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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

Time To Hit UGANDA Hard – there is not much to lose at this point.  Some activists from within Uganda are reporting that if  the AHB makes it to  a vote it will probably pass in this current 8th Parliament. It will be heard in committee tomorrow, Monday 9th  for a second day. Parliament sessions end for 8thy Parliament on May 12, 2011.

Grassroots and LGBTI Organizations worldwide it is time to mobilize; to protest  outside buildings of prominence.  Call on President Museveni to stop LGBTI persecution through street savagery and now impending legislation.   Call on Museveni to Stop killing and torturing all Ugandans.   Do Not allow the LGBT community of Uganda to be scapegoated – that is why we must mention all oppression in Uganda when we speak of this Bill.

South Africa GLAAD is the first such organization to condemn the Uganda Government and call for Sanctions by the UN.

SA GLAAD condemns the Kill-the-Gays Bill’s new momentum.

The South African Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (SA GLAAD) condemns in the strongest possible terms the Ugandan parliamentary hearings on the Anti-homosexuality Bill of 2009.

Recently it seemed that the Bill was to be shelved and declared officially dead, but new Parliamentary hearings appear to be a fast-tracking mechanism to pass this heinous piece of legislation, whose existence is an affront to human rights values – as well as the “family values” Bahati and his associates claim to represent. The right thing to do in this case would be to permanently shelve this odious and morally reprehensible bill and to place it in a museum of Crimes Against Humanity where it could join reminders of past horrors such as the Holocaust, and the Rwandan and Baltic genocides of the 1990′s.

Mr Bahati carps that “the gays recruit our children” and considers being gay a “lifestyle choice”, thereby perpetuating what has by now become a stereotype which denotes how ignorant and out of touch with reality those are who hate some people so much that they demand they be killed for who they are, while simultaneously denying their humanity and individual worth.

Gay people do not recruit children. Mr Bahati displays his contempt for gay people by fabricating claims so absurd that any right-minded individual who has taken the trouble to read up on these topics would see right through it. There are reams of studies conducted by numerous authorities to completely disprove this insulting and totally false accusation. There is also a vast difference between pedophilia and homosexuality – pedophilia is the sexual attraction of an adult to a child and is non-consensual abuse, not a loving consenting adult relationship – and to confuse the two is to confirm to the world their ignorance and to lay bare this hate mongering propaganda for what it is.

Being gay is not a lifestyle choice as Mr Bahati claims, it never was. So much research has been conducted on this issue over the past 30 years, delivering so much substantiating evidence that only brute stupidity, willful ignorance and blatantly malicious bigotry would sound such blind judgment. The only driving force behind this bill is pure, unadulterated hatred driven by personal discomfort and religious fundamentalist fervor. Which is precisely why so much of the information and tactics employed in the Ugandan campaign is akin to the tactics employed by the likes of the Nazis.

We call on the government and parliament of Uganda to stop this legislative process before any more harm is done to the lives of the citizens of Uganda. We call on the judiciary of Uganda to stand firm against such draconian legislation. We call on the people of Uganda to hold their government to account and to demand the basic human rights of all Ugandans. The right to equality is not a privilege and sole preserve for those who happen to have been born straight.

SA GLAAD calls on the governments of the free world, including the South African government to decisively condemn this action by the Ugandan parliament. We expect South Africa to do more than talk. We expect South Africa to live up to our Constitution and to intervene and also to immediately recall the homophobic High Commissioner, Jon Qwelane – regardless of any pressure brought to bear by the Ugandan government or demagogues like Bahati or Martin Ssempe.

We call on multinational companies and South African companies to divest and withdraw from Uganda if this abhorrent legislation is passed. We understand that businesses and investors need to make money, and that South Africa clearly would like to extend our assistance to fellow African states in the spirit of ubuntu – but money made at the cost of human rights, human dignity and human lives is blood money that will stain their hands for all time.

We call for UN sanctions and the toughest measures possible to be implemented. This debate around the implementation of the state-sanctioned oppression and murder of the Pink Community in Uganda has raged now for almost 2 years with no end in sight, and little action if any taken against the country. It is time to put this issue to bed.

SA GLAAD sees the Bahati-bill for what it is, a ploy. A scapegoat mechanism to detract attention from the civil unrest currently manifesting in Uganda.

ABOUT SA GLAAD:

The South African Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation – fighting for the rights of the entire LGBTIQ community
Follow us on Twitter: @saglaad

The SA Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (SA GLAAD) is an equal civil rights advocacy group that documents and responds to homophobia and heterosexism in the South African popular media and society. Responses to defamation range from letter writing campaigns to direct action activism and protests.The goal of SA GLAAD is the elimination of anti gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and intersex bias in reporting, television and film.

Uniting the LGBTIQ community Unity in diversity An injury to one is an injury to all Silence gives consent Anything less is not equal Right Wing Watch of South Africa Fighting the reparative therapy fraud Political lobbying Protection and expansion of civil rights.

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

Melanie Nathan, LGR & Michelle Meow, Swirl

On May 7th, 2011 Swirl Radio and LezGetReal present the first in a series of three joint interviews featuring  radio host Michelle Meow and human rights activist and blogger, Melanie Nathan. The subject of the series:  “Debating Homosexuality and the Uganda Anti-homosexuality Bill, with its author, Member of Ugandan Parliament, David Bahati.

This first LGBT radio interview with Bahati, follows a series of private discussions between Nathan and Bahati which have been reported through her blogging at http://lezgetreal.com/?s=bahati Listeners can hear Bahati attempt to justify his Bill and his views on homosexuality as a crime.

The first discussion may shock or anger the listener and illustrates Mr. Bahati’s firmly entrenched perspectives on Uganda’s stance against homosexuality.

This timely debate heralds the close of Uganda’s 8^th Parliamentary session on May 12, 2011 – and the controversy – whether or not the Anti-Gay Bill will in fact be voted upon in this session.

Tune in for part one, Saturday May 7, and thereafter on podcast at www.swirlradio.com or connect via www.lezgetreal.com‘

Broadcast Swirl Radio on the air:
San Francisco (Green 960am) Saturday – 1pm
Seattle (1090am) Saturday – 5pm
Boston (1510am) Saturday – 5pm.

www.swirlradio.com

www.lezgetreal.com

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

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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.

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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.©

Today's Funeral for Noxolo Picture by Imana Thuto Ditaba

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

__________________________________________________________________________

Note: The meaning of the name Noxolo is Peaceful

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

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

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

Melanie Nathan at Parliament 3/11 Meeting Photo:-Henry Bantjez

The body of Noxolo Nogwaza, a 24 year old lesbian, was found lying in an alley in Kwa-Thema, Gauteng – near Springs – at about 9am on Sunday, April 24 2011.  Noxola’s head was completely deformed, her eyes out of the sockets, her brain spilt, teeth scattered all around and face crashed beyond recognition. Witnesses say that an empty beer bottle and a used condom were stack up her genitals. Parts of the rest of her body had been stabbed with glass. A large pavement brick that is believed to have been used to crash her head was found by her side.

Noxola was raped and murdered in a similar manner as that in which another member of EPOC was murdered almost three years ago (April 28, 2008).

Eudy Simelane’s body was also found in an open field in Kwa-Thema. It was clear that she had been raped and murdered afterwards, crimes that the perpetrators confessed to.

Just last year, a gay man in the same township was attacked by eight men, who attempted to rape him. Luckily, he escaped the vultures. The men, as they attempted to rape him, were heard saying, “We are determined to kill all gay people in this area and we will do it.”

“It is very clear that these rapists are on a mission. We will however not rest until justice prevails. Eudy’s case was not recognized as a hate crime against a lesbian and the same is not done in the cases of many other people who have been raped and/or murdered on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity/expression in South Africa. EPOC is determined to get to the bottom of the Noxola case and push for justice. It was definitely a hate crime.” Source: http://aggregator.foolab.org/node/82238

Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Faith Nonhlanhla Mazibuko, yesterday said incidents of corrective rape were on the rise in the province and urged communities to work together to stamp out these “inhumane criminal acts”. Mazibuko was speaking yesterday after visiting the family of Noxolo.  It’s alleged that Nogwaza, whose body was found in an alley  was a victim  of corrective rape.

“It is shocking what is happening in our country.  Nogwaza is the third case of corrective rape that has been reported in Kwa-Tema. It has become a serious crime and it’s about time these cowards who violate these women’s rights are brought to book. Discriminating against someone because of their sexual orientation is against our constitution and should come to a stop,” she said.

The purpose of this visit  was to sympathize with the family and to seek a progress report on the investigation from the local police station.

The MEC strongly condemns the senseless and barbaric behaviour and calls for the law enforcers to hunt perpetrators down and ensure that they face the might of the law. “I urge the law enforcement agencies to work tirelessly to ensure a speedy resolution on this matter.  It must be clear to the criminals that once you commit an act, you can run but you cannot hide, we will find you” said MEC Mazibuko.

The DOJ has informed LezGetReal that this case will receive immediate and priority attention.

Next week, May 03, 2011, the South African Government’s DOJCD will continue to work toward a special commission with Ndumie Funda of Luleki Sizwe and other Western Cape Stake holders.  At the meeting last month, in which I  participated, the DOJ representatives said they would work to include the rest of the South African provinces in the programs that ensue as a result of the talks. I hope Gauteng will be included immediately.

Caveat – I hope that the Gauteng MEC and other Gauteng NGO’s will join with Luleki Sizwe to effect change that we started back in March.  I have been watching the work of the Triangle Project on the issue and they are a dead loss in terms of leadership and with regard to how the organization handles the issue of corrective rape.

Our Earlier Articles about this Case:-

http://lezgetreal.com/2011/04/south-african-department-of-justice-promises-priority-in-rape-murder-of-noxolo-nogwaza/

http://lezgetreal.com/2011/04/another-lesbian-raped-and-murdered-in-south-african-township/

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

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

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

HELP! Wednesday 20th of April, President Obama will be in San Francisco for a Fundraiser for his Presidential Campaign. This is an important visit and we on the street will make our priorities and concerns known.  Gays and lesbians cannot sponsor their foreign born spouses causing untold hardship. It is time to end the suffering!

This is going to be a big event and we want you there San Francisco; join Melanie Nathan, Michelle Meow, Swirl Radio, Molly McKay of MEUSA, Amos Lim, Kathy Drasky, Out4Immigration and their amazing grass roots teams for an imperative – essential- critical Protest.  It is time for all LGBT people and our entire community to come out and speak up for our same-sex married couples who cannot sponsor the foreign partner for a green card.

This is a Protest to repeal DOMA, Pass UAFA, and to scream for immediate Visa relief – including the stopping of deportations of our married spouses.

OUT4Immigration, GetEQUAL and MEUSA are now on board as cosponsors of the event.

The Facebook event is located here https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=114167805332846.

The event is on April 20^th from 4 to 6 PM at the Masonic Center in San Francisco located at 1111 California Street between Jones and Taylor.

I look forward to seeing all of you at the Masonic Center on Wednesday and let’s try to give this as much attention as we can.

Anonymous Binational foreign partner:  “It is time Please come and tell President Obama that we expect swift action.  We have too many couples suffering. Our friends are leaving for exile this month, – our kids wanna come home…- we are the most horrifically impacted by the Defense of marriage Act- no one knows how desperate we are. It is so sad for me to see my American partner in so much pain because she does not have the same right to sponsor me, her lawful sppouse, for a green card, like other Americans who are married!”

Every Gay San Franciscan -LGBTQI – and allies – Must Come to this Protest We can tell Obama we love him and we can tell him what he needs to do for us. Please comment in ideas for signs…. – PLEASE be there.  !!! SPREAD THE WORD…..

If you are a binational couple wear a mask or cover your face to show who you are… if you are an ally wear a mask or cover your face to show you support same-sex green  cards

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UHUH Janey?

Her website:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What does the Bible say about homosexuality?

December 18, 2009 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
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Notwithstanding the right to serve openly in the Australian Defence Force,  a homophobic Face Book campaign launched last year , the Australian Defence Force has failed to properly investigate and punish dozens of serving members allegedly linked to the social media campaign designed to expose and intimidate homosexual personnel. The page accused gays of  a “filthy lifestyle decision” and then proceeded to name and OUT gays who were serving.

Senior ADF leaders and the office of the former defense minister John Faulkner received a formal complaint in August last year about a Facebook page created to expose what the page labeled “bum bandits getting around the ADF”. But eight months later the investigation into the page and the dozens of ADF personnel who signed on as “friends” has been shelved and none of the serving members associated with the gay-hate campaign has been disciplined.

One of those publicly targeted by the Facebook page, created under the pseudonym “Steve Austin” and featuring the Army’s rising sun insignia, was Major Paul Morgan, an army psychologist who has served in Iraq.

Major Morgan and four other ADF personnel, including two special forces soldiers, were named on the Facebook page – which is believed to have been taken down.

“This page has been created to inform current and past serving members of the ADF who is ‘biting the pillow’,” the page said.

It allegedly had links to extremely violent and pornographic videos on YouTube showing homosexuals being executed superimposed over images of Anzac Cove in Gallipoli and flag-draped coffins of dead Australian troops. At least one YouTube clip that attacks the sexuality of a serving officer remains online.

Major Morgan said life as a gay man in the army was not easy. “I have sacrificed my whole adult life to the army and the inaction in this case is soul-destroying,” he said.

The Sydney Morning Herald understands the ADF investigation into the anti-gay campaign stalled because of inadequate resources, with no one assigned to the job at various stages over the past eight months. A shameful excuse for something this serious.

Friends of Major Morgan said he had encountered death threats and other forms of intimidation since the ADF and government were notified of the campaign.

The Australian Press reports that  a Defense spokeswoman said the matter ”is still the subject of ongoing investigation.”

It should be noted that ADF has permitted gay and lesbian servicemembers to serve openly since 1992 and in 2009 had moved to ensure that couples in same-sex interdependent relationships were entitled to the same benefits as married couples.

Anyone with tips about Steve Austin please email me ……

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

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The Local grass-roots activist group Canvass For A Cause (CFAC) have been talking to customers outside Target stores in California; noting that the corporation had been making large political donations to anti-gay candidates and conservative organizations who do not support LGBT equality. Target sued to get rid of the activists and Target lost!

However the case has taken TARGET one step deeper into the abyss of LGBT of anger  -   Court documents submitted by TARGET state specifically that Target fears that the activities of the group outside their stores would lead customers to think that they DO support same-sex marriage and LGBT equality.    If ever there was a bigger insult to American values, freedoms, and rights – it is this statement.

During the hearing last month, the judge asked Target’s attorneys why Target’s court documents did not offer concrete evidence to back their allegations that CFAC volunteers were harassing customers and driving away business. Watson said after the hearing that all his volunteers are trained on how to properly speak with customers outside stores such as Target, Ralphs and Vons.

Superior Court Judge Jeffrey B. Barton released his ruled denying Target’s motion for an injunction to stop CFAC from petitioning customers.

During the hearing on March 25, CFAC contended that its right to free speech was being challenged by the lawsuit, while Target claimed the grass-roots group’s tactics were harming its business.

Tres Watson, executive director of CFAC, said he was thrilled with the ruling.

“This was not just a victory for the LGBT community,” Watson said, “but a victory for everybody who supports the fundamental American values to free speech.” (SDLGLN)

Judge Barton said Target and its powerful law firm of Morrison & Foerster, which has offices globally, failed to show sufficient evidence that the big-box retailer’s business was suffering as a result of the petitioners.

“This million-dollar law firm overreached in this case,” Watson said. “They got beat by a lawyer fresh out of law school and a volunteer lawyer.”
Canvass For A Cause team members were out today at Target stores in Mission Valley in San Diego and in Encinitas. “We are celebrating our freedom of speech rights today,” Watson said. (SDLGLN)

At that hearing, Target’s high-powered attorneys tried to persuade the judge to rule on their behalf because they had won 121 cases in Superior Court to stop groups from talking to customers outside their stores in California.

While one hopes Target had been impacted by their anti-gay actions,the Judge wanted evidence and there was no evidence that the store sales had been impacted by the activists’ presence.

Because the group CFAC supports gay marriage, among other issues, one of Target’s court documents complains that the corporation fears its customers will think Target supports same-sex marriage as a result of  the activists;’ presence and talking to customers.

Last month, Lady Gaga abruptly ended a deal with Target over its lack of support for gay rights and issues.

One of the pieces I have written and been savoring for publication is about my very dear friend, Zanele Muholi.  Zanele is a rare human being – modest, selfless, committed and extraordinarily talented.  She expresses her love through her lens – her art – and her opinion and soul is solidly portrayed in every image.

As soon as I arrived in Cape Town Zanele and I found each other – always Camera in hand, video Cam and sound recorder.   Her technique in itself a fine art. She is never without her set of equipment and there is not a moment that she does not photograph and film and record.

Zanele has her group of supporters whom I call the “super supporters” – a cut above the fans and the rest of the world which appreciates the enormity of her work.  The ‘Super Supporters’ include a group of young women, lesbians, many of whom have been beaten and raped and assaulted in the most brutal of ways.  However they are alive and they have heeded the call of Zanele.  You see, I call them ‘Super Supporters’ because at no time has Zanele ever aimed her camera at a victim.  In her purview of those who may otherwise have been ‘victim’ – have morphed graduates – survivor s and then  merging Leaders.

She does this by placing a camera in the hand of every young township lesbian who crosses her path.

“Shoot everything you see,” says Zanele – “record everything – you will participate in history – with this Camera in your hand ,”  she insists as the young women gratefully embrace their new-found reason for life and leadership.   She teaches them, shares her art, records their life and empowers with each and every focus -!

“Meza, (my African name) I have a huge archive and recorded so much. I want to follow you everywhere and record your trip to here in Cape Town.”  How can anyone refuse her mission – so pure and loving – and so we went everywhere together – Cape Town Pink Gala, Cape Town Pride, Meetings, Drag Shows, but the highlight of my time with Zanele lay in the most ominous of days – a story in itself – when she insisted that my journey to 
Khayelitsha (1) where I would be attending the 32nd trial date in a five year period  for the murder trial for Zoliswa, the nineteen year old Lesbian, who had been stoned to death by a murderous group of 20 young men, be routed and experienced true Township Lesbian Style.   The subject of another story to come.

I will never forget that day. The house you will see in the Video below and the young women – all hosted me on that difficult trial day. It would not have been the experience had it not been for Zanele Muholi and the requirement of her lens.

After three taxi-buses – housing 15 singing lesbians – mostly from the same soccer team -  from the Court house and a walk through  slurs, ” I will fix your fucking lesbianism…and more”  we sat in a circle in the same house shown in the Video below, the safe haven provided by Funeka of Free Gender -  it was there that I found out that the young survivors are all poised for leadership – all they need is to be empowered with money for cable (R300 per house per month = $45.00)  and computers,  the other piece to empower these new leaders – in the same way as Zanele provides cameras at her own expense – I realized we must make this available to these extraordinary young women who endure so much, each and every day.    They live in hovel shanties – afraid to leave the shacks unless in large groups – and I had just had a taste of the very hat that flies in the face of South Africa’s all inclusive and equality based constitution.

In the meantime – I invite you to watch the Video below to get a sense of Zanele – I will be writing more on my experiences in the Township, at the Trial. Zanela showing up to the meeting in parliament and my amazing Interview organized by and filmed by Zanele.

(1)  Khayelitsha (pronounced /ˌkaɪ.əˈliːtʃə/) the informal township in Western Cape, South Africa, located on the Cape Flats in the City of Cape Town. The name is Xhosa for New Home. It is reputed to be the largest and the fastest growing township in South Africa.

When we parted ways this month, Zanele was on her way to Sweden – she travels the world for exhibitions – the latest “Difficult Love” represented in Sweden – can be viewed in the interview below.

Zanele’s Web site :- http://www.zanelemuholi.com/
2009 NEWS: Zanele Muholi won the Casa Africa award for best female photographer and a Fondation Blachère award at Les Rencontres de Bamako biennial of African photography (2009). She also received a Fanny Ann Eddy accolade from IRN-Africa for her outstanding contributions in the study of sexuality in Africa, at the Genders & Sexualities in Africa Conference held in Syracuse, New York. She is included on Museion Collection: New acquisitions at the Museion – Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Bolzano, Italy (until 14 February 2010); A Life Less Ordinary: Performance and display in South African art at Djanogly Gallery, Nottingham, UK (5 September – 15 November); and Undercover: Performing and Transforming Black Female Identities at Spelman College Museum of Fine Art, Atlanta, GA (10 September – 5 December).

BIOGRAPHY :-  Zanele Muholi was born in Umlazi, Durban, in 1972. She completed an Advanced Photography course at the Market Photo Workshop in Newtown and held her first solo exhibition at the Johannesburg Art Gallery in 2004.
She has worked as a community relations officer for the Forum for the Empowerment of Women (FEW), a black lesbian organisation based in Gauteng, and as a photographer and reporter for Behind the Mask, an online magazine on lesbian and gay issues in Africa. Her work represents the black female body in a frank yet intimate way that challenges the history of the portrayal of black women’s bodies in documentary photography. Her solo exhibition Only half the picture, which showed at Michael Stevenson in March 2006, travelled to the Market Photo Workshop in Johannesburg and the Afrovibes Festival in Amsterdam.
In 2008 she had a solo show at Le Case d’Arte, Milan, and in 2009 she exhibited alongside Lucy Azubuike at the CCA Lagos, Nigeria.
She was the recipient of the 2005 Tollman Award for the Visual Arts, the first BHP Billiton/Wits University Visual Arts Fellowship in 2006, and was the 2009 Ida Ely Rubin Artist-in-Residence at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Full CV

Zanele – Working with you and watching was and remains a great honor my sister… mel

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VIDEO   CinemAfrica-Difficult Love

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By Melanie Nathan©
Article and Photographs Copyright 2011- Permission needed for use
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
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The House khyelitsha

The Out House

Khiyelitsha Court

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UPDATE MARCH 31, 2011 2.52 AM PST

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Headlines:

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

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

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

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

By Melanie Nathan
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NOW WE must support him with our VOTE!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is what he wrote to me:-

GAY SA FLAG at Cape Town Vigil for David Kato

Hi Melanie,

Had a good morning!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for your support my friend!

Huge

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VOTE FOR HUGE FOR MR. SA LEATHERMAN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gay City News interviews the couple:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MORE ON SAME  SEX GREEN CARDS by Melanie Nathan

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

Palestinian militants in Gaza fired more than 50 rockets into Israel on Saturday, the heaviest barrage in two years, Israeli officials said, while Hamas police beat up reporters and confiscated their equipment, reports, an Deitch, of the Associated Press

A Hamas official was killed and four civilians were wounded when Israel hit back with tank fire and air strikes, said Gaza Health Ministry spokesman Adham Abu Salmia.

The violence comes amid increasing calls for reconciliation between Western-backed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and his rivals, the Islamic militant group Hamas.

Abbas is seeking U.N. recognition for a Palestinian state by the fall and is currently lobbying for votes worldwide. Hamas used force to disperse a reconciliation rally in Gaza. Some reporters were later beaten up, threatened and briefly detained.

Israeli police spokesman Tamir Avtabi said Gaza militants fired 54 mortar shells at Israeli border communities within 15 minutes. He said two Israeli civilians were lightly wounded by shrapnel and residents were advised to stay at home or in bomb shelters.

read more here….   http://www.topix.com/world/2011/03/hamas-fires-dozens-of-rockets-at-israel-which-responds-with-airstrikes

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

JOHANNESBURG – The Democratic Alliance (DA) motion to congratulate Francois Nel for winning Mr. Gay World 2011 was blocked by two South African parties in Parliament on Tuesday, the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) and the Freedom Front Plus (FF+). The ACDP objected on religious grounds. http://www.africanactivist.org/

What  happened to separation of Church and State South Africa?  How can those two fringe Parties block such a Motion?  Why are Parties blaming Christianity while they are crapping on the SA Constitution – not to mention the very ambassador that stood so proudly for it.

I met Francois when I arrived in Cape town for Gay pride and spent an afternoon interviewing him for LezGetReal – not only is he superbly intelligent – but I knew he would win because of his pride for South Africa with its very rare  Constitution that boasts full inclusion of LGBT rights.   He was going to Mr. World Competition to represent that very Constitution. He expressed love for a fully free and equal South Africa for all and said it was his greatest ambition to speak for LGBT equality awareness and most important to him was that he wanted to try and bring Mr. Gay World to Johannesburg, South Africa. He won the title, he boasted our Constitution and he won the venue which will bring positive visibility and many overseas currencies to SA next year.

Interview portion:-
MELANIE :  If you were to win Mr., Gay World next week,  and I hope you do because you are an imperative and necessary  ambassador,  especially  because of SA’s unique positioning and  Constitution – would you speak out about decriminalization of homosexuality in Africa

FRANCOIS : Certainly -because we must be involved in activism – it comes back to fact that in SA  we are  lucky  we have legal rights to back us up if discriminated against.  That’s not to say there is NO discrimination –  there still is…

Having title of MR. GAY WORLD will extend my time to work on who we are for the world to see  - Education is something I am incredibly  passionate about and who we are.  My sexuality is like my skin color. I must show it and should not have to explain it – it is my normative and I hope I can transgress the explanations to simply show all the facets of my being; but I will speak to that as an issue anyway.

The ‘motion with notice’ was proposed by the Democratic Alliance (DA), the official opposition, on Tuesday and submitted to all parties in Parliament.

These kinds of motions are regularly issued by Parliament, as was the case in this week’s motion congratulating the South African cricket team’s success at the World Cup over the weekend.

The motion congratulated Nel, who on Sunday became the second South African in a row to be crowned Mr. Gay World, and also noted that Johannesburg had been selected as the host for the 2012 pageant.

According to DA MP Gareth Morgan, the ACDP and the FF+ were the only two parties to object to the Mr. Gay World motion, effectively blocking it from going to the floor.

“The ACDP said that they objected based on their religious views,” Morgan told Mambaonline.com. He expressed his disappointment at the blocking of the motion.

“The motion aimed to praise an outstanding young man who is an ambassador to South Africa and who, among other things, is expected to promote issues like equality and tolerance in society,” he said.

“I am exceptionally disappointed that the parties found reason to object to it. There should be no debate on equality. And there is nothing objectionable about equality.”

The two parties, and the ACDP in particular, have made their anti-gay sentiment clear in the past and are opposed to South Africa’s same-sex marriage rights.

Christina Engela, a South African transgender woman and member of the Board of the South African Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (SA GLAAD), provides more specifics about what happened in Parliament

Now this insult by the very people who he stood so proudly for…   South Africa – This is unconscionable and it better change or you will be crowned :  The World’s Worst Hypocrites!”   I am sick of hearing the  usual voices – I would like to hear from the rest of South Africa too – especially the unpolitical LGBTI community.

My Full interview with Mr. Gay South Africa and World- Francois Nel  -      http://lezgetreal.com/2011/03/interview-with-mr-gay-south-africa-on-his-way-to-manila-for-mr-gay-world/

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

On the Way to our meeting at Minister of Justice meeting on the subject of corrective rape today, we happened to pass the statue of General Jan Smuts. Here is his story -

Melanie Nathan and SA Gay Flag Greeting Jan Smuts!

Jan Christiaan Smuts (24 May 1870 – 11 September 1950) was a prominent South African and British Commonwealth statesman, military leader and philosopher. In addition to holding various cabinet posts, he served as Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa from 1919 until 1924 and from 1939 until 1948. He served in the First World War and as a British field marshal ^[1] in the Second World War.

For most of his public life, Smuts advocated racial segregation, and was opposed to the unilateral enfranchisement of non-white native South Africans, fearing that it would lead to the loss of white power over the native people.^[2] However, in 1948 the Smuts government issued the Fagan Report, which stated that complete racial segregation in South Africa was not practical and that restrictions on African migration into urban areas should be abolished. In this, the government was opposed by a majority of Afrikaners under the political leadership of the National Party who wished to deepen segregation and formalize it into a system of apartheid. This opposition contributed to his narrow loss in the 1948 general election.

He led commandos in the Second Boer War for the Transvaal. During the First World War, he led the armies of South Africa against Germany, capturing German South-West Africa and commanding the British Army in East Africa. From 1917 to 1919, he was also one of five members of the British War Cabinet, helping to create the Royal Air Force. He became a field marshal in the British Army in 1941, and served in the Imperial War Cabinet under Winston Churchill. He was the only person to sign the peace treaties ending both the First and Second World Wars.

One of his greatest international accomplishments was the establishment of the League of Nations, the exact design and implementation of which relied upon Smuts.^[3] He later urged the formation of a new international organization for peace: the United Nations. Smuts wrote the preamble to the United Nations Charter, and was the only person to sign the charters of both the League of Nations and the UN. He sought to redefine the relationship between the United Kingdom and her colonies, helping to establish the British Commonwealth, as it was known at the time. However, in 1946 the Smuts government was strongly condemned by a large majority in the United Nations Assembly for its discriminatory racial policies.

In 2004 he was named by voters in a poll held by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (S.A.B.C.) as one of the top ten Greatest South Africans of all time. The final positions of the top ten were to be decided by a second round of voting, but the programme was taken off the air due to political controversy, and Nelson Mandela was given the number one spot based on the first round of voting. In the first round, Field Marshal Smuts came ninth.^[4]

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• South African Jewish Legendary Heroes Memorialized in AFRICAN Postal Stamps (lezgetreal.com)
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Mr. Gay World 2011 - Francois Nel, South Africa

CAPE TOWN – The South African LGBTI community is ecstatic -  Francois Nel, Mr. Gay South Africa has won Mr. Gay World today!  He also helped secure South Africa, Johannesburg as the 2012 location for Mr. Gay World. This is the second year in a row that Mr. Gay World has been a South African.

How did I know that Francois would do his Country proud ?  I met Francois, Mr. Gay South Africa, in Cape Town the week before he left for the Pageant in Manila, socialized with him,  mutual friends and activists and had the great pleasure of spending an afternoon alone, interviewing him and sharing our thoughts and ideas about the state of LGBTI in South Africa and the Continent.

We published my lengthy interview with him last week and found that his personality, commitment to social justice and compassionate activism far outweighed his physical magnificence- hard to beat!

A small excerpt from our chat:

If we look at our past it has been very eventful  - we have moved truly toward s being a rainbow nation  – a Mecca of different cultures and societies. Look at soccer world cup – what we embody as a nation is so unique to us and we have a constitution that most other competing countries do not have – that includes gender ID and Sexual orientation so I feel my ambassadorship is critical in this competition.

I am very excited to work with like minded individuals from all over the world. It is as much about our unity as it is about the competition itself.

We all want to educate about being gay, Lesbian, transgender and bisexual. We all want to show how it is to be open…

We want 2012 to be on African continent and I hope we can bring it here…..” read more  Interview with Mr. Gay South Africa on his Way to Manila for Mr. Gay World (lezgetreal.com)

And Indeed he did it!!

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

Congratulation from the GALS et al, at LezGetReal

Mr. Gay World, Francois Nel & Melanie Nathan

==============================================================================================

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• South African Broadcasting Corporation Quotes Melanie Nathan on Uganda (lezgetreal.com)
• Read: Melanie Nathan’s Keynote Speach at Gala Cape Town Pride (lezgetreal.com)
• Interview with Mr. Gay South Africa on his Way to Manila for Mr. Gay World (lezgetreal.com)

CAPE TOWN – After my speech at Cape Town pride Pink Gala, I was asked for copies – and also a few magazines wanted to publish it.  So I decided i would post it here. I may have veered or added some bits but this is what I wrote and hopefully said -  I do believe their are audio versions of it – I wrote it for verbal delivery so the writing style may seem different – but here it is – please feel free to republish without permission as long as you link back to this particular post and apply the appropriate accreditation.

KEYNOTE SPEECH
CAPE TOWN PRIDE
SOUTH AFRICA

MELANIE NATHAN

Greetings comrades, lesbians, gays, queers, LGBTQI people, allies, and everyone in between. It is a great honor for me to be here tonight -thanks to my fellow bloggers at www.lezgetreal.com, Swirl Radio America, Marriage Equality USA (MEUSA and my family and friends back home in the US for their help and support.

Thank you Gareth Dallas, and his amazing Cape Town Pride team – thank you British Airways – you got me a long way in style -thank you Hotel Cape Royale, Victoria Junction,  Protea, and to all sponsors of this fabulous gay pride event and most importantly thank you to every single one of you.

In 1965, in Port Elizabeth lived an eight year old girl. She lived in a nice house and never had to worry about anything. She thought everything was perfect in the world just as it was in her house and at her school where, each day, they sang a song everyday called Die Stem and another one “bless this house..”.

The kids learned about history about how Jan Van Riebeeck was a hero for coming to the Cape in 1652 and she was taught that respect must be given to authority and the Prime Minister of her Country, South Africa and that is all she knew.

One day in the windy city, her mother went out; and the little girl stayed home from school with a bad cold.  She listened to the radio – there was no TV – in those days.  Suddenly the program was interrupted and a very serious tone reverberated alarmingly through the airwaves “DR VERWOERD IS DOOD – Dr VERWOERD IS DEAD! “

The Prime Minister had been stabbed while he was inside the Parliament – right here in Cape Town.  The child was perplexed and yelled for her nanny.- who came running into the room to see what she screaming was about.

“Dr. Verwoerd is dead,” repeated the child, looking for comfort. A  smile crossed her nanny’s face and the next thing a wail – or rather a chant llalalalalal – and a dance of joy.

That child was me and how incongruous that dance seemed and her nanny was Mrs. Violet Zinto, of blessed memory.

From that day on I knew something was not right – here and with this world – with this place and my life changed forever.

Something triggered for me – in that moment… but I never knew it would lead to this day…

Little did I know that moment was the beginning of the end… for apartheid – as its architect lay without breath in his House of iniquity and that the very same HOUSE would one day pass a constitution that would go to the ultimate form of inclusion, for full equality.

There was a big struggle ahead to rebuild that place of ‘law making’; and much sacrifice followed and when Madiba (Nelson Mandela) was released came the new promise and a new constitution – one that guaranteed there would never be discrimination again in South Africa – and – it became the first ever country to boast a rainbow people – because in NO  other country is that term used for NOT ONLY LGBTI. But in SA it is used for everyone.  SA is the only country which has earned a rainbow flag with an SA Flag embed-design attached as its LGBT Symbol of freedom and equality- that waves a reflection of that significant truth.

I have come a long way to talk to you tonight./ From those days in Port Elizabeth then to SF and now back here to Cape Town.    Through my own journey over the past 25 years and my multi-national experience – I have come qualified in my heart to bring you a message – it is about you about your importance here in SA, here in Africa and here in the world.

I live in San Francisco – where we like to think we are ground zero for the gay struggle around the world – - – - and I may seem to interfering – but I am asking for help – your help.

Little do they know in SF and they should know – that this place right here- SA – is the real ground zero – It is because of your fight against the oppression of an entire nation, joined together , that this is the only  country on  this continent and one of very few globally to have sexual orientation and gender identity protected in its constitution.

I am here to remind you that not even the United State of America can boast such an accomplishment.

But it is HOW you live that accomplishment that becomes the real achievement.

The real triumph will come when people in South Africa accept all people unequivocally as equals and realize that gay people are normal people who having been born to enjoy love as a human right -we – want nothing more than our right to pursue happiness free of fear, safely with equal opportunities in every arena.

With this Constitution – you are charged with a hefty responsibility – here in South Africa, AND in Africa AND in the World.

You must demand enforcement and respect for those rights you now own.

Here is an example:-

In April 2010, I was contacted by Ndume Funda of Luleke Sizwe, after my online  News Magazine presented a story about the rape of Mille Gaika – I wrote Millie and Ndumie’s story for a year- they were suffering greatly – 15 women in 2 room flooded shack about to be evicted – all rape victims – and I prefer to say survivors – rapists who insulted our lesbian sisters by the denial of their being “ I will fix you and make you a real woman.”

Look at me brothers and sisters -  I am a lesbian and I am woman- I don’t need any help with that thank you,.!

Through these stories on lezgetreal I begged for attention. My Cousin visited Ndumie and the women in Gugu and when she got home from that visit she contacted me in the US and she said “Mel, it is worse than you expected.”

I contacted organizations in South Africa and I received no response – Millie sat injured physically – her body saved, and emotionally – her soul mortally wounded ;  While she may have had opportunities to reach out and accept help – her further victimization endured through a system that had no way of providing the resources in a sensitive or conclusive fashion.

So I started writing to the SA Consul in the US and to Minister Radebe here in SA – I asked – Min. Radebe – How many women must endure a gang rape and then years later another even more brutal rape only to hear your silence; how many woman can stand up and testify at a trial when she and her supporters are there under threat without police protection?  How many women must get on the same bus as her perpetrator who is out on $6.00  bail to go to court to testify; how many MORE must endure the brutality without the government stepping in and educating the public that (SHOUT) – RAPE AND VIOLENCE IS NOT ACCEPTABLE        AND THAT CORRECTIVE RAPE IS A HATE CRIME THAT must be OUTLAWED IN THIS COUNTRY with harsh sentencing ? …… and your continued silence- Members of this Government….

Others joined in the outrage and the more I wrote the more contact I received from the international community, wanting to help and it spread, viral – until Luleki Sizwe received money from a donor to move into a safe house.

Soon a Petition was put on the internet and something like 200,000 emails landed on the desk of Minister Radebe’s staff- resulting in an invitation to meet and discuss the  imperative reforms.  We have drafted some reforms which are necessary for survivors of these rapes and that is part of what we will pursue this month.

So you can see – this is a perfect example of having rights under the law – but not being protected through lack of solicitude, awareness, education and enforcement.

What good is a constitution if one cannot live in peace without fear of attack just because you are gay or lesbian or transgender or intersex.  So you must all demand and you must all support each other – and you must show up in great crowds like we will do tomorrow/.

You must forge a path that shows SA can be a leader;- and in order to do that – you cannot fear being out, open and proud.  You are the soldiers on this the last frontier of acceptability.  Tolerance of us in society, regardless of African Culture is not enough – we must be accepted.

In order for this to happen, it is absolutely imperative that you realize your place in AFRICA and in the WORLD.  You have a unique duty – and the more you express that duty on the greatest level available to you, the more you will be accepted in your own Country.

YOU have to tell the world of the brilliance of the SA Constitution- not even the USA – which purports to lead the world has such inclusion – and the USA still discriminates horribly in its law, through the Federal Defense of Marriage Act which says marriage can only be between one man and one woman.  If I fall in love with a South African and want to marry her and live with her in the USA – I cannot sponsor her for a green card – but straight people can. Here in SA you have that right!

Your rights under your Constitution are born from the hard learned lessons and the excruciating fight out of apartheid- you cannot let the people of SA , nor Madiba, nor the ANC of better memory down.  So you must fight as well on an international level – you must show leadership in Africa and the world and you must tell President Zuma – that he is expected by the SA people to do the same.

From these I have four PLEAS   -  (as in requests!_)

Plea number 1  is  for SA,  Stop the Rape – educate, and support victims with government medical care, with encouragement and help to testify and with all the resources fitting those who endure horrendous pain and torture and legislate appropriate sentencing and bail;

Plea number 2 is for Africa, Stop the criminalization of Homosexuality in AFRICA – we are human beings who love each other and we are families;  we are not criminals just because we fall in love with people of the same sex. We are not hurting anyone. Uganda stop the ‘Kill the Gays Bill.’  David Bahati get the hell out of South Africa, President Zuma take the lead and show that you have dignity and respect for your magnificent constitution – Tell Jon Qwelane to get the (F%CK) out of Uganda  NOW!!!! He must back to South Africa and sit on the same porch and smoke whatever it is that has made him hate.

Tell Museveni that South Africa will pull all its private investment AND government AID until Uganda decriminalizes homosexuality, even as the law stands now. Show the world you believe in the message of the ANC and the new SA and that your Constitution is not a phony patronization of those who joined you in your struggle against apartheid..   That human rights will be protected at all costs – and are critical to the development of South Africa and Africa in the world.

Show some spine President Zuma – stand up for your people – all your people – stand up for Africa- be a leader - live your constitution.

PLEA number 3 Stand up for the World -with great respect – when you express   loyalty to your country and your patriotism you are expected to uphold the constitution and then you are expected to deliver the message from a clean house… a house fully in order,. SA has that power because SA has the ALL TIME CONSTITUTION.  Help us in America teach those that hate how to truly separate church and state – marriage equality is universal – come to us in pride to talk about your constitution and help us attain full inclusion in our Federal law…..

For you my friends I say again thank you for this incredible opportunity. Who would have thought I would have left an apartheid SA 25 years ago to come home to ask you to fight for equality for the WORLD?

Fight for the rights that you already own and unite as one gay movement – avoid the appeal of fragmentation in the name of ego because unless you do that you will not succeed –

First and foremost Be Gay – be lesbian – be out be queer be transgender, be bisexual – intersex be straight – just be who you are there is no shame there can only be gain and you OWN the right!!

I love you,

I love South Africa…

From the deepest place in my heart

Picture above
Ndumie Funda and Mel on stage after speech

________________________________________________________________________________-

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

Thank you Cape Town!

(Happy Birthday to both My Children – I miss you)

_________________________________________________________________________________

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CAPE TOWN – One of my goals in being in South Africa is to have International LGBT voices heard – here in South Africa – and in my messaging about the issues to which I speak, including corrective rape, I had hoped that the news would pick up the fact that International gays, et al expect South Africa’s President Zuma to take the lead on the fight to decriminalize homosexuality in Uganda and all of Africa.

While the issue of leadership and expectations – such as the ANC recall of ambassador Jon Qwelane from Uganda, sleeps in the shadow of what many in SA refer to as “bigger fish to fry” as Ambassador to Africa of MEUSA, I have included in my speaking, the fact that South Africans must start to realize the depth of their constitutional rights and the  freedom it exudes; and that without voicing the respect its people expect,  the Zuma administration will believe it has license to continue to support Museveni with AID and investment. We have yet to see a single African from the ANC stand up and say homosexuality must be decriminalized in Africa and because the SA Constitution includes sexual orientation and for many other reasons, that expression and enforcement must come from a South African Minister or President.

Unless the South African gay, lesbian , LGBTQI community fight for these rights and expectations for the rest of Africa, they are in effect undermining their own protections, because the more their neighbors punish their citizens for being gay, the more at risk their own SA rights become.

So here s a start in the reporting main stream here in SA and in addition I hear my quote was carried on SABC  TV note South African spelling)

“The annual Cape Town Gay Pride Parade kicked off with colourful floats and ritzy dress today where rainbows of resplendent colour, music and festive cheer were what characterised the pride.

Organisers want gay rights better protected. Festival Director Gareth Dallas says: “We are here to celebrate our queerness our beautifulness our trans gender folk, our inter sex folk. But also to put a little bit of a spot light on issues such as corrective rape in South Africa and how wrong that is and why it needs to change.”

There were also calls for South Africa to distance itself from Uganda because of its anti gay stance.  Gay Rights activist Melanie Nathan says: “How can South Africa welcome Museveni (Ugandan president) in this country, and thank him, and then go and invest in Uganda when they are killing and wanting to kill gay, lesbian, bisexual people, trans gender too.”

read more http://www.sabcnews.com/portal/site/SABCNews/menuitem.5c4f8fe7ee929f602ea12ea1674daeb9/?vgnextoid=dc4f715da868e210VgnVCM10000077d4ea9bRCRD&vgnextfmt=default&channelPath=home

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

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

MEUSA Ambassador to Africa

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thousands of rainbow people marched through the Streets of the magnificent Cape Town – flanked by its signature mountain the magnificence of which belies any captured image. Table mountain endures beyond the snap shot, in the mind of any privileged visitor,  as its flat table beacons the Mother City and the Rainbow Nation its embraces.

Diversity personified, Cape Town has it all. I call this the Miracle Pride and suggest it as a worthy destination next March 2012.

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Today thousands of rainbow people marched through the Streets of the magnificent Cape Town – flanked by its signature mountain the magnificence of which belies any captured image. Table mountain endures beyond the snap shot, in the mind of any privileged visitor,  as its flat table beacons the Mother City and the Rainbow Nation its embraces. This is a place flourishing with possibility , yet tainted unless it accepts its charge – the charge of a Constitution that screams: – ‘USE me I am the example for Africa and the World.”

That was the underlying message of the week as, upon my return to the land of my birth, I stood on two stages, hoping to deliver a simple message:- You have an awesome Constitution South Africa, more inclusive than that of the United States of America, where Federal law bars same-gender marriage; however what good is it unless you live it.  You must turn your accomplishment into an achievement and you will only do that when you truly step up from the charcoals of oppression and understand your Constitutional rights, and assert them with the vigor that post Apartheid South Africa deserves.

Homosexuality is a birthright – citizenship is a birthright – love is a birthright – you are a birthright. Now Live it.

South Africa must embrace its Constitution on three frontiers:

At home in South Africa from Village to City to the steps of the Courts and Parliament – ensure that your rights are valued – speak up in large crowds – reform and educate that rape against women is a rape against your Constitution; (Amongst many other issues)

In Africa as a leading power – standing by your principles of all inclusiveness – be a light to Africa not only with your money and resources but with your hard learned principles, born from a struggle so profound – and do not be duped by those (UGANDA and the others) who say “do not interfere with our right to create sovereign laws such as criminalization and death penalties for homosexuality – because the rest of the world was not duped by the excuses for apartheid. Recall Ambassador Jon Qwelane from Uganda, he casts shame on the Constitution of South Africa through his lack of respect for it; and stop investing in Museveni until he directs his parliament to stop legislation that is un-African, discriminatory and fails to separate Church from State.

In the World -  When your house is on order – and you have truly swept out the last of the cobwebs of discrimination – the one that hides like a sleeping snake behind the excuse of ‘Africanism’ – go out to the rest of the World and say “look where we were thirty years ago – and look where we are today – we are a true Rainbow Nation – and you can come visit me in San Francisco and all my brothers and sisters and everyone in between and you can scream at us – “Republican Party – why do you fall behind South Africa – why dis you help us end apartheid and now you fail your own people – those who until they can marry and receive all federal benefits – are second class citizens – just the way we used to be?   US Congress, President Obama,  we are leaders in the world on LGBT rights and we are asking you to repeal DOMA now.

Pride, Cape Town, is more than just a party and when you yelled back and stood up today – I realized that you are ready to fight here for the rights you already own – and for the rights of all in Africa who suffer the hardship of hate and criminalization.

Thank you South Africa for teaching me, Cape Town Pride for inviting me, British Airways for getting me here and home again and to Cape Royale hotel and Victoria Junction.

Cape Town is a fantastic destination for Pride – Lets get the rest of the World here next year – watch out Sydney and San Francisco!
Melanie with Rev. Ekklesia D Lange – Kicked out of Methodist Church
For Being a lesbian when she married her wife.
Fighting the Arbitration of her Case.

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

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Melanie Nathan with Ndumie Funda from luleki Sizwe

Table Mountain, Gareth Pride Organizer, Mel and SABC NEWS TV

Ms. Cape Town; Ms. Pride , Ms All

NEW SA Lesbian Magazine to Launch

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Pride Soccer World Cup Stadium

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South African LGBTQI activists and supporters launched a special rainbow flag LGBT flag of South Africa (Cape Town stadium, Dec 18^th 2010), in celebration and solidarity, to signify the inclusion of equality in the SA constitution and the unique issues facing their community in South Africa.  “One of the reasons was that we felt a need to show that South Africa has her own unique LGBT issues (Such as corrective rape,) says a spokesperson for its launch.

“We are using the flag as a vehicle to raise funds for gay NPO’s. Currently, Ndumie Funda, Executive Director of Luleki Sizwe, is our official spokesperson,”   says Henry Bantjez, an activist from (P2-INK) Cape Town – “the flag is only 2 months old, but we have already been on SABC TV (twice,) 5fm radio.

LezGetReal was sent these exclusive pictures from Cape Town;  some are of the football team in Gugulethu. Ndumie raises the flag outside the Luleki Sizwe house – “she is very brave and we respect her tremendously.”

The special  GLBT flag serves dual purposes:

- to celebrate and maintain the liberties and the right to marry under the South African constitution.

- to address immediate and pertinent issues facing the South African GLBT community such as workplace discrimination, “corrective rape” and the myth of the “un-Africanness” of homosexuality.

South Africa is the only Country in Africa that has sexual orientation and gender identity protections in its Constitution.  However it has failed  to take a leadership role in Africa.  I am leaving for South Africa next week, as a guest of Cape Town Pride and speaker at Pink  GALA.  One of the purposes of my visit is to meet with officials and organizations to discuss the responsibility of the Zuma government to call for the decriminalization of Homosexuality in Africa, with a special emphasis on Uganda and to advocate for the recall of the South African Ambassador  to Uganda, Jon Qwelane an outspoken anti-gay journalist.

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

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Merchandise can be found at   http://p2-ink.com/ Funds to LGBT organizations in South Africa, including Pride and Luleki Sizwe

Posted by Melanie Nathan -  For Guest  D. Littauer, Editor and GME Qatar Correspondent

The British Prime Minister, David Cameron was asked during his visit to Qatar whether it was right for the World Cup to be awarded to a country which outlaws homosexuality. The prime minister expressed hope that football could help encourage social change.

“To me it is clear – football is for everybody. No one should be excluded on the basis of their race or religion or sex or sexuality. It is absolutely vital that is the case. I am sure that will be the case when the football World Cup comes here to Qatar.

“Football can be a great engine of social change and of change of attitudes. We saw in our own country how successfully football drove racism out of the stands. Just as that has happened, so, too, we need to make sure there is no place for homophobia in football either.”

The Qatari Prime Minister, Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabr al Thani, said that he was glad the question had been directed at his British counterpart as that was “less embarrassing to me”.

Article 201 of the 1971 Qatari Penal Code punishes sodomy between consenting adults (irrespective of sex) with up to five years imprisonment and lashes. The Qatari Constitution of 2003 establishes Islam as the official religion. Shari’a law shall be the main source of all legislation which potentially has even further complications for LGBT people in Qatar.

In addition, Qatar does not allow individuals with HIV/AIDS to enter the country. Medical exams are required for all long-term visitors and residents. Individuals who have HIV/AIDS may be subject to deportation.   See http://gaymiddleeast.com/news/news%20267.htm

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To a sold out crowd , Equality California will honor Attorney General Kamala Harris and Alameda County judge Victoria Kolakowski at its annual San Francisco Equality Awards, presented by AT&T. Harris will receive the Del Martin & Phyllis Lyon Marriage Equality Award. In her prior position as San Francisco District Attorney, she was instrumental in securing legal protections for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community by launching specialized programs around hate crimes, same-sex domestic violence, and same-sex sexual assault. As Attorney General, Harris has refused to defend Proposition 8 in the federal challenge to overturn the marriage ban and has created an LGBT working group as part of her transition team.

Judge Kolakowski will receive the Equality and Justice Award. Kolakowski made history last year, becoming the nation’s first openly transgender judge. A trailblazing pioneer and inspiration to the LGBT community, Kolakowski has been a longtime advocate for LGBT equality, previously serving on the board of the Transgender Law Center and Equality California, where she was a founding board member.

The evening’s festivities include a 6 p.m. reception followed by a silent auction, gourmet dinner and after party. Event proceeds benefit Equality California, the state’s advocacy organization for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. For tickets, tables or sponsorship information, contact michelle@eqca.org or go to http://www.eqca.org/sanfrancisco.

The San Francisco Equality Awards is presented by AT&T and generously sponsored by Bank of America, Blue Angel Vodka, State Farm Insurance, Carrie Farrell & Jacqueline Bennett, PG&E, Wells Fargo, Wine Tasting Network, Academy of Art University, Jody Cole – Wild Rainbow African Safaris, California Teacher’s Association, Delloite, Levi Strauss & Company, Jeff Lewy & Ed Eishen, National Center for Lesbian Rights, Jimmy Nguyen – JimmyWin.com, Jim Carroll and Scott Romesburg, Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund, Ambassador James Hormel & Michael Nguyen, Geoff Kors & James Williamson and Kirkland & Ellis LLP.

Melanie Nathan from LezGetReal and Michelle Meow, from Swirl Radio will be there to conduct joint interviews, congratulate the recipients , and report the speeches soon after.  If you happen upon us – do not forget to say HI~!

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

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



Europride is an international 15 day LGBT event, which takes place every year in a different European city.

June will be once again the month of LGBTQI pride and this time Rome as Italy warmly invites all gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people from all over the world to invade, in a colorful and joyful way, the Eternal City, to remember the spirit of Stonewall. On  June11th  the great march will take place on the streets of Rome,  followed by an extensive calendar of artistic and cultural events.

Rome is the city that hosts the Vatican, center of one of the most hostile religions to homosexuality; from anti- equal rights for gay families and couples, to the failures in prevention of HIV/AIDS, the denial of the use of condoms,  Italian law follows lockstep to the Vatican agenda and fails its gay citizens in every respect.   In fact their influence extends beyond the Vatican wall as we well know, to the rest of the world, and so what better than to show up on their turf screaming ” Q U E E R S  A R E  H E R E .”

The government does little more than  foster the prejudices, ignorance and discrimination. Lets take our families and go in pride!

For all these reasons,  Rome needs you -  numbers and more than ever – a statement in numbers can be made to the Vatican and Italian authorities. Every body counts. I t is critical Italy and Rome to have as many of you as possible on the 11th of June marching those streets of prejudice.  No matter  sexual orientation and gender identity, this pride is a moment for sharing, and organizers assert “the march is a moment of joy, not only for LGBTQI, but also for friends, parents and anyone who wants a more fair and civil world.”

“Go for a walk in the old town center, between the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain, Piazza di Spagna and Piazza del Popolo. Lay down on the Ostia gay beach, where there will be a lot of occasions for new amusing and interesting meetings. Mix yourself within the colorful crowd of our gay clubs and breathe the magic atmosphere of this beautiful city, that between Spring and Summer shows its finer and intriguing face. You will fall in love with us.” Organizers say.

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

a

Posted by Editor Feb 08-2011.

AP Reports and just when you thought you had heard heard it all….that  a Central California man who was at a cockfight died after being stabbed in the leg by a bird that had a knife attached to its own limb.

Jose Luis Ochoa, 35, of Lamont, was declared dead at a hospital about two hours after he was injured in neighboring Tulare County on Jan. 30, the Kern County coroner said.   An autopsy concluded Ochoa died of an accidental “sharp force injury” to his right calf.

Sheriff’s spokesman Ray Pruitt said it was unclear if a delay in seeking medical attention contributed to Ochoa’s death.

“I have never seen this type of incident,” Sgt. Martin King, a 24-year veteran of the sheriff’s department, told the Bakersfield Californian.

Not funny but wow now that is a story…

Ochoa …..  http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_COCKFIGHT_DEATH?SITE=SCCOL&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

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Mel Nathan Feb 06, 2011.

Who else did not know it was Superbowel (hehe) – how does it spell Superbowl – oh that is what it is-  DAY ; and  who else does not know who is playing; and who else is watching now because Black Eyed Peas are gonna beat at half time; and who else is watching for the second time in their entire life…..

Well here is my Post from the first game I ever watched back in 2009- not sure what happened in 2010.  Now that IS a concern..

“Today was the first Superbowl game I have EVER watched;  I had no idea who made it to the finals or who was who.  All I knew was that the red team went in one direction and the yellow team in the other.  I looked at the score and noted 20 to 14 – thats when I started watching.   Not that much time left,  noticing the clock I thought,  thats it guys ; red guys – go home- its over!  Over! You are done!  But lo and behold they scored and the score jumped up… so many points and I am not quite sure what he did to get them, but they were all very excited.

I let out a yell …”whooohoooo”   ..me yelling…. (huh?) at the TV ;  ”Ah thats how it works!”    Now I am getting it.   The Reds were sooo happy. The Yellows looked worried. Well that was a comeback, I was wrong,  I thought. Jolly goood the Reds won. It must be over two minutes is a short time.  But for some reason they kept going on and then stopping forever and then going on.  As fate would have it. I was wrong, again?  The yellows made some points – not sure how, but when they yelled, I yelled too. It was so much fun. I think I will do it again next year.”

Okay, so this year, the second time…. “there is a scoring drive – what the heck?  The colors are green with yellow trim and shoot my TV is fuzzy…. why did I not get invited to a Superbowl party.  Ah there you go TV came back in its clearer – the other side has White shirts. There is a minute fifty nine left and down by six- not sure which one – but they all have the same color pants on and that IS confusing.

Again 1.5 minutes taking about 20 minutes – Green Bay Packers lead by 6.

It  is Green Bay PAckers YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAh

The Super Bowl is the championship game of the National Football League (NFL), the highest level of professional American footballUnited States, culminating a season that begins in the late summer of the previous calendar year. The Super Bowl uses Roman numerals to identify each game, rather than the year in which it is held. For example, Super Bowl I was played on January 15, 1967, following the regular season played in 1966, while Super Bowl XLV is currently being played on February 6, 2011, to determine the champion of the 2010 regular season.

By Melanie Nathan,
nathan@privatecourts.com

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Dan Littauer of the acclaimed Blog Site, Gay Middle East, provided LezGetReal with an interview he did today with well known Blogger IceQueer. This astounding interview presented on GME’s website has been given to LezGetReal for joint publication by Mr. Littauer.  It reflects on the ground issues from the perspective of ayoung gay man,  who clearly has a deep understanding of the issues of the Country in General – it is an insightful piece…

Interview by Dan Littauer with “IceQueer”, an Egyptian gay blogger

GME: Tell us a little about yourself…
IQ: I’m 22 years old Egyptian Moroccan guy, I’m a medical intern and interested in activism, politics, religions, music and lots of different things

GME: What is your blog all about?
IQ: It’s about my thoughts and my perception of reality. Sometimes I feel it’s like a non-stop documentary of some parts of my life and my personality.

GME: When did you start the blog and why?
IQ: I started in July 2008. It was a coincidence and a funny story actually; electricity was off at home so I thought of playing around with my laptop’s pen and there it was my first post! Also the blog name in the beginning was “My thoughts & confessions” then I changed it to its current name after the first post.

GME: Do have a lot of gay readers following your blog? What kind of responses are you getting?
IQ: Well I can never be 100% sure of the number of readers/followers because how can you count readers who don’t leave comments or follow the blog through blogger but according to the blog’s stats, number of comments and number of followers, I guess I’ve a lot of gay and straight readers following my blog.
I get all kinds of responses and I approve and answer them all, actually comments are some of the things that keep me going and keep writing.

GME: You were in Tahrir square on Tuesday, describe what was it like?
IQ: I guess I was lucky because the day I went to Tahrir’s demo was a very peaceful day after police’s violence was over and before the attack of Mubarak’s thugs (Thursday). It felt amazingly peaceful and cheerful. I loved how diverse yet finally united Egypt is! I was holding a sign saying “Secular” in Arabic, English & French and also my friends(straight, gay, girls, Christian and Muslims) were holding similar signs and we all were chanting that this protest is for the people and not for any party or religion. Everything was really beautiful and looked like a European carnival!

Before internet was shut down, I was very active on my twitter page and facebook raising awareness about how important #Jan25 is and that we all should participate. I never knew that facebook and twitter can be that powerful and that the things you tweet can actually make a change even if it’s a little change like correcting someone’s information

GME: You mentioned you were helping people in hospital, are there many people hurt? Any of your friends or family?
IQ: Yes, unfortunately many people were injured as the numbers said on News channels. My family and non-Egyptian boyfriend were safe but some of my friends had minor superficial injuries and also 3 guys I know were detained on the 25th of Jan but were released the next day. It’s funny that most of Egyptian homosexuals fear police arrest but I was happy that those 3 guys were arrested because of a great cause like Jan25! Very honourable.

GME: We see reports of international journalists being attacked now in Egypt, but how are local journalists and bloggers are being treated?
IQ: Actually it’s not about being foreigner or local, it’s always about the news agency you work for and the things you blog/tweet about. So the more you are honest and scandalous about the regime, the more chances you get detained!

GME: What kind of changes do the people want to see?
IQ: Like we all chanted; Freedom, Social Justice and Democracy. And all of this will change by removal of Mubarak & his regime, dissolution of Parliament, ending the Emergency state/law and that High Court’s judges should supervise the elections.

GME: Do you think there will be a transition to a democracy in Egypt now?
IQ: I’m hopeful that there will be a transition but first we’ve to get rid of stereotypes and medieval ideologies that unfortunately many people have in Egypt due to lack of proper education. Jan25 all started by the educated and well politically-aware youth of Egypt.

GME: Does this revolution have a leader or leaders?
IQ: No it doesn’t have a leader or leaders, it’s a revolution by Egypt’s youth against a corrupted regime. This revolution is peoples’ revolution and doesn’t follow any political party or religious party.

GME: Some commentators have expressed their concern about the Muslims Brotherhood’s influence in the case of a change in Egypt, how realistic is such a concern?
IQ: I don’t think MBs would have such an “influence” that would affect majority of Egyptians and Egypt.

GME: I suppose its too risky and even counter productive to ask directly for LGBT rights in the protests, but how do you see these issues in the context of the revolution and larger Human Rights agenda?
IQ: You can’t ask for lots of changes that have different effect on people, I mean already asking for “Freedom” and “Fall of regime” bedazzled the whole country and its people so imagine what would happen if we asked for LGBT rights?
I believe that Egypt’s LGBT community can only have its rights when Egypt becomes a real secular country.

GME: Can you describe the social/cultural situation for LGBT people in Egypt in the last few years?
IQ: It’s diverse and it’s like most of LGBT communities around the world; you’ve all kinds of social and culture differences from deeply conservatives to utterly liberal. But the exposure to western media via internet and TV helped a lot of people in understanding more about their sexuality and how to accept it…etc I already see that the new generation takes less time in accepting their sexuality than older generation used to

GME: Can you be out and gay in Egypt?
IQ: It depends on your personality, your social class, your friends and your family. For me, I’m openly gay to my parents and all of my close straight friends.

GME: Are you out to some people in Egypt, and if yes, what kind of responses do you get?
IQ: Like I said before, I’m out to all of my close friends. You get various responses, some would say they wouldn’t lose a friend just because you’ve different preferences in bed, some would go into long tiring debates with you whether homosexuality is sinful or not and whether it’s a choice or not…etc. Again it all depends on one’s personality, social environment and religious background.

GME: How do people meet each other?
IQ: Mostly through dating website on the internet but you can also meet guys in private house gay parties and gatherings.

GME: Tell us about the legal situation… We understand that although there are no direct laws prohibiting same sex acts, we understand that other laws are enacted, like Public Order & Public Morals (as in the infamous case of Cairo52), and quite a few cases of people arrested through speaking with agents on chat rooms and gay dating websites… Can you elaborate on that?
IQ: Exactly, there is no direct laws prohibiting same sex acts or relationship but they usually affiliate it with Debauchery, Public Morals & Order.   The thing is that most of policemen play around a lot with words and the bugs in Egyptian law, they usually trap suspects by using words like debauchery when they ask them whether they practice same-sex sex or not, so they make suspects admit that they practice “debauchery” even though the suspect may only meant that he practice same-sex sex.  Also the emergency law gives the ability to policemen to check ur apartment without a warranty if they wanted.

GME: Any specific changes, relating to these two issues mentioned above, that Egyptian lesbian, gay, and transgender people hoping to see?
IQ: We’re hoping that Egypt would become a real Secular country one day, that’s when people learn to accept their differences then they would start accept people who r sexually different than they are.

GME: It’s a little bit symbolic that Tahrir square is also known as a meeting place for gay people, isn’t it?
IQ: Haha yeah I made lots of puns about this exact thing when I met up my friends in Tahrir to protest. I was like “A week ago, if I told you let’s meet in Tahrir then go walk down to Kasr El-Nil bridge, you’d have judged me as a sleazy trashy gay guy”

GME: What can the international LGBT community do to help the general situation in Egypt and in particular the LGBT communities in Egypt?
IQ: If democratic political reforms happened in Egypt, international LGBT communities can help a lot of course by putting pressure on Egyptian regime to apply this kind of reforms too which are under the same umbrella of democratic reforms.

Gay Middle East started in 2003 by a group of activists in Germany, UK, Palestine, Israel, Jordan, and Syria. GME is the largest source of information on LGBT rights and news in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).  Gay Middle East helps get the word out from what is happening on the ground in the MENA area regarding LGBT news to the world. GME is non-profit and completely voluntary.

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Posted by Melanie Nathan.

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

Melanie Nathan – January 31, 2011.

SAN FRANCISCO- Well known activist and blogger Michael Petrelis has been leading an effort in the Castro to pay tribute to David Kato.   Petrelis reached out to the President of MUMC, the local Merchant association of the Castro and Upper Market, to bring the famous Castro rainbow flag to half mast in memory of David Kato, the Ugandan activist who was brutally murdered in Uganda last week. This is the response Petrelis received:

Michael

MUMC controls the large rainbow flag at Castro and Market St. It is MUMC’s policy to only lower the flag at half staff for special honors

such as the deaths of Officer Jane Warner and Officer Jon Cook. When the flag was first put in place several years ago we were getting requests daily to lower it half staff for individuals and causes. We still get requests at least 4 – 8 times a month. If we honored every request, the flag would be kept at half staff most of the time. Therefore, we only lower it for very special honors within our community.

MUMC was the group behind getting the flag pole erected and maintains the flag pole. MUMC pays for the flags, maintenance and insurance which runs several thousand dollars a year.

As I am very sympathetic to your cause, (I feel what is happening in Uganda and the rest of Africa horrendous) I cannot grant your request at this time.    Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns

Steve Adams

President, Merchants of Upper Market and Castro

I was reluctant to post this at first, not wanting to participate in any schism in our community, however realized I would be remiss for a number of reasons, the most important of which is the fact that David Kato was a friend, and the bravest man I ever knew.  He took on the very magazine that outed him – the one that published his photo in a milieu of hate and terror.    He won – He won!   He is a Gay Icon, Hero and example to every child  and teen in America who faces bullying.

The Castro cannot and should not succumb to the all too often American ego that anything outside of the USA is irrelevant to us.   Kato is very relevant to us here in the USA and a place that represents ground zero of the American LGBTQI fight for equality, must acknowledge those who lose their lives for our mutual global quest.

For Mr. Adams to  imply that the brutal murder of David Kato is  an everyday event is pure ignorance.   Mr. Adams you cannot isolate the Castro from the rest of the World… the Castro and that Flag is a symbol for all and my Brother David Kato, who was important  enough to have his memory honored by world leaders, including President Barack Obama and Secretary Hilary Rodham Clinton, ought to be important enough to lower OUR rainbow FLAG for!

But more importantly than even that – David Kato is that police officer, he is that supervisor, he is you, me and  everyone of us and that Flag must be lowered for him!

Please do not miss the opportunity to pay tribute to a global hero!

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

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Pic Credit -James Murray

LezGetReal has just received word form London that The Home Office “will be looking again” at Brenda Namigadde’s case.  Namigadde is waiting now for her deportation flight to Uganda, as the UK Home office had previously refused her asylum case.    That means without official word at this time, Brenda Namigadde’s fresh claim for asylum has probably been been accepted into the home office.  Her stay of deportation will follow and she will probably be returned to the detention holding center instead of being made to board a flight.

In any event, Ms. Namigadde has been instructed by activists  on how to physically resist being put on the plane.  There are strict restriction on officials as to how she can be physically handled and soften resistors are able to delay their deportations in this fashion.

We will update this piece when we hear of Brenda’s  official stay.

UPDATED:   The UK Guardian is confirming these facts.  As of now, 7.00 PM  in UK. The Plane is due to leave at 9.20 PM – so the Home Office should be able to get word to the Border Agency to save her from boarding the flight at the last moment.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jan/28/uganda-lesbian-deportation-death-gay

“The shadow home secretary, Yvette Cooper, said: “I understand that Brenda Namigadde’s case is being looked at again. LGBT people in Uganda have faced arbitrary arrests, unlawful detention and ill treatment, and the new plans for even more homophobic laws are deeply worrying. The UK Border Agency’s operational guidance for Uganda is now nearly two years old and does not mention LGBT rights. It needs to be updated as fast as possible to reflect the current situation on the ground.”

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

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Melanie  Nathan – Jan. 28. 2011 – 1.16 pm

Today a  30,000 strong petition for Brenda Namigadde was delivered to Theresa May MP, Home Secretary at the Home Office in London, at the same time of a vigil for David Kato.  While a fight broke out at the murdered gay activists burial, the vehicle carrying more gay deportees from London to Kampala, made its way toward Heathrow Airport, including Brenda Namigadde, the Ugandan lesbian who faces certain harm.

PHOTO Courtesy James Murray

UPDATED:
http://lezgetreal.com/2011/01/ugandan-lesbian-is-at-the-airport-no-word-of-stay/

DAVID KATO sitting in Court at the Rolling Stone Trial

Melanie Nathan- January 27-2011.

In a climate where proposed legislation has seized momentum with the promise of enactment, the Anti-Homosexuality Bill,  authored and promoted by MP David Bahati, to rid Uganda of gays, in a place that seeks to imprison gay people for life and to hang “repeat offenders,” – in a milieu of hate and animosity towards gays and lesbians, fostered by the calls for repentance by all GAYS at the behest of a parliamentarian – who admits such is in the name of his religious beliefs – where American Evangelicals, Scott Livelly et al, admittedly Crusade with the impetus of the CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY of UGANDA, a man lies bludgeoned to death – a gay man. The very activist who took a News Magazine to Court to prevent it from OUTING more gays and lesbians with photos and tabloid finger pointing.

David Kato was murdered yesterday – and a suspect has been named.  But the law should investigate fully all the circumstances surrounding the life and death of our dear friend David Kato. All inciting his death should be held responsible for this untimely death of a man who stood for what he believed in – in freedom of religion – separation of church and state and in the right for same-sex freedom -  in a country that purports democracy, but hides its sinister  infractions behind the religion of Members’ of Parliament and its perception that its sovereignty enables it to re-define ‘Human Rights’ to exclude gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people – who is truly responsible.  I would wonder how those who lit the fire will be dealt with. I would also hope that this horrific murder will cause enough of an outrage to put the craziness of the Bahati Bill to rest forever.

On January 05, 2011 I ran a piece Tabloid Editor Admits anti-gay Agenda in defiance of Court Order, on my interview with Giles Muhame, the Editor of the Ugandan Rolling Stone Magazine which  had published the faces of Gay people in Uganda, thereby outing them to the public at large.  Next to the piece was an image of a rope and sign “hang them.”

David Kato and others decided to sue the Tabloid and won a case for compensation as well as a restraining order banning the issue and further publication of “outing” photographs of gay people in Uganda.

When the Editor Giles, put out a vitriolic and inciting Press Release I decided to call him and interview him (Jan 05)   The Press release was in clear retaliation to Kato’s win of the case.

When I spoke to Giles, he was incensed that the ruling was perceived as a victory for the Ugandan LGBT community. I said in my Jan 5 article “This is more than Rolling Stone and the Ugandan supporters of anti-gay legislation can stand, and so they are lashing out at the community, inciting even more hate with Press Releases such as the one we have quoted below. After reading the Press Release, I called its author in Uganda and conducted an impromptu interview.”

Here is a repeat report of the – PRESS RELEASE By Rolling Stone which should be re-read in light of the fact that Person’s Giles Muhame is addressing is now weeks later the victim of a brutal murder:

You will not Giles incites this murder of KATO be calling this “WAR” against the Gays, but calling him a devil that must be ridden.

HERE IT IS :  “Homos had a short-lived smile today morning after The Rolling Stone management announced it would appeal against a High Court ruling which “permanently restrains” the investigative newspaper from outing their pictures.

Homos sued Rolling Stone last November over a page one story titled “Pictures Of Uganda’s Top 100 Homos Leak.”

Court at 10:00am said the newspaper should give these self-confessed criminals shs 4.5m as compensation for violating their right of privacy.

This was in total disregard of the fact that the shamed homos’ pictures had appeared on a gay-networking website –gaydar.co.uk.

Justice Kibuuka Musoke said in his ruling read by the court registrar that by quoting a church leader calling upon government to hang homos, the newspaper put the lives and dignity of these fellows at risk!!

Can a newspaper incite government against a homo? If this is not fantasy then what is it?

Hanging is done after the due process of the law has been followed. Simple facts.

We would have paid them but doing so is as good as “paying a tribute” to those who promote sexual identity confusion and related madness.

Our lawyers said the controversial ruling does not only condone but perpetuates immorality with impunity.

It further sets a dangerous precedent for the nation and future generations.

It also puts media freedom at stake.

The newspaper managers have resolved to register our grievance with the President’s office.

We remain strong that indeed in times of war, losses are expected.

The newspaper will fight homos on different fronts.

Our supporters should remain strong –the agents of the devil shall be defeated.

It’s a matter of time.

Sanity must prevail at all costs.

Issued by
Giles Muhame
Managing Editor,
Rolling Stone”

Activists must ask for accountability.  The first head ought to be that of Giles Muhame – who to my way of thinking will not be able to hide behind the cover up that is already forming as Police authorities already quick to Judge this as just another crime on just another day in just another crime ridden area.  The story stinks and the smell leads to Rolling Stone!

Giles Muhame told me  early in January that he would defy the Order of Court, that he would continue to publish names and photos and he also told me that the edition with the names and faces would be handed out for free to every University and school – I would ask that if anyone in Uganda know if this actually happened – after the Court Ruling to pleas inform me, the Press and authorities.  Giles also told me he would be willing to face Jail to defy the order of Court.   You wil note the use of WAR and the Devil – in the above Press Release.

David Kato

To Our Dear friend and Hero  David Kato – May you rest in peace knowing that we will continue the fight in your name and in the names of the other LGBTQI who have died simply for being a child of G-d.

May you rest in peace dear brother- we will carry it on….

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

Related articles

• Tragedy as Gay Activist David Kato Murdered in Kampala, Uganda – Impact on Ugandan Lesbian Seeking UK Asylum (lezgetreal.com)
• Gay activist on paper’s ‘hang them’ list killed (msnbc.msn.com)
• Ugandan Gay Activist Murdered (advocate.com)
• UGANDA: Gay Activist David Kato Murdered After Outing By Local Paper (joemygod.blogspot.com)

Wanna see what’s coming up in the new Britney video? She tweeted a pic from the second day of shooting. Yeeah, probably more of the same. But the song is good, so that’s good right?! Yay, music!

Melanie Nathan- Jan 21, 2011-  

WASHINGTON – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director John Morton presented a painting by Edgar Degas, “Blanchisseuses Souffrant Des Dents,” to the acting French Ambassador to the United States, François Rivasseau. The painting, completed between 1870 to 1872, depicts two views of a laundress with a toothache.

In 1961, the painting was loaned to the Musée Malraux in Le Havre in Normandy, France, but was stolen from the museum in December 1973.  In October 2010, the Degas painting appeared in the Sotheby’s New York catalog for a pending auction of Impressionist and modern art.

INTERPOL notified ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agent in charge in New York who initiated the investigation. HSI special agents tracked the provenance of the piece and authenticated many markings on the back of the painting, including inventory marks by the Louvre, which confirmed the painting offered for sale was the stolen work.

“On behalf of ICE, it is a great privilege to return this painting that rightfully belongs to the people of France, and reflects a part of your nation’s history and rich heritage,” said ICE Director Morton. “ICE’s Cultural Property, Art and Antiquities unit was established to identify, investigate and return cultural treasures such as this stolen work of art, to their rightful owners and countries of origin.”

The acting French Ambassador, Mr. Rivasseau underlined that “at a time when even organized crime is becoming “globalized,” it’s essential that international cooperation between law enforcement agencies be as close as possible, and be supported by organizations such as INTERPOL. There is close cooperation between the specialist services of ICE and their counterparts from French Customs; this cooperation is based on the sharing of information and responsiveness.”

Mr. Rivasseau added: “What we are celebrating today is a gesture of friendship by the United States towards the French Republic. And for that, I would like to thank John Morton and all of the agents involved in this great accomplishment and of course through them, I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the government of the United States.”

“I applaud the tremendous investigative efforts by ICE HSI special agents in New York, INTERPOL France and INTERPOL Washington, as well as Assistant U.S. Attorney Duncan Levin for working together to recover and return the Degas Masterpiece that was stolen in 1973. The return of this piece of artwork is another excellent example of what can be accomplished when law enforcement authorities in the U.S. and abroad partner to identify and recover historic, stolen works of art,” stated INTERPOL Washington Director Timothy A. Williams.

ICE uses its investigative authority to seize cultural property items if they were illegally imported into the United States. It also investigates the illegal trafficking of artwork, especially works that have been reported lost or stolen. ICE’s Office of International Affairs, through its 67 attaché offices worldwide, works closely with foreign governments to conduct joint investigations, when possible.

Working with experts in the fields of art and archeology, ICE authenticates the items, determines their true ownership and returns them to their countries of origin. Those involved in the illicit trafficking of cultural property, art and antiquities can face prison terms of up to 20 years, fines and possible restitution to purchasers of the items.

The FBI learned that the painting was given to Sotheby’s by Dr. Ronald Grelsamer who had inherited the artwork from his late father Philippe. According to court records, Mr Grelsamer told federal agents that he had no knowledge that the signed painting was stolen from the Malraux Museum 37 years ago. A still-unknown thief apparently pulled it off the museum wall and slipped away. The painting, dated between 1870 and 1872, was on loan to the Maltraux from the French Government and was registered in the Louvre inventory. Value of painting approximately $450,000.   Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1335161/Stolen-Edgar-Degas-painting-taken-Sothebys-auction-block-returned-France.html#ixzz1Bn5Ea6Gn

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

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Related articles

• Stolen Degas Returned After 37 Years (abcnews.go.com)
• Stolen Edgar Degas painting taken off Sotheby’s auction block and returned to France (dailymail.co.uk)

Melanie Nathan – Marin County – Jan 18-2011
MARIN TASK FORCE ON HOUSING DISCRIMINATION
On Tuesday, the Marin Task Force on Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing of Marin will open a Photographic Exhibit of the historic Civil Rights Marches of 1965 and 66.  The Exhibit can be viewed in the center space of the first floor gallery of the Civic Center, 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael, from January 18 through January 31.

The exhibit, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, pays tribute to the years of work and sacrifice by Americans to end racial and ethnic segregation in housing.  Throughout the 1960s, civil rights activists around the country petitioned Congress for a comprehensive fair housing law. In 1965, Dr. King came to Chicago to see if non-violent civil demonstrations could help to desegregate housing in the North.  Marchers in many neighborhoods were greeted with rocks and catcalls with a ferocity that appalled the nation, leading two years later to the passage of the first Federal Fair Housing Act.

In dozens of pictures taken by Bernie Kleina, Fair Housing advocate and marcher, Marin residents and school children can view the courage of the major Civil Rights leaders and local advocates as they faced the intensity of the opposition.  Mr. Kleina believes that the photos are the only color photos taken of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Fair Housing of Marin provides counseling, investigative services, mediation, and legal or administrative referrals to persons experiencing housing discrimination. There is no charge for these services; Spanish is spoken.  Fair Housing of Marin also offers advice and seminars for the housing industry, to help housing providers fully understand fair housing laws. Individuals with questions are encouraged to call Fair Housing of Marin at (415) 457-5025 or visit its website at www.fairhousingmarin.com.

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com

Disclosure: Melanie Nathan is VP on the
Board of Fair Housing of Marin.

The details can be found at  amusing/gross Jackson County Sheriff’s Department report excerpted here.

According to investigators, Williams–who lives four doors down from her estranged husband at the 77 Motor Inn–showed up at his door and asked Danny Williams and another man to “eat my pussy.” At this point, Williams, pictured in the mug shot at right, “commenced to undress herself,” reported Deputy Ross Mellinger.

While Danny Williams “declined said invitation,” the other man, Adam Watson, told cops that he “agreed to perform at her request.” However, as Watson approached Williams, “he became overwhelmed by horrible vaginal odor emitting from Melissa Williams.” Watson, understandably, “declined to proceed any further.”

Williams allegedly “produced a lock-back folding knife,” opened it, and pointed the weapon at her estranged husband. She then reportedly uttered a line never before memorialized in a police report: “Somebody is going to eat my pussy or I’m going to cut your fucking throat.”

When Deputy Mellinger arrived on the scene he observed Williams–who, like the two men, appeared to be intoxicated–nude from the waist down. After pocketing a knife that was on the coffee table in front of Williams, Mellinger arrested her for domestic assault and brandishing a deadly weapon.

Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com

source http://www.thesmokinggun.com/buster/west-virginia/woman-utters-line-never-previously-recorded-police-report

Related articles

• Malodorous Perp Gets 90 Days In Jail (nowpublic.com)

Melanie Nathan January 13-201

The new museum chronicling San Francisco’s gay, lesbian and transgender community celebrated its grand opening Thursday.

Harvey Milk’s pink framed glasses  – manuscripts – sex toys, all on display at the 1,600-square-foot space at 4127 18th St. (just off Castro street.)

The museum has two exhibits and hundreds of articles,  and this the LGBT History Museum is the world’s second museum dedicated solely to gay and lesbian archives and materials, museum officials said. The only other one is in Germany, notes San Francisco Gate.

Telling LGBT stories is at the heart of that project.

“We have gone all out to create a museum as rich, diverse and surprising as the GLBT community itself,” says Paul Boneberg executive director of the GLBT Historical Society, which runs the museum.

The 25 year old LGBT Historical Society, set on opening a museum for a decade,  finally found the perfect store front and signed a five year lease.

Dozens of neighboring businesses and individuals – donated thousands to the $250,000 price tag to open and run the museum for the first year, ensured that foot traffic will increase with its presence.

The museum’s opening was the top priority for the Merchants of Upper Market and Castro, the association President Stephen Adams said, because it will draw more tourists and locals alike and “really help with the economic vitality of the neighborhood.”

The museum’s opening – a month and a half after the Smithsonian Institution removed a controversial video that appeared in the National Portrait Gallery’s exhibit on gay portraiture, “Hide/Seek” – brings the importance of having a museum dedicated to gay and lesbian issues to the forefront, said curator Gerard Koskovich.

Source: page C – 1 of the San Francisco Chronicle

Melanie Nathan
Nathan@privatecourts.com

Melanie Nathan – Jan 12, 2011 – “Die Bitch!” the words on the note found in the shooter’s bag – and it was directed at REP. Gifford, who Sarah Palin targeted as one of the 20 congressional representatives as part of her “solution” a Facebook and Twitter campaign, expressed via a graphic map depicting bulls-eye as if sighted through the aim of a gun- to rid the Congress of Democrats.

Sarah Palin- the ex-VP Candidate and reality TV hunter, is now expressing grief over the “irresponsible statements” of those casting blame on her and other political figures for the mass shooting and heinous murders upon a targeted Congresswoman, Gaby Giffords, last Saturday.

Sarah Palin’s eight minute statement called upon Americans to point the finger for Saturdays massacre, directly and only at the shooter, pleading to “those who would manufacture “a blood libel,” saying “acts of monstrous brutality … begin and end with the criminals who commit them, not collectively” with Americans exercising their constitutional freedoms.

Indeed Palin has been under the media focused criticism, for many believe the motivation and/or insanity of gunman Jared Lee Loughner, was fueled by Palin rhetoric and specifically her “target -bulls-eye-solution” campaign” that is clearly evidenced by the PDF captured Maps, Face Book and Twitter posts which we had blogged about on LGR.

Now Ms. Palin has dug her political grave a few feet deeper; and she has jumped in head first after committing political suicide! In what seemed to be a pre-prepared and read statement- she successfully defined herself as an anti-Semite. Her use of the word “solution” attached to the symbolism she used in her written material, had me wondering if she was even more ignorant than I had already thought, or was she an overt anti-Semite. Now I am forced to conclude the latter.

Hitler used the word “final Solution” in his intentional plan to eradicate all Jews. The genocide of the six ‘s million Jews in Europe was in all its respects the result of Hitler’ final solution. However topping the tacit reference is the now overt “those who would manufacture “a blood libel,” when referring to the media critique.

Blood libel, a term deriving from medieval Christianity. It started the rumor that Jews were killing Christian babies, and using their blood to mix into matzoh. The blood libel, refuted through history, has continued to present itself as a way for Christians at times to scapegoat Jews.

Palin, believes she is being persecuted by the media and her reference to this as a “blood libel” plays into the refuted anti-Jewish and hate by inference. Not only is Rep. Giffords Jewish, but accusing the media of “blood libel” could be seen as playing into anti-Semitic assertions through use of tag lines such as “Jews controlling the media.”

Palin must be called upon to take responsibility – instead of her comments helping she has in fact invoked and dug open a very old and sordid wound. Republicans and all politicians must disengage from political contact with this woman. Any affiliate who does not come out and specifically condemn her remarks, may well be seen to endorse them.

Palin has lost ant tidbit of legitimacy that she may have had on the political scene. Palin who attempted top point the finger at the shooter as having sole responsibility has done little more than point the finger right back at herself.

Sarah Palin: “America’s Enduring Strength” from Sarah Palin on Vimeo.

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
@oblogdeeoblogda

Melanie Nathan – 01-05-2010; The Editor of Rolling Stone Tabloid in Uganda, issued a PRESS RELEASE Monday in retaliation to the Uganda  Court ruling, restraining the Tabloid from outing Gays and Lesbians.  The ruling, a victory for the Ugandan LGBT community, is more than Rolling Stone and the Ugandan supporters of anti-gay legislation can stand, and so they are lashing out at the community, inciting even more hate with Press Releases such as the one we have quoted below. After reading the Press Release, I called its author in Uganda and conducted an impromptu interview.

The Tabloid was also charged with having to compensate the victims whom it had outed on the front cover story we reported on last year.

PRESS RELEASE By Rolling Stone

Homos had a short-lived smile today morning after The Rolling Stone management announced it would appeal against a High Court ruling which “permanently restrains” the investigative newspaper from outing their pictures.

Homos sued Rolling Stone last November over a page one story titled “Pictures Of Uganda’s Top 100 Homos Leak.”

Court at 10:00am said the newspaper should give these self-confessed criminals shs4.5m as compensation for violating their right of privacy.

This was in total disregard of the fact that the shamed homos’ pictures had appeared on a gay-networking website –gaydar.co.uk.

Justice Kibuuka Musoke said in his ruling read by the court registrar that by quoting a church leader calling upon government to hang homos, the newspaper put the lives and dignity of these fellows at risk!!

Can a newspaper incite government against a homo? If this is not fantasy then what is it?

Hanging is done after the due process of the law has been followed. Simple facts.

We would have paid them but doing so is as good as “paying a tribute” to those who promote sexual identity confusion and related madness.

Our lawyers said the controversial ruling does not only condone but perpetuates immorality with impunity.

It further sets a dangerous precedent for the nation and future generations.

It also puts media freedom at stake.

The newspaper managers have resolved to register our grievance with the President’s office.

We remain strong that indeed in times of war, losses are expected.

The newspaper will fight homos on different fronts.

Our supporters should remain strong –the agents of the devil shall be defeated.

It’s a matter of time.

Sanity must prevail at all costs.

Issued by
Giles Muhame
Managing Editor,
Rolling Stone

My Interview with Giles Muhame, Managing Editor, Rolling Stone -

After reading his Press Release, I called Mr. Muhame, the Managing Editor of the Rolling Stone Publication in Uganda.  He was very friendly – greeted me like a long lost friend with a resounding, Happy New year.  I said,  “Sir I am surprised, you sound like a really nice person, so friendly;  He said “I am really nice,   people are demonizing me but that do not know I am a very nice person.” And so we continued…..

Melanie: Most people in the western world think your statement and what the tabloid has done is outrageous and so they assume you are not a nice person.

Muhame: I am confused, I do not understand why people are outraged by us putting those pictures on our magazine page. We did the right thing to show those pictures. The Tabloid will win the appeal. We must expose criminals.

The homos argued that their right of privacy- had been breached when we published their pictures – but we must reveal these criminals to protect our children, Homosexuality is spreading like wildfire and we must stop it.  The parliament is trying to strengthen the weak law.

Melanie: Do you base the idea of immorality that you speak of in your Press release on religion?

Muhame: No Homosexuality is illegal – and that if a person is caught in the act, they can be arrested.  That is how the law is now.   The new legislation which we hope will receive quick passage as soon as February, will tighten the weak law.  The law is based on immorality for an  ACT committed against the order of nature.”  The new law will tighten this to refer to homosexuality in more specific terms and to criminalize it with stiff penalties.

Melanie: What about people leaving Uganda; the law would say they must be extradited back to Uganda; why not help the people get out of Uganda,  I have an idea- why not simply say – leave Uganda and we will organize your safe passage with other countries willing to rescue you. Then help the gays and lesbians and transgender people board planes of foreign countries to  leave as refugees?

Muhame: (Laughed)  If a person comes OUT and says they are gay or we  find that out, under the new proposed law, then they are confessing to a crime.  So how can we help the criminal to leave?  The order of nature says that men must sleep with women and make children.  Uganda must look after its people and curb immorality. So it must be a serious crime.

Melanie: What if one of your children were gay – and the law was in place including the hanging sentence- how would you handle that:

Muhame: I will have no problem to follow the law. The law is the law. I will give my child to the authorities and will let it be what must be – if  he must go to Jail or hang that will be fine if he is homo. If the law is there the homo should be hanged -he will pay the price. They will have to go to prison.

Melanie: Are you concerned that the USA and Western States may have to pull embassies, businesses, employees out of Uganda to safeguard against the possibility of committing a crime through employment of Gay and lesbian employees; and are you concerned about the economic impact of possible boycotts?

Muhame: We are not a colony anymore – we are independent. Soon we will have enough of our own oil and we will not need America or outside Countries. We are self sufficient and we will be okay, That is not a threat for us.  If America stops the AID we will be fine. We can work harder- we do not need America.

Melanie: So you are not at all concerned about your standing in the International community and people of Uganda will be fine with isolation?

Muhame: I am not a member of the Government but I know I speak what the people understand and people call us the Nazis of Africa and the Gays are the JEWS of Africa. They call themselves that to get sympathy.

Melanie: What harm do the Ugandans think Gays can cause in Uganda; why is it not possible to leave he Gays alone to their privacy between consenting adults?

Muhame: We cherish the traditional family. Homos spread aids and have orgies and are drug addicts.  There are higher mortality rates and increasing because of homos. We have big problems of poverty in Uganda.

Melanie:  Is poverty is the fault of  the homosexuals?

Muhame: Yes, of course.

Melanie: Do you realize that Hitler and the Nazis blamed the Jews in Germany for the economic problems and that was a justification for the Genocide?

Muhame: But here in Uganda we think that homosexuals are very few so the country can do without them. It will not matter if we take them out of society. The future of our kids is at stake. Homosexuality is illegal so if you commit a crime you have done an illegal act so we want to put them in jail and not let them out.

Melanie:  So what is your plan if you loose the case on appeal?

Muhame:  Rolling Stone Tabloid had plans for a campaign to drum up support for the (kill gays) Bill and we will not be afraid to lose our liberty and to publish the picture of the homos again even if the Court says we cannot.   I will go to Jail for the people of Uganda.

Rolling stone must continue with its plan- to help our people even if we risk our own liberty. I am prepared to go to jail but I will continue to publish picture and OUT more Homos.

Rolling stone will support all the candidates in the election that support the new homo bill and we will give the magazines for free to all the schools when the kids get back to school. When the students come back to school and Universities, we are going to defy the order of Court and we decided  that we will hold demonstrations and drum up support for the bill to be passed as soon as possible.
We will sacrifice our liberty we going against the order of God.  We will publish their pictures without fear from the courts.  I am willing to go to Jail.

Our constitution empowers the people – if they do not want homo they can fight for it that is our decision. Mainstream media is soft so Rolling Stone will do something to help the people of Uganda.

At the end of the conversation – and there was a lot more, we decided to remain in touch.  I promised Muhame that I would try to answer his question if he promised to publish it unedited in Uganda’s Rolling Stone Magazine – I would provide the answer to “WHY is America Outraged by the Outing of gays in their Magazine.”  He said he would be willing to listen.

At the end of the conversation I asked him if he would like to hear about my life. I told him I was born in South Africa, that I had been against the apartheid Government, how I supported Nelson Mandela and then the clinger – about my life in the USA, my work and my children and their achievements.  I then said I would give him permission to OUT me on his tabloid… that I had not fear because I believed that I had conducted my life with a strong sense of morality and that my Country allowed me to live openly as a lesbian.

He said he respected the discussion and that he would be open to hearing more from me about my side.

What I got from this conversation and from the underground sources that I have in Uganda, is that the situation is very serious and there is a good chance that the antigay bill can pass.  The people of Uganda are very far gone in their indoctrination and accordingly, the Western World had better come up with a plan, as a matter of urgency or lives will be lost to legalized hate that will follow.

Posted by Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com

Related articles

• Uganda Landmark: Restraining Order by Court in Newspaper Outing Case (lezgetreal.com)
• US Sate Department Must offer Ugandan Gays Visas to USA (lezgetreal.com)

Lady Gaga tweeted a half-naked picture of herself . This, in itself, isn’t surprising. But she is going 100% bare down there. She is also promoting her soon to be complete album. She tweeted the picture along with this sentence: “The Song 2 13 11. The Record 5 23 11″

She’s made it clear that the first single off her next record will be “Born This Way” which has been her rallying cry as she fought to get Don’t Ask Don’t Tell repealed. Which explains the jacket. Ahem…if you are looking that high.

Related articles

• Lady Gaga Tweets Approval of ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ Repeal (lezgetreal.com)
• Lady Gaga is the Most Charitable Star of 2010 (lezgetreal.com)

Image via Wikipedia

“Dutch women grow up thinking home birth is good for you, and that it’s part of mother nature. But I didn’t consider it at all. I think it’s too risky. If something is wrong, it’s better to be in hospital,” said a recently new Dutch mother. The Dutch government is worried by the fact that the rate of death among newborn babies is higher than in the Netherlands than other European countries.

The health minister said recently that obstetric care needed to improve, and there was sometimes “insufficient communication” between professionals.  Some doctors say women are choosing hospital birth because they want a full range of pain relief and quicker deliveries.

Image via Wikipedia

One unique feature of the Dutch system is a network of maternity nurses called Kraamhulp, who assist midwives during the birth, help new mothers begin breastfeeding and provide vital back-up during the crucial first week with maternity care and even housework.

Last year in the Netherlands, there were around 1,700 stillbirths and deaths among newborn babies. Everyone agrees that figure is too high, and that Dutch midwives and doctors should work more closely together.  But are home births being unfairly blamed?

Some believe that home births are safe and even if totally abolished, wouldn’t make a small dent in the mortality statistics. “It’s very short-sighted. I think it would be really sad if choice disappears – and there’s a real risk of this happening in the Netherlands.”

Related articles

• Natural Childbirth and Home-birthing for Non-hippies (healthmad.com)
• Hungary: Midwife Agnes Gereb taken to court for championing home births (guardian.co.uk)
• Midwives accuse sceptical doctors of causing ‘home birth backlash’ (dailymail.co.uk)
• Midwife Advice Needed (mombian.com)

Melanie Nathan- Dec 19-2010;  SAN FRANCISCO -  Imagine visiting the Castro and wondering where you are?  That would be an unusual occurrence,  even for strangers and tourists – once you hit that turn from Market into Castro street, you know exactly where you are no matter who you are.  At the helm of your herald and welcome is a huge Rainbow flag on the corner that signals the flare of rainbow flags attached to street lamps for blocks thereafter – the main drag of the CASTRO district, Castro Street.  Now the Mercury News, San Jose is reporting that  the future of rainbow gay pride flags which have flown for years along the main stretch of San Francisco’s Castro District is  under threat because they threaten the survival  of another city icon: lampposts with early 20th century origins.

“A neighborhood association near the heart of the city’s gay and lesbian community contends the flags were illegally hung on the metal lamp posts. City law only allows temporary banners on the posts, which were designated city landmarks in 1991, out of concerns the fasteners used to attach them could rust and mar their beauty.  The Mission Delores Neighborhood Association said the banners simply don’t belong on the posts permanently.  “We completely support the diversity in the area,” the association said in a statement Friday to The Associated Press. “This is about preserving a city landmark from permanent signage.”

But others argue the banners in the Castro define the neighborhood and are slowly being lost as they become tattered and can’t be replaced. Only about a quarter of the 40 or so original banners on Market Street remain. Banner supporters want the law changed to allow new banners to go up. “This is where the rainbow flag started. This is a neighborhood that should be identified as one of the strongest and most vibrant gay and lesbian neighborhoods in the world,” said city Supervisor Bevan Dufty. According to the Associated Press Report.

The rainbow flag, sometimes pride flag, LGBT pride flag or gay pride flag, is a symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) pride and LGBT social movements in use since the 1970s. The colours reflect the diversity of the LGBT community, and the flag is often used as a symbol of gay pride in LGBT rights marches. It originated in California, but is now used worldwide. Designed by San Francisco artist Gilbert Baker in 1978, the design has undergone several revisions to first remove then re-add colours due to widely available fabrics.^[1][2] As of 2008, the most common variant consists of six stripes, with the colours red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet. The flag is commonly flown horizontally, with the red stripe on top, as it would be in a natural rainbow.

As one firmly entrenched in the Rainbow symbol and the historic value especially as it Centers the LGBTQI struggle in the Castro, a symbol and metaphor for the entire world, I say if you cannot figure it out then raise money and construct special posts for the flags alongside the historic posts – that will shut the mouths of the anti-gay bullies who are pulling this crap.  The Flags must remain in the Castro no ifs or buts! (ok)

Dufty is calling for a compromise. Legislation he is promoting  read more….

By Melanie Nathan:
Nathan@privatecourts.com

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Related articles

• Preservationists and Castro Gays Battle Over Rainbow Banners (sfist.com)
• Anti-LGBT Activist Tries To Lay Claim To Rainbow Symbol (topix.net)

Hospitality at its Worst

Melanie Nathan – 12-18-2010- Gay couple Steven Preddy and Martyn Hall — from Bristol UK —  arrived at the private Bed & Breakfast Inn with their miniature Schnauzer, for a two-night break in September 2008, and  despite their prior booking,  and being “legally  Civil Unioned”, were turned away, because  the owners believed that if they had set foot across the threshold of room nine  all HELL would break loose – or something like that…

On arrival, the devout christian owners politely informed Preddy and Hall they could not stay at the hotel after all and were politely asked to leave.  They were only welcome to stay in  the single or twin rooms — but oops sorry those were full. Their £30 deposit was later refunded.

The seven-bedroom hotel is owned and run by  Peter Bull, 71, and his wife Hazelmary, 66, who permit only married heterosexual couples to book into their double rooms. Unmarrieds can sleep in their twins and singles.  Civil partnerships between same sex couples do not count as marriage in the Bulls’ eyes. Now at the time of the Court trial, they assert their case, stating that if they are ordered to change their policy they would rather close the Inn to all.

‘We are not homophobic, but the Bible is very clear that a man should not lie with a man and woman should not lie with a woman,’ Hazelmary tells me.  The Bulls state on their website that they will only let heterosexual married couples share rooms. They say that their longstanding policy applies to all unmarried couples, whether gay or straight but they do not check whether couples are legally married.

According to Press Association, she said: “Nobody wants to see the defendants out of business, but we say they have to abide by the law. They either have to change their policy or offer single rooms to everyone.”   The Bulls claimed that they had been the victims of a sting but Mr Preddy and Mr Hall denied this.

The court will give a judgment after Christmas.
Source : http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article- and Pink News, UK

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Melanie Nathan – 12-16-2010 – Los Angeles, CA – Award-winning country music Singer-Songwriter superstar, Chely Wright is the latest major recording artist to proudly add Club Skirts Presents The Dinah to her touring resume.

Continuing Club Skirts’ groundbreaking trend of a high profile, entertainment packed and star filled legacy, Wright will carry on The Dinah tradition joining fellow alumni Lady GaGa, Katy Perry, Meredith Baxter, The Pussy Cat Dolls, Colbie Caillat, The Indigo Girls, India Arie and Ke$ha, to name a few.

The newly-Out 39 year-old musician with a Nashville pedigree and a repertoire filled with # 1 Billboard charting hits will be trekking to the Sunny Oasis on Friday, April 1, 2011 to deliver an exclusive live concert at The Riviera Resort and Spa, which recently underwent an estimated $90 million rejuvenation becoming the epic and contemporary deluxe Mecca for high-end world-class travelers.

“We are thrilled to have Chely perform at The Dinah,” says Mariah Hanson, founder of Club Skirts Presents The Dinah. “Symbolically speaking, The Dinah has ultimately become a celebration of the tapestry of women around the world giving every one of them a reason to embrace and honor who they are, and as Chely epitomizes that very concept it was only fitting that we invite her to celebrate our milestone 21^st Anniversary,” adds Hanson.

Named one of People Magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People”, FHM’s Sexiest Women in Music, the Academy of Country Music’s Top New Female Vocalist and recently snatching the coveted title of Out Magazine’s annual “100 People of the Year 2010”, Chely Wright earned another prestigious title earlier this year as the first major country artist to officially come out.

The “Shut up & Drive” hitmaker made history by publicly announcing and acknowledging she’s a lesbian – quite an uncharted territory for country music as there’s never been a major star in this genre – often considered socially conservative – to reveal his or her homosexuality.

“It’s a little known fact but lesbians are avid Country & Western music fans. We are beyond pleased to showcase Chely, applaud her courage and celebrate her entertainment career. Much like Chely took a chance going against Nashville’s reticence about her announcement, we stand by her and want to support her message to not only show the willingness of country fans to accept gay artists, but as well show record labels the marketing presence and buying power of the LGBT market,” comments Hanson.

Her announcement, which came the same week that her memoir, “Like Me: Confessions of a heartland Country Singer,” and her first album in five years, “Lifted off the Ground,” were released, made national headlines. Wright was invited on some of the major daytime, primetime and late night talk shows including Oprah, Ellen DeGeneres, The View, Larry King Live, and on NBC’s Today Show (the most widely watched morning talk show on network Television), among many others, to share her personal struggles and heartfelt story.

Now riding a wave of success since bravely coming out of the closet, Chely Wright is touring the country in support of her commercially successful seventh album produced by Rodney Crowell and her Random House published memoirs, entitled “Like Me”. The singer will also host a special book-signing event prior to her concert, on Friday afternoon at the main pool area at the Riviera Hotel.

She’s also founded this year the “Like Me” charity organization providing assistance, resources and education to LGBT individuals and their family & friends, staying within the socio-political zeitgeist of the current Anti-Gay bullying movements in the likes of “It Gets Better” and the MTV affiliated “Love is Louder” for which she’s already lent her support to.

As Chely Wright readies this spring to grace the stage of the Riviera Spa & Resort for Club Skirts Presents The Dinah, and perform in front of thousands of her screaming fans, Dinah attendees, in the meantime, will surely be fine-tuning their vocal chords readying to belt out the singer’s 1999’s girl-power rallying anthem, “Single White Female.”

For more information about Chely Wright’s Dinah concert & book signing event and/or to purchase tickets please visit: www.TheDinah.com

Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
@oblogdeeoblogda
www.privatecourts.com

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Yup, not too much more to say about this. If you didn’t know they were banging, now you know. Chelsea Handler tweeted the pic with the caption “I don’t know why anyone thinks I would date a rapper.”

If 50 wasn’t such a homophobic douche, I would say they looked cute together.

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