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June 7, 2011

By: Jamie Clark
Right now, I can’t help but wonder why the Minnesota Republican Party members who are connected to Bradlee Dean didn’t remember to pay him to keep his mouth shut. I am thankful however, that they didn’t, because he has managed to open the eyes of many people who thought he was nothing more than a harmless, arrogant threat. Turns out, Minnesota has a political mafia on our hands.

Today, the Minnesota Independent posted an article titled, “Bradlee Dean takes credit for passing anti-gay marriage amendment.” The harbinger of death (aka Dean), wrote on his June 4th blog that he believes he has “done his duty.”  He continued by saying, “The people of the great state of Minnesota now have the power to vote.” I find this quite telling since he has direct ties to  Minnesota Republican Party members who helped push the overthrow of our state Constitution, including Michele Bachmann, who has been fighting for years to let people vote on the human rights of others. Also, lets not forget Tom Emmer and the Target boycott that brought demonstrations outside their stores due to their major contribution to his campaigns, which include anti-gay proposals.  Emmer and Dean run in the same circle, which apparently has meetings (“prayers”) right in front of everyone, and so far, the joke has been on us for not seeing all of this. This inside joke was not funny and, due to Bradlee Dean and his big mouth, we are in on it now too.

Dean thinks that homosexuals “engage in illegal activities” that he calls “immoral,”  and due to his “christian” beliefs, he finds that it is “moral” to imprison or execute them. He also uses the youth involved in his “You Can Run But You Can’t Hide” ministries to go out and collect money for what he calls “suicide prevention,” when really he is stealing from uninformed citizens looking to help a good cause. Of course, Dean defends this because he apparently feels that homosexuality  will lead to suicide, never mind the fact that gay kids (and adults) are killing themselves due to people like him, not homosexuality.  Dean will be bringing his “suicide prevention” team to the Minnesota State Fair this summer to collect more money for his kill the gays ministry. I would like to urge you to contact them and inform them that he is taking money from people under false pretenses, which actually is an illegal activity.

I need to know that I am painting a clear enough picture for everyone to see just how involved the man that wants to kill homosexuals is with the Minnesota Marriage (un)Constitutional Amendment. Not only is he backed by several Republican Party members, many in the MN DFL have even referred to this Amendment as the “Bradlee Dean Amendment.“ Senate District 44 DFLers took to Twitter to share their sentiments about the situation. They tweeted “MNGOP knows they are on the wrong side of history by passing the Bradlee Dean Amendment. It WILL be defeated in 2012.” Right here on the Iron Range of Minnesota, DFL-Hibbing Representative Carly Melin had tweeted “Bradlee Dean Amendment placed on the calendar this evening.” How’s that for a crystal clear picture?

I really do not enjoy giving a false prophet like Bradlee Dean attention, he has already had too much. The problem is that the focus has been merely on the horrible things he says and not the people that he has supporting him, and what is really going on with the hijacking of our state Constitution. Even if you disagree with same sex marriage and homosexuality, do you really want us dead? Do you really want to give these people the chance to write discrimination into the document that protects us all? I think decent people and good Christians will need to think about  their votes very carefully. This is not a decision to take lightly because, in the end, the lives of people could be at stake, and it‘s hard to think otherwise anymore. This Amendment is just the beginning of something that may be very hazardous to the well being of your neighbors. Changing a Constitution to discriminate against a minority due to your personal feelings is not only wrong, but it is dangerous. He is the stunning example of the term “sociopath.”
“Sociopath- (noun)-a person, as a psychopathic personality, whose behavior is antisocial and who lacks a sense of moral responsibility or social conscience.” – This word is also used to describe Charles Manson, who was another  false prophet. He convinced his  followers that he was Jesus reincarnated and was able to get them to murder innocent people based on his word. People are easily brainwashed, which makes the situation in Minnesota even more urgent. Yes, Bachmann, Dean and the other hijackers of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, have been very busy here. Michele is “talking to God” and Dean wants to kill homosexuals in the name of Jesus, but to keep the blood off their hands, the GOP is putting it on the hands of Minnesota voters.

Bradlee Dean makes a mockery out of Christianity, which is based on the morals and teachings of Jesus Christ.  He even states in the introduction to “My War,” that the “ultimate message of My War is Jesus Christ” adding that the so called homosexual “illegal agenda” is “aimed at demoralizing children.“ Don’t forget that this is the same guy using kids to steal money from people, while he points the finger elsewhere when child corruption is sitting on his shoulders.  It sounds like he feels that he is obligated, in the name of Jesus, to kill gay people to make sure they get into Heaven. Good, true Christians should be angry that this man is spitting on the sacrifice Jesus made that day on the cross. Right now, I am asking myself ‘who would Jesus kill?’

“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”-Luke 23:34

Related articles

• The GOP’s “How To Manipulate A Nation Like the Third Reich” Handbook (lezgetreal.com)
• The Bachmann and Friends Death Squad (lezgetreal.com)
• MN Marriage Ban In Jeopardy After Anti-Gay Prayer By Bradlee Dean (joemygod.blogspot.com)

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June 5, 2011
By: Jamie Clark
Minnesota-What can two LGBT teens do when they are bullied by an entire school district that has a “don’t say gay” policy?Personally,  I suggest following the example of Desiree Shelton and Sarah Lindstrom who fought back by saying “gay” in Minnesota’s most intolerant school district.

Desiree and Sarah knew LGBT students needed their help if they were going to survive in the Anoka-Hennepin school district long enough to make it to graduation. Kids were being bullied to death  not only by other students, but also by an intolerant school district that believes ‘don’t say gay’ policies are a safe alternative to gay/straight alliances. Students were committing suicide after being endlessly bullied by peers who had spent their school years being taught that being gay is so wrong that it’s an unmentionable word. It was a tragic case of bullies creating bullies to be sent out into the world to spread intolerance and discrimination, and the outcome was heartbreaking.

Nine students killed themselves, seven within a year, in this district after being horribly bullied, four were openly gay. Families were destroyed and it was still not enough to get these school officials to see the dangers in silenced children. They simply refused to address anti-gay sentiments in their schools. Things were not improving either as the school district not only denied any responsibility in anything that transpired but they also insisted no bullying had occurred to begin with. A brave young man named Jacob Tighe  stood up at the December 2010 school board meeting to share his own experience of being bullied for his perceived sexual orientation.  He told them he had also watched a personal  friend be tormented for who she was until she took her own life only to have her bullies say she “deserved to die.” Jacob finished by stating,” You tell us to report things, but when people come forward, like some have done in this very boardroom, you say that what we say isn’t true.” He  asked the school board “Why should kids come forward if you aren’t going to believe them?” This young ally’s words couldn’t get through to them, and neither could the words Tammy Aaberg, whose son hanged himself in his closet after being endlessly harassed for being gay. The school board felt a full assault on the rights of students was better than any idea that outraged parents or distraught teens could come up with to solve the problem.

The Anoka Hennepin school district decided the best way to combat LGBT student suicide was by letting Barb Anderson, who represents The Minnesota Family Council and the Parents Action League, push her anti LGBT fears even deeper into their already stained reputation. Barb Anderson bragged that her work with these organizations  had kept the “real” threat out of the schools, and according to her the real danger is LGBT advocacy groups that promote tolerance and distribute school saftey materials that help combat gay youth bullying. Anderson said that these groups are the ones that caused the bullying in the first place because they were basically helping kids feel secure enough to come out of the closet. She specifically spoke against GLSEN (Gay Straight Lesbian Education Network) by calling them the “driving force, really the clearing house for all of the homosexual propaganda” and stated that they are a “real dangerous organization” comparable to a “child corruption organization.”

By January of this year, all of this intolerance being thrown around  was exactly why Desiree and Sarah realized something needed to be done to reach out to kids whose lives were suddenly thrown into the spot light. They felt they needed to know that their peers would give them support and a voice. The teens ran, and were elected by the student body to walk together as an “out” couple for the Champlin Park High School Snow Days coronation ceremony, which is an annual event that allows the students to elect who enters the Ball together. The school district retaliated and attempted to silence these young ladies too, by changing the student election policy after the fact and claiming it was against the rules. They thought they were pretty smart.  Desiree and Sarah proved that they were smarter by getting ahold of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and the  National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR). These advocate groups informed the school district that not only were they violating the First and Fourteenth Amendment Rights of the newly elected couple, they were also violating the Minnesota Human Rights Act. They warned school officials that the girls either got their rightful place next to their peers as a couple, or they would ask a judge his opinion. Before the end of the month the school district agreed to let the LGBT couple enter together in procession with their classmates in front of an audience of peers and family, making them the first LGBT couple to ever  beat the Anoka Hennepin school district “don’t say gay” policy.

The “silencers of hate” were invited to  be special guests at the NCLS 34th Anniversary Celebration this May where they were referred to as “champions in the movement for equality and justice.” Desiree has said that they knew they had to stand up “for the kids that are closeted, the ones that are scared or feel worthless because of harassment or torment.”

The Minnesota Family Council and the Anoka Hennepin school district obviously had no idea who they were up against when they denied these girls their rights. They obviously thought Desiree and Sarah could be bullied into silence through intolerance but didn’t take into account that they were up against  two out and proud MN LGBT teens helping the silenced speak.

Remember, Silence is Acceptance when the able say nothing.

Related articles

• Minnesota Mom vs School District of Death (lezgetreal.com)
• Minnesota Family Council and NOM Promote Anti-Gay Bullying (lezgetreal.com)
• NCLR Speaks on Video about their Work Against Bullying in Minnesota (lezgetreal.com)

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June 4, 2011

By: Jamie Clark

The National Organization for Marriage (NOM) and the Minnesota Family Council are merely disguising themselves as groups that think families need to be protected from homosexuals. Really, they are the ones that families need to be protected from.  Perhaps they need to add “suffer the little children”  to their motto.

National Organization for Marriage (NOM) President Brian Brown has a new “Dear Marriage Supporter”  blog letter (June 2)on their website that does nothing more than use school children by saying homosexuals are using children.  The only part of the letter that talks about these “at risk from the gay community” pupils takes about ten seconds to read. There  is however, plenty written about the typical “sanctity of marriage” delusion mixed in with other ways homosexuals are supposedly harming kids across America. The letter includes a clip from FOX News about an Oakland school  “anti-bullying and anti-discrimination focused on gender diversity” program.  Brown describes this as “weird” and “disturbing” and states that same sex marriage advocates are teaching grade school children about “multiple genders” “under the banner of preventing bullying.” Perhaps they are worried that if children learn about gender diversity to early they will have a tough time explaining the how to guide of gay discrimination.

— “Coming to a public school near you?”

My favorite part is the way he manipulates the story about the closure of the Rockford Catholic Charities adoption and foster care program making the suffering of children the fault of gay people who just want to give them a chance for life in a loving home. When it comes down to it, they would rather shut their doors and let those kids become property of the state than let them go to loving same sex parent homes. And to make it worse, property of the state gets paid for by the state, leaving me to wonder how much it will cost the tax payers to care for those “rejected by the church” pawns that decent Americans call children.

NOM’s fellow “use the kids to terrorize emotions” organization, the Minnesota Family Council, manage to really get to the gooey center of this one though. The top researcher for this gang of Constitutional mercenaries, Barb Anderson, sent ABC Newspapers a letter to the editor this week that is only a small taste of the way they are targeting children to protect their agenda. She stated,  “Under a banner of combating homophobia, GSAs become breeding grounds for hostile attitudes toward anyone who objects to homosexual behavior, including parents. This hostility extends toward traditional religions and morals, as well as school authority.” In other words she wants you to think a place where gay students find acceptance and safety (gay/straight alliances) in schools infected by their lies, are nothing more than “dangerous nonsense”

As I said, that was just a small taste of the MFC war on children.

I recently wrote about the Anoka-Hennepin school district “don’t say gay” policy that leaves LGBT students vulnerable to bullying.

“Minnesota Mom vs School District of Death”

Gay teens, such as Justin Aaberg,  are literally being bullied to death across our country. A poll conducted last year by the Public Religion Research Institute found that a majority of American’s feel that negative messages about homosexuality in “places of worship” lead to “higher rates of suicide in gay and lesbian youth.”  —– related article

I find it very enlightening to know that the Minnesota Family Council is involved in the attempt to make sure LGBT youth remain in the line of fire in this school district. Not only are they fighting to make sure the Anoka-Hennepin school district doesn’t adopt a policy that may protect youth from bullying, they think implementing “ex-gay therapy” is the more appropriate path for these schools to take. This article from the Minnesota Independent should make you feel as enlightened as I am about the truth of these “protect families and marriage” organizations. Notice it’s from last year. They have been at this for awhile.

What kind of legitimate  “family” organization would  pride itself in blocking anti-bullying policies of any kind? Whether you have an issue with same-sex marriage or homosexuals in general, there is no justification in this. Policies can’t  hurt people and really anti-gay bullying policies will not magically make little Johnny gay. These policies are meant to keep kids safe and these organizations are using them in their attempt to convince people that homosexuals will recruit children. What decent human being would use youth  tormented by other students until they feel the only escape is suicide, as a tool to push their own agenda? The answer is that decent people would not do that, and neither would organizations truly concerned about families.

The National Organization for Marriage and the Minnesota Family Council obviously see children as disposable resources in their agenda. No matter how many are bullied, or bullied to death, they will not step up and protect them in anyway. Turns out the “protect your family” organizations are the biggest bullies of all.

Related articles

• NOM pledges to give ‘resources’ in Minnesota anti-gay marriage vote (pamshouseblend.com)
• NOM showing large scale hypocrisy in Minnesota (pamshouseblend.com)
• Minnesota Mom vs School District of Death (lezgetreal.com)
• ‘Big Bullies’ report on conservatives and LGBT youth issued by People For the American Way (miamiherald.typepad.com)
• NOM’s methods of ‘defending marriage’ are unchristian (pamshouseblend.com)
• NOM playing the astroturf game against marriage equality in NC (pamshouseblend.com)
• ‘Homosexuals want your children’ – the lie that keeps on giving (pamshouseblend.com)

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May 30, 2011
By: Jamie Clark
Minnesota-This is the story of a school district, nine dead teenagers and a grieving mother who is fighting for every child in America. Recently, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) were hard at work in Minnesota. The result was the letter that the U.S. Dept of Education sent to every school district in the country demanding students be protected from bullying and the victory for all of us was sweet. Since news in my great state rarely goes further than our borders though, I assume many of you do not know exactly why something like this would come from Minnesota. I feel, due to recent events here, that this needs to change.

On July 9, 2010 Tammy Aaberg found her fifteen year old son Justin hanging in his closet. During an interview with Minnesota Public Radio, she said “I touched him- because I just couldn’t believe it. I thought I was in a nightmare and he was so cold.” She didn’t understand. Why did her handsome, musically talented son kill himself just a year after coming out of the closet? He seemed so happy. The dots connected when Justin’s friends told her that he had been endlessly bullied in school ever since, a fact she was oblivious to. Justin however, was not the only one.

Altogether, nine students in the Anoka-Hennepin school district had committed suicide after being bullied…. Seven of them had done so in one year. Four of them were openly gay. The phone lines exploded with complaints and demands  that the school district remove a  “don’t say gay” policy from its “Equal Education Opportunity Declaration.” The school district thought that this measure was not necessary because, after all, they had never tolerated bullying of any kind and their long running “neutrality policy“ was left intact. Instead, to silence concerns they added vague language to their already existing bullying policy.

Parents, teachers and concerned citizens still wanted to know, how could school officials protect LGBT students when they couldn’t address LGBT issues? The school district responded by telling two lesbians that they couldn’t join their classmates in a traditional dance entrance together in January of this year. The girls hired a lawyer and the school district eventually allowed them to attend together, but the damage was done and the message was clear. It would take a lot to change their intolerant message.

Tammy Aaberg’s plan for change was already well under way, in fact it started soon after her son’s death. She was the ring leader in the confrontation over this issue with the school district. She spoke to Congress in support of the “Safe Schools Act” and teamed up with SPLC and the NCLR resulting in the letter demanding schools keep America’s children safe. On May 24th this team sent the Anoka-Hennepin school district a letter demanding that they remove the “don’t say gay” policy or face a lawsuit for allowing LGBT students to remain in jeopardy.

The Minnesota super mom is changing things. She is angry that the school district denies any responsibility for the deaths of nine students that were victims of relentless and cruel bullying while under their supervision and there is no policy to silence her. She has told the Minnesota Independent she thinks,“ Gay kids believe that they deserved to be treated this way  because they were gay. I honestly believe this is what Justin thought, which is why he tried not to make a huge deal of what happened to him. I don’t know why they (school district) are doing this. This is outrageous. They are bullying students into silence.“

I think we can all agree on that.

I know we lay claim to Tim Pawlenty, Michele Bachmann and the school district of death but maybe Minnesota really will be the state that changes everything. After all, we also have people like Tammy Aaberg.

Related articles

• NCLR and SPLC demand Anoka-Hennepin School District Immediately repeal Gag in discussing LGBT people (pinkbananaworld.com)
• NCLR & SPLC demand Anoka-Hennepin School District Immediately repeal Gag in discussing LGBT people (lezgetreal.com)

Northern Ireland's Gerry Adams

I’ve always said I don’t do LGBT stories, but there are times when the history in my field relates to the present in the LGBT community. So, another observation from the straight lady on the Lesbian blog……

One of the most important figures in the Northern Ireland peace negotiations was internationally recognized activist Gerry Adams. He was a hero of the cause of Irish Catholic equality. We all knew and ignored the fact that he had been an IRA terrorist with blood on his hands. We tunneled our vision to see the politician. But for years, the negotiations went nowhere. No one would give a single effing bloody inch.

Then, one morning, Gerry woke up and had an epiphany – he could have a life after the conflict. He did not have to live his whole life defined as a warrior. He could have a fulfilling life without the battle. That day, the nature of the negotiations changed. That epiphany made peace possible. Gerry brought his wife home from her 18 year protective exile. They quickly had a little girl in addition to the son they had before they separated for so many years. He has built a good life since the peace accord, a fulfilling life.

There can be life after the conflict. The battle does not have be a person’s whole identity. Only when the warriors realize that, can they do two things – fight to win and fight to make peace.

There has been virtually no reaction from the major LGBT groups about the amendment passed in Minnesota. Aside from MSNBC, where is the outrage? When the legal challenge to Georgia’s same-sex-marriage-banning amendment failed in the state supreme court, why wasn’t it taken to the Federal courts? The Georgia constitution clearly states an amendment can have only one clause. The same sex marriage ban had two. That’s about as legally simple as it ever gets. It’s freaking rare that a legal issue is that simple. Over and over, the battles never go far enough, or they appear, to anyone who actually knows the Constitution, to be conducted on the wrong battlefield.

In Oklahoma, the anti-Sharia amendment is being challenged in Federal court on the grounds that it is a backdoor establishment of a state religion. Any law that forbids religious worship has in effect stated that only one form of religion is acceptable. That is the proper grounds for fighting anti-gay and anti-abortion laws. They are based in religious belief, not in science or civil secular law principles. According to the non-establishment clause of the First Amendment, we should not be allowing clergy to have the right to certify the civil contract of marriage. It grants civil legal power to clergy. So why aren’t the legal challenges to those laws being fought on those grounds? Why are we bothering with the vague parameters of civil rights when we have the clear, indisputable First Amendment? Why are setbacks accepted so calmly?

There is a growing feeling in some parts of the LGBT grassroots that those big, moneyed groups that are supposed to be fighting for LGBT rights don’t really have their hearts in it. It is beginning to be believed that they are stalling and procrastinating because they can’t see how they could ever earn as good a living doing anything else. It’s a nasty, catty thing to rumor, but it has an unfortunate basis in evidence. What have they done for you lately? Not bloody much.

Do you remember in May of 1990, when Doonesbury comic strip character Andy Lippincott died of AIDS in his earthquake-damaged apartment as the Beach Boys “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” played in the background? The song is so relevant to the battle for same sex marriage rights. The moment was so poignant, so pure in its expression of the hope for equality. “Wouldn’t it be nice if WE….” That was 21 years ago this month. Twenty-one years have been spent giving money to lobbyists, giving money to legal experts, and falling farther and farther away from the goals. Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’s elimination is still being held up by fanatical anti-gays in Congress. Those same fanatics want to use taxpayers’ money to hire an outside law firm to defend the indefensible in DOMA. We are losing ground to the religious rightwingnuts every day, both on gay rights issues and women’s rights issues.

If you can imagine how nice it would be if you were equal, if you can see a future without the conflict, with the battles won, with all men and women free and equal and able to determine their own futures, then you should be the one leading the charge, not a bunch of overpaid “activists” who can’t imagine that they could have fulfilling lives without that identity of “activist.”

Related articles

• Faith Leaders Speak Out Against Anti-LGBT Marriage Amendment in North Carolina (hrcbackstory.org)
• Minnesota House Passes Anti-Gay Marriage Amendment (lezgetreal.com)
• New HRC Poll Shows Majority of Christians Support LGBT Equality (hrcbackstory.org)
• Equality NC’s faith leaders press conference challenges anti-gay lawmakers, counters fundie rally (pamshouseblend.com)
• As Anti-Marriage Group Wants ‘Adult’ Debate, Senator Frankin Expresses Dismay Over Minnesota Vote (lezgetreal.com)
• Minnesota Marriage Battle Begins (advocate.com)
• Poll: Christians Support LGBT Equality (advocate.com)

Karlton O. Johnson, a principal at Blanche Ely High school in Pompano Beach, Florida has been accused of “outing” two lesbian students both on campus and to their parents.

Later it was revealed, that this wasn’t the principal’s first attempt to distance the two students.  After several measures -

Karlton Johnson via South Florida Times

akin to bullying, that Johnson took to stop the two students from holding hands, one of the students emailed school officials about the situation.

“There has been a situation in my upcoming (sic) school, Blanche Ely High, dealing with discrimination against the gay/lesbian community,” the student wrote in her e-mail. “Our principal here has tried to suspend me and my friend for holding hands. And I would like to know if such actions are necessary for something so fragile.”

The email was sent to all School board members with North Area Superintendent, Sharon Airaghi responding:

“However, let me take this opportunity to share with you that our District operates under what is termed as ‘site-based/school-based’ management system. This means that the principal, within the guidelines of District’s policies, has jurisdiction to create in-house measures that impact the entire school. These measures fall under the principal’s purview as site-based manager.

It is my understanding that the holding of hands on campus is not an acceptable practice at Blanche Ely High School. This practice is applicable to all students, regardless of age, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, national origin, religious sects, as identified in School Board’s Nondiscrimination Policy.”

If that is truly the case, than why is Johnson not tracking down all the straight couples that he comes across at the school? It is hard to believe, that in such a hormone fueled environment – there would be no girl/boy couples holding hands – if not worse.

Johnson’s actions have enraged several members of the Pompano Beach society, one being Broward County Commissioner Kristen Jacobs, who is outraged by the course the principal has taken.

“I am outraged. Holding hands is the one thing that is completely acceptable in our society.”

Johnson’s allowing his homophobia to cloud his lack of thinking has not only put his job in a form of limbo but may have exposed the two students to some type of potential danger.

Michael Rajner, a community activist that serves on the school’s diversity committee is questioning Johnson’s morals and calling for his suspension.

“His actions were reckless and potentially dangerous, without any understanding of the potential harm he may have caused by outing these students. Many gay youth become suicidal after being outed and the school district must intervene and link these families to counseling services,” Rajner told the South Florida Times.

Johnson and tactics are going to be investigated due to how focused he seemed to be on the gay students, even going so far as to out the students to their parents with one of the families’ having no prior knowledge. Nice way to put your students rights and safety first.

Johnson has not responded to any type of communication for comment.

Melanaie Nathan, Tlali Tlali and Ndumie Funda March 2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the summer of 2005, Zach, a 16-year-old boy from Memphis, Tennessee wrote on his MySpace blog that he had told his parents he was gay. Within days of his coming out, his mother and father would send him to Love In Action (LIA), a fundamentalist Christian program that refers to homosexuality as an addictive behavior. The depressed and fearful teenager shared his feelings on his blog.

May 29, 2005
The World Coming To An Abrupt Stop Current mood: depressed  “Today, my mother, father, and I had a very long ‘talk‘ in my room where they let me know I am to apply for a fundamentalist christian program for gays. They tell me that there is something psychologically wrong with me…

Zach’s parents had enlisted the support of LIA’s newly formed program for teens, called Refuge, with the hope that his gay “addiction” could be cured. His blog entries quickly spread from his friends, to the local community, to the nation through the internet. In a remarkably short time, daily protests were organized outside the campus of LIA.

“This Is What Love In Action Looks Like” documents the widely controversial and inspirational story of what The New York Times referred to as “A modern day message in a bottle.”

In the documentary, former Love In Action director John Smid as well as former adult and teenage clients share their hearts on these experiences. In addition, local bloggers, community activists and classmates of Zach tell their stories of becoming involved with what would become an international news story.

Concerned people around the world awaited news of how Zach was doing during his eight weeks in Refuge. By the time he emerged in late July 2005, there was a barrage of headlines in the international press, including Good Morning America, CNN, The New York Times, Time Magazine and The Advocate among others.

In the years since it began, with all the media coverage and investigations, Zach had declined to tell his story. Until now. The teenager whose MySpace blogs began it all gives an exclusive interview for the documentary.

“This Is What Love In Action Looks Like,”  is directed by award winning filmmaker Morgan Jon Fox

This is not a new endeavor, as LGR found out  :- via Box Turtle:- 2008 - Love In Action gained worldwide attention in 2006 when a gay 16-year-old by the name of Zach posted on MySpace blog that he was about to be involuntarily committed to Love In Action’s youth live-in program “Refuge.” Thanks to Zach’s mySpace post, the world was able to learn about the complicated and bizarre rules that all house residents are expected to follow. When he was committed to a two-month stay in the residential program, his plight spawned international outrage along with unprecedented protests in Memphis. It also inspired filmmaker Morgan Fox to begin filming the documentary, “This Is What Love In Action Looks Like,” which is currently in post-production. Last July, it was announced that the controversial youth program was shut down. http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/2008/03/27/1702

Shoutout  Thanks Diana! and Mazeltov too!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

__________________________________________________________________________

Note: The meaning of the name Noxolo is Peaceful

Kwa-Thema, Gauteng South Africa, Funeral March

At the Grave site of Noxolo

The Coffin of 24 Year Old Pride Organizer Noxolo

Noxolo 's Friends and Family Mourn at Grave site

uneka Soldaat speaks at the funeral of Noxolo Nogxowa. "Lesbian youth don't even reach age of 30 due to brutality and hate crimes

Family & Friends

Morners at Funeral of Noxolo

Rev. Diteboho Sentoeli who preached the word of God and advised all the parents to pray for their LGBTI children... who are at risk..

Lesbian Activists Look at the Place where 24 Year Old Lesbian Noxolo's brutal rape and murder took place

South African Activists Attenf Funeral - on extreme right in green is Zanele Muholi who provided Melanie Nathan with these Photos

Great thanks to my Sister Zanele Muholi -Internationally renowned  activists and photographer:
Thank You and in Solidarity to All who are in this fight to defeat savage hate and injustice MEZA.

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

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

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

All Photos above are  used with permission of copyright owner, Zanele Muholi 2011- who reserves all rights thereto.©

Melanie Nathan and Ndumie Funda Escorted into Parliament 3/11. Photo by Henry Banjtez

I truly believe that the South African authorities are  starting to tackle the issue of lesbians and corrective rape with a sense of urgency and that they have attributed a priority to the crimes – based on the brutality and special circumstances.  That is not to say all rape requires priority, especially in a country like South Africa where in some areas 75%  of the women have been brutalized.

In 2009 LezGetReal started covering stories of lesbians who had been raped by men purporting to believe that they could effect a change of the victim’s sexuality.  This we all know is a myth – and an excuse to express rage and hate against a sexual minority.  That is why, especially given the legacy of oppression, we have called upon the South African Government to take special measures.   Our two years of  reporting led to and served as the basis for a growing protest on behalf of victims and survivors, with Ndumie Funda of Luleki Sizwe at the helm, and then led eventually to a Petition on Change.org, yielding almost 200,000 e-mails – a record breaking campaign – to the offices of the DOJ and Constitutional Development Minister Jeff Radebe.

This resulted in a meeting in March 2011 – where the DOJ, held a meeting  at Parliament in Cape Town, and I was invited to attend with Funda as a spokesperson for Luleki Sizwe, the non-profit organization that has served as one of the only true and functioning resources for Lesbian women in the WESTERN Cape Township of Gugulethu, and beyond.

The meeting can be said to have been successful thus far because the DOJ took Ndumie Funda to heart and agreed to provide an ongoing dialogue- a commission to be formed – to explore, commit and implement resources to tackle the issue.   Indeed a second meeting has been set for May 03, 2011.

Another measure of success is the swift response of the South African authorities when this week, after I wrote an article about the latest horrific tragic rape and death of  Noxolo Nogwaza, a 24-year-old lesbian and a gay Pride organizer for Ekurhuleni Pride Organising Committee (EPOC), an LGBTI organization in Kwa-Thema. (Her badly beaten, mutilated body was found in the same area as that of the 2008 victim – soccer star Eudy Simelane.)  http://lezgetreal.com/2011/04/another-lesbian-raped-and-murdered-in-south-african-township/

I sent my article via the e-mail below to The Department of Justice and was very pleased to note that in less than 24 hours, I received a response stating that the department has ordered that the rape and murder of the young woman receive priority attention and resources be applied accordingly.

I take this opportunity to publicly thank  Minister Jeff Radebe, the DOJ , SA  Mr. Tlali Tlali and Ms. Corlia Kok and all others who have responded to this case as a matter of urgency.

From: Melanie Nathan [mailto:nathan@privatecourts.com]
Sent: Friday, April 29, 2011 10:13 AM
To: Stakeholders and Department of Justice & Constitutional Development, South Africa

It is with great sadness that we learn of yet another victim  – a Lesbian who was raped and murdered. We hope that the authorities will do everything possible to find the perpetraitors and bring swift justice. This is such sad news.  Thanks you for your kind attention to my article which I have referenced herein.

http://lezgetreal.com/2011/04/another-lesbian-raped-and-murdered-

Kind Regards,
Melanie Nathan
for Luleki Sizwe.

RESPONSE:_

From: Kok Corlia
To: Melanie Nathan
Sent: Friday, April 29, 2011 1:44 AM

Thank you Ma’am.

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has requested the relevant Justice Crime Prevention and Security Cluster-partners, to give priority attention to this matter.

Thank you and regards-

Mrs Corlia Kok

Director: Child Justice and Family Law

On behalf of the DoJCD

———————————————————-

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

A lot of other people are offering their thoughts on the brutal beating of Chrissy Polis. They have voiced their opinions on what should be done to the attackers, the employees and the people who spread the video for entertainment. I want to address those who are feeding the hate.

It is time to call out the people who spread this hate. They are not Christians. They are not following the teachings of Christ. Christ taught love and tolerance and peace – not hate and bigotry. He stopped people stoning an adulteress, welcomed sinners to his side, taught that even those who did not believe in His Father were still good, moral people. The preachers of hate do not speak for Christ. It is they, with their perversions of the words of Christ, who are the disciples of Satan. Terry Jones and the Phelpses are not Christians. Any so-called minister who preaches that gays, lesbians and transgendered persons are Satanic is not a true Christian.

It is time to confront them about the fact that Christ said His Father’s kingdom was not of this earth, that people should render unto Caesar – pay their civic taxes. Christ denounced the idea of imposing God on government. Why should these un-Christians be allowed to try to impose their faith on our government?

Those ministers need to be identified, those churches need to be identified. These are the kinds of people who print hand-outs identifying abortion providers. It’s time to turn the tables. It’s time to identify them, label them in public, call them what they are – haters and bigots and enablers of violence. The LGBT community has been focused on the halls of power for too long. We have forgotten the battles to be fought at home.

It’s not enough to pass laws. These are the kinds of people who create posters showing the effects of an abortion. Why aren’t we the people who show the effects of hate? Why don’t we have posters showing the dead, the beaten, the effects of their hate? Why are we so afraid to confront them on their religion? It is a religion of hate, not Christianity.

There are so many real Christians in our nation – people of charity and tolerance and peace. Their religion is being smeared, violated, damaged, crippled and profaned by the purveyors of hate – those who preach hatred of Jews, Muslims, gays, lesbians, transgendered persons, anyone they can justify hating. The further from the word of Christ churches travel, the more good people leave them. Intensifying the messages of intolerance has certainly done nothing to slow the secularization of Europe.

We can start by finding out what church, if any, the two attackers and the employees at McDonald belong to and target those churches. Put them in the position of denouncing what they created or admitting that they do not believe in the teachings of Christ. Which radio and television preachers are spreading this hatred? Do they, when the disparate parts are linked, encourage violence? If they do, can the FCC shut them down? If the FCC can’t act, can they be sued? At what point can the preachers of hate be said to cross the line into slander and libel? These are questions we need to explore, avenues that need to be followed.

At the end of the day, the fact remains that Christ was a long-haired man who wore a dress, was over 30 and never married, hung out with a posse, preached radical ideas that challenged the teachings of his faith, protected animals and small children, defended sinners and was as far from a conservative as a man can get. That’s what got him killed.

Hate is not the way of Christ. Oppression is not the way of Christ. Violence is not the way of Christ. Those who practice it and preach it are not Christians.

Virginia Atty. Gen. Ken Cuccinelli

Sometimes, great legal minds are so focused on one aspect of a law, they fail to see the rest of its implications. That’s what just happened in Virginia.

In Virginia, only married couples – hetero of course – and single men and women regardless of sexual orientation can adopt or foster children. Former Governor Tim Kaine proposed changing the rules to allow same-sex couples to adopt or foster and requiring faith-based adoption services to allow it. The current Republican Governor Bob McDonnell opposed the changes. On Wednesday, the Virginia Board of Social Services voted to reject the changes. Their decision was reinforced by a memo from the state’s Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli II. According to Cuccinelli, the changes would violate Virginia law. Since adoption and fostering are not barred according to sexual orientation or even marital status, one can only assume that the law Cuccinelli thinks would be violated is the one against same-sex marriage.

Other than a slap in the face, though, this ruling does nothing to stop prospective adoptive gay and lesbian parents. Virginia does not have same-sex marriage, so technically, Virginia doesn’t have same-sex couples. The law allows single gays and lesbians to adopt and foster. If there is no such thing in Virginia as a gay couple, then there really is no barrier to adoption or fostering by gays and lesbians. They just have to do it singly, technically. How the family is constructed after that is not governed by the law.

Yes, this ruling imposes a monetary burden on same-sex couples. First, being able to use only one income impacts meeting whatever income requirements the state or agency has for adoption or fostering. Second, the couple will have to come up with the money to have a whole lot of contracts created to protect the rights of the non-adoptive parent. In many ways, it will be no different from the situation faced by a second spouse when the birth parent refuses to surrender parental rights, or even by a first spouse if the child involved was born out-of-wedlock.

We are probably a couple of decades away from the legal system recognizing not just same-sex parenting rights, but the rights of blended families. We need a uniform, streamlined way to deal with the complications of unwed parents, divorced parents, step-parents, surrogacy, artificial insemination and adoption. As long as there are states that think of themselves as a state first and a nation second, we’re stuck with this nonsense. Each state will continue to think of itself as a singular entity and capable of writing laws according to “community standards.”

There really are some issues that cross the straight-LGBT divide and this is one of them. The rights of adopted children to find their birth parents, the rights of parents who have given up their children to find and contact them, the rights of grandparents, the rights of step-parents in the convoluted world of blended families, the rights of non-married parents, these are not just gay issues. We no long are born and die within a five mile radius. We are a very mobile society in which people cross state lines all the time. These are universal issues that are a consequence of our modern society.

Those three words “our modern society” are at the hub of these issues. Conservatives, and especially the religious right, believe in a myth of a perfect little Christian nation where only straights lived, no one earned their living in prostitution, no one ever beat or killed their spouse or children, everyone was white, bluebirds sang in the trees and the skies were not cloudy all day. There is this really stupid e-mail that has been circulating for a few years. It’s main message is about taxes, but it alleges that we were a perfect nation and women stayed home and raised their children just 100 or 60 years ago, depending on the version. When my aunt sent it to me, I reminded her that 70 years ago, my father’s single mother was scrubbing toilets in the same Empire State Building where she had worked thirty years later because she too was a single mother. Duh.

We can’t go back to that perfect world because it never existed. The longer we treat family law according to that myth, the longer we hurt our children. We all agree that children need stable, loving homes. The only way that is going to happen is for us to put the needs of those children above the prejudices of the religious fanatics and above the interests of adults.

On the other hand, LGBT rights should not be granted at the cost of the rights of others. Again, this is one of those cases. Any church that believes that homosexuality is a sin should not be forced to place children in same-sex families, any more than it should be forced to perform same-sex marriages. It is a violations of the religious rights of those churches. Sorry, but no one can truly be free if their freedom is bought at the price of another’s oppression. If the LGBT community ever gets its act together and starts arguing for its rights on the grounds that this is a secular nation and anti-gay laws are back-door establishment of a state religion, then it must be willing to let churches exercise their right to freedom of worship, and that includes just backing away and letting them live in their perfect myths. We can legislate against violence, harassment and discrimination within the secular world, but we should not even try to legislate tolerance, anymore than they should try to legislate intolerance. The best we should be doing is trying to legislate a separation of the secular rights of citizens from the religious rights of other citizens.

On any given issue, one will find literally dozens of advocacy groups. There is no strength in being divided. There is only strength in unity. Those advocating for LGBT parental rights would benefit from working with those who are advocating for single-parent adoption, ease of establishing legal rights for un-married parents, fairness in child support, a whole raft of issues. There is more to be gained from working together to solve the myriad problems of children in a “non-traditional” situation than from narrowing the focus to just gay adoption and gay marriage.

Related articles

• Homophobic Attorney General Derails LGBT Adoption Rights In Virginia (lezgetreal.com)
• Cuccinelli: Va. Should Reject Antibias Policy (advocate.com)
• Virginia Social Services Panel Votes 7-2 to Reject Changes That Would Allow Adoptions by Gay Couples (towleroad.com)
• NOM Goes Ballistic Over Virginia’s New Foster Care And Adoption Regulations (lezgetreal.com)
• State Board of Social Services Fails to Serve the Best Interests of Virginia’s Children (hrcbackstory.org)
• Va. Official Opposes Antibias Rule (advocate.com)

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04/20/2011 – by Cynthia S. Wright

Peter LaBarbera and Linda Harvey, co-hosts of “America’s for Truth Academy” have come out accusing gays and the television show Glee of using demonic manipulation to lure kids in to becoming gay. LaBarbera, who is avid about his distaste of all things gay has urged parents to make sure their kids don’t have any gay friends, have them not participate in the Day of Silence because it is a “Hitler Youth product”, and if all else fails take them out of public school.

Harvey, who recently appeared on LaBarbera’s radio show agrees, of course, stating that the acceptance of gay youth will incur the wrath of God’s judgment. Not only that but gay rights advocates are using “demonic manipulation”, which is turning otherwise happy, “straight” children gay. How do they back up their claim? Why, by using everyone conservatives favorite television scapegoat: Glee!

Commenting on the Glee scene involving two, homosexual male characters sharing a kiss, LaBarbera laments, “How many young men and boys decided right there that they’re gay?” Yes, because it is really just THAT simple.

Courtesy of Right Wing Watch:

LaBarbera: You’re promoting homosexuality to middle school boys. Now, if that can go on in America, without consequence, then it’s over. Then we as a country are going to go straight downhill because you’re getting to the point where you are promoting perversion to boys who should be so innocent still.

Harvey: Innocent and when you think about Scripture and you think about history, the male culture of any society is the backbone, the strength, the honor, the nobility, the future, and the vitality of the society. What are we doing with our young males? It is a symptom, I think its part of God’s judgment on us that we’re doing this and that people are not ripping their kids out of these schools by the thousands daily, they should be. Because there’s no reason for people to be in these schools if you have any other choices at all, not everybody does, but I really recommend it if people have a choice, they get their kids out of these schools.

Harvey: These people are masters at demonic manipulation; I mean I have to put it that way, because that is what the homosexual agenda directed to that age group does. Kids don’t know what they’re going to turn out to be, kids can be secretly wondering and doubting if they are homosexual without a parent ever knowing. Because of A) what they get in schools, and B) what they get on the Internet.

LaBarbera: And then Hollywood, I talked about at our conference about this Glee kiss, which is just, as I said at the conference, it shocked my soul. This romantic Glee kiss between two teenage boys depicted on the show, popular characters, one of the most popular if not the most popular TV show that young people watch, and here they had a romantic kiss between two teenage boys, I thought, what, how many young men and boys decided right there that they’re gay?

Never knew that one becomes gay just by watching two, gay, fictional television characters share a sweet, meaningful moment. Does that mean, every time a gay youth sees a straight couple kissing, that they turn straight? Isn’t this how it all works?

Both LaBarbera and Harvey fail to mention anything involving the two cheerleaders on the show that have a more than “friendly” relationship. Seems like they haven’t fully researched the show enough to make any sort of valid statement or maybe they don’t care about female youths turning gay – it is hard to say. Reeks of misogyny but maybe the conservative duo is only capable of firing their homophobic rants at one “cause” at a time.

However, it can be said that their logic is better suited for fiction than Glee’s loving portrayal of homosexual life, love, and relationships.

SAN FRANCISCO – AB 9 seeks to Create a Safer School Environment for California Students.  Today the California Assembly Education Committee passed Seth’s Law in a 7-3 vote. AB 9, also known as Seth’s Law, is a comprehensive bill that addresses school bullying by providing California schools with specific tools to prevent and address the pervasive problem in order to create a safe school environment for all students.

The bill is named “Seth’s Law” in memory of Seth Walsh, a 13 year-old gay student from Tehachapi, California, who took his life in September 2010, after facing years of relentless anti-gay harassment at school. Wendy Walsh, Seth’s mother, provided powerful testimony in support of the bill today.

“I can’t bring my son back,” said Wendy Walsh. “But the California legislature can make a difference today to protect young people across our state just like Seth, who are or are thought to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. Schools need to take harassment and bullying seriously when parents or students tell them about it, and when they see it and hear it on the school campus.”

The bill was authored by Assemblymember Tom Ammiano and co-sponsored by a coalition of organizations advancing LGBT equality and justice, including the National Center for Lesbian Rights, Equality California, the ACLU’s California Affiliates, and Gay-Straight Alliance Network.

“As a former teacher, I know how important it is for our students to feel safe at school. Each day throughout California, LGBT youth experience harassment. Seth’s Law will give schools the necessary tools to prevent any young person from being bullied, harassed or worse because of their sexual orientation or gender identity and expression,” said Ammiano.

AB 9 would ensure that every school in California implements updated anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies and programs that include actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity and expression, as well as race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, disability, and religion. It would also empower students and parents to know what their rights are and how to advocate for them.

“Children should never experience fear each time they walk onto their school campuses, dreading harassment and bullying by others—yet, this is the reality for thousands of kids,” said National Center for Lesbian Rights Executive Director Kate Kendell. “Schools should be safe environments for children, and everyone should look forward to the day that Seth’s Law goes into effect, providing educators and parents the tools they need to establish a school-wide culture of respect.”

Schools often do not have the tools or knowledge to adequately protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students and others from bullying, which remains a serious issue across California and the rest of the nation. Students, parents, and school employees often don’t know what the rules are or what to do if bullying occurs.

“We thank Wendy Walsh for her courageous advocacy to make schools safer for all young people,” said Equality California Interim Executive Director Jim Carroll. “No child should ever fear for their safety at school simply because of who they are. Seth’s Law will ensure that all students and school officials have the knowledge and tools they need to protect against bullying, harassment, assault and intimidation. We commend the legislators who supported this vital piece of legislation.”

GSA Network reviewed the websites of every school district in California and found that only 34 percent post their Student Non-Discrimination Policy. Of those, only 84 percent include sexual orientation and only 4 percent include gender identity and gender expression. Furthermore, only 24 percent of school district websites in California provide information for students and parents on where and how to file a complaint.

“Public schools have tremendous power and responsibility to protect students from bullying and harassment,” said Elizabeth Gill, Staff Attorney with the California Affiliates of the American Civil Liberties Union. “Better school procedures and policies to prevent and address bullying will make a safer environment for students who are suffering, and can even save lives.”

In a recent national survey, nine out of 10 LGBT students reported being harassed at school. The problem persists in California as well, with LGBT students reporting significant harassment. The California Safe Schools Coalition reported in 2010 that 42 percent of California students who identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual and 62 percent who identify as transgender reported being harassed at least once based on gender non-conformity.

What’s more, young people often face bullying and harassment based on what their peers perceive to be their sexual orientation, regardless of whether they identify as being LGBT. According to the most recent California Healthy Kids Survey 12 percent of 7th graders and 10 percent of 9th graders reported being harassed based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation.

The consequences of bullying and harassment can include falling grades, depression, and risk of suicide. LGBT youth are three times more likely than their heterosexual peers to seriously consider suicide.

Under Seth’s Law, every school district in the state would:

• Create strong and clear anti-harassment policies and programs, if they don’t have them already.
• Have a system in place to ensure that all reports of harassment are taken seriously, addressed quickly, and that parents and students understand the process of making these complaints.
• Explain the harmful impact of bullying and discrimination to students and staff.
• Provide ongoing professional development for teachers, school counselors and administrators about identifying and stopping harassment and discrimination and creating a school-wide culture of inclusion and respect for difference.

“Seth’s Law will ensure that students know their rights and schools understand their obligations to project youth from bullying and harassment,” said Gay-Straight Alliance Network Executive Director Carolyn Laub. “Student activists in Gay-Straight Alliance clubs across the state are working hard to make their schools safer for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students and lawmakers owe it to them to do their part by supporting Seth’s Law.”

###

The National Center for Lesbian Rights is a national legal organization committed to advancing the human and civil rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education. www.NCLRrights.org

Equality California is the largest statewide lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights advocacy organization in California. Over the past decade, Equality California has strategically moved California from a state with extremely limited legal protections for LGBT individuals to a state with some of the most comprehensive civil rights protections in the nation. Equality California has passed more than 70 pieces of legislation and continues to advance equality through legislative advocacy, electoral work, public education and community empowerment. www.EQCA.org

The three California Affiliates of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) are part of the   nationwide, nonpartisan organization with more than 550,000 members dedicated to the defense and promotion of the guarantees of individual liberty secured by state and federal Constitutions and civil rights statutes. www.ACLU.org

Gay-Straight Alliance Network (GSA Network) is a national youth leadership organization that empowers youth activists to fight homophobia and transphobia in schools by training student leaders and supporting student-led Gay-Straight Alliance clubs throughout the country.  In California alone, we have brought GSA clubs to 53 percent of public high schools, impacting more than 1.1 million students at 850 schools.  GSA Network’s youth advocates have played a key role in changing laws and policies that impact youth at the local and state level.  GSA Network is also the founder of the Make It Better Project, which aims to stop bullying and prevent suicide.  www.GSANetwork.org

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

Sacramento- Some seventy high school students are in Sacramento today where they will meet with lawmakers to discuss the need for greater protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth. The students include LGBT and straight ally young people from small towns and cities across the state, many of whom traveled hundreds of miles to speak out about bullying and discrimination in their schools at the annual event known as Queer Youth Advocacy Day.

Students will rally at the State Capitol’s South Steps at 11:00 a.m. where they will be joined by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson, Senator Christine Kehoe (D-San Diego), Senator Mark Leno (D-San Francisco), and Assembly members Tom Ammiano (D-San Francisco) and Rich Gordon (D-San Mateo). Following the rally, students will visit their representatives’ offices to discuss three new pieces of legislation that aim to decrease bullying and make California’s public schools more safe and inclusive of LGBT youth: Seth’s Law (AB9); the Fair, Accurate, Inclusive and Respectful (FAIR) Education Act (SB 48); and the Gender Nondiscrimination Act (AB 887).

“Especially given the tragic suicides of numerous young people in the past year, it is crucial that legislators hear and understand the stories of youth who are working in their schools and their communities to combat bullying and harassment based on sexual orientation and gender identity,” said Senator Leno. “I am inspired by the passion and resolve that these students have brought to Sacramento with their unified goal to make California a safer place for all young people.”

“Bullying and harassment continue to be a pervasive problem in California schools, with heartbreaking consequences. Youth leaders from Gay-Straight Alliance clubs across the state are here today to say, ‘enough.’ They are telling their stories to lawmakers who have the opportunity to make it better for LGBT youth by supporting the FAIR Education Act, Seth’s Law, and the Gender Nondiscrimination Act,” said Carolyn Laub, Executive Director of Gay-Straight Alliance Network, a national safe schools organization that has been taking students to advocate in Sacramento since 1999.

“We cannot expect students to learn the important skills they need to be successful in life if they don’t feel safe at school,” said Jim Carroll, interim executive director at Equality California. “We are proud of the fearless and committed youth who are sharing their stories today. They will head back home to inspire positive change in their schools and to improve the lives of young people in California.”

“Seth’s Law,” authored by Assemblymember Ammiano, would ensure that every school in California implements updated anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies and programs that include actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity and expression, as well as race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, disability, and religion. It would also empower students and parents to know what their rights are, and how to advocate for them. AB 9, is named “Seth’s Law” in memory of Seth Walsh, a 13 year-old gay student from Tehachapi, California, who took his life in September 2010 after facing years of relentless anti-gay harassment at school that school officials effectively ignored.

“We are excited to sponsor Queer Youth Advocacy Day, working with young people to encourage California lawmakers to improve school climate for all students,” said Trevor Project Executive Director Charles Robbins. “When educational spaces promote good psychological well-being, it benefits everyone.”

Participants also discussed the Gender Nondiscrimination Act, authored by Assemblymember Toni Atkins (D-San Diego), which seeks to strengthen employment, housing, and other civil rights protections for LGBT people.

“The discrimination that transgender people face is life threatening. Even when youth who don’t fit narrow gender stereotypes are comfortable being who they are, their classmates and schools often are not, and they face unfair harassment and discrimination,” said Masen Davis, Executive Director of the Transgender Law Center. “We need to create a culture in which it is no longer acceptable for transgender and gender non-conforming youth to be bullied, beaten or harassed. All children deserve to live their lives fully and authentically.”

Students will also discuss the FAIR Education Act, authored by Senator Leno, which would prohibit discriminatory education and ensure that LGBT people are fairly and accurately included in instructional materials. By including fair and accurate information about LGBT people and history in instructional materials, SB 48 will improve student safety, reduce bullying, enrich the learning experiences of all students, and promote an atmosphere of safety and respect in California schools.

Youth leaders arrived in Sacramento on Friday, April 1 to participate in a three-day educational training called the GSA Advocacy & Youth Leadership Academy (GAYLA). The educational training covered the legislative process, policy advocacy, media activism, and other important leadership skills for students working to change cultural perceptions and treatment of LGBT students in school.
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

The Groups that have helped to organize this event and continue to work tirelessly on behalf of LGBTI Youth include:

Equality California Institute educates lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and the public at large about issues impacting the LGBT community and our allies. Established in 2000, EQCAI organizes and empowers individuals, communities and allied groups to work proactively for fairness, equality and justice. EQCAI coordinates the LGBT Health and Human Services Network, a statewide health coalition. www.eqcai.org

Gay-Straight Alliance Network (GSA Network) is a national youth leadership organization that empowers youth activists to fight homophobia and transphobia in schools by training student leaders and supporting student-led Gay-Straight Alliance clubs throughout the country. In California alone, GSA Network has brought GSA clubs to 56% of public high schools, impacting more than 1.1 million students at 850 schools. GSA Network’s youth advocates have played a key role in changing laws and policies that impact youth at the local and state level. GSA Network also founded the Make It Better Project, which aims to stop bullying and prevent suicide. www.gsanetwork.org

The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ youth. Every day, The Trevor Project saves young lives through its free and confidential lifeline, in-school workshops, educational materials, online resources and advocacy. www.TheTrevorProject.org

The Transgender Law Center (TLC) is a civil rights organization advocating for transgender communities. TLC uses direct legal services, education, community organizing and advocacy to transform California into a state that recognizes and supports the needs of transgender people and their families. www.transgenderlawcenter.org

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

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

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

Image via Wikipedia

Clair Huxtable on the Cosby show, eloquently stated,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On March 23^rd, the first hearing for Senate Bill 48 (the FAIR Education Act) will go before the California Senate. The bill, which was proposed by gay Senator Mark Leno, outlines the need for public school textbooks to be rewritten to include historical information about the LGBT movement and its place in history. The FAIR Education Act would add LGBT to the existing list of underrepresented cultural ethnic groups, which is currently covered by law. Under S.B. 48, textbooks will be rewritten to highlight key LGBT figures that contributed to the history of the United States and California, as well as discuss details about the LGBT movement.

Currently, right wing supporters are up in arms about the recent turn of events. One of the voices against this bill is Dr. Scott Lively, president of Defend the Family International, who is sending out a battle cry for Christians to come together and voice their concerns.

He states:

“This isn’t about tolerance. This isn’t even about acceptance… This is about celebration and even goes further than that — the next step after that is forced acceptance; you’re coerced into being pro-gay.”

When did learning about other topics outside of white, heterosexual history harm public school students? What is wrong with getting to know the whole story not just watered down snippets passed off as 100% truth? In James W Loewen’s book, “Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong“, details how textbooks have constantly played down or eliminated key facts in order promote a history, where predominately white historical figures are held up to higher esteem compared to others.

Concerning education, it always seems that the conservatives (which seems to be largely mad up of the religious right) are always concerned about the “gay agenda”. Never stopping to think that LGBT figures helped to shape and mold American history, instead they choose to see it as a vehicle that LGBT activists will use to bully those who happened to support Proposition 8.

Which dismisses the fact that SB 48 is actually being introduced to reduce bullying and promote a level of safety and respect in California public schools.

“Most textbooks don’t include any historical information about the LGBT movement, which has great significance to both California and U.S. history… Our collective silence on this issue perpetuates negative stereotypes of LGBT people and leads to increased bullying of young people. We can’t simultaneously tell youth that it’s OK to be yourself and live an honest, open life when we aren’t even teaching students about historical LGBT figures or the LGBT equal rights movement,” states Senator Leno.

The hesitation of conservatives isn’t new when it comes to the writing of this nation’s history.  It wasn’t until the late 1960′s that public school curriculum’s started to discuss the revising of texts to start including facts pertaining to African-Americans throughout the course of history.  Even with that, the historical facts available are still viewed as lacking, showcasing how textbook writers are still reserved (or unwillingly) to document history from multiple viewpoints (or ones that don’t stem from White European history).

With the introduction of the bill, the historical movement of the United States is moving forward to exhibit the true makeup of this nation, which deserves to be told because all underrepresented ethnic and minority groups had a hand in developing this country and all the facts should be shared, not just a select few.

Currently, about 20 Senators in Assembly members have agreed to co-author the legislation.

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Image via Wikipedia

02/22/2011- by Natasia Langfelder

Can you guys believe that Rosie O’Donnell and girlfriend Tracy Katrick-Anders were together for a whole year? That means Rosie and wife Kelli Carpenter have been split for over a year. Sigh, it just seems like yesterday.

Anywho, Tracy and Rosie’s split affects about a million children. Katrick-Anders has six of her own and Kelli and Rosie have four, so it was pretty irresponsible of them to U-haul it. However, Rosie’s rep is doing damage control saying: “Rosie and Tracy never officially lived under one roof. They have lived near one another for quite some time, and their families still socialize and they see each other frequently.” [Source]

Basically, don’t worry the kids are alright. Pun intended. It’s too bad these two crazy kids couldn’t work it out for the sake of the many, many children. Who’s Rosie going to date next? My money is on either Britney Spears or Chaz Bono. It’s so going to be one of those two.  

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Each and every one of us may have felt that way – at some time – it is what you choose to do with the REALITY and the  feelings that will ultimately determine your happiness…..   this is a must watch. A Young Lesbian declares her truth…

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) fights anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry in the U.S. and abroad through information, education, legislation, and advocacy. ADL serves as a resource for government, media, law enforcement, educators and the public. The League:

• scrutinizes and exposes extremists and hate groups
• monitors hate on the Internet
• provides expertise on domestic and international terrorism
• probes the roots of hatred
• develops and delivers educational programs
• fosters interfaith/intergroup relations
• mobilizes communities to stand up against bigotry
• defends the security of Israel and Jews worldwide
• maintains a comprehensive and up-to-date Web site: www.adl.org

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

Posted by Melanie Nathan – Feb 13-2011

Zach Wahls a 19-year-old University of Iowa engineering student defended gay marriage in a rousing testimony in front of the Iowa House of Representatives this month. Zack Wahls spoke out against a resolution which would end civil unions in Iowa by describing his own experience as the son of two lesbian partners.

“Our family really isn’t so different from any other Iowa family,” said Wahls. “When I am home, we go to church together, we eat dinner, we go on vacations.”

Wahls emphasized the typical nature of his upbringing, as well as his own success. He is an Eagle Scout and a small business owner. He also scored in the 99th percentile on the ACT. “If I was your son, Mr. Chairman, I believe I would make you very proud,” he said.

A sixth-generation Iowan, Wahls finished his testimony on an impassioned note. “In my 19 years not once have I ever been confronted by an individual who realized independently that I was raised by a gay couple,” he said. “And you know why? Because the sexual orientation of my parents has had zero effect on the content of my character.”

“Last fall, I had the opportunity, courtesy of Iowa Public Radio’s “The Exchange,” to talk with a Tea Partier about this very topic. When I mentioned that two lesbian women raised me, her face turned to shock and then concern. She asked if I ever had yearning to meet my father — an anonymous sperm donor, ” said Wahls in an issue in the University of Iowa’s student newspaper.

Watch Zach Wahls’s inspirational speach on youtube -

Source : 11th February 2011 huffingtonpost.com

Image by jglsongs via Flickr

02/08/2011- by Natasia Langfelder

Sex and the City star Cynthia Nixon’s partner, Christine Marinoni gave birth to a son yesterday! Nixon’s rep has said the son’s name is Max Ellington Nixon-Marinoni, nice and normal! But what else would you expect from the down to earth Nixon? I love these two together! They are sooooooo normal.

Nixon and Marinoni have been together since 2004 and they got engaged in 2009. Why did they have a baby before the marriage? I don’t know! Maybe the condom broke? But the two LGBT rights activists have said they are waiting for it to be legal in NY before they tie the knot and since they had the baby biologically, guess they couldn’t wait that long. Hopefully they won’t have to wait too much longer.

Max joins  Samantha and Charles, Nixon’s children from her relationship with some guy she was dating before she met Marinoni.

Congrats to the happy family!

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Crisis teams are trying to help the devastated students, as staff and parents deal with not one, but two tragedies in less than two weeks-apparently  another student, a junior on the football team also committed suicide.

“At the high school they both attended, students tried to make sense of the incomprehensible — that two teens with everything ahead of them seemed to find life too painful.

“Kameron Jacobsen was an amazing kid who went to Monroe Woodbury High School. He made lots of people smile and laugh. Kameron passed away on January 18, 2011. We all love and miss him. R.I.P Kameron – said the special FaceBook Page posted in his memory – The Page has almost 2000 signatories. It is actually a page showing love and support for the young teen and put up up as a memorial.

Ironically this is the venue and forum blamed for his suicide.   It would appear that his family is objecting to this ad hoc unauthorized memorial, notwithstanding its positive comments and expressions of grief. ” Even with his death, online entries still sting.” His older sister, Kierten, pleaded that people stop writing “rest in peace” entries and posting personal information about her baby brother.”

Facebook issued a statement about the incidents: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of these students, and our hearts go out to their family and friends. These cases serve as a painful reminder of how people can help others who are either bullied or show signs of distress on Facebook. We encourage them to notify us, and we work with third party support groups including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to reach out to people who may need help. Our Safety Center also contains resources on how to help people who are in danger of harming themselves. These deaths are a loss to many, and it’s critical that we all work together to give hope to teens who may be feeling similarly.”

Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com

Melanie Nathan Jan 16-2011 – -Hollywood ‘s Big Night,  Golden Globe Awards, which are given out by the nearly 90 members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, on Sunday scooped  its gaydar for the much deserving Chris Colfer,  from Glee – who in sweet voice trembling thanked his “fair godfather and spoke about bullies in the schools saying “screw that kids!”

Christopher Paul “Chris” Colfer^[1][2] (born May 27, 1990) is an American actor and singer, known for his portrayal of Kurt Hummel on Glee, for which he has received several nominations and awards. 1.

Melanie Nathan – Jan 13, 2011- San Francisco

Note: The Film can be viewed on the site.

The Production website notes: “Lead With Love – Watch the Film If you are a parent of a lesbian, gay, or bisexual child, we applaud your courage in looking for resources to help support your family. This film was made for you. If you are someone else who cares about these issues, we hope that you will enjoy this entertaining and informational film, and share it with others. Thank you for your interest.”

Jenny Mackenzie, PhD, Director

Dr. Mackenzie is an award winning documentary filmmaker whose mission is to produce films that create and promote social change. Her most recent film, KICK LIKE A GIRL, aired on HBO, played at over 50 international film festivals, and is currently being used by the US State Department to discuss gender equity globally. As a clinician, researcher, former non-profit administrator, and mother of three, Dr. Mackenzie uses her professional experience, humor, and real life passion to address the power of social impact filmmaking as a motivational speaker. www.jennymackenziefilms.com

David Huebner, PhD, MPH, Executive Producer, Writer

Dr. Huebner is a clinical psychologist and professor at the University of Utah. He has spent the past 10 years researching how discrimination affects physical and mental health, and exploring ways that interventions can help improve health among minority and marginalized communities. He was the recipient of a 5-year grant from the National Institute of Mental Health, part of which provided the funding for LEAD WITH LOVE. www.psych.utah.edu/davidmhuebner

Resources:  PFLAG
http://pflag.org

Posted by Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com

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If this does not change the Principal, What Will?

If this Does Not Change The Teen afraid to Tell, What Will?

If This does Not change the Listening Parent, What Will?

End Teen Suicide
The Responsibility of All…

Melanie Nathan.
December 17, 2010
Thanks Evan Hurst For your Post and drawing attention to this Video.

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Melanie Nathan Dec 17-2010- –Cpl. Evelyn Thomas, a veteran honorable discharged under Don’t Ask Don’t Tell after serving four years with in the United States Army and the Marine Corp has come forward to disclose that, as an educator, she has been a victim of bullying and harassment while working with the Oceanside Unified School District and San Diego Public Schools.

Nearly three years ago, Evelyn Thomas, an educator with the Oceanside Unified School District, in San Diego County, California eagerly accepted the honorable and prestige role as the advisor for Oceanside High School’s first Gay Straight Alliance.

Shortly after accepting this advisor role she experienced what she describes as ‘horrendous harassment and discrimination’ from her fellow teachers, staff, administrators, and students.  Verbal and physical bullying and harassment began immediately, her car was egged in a secured staff parking lot, rocks were thrown into her window and notes were left on her desk that said “Ur Gay”.

“It became an emotional, mental, and physical battle for my life”, says Cpl. Evelyn Thomas.

The bullying and harassment Cpl. Thomas endured continued in San Diego County with the Collaborative Learning Study Group. After voicing concern to officials and standing up after a colleague use the term “fags eat poop” she was determined ineligible to continue with the program.

“The classroom and other educational venues are not safe environments for LGBT people”, says Cpl. Evelyn Thomas.

Cpl. Evelyn Thomas is presenting her story,  nationally,  to bring attention to bullying and harassment in schools for students and educators. As a result of her experience, Thomas has become a national activist in the fight for equality for LGBT people.

Thomas  believes that by sharing her story, the  The San Diego County of Education and the Oceanside Unified School District may be forced to look into and address the issue of their ‘tacit approval of homophobia’ in the learning environment for openly LGBT students, teachers, and administrators.

Cpl. Evelyn Thomas is an educator, veteran, and activist advocating for equality; She is the founder and Executive Director of The Sanctuary Project www.sanctuaryproject.org. It is an activist outreach ministry that advocates for service members, veteran, and their families impacted by Don’t Ask Don’t Tell law.

The Story cane be read in more detail at http://education.change.org/blog/view/dont_ask_dont_tell_activist_i_was_harassed_after_starting_a_gay_straight_alliance

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Five years later,  her son Zheng Yuantao, 30,discussed his sexuality on local television in the southern metropolis of Guangzhou and it was then that Wu decided to become what state media calls the first Chinese parent to go on television in support of her gay child.

According to a CNN report, Zheng applauds his mother: “Many of my gay friends are afraid of going home during holidays, because their parents would ask about girlfriends and press them to get married, I grew up in a very open-minded family, I didn’t have too much of a struggle about my sexuality.”

Wu now devotes her time and energy to speaking up for gay acceptance by family and society. She is now known as “Mama Wu,” by the local Gay community who appreciate her courageous advocacy. She taught herself to use a computer and  writes a blog that has clocked more than 2.2 million hits. She also tweets frequently, has launched a hotline and founded the country’s first PFLAG – Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays – group in her hometown.

“I just followed my instinct and my love for my son,” Wu said. One is awestruck by how one person can break from such deeply entrenched culture where gay invokes family shame.  Perhaps love can overcome – but it takes a very special person. Chinese parents  generally refuse to face the reality of Gay or lesbian children; some sever ties with their  children. Some even insist on psychiatric treatments, while yet the worst others may threaten to commit suicide if their children don’t change.

According to the CNN Report: “Suicide is high among Chinese homosexuals  with some surveys saying as many as 30 percent of gay youth attempt to take their lives. That trend mirrors the United States, where a spate of suicides by gay adolescents in recent months has shaken the nation. “  Most gay men in China still succumb to social pressure and marry women. It once meant heterosexual marriages, often with children, Li said. Now, gay community activists say a small but growing number of young gay men in big cities are tying the knot with lesbians to both placate families and maintain their lifestyles.

It’s not all accolades for Wu, however; she is often the subject of online abuse.

Homosexuality is not illegal in China, and in 2001 it was also removed from the country’s list of officially recognized mental disorders. But it remains largely a taboo topic on state-run media.

Wu has picked up pace in spreading the message of acceptance, giving lectures and hosting seminars across the nation.At a recent PFLAG gathering in Beijing, Wu, sporting a rainbow scarf and speaking in a calm but firm tone, addressed a packed hotel conference room of about 100 people, with her son and his boyfriend in attendance.

Thousands of blog posts and phone calls later, Wu has compiled her stories in a new book – titled “Love Is the Most Beautiful Rainbow” – and vows to continue her effort.

“I have only one child, but so many call me Mama,” she said.

Source CNN – Full Article can be found here- read more by Steven Jiang, CNN

Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts

11/02/2010- by Natasia Langfelder

Gay icon and singer Cher admits that she is still getting used to her child’s gender change. Chaz Bono was born Chastity Bono, back in the day, for those of you too young to remember. Cher also says that she can see how hard it would be to feel as if you were born the wrong gender. She tells Vanity Fair in an upcoming interview:

“Well, she’s a very smart girl — boy! This is where I get into trouble. My pronouns are [bleeped]. I still don’t remember to call her ‘him,’ If I woke up tomorrow in a guy’s body, I would just kick and scream and cry and [bleeping] rob a bank, because I cannot see myself as anything but who I am — a girl. I would not take it as well as Chaz has.” [Source]

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It does get better; When you find yourself attracted to a member of the same sex-it can be quite confusing. But it does not have to be, all you need to do is

1. Develop the Mantra “It Gets Better”

2. These feelings are not a choice – it is the way I am made

3. There are millions of other Gays and Lesbians (LGBT) who live their lives because its is who they are

4. There are a ton of resources available to you – hundreds.

5. If in deep despair call “The Trevor Project.”

6. Actually being Gay or lesbian is pretty cool as long as you are really gay or lesbian…. enjoy who you are-

Then it GETS Better.   Remember it is when you accept who you are that other people will do the same!

I am your friend,….. we can do this together…  mel

Concerns or questions

Melanie Nathan
Friend me on FB and see me twit @oblogdeeoblogda
nathan@privatecourts.com

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Christine O’Donnell described in the New York Times as “ célèbre, liberal laughingstock and perhaps the embodiment of a can-you-top-this-for-bizarre political season, Christine O’Donnell grew up in a “Brady Bunch” household of six kids (three Democrats, three Republicans), two parents (one of each) and an appreciation for the dramatic, the eccentric and the media spotlight.

Like all Brady bunches there is always at least one who is gay or lesbian sibling in the fam. And indeed in there was and now Jennie O’Donnell, the lesbian sister of Christine O’Donnell is doing what all good sisters do and that is giving up her home to venture off to Delaware Land, where she will support her sister, regardless of the off the charts anti-gay remarks that the Republican nominee for  Senate spewed, including  the ignoramus “ they have gender identity disorder” and the underhand primary campaign lie that may have helped beat her opponent Republican Mike Castle, when the O’Donnell campaign made the baseless claim that he was gay and cheating on his wife with a man.

The statement ‘blood is thicker than politics,’ explained Jennie, a self-described expert in the ‘healing art,” and it may well sit safely albeit inexcusable in the context of a sister’s mind.

Yet all I can say is shame; shame; and shame!  It truly is a shame – that while one’s mind may rely on cliché’s, metaphors and bad excuses, what comes screaming at me is a mindset – where in all likelihood little Jenni was perceived as the odd one in her family- the gender disordered and poor Jenni cannot stand up to the marginalization she suffered as a child and now transfers her own shame to the public scene, where she continues her childhood defacing of the truth reality of being a lesbian and a second class citizen of this Country.

I can say one thing if my beloved brother ever ran on a ticket of hate, pointed directly at me and my life, impacting my dreams of equality, I would actually stand up and say EQUALITY is thicker than Blood – and turn my back on a campaign that served to enhance to slaughter of equality for 30 million Americans.

Jenni, I suggest you save your Blood is thicker than whatever, for the time you will be sending cookies to your sinister sister when she lands her butt in jail for fraud!!

Perhaps Jenni you can coach your sister on how to heal the world seems you have expertise:-

Jenni’s Linked in Page:

Spiritual Psychologist/ Life Coach/Counselor

Soul Clinic

(Alternative Medicine industry)

October 1989 — Present (21 years 1 month)

I believe every life issue has its roots in and begins healing in our souls. In this work , we asses a persons needs and what they’d want to accomplish in a safe, gentle, productive atmosphere.
We take a soul centered, body-mind therapeutic approach, blended with aspects of traditional counseling to help one heal from and deal with the issues in their life at core levels. As a result change does happen.”

I have been involved in the healing arts since 1987. At first my involvement was as a quest to work on my own issues and find deeper meaning and purpose in my own life. As my life healed, I found that sharing what I had learned could help others, as well as myself I believe every life issue has its roots in and begins healing in our souls. In this work, we assess ones needs and what they,want, or need to accomplish in a safe, gentle, productive atmosphere.

In this work a client and I would take a soul centered, body-mind therapeutic approach, blended with aspects of traditional counseling to help heal from and deal with the issues in their life at core levels. As a result change does happen.
I have studied and practiced many therapeutic methods, as well as many different spiritual practices, such as; The Eastern Philosophies of Buddhism, Taoism, Sidha yoga with Brahma khumaris and other yoga practices for self realization. Western philosophies of Christianity, Science of mind, Course in miracles, Catholicism, Native American Spiritualities, Judaism, Muslim, Sufi, Ancient Alchemy of the Emerald Tablet, Metaphysics, Wicca, Pagan and many other world spiritualities.”  By Jenni O’Donnell

Melanie Nathan
Nathan@privatecourts.com
@oblogdeeoblogda

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When I saw Jeff Sheng’s first volume, it reminded me that gay and lesbian servicemembers have to let the world know we are out there, however we can.  Most people don’t have a clue about the real impact of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT).  To comply with that discriminatory policy, it doesn’t mean I have to keep quiet at work about my social life, it means I have to deny who I am and how I was born- a much more sinister price to pay for serving my country.  DADT at its core has destroyed people and lives in ways that no war has ever done.  Whether it is promising careers cut short, relationships shattered, or lives snuffed out by their own hands in acts of desperation, DADT has exacted a price that should never be paid by citizens who volunteer to defend our freedoms.  Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Volume 1 told a very important story but I realized it didn’t tell the whole story; it didn’t tell the story of those like me.

DADT doesn’t just destroy individuals or couples, it can tear apart families too.  Within the LGBT community, more and more couples have or are having children but they are still the minority overall.  Within the military community, gays with children are an even smaller minority.  After an exchange of emails with Jeff, he indicated he was interested in coming out to Norfolk to add me to his collection for his then upcoming Volume 2.  Maybe courtesy of too much time in the gay dating world, I was somewhat skeptical that he would actually show up.  After one missed opportunity due to me being deployed overseas, Jeff finally made it to the East coast and proved my skepticism wrong.  When he finally made it to my house and got settled, I got the chance to discuss the story I wanted to tell through his lens.

As the sole income in my household, DADT threatens my partner and our children every day of our lives.  When I volunteered to participate in this volume of photos, I asked Jeff to help convey a message.  I wanted the world to know that there are gays and lesbians in the military who have families and children and the price of DADT is so much more than most people imagine.  DADT doesn’t mean I have to keep quiet about my sexuality…but so do my children.  Though I do not live on base, I live in a neighborhood filled with military personnel, some of whom work in my office.  Our children ride the same busses and go to the same schools.  One mis-spoken comment could have serious consequences for me.  My oldest child has witnessed the homophobia from classmates but directed at other kids in the school.  Luckily, our secret remains safe but it pains me to know my children are forced to live a lie because of my sexuality and the policy known as Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, which affects them too.

While Jeff was at my house, he easily took what seemed like hundreds of photos, trying to catch the right angle.  In setting the scene for the picture, I asked Jeff to somehow convey the message that I was a parent.  Since I couldn’t risk having my children in the picture, and didn’t want to put them through any more than what they already deal with, I opted to include something of them in the picture instead.  The final picture Jeff selected of me is posted below and is also available on his website.    This picture was taken shortly before my latest deployment to one of the combat theaters.

I’ve spent years away from my loved ones and been in conflict zones around the world.  For over 20 years I’ve done what my country asked of me but even still, I will never give them the ability to tell me who I can love.

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Showing and Reception Set for Sept. 14 (Also sponsorship for event by LezGetReal)

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.

About the Filmmakers Academy Award winner Debra Chasnoff and Kim Klausner,

After making “Choosing Children,” Debra Chasnoff went on to direct many other political documentaries including the Academy-award winning “Deadly Deception—General Electric, Nuclear Weapons and Our Environment” and most recently “Straightlaced—How Gender’s Got Us All Tied Up.” She is president and senior producer at GroundSpark, the San Francisco-based film and education organization. Kim Klausner recently produced “Forever’s Gonna Start Tonight,” winner of the audience award for best documentary at this year’s OUTFEST film festival. She manages digital libraries of previously secret tobacco and pharmaceutical industry documents at the University of California, San Francisco. After making “Choosing Children,” Chasnoff and Klausner had two children together, Noah who is now 22, and Oscar, who is 16.

The landmark film, produced by the two Bay Area filmmakers, 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.”

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.

“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: http://www.groundspark.org/choosing/index.html

Original Reviews and Awards

“With openness and disarming humor … an educational film, in the best sense of the term. ‘Choosing Children’ speaks to the lesbian and gay community about possibilities for parenting, and to a wider public about the importance of understanding different ways of life.”

-Karen Rosenbe­­­rg, The Boston Globe

• Red Ribbon, American Film Festival
• Best Documentary, New England Film Festival
• Best Short Documentary, New York Gay and Lesbian Film Festival
• First Prize, National Educational Film Festival

About the Filmmakers

After making “Choosing Children,” Debra Chasnoff went on to direct many other political documentaries including the Academy-award winning “Deadly Deception—General Electric, Nuclear Weapons and Our Environment” and most recently “Straightlaced—How Gender’s Got Us All Tied Up.” She is president and senior producer at GroundSpark, the San Francisco-based film and education organization. Kim Klausner recently produced “Forever’s Gonna Start Tonight,” winner of the audience award for best documentary at this year’s OUTFEST film festival. She manages digital libraries of previously secret tobacco and pharmaceutical industry documents at the University of California, San Francisco. After making “Choosing Children,” Chasnoff and Klausner had two children together, Noah who is now 22, and Oscar, who is 16.­­

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The Education Committee of the Tel Aviv municipality is the first in Israel to require city schools to integrate learning content to change stereotypes about gays, lesbians and gender identity. The program will start next January.

The Education Committee o yesterday approved unanimously the proposal to integrate the Hoshen curriculum into every school.

Hoshen is a professional organization working on education to change existing stereotypes about sexual orientation and gender identity through information and activities within schools.

The upcoming school year will begin a pilot of 10 schools, which will include working with consultants, teachers, administrators and with students.

Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com

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08/06/2010- by Natasia Langfelder

Angelina Jolie is constantly criticized for “forcing” daughter Shiloh to “dress like a boy” and thus turning her into a disgusting manly lesbo. Angelina has defended Shiloh in the past and now the philanthropic lady is begginning to sound a littled pissed off. She said in an interview while doing the press rounds for her action film, Salt:

“I think people think kids should be a certain way, but I feel they should wear what they feel like wearing and they should express themselves. Shiloh cried one night and said, ‘Please cut my hair off. I don’t want to have long hair.’ I’m not going to leave it long just because somebody thinks I should…I have a very strong-willed four-year-old girl who tells me what she wants to wear and I let her be who she is.

 I agree with her and not just because I’m a lesbian who loves gender bending women. It’s important to let children be who they are, it’s heartbreaking to hear stories of people who have grown up trying to fit into a mold to make their parents happy. While this is common among LGBT individuals, it is also prevalent in the straight community, like the athlete who wants to impress his dad, the solider who joined the fight because he has a family history of it, the woman who married within her religion to make her mom happy. Parents shouldn’t force their child into a mold, it usually ends in disaster.

Also, our culture of dressing little girls in frills and pink sparkles is getting out of control. Girls are sexualized as soon as they pop out of the womb and are told they need to be beautiful fashion plates before they can walk. They need to be outfitted with heels and wearing designer diapers. It’s disgusting and for once Angelina is a bastion of sanity.

Although I did not report on it, earlier this week, Angelina was criticized for letting her son, Pax, get a mani/pedi. Basically, I like Angie better than ever before. Go on with your bad self, girl. I hope you adopt 100 more babies and seed them throughout the world to help people learn to become more tolerant.

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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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San Francisco;

The Kids Are All Right

We are a two mom family. We have daughters.  Tonight, together with a friend (who took her grand daughter) I took my thirteen year old daughter to see  the Annette Bening and Julianne Moore film, “The Kids Are All Right“  I was unsure if this would be a good idea, especially as it was restricted citing sexually explicit scenes. I was worried; but weighed up the importance of the film, the maturity of my child, and the fact that – at last – a feature movie provided a story line more profound in its normalcy that the concept of the lesbian family, itself.

That said, seeing the film in limited release amongst a San Francisco mixed audience was most telling.  The movie is a comedy coated with emotion and turmoil, as a family is disrupted by the children’s desire to locate their sperm donor.  Lesbians and gay patrons outnumbered the straights , and even in the dark, one could tell who was gay and who was straight by the reactions and laughter to different scenes and character comments.

My daughter loved the movie; as did her friend. The context of the sex scenes required their bold oddness,  to say the least, we walked out of there calling them acrobatics.   However the lesbian couple of long duration provided the audience with a sex scene between Benning and Moore, that only those experienced in the art of bed-death lesbian would understand as romance turned endurance – a very realistic depiction.

Sitting in the fourth row of a very full theater was a challenge, especially as it meant my daughter and I would be sitting that much closer to explicit sex.   I was not sure how to handle it.  Then came the first scene. I glanced over at my teenager – and lo and behold, she had covered her eyes.  She simply did not want to see.

The next such scene, I glanced over at my friends grand daughter and found that this time, the two kids had turned their respective young heads toward each other  sharing “ew yukee”  expressions,  clearly doing everything in the power to avoid looking.

I asked if they were embarrassed and they both said no that it was simply Odd.  Both made t clear that they were referring to scenes that involved men.  They were completely unaffected by the lesbian scenes.

The story is good – my recommendation, on second thoughts, don’t take your younger than 16 kid.  Too much explaining to do….

It was an endearing movie and loved by the audience evidenced by the loud applause at the end.  How refreshing a lesbian long term relationship, loving family, with all the normal accouterments of lifestyle and success – it was real and a great entertainment. Recommended for sure!  Note purposely not giving too much away.

Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com

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By  Melanie Nathan  7-8-10

Today, U.S. District Court Judge Joseph L. Tauro ruled that Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional with respect to claims brought by seven married same-sex couples and three widowers from Massachusetts. Under the ruling, the plaintiffs are entitled to the same federal spousal benefits and protections as every other married couple.

Finally  a huge victory for marriage equality when a federal judge in Boston ruled today in two separate cases that a critical portion of the federal Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional.

U.S. district judge Joseph Tauro , US District Court Massachusetts ruled that Congress violated the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution when it passed DOMA and took from the states decisions concerning which couples can be considered married.

The second case,  Gill v. Office of Personnel Management, the ruling was DOMA violates the equal protection principles embodied in the Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment. The case was brought by Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), the group that won the landmark gay marriage decision in 2003 before the Massachusetts Supreme Court. GLAD represents eight married couples and three widowers in the suit, says The Advocate today.

Proposition 8 is currently pending a San Francisco  decision, which could come down at any time, relates to State  laws barring marriage rights for same-sex couples.  However in this instance in  GLAD’s lawsuit was a precise attack on DOMA, targeting just one section of the law — Section 3 — that limits the definition of marriage, for all federal purposes, to one man and one woman.

A Highlight The Argument:

GLAD attorney Mary Bonauto told Tauro that DOMA constitutes a “classic equal protection” violation, by taking one class of married people in Massachusetts and dividing it into two. One class gets federal benefits, the other does not.  Just as the federal government cannot take the word “person” and say it means only Caucasians or only women, said Bonauto, it should not be able to take the word “marriage” and say it means only heterosexual couples.

Bonauto said the government has no reason to withhold the more than 1,000 federal benefits of marriage from same-sex couples, and noted that a House Judiciary Committee report “explicitly stated the purpose of DOMA was to express moral disapproval of homosexuality.”

The ruling stems from the lawsuit Gill et al v. Office of Personnel Management et al, filed by Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) in March 2009.

“Today the Court simply affirmed that our country won’t tolerate second-class marriages,” said Mary Bonauto, GLAD’s Civil Rights Project Director, who argued the case. “I’m pleased that Judge Tauro recognized that married same-sex couples and surviving spouses have been seriously harmed by DOMA and that the plaintiffs deserve the same opportunities to care and provide for each other and for their children that other families enjoy. This ruling will make a real difference for countless families in Massachusetts.”

“I am thrilled that my family will now be treated in the same way as those of my married co-workers at the post office,” said Nancy Gill, who is a plaintiff with her spouse, Marcelle Letourneau. “Marcelle and I married out of love and commitment to each other first and foremost, but federal recognition of our marriage means that we’ll have equal access to important protections for our two children and for ourselves.”

Gill is a 22-year employee of the U.S. Postal Service who cannot cover Letourneau on her family health and vision insurance plans, forcing the couple to pay extra to insure Letourneau. Marcelle is also ineligible to receive the federal health benefit given to surviving spouses or to access Nancy’s pension should Nancy predecease her.

The next step in the case is for the federal government to decide whether it will appeal Judge Tauro’s ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. That decision should come within the next 60 days.

Congress passed DOMA in 1996. Section 3 of the law states that only a marriage between one man and one woman will be recognized for federal purposes. The Obama Administration called the law discriminatory, even while defending it in court.

GLAD filed the Gill case on the grounds that DOMA Section 3 violates the federal constitutional guarantee of equal protection as applied to federal income tax, Social Security, federal employees and retirees and the issuance of passports. The passport issue was resolved in 2009 when the State Department changed its policy.

Co-counsel in the Gill case included attorneys from the firms Foley Hoag LLP, Sullivan & Worcester LLP, Jenner & Block LLP, and Kator, Parks & Weiser, PLLC. Details about the case, the plaintiffs, and the attorneys representing them can be found at http://www.glad.org/doma.

Excerpt from the Judgment

“Equal Protection of the Laws “[T]he Constitution ‘neither knows nor tolerates classes among citizens.’”(   Romer v. Evans, 517 U.S. 620, 623 (1996) (quoting Plessy v. Ferguson, 163 U.S. 537,)  559 (1896) (Harlan, J. dissenting)).     It is with this fundamental principle in mind that equal protection jurisprudence takes on “governmental classifications that ‘affect some groups of citizens differently than others.’”84 And it is because of this “commitment to the law’s neutrality where the rights of persons are at stake”85 that legislative provisions which arbitrarily or irrationally create discrete classes cannot withstand constitutional……  Read Judge Tauro’s ruling: http://www.glad.org/uploads/docs/cases/2010-07-08-gill-district-court-decision.pdf.

Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders is New England’s leading legal organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, HIV status, and gender identity and expression.

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com

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6-23-2010- Written by Rachel Wahba

Lez Talk with Rachel-

Okay now I have seen it all: The infamous Lesbian Separatist Alix Dobkin loves boys! As long as they are her grandsons that is.  Singer songwriter Dobkin (‘Lavender Jane Loves Women,’) is quoted in the June issue of Curve magazine saying:

“I have two grandsons who I love more than anything in the world, but that doesn’t mean I don’t love women and put women first—I do.”

I was transported back to one highly charged issue of  “Dyke Quarterly,” published in the mid-seventies.

An entire issue was devoted to skewering Olivia Records for hiring (unknowingly I might add, because I was there) a pre-op male to female trans lesbian feminist —- imagine, that this inflexible perception, an ill conceived ideal in the first place, was devoted to ‘delegitimizing’ and attempting to destroy a groundbreaking lesbian feminist record company with it sole purpose of making lesbians visible in a fiercely male dominated industry.  Dobkin’s connection to this issue was influential.

This was especially hurtful and destructive coming from one of the founding mothers of womens’ music, famous for her “devotion” to women.  Yes that meant having to deny the sons of women; the banning of all penis bearing infants, toddlers and children from festivals and the like was strictly enforced.

Instead of supporting one of her own, the hatred fueled by what I can only refer to as envy disguised as righteous indignation, was one of the many episodes in the history of Olivia Records and the times.

Now to see Alix ever so proudly loving her penis-endowed grandchildren is a cause to celebrate. Everything changes! Perhaps little boys will no longer be banished (if that is still the case) from the Michigan Womyns Music Festival.

I remember those days and my relief that because my baby girl was penis free we were not lesbian persona no grata, unless we risked shunning overalls for skirts and dresses.  Unfortunately I am not exaggerating. Boys were taboo. I admit there was a moment in history where separatism served its purpose for many of us for a moment in time— until we regained our sense of self as strong/liberated lesbians.

Olivia Records with feminism as its guiding principle was suddenly made into the enemy. Under the guise of preserving Lesbian Feminism a barrage of rhetoric from Dobkin polarized the lesbian community and it took its toll.

It was demoralizing, invalidating, time consuming, and hurt the small collective of  lesbians, dedicated to Feminism, instilled by Olivia Records, while earning close to nothing simply for the love of women and commitment to providing women with community.

So here we are today, Olivia has morphed into Olivia Travel, taking tens of  thousands of lesbians on vacations with week long lesbian entertainment of music and comedy, a unique experience.

So Lavender Jane loves now loves HER boys. How sweet it is to see love transcend dogma. Too bad it took 36 years to get here.

By Rachel Wahba
Columnist for Lezgetreal

Additional Information: Refernces:

Read more about Alix Dobkins – There is a great deal more to her than her feeble attempts at invalidating OLIVIA…

In the 1970s Liza Cowan was the host of Electra Rewired, a late night talk show on WBAI-FM in New York City. She interviewed Maya Angelou, Yoko Ono, Germaine Greer, as well as local feminist and Lesbian activists. She also produced the live music series, The WBAI Free Music Store. While she was working as a radio producer she met and fell in love with Alix Dobkin, a folksinger who went on to produce the first all Lesbian record album, Lavender Jane Loves Women. Cowan and Dobkin were partners for six years.

While she and Dobkin were together, Cowan published and edited DYKE, A Quarterly, a cultural theory magazine. Her business and editorial partner was Penny House. DYKE lasted for three years, publishing two long issues per year. Considered both beautiful and contriversial, DYKE Magazine published articles on Lesbian Separatism, Lesbian Fashion, Dykes Behind Bars, as well as producing theme issues, like the Ethnic Dykes issue and the proposed but never realized issue on Lesbian Cartoons.

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ALIX NEEDED  to ADD a Page for Rumor Control to her website Quote:

Rumor Control

“Alix is a man-hater”

Nonsense! Some of my best friends are men. I certainly have strong opinions about men’s violence, men’s dominance, men’s politics, male institutions, male hierarchies and penis-centered culture (don’t you?), but man-hating is irrelevant in my life.

“Alix is against transexuals”

No way! I look to transexuals to break new ground and not to reinforce conventional gender stereotypes.

“Alix hurts little boys by excluding them from women-only space”

On the contrary, I treasure all children and hate to see any child spoiled by mistreatment and neglect, or misguided by ignorance and disrespect. Teaching little boys universal entitlement and teaching little girls that they have no right to privacy is ignorant and disrespectful.

“Alix believes that women-only space is sacred space”

True.

“Alix performs only for women”

False. I often appear before mixed audiences.

“Alix loves all Lesbians but doesn’t like some Lesbians”

True.

“Alix wants her work to have meaning for everyone”

True.

“Alix is ‘Politically Correct’”

I certainly hope so, and so should you hope to be politically enlightened and untrendy!

Today, together with Amos Lim of Out4Immigration and at the behest of Assembly member Kevin de Leon and under sponsorship of EQCA,  I had the great honor of testifying to the California State Senate Judiciary Committee  for AJR 15, a Resolution in support of Uniting American Families Act, which made it out with 3 votes in favor and at least one opposition vote. The second Republican member was not present but may have shown up later to cast his vote; regardless a 3:2 victory sends the resolution to an almost certain passage in the California Senate.  State Resolutions in California do not require the signature of a Governor.

This was my 2.5 minute testimony:

Madam Chair and Honorable Members of this Committee, Assembly member De Leon, thank you for this opportunity to tell my story, personifying that of tens of thousands of other binational same-sex permanent partners, many of whom are from California, either living in undocumented fear, exiled to a foreign country or in detention awaiting deportation.

Nine years ago I fell in love with Dorit Israel who came to the USA as a student.  We married in July 2008, during California’s window of opportunity. We have a daughter born of this relationship and I have 13 year old  daughter from a previous relationship, in a shared custody arrangement.

Because lesbian and gay partners are excluded by Federal law, I was unable to sponsor Dorit for a green card. We faced untold hardship; and on 4 occasions during our process, I was faced with a choice that no American or Mother should ever have to bear; – leaving my home, my country, my mortgage and my business to go to a foreign country where I do not speak the language or have any viable prospects of survival, paled in comparison to having to choose between my two beloved daughters.  If I were to leave my country, I would have been forced to choose between my spouse and our child, ahead of my first born. If I chose to stay with my 13 year old,   I would be separated from my spouse and my little one.  Worse yet, these young American Citizen Sisters would also be torn apart.

I was not able to make the choice – there WAS no plan B.

To explain what we went through would take too much time, save to say that with the help of Senator Feinstein, we were lucky and finally able to rely on an R1 Visa, after hurdles such as the sunset of the very process upon which we relied.

Had we been a different gender couple our $72,000 five year nightmare would have been over in mere months costing no more than $1500.00.

While our case ended with a remedy, many do not. It is for them that I am here. Through my advocacy for other couples I am privy to many cases of hardship, the brain drain of California doctors, lawyers, Professors, PhD’s and entrepreneurs; the waste of resources and the unconscionable injustice.

The State of California recognizes gay and lesbian couples through equality legislation, yet this great anomaly exists, where but for the passage of The Uniting American Families Act, the equality laws in California are useless to bi-national couples.

I believe that passage of AJR 15, will send an imperative message to Washington D.C. – California cares about its families and that this situation is simple intolerable.

Before the vote, Senator Mark Leno made  a very moving and supportive statement about the hardship and the lack of immigration equality for binational same-sex couples.  He ended his remarks by saying that after what he heard, he could not fathom anyone single person VOTING NO to the passage of the Resolution which supports laws keeping California families together.

The Republican  Tom Harmon (California’s 35th District) when asked his vote  bellowed a resolute “NO.”

Of course I expected no thing different, but surely he may have had an excuse a reason?  So when he walked out of the Chamber, I ran after him. I told him I was curious about why he had voted no.  He looked at me and snapped loudly “I don’t have time for that now.”  I then asked him if I could make an appointment to see him so he could explain at a later date or time. Again he snapped, viciously, “I will NOT do that.”

So there you have it California, Republicans truly do not care about Californian  families and their children.

Based on this, I deduce that if  Harmon and the other lockstep Republicans purport at anytime on the future to be concerned about California Families, then such solicitude is tantamount to saying “I hate Gays.”

That said, Republican Meg Whitman now in the race for Governor and Carly Fiorina, in the race for incumbent Democratic Senator Barbara Boxer’s Senate seat, have all openly subscribed to this ant-gay equality stance.  To my way of thinking, mere campaign statement by these candidates are tantamount to the offensive and upsetting Bullhorn “NO” VOTE we heard today.

Note: Senator Boxer is a Co-Sponsor of UAFA, The Uniting American Families Act.

Thank you to Assembly member Kevin De Leon,  Senator Mark Leno for co sponsoring the UAFA Resolution in California as well as our host EQCA with Mario Guerrero at the helm.

The Hypocrisy of  “NO”

6/1/2010 – California Senate urges the federal government to quit ignoring the immigration problem.

Harman’s Floor Speech for Immigration Resolution, SCR 108 from CA Senate Republican Caucus on Vimeo.

Senator Harman’s Senate Concurrent Resolution 108 (SCR 108), a bi-partisan measure urging the federal government to act immediately on federal immigration law cleared the Senate today. In a landmark display of unity, Senator Gil Cedillo, a leading immigrant rights activist in the Senate, spoke in strong support of the legislation, agreeing with Senator Harman on the importance of immediate federal action. The measure passed 31 to 1.

“We don’t agree on much here in the legislature, but I am glad we can agree that the federal government should, at a minimum, enforce existing immigration law,” said Harman. “With California facing a $20 billion dollar budget deficit, the legislature would be remiss to not demand action on a federal problem that costs California taxpayers upwards of $10 billion a year.”

Money Is above People..Money Money Money!!!

After today’s vote, Clearly Tom Harmon does not support UAFA ‘s inclusion in Federal Immigration Reform  Law

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
@oblogdeeoblogda
Http://visualcv.com/melnathan

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5-12-10    Melanie Nathan

Kentucky Equality Federation today called for the termination or route change for Jefferson County School Bus Driver Ronell Mattingly and an official apology from Crosby Middle School Assistant Principal Angela Allen.

“The issue centers on the suspension of the child from the bus simply because she was offended when others on the bus were making fun of gay and lesbian people. When she brought this to the attention of bus driver, the driver thought it was humorous and told the child she was a ‘contradiction’ according to the report filed with our organization,” stated Rick Wolfe, spokesman for Kentucky Equality Federation’s Discrimination, Hate Crimes, and School Bullying Committee, and special adviser to the president for youth and discrimination.  “As a result of the child bringing it to the attention of the bus driver, she was suspended for a three (3) day period.

The fact that the bus driver called her a ‘contradiction’ because she was the child of a lesbian couple, in addition to the way the school handled the situation is a serious problem.”

According to the parents of the child, on March 31, 2010 the school bus driver told the child she was a “contradiction,” because she has same-sex lesbian parents and has been subsequently and continuously punished for calling the bus driver a ‘jerk’ because of her remark.

“The fact that anyone still feels they have the right to make judgment calls regarding other peoples life choices is the reason that organizations like Kentucky Equality Federation and COLAGE (Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere) exist,” stated Julia Oiler Spiegel, Coordinator of the COLAGE Kentucky Chapter, and Kentucky Equality Federation’s Children of LGBTI Parents Outreach Director. The Kentucky Chapter of COLAGE is also a member of the Commonwealth Coalition. “As a parent, lesbian or straight, I would question the safety of my child while being chaperoned by this bus driver. I cannot help but wonder the drivers response if a child reported being bullied, harassed or assaulted while riding this bus. I commend this child for her willingness to defend her family unit, however that may be defined.”

According to the parents, children on the school bus were joking about gay and lesbian people. This offended the twelve year old child and brought it to the attention of the school bus driver. The school bus driver asked the child to have her parents call her, the parents did and the school bus driver allegedly repeated the statement to one of the parents, Evon Reeves.

Evon Reeves statement: “My daughter who rides the school bus to and from school, recently there were some comments made on the bus regarding gays, my daughter said that word offended her because her mom was gay; the bus driver laughed and replied ‘that’s a contradiction.’ Being 12 years old at the time, she did not know what that meant; my daughter did ask her what that meant and the bus driver ignored her. My daughter did get smart with her which I am not condoning at all and her punishment was suspension off the bus for 3 days and she was suppose to write a letter. The day this happened, my daughter called me at work told me what happened and I really could not believe an adult would say something so absurd.

I called the Blankenbaker Bus Depot like the bus driver had told my daughter to ask me to do; the bus driver returned my call later that night and said the same exact thing to me, which showed me what mentality she actually had. The next day the driver made her sit in back of the bus with High School Students, and would not let any of her friends turn around and talk to her.
I did not receive a call the from school until 3 days later, when I and spoke to Assistant Principal Angela Allen, she stated my daughter had been suspended off bus due to being ‘smart.’

Mattingly wanted a written apology which my partner and I didn’t agree with; Assistant Principal Angela Allen stated my daughter should simply ignore such comments and grow some thicker skin. I reiterated that the comments were made to my 12 year old child, from an adult. My daughter has enough to deal with such as peer pressure, growing up, homework, etc. and should not be subject to bigotry from a school bus driver who is suppose to be driving the bus and protecting children, not arguing with a child.

When my daughter returned to school, the driver made her sit in back of the bus with High School Students, and would not allow any of her friends to turn around and talk to her. After that I did not let my daughter ride the bus until April 22, 2010.

When my daughter started to get off the bus the driver stood up in front of her and asked for her apology letter. My daughter told her that her family made the decision that she didn’t have to write it, then; the driver then aggressively held the referral in her face and stated ‘this says you do.’ My daughter explained again she was told not to apologize. The driver then stated she was going to give another referral and hoped she got suspend from the bus for the rest of the year. She has not ridden the bus sense.

The parents turned to Kentucky Equality Federation for assistance after being stonewalled by the school, as well as the Jefferson County Board of Education’s Transportation Office, who has refused to listen to the parents. The child still isn’t riding the school bus because she is now also afraid of the driver.

“The audacity of a school bus driver to say such a thing to a child is appalling and shows the bigotry gay and lesbian parents face,” stated Kentucky Equality Federation President Jordan Palmer. “The school bus driver has authority over the bus, and should have asked the students making derogatory comments about gay and lesbian people to stop, or they should have been the ones punished; had comments been made about any other minority group, I believe this situation would have been handled in a completely different manner.” Palmer continued, “The school certainly is not giving ‘an environment that fosters self-discipline and self direction’ as stated on their website.”

Reeves continued: “We have moved beyond ‘some type of disciplinary action,’ or a simple don’t let it happen again. My daughter cannot ride the bus because she feels threatened by the bus driver who made her sit in the very back of the bus with high school students after this happened. I want them know they can’t make such statements. I want them to know they cannot do that to my child, or any other child.”

5-5-10  MELANIE NATHAN

Lambda Legal Case:

“This is a terrific outcome for our client and her six-and-a-half-year-old son. New York has recognized the legal parent-child relationship established after this couple entered into a civil union in Vermont.”

(New York, May 5, 2010) — In a decision yesterday, all seven judges on the New York State Court of Appeals ruled that a non-biological mother, represented by Lambda Legal, is a legal parent and entitled to seek custody and visitation based on a Vermont civil union that she and her former partner entered into prior to the birth of their son.

“This is a terrific outcome for our client and her six-and-a-half-year-old son. New York has recognized the legal parent-child relationship established after this couple entered into a civil union in Vermont,” said Susan Sommer, Director of Constitutional Litigation at Lambda Legal. “While this is a great result for Debra and her son, unfortunately a majority of the Court did not go further and overrule its 1991 Alison D. That decision allowed only biological or adoptive parents to seek custody and visitation. Today’s decision only added one new category of protection for families. Children whose parents conceive them using an anonymous donor but haven’t traveled out of state to enter into a civil union or marriage should be protected as well. The legislature should follow the lead taken by many other states and pass legislation clarifying children’s legal relationships with both their intended parents.”

The Court of Appeals ruled that “New York will recognize parentage created by a civil union in Vermont. Our determination that Debra H. is M.R.’s parent allows her to seek visitation and custody at a best-interest hearing.”

With this victory in New York’s highest court, Debra H. now is able to proceed in the trial court to seek custody and visitation with her son, as well as to provide him with financial support. A trial judge will ultimately rule on what is in the best interest of the child.

Today, the Court of Appeals also decided another case, H.M. v. E.T., involving a same-sex couple who conceived a child with an anonymous donor, but in which the non-biologically related partner now argues that she is not the child’s parent and should not be required to provide child support. The high court ruled that Family Court has jurisdiction to hear the case and determine whether the woman is the child’s parent.

Background on Debra H. v. Janice R.

Lambda Legal represents Debra H. in her effort to continue to parent the son she and her former civil union partner, Janice R., planned together. The couple agreed they would raise a family together in a two-parent household and conceived their son using in vitro fertilization. Janice promised that Debra would formally adopt their child, and they met with an adoption lawyer prior to their son’s birth. In 2003, before he was born, they entered into a civil union in Vermont, which at that time was the most legally significant relationship available to same-sex couples under U.S. law. Debra was by Janice’s side throughout labor and delivery and cut their son’s umbilical cord; her last name was included in their son’s name on his birth certificate. In the years that followed Debra gave him the day and night love, nurture and care of a mother. When it came time for the second-parent adoption, Janice, who is a lawyer, advised Debra “as a lawyer” that they didn’t need to get the courts involved and that Debra would always be the boy’s parent. When the couple’s relationship ended in 2006, Debra continued actively to parent her son, who moved with Janice into an apartment only a block away. Debra and her son were together daily, and she often put him to bed.

Early in May of 2008, when the child was four-and-a-half-years-old, Janice abruptly refused Debra any further contact with him. Debra immediately filed for emergency joint custody and restoration of parental access. The trial court ordered interim regular ongoing visitation and allowed Debra’s petition to proceed to trial. When Janice appealed, Lambda Legal entered the case in early 2009 on Debra’s behalf. The case was argued in the Appellate Division, First Department in March 2009, and on April 9, 2009, the trial court decision was reversed. The New York Court of Appeals then accepted the case for appeal and heard argument on February 17, 2010. Many prominent legal and child welfare experts filed friend-of-the-court briefs on Debra’s side, including the New York State Bar Association, the New York City Bar Association, the National Association of Social Workers, child advocates and 45 family law professors on the faculty of every law school in New York State.

The child’s court-appointed attorney also asked the court to give Debra the opportunity to protect their parent-child relationship.

Susan Sommer, Director of Constitutional Litigation at Lambda Legal, argued the appeal on behalf of Debra. She is joined by co-counsel Bonnie Rabin and Orrit Hershkovitz of Cohen, Hennessey, Bienstock & Rabin, P.C. and by Lambda Legal affiliated attorney Jeremy Sanders. Debra’s son is represented by Anthony Parisi, III and counsel Jennifer Colyer of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, who argued the case in the Court of Appeals.

Posted by Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com

Adoptive parents, Oren Adar and Mickey Ray Smith, who now live in San Diego, were living in Connecticut when they obtained an emergency adoption decree in New York state court to adopt the baby who was born in Shreveport, La. in 2005. The baby’s mother had transferred him to Adar and Smith’s care shortly after the boy’s birth.

A federal appeals court on Thursday ordered the state of Louisiana to issue an amended birth certificate for the child of the men stating that the State of Louisiana is ordered to  put the names of both fathers on the new certificate.

The ruling by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals upholds a 2008 ruling by US District Court Judge Jay Zainey.  He ordered the Louisiana Office of Public Health and Vital Records and registrar Darlene W Smith,  who had overtly discriminated against the parents, to supply an amended birth certificate for the boy that shows Adar and Smith as his parents, Courthouse News Service reports

Lambda Legal, a national civil rights organization based in Los Angeles, represented Adar and Smith sued on behalf of the couple in October 2007, saying Louisiana Vital Records Registrar Darlene Smith violated the U.S. Constitution in denying them an accurate birth certificate, which threatened the boy’s enrollment in a health care plan and treated him like a second-class citizen.

Clearly showing an aversion to the fact that the boy had two fathers, Louisiana Attorney General Buddy Caldwell, appealed the Zainey decision, arguing that state law wouldn’t have allowed such an adoption in the first place. The Vital Records office claimed that it would have supplied a birth certificate if just one of the parents had been listed in the New York record as adopting the boy.  This shows the Office of vital records attempting to assert its own ideas as to

Adar and Smith are the adoptive parents under Louisiana law, wrote Judge Jacques Wiener Jr. for the panel of three,  because the state “owes full faith and credit to the New York adoption decree that declares [the infant] to be the adopted child of Adar and Smith.” Because New York law allows adoption by unmarried couples, Louisiana had to follow those rules.  The registrar have the discretion to refuse to make a new, correct birth certificate for a Louisiana-born child,  when the New York adoption decree “indisputably satisfies” Louisiana requirements.

Marjorie Esman, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana, which filed a friend-of-the-court brief in the case, called Caldwell’s decision to fight the birth certificate request discriminatory.

“It was shameful that Attorney General Caldwell took such extreme measures to deny a small child a proper birth certificate simply because he didn’t like the boy’s parents,” said Esman, in a statement. “Hopefully this decision will make him think twice before wasting taxpayer money to defend his anti-gay activism.”

PICTURE;  Kenneth D. Upton, Jr. , Supervising Senior Staff Attorney

“We’re pleased the court agrees that it’s wrong to punish children just because the Registrar doesn’t like their parents.”

By Melanie Nathan.
nathan@privatecourts.com

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Rumors that Hollywood‘s first lesbian power couple is breaking up are flying around the internet. Melissa Etheridge and Tammy Lynn Michaels Etheridge are the ultimate lesbian couple. They married in 2003 and Tammy gave birth to their twins in 2006. They also have two children from Melissa’s previous relationship. The two women have always been gracious celebrities, kind to their fans, the media and their fellow celebrities. However, they may not be being so kind to each other. Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton tweeted yesterday:

Trouble with Melissa Etheridge and her wife Tammy? I’m hearing so.

The problem with this tweet is that the source is probably Tammy herself. Tammy keeps a blog http://hollywoodfarmgirl.blogspot.com/ where she has been posting some really shady posts. The posts are really veiled, passive agressive attacks on Melissa. One post says:

people treat you the way you treat yourself
so if you are the type to put the oxygen mask on someone else, before yourself
they won’t put the mask on you, they’ll take care of themselves first, taking their cue
from you and your prior actions

if you give and give and give and take care of someone
until plenty spill-eth over-th
then why should your partner give any more?
you’ve given enough for both?

Tammy also took down a post she put up yesterday that is even more condemming:

well here she sits
the truth eating at the flesh like acetone to fake nails
melting
disfiguring disforming
soon she’ll be handicapped from all this withholding
all this restraint
to save what? for why?
how unpopular
to voice the truth that does not match the super hero
the cape
the theme song
the tv show
the movie
the image
she wonder how long one thinks she will swallow
one’s comings and goings
and say nothing

My first problem with these posts is that this is really awful poetry. Like, borderline illiterate poetry. My second problem is that I (and celebrity bloggers in general) will be put on blast for perpetuating these break up rumors of everyone’s favorite couple. But, Tammy is bringing this on herself. She is putting her relationship problems on the website. She is attacking the partner that she has built a life with and is raising children with, online for the world to see. It’s childish. It’s vindictive. Tammy knows exactly what she is doing. She knew that people would catch onto her whining and start broadcasting the rumors. Maybe this is a ploy to gain some media attention to herself and Melissa, but most likely it’s a call for sympathy. I’m not going to cry for poor Tammy who sits at home alone while Melissa is out singing to hot women. If Tammy has a problem, she should put her big girl panties on and deal with it privately, with her wife, not with the entire world.

UPDATE: As of 4/14/2010- Etheridge and Michaels have ended their 9 year relationship.

UPDATE: 4/25/2010- On Friday Melissa Etheridge appeared on Oprah and stated that the breakup was “as mutual as these things can be.” She also stated that she will always love Tammy as the mother of her children. She quipped, “I don’t know why people say there is no gay marriage because I have two ex-wives.” Tammy responded to this on her blog, writing:

this will be the only place
where you will get the truth
Hollywood Farm Girl
is the only one
who gets
it right
who won’t spin
won’t lie
won’t act like there was
drifting
and that’s all.

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1/29/2010- by Natasia Langfelder

Rosie O’Donnell is doing the media rounds as she promotes her new HBO special, “A Family is a Family is a Family: A Rosie O’Donnell Celebration.” She first made headlines, at least during promotions for her HBO special, when she announced on Oprah that lesbians can stay better friends after breakups than heterosexuals. Now, she is talking to LocateTV, with her son, Parker, by her side.

O’Donnell admits that she is not looking for a full time position on TV. Her family is her first priority. The interview shows a different side of O’Donnell, who is frequently over exposed. O’Donnell and her son show a genuine affection for each other and come off as very down to earth, despite their wealth and stardom. Parker says of his mother:  

LOCATETV: What’s your relationship with your mom? Does she know as much as maybe you thought she did a few years ago? (laughter) How do you guys get along?

PARKER: I’m going to get in trouble.

ROSIE: No, take it. Say the truth.

LOCATETV: Be honest now. (laughter)

PARKER: Well, me and mom have been close probably, yeah, since I was born. (laughter) Yeah. So I would probably say I talk to her a lot about a lot of stuff that’s going on. And she probably knows most of the stuff that she needs to know. (laughter)

 If you are interested in Rosie (not all of us are) you can read the rest of the interview here:

http://www.locatetv.com/blog/mamas-family-rosie-odonnell-style/

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ROSIE O'DONNELL- CREDIT: ABC/ DONNA SVENNEVIK

What is a family? Sometimes it’s a mom and dad and their kids. Or it might be kids with just a mom or dad. Or it could be kids who have more than one mom or dad. While the answer varies, all families share one vital ingredient: love.

A FAMILY IS A FAMILY IS A FAMILY, A ROSIE O’DONNELL Documentary set to premier on HBO JAN. 31 (7:00-7:40 p.m. ET/PT), is a moving portrait of the remarkable diversity of families today that challenges stereotypes, highlighting same-sex parents, mixed-heritage families, single parents and stories of adoption. Children speak from the heart about parents, siblings, marriage and love in the exclusive documentary.

In the special, Rosie O’Donnell also talks with her daughter Vivienne Rose about how their family which includes sister Chelsea, brothers Parker and Blake and parents Rosie and Kelli came about. Following her recent separation from Kelli, O’Donnell reaffirms the importance of family in a talk with Vivienne Rose, saying, “Even though Mommy Kelli and I aren’t living in the same house anymore, we’re still a family. Family is forever. And family is love.”

In A FAMILY IS A FAMILY, kids offer touching, profound and often funny insights about what being a family means to them. Among those featured are: children with two fathers or two mothers; a girl whose mother and father adopted her in China; three brothers who live with their mother and grandmother; a pair of mothers who are getting married to make one big family; and families with adopted kids and children born through in-vitro fertilization.

Interspersed with these portraits are musical performances and animated interludes, including: reggae star Ziggy Marley, his mother Rita Marley and sister Cedella Marley performing “I Love You Too”; four-year-old Najorae and her father singing their original song “Love Is the Thing;” 11-year-old Martin and his seven brothers and sisters performing “Cario (My Love),” nine-year-old Joey singing “Raised on Love,” a song he wrote with his mom and dad; and folk musician Elizabeth Mitchell performing “Blue Clouds” with husband Daniel Littleton and seven-year-old daughter Storey.

O’Donnell’s tongue-in-cheek performance of “My Science Project” tells the animated story of a young girl whose class project describes the scientific way she came to be. And Frank Sinatra’s rendition of “Too Marvelous for Words” is accompanied by an animated sequence of a sperm in top hat serenading a glamorous egg.

The soundtrack of A FAMILY IS A FAMILY IS A FAMILY also includes original songs written for the special, among them: “And Mom and Kid,” by They Might Be Giants, “My Family,” by Sweet Honey in the Rock and “A New Generation (Conner’s Theme),” by Charles Strouse. In addition to “Too Marvelous for Words,” classic recordings featured are “Baby Mine,” sung by Bonnie Raitt and Was (Not Was) and “A Bushel and a Peck,” performed by Doris Day.

A FAMILY IS A FAMILY IS A FAMILY is directed and produced by Amy Schatz, whose credits include such award-winning HBO family productions as the “Classical Baby” series and the special “Goodnight Moon & Other Sleepy time Tales.” Some of the recordings are brought to animated life by Emmy(R)-winning animator Maciek Albrecht, whose previous HBO credits include the “Classical Baby” series and numerous other productions.

A FAMILY IS A FAMILY IS A FAMILY: A ROSIE O’DONNELL CELEBRATION is executive produced by Rosie O’Donnell and Sheila Nevins for HBO Documentary Films; directed and produced by Amy Schatz; produced by Beth Aala and Sabina Barach; edited by Tom Patterson; directors of photography, Alex Rappoport and Joel Shapiro; animation by Maciek Albrecht; music supervisor, Linda Cohen; production executive, Susan Benaroya; supervising producer, Jacqueline Glover.

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San Francisco Posted by Melanie Nathan and reported by Gregg Cassin – (by Blackberry) Gregg is reporting from the court Room – I have kept the words as I have received them. This is a very moving and heart wrenching day. Thanks to the witness and his courage. here at LGR- we hope the Whitehouse is listening to the way we are treated in this country.   He must do more to undo the harm bestowed on our community by the allowances given the riligious right during the BUSH administration.  It is NOT only about economic, medical insurance and  foreign policy mess – its about the invalidity of an American Minority.  If President Obama issues an executive Order NOW for the repeal of DOMA – this would all change………. 

“i am here listeing to the testimony of a gay man and his coming out story to his parents.  and how they forced hi m as a child into reparative therapy…to avoid burning in hell forever……

this is in a courtroom in sf ca today.  the future of gay peoples lives ……..

The power of this testimony ws through tears.  every word spoken through tears.  the silence in the courtroom , the shaking of heads and the occasional sniffle as people listened.  we sat witnessing  a version of what so many of us went through.  the fear of being an outcaste, being disowned by those you rely on.

 his testimony …

my mother and father sent me to this center to change me from gay ….and i lived there from 14-16 yo.  when i would come home for a visit my mother would scream at me and tell me i was going to hell, that she wished she had had an abortion. that she wished that i had been retarded, with downes syndrome. she wished and told me…that i was dead.

in orde to survive i surrendered my self to childres protective services…. at 16.

they began a case of neglect against my parents

i gave up all that i had…alone at 16.

now we re listening to an expert social scientist…..

talking abtthe messages the gay community gets every day by society politics etc…..

example  how obama states that he is a fierce ally yet has taken no steps to promote the rights of gay/les people yet.

that a senator can compare homosexuality to bestiality and have it heard by a nation and the media and no outcries of injustice, prejudice, etc…..

that studies show that no class of people except undoc aliens (a distant second) has had more legislation directed towards them

We are looking at article that speaks of a conference call of 1700(!!!) MINISTERS, PREACHERS, CHURCH-LEADERS….to design a concerted effort to pass prop 8.  they are trying to establish the powerlessness of a class of peoople.  to have churches joining together to deny an entire class of people their  civil rights. (Referring to the Mahattan declaration)
 

Thanks to

Gregg

Gregg Cassin  

AIDS,Medicine & Miracles

“…life-changing empowerment programs for ALL people affected by HIV/AIDS…”

www.aidsmedicineandmiracles.org

For his extraordinary and unique reporting – for Melanie Nathan. 

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Senator Dianne Feinstein permits Joriene to sit at her desk.

If you are able, and if you want your rights. Take your kids to D.C.   Show up at the doorstep of your Senator and Congressional representatives.  Take your children and let them speak.   Our Representatives want to hear our stories.   If you have a Republican Senator or Congress rep, go and see them and allow them to see who you are. Take photo album, children’s report cards, team participation, letters from your congregation denoting the acceptance of your family and your participation in your American Life..  You do not need an issue- you can show up and say- I want equality.  If you want to promote a particular issue. Search the web and see what grabs you.  Marriage Equality, Immigration, EMployment, Social Security, Hate Crime, Dont Ask Dont Tell.   Make sure you are polite – no MATTER what and make sure you  represent our community as best you can.   You can also push your State legislation for resolutions that represent your interests.  

This summer Shirley Tan and Jay Mercado took their twin boys to DC to plead their cause – our cause. Until we have 100% equality we all own each other’s causes. Posted by Melanie Nathan

 The entire article can be read here http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-elizabeth-smart18-2009nov18,0,6807810.story 

The idea came when I  looked up my new office location on  the National Sex Offender regisrty to find a competing bevy of sites all claiming to have the ultimate access and accuracy.  Punch in your zip and up pops the message – “we have found ten sex offenders in your area…. give us your credit card number and pay $$ and then we will show you who they are.”

Amazing how many sex offender registries sites are online, the  LEZ BE SMART amongst us find that all you need do is go to this website at the Justice Department and there will be no charge at all for the same information. 

http://www.nsopw.gov/Core/Conditions.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

In naming this  column Lez Be Smart Iplan on reporting on ALL consumer related matters, including matters of safety.

Posted by Melanie Nathan.

Exerpts  from the story: 

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

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

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

Petition to President Obama:

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

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

 PLEASE HELP AND SIGN THE PETITION

The national conversation about the dangers of medicating our children is heating up once again. Personally, I’ve always been wary of putting kids on drugs. Its just such a sensitive time for our bodies, and we’re growing so much, it just seems like an unnecessary risk to give these chemical cocktails to them. I mean, can you imagine growing up on pills from before you can even remember. Does that set you up to be dependent on Big Pharma for the rest of your life? Just my thoughts, I guess worries would be more correct to say.

This new study confuses me more than ever. The study shows a risk of sudden death because of really young kids taking these ADHD drugs, but then it says its not a reason to stop taking them. They say the test was too limited to be sure enough to stop the widespread use. While I definitely understand that no one should ever ever ever suddenly stop taking a prescription, it does make you wonder how we got to this point in our culture. When I was growing up, I thought it was a big time faux-pa to drug your kid. Everybody I knew was pretty hard set against it. How did this change-over happen? Anyway, here’s some info on the study:

By Salynn Boyles @ WebMD Health News

Is the problem in the prescribing and monitoring?

“On November 17, 2008, on the popular Furious Seasons website, Philip Dawdy reported that Zyprexa had killed 3,455 people between 1997 and early 2008, based on a review of an FDA staff document with a summary of adverse events in the agency’s database.

From 1993 through the first three months of 2008, 1,207 children on Risperdal suffered serious adverse events, including 31 who died, according to a report in the November 18, 2008 New York Times.

The deaths included a 9-year-old child, receiving Risperdal for the unapproved use of ADHD, who suffered a stroke twelve days after starting the drug. At least 11 of the deaths were in children whose treatment was for an unapproved use.” ~By Evelyn Pringle at CounterPunch.

And what really struck me as I researched this was the number of kids in the Foster Care System on these drugs. In state after state the numbers were upwards of 50%.

AJC.com writes:

“Children and teens taking ADHD stimulant medications were seven times more likely to die suddenly than their peers, the study found.

“What we found — to our surprise — is that even if you take out confounding factors, the association between stimulant use and sudden death was still significant,” said study author Madelyn Gould, a professor of clinical epidemiology in psychiatry at Columbia University/New York State Psychiatric Institute in New York City. “I’m confident the association is real and significant, but it’s very rare.”

The researchers sifted through mortality data from 1985 through 1996, and found 564 cases of sudden death that occurred in children aged 7 to 19, and they compared them to 564 youths who had been killed as passengers in automobile accidents.

After ruling out factors such as a history of known cardiac problems; known causes of death, such as asthma or an accidental death; and other conditions, such as sickle cell anemia or cerebral palsy, Gould and her colleagues found only 10 sudden, unexplained deaths in children taking stimulant medications.

When they compared those 10 youths to age-matched controls who had died in car crashes, they found that the odds of sudden death were 7.4 times higher for children taking stimulant medications.

“Stimulants do increase blood pressure, and there have been reports of them changing heart rates,” noted Gould.

“This report is quite helpful,” said one of the authors of the accompanying editorial, Dr. Benedetto Vitiello, a psychiatrist and chief of the child and adolescent treatment intervention branch at the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health. “It rings a bell for everyone to be more attentive and less cavalier about the use of these drugs.”

And then In my research on the foster kids angle of this, I was horrified to see this headline on MSNBC: AIDS VACCINE Tested On Foster Children from back in ’05. Obviously, there are some wolves in the healthcare industry who see these poor kids as defenseless guinea pigs.

“The research was conducted in at least seven states — Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Colorado and Texas — and involved more than four dozen different studies. The foster children ranged from infants to late teens, according to interviews and government records.

Several studies that enlisted foster children reported patients suffered side effects such as rashes, vomiting and sharp drops in infection-fighting blood cells as they tested antiretroviral drugs to suppress AIDS or other medicines to treat secondary infections.

In one study, researchers reported a “disturbing” higher death rate among children who took higher doses of a drug. That study was unable to determine a safe and effective dosage.”

Sick. How is it that there are scientists who can carry out this kind of experimentation? I just can’t imagine ever doing that to a child. This is certainly not the way to help kids. I think the real problem with the “Healthcare” Industry is that they really seem more interested in paying off corporations than helping patients.

Again, I want to make it abundantly clear that it is critically important not to stop use of any prescription suddenly. Always consult your doctor if you feel the need to step of the medication safely. Suddenly stopping can even prove to be fatal, so please, just take the time to educate yourself, and talk with your doctor.