pam Spaulding at Therapy in Hell’s Kitchen as we co-host a special netroots fundraiser for U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. The event runs 6pm-9pm with a $20 donation. Facebook event page here. And please join Out For Kirsten’s Facebook page. Openly gay NY state Assemblyman Daniel O’Donnell will attend as well. We hope to see you there!

Read more at: http://joemygod.blogspot.com/2010/08/tonight-jmg-sponsored-lgbt-fundraiser.html

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A Landmark Victory for Justice and Our Families

Reposted by Melanie Nathan from NCLR Website – 08.04.10

Well, it’s official, Prop. 8 is history. Hopefully, for good. Today U.S. District Court Judge Vaughn R. Walker ruled that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional and violates the United States Constitution’s guarantees of due process and equal protection of the laws.

Given the roller coaster we have all been through with marriage in California and Prop 8, it is hard to put in words what this victory means. It is surely among the most personal and profound wins for our community. Judge Walker’s ruling eviscerates the baseless and empty arguments of our opponents. Walker found that there was simply no credible, rational, believable, or persuasive reason to take the right to marry away from same-sex couples. Our opponents had a team of very fine lawyers, and at the end of the trial, the evidence they presented in support of Prop 8 made abundantly clear that other than discomfort or hostility, there is no justifiable basis for excluding us from the same right to marry that’s enjoyed by every other couple in this country. This groundbreaking decision upholds the rights of liberty and equality that are enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, and affirms that the law cannot treat people differently based on who they love and that a majority cannot strip a minority group of its fundamental freedoms at the ballot box. But more than that, the ruling elevates the central reason same-sex couples wish to marry, because we are in love with a person special to us and with whom we want to share our lives, just like everyone else. So at its most basic, today’s victory is about humanity, dignity, and love. It is hard to accept that there is such fierce opposition to that.

But there clearly is, and while we should savor today’s victory, this is just another step in our journey to full justice and dignity for our lives and our choices—including the freedom to choose whether and whom to marry. We must continue to reach out and have conversations about our families and our lives with our friends, our loved ones, our allies. By sharing our stories, we win the hearts and minds of others who may not share our views, and create a world where all families are valued and respected as fully equal.

We need to show the federal courts that America is ready for LGBT people to marry. Everyone has a part to play in making that happen. Get involved in your own community. Engage your friends, co-workers, and family in conversations about what full equality means to you and your family. Contact your statewide LGBT groups to find out what you can do to advance marriage equality where you live. This is a victory we must preserve and keep. But you can wait until tomorrow to do that. For today, just be grateful, proud, and happy.

Sincerely,

Kate Kendell

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08/04/2010- by Natasia Langfelder

NYC Council Speaker and out lesbian Christine Quinn addressed the landmark Prop 8 decision in California. Quinn celebrates the victory while reminding us that there is still more work to do, especially in New York.  

“Today’s decision by the California District Court marks a historic day in the fight for LGBT equality. I am elated by the courage and wisdom demonstrated by District Judge Vaughn R. Walker in his decision to strike down Proposition 8, a law that unfairly targeted and harmed families across California.
 
“I would like to extend my sincerest appreciation and thanks to David Boies and Ted Olson, who joined together in the common belief that same sex couples should be able to have access to civil marriage and those rights and responsibilities that go with it.
 
“This is not just a win for same sex couples in California; it’s a victory for all of those who believe in full equality for all Americans.
 
“I hope that members of our State Senate see this decision and decide to do the right thing for same-sex couples in New York.”

Quinn will attend the rally tonight at 60 Centre Street, the NYC Supreme Court Building.

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Posted by Melanie Nathan- 08-04-2010

List of Today’s Rally’s -

CALIFORNIA BIG CITIES

LOS ANGELES: 6 p.m. | West Hollywood Park | 647 N. San Vicente (There also is a gathering on Olvera St at 8 p.m.)

SAN DIEGO: March: 6 p.m. @ 6th & University | Rally: 7 p.m. @ LGBT Community Center | 3909 Centre St

SAN FRANCISCO: 5 p.m. | Castro & Market | March to City Hall | Rally: 6:45 p.m.

SACRAMENTO: 6 p.m. | Party | K & 21st | In the unlikely event Judge Walker rules against teh gay, there will be a march to the Capitol

SAN JOSE: 6 p.m. | Billy DeFrank Center

LONG BEACH: 6 p.m. | Bixby Park | Junipero & Cherry @ Broadway

CALIFORNIA

BAKERSFIELD: 5 p.m | Stockdale Hwy & Village Lane

CONCORD: 6 p.m. | Todos Santos Plaza

FRESNO: 7:30 p.m. | City Hall

INLAND EMPIRE (Rancho Cucamonga): 6 p.m. | Day Creek Blvd & Foothill Blvd

MARTINEZ: 6 p.m. | County Clerk | 822 Main St

MOUNTAIN VIEW: 6 p.m. | Caltrain Station & City Hall

NAPA: 6 p.m. | Veterans Memorial Park

ORANGE COUNTY (Santa Ana): 7 p.m. | Sasscer Park | 4th & Ross

PALM SPRINGS: 7 p.m. | Courthouse | 3255 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way

PITTSBURG: 7 p.m. | Community Presbyterian Church

PORTERVILLE: 5 p.m. | Henderson & Port

RICHMOND: 6 p.m. | City Hall

SAN LUIS OBISPO: 5:30 p.m. | Mission Plaza Amphitheater

SAN MATEO: 6 p.m. | 5th & El Camino Real

SANTA BARBARA: 7 p.m. | 632 Santa Barbara St

SANTA CRUZ: 5:30 p.m. | Diversity Center

SANTA ROSA: 7:30 p.m. | City Hall

UKIAH: 6 p.m. | Alex Thomas Plaza | 295 S. State St

VALLEJO: 5:30 p.m. | Ferry Terminal | Mare Island Way & Georgia St

WALNUT CREEK: 6 p.m. | City Hall

OTHER STATES

ANCHORAGE: 5:30 p.m. | City Hall

ATLANTA: 6 p.m. | 10th & Piedmont

AUSTIN: 5:30 p.m. | City Hall

BOSTON: 6 p.m. | Copley Square @ Copley T stop on Boylston St

BOULDER: 6:30 p.m. | Pride House

CHAMPAIGN-URBANA: 7 p.m. | Green & Wright

CHICAGO: 6 p.m. | Daley Plaza

CLEVELAND: 5 p.m. | Bounce/Union Station

DALLAS: 6 p.m. | Legacy of Love Monument | Cedar Springs Road & Oak Lawn

DENVER: 6 p.m. | Capitol | Lincoln between Colfax & 14th

EUREKA SPRINGS: 6:30 p.m. | 19 1/2 Spring St

HOUSTON: 6 p.m. | City Hall

MADISON: 5 p.m. | Johnson & State

NEW YORK CITY: 7 p.m. | New York City Supreme Court | 60 Centre St

PHOENIX: 5:30 p.m. | Cesar Chavez Plaza @ City Hall | March @ 6 p.m. to federal courthouse

PROVIDENCE (RI): 6:30 p.m. | federal courthouse | 1 Exchange St

ROCHESTER (NY): 5 p.m. | Liberty Pole Plaza

SALT LAKE CITY: 8 p.m. | Capitol

SAN ANTONIO: 6:30 p.m. | City Hall

TULSA: 7 p.m. | 621 E 4th St

WASHINGTON, DC: 6 p.m. | Bravo Bravo Restaurant | 1001 Connecticut Ave NW | In the unlikely event Judge Walker rules against teh gay, there reportedly will be a march to the White House

Send info and links to this disposable e-mail address rexsbc-prop8@yahoo.com. The address will die in 3.75 hours.

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Ronnie and Elior

One Sabbath earlier this year, a small group of young gay and lesbian Israelis all from Tel Aviv came to Marin County where I live, to my Synagogue, to pray. Two barely years older than my own, stood up to speak to our large congregation, concluding with many a tear in response to the harrowing account of that bloody day.

The Tel Aviv LGBT Center was a safe place for LGBT youth, their refuge, their playground; their home away from home – and perhaps for some, the only place that felt like home. One of our speakers spoke of being kicked out by his parents for being gay; while the other spoke of the acceptance by his father, a Rabbi. Some parents believed their sons and daughters were safe, in the celebration of their sexuality and never thought to worry that hate could come from within.

Yet on that day one year ago, friends and counselors lay bleeding on the floor, dead and maimed all because of the hate of one man, probably fuelled by others through whatever form of provocation, perhaps religious fervor of the extremist or perhaps confounding insanity; we do not know until the shooter is caught. However what we do know is that an attack on a LGBT Center is an attack on LGBT love.  It was a crime of rage ignited by hate.

Today 3,000 people joined a memorial march marking one year since the mayhem at a gay youth club in Tel Aviv. The marchers left Tel Aviv’s Rothschild Avenue and made their way to Meir Park carrying torches and banners reading “Homophobia is equal to racism.”

Israel is not unused to violence from its enemies and people are probably more prepared than we anywhere in the world to deal with shocking realities when they occur; however when I interviewed the teens who had been there that day, they said nothing could have prepared them for what they saw.

“The murder shows the contemptuous attitude toward the gay community,” Ayala Katz, mother of Nir who was murdered in the attack. “With all the emotions and sadness and yearning for Nir, I also have enormous optimism that we will be able to talk to all. Only dialogue will bring us all, Israeli society, to a different place.”

Noa Raz, activist and counselor, who accompanied the teens to the USA that visit, went to the aid of the wounded and dying as did Elior Chen and Ronnie Klein, (pictured) who both ran down to the Center after hearing about the shooting, saying they will never be able to forget what they saw and felt;  the overwhelming breach of the bounds of their special safe space and how their own faith has stood at the helm of their passion to continue to be openly gay and lesbian regardless of religious extremists.

Elior comes from an orthodox background and Noa, deeply religious and fervently determined to prayer with her “Tiffilin” (daily practice usually reserved for men only) asserting her equality as a female Jew. Elior, Ronnie and Noa have recently entered into marriages with their respective partners.

While the organizers of the march called for donations to assist those left disabled after the hateful attack, the heart wrenching memorial was marred by the knowledge that the Israeli Government has failed to provide support for the victims of the deadly day, especially those injured and maimed, as they do not recognize this tragedy as ‘hate crimes.’

This caused a stir at the memorial itself when people heckled the Education Minister, who was the only government official present and speaking in support of LGBT education.

Israel is one of the few countries that has marriage equality under its civil law. Yet MK Nitzan Horowitz (Meretz) asserts “The fact that those injured in the attack are not recognized in Israel of 2010 as hate crime victims, and are not supported by the State, is proof of the inadequacy of Israeli society,” to Ynet on Saturday.

by Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com

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Melanie Nathan 8-01-10-

Jerusalem The Israeli LGBT community stood up to counter protesters and threats of Donkey parades as they took to the the streets of Jerusalem moving respectfully through the Holy City. Judaism is generally a tolerant and accepting religion. However right wing and politically motivated Jews in Israel, find opportunity to counter such protests, citing religion.

The Israeli Knesset is well able to distinguish between Torah and Civil law and is one of the few Countries that legally accept Gay and Lesbian couples, with full equality under the law.

In the meantime Orthodox rabbis in the US have come forward and resolved in a written declaration  (Lez Get Real Article) to support inclusion of LGBT Jews in the religious context, noting that acceptance is the way of the Torah and that love for some one of the same sex can indeed be separated from any ACTS that the Torah may hold unlawful.

Hebrew to English translation of chants at Parade :

“LGBT Rights Now” and “All of us will march for our Rights, together without fear!”

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Melanie Nathan 7-28-10;  Statement of principles issued by rabbis and educators = Torah  calls for acceptance, reports the Israeli news H’aaretz.

Dozens of Orthodox rabbis and educators have signed what they call a “statement of principles” regarding the acceptance of gays and lesbians within the Orthodox community.

The Reform Jewish Movement does not view the religious Laws as referenced below in the same strict sense as the Orthodox Rabbis and hence are unlikely to share the precise viewpoint as expressed in the Statement below. Its is most important for me as a Jewish lesbian, raised in the Orthodox tradition and now practicing according to the Reform tradition to note that with my depth of understanding of the Jewish religion and tradition, I am overwhelmed with joy with much of the conclusions reached in this statement. I am proud of these Rabbis who have have had the courage to come forward and make these statements. (For those who cannot understanding how meaningful this is,  a good analogy would be the US Catholic Bishops coming out with a statement similar to this.

The statement, initially drafted by Rabbi Nathaniel Helfgot, was prepared over the last months:-

Statement of Principles on the Place of Jews with a Homosexual Orientation in Our Community

We, the undersigned Orthodox rabbis, rashei yeshiva, ramim, Jewish educators and communal leaders affirm the following principles with regard to the place of Jews with a homosexual orientation in our community:

1. All human beings are created in the image of God and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect (kevod haberiyot). Every Jew is obligated to fulfill the entire range of mitzvot between person and person in relation to persons who are homosexual or have feelings of same sex attraction. Embarrassing, harassing or demeaning someone with a homosexual orientation or same-sex attraction is a violation of Torah prohibitions that embody the deepest values of Judaism.

2. The question of whether sexual orientation is primarily genetic, or rather environmentally generated, is irrelevant to our obligation to treat human beings with same-sex attractions and orientations with dignity and respect.

3. Halakhah (meaning Jewish Law from Torah)  sees heterosexual marriage as the ideal model and sole legitimate outlet for human sexual expression. The sensitivity and understanding we properly express for human beings with other sexual orientations does not diminish our commitment to that principle.

4. Halakhic Judaism views all male and female same-sex sexual interactions as prohibited. The question of whether sexual orientation is primarily genetic, or rather environmentally generated, is irrelevant to this prohibition. While halakha categorizes various homosexual acts with different degrees of severity and opprobrium, including toeivah, this does not in any way imply that lesser acts are permitted.  But it is critical to emphasize that halakha only prohibits homosexual acts; it does not prohibit orientation or feelings of same-sex attraction, and nothing in the Torah devalues the human beings who struggle with them. (We do not here address the issue of hirhurei aveirah, a halakhic category that goes beyond mere feelings and applies to all forms of sexuality and requires precise halakhic definition.)

5. Whatever the origin or cause of homosexual orientation, many individuals believe that for most people this orientation cannot be changed. Others believe that for most people it is a matter of free will. Similarly, while some mental health professionals and rabbis in the community strongly believe in the efficacy of “change therapies”, most of the mental health community, many rabbis, and most people with a homosexual orientation feel that some of these therapies are either ineffective or potentially damaging psychologically for many patients.

We affirm the religious right of those with a homosexual orientation to reject
therapeutic approaches they reasonably see as useless or dangerous.

6. Jews with a homosexual orientation who live in the Orthodox community confront serious emotional, communal and psychological challenges that cause them and their families great pain and suffering. For example, homosexual orientation may greatly increase the risk of suicide among teenagers in our community. Rabbis and communities need to be sensitive and empathetic to that reality. Rabbis and mental health professionals must provide responsible and ethical assistance to congregants and clients dealing with those human challenges.

7. Jews struggling to live their lives in accordance with halakhic values need and deserve our support. Accordingly, we believe that the decision as to whether to be open about one’s sexual orientation should be left to such individuals, who should consider their own needs and those of the community. We are opposed on ethical and moral grounds to both the “outing” of individuals who want to remain private and to coercing those who desire to be open about their orientation to keep it hidden.

8. Accordingly, Jews with homosexual orientations or same sex-attractions should be welcomed as full members of the synagogue and school community. As appropriate with regard to gender and lineage, they should participate and count ritually, be eligible for ritual synagogue honors, and generally be treated in the same fashion and under the same halakhic and hashkafic framework as any other member of the synagogue they join. Conversely, they must accept and fulfill all the responsibilities of such membership, including those generated by communal norms or broad Jewish principles that go beyond formal halakhah.

We do not here address what synagogues should do about accepting members
who are openly practicing homosexuals and/or living with a same-sex partner.
Each synagogue together with its rabbi must establish its own standard with
regard to membership for open violators of halakha.
Those standards should be applied fairly and objectively.

9. Halakha articulates very exacting criteria and standards of eligibility for particular religious offices, such as officially appointed cantor during the year or baal tefillah on the High Holidays. Among the most important of those criteria is that the entire congregation must be fully comfortable with having that person serve as its representative. This legitimately prevents even the most admirable individuals, who are otherwise perfectly fit halakhically, from serving in those roles. It is the responsibility of the lay and rabbinic leadership in each individual community to determine eligibility for those offices in line with those principles, the importance of maintaining communal harmony, and the unique context of its community culture.

10. Jews with a homosexual orientation or same sex attraction, even if they engage in same sex interactions, should be encouraged to fulfill mitzvot to the best of their ability. All Jews are challenged to fulfill mitzvot to the best of their ability, and the attitude of “all or nothing” was not the traditional approach adopted by the majority of halakhic thinkers and poskim throughout the ages.

11. Halakhic Judaism cannot give its blessing and imprimatur to Jewish religious
same-sex commitment ceremonies and weddings, and halakhic values proscribe individuals and communities from encouraging practices that grant religious legitimacy to gay marriage and couple-hood. But communities should display sensitivity, acceptance and full embrace of the adopted or biological children of homosexually active Jews in the synagogue and school setting, and we encourage parents and family of homosexually partnered Jews to make every effort to maintain harmonious family relations and connections.

12. Jews who have an exclusively homosexual orientation should, under most circumstances, not be encouraged to marry someone of the other gender, as
this can lead to great tragedy, unrequited love, shame, dishonesty and ruined
lives. They should be directed to contribute to Jewish and general society in
other meaningful ways. Any such person who is planning to marry someone of
the opposite gender is halakhically (legally)  and ethically required to fully inform their
potential spouse of their sexual orientation.

We hope and pray that by sharing these thoughts we will help the Orthodox community to fully live out its commitment to the principles and values of  Torah and Halakha as practiced and cherished by the children of Abraham, who our sages teach us are recognized by the qualities of being rahamanim (merciful), bayshanim (modest), and gomelei hasadim
engaging in acts of loving-kindness).

(as of 7/26/10)
Rabbi Yosef Adler  Rabbi Howard Alpert Rabbi Joshua Amaru Rabbi Elisha Anscelovits Rabbi Hayyim Angel, Rabbi Marc Angel, Rabbi Maurice Appelbaum, Mrs. Nechama Goldman Barash
Rabbi Avi Baumol, Rabbi Benjamin Berger, Rabbi Dr. Shalom Berger, Rabbi Dr. Joshua Berman
Rabbi Scot Berman, Rabbi Todd Berman, Rabbi Yonah Berman, Rabbi Kenneth Birnbaum
Dr. David Bernstein, Rabbi David Bigman,Rabbi Yitzchak Blau, Rabbi Nasanayl Braun,Dr. Erica Brown, Rabbi Yuval Cherlow, Rabbi Dr. Michael Chernick,Dr. Aubie Diamond, Ms. Yael Diamond, Rabbi Mark Dratch, Rabbi Ira Ebbin, Rabbi Rafi Eis,Mrs. Atara Eis,Mrs. Elana Sober Elzufon Rabbi Yitzhak Etshalom Rabbi Dr. Shaul (Seth) Farber Ms. Rachel Feingold Rabbi Yoel Finkelman Rabbi Elli Fischer Rabbi Mordy Friedman Rabbi Jeffrey Fox Rabbi Aaron Frank
Rabbi Aharon Frazier Rabbi Avidan Freedman Rabbi Barry Gelman Rabbi Shmuel Goldin
Ms. Anne Gordon Rabbi Mark Gottlieb Rabbi Uri Goldstein Rabbi Benjamin Greenberg Mrs. Sharon Weiss-Greenberg Rabbi Zvi Grumet Rabbi Dr. Charles Grysman Mrs. Lori Grysman
Rabbi Alan Haber Dr. Aviad Hacohen Rabbi Tully Harcsztark Rabbi Benjamin Hecht Rabbi Nathaniel Helfgot Rabbi Jason Herman Rabbi Shmuel Herzfeld Rabbi Josh Hess Rabbi Fred Hyman Rabbi Eytan Kadden Dr. Daniel Kahn Rabbi Moshe Kahn Rabbi Yosef Kanefsky Rabbi Elliot Kaplowitz Rabbi Jay Kellman Rabbi Aryeh KlapperDr. Yosef Kleiner Mrs. Judy Klitsner Rabbi Shmuel Klitsner Rabbi Jeff KobrinDr. Aaron Koller Rabbi Barry Kornblau Dr. Meesh Hammer Kossoy Rabbi Binny Krauss Mrs. Esther Krauss Rabbi Dr. Benny Lau Rabbi Aaron Leibowitz Rabbi Zvi Leshem Rabbi Daniel Levitt Rabbi Norman Linzer Rabbi Dr. Martin Lockshin Rabbi Dr. Haskel Lookstein Rabbi Asher Lopatin Ms. Adina Lubar Rabbi Chaim Marder Rabbi Joshua MaroofRabbi Dr. Adam Mintz Rabbi Jonathan Morgenstern
Rabbi Dr. Yaacov Nagen (Genack) Mrs. C.B. Neugroschl Rabbi Itiel Oron Rabbi Ephraim Osgood Rabbi Yossi Pollak Ms. Ellisa Prince Dr. Caroline Pyser Rabbi Daniel Reifman
Rabbi Shlomo Riskin Rabbi Avi Robinson Rabbi Chaim Sacknovitz Rabbi Noam Shapiro
Rabbi Yehuda Seif Rabbi Murray Schaum Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger Rabbi Adam Schier
Ms. Lisa Schlaff Rabbi Yehuda Septimus Dr. Shai Secunda Dr. Moshe (Simon)Shoshan Rabbi Yair Silverman Rabbi Sydney Slivko Rabbi Jeremy Stavitsky Rabbi Adam Starr Rabbi Chaim Strauchler Rabbi Yehuda Sussman Dr. Harvey Taub Dr. Mark Teplitsky Rabbi Joel Tessler
Rabbi Mordechai Torczyner Rabbi Jacob Traub Rabbi Zach Truboff Mrs. Dara Unterberg
Rabbi Michael Unterberg Rabbi Dr. Avie Walfish Dr. Dina Weiner Rabbi Ezra Weiner
Ms. Sara Weinerman Rabbi Ari Weiss Rabbi David Wolkenfeld Rabbi Elie Weinstock Rabbi Neil Winkler Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz Rabbi Alan Yuter Rabbi Josh Yuter Dr. Yael Ziegler Rabbi Dr. Stuart Zweite

And while Jewish law cannot “give its blessing and imprimatur to Jewish religious same-sex commitment ceremonies and weddings,” their communities should “display sensitivity, acceptance and full embrace of the adopted or biological children of homosexually active Jews in the synagogue and school setting,” the statement said.

Fortunately many of us gay and lesbian Jews have been married by our Reform Rabbis under the Chupah and we have beautiful ketubahs (religious contract)  to prove it.

By Melanie Nathan © Photo 2, and 3.
nathan@privatecourts.com

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Sunil Pant who is his Nepal’s foremost gay rights advocate, says he hopes 3,000 lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people will join the event, to be held in the capital Kathmandu next month.

The date coincides with a traditional Nepalese festival called Gaijatra in which men dress as women.

Gaijatra is one of Nepal’s most popular holidays and it has become a favorite of the country’s international LGBT tourist as well.

“The occasion of Gaijatra has been chosen as it is the centuries-old Hindu festival when Nepali men dress up in women’s attire,” said Panta, adding, “We will make the event international this time.”

The country only decriminalized homosexuality in 2007, but due to efforts by Pant is also now considering a same-sex marriage law.

Earlier this year, Nepalese tourism officials announced that they hoped to attract one million tourists a year, and are setting there sights on the LGBT travel market, discussing the prospect of holding gay weddings at the base of Everest and giving gay couples the chance to enjoy their honeymoons with tours on elephant-back.

“Nepal has made so much progress on gay issues in the last few years, and we hope to spread hope and inspire others.”

Age-Old Nepalese Festival To Welcome Gay Pride Parade | AHN.

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Nelson Mandela Bay - Port Elizabeth

Melanie Nathan – 7-27-2010.  Port Elizabeth, a small magnificent seaside resort in the Eastern Cape (Ciskei) Area of South Africa,  has celebrated its long overdue gay and lesbian film festival. The ‘Port Elizabeth Gay and Lesbian Film Festival’ saw visitors come from different parts of South Africa to see the selection of lesbian, transgender and gay films that were carefully selected reports ” Frank Malaba from http://www.rnw.nl/africa/article/port-elizabeth-celebrates-gay-and-lesbian-rights

“We wanted to pick films that would appeal to the broader lesbian, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender’ (LGBT) community. One of the films of interest to the audiences might be a lesbian film called ‘I can’t think straight’ set in the Middle East. It will be a great film because South Africa is a multicultural society and this film explores the elements of diversity”, said a spokesperson for the event.

Apparently transport to the event has caused attendance problems as is often the problem for any event held far from the target audience, in this case the local surrounding townships , now perceived as suburbs, but once considered the nucleus for The Group Areas Act, which separated people of different racial classifications.  However such an event may attract unwanted violence if actually held in a township where gays and lesbians tend to be ostracized through cultural beliefs.

Port Elizabeth is a beautiful seaside resort town, renowned for its surf and pure sandy coastline.  It serves as a stop along the famous “Blue Train” Garden Route to Cape Town.  Having lived there for 13 years of my childhood I remember the “Windy City,” with much fondness, as well as the suffering of the township people.

It is truly sad to me that the people once victimized by the Afrikaner apartheid government now victimizes a minority, – who happen to have a sexual orientation that goes against the cultural Xhosa grain.

While I believe the festival may open eyes serve the community on an educational level, I would hope that the chosen will speak to these differences. That in fact they would inform those with misgivings about LGBT people and rights.

People who happened to walk past the venue did seem to be interested, although the entrance was free or by donation, most of them were too shy to walk through the doors, says the Malaba. An undertone of uneasiness reigned in the local area.  I would suggest, that they were fearful rather than simply shy.

South Africa has taken bold steps in the recognition of gay rights, becoming the only country in Africa to legalize gay marriage in 2006, and to include sexual orientation in its Bill of Rights.  However, very little has been done to enforce hate crimes against lesbians who have been the subject of endemic rape attacks coined there as “corrective rape occurring most often in the Townships.”

The PE GLFF is a much needed tool in the education about gay and lesbian rights in Port Elizabeth and hats off to them for making this bold statement, whichever way it turns out.

“Jolly Good Show- as we would have said way back when!”

Port Elizabeth was named Algoa Bay, when the 1822 British Settlers landed and formed a Colony.  The Area is now referred to as Nelson Mandela Bay – as this is the area where Madiba Mandela, a Xhosa, was from.

Note: Picture depicts the Beach known at a time when it was “whites only”

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
@oblogdeeoblogda
See us on FaceBook

From a pale hotel room in Cambodia, they tell their story.  From a low-rent apartment in San Diego, they tell their story.  From a couch in East Berlin, they tell their story.  It turns out that they aren’t so average after all. They are gay, yes, but unlike most couples, their life together is threatened because they are from two different countries. Tony is American and Thomas is German. As a gay couple, they are excluded from immigration rights in the US. And in this exclusionary law, their story begins.

They met and fell in love in 1993.  After a year and a half traveling through Africa and the Middle East together, their lives were joined.  Permanent.  Committed.  Both in their early twenties, they couldn’t imagine that equal rights for American gay men and lesbian women would be too long in coming.  So, they started stringing together temporary solutions to their immigration problem.

First, a student visa.  Thomas gave up his career in banking in Germany, and settled into a new life as a Community College student in San Diego.  To stretch out his time on the visa, he took class, after class, after class.  Seven long semesters, making a round-about path to an AA.  He was proud to graduate as Valedictorian when he finished his Associate’s Degree.  But that meant his time was up.

In the meantime, they have tried every possible avenue to allow Thomas to stay in the US legally.  They formed a gay and lesbian political organization to fight for rights for bi-national couples.  They tried to find a sponsor for a work visa for Thomas.  They entered Thomas in the Green Card lottery every single year. Sitting in their tiny apartment in San Diego in 2002, Tony and Thomas tell us about all of these failed efforts.

One thing they don’t tell us about is when, out of desperation, they considered a fraudulent marriage to a woman.  It is Laurelle, their long-time friend, who tells us about this.  She shares her willingness to marry Thomas, her devotion to her dear friends, to do anything to keep them in the country.  But the risks are great.  More daunting than facing prison, deportation, and enormous fines, if Thomas married Laurelle, they would all three have to live a lie.  Briefly, for a fleeting few weeks, these risks seemed like they might be worth it.  In the end, it is Tony who says no.

So, Tony and Thomas embark on their next strategy for staying together: moving to Germany.  But before they go, they have to say goodbye to their life in California.   Tony’s mom Freda and step-dad Ken are heartbroken.  But brave. We meet them in their living room and they tell us their story.  They too are a bi-national couple.

Torn from their family in California and battling to come home, they can only wait outside its borders, hoping for equal rights to be granted.  Now, at age 40, they live their lives as nomads, perpetually traveling the world.  They have little left but the road.  And an angry kind of hope. Follow their 16-year journey of immigration struggle and exclusion.

A Film chronicles this horrendous inequity and the journey of this couple; Directed by Prof. Lisa M Nunn, PhD Director/Producer of “Excluded” Professor of Sociology, University of San Diego. In a comment to lez Get real Professor Nunn said, “I am glad to hear that you think the movie might be a useful tool for education and advocacy.  Please do keep in touch. I know how much it means to Tony and Thomas to hear from people who truly understand their difficult situation.  Thanks for your encouraging words. ”

Watch the movie online for free at:  www.excludedthemovie.com
and follow Tony and Thomas on their travel blog as they roam the world:  www.contemporarynomad.com/blog

Per Melanie:

PLEASE Ask Congress and Obama to support UAFA  (The Uniting American Families Act) as a stand alone BILL in this small window of opportunity.  It is time to show why RELYING on being included in CIR is tenuous to say the least. There is plenty of evidence at this TIME to prove this…. Also please how about a special VISA -? See my Petition and SIGN. (Change.org – Melanie Nathan Special Bi-national Visa Petition)

By, Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com

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07/26/2010- by Natasia Langfelder

Staten Island is a hotbed of controversy right now. There have been several bias attacks in the troubled NYC borough against both gay men and latinos. In the midst of this, there is some good news. Teri Russo, an LGBT civil rights activist, is being honored with the Athena award from the Coalition of Staten Island Women’s Association. The award is being given to Teri for her generosity of service and courage in pursuing equality within the community.
A native Staten Islander, Teri Russo was the first lesbian to serve as the Grand Marshall Staten Island Gay Pride Parade. She attended the first Lambda gay dance in Staten Island in January 1982. That dance has been heralded as the start of an organized gay community on Staten Island. She has served as Vice President of Lambda Associates of Staten Island and Dignity of Staten Island back in the 1980’s.

Teri is also the founder of the Downs Syndrome Foundation, Inc. and established the Down Syndrome Learning Center featuring a very aggressive and progressive approach to educating infants and children with Down Syndrome. She was the first out lesbian to adopt children in the state, Teri adopted four sons with Down Syndrome. Teri is still active at 70, and is currently establishing Teri’s House, a live in resident for children and young adults.

Fun Facts about Teri: She is also a former Nun and former Navy Nurse.

Everyone of all shapes, sizes, genders, colors and orientations are invited to celebrate with Teri. The cost is $50.00 a person, if you want to attend contact Jim Smith at Uncleunique@aol.com [Source]

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Two of The Young Israeli Youth Impacted by Last Years Attack

Melanie Nathan – 7-27-2010 - A march will be held Saturday night in Tel Aviv  (July 31^st) to mark the one-year anniversary of a shooting attack in a Tel Aviv gay youth center that left two dead and 13 injured.

The march will start at the corner of Rothschild and Nahmani streets (near the youth center ) and end at Gan Meir, where a rally will be held with the families of the victims, Nir Katz 26, and Liz Trobishi, 16, the injured and members and counselors of the gay youth center.

Reposted from Haretz (Noah Kasharek)  - Ayala Katz, the mother of Nir Katz, who was a counselor at the center, and chairwoman of Tehila, a support group of parents of members of the gay and transgender community, will speak at the rally.

Next month a delegation of youth injured in the shooting will join Tel Aviv municipality officials and possibly Israeli police officials in Berlin to meet with representatives of Maneo, a group that provides support for gay and bisexual men who have been victims of violence, members of the Berlin police, German members of parliament and officials in the Berlin municipality.

The visit is sponsored by Maneo and is taking place in cooperation with the Tel Aviv municipality’s gay center.

Adir Steiner, Tel Aviv municipality’s coordinator of activities for the gay community, says the purpose of the trip is to learn the Berlin model for preventing and dealing with anti-gay violence.

The Berlin model has been adopted by other European cities, like Barcelona, Steiner told Haaretz. It is based on cooperation between Maneo and the authorities, particularly the police, which has two liaison officers to the gay community to deal with homophobic crimes, he said.

Steiner said if the model is adopted in Israel, Hoshen, a group working to change stereotypes about homosexuality and bisexuality and that trains professionals in matters pertaining to the LGBT community, would take the role of Maneo.

“Perhaps if we had started the project a few years ago, we would have documented manifestations of homophobia by the killer, who has not yet been caught, in cooperation with the police, and we might have identified him before the murder. Homophobia, like all hatred, begins small,” Steiner said.

The chief of the Berlin police has reportedly invited Israeli police officers to take part in the delegation, particularly the Tel Aviv district youth officer. The Israel Police said they have not yet received an official invitation.

Next Weekend I will Post my Exclusive Interview with the two Youth Above – to Honor the Victims of the Attack.   Please revisit LGR for this.  B’Shalom… Melanie Nathan

NOTE The Shooter has not been found by Israeli Authorities.

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7/24/10-by Paula Brooks
The North Georgia Rainbow Coalition as announced plans to host Cobb County’s and Marietta, Georgia’s first ever, gay pride event this weekend and officials in that city are hoping it helps to undue Marietta’s homophobic reputation.

During the run up to the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Marietta lost a chance to host an Olympic volleyball event after then Cobb County Commissioner Gordon Wysong proposed a resolution rejecting homosexuality or anything that did not support what he called a family values lifestyle. During that controversy, Olympic organizers also made sure the Olympic torch bypassed Cobb County on it 15,000-mile, 84-day journey to Atlanta.

Marietta City Councilman Johnny Sinclair said the event shows the city and county have come “a long way” in accepting the gay community.

“Marietta and Cobb County have really come a long way in accepting others. America itself is a diverse place, where people of different sizes, shapes, backgrounds and colors can be friends and live in the same community and work together to make it better, and I think thats great,” Sinclair said.

The Marietta Rainbow Festival will begin at noon with an all-ages educational event at the old El Mariachi Nightclub at the Nazareth Plaza Shopping Center, 585 Franklin Road.

The festival will conclude at the other end of the plaza with an 18-and-older party at LeBuzz bar, said Johnathon Murphy, event organizer and owner of LeBuzz.

Murphy, a resident of Kennesaw, is also the president and chairman of the North Georgia Rainbow Coalition, the nonprofit organization that is managing the event. Murphy said the NGRC was formed in June during National Gay Pride month, and its mission is to educate the public on gay rights and issues. The NGRC began with 10 members, but has now grown to more than 40 volunteers, Murphy said.

via The Marietta Daily Journal – Marietta set to host gay pride festival.

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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Not only, is this deplorable for its timing by injecting hate and intolerance into a personal tragedy, but it also brings to light the unending vitriol raised against Trans people in our society.  Since the ruling in 1999 the decision in Littleton v. Prange  has been used to deny Trans people their rights on many fronts – not just in marriage.  The family of Mr Araguz have shown insensitivity and greed in their attacks on a valid marriage.

TENT calls on the ENTIRE LGBT community to step forward and help.  Executive Director, Lisa Scheps said, “The queer community as a whole needs to step up and fight hard alongside Nikki and her supporters to see some real change in this country… Change for the better.  I urge everyone to reach into their heart and help both in the legal defense as well as the financial and emotional support that Nikki needs right now.”   Ms Araguz needs support as her assets have been frozen and the Transgender Center in Houston (http://www.tgctr.org) has stepped up to fill that need.  Please help them with a donation by sending a check to:

Transgender Foundation of America
604 Pacific
Houston, TX 77006

Make checks payable to Transgender Foundation of America.  Please make sure to note that the payment is for the TG Center Nikki Araguz Fund.
Credit card contributions can be made using the following link:
www.tiny.cc/nikkisfund

Phyllis Randolph Frye as been retained as council and is donating much of her firms resources to this fight.  This is very likely to be a landmark case for the Transgender community and may find its way to the United States Supreme Court.  Contributions are needed to keep the support going.  Please visit Frye and Associates for more information about how you can help.

“Anyone But Me” is a popular LGBT youth oriented webseries. The series has won numerous awards for it’s portrayal of New York City lesbian teen Vivian McMillian (Rachel Hip-Flores) and her struggle with her sexuality and navigating the already tricky high school social scene. The series has received accolades not only for their portrayal of LGBT teens and straight allies, but also for their complex exploration of racial dynamics in high school. Despite the heavy subject matter, the series is also at times humorous and always engaging. The good news? They are hosting a webathon!

The Web-A-Thon will run in a three part series airing July 27th through 29th online at 4:00 PM EST. It will be hosted by entertainment reporter Lisa Bernhard, the Thon will feature guest appearances by your favorite ABM actors. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to The Ali Forney Center, the largest agency dedicated to providing housing and services to homeless LGBT youth in NYC. The rest will go to support the show and keep it in production. This series promotes acceptance of LGBT youth in a medium that is appealing to teens across the country. Given the recent controversy where teen Constance McMillen was kept from attending her school prom because she was a lesbian, this series is really more important than ever.

Haven’t watched it yet? What are you waiting for! Check out www.anyonebutmeseries.com and don’t forget to tune in next week!

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Posted by Melanie Nathan 7-21-10

Stoney Mae Productions. Cheryl and Javonne Release of Equality and Song of love “Always talk about getting married….and now I am hoping and praying you will marry me.”

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Melanie Nathan  – July 19, 2010

Growing up in the orthodox Jewish Tradition meant the sefer  Torah, in all its sacredness, could only be carried and read directly from  by Men, barring participation by women.

This served as part of the relegation of women from any possibility or position in prayer and ritual  and impacted their inability to be ordained as Rabbis.

Well with the accomplishment, contributions to society and evolution of reform and re-constructionist Jewish movements, often viewed as “nonreligious”  for openness of policy and ordination of female Rabbis, the ideal amongst many congregations around the world,  has become to afford women equality in prayer and hence an opportunity to carry, read from and have all and any honors equated with the use of the Torah.

So a daunting quest would indeed be one where women could carry and read Torah at the most sacred of all place, the KOTEL, (Western Wall, Wailing Wall to some.)

In Jerusalem Israel,   the group Women of the Wall led by its chairwoman attempted to hold a procession in the Western Wall Plaza carrying a Torah scroll, a move which police say  contravenes a 2003 High Court ruling prohibiting women from reading from the Torah in the plaza’s public area in the interest of public safety; and so Anat Hofman  was held for questioning for several hours yesterday after holding a prayer session at the Western Wall in Jerusalem’s Old City.

While Jerusalem police questioned Hoffman for four hours, dozens of members of her organization rallied outside the station to protest her arrest. Hoffman was ultimately released after paying 5, 000 Sheckels in bail and agreeing to stay away from the Western Wall Plaza for 30 days.

Rabbi Steven Wernick, executive vice president of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, said, “My understanding of the law is that it doesn’t mention anything about carrying a sefer Torah [Torah scroll]. It mentions reading Torah in public [on the women's side] and it mentions wearing a tallit, but not carrying a sefer Torah.

“I am just in shock that on Rosh Hodesh Av, of all days, nine days before Tisha B’Av, that any Jew would be arrested for carrying a sefer Torah anywhere in the Jewish State,” he said. “I think that at the time that our enemies are working to delegitimate the Jewish state, the message of the Israeli establishment is the illegitimization of the liberal streams of Judaism.”

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Melanie Nathan 7-18-10

The celebrations for Madiba’s 90th birthday have already started. This year-long occasion culminates on today’s Birth date and has included events ranging from exhibitions, dialogues, book launches, 46664 concerts and the Sixth Annual Nelson Mandela Lecture.

The focus is on ‘a celebration of ideas’ and while there will be shows and musical events; aimed assisting  ongoing work in social justice started by Madiba in the perpetuation of his ideals of freedom, non-racism and gender equality.

Nelson Mandela addresses ANC rally to celebrate his 90th birthday

President of the African National Congress, Comrade Jacob Zuma
President of the Republic of South Africa, Comrade Thabo Mbeki
Leadership of the ANC and of Government
Members, Comrades, Compatriots, Friends

I thank the ANC for organising this rally to celebrate our 90th birthday.

I would be nothing without the ANC. The struggle had been my life and the ANC led that struggle.

I thank the ANC for having given meaning to my 90 years on this planet, in this country we all love so dearly.

And I ask you today: do not celebrate an individual. Celebrate the achievements and reaffirm the values of a great organisation, one that has led for almost a hundred years.

Celebrate and reaffirm the principle of collective leadership and inclusiveness. Let no individual, section, faction or group ever regard itself as greater than the organisation and the common good of all our people.

Celebrate the promotion of unity – within the organisation, amongst our allies, in the nation at large and amongst all our people. Our nation comes from a history of deep division and strife; let us never through our deeds or words take our people back down that road.

Celebrate our tradition of open debate, criticism, discussion and respect for democracy. We fought hard and sacrificed much for this democracy. Protect, defend, consolidate and advance democracy – within the organisation and in national life. Let us give the lead in demonstrating our respect for the institutions of our democracy – both in our actions and words.

Celebrate and reaffirm our fundamental commitment to creating a better life for all, particularly the poor and marginalised.  Poverty and deprivation in our midst demean all of us. Let us mobilise in one great co-operative national effort the enormous energy of our society in order to overcome and eliminate poverty. We came together as a nation to end the scourge of apartheid. Today we are challenged to end poverty and all its attendant suffering.

Celebrate the nobility of our ideals of creating a non-racial and non-sexist society. Let us redouble our efforts to fully realise the ideal of a democratic state and society that secures to all their birthright without distinction of colour, race, sex or belief. Let us live that non-racialism and non-sexism in our every day, deed and word.

You are the inheritors of a great organisation, one that has led for almost a century. It is now in your hands to uphold the best and the noblest of that history.

Now – as much as ever in our history – we require disciplined leaders and members with respect for their organisation, who care equally for all South Africans and for all people who live within our borders. Let there be peace and friendship.

I wish you well. I thank you once more.

Nkosi Sikilel’ iAfrika.

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With thanks to Miss New York Claire Buffie!

Guess what – you can be a beauty Queen and you can be Pro-LGBT rights. Yes You Can!  Move over anti-  Carrie Prejean is OUT , and the newest Miss New York, Claire Buffie is IN,  (well lezzies you may prefer it the other way around or ? Oh whatever! )

This is the first Miss America contestant, ever, to use LGBT rights as her contestant platform.

Her platform is “Straight for Equality: Let’s Talk”

Ms. Buffie tells The Advocate “that it’s really important to promote equality for all people, ‘all’ being the main word. As a straight ally, I think it’s so necessary to have that straight allies’ support for the LGBT community.”

Bringing equality to such a high profile platform is a courageous indictment of the hostility many straight people feel toward gay people, reminiscent of the Earlier Civil Rights Movement of the 60’s.  Twenty -50 years from now, if you are not carrying a banner “Straights for LGBT Right” you and your children will be ashamed.   If my Parents would not have carried their Pro Black Civil Rights Banner – today I would be ashamed.

So – That Said Thank you from Lez Get Real  and the pits of discriminatory hell to Claire Buffie – AND if you need any education as to what our movement in fact needs- have your peeps call us (Nathan@privatecourts.com) and we will tell you all about the new  GAY CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT  – The American Equality Bill and Uniting Amrican Families Act.  It is not about gay marriage it is about Absolute and unequivocal  Equality.

Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com

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Posted by Melanie Nathan  7-17-10

Tens of thousands of people are expected to take part in a landmark European gay rights rally in Poland’s capital Warsaw, the first time the annual EuroPride parade is being held in Central and Eastern Europe, according to a BBC report.

Several counter-demonstrations have been scheduled to coincide with the parade in the city as the event has caused much controversy in  Roman Catholic Poland.

Warsaw’s authorities have also received a petition with more than 50,000 signatures from anti-gay groups demanding the event be cancelled. The EuroPride parade’s organisers say they expect a minimum of 20,000 people from across Europe to take part in what should be a noisy and colourful event.

Gays and lesbians cannot be open about their sexuality and most do not come out. Perhaps the intended PRIDE event will bring more out in the brave endeavor of showing face regardless of being ostracized and abused.

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Melanie Nathan 7-16-10

UAFA Supportive Resolution On  Wilton Manors Council Agenda for Agenda for July 27 – 2010

The City of Wilton Manors is approximately two square miles in area and is located in Broward County, Florida, just north of downtown Fort Lauderdale.  Wilton Manors is often referred to as the “Island City” because its boundaries primarily follow the North and South Forks of the Middle River. Ideally located within minutes of the beach and downtown Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors is quickly becoming the “place to be” in South Florida.

The City is nearly 100% built-out and embraces the vision of a “sustainable urban village.”   But what use would such be without recognizing that every American has an equal right to live in happiness with the person of their choice, whether of the same gender or not!

A UAFA Activist and Florida resident approached the Mayor of the small town, Mayor Gary Resnick, and told him that he had been prevented from living in this this gorgeous town with the love of his life because the federal government would not allow him to sponsor his beloved for a green card, they were of the same-sex.

Unfortunately the resident, Ken, lost his relationship because the couple was unable to sustain the distance for, inter alia, financial and medical reasons.

But this did not stop the American bi-national from becoming his own force in the fight for all the other binational same-sex couples.  He approached the Mayor and today I received this message:

Hi Mel,

I have been after Wilton Manors  to pass this UAFA resolution. I am so happy. This is what I got from the Mayor today. This makes my weekend !

Thank you for all you do!

“Hi Ken

Thank you for your message. Our resolution supporting this Bill will be on our July 27, agenda. If you like, you could come to the Commission Meeting, 7 pm, and in the hearing from the public portion, voice your support for this Bill and I’ll be happy to recognize you. Thanks again.

Gary Resnick
Mayor”

The website for the town asserts  “Diversity is the strength of Wilton Manors.  Children from many different ethnic backgrounds attend Wilton Manors Elementary School; the City’s Police Department employs African-American, Haitian, and Hispanic officers; and the City Commission includes openly gay elected officials.  Wilton Manors is ideally located, poised for redevelopment, and encourages diversity.  Come and join us in the “Island City” and be a part of a diverse “sustainable urban village”.

So thank you Mr. Mayor Gary Resnick – we trust that your Council will support the resolution for the passage by the Federal Government of The Uniting American Families Act and / or its inclusion in Comprehensive Immigration reform, that which impacts one of the most pervasive forms of inequality in the United States of America and hence your beautiful town – which one day I hope to visit.

A native of New Jersey, Mayor Gary Resnick was first elected to the City Commission in March 1998. In March 2000, the City Commission unanimously selected him as Vice Mayor. Gary was re-elected to the Commission in March 2002 and in March 2006, prior to being elected Mayor in November 2008.  Mayor Resnick graduated from Bucknell University in Pennsylvania with a B.A. in Economics and received his Juris Doctor with honors from Rutgers University School of Law .

By Melanie Nathan
otherwise known as Mel
nathan@privatecourts.com

follow Mel on twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Note:  If you are interested in approaching our Town for a Supportive resolution contact Amos Lim at www.Out4Immigration.org

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Melanie Nathan 7-14-10

Secretary Hilary Clinton PLEASE Help!

Early July, an Iranian court ruled that a teenager, Ebrahim Hamidi, should face the death penalty for charges that he engaged in “homosexual relations” with others. Hamidi was charged with three other teenagers, all of whom have had their charges dismissed. These teenagers have said that the charges were bogus; yet Iran still plans to move forward with executing Hamidi.

Last month, Secretary Clinton gave an historic speech where shesaid that gay rights were indeed human rights. That speech reverberated throughout the world, giving hope to millions of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people struggling for equal rights in the face of oppression.

Now there is a Petition asking Secretary Clinton  to take those words, and organize the international community to condemn gay executions in Iran, as well as the planned execution of Hamidi.

Here is a teenager being sentenced to die, solely because of his perceived sexual orientation. We can’t let this happen in silence.

Offer Asylum instead of death – Heck I bet Israel would help him!

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Will the White House look at any last ditch effort to influence this sitting Congress, which we know for sure is intending to ignore the pursuit of comprehensive immigration reform in 2010.  Perhaps it will shake hands with Harry reid over his commitment to two weeks ago to force a Senate floor vote on the so-called Development Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act, or Dream, which allows illegal aliens who entered the US as children to transition to legal residency on the condition that they agree to attend college or join the US military.

So now activists in the realm of Immigration Reform are much focused in their advocacy on Dream Act, which has 105 sponsors in the House, and 35 in the Senate.

It’s also included in the latest comprehensive immigration reform proposals promoted by Senator Charles Schumer (Democrat, New York) and Senator Lindsey Graham (Republican, South Carolina), and was recently endorsed by the White House. Despite having been introduced as a stand-alone bill as far back as 2000, though, neither the full House or Senate has ever voted on the measure.

However, it would seem that media, Reid and activists alike are specifically ignoring the power potential of UAFA and all its large co sponsorship.

Reid made the commitment to activists after he decided not to offer Dream as an amendment to the 2011 Defense Authorization Act, the broad bill that Congress uses to establish its annual framework for defence spending. Leading Senate Democrats, including Robert Menendez (Democrat, New Jersey), the Senate’s lone Latino, had opposed trying to pass Dream as an amendment, arguing that it would hold up passage of the defence bill, and that a failed push would only make it harder to get Dream passed later.

Reid suggested that he was prepared to schedule the vote as late as 18 November, which is two weeks after the mid-term congressional elections. That means Reid may be planning to convene   to allow current incumbents, especially Democrats, to vote on and approve Dream even if they have lost their bid for re-election.

The GOP, which opposes Dream as an unacceptable “amnesty”. Would obviously oppose vehemently. So the numbers had better match up. But will they without UAFA?  The Uniting American Families Act that seeks to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to include the reversal of discriminatory LGBT immigration rights.  Who is doing what to ensure the inclusion of UAFA if in fact a separate mini-immigration omnibus were indeed a possibility.

PER UK Guardian and Stewart Lawrence:- Analysis-

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2010/jul/13/harry-reid-dream- “A complex set of political calculations appears to be behind Reid’s decision. First, Reid is still trailing Tea Party activist Sharron Angle in the polls in Nevada and badly needs a strong Latino voter turnout to get re-elected to a seat he’s held for four terms. Latinos comprise nearly 15% of the Nevada electorate, and dominate the state’s powerful teachers’ and hotel workers’ unions, which helped Obama capture Nevada in 2008.”

“Six weeks ago, Reid held a highly-publicised campaign rally in Las Vegas where he promised Latino constituents he would push for passage of comprehensive reform. The announcement shocked Reid’s Senate colleagues, who rejected the idea. By pushing Dream, which disproportionately benefits Latinos, Reid clearly hopes to keep his Nevada Latino voter support alive, but his decision to push Dream also puts him at odds with a number of his Senate Democratic colleagues.

Richard Durbin (Democrat, Illinois), the bill’s chief sponsor, is hoping to succeed Reid as Senate majority leader if Reid loses in November. Reid’s Dream push may be deliberately intended to steal Durbin’s thunder. On the other hand, Schumer, who also wants Reid’s Senate post, opposes “piecemeal” reform efforts like Dream, but appears content to let Reid and Durbin duke it out. Ever since Reid announced his Dream push, Schumer has kept a low profile. If Dream fails and Reid loses re-election, he would be well positioned to defeat Durbin for majority leader.

And then there’s Senator Dianne Feinstein (Democrat, Cailfornia), the chief sponsor of AgJobs, a bill that would allow some 2 million farm workers to enter the US as guest workers but, like the beneficiaries of Dream, eventually transition to legal residency. Feinstein wants to see the Senate – and Reid – push AgJobs, not Dream, or perhaps the two measures combined; but Reid’s not biting, and Feinstein’s reportedly fuming.”

Two other factors have likely influenced Reid’s decision. One is a recently released report on Dream by the Migration Policy Institute (MPI), one of Washington’s most respected immigration thinktanks. MPI found that only 800,000 aliens were likely to benefit from Dream, not the 2 million originally projected by Durbin and other bill supporters. That’s largely because many of Dream’s intended beneficiaries won’t be able to afford college, especially since Durbin has agreed not to include a provision that would have allowed Dream’s beneficiaries to take advantage of lower, in-state tuition rates, a real sore point with Dream’s GOP critics.

That means backing Dream will result in less than half the legalisations that would occur if Reid and the Democrats pushed AgJobs as an alternative. In the current climate, where any legalisation, even a partial one, is dismissed by the far right as an unconscionable “amnesty”, those reduced numbers count.

And then there’s the US military, which is starved for fresh recruits thanks to its prolonged counterinsurgency wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Pentagon’s been lobbying behind the scenes for Dream’s passage, and earlier this year, incorporated some of Dream’s legalisation projections into its own force structure planning estimates.

But in the end, Reid will still have to overcome considerable opposition to any stand-alone legalisation programme, both from the GOP that opposes any amnesty, however small, and from Schumer and some activists who still want to see comprehensive reform passed in the next Congress, and who fear that pursuing piecemeal reform – win or lose – will further undermine their cause.

These are not the only policy alternatives, however. As I argued recently in the Los Angeles Times, it might be possible to win GOP support to a partial legalisation scheme – either Dream or AgJobs – if Democrats were willing to include stepped-up enforcement (for example, a nationwide expansion of the E-Verify workplace verification system) as part of the same deal.

The final package wouldn’t be the comprehensive reform package that Democrats are still pressing for. In addition to delaying consideration of a broader amnesty, the bill wouldn’t include a temporary worker program, or a national ID card – both highly controversial items.

But unlike a single stand-alone bill, it would preserve the basic logic of comprehensive reform – start legalising those already here, while firmly shutting the door on the flow of future illegals. As an added sweetener, and to make clear the final goal, Democrats might also push for a “sense of the Senate” resolution that a broader, comprehensive bill would be addressed in the next Congress. It wouldn’t require a filibuster-proof super-majority to pass such a resolution, and it would give many fence-sitting moderate Democrats and Republicans a way to hedge their bet during this tricky election year.”

Where does UAFA stand in all this?  Where would we better off?  Who is pushing for what. Again my designation is that CIR is a dead loss and I have been sating since June 04, 2009 – Amnesty will kill it for everyone.  My odds are on a stand alone – that has been my position forever.  Instead of seeing it the other way around I see UAFA as the stand alone with tacking on AgJobs and Dream Act to add fuel to its empty tank.

Perhaps UAFA could add a smooth blend to the passage in a lame duck session called by Reid during November when the results of the general are in and those  politically expedient   who weigh their election above the needs of the people are willing to simply shove Dream –LGBT-AGjobs aside.

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
@oblogdeeoblogda
FaceBook be my Friend.

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If you were not around during the 60’s Civil Rights Movement then you may be around for the  2010 Civil Rights Movement.

It has started.

During April I printed my little big vision in an article http://lezgetreal.com/2010/04/the-lgbtqi-pink-plan-liberation-of-usa-gays-and-lesbians-btqi/

My personal vision when I wrote that first article was simple – Build it and they will come of sorts…..   And that is exactly what is happening since this week’s launch of the AMERICAN EQUALITY BILL (AEB) an Omnibus with the ideal of an Amendment to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 –   the inclusion of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity into the Civil Rights Act.

This week we hit the champagne bottle on the ship…

The American Equality  Bill takes the approach that piecemeal bills for various areas of discrimination be supported through recognition of our civil rights, first and foremost and may serve to yield an omnibus bill that will in essence get rid of all discriminatory legislation.  See the draft here   http://lezgetreal.com/2010/07/breaking-first-release-the-american-equality-bill/

It also recognizes that creating separate bills in separate areas breaks the interests of those against discrimination into small, separate pieces that dilutes the strong force of the coalition necessary to pass any bill on the federal level.

This is a critical approach to win Equality. Equality cannot come to fruition without the Benchmark – something specific that carries forth a universal message.  Now that we have the wording and the Goal- we need the BILL.

Bye Bye back door – tralalal piecemeal approach – no more  with domain ownership by organizations who tickle our backs into persuasive complacency, while we dole out more LGBT  dollars for more LGBT reassurances. Use that money to take a day off work and get on the streets.

I decided some time back that no one was going to own the rights I need to fight for and now I am asking that you all jump into the ocean with AEB (American Equality Bill) our wave – as we surf toward the beach where equality awaits under the sun.

This is THE BIRTH OF THE gay Movement. The one that is planning the front door entrance  to the Universe that belongs to us as equally as to any other – hence the beach metaphor.

“Now OUR TIME HAS COME. We have already won the de FACTO fight –  we EXIST – the factual existence – we have won visibility – the fact that we are out and open, the fact that we have created controversy, the fact that we have children – the fact that we are shaking up DADT, the fact that Annette Bening is playing a lesbian – and many more such victories – now it has come time for De Jure – The Legal Victory!  It can Only be done one WAY and that is  this  CIVIL RIGHTS AMENDMENT   http://lezgetreal.com/2010/07/the-launch-of-hope-finally-grassroots-find-feet-the-american-equality-bill/ “

Now that a group of grass-root-sloggers, none of whom are asking for money, have in fact put this together in benchmark formality in the form of  AEB  – it is time to take the street as spontaneously as you want.   It can be organized, it can be random, it can be anything you want- because YOU America- own it.  We own it..all of us own our civil rights and we are ready to demand the newly launched benchmark.

I have nothing invested in what anyone in congress thinks about it. I do not give a damn if you think I am wasting my time.  I don’t care who you think I offend.  I do not give a heck if you laugh and continue to marginalize my entitlement.

I am only invested in demanding it  - it is MINER and I can Demand.  What will be will be!  But at least I was unafraid.    I am not scared of failure I am not dependent on success – I am only concerned about DPING it.    I am not going  to shop AEB around – YOU-  Mr. President and you Mrs. Speaker and all of  Congress and those in the Senate – you must come to us.   We are going on the streets in a big way because NOW we are starting our movement.

To those who purport to represent us and make – deals behind our backs to assert your re-election – carry on thinking your existence is worthy while Americans suffer deep pain of discrimination. “Carry on,” I say.   But I am going on the street.

So yes it has started.  Today my very dear partner in the Civil Rights Claim, Todd Fernandez sent me a note on FB:

“J Todd Fernandez Honey – A tiny band of us in NY have decided to have a NY Civil Rights March 2010 – for SO&GI Equality Now. Can you dig it. xoTif!  Visit Todd on FB to see what is happening…..   http://bit.ly/AEBnow

If you are interested in going on the Street wherever you are just do it…

Start a Petition »

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
@oblogdeeoblogda
FaceBook be my Friend.

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Barbara Boxer for Senate Vs. Carly Fiorina for LGBT  Hell; Senator  Barbara Boxer and Fiorina Tie

Now while many of you feel “over the democrats” the Boxer v Fiorina race will be the most important in November’s general election.  Barbara Boxer incumbent Democratic Senator for California and one of the very few reliable and progressive allies for LGBT legislation in the Senate is facing her first ever terrifying (for us)  challenge, by Fiorina, ex CEO of Hewlett Packard, who, in my opinion is either Homophobic or a panderer  of the worst kind.

The latest Field Poll shows Barbara Boxer in a statistical tie with Carly Fiorina. “Now, we have further confirmation of just what a serious challenge we are facing. Although this is within the margin of error, there’s no question that we are in the toughest Boxer campaign ever. ” says Rose Kapolczynski
Campaign Manager for the Boxer Campaign.

Yesterday, Survey USA released their latest California Senate poll — and it is more confirmation that the race is now too close to call. Fiorina is actually ahead of Barbara by two points, 47% – 45%.

The campaign blasted out an email and is asking for support. I encourage all my readers here at LGR to send at least $5.00  – PLEASE let us support a true friend and at the same time ask for more profound and overt leadership on our issues in the Senate.  The gay community has always supported the Senator and we  MUST continue to do so, regardless of our disappointment with the Democrats and President Obama.

Without Boxer in the Senate forget about equality!

Send the Senator Boxer’s campaign your $5.00, no matter where you are – if we wait on the sideline in essence the gay community will be defeated again by the millions of dollars that corporate anti-gay right wing motivators will pour into this campaign, not to mention the millions that

Fiorina will use of her own money in her power hungry quest – which WILL harm us all directly.

http://www.barbaraboxer.com

Photo Shirley Tan © Senator Barbara Boxer with Tan Mercado Family

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
@oblogdeeoblogda
FaceBook be my Friend.

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Posted by Melanie Nathan 7-11-10

Lez get Real guest writer Tracy Emblem, Primary Candidate for 50th Congressional district, despite her defeat by Francine Busby, reflects her continued commitment to expose  incumbent Republican Brian Bilbray.  Ms. Emblem  a renowned Appellate Attorney,  is determined to help Francine Busby, her primary opponent, win the district from Bilbray, the Republican anti-gay incumbent.

Both Emblem and Busby have asserted their strong support for LGBT Equality.

Emblem writes:

“Time to End the “Franking” Privilege,”

San Diego- Congressman Brian Bilbray recently sent out a tri-fold color brochure promoting himself to the residents in California’s 50th congressional district. The mailer would have been a very expense campaign piece, but was sent in the guise of a “public document” as “official business” prepared and paid for at taxpayer expense.

In 1994, Congressman Bilbray, along with other Republicans signed the “Contract with America,” a promise to restore “accountability” to Congress asserting government too easily spent the public’s money.

In 2007, the Congressional Research Service prepared a report for Congress advising representatives that the “franking” privilege had cost taxpayers $113.4 million in current dollars from 1988 to 2007.

So why isn’t Mr. Bilbray concerned about wasting taxpayer dollars and why has he continued to send mail to voters whether asked for or not in the 50th District?

On June 12, 2007, HR 2687 was introduced to end the practice of mail at taxpayers’ expense. The bill was referred to the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

Interestingly, Brian Bilbray was currently and is presently assigned to the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, but HR 2687 never made it out of the committee. It died a quiet death in the 110th Congress.

Hypocrisy is the act of persistently pretending to hold beliefs, opinions and standards that one does not actually hold. Hypocrisy is thus a kind of lie.

If truly worried about the budget deficit, Congressman Bilbray should use his position on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee and his almost daily appearances on television to advance an end to the wasteful franking privilege which allows members of congress to mail campaign-like materials and helps elect incumbents at taxpayer expense.

Thanks to Tracy Emblem for her work and dedication.

——————–

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Melanie Nathan 7-9-10

Drafted by Karen Doering, an attorney who has been involved in some of the most important legal LGBT victories and controversies, the American Equality  Bill takes the approach that piecemeal bills for various areas of discrimination be supported through recognition of our civil rights, first and foremost and may serve to yield an omnibus bill that will in essence get rid of all discriminatory legislation.  This is the first  Publication of the Draft is forthcoming.

It also recognizes that creating separate bills in separate areas breaks the interests of those against discrimination into small, separate pieces that dilutes the strong force of the coalition necessary to pass any bill on the federal level.

This is a critical approach to win Equality. Equality cannot come to fruition without the Benchmark – something specific that carries forth a universal message.  Now that we have the wording and the Goal- we need the BILL.

Who ever says this is “Pie in the Sky or Bold” (Bilerco) – is marginalizing our entitlement and our rights.  To my way of thinking anyone who suggest we keep the backdoor approach as our only approach does not have our absolute interests at heart.  Selfless advocacy means going for the only benchmark that will bring full equality, and if we are going to have a movement then we need to have the movement regardless of how many votes we may or may not get in Congress.  They need to know that we are not fighting for legislation; we are fighting for our lives and to live our lives, happily,  like other Americans, and that means equally.    I for one, have a right to enter through the front door -  and that is why I have touted this plan for all this time.

Special Credit also goes to Todd Fernandez for pushing for this and for being one of the few who listened with open mind and heart.

http://lezgetreal.com/2010/07/the-launch-of-hope-finally-grassroots-find-feet-the-american-equality-bill/

THE AMERICAN EQUALITY BILL
(Draft July 4, 2010)

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED CHANGES TO EXISTING LEGISLATION
TO END LEGAL DISCRIMINATION IN AMERICA ON THE BASIS OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY

A. EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION.

SECTION 1. Amends Title VII the Civil Rights Act of 1964, to add “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” as prohibited bases for discrimination in employment.

SECTION 2. Amends the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991, the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995, and 3 U.S.C. 411 (a)(1), to add “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” as prohibited bases for discrimination in employment.

SECTION 3. Amends the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991, 42 U.S.C. §2000e-16a et seq., to add “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” as prohibited bases for discrimination in employment.

SECTION 4. Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to clarify the definitions of “parent” and “son or daughter.”

B. HOUSING DISCRIMINATION.

SECTION 5. Amends the Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act) to add “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” as prohibited bases for discrimination in the sale or rental of housing, real estate related transactions, and the provision of brokerage services.

C. DISCRIMINATION IN PLACES OF PUBLIC ACCOMMODATION.

SECTION 6. Amends Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to add “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” as prohibited bases for discrimination or segregation in places of public accommodation.

D. DISCRIMINATION IN THE USE OF PUBLIC FACILITIES.

SECTION 7. Amends §2000b of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to add “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” as prohibited bases for denial of equal use of public facilities.

E. DISCRIMINATION IN ACCESS TO CREDIT.

SECTION 8. Amends the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974 to add “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” as prohibited basis for discrimination in any aspect of a credit transaction.

F. DISCRIMINATION IN FEDERALLY FUNDED PROGRAMS OR ACTIVITIES.

SECTION 9. Amends Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to add “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” as prohibited bases for discrimination in federally funded programs or activities and adding an exemption for religious organizations.

G. DISCRIMINATION AGAINST PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES.

SECTION 10. Amends the Americans with Disabilities Act to repeal discriminatory provisions.

THE AMERICAN EQUALITY BILL
(Scope and content only. This is not in filing format.)

SHORT TITLE.
Upon passage, this bill may be cited as the `The American Equality Act of 2010’.

PURPOSE.
The purpose of this Act is to realize the American ideal of equal protection under the law by amending existing civil rights legislation to include protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

FINDINGS OF LEGISLATIVE FACT.
(This will be an elaborate section that details the discrimination against LGBT people. Content TBD.)

A. EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION.

SECTION. 1. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §2000e, is amended to add “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” as prohibited bases for discrimination in employment, as follows:

a. The following definitions shall be added at the end of §2000e:

(o) The term “sexual orientation” means homosexuality, heterosexuality, or bisexuality.

(p) The term “gender identity” means the gender-related identity, appearance, or mannerisms or other gender-related characteristics of an individual, with or without regard to the individual’s designated sex at birth.

b. Sections 2000e-2(a)-(d), §2000e-2(h), §2000e-2(j), §2000e-2(l), §2000e-2(m), §2000e-3(b), 2000e(g)(2)(A), §2000e-16(a), and §2000e-16(c), are amended every time the phrase “race, color, religion, sex, or national origin” appears to include after the word “sex” the following words:- “sexual orientation, gender identity,”

c. Dress and Grooming Standards. Nothing shall prohibit an employer from requiring an employee, during the employee’s hours at work, to adhere to reasonable dress or grooming standards not prohibited by other provisions of Federal, State, or local law, provided that the employer permits any employee who has undergone gender transition prior to the time of employment, and any employee who has notified the employer that the employee has undergone or is undergoing gender transition after the time of employment, to adhere to the same dress or grooming standards for the gender to which the employee has transitioned or is transitioning.

d. Certain Shared Facilities. Nothing shall be construed to establish an unlawful employment practice based on actual or perceived gender identity due to the denial of access to shared shower or dressing facilities in which being seen fully unclothed is unavoidable, provided that the employer provides reasonable access to adequate facilities that are not inconsistent with the employee’s gender identity as established with the employer at the time of employment or upon notification to the employer that the employee has undergone or is undergoing gender transition, whichever is later.

SECTION 2. The Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, as amended, 5 U.S.C. §2302; Government Employee Rights Act of 1991, 42 U.S.C. 2000e-16a et seq.; Congressional Accountability Act of 1995, 2 U.S.C. 1301 et seq.; and Section 411(a) (1) of Title 3 of the United States Code are amended to specify that “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” are prohibited bases for discrimination, as follows:

a. The terms “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” are defined as in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §2000e.

b. 5 U.S.C. 2302(b)(1)(A) and 5 U.S.C. 2302(d)(1); 42 U.S.C. 2000e-16a and 42 U.S.C. 2000e-16b; 2 U.S.C. 1311(a)(1); and 3 U.S.C. 411(a)(1) are amended every time the phrase “race, color, religion, sex, or national origin” appear to add after the word “sex” the following words: “sexual orientation, gender identity”

c. 42 U.S.C. 2000e-16a(b) is amended every time the phrase “race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability” appear to add after the word “sex” the following words: “sexual orientation, gender identity”

d. Certain Shared Facilities. Nothing shall be construed to establish an unlawful employment practice based on actual or perceived gender identity due to the denial of access to shared shower or dressing facilities in which being seen fully unclothed is unavoidable, provided that the employer provides reasonable access to adequate facilities that are not inconsistent with the employee’s gender identity as established with the employer at the time of employment or upon notification to the employer that the employee has undergone or is undergoing gender transition, whichever is later.

SECTION 3. The Government Employee Rights Act of 1991, 42 U.S.C. §2000e-16a et seq., is amended to add “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” as prohibited bases for discrimination, as follows:

a. The terms “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” are defined as in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §2000e.

b. Section 2000e-16a(b) is here by amended every time the phrase “race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability” occurs by inserting after the word “sex” the following words:- “sexual orientation, gender identity,”

c. Certain Shared Facilities. Nothing shall be construed to establish an unlawful employment practice based on actual or perceived gender identity due to the denial of access to shared shower or dressing facilities in which being seen fully unclothed is unavoidable, provided that the employer provides reasonable access to adequate facilities that are not inconsistent with the employee’s gender identity as established with the employer at the time of employment or upon notification to the employer that the employee has undergone or is undergoing gender transition, whichever is later.

SECTION 4. The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, as amended, 29 U.S.C. §2611, is amended to clarify the following definitions:

(7) Parent. The term “parent” means the biological parent of an employee or an individual who stood in loco parentis to an employee when the employee was a son or daughter. For purposes of this statute, the term “in loco parentis” includes but is not limited to an individual who is a defacto or psychological parent of the child.

(12) Son or daughter. The term “son or daughter” means a biological, adopted, or foster child, a stepchild, a legal ward, or a child of a person standing in loco parentis, a child registered as a “dependent” or similar classification under the employer’s domestic partnership policy, or a child designated by an employee and his or her domestic partner as a “dependent” or similar classification pursuant to a municipal, state or federal domestic partnership registry, who is—

(A) under 18 years of age; or

(B) 18 years of age or older and incapable of self-care because of a mental or physical disability.

(13) Spouse – The term “spouse” means a husband or wife, as the case may be. For purposes of this statute, the term “spouse” includes a person designated a domestic partner under the employer’s domestic partnership policy, an employee’s civil union partner, a spouse from a domestic or foreign marriage, and a domestic partner registered pursuant to a municipal, state or federal law.

B. HOUSING DISCRIMINATION.

SECTION. 5. The Fair Housing Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §3601 et seq., is amended to add “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” as prohibited bases for discrimination in the sale or rental of housing, real-estate related transactions, and the provision of brokerage services.

a. The terms “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” are defined as in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §2000e.

b. Sections 3604(a)-(b) are amended every time the phrase “race, color, religion, sex, familial status, or national origin” appears by inserting after the word “sex” the following words: “sexual orientation, or gender identity,”

c. Sections 3604(c)-(e), 3605(a), and 3606 are amended every time the phrase “race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin” appears by inserting after the word “sex” the following words: “sexual orientation, or gender identity,”

d. Section 3605(c) is amended every time the phrase “race, color, religion, national origin, sex, handicap, or familial status” appears by inserting after the word “sex” the following words:- “sexual orientation, or gender identity,”

C. DISCRIMINATION IN PLACES OF PUBLIC ACCOMMODATION.

SECTION 6. Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §2000a et seq., is amended to add “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” as prohibited bases for discrimination or segregation in places of public accommodation.

a. The terms “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” are defined as in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §2000e.

b. Sections 2000a(a) and 2000a-1 are amended every time the phrase “race, color, religion or national origin” appears by inserting after the word “religion” the following words: “sexual orientation, or gender identity,”

c. Certain Shared Facilities. Nothing shall be construed to establish an unlawful practice based on actual or perceived gender identity due to the denial of access to shared shower or dressing facilities in which being seen fully unclothed is unavoidable, provided that the proprietor provides reasonable access to adequate facilities that are not inconsistent with the individual’s gender identity as established with the proprietor at the time the relationship first began or upon notification to the proprietor that the individual has undergone or is undergoing gender transition, whichever is later.

D. DISCRIMINATION IN THE USE OF PUBLIC FACILITIES.

SECTION 7. 42 U.S.C. §2000b, is amended to add “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” as prohibited bases for denial of equal use of public facilities as follows:

a. The terms “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” are defined as in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §2000e.

b. Section 2000b(a) is amended every time the phrase “race, color, religion or national origin” occurs by inserting after the word “religion” the following words:- “sexual orientation, gender identity,”

c. Certain Shared Facilities. Nothing shall be construed to establish an unlawful practice based on actual or perceived gender identity due to the denial of access to shared shower or dressing facilities in which being seen fully unclothed is unavoidable, provided that the proprietor provides reasonable access to adequate facilities that are not inconsistent with the individual’s gender identity as established with the proprietor at the time of the relationship first began or upon notification to the proprietor that the individual has undergone or is undergoing gender transition, whichever is later.

E. DISCRIMINATION IN ACCESS TO CREDIT.

SECTION 8. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974, 15 U.S.C. §1691 et seq., is amended to add “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” as prohibited bases for discrimination in any aspect of a credit transaction as follows:

a. The terms “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” are defined as in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §2000e.

b. Section 1691(a)(1) is amended every time the phrase “race, color, religion, national origin, sex or marital status, or age” occurs by inserting after the word “marital status” the following words:- “sexual orientation, gender identity”.

F. DISCRIMINATION IN FEDERALLY FUNDED PROGRAMS OR ACTIVITIES.

SECTION 9. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §2000d, is amended to add “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” as prohibited bases for exclusion from participation in, denial of the benefits of, or being subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance, as follows:

a. The terms “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” are defined as in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §2000e.
b. Section 2000d is amended every time the phrase “race, color, or national origin” occurs by inserting after the word “color” the following words:- “sexual orientation, or gender identity,”

c. The provisions of this section regarding sexual orientation and gender identity shall not apply to any educational institution, as that term is defined in 20 U.S.C. 1681(c), which is controlled by a religious organization if the application of this subsection would not be consistent with the religious tenets of such organization as determined in its sole discretion.

G. DISCRIMINATION AGAINST PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES.

SECTION 10. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §§12101 et seq., and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §706, are amended to repeal discriminatory provisions, as follows:

a. 42 U.S.C. §12208 is repealed.

b. 42 U.S.C. §12211(b)(1) is amended to delete the words “transvestism” and “transsexualism” and the phrase “gender identity disorders not resulting from physical impairments,” from the definition of “Certain conditions” excluded from coverage under the Act.

c. 29 U.S.C. §705(8)(F)(i) is amended to delete the words “transvestism” and “transsexualism” and the phrase “gender identity disorders not resulting from physical impairments,” from the list excluding from protection an ‘individual with a disability’ for purposes of Section 501, 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

END.

How did this happen read

• The Launch of Hope – Finally Grassroots Find Feet – THE American Equality Bill (lezgetreal.com)
• The Launch of Hope – Finally Grassroots Find Feet – THE American Equality Bill (lezgetreal.com)

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Join Lezgetreal on FaceBook

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Soccer World Cup 2010, South Africa; The Road from Pretoria to Durban will never see such a sight again and neither will the group of Dutch Fans, traveling between cities to play to play Japan – and it was worth the schlep because Netherlands beat Japan by 1-0.

Led by an Orange double-decker the Dutch Supporters en route from their camp site in Pretoria to their next game against Japan in Durban.  Their convoy traveled the 636  (400 miles) km route comprising of 175 campers, trucks, buses and jeeps – their convoy was 6 kms (3 miles) long.

Now off to Sunday final between Spain and Netherlands -  and as described by LA Times:

“For one of the few times in its 80-year history, the World Cup has produced a final worthy of the sport itself.

The Dutch and the Spanish play soccer the way it was intended to be played — a passing game, a possession game, a game of the intellect and not simply a contest of physical skill, strength, speed and endurance.

It might be slower-paced than some would like, but it should be far more interesting to watch as it unfolds. Chess, not checkers, that’s the difference.”

Guess Which is the English Convoy?

Melanie Nathan 7-8-10

Jerusalem – Thousands of Israelis have rallied in Jerusalem following a 12-day march aimed at securing the release of captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.  They are calling on the government to agree a prisoner swap with the Palestinian militant movement Hamas.

Sgt Shalit, now 23, has been held in Gaza since June 2006, when he was captured by Palestinian militants.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has offered to release 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, but differences remain.

Traffic was brought to a near standstill as an estimated 15,000 marchers made their way along the main road between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

by Melanie Nathan

California Media Hypes Up Possible Riots,  while some claim it is historic that a white officer was in fact convicted of killing an African American man, and others assert – conviction meager.The officer left the LA Superior Court in cuffs and will spend the time between conviction and sentence in a California State prison.

In the meantime the Us Justice department has just announced it will launch an immediate investigation into the prosecution of the crime – and is considering bringing Federal charges against the officer who today was convicted with involuntary manslaughter, in a case that waxs original thought of as first degree murder.

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