Posted by Melanie Nathan; 08-31-10-

- A Personal Memory

Actress Zsa Zsa Gabor, 93, has reportedly been rushed to a hospital after being found unresponsive by her husband.

Gabor’s husband, Prince Frederic Von Anhalt, called 911 Tuesday morning, and the actress was taken from her Bel Air home to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The television and film star had just finished one of several hospital stays in recent weeks after falling at her home and breaking her hip. She said she wanted to spend her final days at home after she returned from the hospital August 17, having received her last rites from a priest.

Gabor was born in Budapest in 1917 and followed her sister Eva to Los Angeles. After her debut in the 1952 film Lovely to Look At, she appeared in We’re Not Married! with Ginger Rogers, Moulin Rouge, and Death of a Scoundrel.

She was as well known for her off-screen persona as her film and television appearances. Gabor’s husband is her ninth, and she has been married to such notables as hotel magnate Conrad Hilton. Also of note was her three days spent behind bars when she slapped a Beverly Hills police officer in 1989 and was found to be driving with an expired license. Gabor was fined $13,000 in court costs.

I personally recall an encounter with GABOR when I was seconding my Cousin as a stylist back in the 80’s in Los Angeles.  Zsa Zsa Gabor may be best remembered by most for her refusal to admit her age.  That received a lot of press – as I recall her driver’s license may not have been correct.

Well she did the same when it came to the size of her clothing – we were trying to style her for a Vogue Magazine cover. However when she could not fit into the dress that my Cousin had provided, based on the information Zsa Zsa provided herself, – she threw her bra at my cousin and fired us from the job; yelling ,  “AND my name is not ZSA ZSA – it is MS. GABOR to yooooo DAHLING!”

I wish her well and a speedy recovery.

Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com

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

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

Best Comedy Series

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

Best Drama Series

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

Best Comedy Actor

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

Best Comedy Actress

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

Best Supporting Actor Comedy

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

Best Supporting Comedy Actress

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

Best Supporting Drama Actress

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

by Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com

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With the Pentagon’s family survey now in the field, Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN), a national, legal services and policy organization dedicated to ending “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT), will release a letter each day this week from family members and spouses of former service members impacted by DADT. As the Pentagon reaches out to 150,000 straight couples on how their lives are impacted, these letters will share the perspective of those forced to serve under this law alongside their loved ones. SLDN is urging supporters of repeal to call, write, and schedule in-district meetings with both their senators as the defense budget, which contains the repeal amendment, moves to the floor just weeks from now.

Letter: Lynne Kennedy, Partner to Capt. Joan Darrah, U.S. Navy (Ret.)

##

General Carter F. Ham
Commanding General, U.S. Army Europe
Co-Chair, Comprehensive Review Working Group

Hon. Jeh C. Johnson
General Counsel, U.S. Department of Defense
Co-Chair, Comprehensive Review Working Group
CC:
U.S. Sen. Carl M. Levin
Chairman, Senate Armed Services Committee

U.S. Sen. John S. McCain
Ranking Member, Senate Armed Services Committee

U.S. Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman

Member, Senate Armed Services Committee

Dear General Ham and Mr. Johnson:

In 1990 – while working as a reference librarian at the Library of Congress — I met Joan Darrah, an active duty Naval Officer. I already knew about “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” but I soon woke up to the harsh reality that loved ones of gay and lesbian family members are forced to serve in silence, too.

Over the years, Joan had adjusted to living two lives — in the closet at work and out after hours. For me, it was a bit of an adjustment as I had been fortunate to work for an employer who valued my skills and expertise and realized that my being a lesbian in no way detracted from my ability to do a great job.

I knew that Joan could be deployed at any moment. She may be away from home for two or three years. I realized that being with an active duty military officer was even more constricting than I could have possibly imagined and I worried constantly about Joan’s well being. Yet, through it all, I knew our relationship was worth the compromises. I knew we had to make it work for Joan to continue to serve our Country.

There were so many things that we had to be careful about. For example, Joan had asked that I not call her at work unless it was truly an emergency. When we were out in public if Joan saw someone from work, I learned to “disappear,” until Joan’s co-worker moved on. We didn’t dare go to nice restaurants on Valentine’s Day or even Saturday nights. We could not show any familiarity while out in public. I went to parties at colleagues’ homes alone lest a guest I didn’t know learn that Joan was in the Navy.

The events of September 11, 2001, caused us both appreciate more fully the true impact of DADT on our lives and the reality of our mutual sacrifices. At 8:30 a.m. that morning, Joan went to a meeting in the Pentagon. At 9:30 a.m., she left that meeting. At 9:37 a.m., the plane flew into the Pentagon and destroyed the exact space that Joan had left less than eight minutes earlier, killing seven of her colleagues.

In the days and weeks that followed, Joan went to several funerals and memorial services for her co-workers who had been killed. Most people attended these services with their spouses whose support was critical at this difficult time, yet Joan was forced to go alone, even though I really wanted to be with her to provide support.

As the numbness began to wear off, it hit me how incredibly alone I would have been had Joan been killed. The military is known for how it pulls together and helps people; we talk of the “military family,” which is a way of saying we always look after each other, especially in times of need. But, none of that support would have been available for me, because under DADT, I didn’t exist.

In fact, I would have been one of the last people to know had Joan been killed, because nowhere in her paperwork or emergency contact information had Joan dared to list my name.

Whenever I hear Joan recount the events of that day, I relive it and realize all over again how devastated I would have been had she been killed. I also think of the partners of service members injured or killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. They are unable to get any support from the military and they must be careful about the amount of support they offer to their closeted service member loved ones.

The events of September 11th caused us to stop and reassess exactly what was most important in our lives. During that process, we realized that this discriminatory law was causing us to make a much bigger sacrifice than either of us had ever admitted.

Eight months later, in June 2002, Joan retired from the U.S. Navy, and I retired from the Library of Congress. If it wasn’t for DADT, we might both still be serving in our respective positions.

Lynne Kennedy

Editors note: As the civilian partner of a former Naval Aviator…. I so get what Lynn had to say…

Dr. Paula S. Brooks

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Richardson went missing last year after being released from custody by the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s station in Calabasas, CA. She was released at night, without her identification or her car, and no means of getting home.

Her mother, Latice Sutton, had asked deputies to hold her until family could pick her up because she was mentally ill and in a strange area unfamiliar to her. However Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department deputies said at the time that Richardson seemed rational and they believed they were legally obligated to release her.

Richardson was last seen on the morning of Sept 17th about twenty miles from the police station, and about two and a half miles from the ravine in Malibu where her skeletal remains were discovered by park rangers looking for a marijuana farm last week.

“The National Action Network will send a letter to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to ask for an official inquiry,” Sharpton told The Root. “The incident must be raised to a review of what the process was compared to others in the area. It could be a test case of what’s going on around the country, where missing African Americans are not considered a priority for law enforcement or the media.”

via Sharpton Will Ask Feds to Probe Mitrice Richardson’s Death.

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8/19/10-by Paula Brooks
A Catholic adoption service in Britain that has refused to work with same-sex couples will not be allowed an exemption from Britain’s anti-discrimination laws.

The British government imposed anti-discrimination rules in 2007 that prevent organizations from discriminating on the basis of a person’s sexuality, but Catholic Care had argued that as a religious group it should be allowed to offer adoption-support services only to heterosexual couples, because the organizations funding from the Roman Catholic Church was dependent on its policy of helping only married heterosexual couples adopt.

However yesterday, in a final ruling, British charity regulators said the group’s policy was discriminatory and a breach of European human rights laws.

“We have concluded that in this case the reasons Catholic Care have set out do not justify their wish to discriminate,” said Charity Commission chief executive Andrew Hind.

It has also ordered the Catholic Care to either cease its work placing children with adoptive parents or to abide by the UK’s equality laws which would include offering its services to same-sex couples.

“The charity is very disappointed with the outcome, Catholic Care will now consider whether there is any other way in which the charity can continue to support families seeking to adopt children in need,” said the group in a statement.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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In his letter Frank said, “Under any circumstance, the decision to discharge Lt. Col. Victor Fehrenbach would be not only completely unfair, but a distortion of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. Now that we have agreement among the President, the House and the Senate Armed Services Committee that the policy should be abolished, it would be an unbelievable travesty of justice to discharge him. I strongly urge you to end the proceedings against Lt. Col. Fehrenbach.”

Fehrenbach, a decorated F-15 pilot and 19-year veteran of the Air Force, filed a federal lawsuit last week in Idaho, arguing that the government cannot establish that his continued service on active duty hinders “morale, good order and discipline, and unit cohesion,” and is therefore a violation of the “Witt Standard” set forth by the US 9th District Appeals Court.

The Witt Standard stems from Witt v. Department of the Air Force when Margaret Witt’s case was brought before the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Part of the Ninth Circuit’s decision in looking at Margaret Witt’s discharge under DADT, which is now referred to as the Witt Standard, says the government has to show that a gay or lesbian’s presence (in this case, Maj. Witt’s) constitutes a threat to unit readiness and cohesion.

Fehrenbach’s lawyers claim the government has not met that standard.

Earlier this week Fehrenbach reached an agreement to prevent his discharge under DADT, at least until after Aug. 27, and also gave Fehrenbach a full hearing on his discharge.

That agreement insured that Fehrenbach couldn’t be discharged until a decision is reached and should he eventually be discharged under DADT, will give Fehrenbach a 21-day notice to seek an injunction preventing his discharge from the courts.

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8/17/10-by Paula Brooks
MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow will receive the 2010 Walter Cronkite Faith & Freedom Award for her coverage of religion and politics.

According to the Huffington Post, Maddow will be presented the Award, named after the legendary newsman Walter Cronkite, at a gala dinner in New York scheduled for October. Maddow will receive the award along with the Chautauqua Institution Department of Religion Director Rev. Dr. Joan Brown Campbell.

“Walter Cronkite once told me that no less than the future of our nation was at stake in the work of Interfaith Alliance, and I can think of no two people who contribute more to advancing our mission than Rachel Maddow and Joan Brown Campbell,” said Interfaith Alliance President Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy. “Rachel’s passionate coverage of the intersection of religion and politics exhibits a strong personal intellect coupled with constitutional sensitivity to the proper boundaries between religion and government.”

The award “recognizes individuals who courageously promote democratic values, defend religious freedom and reinvigorate informed civic participation.” according to an announcement from the Interfaith Alliance.

The Interfaith Alliance is an organization founded is to protect faith and freedom by respecting individual rights, protecting the boundaries between religion and government, and uniting diverse voices to challenge extremism and build common ground.

Cronkite served as Honorary Chairman of the Interfaith Alliance until his death last year.

Past recipients of the award include Judy Shepard, the late Peter Jennings, George Clooney, Tom Brokaw, Larry King, and Bill and Judith Moyers.

Rachel Maddow To Receive Cronkite Faith & Freedom Award.

Authorities are still investigating just what took place last Monday when Steven Slater freaked out aboard a Jet Blue plane at Kennedy Airport in New York and allegedly used the plane’s intercom to cuss out a passenger, announce he was quitting, grabbed two beers and made his exit down the emergency slide of the parked aircraft.

However according to TMZ, a television production company, Stone Entertainment, is saying they would be interested in hiring former Jet Blue flight attendant Slater to host a show in which various disgruntled workers quit their jobs in extravagant ways.

Still, recent accounts from other passengers 0n the airliner now seem to contradict Slater’s version of events and TMZ also notes that if Slater’s story turns out to be hoax, all offers from reality TV producer Stone are void.

Steven Slater Gets Reality TV Show Offer | TMZ.com.

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“The Common Application is considering adding voluntary questions about applicants’ sexual orientation and gender identity. The application is used by hundreds of colleges and universities — including many of the most competitive.

“The current norm in higher education is not to ask such questions, even on a voluntary basis. But with more students coming out in high school, and with some colleges explicitly taking steps to recruit gay applicants, some admissions officers and some advocates for gay students want to encourage colleges to ask the questions. But the possible switch could be controversial. The Common Application has conducted a nonbinding survey of its members and — while not releasing results — has indicated that the membership is split. (The association’s board will decide the question.)”

The question would be voluntary, and might either be a drop down list including gay/lesbian, bisexual, straight/heterosexual, or another identity. Instead of the drop down list, what they might do is simply provide a blank space for the identity to be typed in by the student. This would allow the students to write out how they feel that they identify.

Gender identity questions may be more difficult since federal regulations require collection of information regarding legal gender identity, such as birth certificate identification of ‘male’ or ‘female.’ One possibility would be to include another box to allow for transgender to be listed (such as on some documents in Vermont)

“On the issue of gender identity, the Common Application is considering options that would explain why the male/female question must be asked consistent with federal reporting requirements, but which would then go on to tell applicants that if there is a word that better describes their identity beyond male or female, they are welcome to add that.”

Shane Windmeyer of Campus Pride stated:

Campus Pride Executive Director Shane Windmeyer was interviewed for the piece:

“It is 2010,” he said. “Colleges should take responsibility for their LGBT students at the front end of the admissions process. We have students from across the country who are already out when they apply, and this should just be part of the process. There is no reason these students should be invisible when it comes to applying for college.”

The Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals has been pushing for these new questions along with the Campus Pride organization. The inclusion of such questions would be a strong indicator of how many protections the college might need to work on for their student bodies.

Source

8/11/10-by Paula Brooks
Germany’s openly gay foreign minister Guido Westerwelle, has said he will not be taking his partner along on officials trips to countries where being gay is illegal.

Westerwelle, who is also Germany’s vice-chancellor, told the German gossip magazine Bunte that there were at least 75 countries that prosecute gays and lesbians for being gay and lesbian also noting that in seven countries, Iran, Sudan, Yemen, Mauritania, Somalia, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, relations between same-sex couples  are a capital offence.

Westerwelle’s partner, Michael Mronz, 43, did get to accompany Westerwelle when he went on official trips to Asia in January and Latin America in March, but when Westerwelle visited, Yemen and Saudi Arabia in October, it was sans longtime partner Mronz.

“We want to promote tolerance in the world,” said Westerwelle. “But we also do not want to achieve the opposite by acting thoughtlessly. I think it is important that we live by our own standards of tolerance and that we do not adopt sometimes less tolerant standards as our own.”

“My motto is: do what you like if it does not hurt anyone else,” Westerwelle added.

Westerwelle has been the German foreign minister since October 2009.

via News – World: Partner to avoid anti-gay countries: minister.

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8/8/10-by Paula Brooks
Gay rights advocates in Russia say they will open a “Pride House” at the 2014 Winter Olympics scheduled to be held in the Black Sea city of Sochi.

According to the organization Gay Russia, gay rights advocates in that country have sent letter of intent to both the International Olympic Committee and the Russian Olympic Committee saying the group plans to match similar events presented at the Vancouver Winter Olympics held earlier this year and that are planned for the London Summer Olympics in 2012.

Russia decriminalized homosexuality in 1993, however Russian political and social life is heavily influenced by the conservative traditions and the extreme sexual restrictions of the Russian Orthodox Church. Gays are often attacked and ridiculed on the streets of Russia and therefore many live in secret.

“The idea of Pride House received great support from gay activists around the world and we believe that we have to continue this tradition in Sochi after Vancouver and London,” said the chief organizer of Moscow Pride, Nikolai Alekseev. “We are ready to work with the organizers of the Olympics in order to effectively implement this project. This initiative will help to bring more tolerance in sport and not only in Russia.” he added.

According to Alekseev the Sochi “Pride House” would include an exhibition of the history of the LGBT movement in Russia, film screenings and human rights seminars. Information material on homophobia in sport would be available too.

“The problem of homophobia in sport is real and not only in Russia. The Olympics are regularly attended by hundreds of gay and lesbian athletes who are forced to hide their sexual orientation by fear of the damage it could make on their career,” Alekseev also said.

via Russian Gays Plan ‘Pride House’ During Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics.

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8/6/10-by Paula Brooks
California’s Republican governor, Arnold Schwarzengger, has filed a brief asking U.S. District Court Judge Vaughn R. Walker to allowed same-sex marriages to resume immediately in California.

The Administration believes the public interest is best served by permitting the Court’s judgment to go into effect, thereby restoring the right of same-sex couples to marry in California,” wrote Kenneth C. Mennemeier, an attorney representing Schwarzenegger, in the brief. “Doing so is consistent with California’s long history of treating all people and their relationships with equal dignity and respect.”

On Wednesday Judge Walker ruled that California’s Proposition 8, a voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage, was unconstitutional.

Schwarzenegger is named as a defendant in the case, although he remained neutral in the lawsuit challenging Proposition 8. The governor was against the initiative when it was on the ballot and chose not to defend the constitutional amendment in Walkers court.

California’s Attorney General Jerry Brown in also joined Schwarzenegger in asking Walker not is a stay pending appeals of his decision.

Brown said in his brief that higher courts would likely uphold Walkers historic ruling that overturned Proposition 8. “And while there is still the potential for limited administrative burdens should future marriages of same-sex couples be later declared invalid, these potential burdens are outweighed by this court’s conclusion, based on the overwhelming evidence, that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional,” said Brown.

Written arguments were due today regarding the stay and Walker has said he’ll decide after reviewing both briefs.

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08/05/2010- by Natasia Langfelder

In really disappointing new following the Prop 8 victory, White House Senior Advisor David Axelrod appeared on On the Record to clarify President Obama’s feelings on Prop 8 and marriage equality. The On the Record anchors push Axelrod pretty hard on Obama’s views on Prop 8 and same sex marriage. They point to an interview where Obama said that he was not opposed to what California was doing with Prop 8. He made this statement at a time when the Prop 8 supporters were winning. Yesterday when Prop 8 was struck down, he sided with the winning team again, saying he was happy about the decision.

On the Record called out the flip-flop and Axelrod retorted saying that the President was never in favor of Prop 8 and that he found it mean-spirited. He also says that the information they had where Obama said that is he not bothered with California pushing for Prop 8 was “incomplete information.” 

Axelrod also clarified that Obama still believes in ’separate but equal.’ Obama does NOT believe in marriage equality but instead in civil unions. Obama also believes that the Civil Unions should provide same-sex couples with equal benefits, but should not be called marriage. He also says that Obama believes that States have the right to ban same-sex marriage if they want to.

Maybe when the LGBT community doesn’t rally to get Obama re-elected, Obama can get a job as host on The View where he and Elizabeth Hasslebeck can talk about those gosh darn gays and their annoying requests for “civil rights” together. Watch the video below if you really want to bum yourself out.  

[Source]

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

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8/5/10-by Paula Brooks
Employees in Frederick County Maryland Public Schools will now receive health insurance for their same-sex domestic partners.

The Frederick County Teachers Association’s has announced its new contract will include health insurance benefits for the domestic partners of Frederick County Public Schools employees. The domestic partner benefits apply to same-sex couples only since Maryland does not permit them to marry.

“Opposite-sex couples have the option of marrying, so they are not included in this provision,” said Teachers Association’s President Gary Brennan. “Should Maryland pass a law allowing same-sex couples to marry, then we would revisit our plan.”

Frederick County is located in the western part of the of Maryland, bordering the southern border of Pennsylvania and the northeastern border of Virginia. It is a part of the Washington-Baltimore Metropolitan Area.

New contract for teachers gives domestic partners benefits – The Frederick News-Post Online.

Today at 1.00pm Lezgetreal was all set to post, to wit, Melanie Nathan and Bridgette LaVatoire at the helm and all we had to do was push “publish.” My article was prepared. I predicted the outcome and the exact result. How could it be any other way?  So whilst at a Diabetes Convention in San Antonio, I rushed up to the Press room, ready for the news.

Bang – Overturned.  My Helpers all around the Country were clicking and sending and face-booking – but before they had a chance www.Lezgetreal.com had posted two Articles.

In less than 10 seconds – we CRASHED!  All our prep and hard work went bye bye and from being almost to the top of google news we were nowhere to be found.  We were flabbergasted and flustered we began to investigate. Paula – She would know what to do – but alas was in the subway on her way home.

Well lo and behold we had become the victim of our  own popularity – our own rising star – a site that has in mere two years gained enormous visibility on many levels.  But over- marketing for a big event brought its own unique visitor – Mr. Perez Hilton.  Perez tweeted one of our posts to his 2 million plus fans and guess what – we crashed.

We LOVE Perez Hilton nonetheless – a Gay Ladies Man! We hope he visits often!

So that is our special story for Prop 8 a day of celebration. Recognition by a Federal Court and by Perez Hilton.  Go Gay Gals of Lez Get Real.

by Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
@oblogdeeoblogda
Join Lez Get real on Face Book

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This year 19 schools received full five-star ratings including, Carleton College; Humboldt State University; Ithaca College; Oberlin College; Oregon State University; Princeton University; San Diego State University; Syracuse University; The Ohio State University; The Pennsylvania State University; University of California, Berkeley; University of California, Los Angeles; University of California, Riverside; University of Maine, Farmington; University of Oregon; University of Pennsylvania; University of Southern California; University of Vermont; and Washington University in St. Louis.

“Although not all schools earn a five-star ranking, their voluntary presence and participation in the index shows they are committed to ‘coming out’ for their students and creating truly equal and impactful communities of higher learning,” said Shane Windmeyer, Campus Pride executive director.

Campus Pride: Find Your Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Friendly College or University.

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08/04/2010- by Natasia Langfelder

Screw…why does this sleezeball have to be on our side? Madam Kristin Davis, best known for supplying disgraced former NY Governor Eliot Spitzer with hookers, now is making her own bid for NY Governor. Her chances? Less than a snowball’s chance in hell but slightly higher than Governor Paterson getting reelected. Luckily, she only has a week to get herself officially on the ballot, something she hasn’t done yet.

Ms. Davis is running on important issues, such as marriage equality, legalization of pot and prostitution and highlighting and fixing the racial and class inequities in our criminal justice system. Doesn’t sound bad to me…but then you have to remember that she sells young women for a profit. Watch the video of her making her case for running below.

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8/2/10-by Paula Brooks
Senator Fulvio Rossi, president of the Chilean Socialist Party has announced he plans to present a bill on Tuesday that would permit same-sex marriage in Chile.

On Saturday, Cardinal Francisco Javier Errazuriz, the archbishop of Santiago, spoke out against Argentina’s new gay marriage law.

“It may be that two people, two men or two women, want to live together and share life, but to call that marriage is an aberration,” Errazuriz said.

“‘This is a project that I will present … and I am also calling on the Church to be more welcoming, and I say that as part of the Church,’ Rossi said, responding to remarks from Cardinal Errazuriz.

Chilean Lawmakers were already considering a set of reforms similar to civil union laws adopted by several states in the United States called the Acuerdo de Vida en Comun (AVC) that would give both gay and straight couples all the rights and obligations of marriage.

Chile’s conservative president, Sebastian Pinera, has vowed to give more rights to same-sex couples, but opposes gay marriage.

Rossi’s proposal is also expected to meet strong resistance in Chile’s Congress.

(source)

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The ceremony was interfaith as Chelsea is Methodist and Marc is Jewish. There has been no word as to whether or not Chelsea will convert to Judaism. The ceremony was held near the town of Rhinebeck, a moneyed and quiet town. The ceremony conducted by Rabbi James Ponet and Reverend William Shillady combined elements of both traditions including friends and family reading the Seven Blessings from traditional Jewish tradition and the exchanging of vows and rings which is typically Christian.

The majority of the guests were friends of the couple from college and work. Both attended Stnaford university, and Chelsea recently received her Masters from Columbia University’s Joseph L. Mailman School of Public Health.

Family were there including Marie Clinton Bruno, a cousin of Bill Clinton who reminisced about how, at ten, Chelsea was a bridesmaid at Clinton Bruno’s wedding in 1990. According to Bruno “She was just a wonderful bridesmaid. She’s just as wonderful today as she was back then.”

Speculation about who might show up included Oprah Winfrey, Barbara Streisand, Steven Spielberg, and more, but none of them appear to have been invited. Vernon Jordan, a long time friend of the Clinton family was there, however.

Many people compared the wedding to that of a royal wedding, but it was far more subdued. Apparently, the young couple were more than happy to have a fairly quiet, if well protected, wedding.

Source1
Source2

This puts a lot more restrictions on what Dr. Howell can do in the classroom. He will have to teach in a manner which “does not violate Constitutional principles precluding the ‘establishment of religion’ in a public university context.” In other words, he will not be allowed to use his position as a university professor to preach as has been pointed out by many of the students who objected to him. It means he will be under stricter rules governing what he can teach in his Introduction to Catholicism classes as well.

While the ADF may be feeling that this was a victory, the reality is that Dr. Howell was not fired despite what most reports state. In fact, he is also not being reinstated. He is being rehired to teach the Fall Semester’s Intro to Catholicism. He was not rehired for the Fall Semester, and his job was, in effect, terminated, but adjunct faculty only teach on a semester by semester basis.

Howell is, also, in effect, on notice that he has to keep to the standards of the university or he will not be rehired for the Spring. He will be under continued scrutiny next semester, and likely the Spring semester as well. If he messes up, he could find himself not being rehired in the future and his career at UI will be over.

Source

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According to the website Bent Alaska, the fire, which also destroyed the garage and damaged the home of LGBT allies Ken and Paula Butner, was started on July 2, apparently by unknown persons, as the Butner family slept. Their daughter was awakened around 5:30 a.m. that morning by the sound of paint cans exploding outside her window, she woke the rest of the family and no one was injured.

In their subsequent investigation, Anchorage Fire Inspectors concluded that the fire was deliberately set and asked the state to assist in the investigation.

“They have finally finished the investigation, and said that it is not our fault or an accident,” Paula Butner told Bent Alaska. “They said that it was started by someone! They are still asking for information from anyone who may know who started it.”

Recently Anchorage Mayor Sullivan vetoed a city equal rights ordinance saying there was no evidence of anti-gay prejudice in Anchorage. Likewise the Alaska hate crimes law covers only race, sex, color, creed, physical or mental disability, ancestry or national origin and has no provision that explicitly addresses violence based on gender identity, so the arsonist, if caught, will not be facing hate crimes charges.

However, Anchorage’s LGBTA community, not to be deterred, rallied and built a new float in less than 48 hours that included burned pieces salvaged from the original. Calling the new float Phoenix Rising, it won the Grand Prize in the Anchorage July 4th parade.

The Anchorage’s LGBTA community has also set up a fund to help their friends, the Butners, repair their home and rebuild their garage, with security cameras and a big enough garage to store the float inside.

via Bent Alaska: Arson! Anchorage Gay Float was torched on purpose.

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07/29/2010- by Natasia Langfelder

Rosie O’Donnell, who used to spend her mornings arguing with intolerant Harpy Elizabeth Hasslebeck on The View, thinks that President Obama should have better things to do besides make an appearance on the show. Little things like, the oil spill in the gulf, our two unofficial wars, unemployment and that whole gay thing…the wassitsit? Don’t Ask Don’t something. I think. You might have heard of it.

Anywho, on her XM talk show yesterday, Rosie tore into the President, saying: “I don’t really think sitting presidents should do fluffy daytime TV shows.” [Source]

In the President’s defense (because who DOESN”T need me to defend them?) he can’t be all work and no play. He still needs people to think he is a totally cool dude or whatever in order to stay President and accomplish whatever it is he wants to accomplish in office.

Thanks to Jezebel.com for posting the video of Obama’s appearance, you too can now watch him talk about Snooki, Mel Gibson, Shirley Sherrod, Lindsay Lohan, the unemployed and why he doesn’t label as biracial.

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http://lezgetreal.com/?p=40795 7/29/10-by Paula Brooks
As Gay Pride events in Jerusalem kicked off today, they were met with anti-gay protests from that city’s ultra-orthodox religious community and a boycott of the event by the city mayor.

The gay pride events in the capital were officially began today with a moment of silence in memory of those murdered in last years gay youth center shooting in Tel Aviv, with an empty chair reserved with the sign “Reserved for Mayor Nir Barkat” placed on it as an act of protest against the Jerusalem mayor’s decision not to attend the gay pride events.

According to the Jerusalem Gay Pride Parade organizers, some 3,000 people are expected to take part in the event today. They will also be joined by some 1,500 police officers, backed up by Border Guards, security guards and military police to provide security as police also fretted over a possible repeat of the 2005 march, during which a member of the ultra-orthodox Haredi community, stabbed and wounded three participants pride event with a kitchen knife.

But even with the heavy security precautions in place, Pride goers were still met with anti-gay protesters carrying signs that read, “Sick perverts, get out of Jerusalem” and “Go Strait For Family Sake”, that assembled along the parade route to harass the marchers. In one indecent police arrested three anti-gay female in possession of eggs, which they apparently intended to throw at parade marchers, near Jerusalem’s Independence Park.

“It is a disease of choice, and a man can change his taste and his ways,” Baruch Marzel said a protest leader, “when someone has AIDS they tell them not to infect others, so why are these people allowed to march here in Jerusalem and infect us with their disease?

One protest also took the form of a parade of paper donkeys outside Israel’s Supreme Court Building that was lead by Jerusalem’s Deputy Mayor Yitzhak Pindrus who has equated homosexuality with bestiality and was preceded by a banner reading “These Marchers Who Do What Beasts Do.”

Pindrus’ protest in turn prompted calls from Uri Regev, Director General of the Chadosh organization for freedom of religion and equality, demanding that Jerusalem Mayor Barkat dismiss Pindrus.

Openly gay Knesset Member Nitzan Horowitz also slammed all the protests and said “We will continue coming here every year, especially to Jerusalem because this is the most important place for the gay community – not only for us, but for everyone to whom the State of Israel’s character as a free and democratic country is important. Everyone who thinks like this must come.”

Jerusalem Pride Parade encounters protests, insults – Israel News, Ynetnews.

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]]> http://lezgetreal.com/2010/07/jerusalem-pride-marchers-brave-hostile-protests/feed/ 0 http://lezgetreal.com/2010/07/christine-quinn-supports-blocking-arizona-immigration-law/ http://lezgetreal.com/2010/07/christine-quinn-supports-blocking-arizona-immigration-law/#comments Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:26:26 +0000 Natasia Rose http://lezgetreal.com/?p=40745

Image via Wikipedia

07/29/2010- by Natasia Langfelder

Politicians everywhere are lauding the Federal Judge who blocked key elements of the xenophobic Arizona Immigration Law into effect. NYC Council speaker and civil rights advocate Christine Quinn released a statement saying she is pleased with the decision, but we still have a long way to go.  
“This decision is a victory but make no mistake that the battle continues. I want to thank the U. S. District Court for their decision and the Obama administration for taking action on such a serious issue.”  Christine C. Quinn 

 Quinn’s statement was backed up by other NYC politicians.

Statement from Council Member Danny Dromm, Chair of the Immigration Committee:
 
“I support the federal judge’s decision to block key elements of Arizona’s immigration law from going into effect because these types of draconian measures against our immigrant population are totally unacceptable. It is our duty and our obligation as people, and as citizens of the United States to ensure that everyone’s rights are respected and that everyone is protected under the law. What these provisions of the Arizona law were essentially going to do is allow the police to use racial profiling to enforce the law and that is wrong and unconstitutional.  I’m glad that the judge had the good sense to prevent this from happening.”
 
Statement from Council Member Julissa Ferreras:
 
“I commend Judge Bolton for rejecting Arizona’s unjust law, and thank Attorney General Holder, a son of East Elmhurst, Queens, for his leadership and action in this case.  We now need to move ahead towards comprehensive reform of our broken system.  Millions of immigrants must be allowed to attain legal status.”
 
Statement from Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito:
 
We were very pleased to learn of the United States District Court Judge Sarah Bolton’s decision to place a preliminary injunction on those parts of the Arizona’s draconian immigration enforcement law that were most likely to encourage racial profiling and discrimination.  Since Governor Jan Brewer signed this law in April, so many of us in the City Council have roundly denounced Arizona’s actions, making it clear that this was simply the wrong approach to addressing our broken immigration system.  We were equally concerned that other states and localities would pass similar laws that go against the values we hold so dearly as a nation.
 
Fortunately, Judge Bolton’s decision today represents an important step toward what we hope will amount to a decision to fully strike down, at the very least, all parts of the law that threaten the civil rights and civil liberties of immigrants and communities of color in Arizona.  We would like to thank the United States Department of Justice, under the leadership of President Obama, for filing a lawsuit against the State of Arizona in response to this law.  We would also like to thank all of the advocacy groups who have filed lawsuits and the organizations and immigrant communities in New York City and throughout the U.S. who have stood so strongly against this law.
 
While today does represent a victory for immigrant communities, our fight is far from over.  Even if Arizona’s immigration law is struck down, Congress and the President must remain focused on enacting sweeping comprehensive immigration reform legislation that would provide a path to citizenship for the millions of undocumented immigrants across the United States, as well as other critical reforms such as the DREAM Act and the Uniting American Families Act.  In the absence of such reform, so many local governments will continue to seek to enact piecemeal legislation on an issue that should be regulated by the federal government.
 
Here in New York City, we take the utmost pride in being a city that welcomes immigrants from all over the world and truly values the enormous contributions they make to our social and economic life each day

I’m proud to be represented by these men and women and proud to be a New Yorker.

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Michael Richardson, father of Mitrice, stated Wednesday that he had been informed recently by the Sheriff’s Department that there had been some eighty possible sightings of Mitrice in Las Vegas. According to Whitmore, who would not confirm the number, “They wouldn’t be doing this if they didn’t believe they had credible information of her whereabouts. They want to prove or disprove beyond a shadow of a doubt that these sightings are indeed fact or indeed not fact.” Whitmore also admits that it is possible that the sightings have been of a woman who resembles Richardson and not her at all, but that they want to be sure.

The Cal State Fullerton graduate would have had her 25th birthday three months ago. She was arrested on 16 September at Geoffrey’s Restaurant in Malibu, California after she could not pay her $89 dinner tab. According to witnesses at the restaurant, she had been behaving strangely, but the Sheriff’s Department staff said that she seemed normal while in custody. She was released from the Lost Hills/Malibu station around one in the morning without her car, which had been impounded, or her purse and cellphone, both of which were in her car.

There were three sightings of her in Malibu Canyon on the morning of 17 September, but she never made contact with her family and no trace of her has been found since then. According to homicide investigators assigned to the case a few months later, Richardson appears to suffer from severe bipolar disorder. The Sheriff’s Department has come under repeated criticism for not holding her for further evaluation, or at least holding he until morning when someone could come and get her. The Sheriff’s Department has maintained that it acted appropriately, and that Richardson was acting rationally before her release. An investigation into the handling of the case has been opened, and Richardson’s parents have initiated a law suit against the LA Sheriff’s department.

The last time authorities Malibu Canyon was in January. Nothing was turned up.

There is a possibility that Richardson has either severed all ties with her past, or is being kept from contacting her family by some third party individual. This was brought up between the police and Mitrice’s father. There is a possibility that she is working as a prostitute in Las Vegas.

Author’s Comment:

Ms Richardson, if you are reading this article, please contact the police in order to be reunited with your family. They, your girlfriend, and your friends all miss you. What ever has gone on in the last ten months can be healed. For the last ten months, I have kept our readers from forgetting you. I would like to know as well that you are alive and reunited with your family.- BPL

Source

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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According to Karen Ocamb:

The Wall Las Memorias – an inspirational art project dedicated as a Latino AIDS monument on World AIDS Day in 2004 – has been vandalized. Apparently a mother went to see the name of her son on the Wall in Highland Park and found a section of the mural splashed in yellow paint.

Said the Wall’s founder, Richard Zaldivar, “The vandalism was done to the section of the AIDS mural that depicts a child saying, ‘I once knew a child with AIDS.’ And so it is really sad and very troubling that someone would use this opportunity to damage a piece of art that was created for the purpose HIV prevention and education to our community…. It seemed to be very targeted. There are six painted murals and only this mural was vandalized. So it was very targeted and focused.”

Zaldivar also said he is currently working with the police to determine whether the vandalism was a hate crime.

via Developing: The Wall Las Memorias AIDS Monument Vandalized | LGBT POV.

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The Advocate Reports:

“The group of about 20 LGBT activists entered the Capitol as part of a routine tour through the Capitol. Upon reaching the rotunda, they sat down and pulled out signs reading, ‘Pass ENDA Now!’ and ‘This Is Your Reminder.’ Meanwhile, they began their signature chant, ‘I am … somebody … I deserve … full equality.’ Eight to nine people were risking arrest in the action, according to Cronk, with the other half present to provide support including a couple legal observers. [Nancy] Pelosi told attendees of last weekend’s Netroots Nation conference for progressive bloggers that they should hold her accountable, though she stopped short of promising a vote on ENDA…Cronk said the group chose the rotunda because it symbolizes ‘America’s commitment to justice, equality, and freedom.’ At the beginning of the tour, she noted they had been shown a film with narration proclaiming, ‘This is the core – the center – of our experiment with political freedom.’”

According to Tweets, several of the protesters were handcuffed and taken away in a police van by Capitol Hill Police.

The “People Not Profiles: Kentucky Says NO to Arizona’s Unconstitutional Law” campaign will launch Thursday, July 29th, 11:30 a.m. at the corner of Sixth and Broadway (location of the old Federal Building housing the immigration offices). The program will include presentations of support by a wide range of groups and several speakers representing the diversity of this coalition.

Participants will leave the federal building at Noon and march to 4th Street Live! to approach people in a “Show Me Your Papers, Please” street theatre action in order to engage them in conversation about the Arizona law. The action’s focus will be on approaching those who are least likely to think that the law would affect them. Costumed participants will stop unsuspecting individuals walking through 4th Street Live! and ask them to, “Show me your papers, please.”

The Arizona law, SB1070, allows law enforcement to stop a person if they suspect that person is an undocumented immigrant, and allows a law enforcement officer, without a warrant, to arrest a person if the officer believes that the person has committed any public offense that makes the person removable from the U.S.

SB1070 allows individual immigration status information to be used to determine eligibility for any public benefit, service or license provided by any federal, state, local or other political subdivision of the state.

The law also requires the courts to collect and remit civil penalties to the Department of Public Safety which must establish a special subaccount for the monies in the account established for the Gang and Immigration Intelligence Team Enforcement Mission (GIITEM) appropriation.

According to the American Immigration Council’s Immigration Policy Center, once SB1070 goes into effect, law enforcement agencies will spend between $775,880 and $1,163,820 in processing expenses; jail costs will expand between $21,195,600 and $96,086,720; attorney and staff fees will increase between $810,067 and $1,620,134; and additional detention facilities will have to be built at unknown costs.

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Kai Hahner, a member of Germany’s right of center political party, the CDU,  sent a homophobic diatribe  accusing the organizers of  Leipzig’s Christopher Street Day festival of promoting homosexuality and threatened them with legal action if they continued.

The leader of the CDU, Angela Merkel, is currently the Chancellor of Germany.

According to PinkPaper.com, organizers of the CSD festival in Leipzig, which is the equivalent of Pride, received the homophobic rant in an email from Hahner this week in which he accused them of “promoting homosexuality” and leading vulnerable young people away from the “right path”.

Haehner also criticized, the CSD organizers for publicizing and promoting gay events, and wrote in his email,“You may live as you like in private, but don’t disturb others with your abnormality.”

Haehner also said,“Because of your public displays, homosexuality is now considered ‘trendy’. You entrap young people who are going through a phase where they are unsure of their sexuality”.

Haehner also went on to slam those who promote tolerance in schools, and threatened to bring legal action against those who do.

“If this happens in this country and young children are confronted with homosexuality, I will be the first to bring those responsible to justice,” said Haehner.

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Image via Wikipedia

7/27/10-by Paula Brooks
The City of South Bend, Indiana has tabled an ordinance that contained wording that would have prevented the discrimination of LGBT citizens in the workplace.

In front of a packed council chamber, the South Bend Common Council members voted 5-4 to ask for more time before making their decision. The vote came after arguments that the ordinance’s language is “too vague” in some areas, including a portion that would exempt “religious organizations” from being forced to follow the new law.

As written, the bill would extend existing employment discrimination protection to gays, lesbians, bi-sexual and transgendered people. Supporters–largely on one side of the Council chambers wearing white “30-10 Yes” stickers–said discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is real.

“This legislation is needed, and it will work,” said one.

“It’s an issue of human dignity,” said another.

The bottom line, many stressed, is that the ordinance is not about supporting sexual preference.

“This amendment is only about treating employees fairly,” said Abby Smith, a supporter of the bill. “That’s all.”

But, on the other side of the room, opponents–wearing red “special status = special rights” stickers–argued there&’s no evidence that members of the GLBT community are being treated unfairly now.

“They have not been treated intolerantly. In fact, they have been treated tolerantly, even when a majority of society disagrees with their lifestyle,” said Patrick Mangan, who spoke in opposition to the bill.

Reasons for opposing the change ranged from legal concerns to business concerns to religious concerns.

Fred Everett rose to read a letter from Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese Bishop Kevin Rhodes.

“This ordinance is more about validating behavior than it is about protecting rights,” Rhodes wrote. “With this ordinance, homosexual activity is being given special rights and protections–special rights simply on the basis of sexual orientation.”

via South Bend Council tables proposed changes to human rights ordinance | WSBT – News, Weather, Sports South Bend | Local News.

South Bend is home to Holy Cross College, Saint Mary’s College and the nearby University of Notre Dame. The World Pulse Contemporary Christian music festival, is also held annually in South Bend.

The bill has now been tabled “indefinitely,” pending further review by the city council.

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“On the issue of marriage I think the reality is there is a cultural, religious, historical view around that which we have to respect… The party’s position is very clear that this is an institution that is between a man and a woman. I am part of a party and I support the party’s policies,” Wong said in an interview with Australia’s Network Ten on Sunday.

Wong had earlier evaded the issue of same-sex marriage on another news show, saying her personal perspective was not relevant.

However Australian Marriage Equality spokesperson Alex Greenwich called Australia’s first openly gay cabinet minister hypocritical and noted Wong would never have made it into politics if discrimination against gays and Asians had not been opposed.

Greenwich said it was once the “cultural, religious and historical view” that women should not be members of parliament, Asians should not be allowed into Australia, and lesbians should not even exist, “yet thankfully all that changed, allowing people like Penny Wong to contribute to Australian society at the highest level”.

“By opposing marriage equality, Penny Wong has betrayed gay and lesbian Australians, and by using culture, religion and history to justify this opposition she has betrayed the principles of tolerance and inclusion that have given her immense opportunities as a lesbian woman of Chinese descent,”  said Greenwich.

Gays call Wong a hypocrite | The Australian.

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Curve Magazine has recently announced by way of Facebook that without financial assistance from the public, they may not make it to its 21st anniversary issue. As unfortunate as that is, my check won’t be in the mail.

Curve Magazine has prompted an eye roll from me for many years. Every time I come across that magazine, I open it up to see if my ongoing criticism of there not being any women of color in it are still true. Each time I checked, I put the magazine down with another eye roll because true to form, there weren’t. My queer women of color music festival, Serafemme, got a passing mention in 2008 because 7 time Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Natalie Stewart performed; however, celebrity has often been Curve’s criteria for women of color getting so much as a passing mention and any qwoc affilitations she had got print by riding her coattail so to speak.

I understand that people by nature gravitate towards anything that shares the same characteristics they do so I don’t have a problem with the fact that Curve is a predominately white magazine. I don’t need for my media to be 100% of color to support it but even in reviewing their website – www.curvemag.com – there are very few of-color mentions on a site with over 50 pages – one article on why African-American women find it difficult to come out, a picture before the forums section of a woman who looks a bit Asian and a picture of the Slits which includes one African American member. I don’t count the two Black Pride event listings because those are user-submitted events that the magazine had nothing to do with promoting.

As someone who is committed to highlighting and protecting bisexual and lesbian-safe spaces, I should be “fighting the good fight” for Curve,I suppose. I should be blogging about their plight and encouraging others to contribute. I guess that would be the thing to do if all that mattered to me was that they were lesbian-oriented but I’m not that superficial. I support anything that is lesbian-oriented and inclusive. Curve is not. In fact, Curve supports my criticism that not enough media that outreaches to the queer of color community and I count Curve as one of the reasons why I felt compelled to start my own magazine last year.

It’s important to note, I’m not happy about Curve’s financial woes. In the grand scheme of things, a lesbian magazine is necessary and needed in order to inform, educate and empower women who have such little media directed to them as it is, I only wish Curve would have realized that that was true for me as a Black woman as well. I will not be making a contribution because Curve didn’t make enough contribution to me or the of-color community as a whole. I wish them well but any help they get will not come from me. Should they pull through and continue with the magazine, I hope they do it with a new mindset – one that highlights every racial spectrum of our gay rainbow. In doing that, they will find an explosion of provocative content, people and events to highlight and they’d find me as one of their biggest supports.

Reprinted on Lez Get Real with permission from Marquita Thomas © 2010.

http://marquitathomas.com/2010/07/curve-magazine-needs-help-but-im-not-lifting-a-finger/

Posted as Guest of:
Lez Get Real
by Melanie Nathan.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The committees are to mull over a preamble of their Rules of Professional Conduct that would add a provision stating plainly that lawyers should not discriminate while working LGBT clients.

Final approval for the proposal by the chief governing board of the North Carolina’s Bar could come as soon as Friday if the committees can agree to the language, however, some lawyers are at odds over whether the words “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” should be in a list of characteristics that shouldn’t evoke bias.

Lawyers and other North Carolina residents on both sides of the issue have sent letters to the Bar responding to the proposal.

Proposal supporters are saying that people of all sexual orientations need to feel confident that their attorneys will help them get an even break in the legal system, others says they already treat clients with respect but believe it would be the first step toward forcing them to take cases about issues they disagree on moral grounds.

State Bar rules for half of US States presently make some reference to discouraging discrimination against gays, lesbians or transgender people, or defining it as misconduct, according to data provided by the American Bar Association.

“My question is why do we need this. Why is it even necessary?” said Bryce Neier, a Fayetteville attorney. “It’s a springboard for the gay agenda.

“If it wasn’t I would feel that the Bar was just discriminating in the very way we ought not to discriminate,” said Ellen Gerber a lesbian attorney from High Point, “That would be a terrible message to send to the public.”

Last year a proposal to insert similar language was defeated.

N.C. attorneys argue views over anti-bias proposal.

The poll conducted by the Washington, D.C. nonprofit Public Religion Research Institute, an organization focused on religion and values, was based on random phone interviews with more than 3,300 Californians over a two-week period in late June, examining the religious-based attitudes toward same-sex marriage two years after Proposition 8 was approved.

According to the survey, one in four Californians are saying that their views on rights for gay and lesbian people had become more supportive over the last five years, compared with 8% who said they had become more opposed.

The poll also said, 29% of Californians polled believed Proposition 8 was bad for the state, compared with 22% who believed it was “a good thing,” and concluded 51% of Californians would vote to allow gays and lesbians to marry if a vote similar to Proposition 8 were held tomorrow, compared with 45% who said they would vote to keep same-sex marriage illegal, the survey showed.

The Public Religion Research Institute poll also noted changes in attitudes among the black community, divisions among Latinos, the influence of the clergy on parishioners and insights into the role of religion in shaping the Proposition 8 debate and among religious groups, ethnic minorities showed slightly more overall attitudinal changes than white religious groups.

The poll said, twice as many black Protestants, or 27%, indicated they had become more supportive of homosexual rights, compared with 13% who indicated they had become more opposed.

Among Latino Catholics, 31% had become more supportive of gay rights issues compared with 9% who had become more opposed.

In addition, the poll noted that clergy played a strong role in influencing views on gay rights, since messages about homosexuality propagated at places of worship proved to correlate with parishioners’ views on same-sex marriage.

For example, among Californians who reported hearing negative messages from their clergy, only 19% said they supported same-sex marriage, and nearly half rejected legal recognition of the relationships between gay couples.

In contrast, among Californians who heard positive messages at their places of worship, six in 10 said marriages between homosexuals should be allowed.

An additional 22% said they supported civil unions, and only 18% opposed legal recognition of same-sex relationships, according to the survey.

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After learning this week that Levi Johnston and Bristol Palin were planning on getting hitched, TMZ is now reporting that it has learned that the couple it going the John and Kate plus 8 route and have been shopping ‘multiple reality shows’ around Hollywood.

According to the report, a source very familiar with the negotiations is saying some of the ideas will involve the couple AND their two-year-old son, Tripp. However, there is no word if the show would be based in Alaska … or if Bristol’s mom, Sarah Palin, would be involved in some capacity.

Oh boy… We just can’t wait…. Because the Brevi Palin’s are sure to be just sooo very good for our readership counts, and everyone just loves watching a good train wreck.

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07/15/2010- by Natasia Langfelder

Bristol Palin and Levi Johnston announced their “secret” engagement on the cover of Us Weekly, saying that would be the first momma grizzly Sarah Palin would be hearing of it. Upon supposedly hearing the news of her eldest daughter’s engagement Sarah released a statement to the Today Show (obviously, she doesn’t know they are allowing same sex couples in their wedding contest otherwise I’m sure she would have chosen another outlet)

 ”Bristol at 19 is now a young adult. We obviously want what’s best for our children. Bristol believes in redemption and forgiveness to a degree most of us struggle to put in practice in our daily lives.”

Sarah Palin is happy that Bristol is getting married? Yes! Did you really think she wouldn’t be? The true surprise would be is Palin didn’t orchestrate this whole reunion. Levi did say horrible things about the Palin family, Sarah specifically. But, now Palin’s unwed teenage mom/daughter is getting married and it doesn’t look like she forced her! Sarah may have forced Bristol to have the baby, but no one can blame her for her daughter’s soon to be horrible marriage, because in the media, she has made sure that people think she doesn’t like Levi! Yay, her grandson will be legit, no one can call her daughter unwed and her rapidly dwindling fan base will still love her.   

The real victim in this scenario is Kathy Griffin. Griffin grabbed Levi on his way to famewhoredom and pretended to date him, giving his “career” a real boost. She also lost her heart to the Playgirl hunk along the way. She tweeted:

Oh y did I trust my heart 2 a 19 yr old ice-fisherman/babydaddy from Wasila?Like Britney I’m putting myself on a 5150 psych hold BUY MY BOOK

Poor Kathy. Poor, poor Kathy.

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Melanie Nathan 7-14-10

Secretary Hilary Clinton PLEASE Help!

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

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

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

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

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

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In June, Harris conducted a poll of 2,412 adults, ages 18 and over, of whom 341 self-identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender (271 as either gay or lesbian), Harris said. The firm said it over-sampled gay men and lesbians in order to allow for more detailed analysis of the groups.

The poll found that the LGBT groups seemed to be on par with heterosexual respondents a year ago. But in the time between May 2009 and June 2010, the number of LGBTs participating socially online jumped significantly in a few areas.

In 2009, for example, the number of gays and lesbians who said they used Twitter was 20 percent, versus 12 percent for heterosexuals. In 2010, that number of gays and lesbians using Twitter had jumped to 29 percent, versus 15 percent for straights.

Likewise, the number of gays and lesbians who said in 2009 that they checked social-networking sites once per week was 65 percent, versus 66 percent. A year later, that percentage climbed to 81 percent versus 71 percent. But 17 percent of straight respondents also said that they checked the social sites at least monthly, versus 11 percent of gays and lesbians.

Gays, lesbians, and straights preferred the same social-networking sites in the same order of preference, with Facebook then MySpace, LinkedIn, and Plaxo preferred by users. Gay and lesbian users clustered within Facebook and MySpace, with 55 percent and 43 percent claiming to be members of each. Forty-six percent of the straights Harris polled claimed to be members of Facebook, versus 30 percent that used MySpace.

In March 2008, Harris noted a quick jump in the number of gays and lesbians reading blogs versus straight respondents: 51 percent to 36 percent, versus 32 percent to 26 percent in Nov. 2006. By June, that gap had slightly closed, with 54 percent of gays and lesbians stating that they read blogs, versus 40 percent of straight users.

(source)

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The White House has issued a PDF explaining just how each portion of the government will interact with this new program on its website.

Additionally, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebilius announced today that some $30 million will be taken from the Affordable Care Act’s Prevention Fund into dedicated funding of the NHAS.

According to Sebilius “We can’t afford complacency – not when in the ten minutes I’ve been
talking to you, another American has just contracted HIV. That’s why our strategy calls for aggressive efforts to educate Americans about how dangerous this disease still is and the steps they can take to protect themselves and their loved ones.”

Posted by Melanie Nathan 7-11-10

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

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

Emblem writes:

“Time to End the “Franking” Privilege,”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks to Tracy Emblem for her work and dedication.

——————–

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Melanie Nathan- "Finally a Benchmark"

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

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

Bold? No way – that is an insult! Its what our factual existence demands!

“At the same time, the piecemeal approach seems to have been a disaster. For example, ENDA was first proposed in 1996, and it is still languishing fourteen years later. Representative Jackie Speier last week said it would take another five years.” (Bilerco)  But that was the back door now we want the front door!

When I spoke to the Congresswoman back in 2009 about the Civil Rights Amendment approach, she agreed that would be the best approach to our Federal rights.

I spoke up in many an articles, speeches, meetings, phone conferences – but everyone seemed to have their head in the next fundraiser or the next “call to action.”  I have to say you are all still doing the same thing until you subscribe to this benchmark legislative amendment.

Thank goodness people are frustrated and angry enough to realize that this is an imperative stance that may turn out to be our only chance. Whether it becomes law or opens our eyes to what ought to become law – we have to do this.

Some may suggest that the African American Community may be concerned about ownership of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and such amendment may be offensive to the struggle – but this is a completely unfounded concern given the NAACP leadership and testimony provided by Julian Bond in the Senate Judiciary Committee on June 03, 2009, at the UAFA hearing where he specifically stated that Gay(LGBT) rights is a civil rights issue.

Quite simply, the AEB amends ALL Existing Civil Rights Laws, starting with the 1964 Civil Rights Act, to include “sexual orientation” and “gender identity”.

This ends discrimination in vast areas of life: employment, housing, credit, public places and facilities, and all programs operating with federal funding. It covers school discrimination and bullying, adoption, and all federal health programs.

The AEB would INCLUDE US EQUALLY in the Federal Non-Discrimination “GROUP POLICY” that now covers “race, color, sex, religion, and national origin”.

In whole, the passage of the AEB will make Non-Discrimination against us The OFFICIAL US Governmental Policy.

Working to file and pass the AEB will stimulate real conversation about our suffering under discrimination. This process will prepare us all for the Prop. 8 and DOMA cases already on their way to the Supreme Court.

LONG OVER DUE

Of course, Sexual Orientation – should have been included in 1964 when the Civil Rights Act first passed.

A gay black hero, Bayard Rustin (http://bit.ly/AEBrustin) was the chief organizer of the 1963 March on Washington at which MLK gave his Dream Speech, which helped secure the ‘64 Act.

Then, we were shoved aside because of societal homophobia.

Now OUR TIME HAS COME. We have already won the de FACTO fight – the factual existence – we have won visibility – the fact that we are out and open, the fact that we have created controversy, the fact that we have children – the fact that we are shaking up DADT, the fact that Annette Benning is playing a lesbian – and many more such victories – now it has come time for De Jure – The Legal Victory!  It can Only be be done one WAY  and that is  this  CIVIL RIGHTS AMENDMENT

Now we need your support Grassroots Join us. More to come…

Civil Rights Act LBJ

FIVE Action Steps needed:

1. Sign Petition

2.  Join Face Book Page

3. Take Pledge  – http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/gaycivilrights/

4. Write your representatives in House and Senate – via hand written  faxed letters, as well as the usual e-mails.

5. GO VIRAL anyway you know how!!!

DO IT NOW!

by Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com

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Start a Petition »

St. John Fernando & Greg at SF Pride 2010

Fans ecstatic as Radio Personalities attend SF Pride;

Little did famed radio personalities, St. John, and team Greg and Fernando know that  being outlawed from the 2010 Pride festivities, by complicit Clear Channel and Pride San Francisco (2010) would in fact turn out a ‘blessing in disguise.”

St John has been  a San Francisco Pride feature  celebrity  DJ each Pride for the past fourteen years,  Greg and Fernando have been bashing on doors trying to get a spot, year after year and to no  avail.   It seemed their unwelcome fate was sealed when they quit the airwaves of Pride sponsor  Clear Channel.

Joining CBS, the two sets of scorching talent  brought their magnetic pull to CBS, their new home, willing to shake fist in the face of  what may well have been the homophobic culture generated by Clear Channel home to the likes of mega –right wing stars Limbaugh and Beck.

St John, as host and creator of San Francisco’s longest running global dance radio show HouseNation  and  on air personality  for CBS Radio’s MOViN99.7… nominated at WMC for mix show of the year, has performed at SF Pride for the past fourteen years.  From the airwaves to the dance floors of the hottest clubs and undergrounds, St. John’s energetic style has made him a staple internationally from Brazil to Canada, and nation-wide from New York’s Limelight to San Francisco’s Ruby Skye. With multiple CD releases on major labels such as Thrive and UBL Recordings, St. John has sold over a quarter-million albums and in 2010 , contributed to HIV/AIDS funding and cast Pride on a community of teens confused by coming out.

In complimentary contrast, and with standing fan base as profound, is beloved duo, team “ Greg and Fernando” who shake the morning commuters with humor and rancor, so unique in its gay-straight blend that their own ‘bridge’ belies that of the reach of the very Golden Gate most commuters cross each of those blaring CBS mornings. Be assured that despite the hefty $6.00 toll (or is it $7 yet?) these fans are adding laughter and fun to the beauty of that extraordinary Bay Area commute.

In the week leading to 2010 San Francisco Pride, Lez Get Real published an article, exposing, exclusively, the impending ban excluding the iconic hosts from performing at the SF Gay Pride Festival.

Despite the article’s virility and the hullabaloo it caused, Pride did not change its stance and nor did it answer our specific e-mail questions calling for an explanation.

After the Pride Festivities, we spoke to St. John as well as Fernando, on behalf of illustrious duo Greg and Fernando.  Clearly the sentiment was unified – annual San Francisco LGBT festival and parade crossed the implicit boundary from Pride to corporate control, delivered through exclusionary terms and conditions in sponsorship contracts, that not only excluded these superb talents but the very saints of “gay is okay!”, and hence served to tacitly disparage them in the eyes of fans and populace alike.

When Lezgetreal.com broke the story in its exclusive article, St. John’s fans were shocked.  The internet and St. John’s Facebook site, spiraled into the world of viral and the comments came pouring in, via email, bloggers, and the usual fan channels.

Feeling the pulse and camaraderie, nothing could keep the famed verbally flamboyant duo, Greg and Fernando, nor the LGR featured and talented magic-mix-machine St. John, away from Pride San Francisco and so of course they showed up; after all they are family.  They  were about to find out, however, that they were there not for themselves but for Pride after all, because the FANS did not let them forget that! They were there- for the fans, who recognized and all but swarmed both sets of talent.

Sparked by the previous article, they were incensed and happy to see the guys!

St. John told us that together with Greg and Fernando, and keen CBS interns, the band of  buddies attended San Francisco Pride, as any ordinary members of the population would have the right to do. “We made our rainbow signs and went to Pride,” quipped St. John.

“Truthfully,” says St. John, “I had the best time in memory of any of the San Francisco Pride events that I have attended, always as performer.  In all my fourteen years attending I have been on a stage performing, but this time I was amongst my fans and able to connect on a personal basis.  It was an extraordinary experience. “

St. John told me that he spoke to a young fan coming out at this Pride for the first time. The youngster was so grateful for the help when St. spent time talking to the young person.  “If that was all I accomplished with just that one person, this year at Pride” said St. John, “it was humbling and made the ban worthwhile.”

But that was clearly not all that they accomplished.  “I really felt like I was there for the people this time.  It was a very personal Pride experience for me.  Fan after fan came up to me and ironically while I was having a great time, they were reminding me and commiserating about the ban on my performing at Pride; many were sad and angry with San Francisco Pride Organizers and Clear Channel.”  According to St. John.

When I spoke to Fernando, he echoed the same sentiment, both he and Greg had a fantastic time; invited to the mike as they passed almost every performer and stage.  It seems it will be hard to keep them off future gigs  especially as their fame is growing exponentially.

St John said that the Lezgetreal Article had generated huge publicity for him and CBS and that awareness and recognition had increased “a hundred times. The number of people who came up to me at Pride was incredible and I had no idea how much buzz the article had generated.”  But it is much more than that – all tree hosts are much beloved and have given so much to the gay community that their presence would undoubtedly have NOT gone unn

St. John Spinning Despite BAN

oticed, regardless of the controversy.

Then came the unexpected, a coup of sorts, as they passed the Clear Channel Group, who had been pivotal in the Ban, the buddies sensed a  tasteless discomfort as their fellow DJ’s who, while perfectly entitled to replace the ex- clear channel and now CBS icons, must surely have been uneasy about the out and out ban.

Passing the Toyota Stage, fans rallied around and the next thing St. knew he was behind the controls and spinning the reputable mix to the delight of fans and all around.  Unplanned, and impromptu he found himself, not only caught in a united throng of festivities but showcasing his formidable talent nonetheless. No he had the best of both worlds.

While, St. John, has been the mix spin of Pride gig for fourteen years, the refusal to comment by Pride organizers, has prompted an omission begging for its own spin, any spin;   “Hey SF Pride- pray tell – who is pushing the buttons – what is going on here?” This is the resounding common denominator- a roar from comments generated by my earlier Article. “Has Pride been bought to the extent that the People of San Francisco are compelled to celebrate without their heroes? Is Pride the San Francisco Pride or is it now the Corporate Who has More Money Pride.

I do not know about you fellow queers, but as for me I have marched and paraded and celebrated in the name of San Francisco pride for many years and when I see those who model excellence for our community I feel good about myself and proud that my maker made me the perfect lesbian.

With this all said, I will be featuring an article in the next few days that will bring more of the Fernando Interview (Greg and Fernando) interview. Please visit our FB Page and make sure you subscribe.

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com

Article  by Melanie Nathan and Lezgetreal © -  Can be re-blogged with the following accredation:
Article  at www.lezgetreal.com, by Melanie Nathan. (Include direct Link)

©Photos. Copyright  N. Collins /Melanie Nathan.

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The likely motive for the threats and assault stem from Ms Azad’s relationship with a Hindu man. Honor killings are rare outside of Muslim dominated countries. These usually happen when the family of a Muslim woman feels that she has somehow betrayed her family and her faith through not adhering absolutely to the less than woman friendly portions of their society. This is not to be confused with Islam as a whole as many off these tenants predate Islam and are rooted in the culture that has become melded with the faith.

Asra Q. Nomani writing at the Daily Beast wrote about this from her own perspective as a forty-five year old American Muslim.

“The attack on Azad underscores just how important it is that we honor the right of every woman to choose her own partner—and accept her fundamental right to love a man outside her faith. Ironically, Azad’s name means ‘freedom,’ and, to me, she—like all women—has a divinely ordained freedom to choose whom she loves without fear of violence, persecution, or assault. And, as Muslims, it is critical for us to respect Hindus as people of faith, expressed differently but no less sincerely.

Our choice is simple: Life, love, and tolerance over puritanical religious dogma that can turn violent.”

She goes on to point out that the preponderance of male-dominated Muslim scholarship instills this belief that not only do children learn their religion from their fathers, a belief shared by Catholicism, but that Muslim women cannot marry non-Muslim men for that reason even though it is alright for Muslim men to marry women from any faith.

These attacks are not about faith, but are about the need to control women. It does not matter if it is female genital mutilation which robs a woman of her clitoris and often her labia in order to control her sexuality, but the now defunct practice of foot binding in Chinese culture. There are a few honor killings every year in Western societies from men trying to control their daughter’s behavior, and if they cannot control them, eliminate them.

Ms Nomani went on to say “This is what I say to women, burdened with this double standard: Rather than seeking permission from others, we have to internally reject the idea that we must live with shame. We must seek forgiveness for the mistakes we’ve made in deed or in action, and stride forward, strong and free, in the pursuit of goodness.”

While she is discussing Islam, there is a certain reality to this throughout all patriarchally based religions. These double standards are found quite often in the more orthodox religious beliefs, and especially in Fundamentalist Christianity. Within many Western societies, the tendency is to believe that girls should be pure until marriage, but it is alright for boys to engage in sexual behavior long before marriage. While this has eroded somewhat in the last half century, it is still fairly true. The recent incident of slut shaming regarding Miley Cyrus by Perez Hilton is only one obvious and well known case, but it occurs constantly where girls and women are seen as being impure for having sex prior to marriage. Men and boys, however, are hardly ever punished for sleeping around.

It is easy to look upon these incidents as being just another example of how those “darned foreigners” are different from “us”, but the reality is that they are far more like “us” than we dare admit. It is not about differences in culture and society, but differences in degrees of patriarchal abuse.

Photo via Huffington Post

7-4-10  Melanie Nathan.

Anyone remember Carrie Prejean; the fired Miss America winner-after sexually suggestive tapes appeared, defying her holier than thou anti-gay marriage stance, the latter happily announced  in response to the Judge’s question on the competition itself?

Scooped up by NOM, as well as other groups, hell bent on claiming marriage their  heterosexual birthright and domain, had no choice but to drop little Ms Hypocrite like a boiling hot cinder when her exploits were revealed.

But think about this  ….so what…she gets to get married; and guess what …in the Hotel of the Guy that paid $125,000 to deny us our  LGBT marriage rights in California.  Mr. Hotel Del Mar Prop 8 Money Man!

Well now Prejean married Oakland Raiders’ quarterback Kyle Boller. The two were married in a reception at The Grand Del Mar hotel, which is owned by a Prop. 8 supporter, Doug Manchester, who donated $125,000 to passing California’s gay marriage ban.

Do you anticipate a connection – at all now in the future….. Perhaps the idea would be to have a married Carrie spokesperson for Grande Del Mar:  “Hey look where I got married.”

However given my journalistic / advocacy experience in the world of hypocrisy – brace your very dear good selves; here is another one of those karmic moments in the making and may I wrote the script:-

When things become a little too coincidental and timing beckons on winged flight 666-and  the jet steers a faster formidable course,  the Blog Brigade blows its horn and prepares its smoke and blanket because we are on Planet Reker right now. Toot Toot!

We have all you hippos covered – hide your lies harder and faster; turn your secret daemons back from butterflies to the worms they once were; but do not morph clockwise – do it anti-clockwise.

Oh what the heck..my camera is behind you and I am about to take the shot. Click!  Gotcha!

So now what does this have to do with Prejean or  the man of her dreams…. besides the fact that she has 1,138 more legal rights than I do?  Well she still gets to have affairs, as does he, they are allowed to divorce, hell, they can even cheat on their taxes if they so choose; those sexy tapes may serve up very fine aperitif during some bored moment and hey they are marries after all… it does not matter what the F*&^% happens even if there is a child or 3!

By Melanie Nathan  – nathan@privatecourts.com
Hell Bent On winning  Marriage Back
And Civil Rights For all.

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I had the great honor of meeting Council member Rebecca Kaplan at the EQCA dinner in San Francisco earlier this year.  An impressive first meeting I soon  realized that credited as being the first open lesbian on Oakland’s City Council, this adept and influential  prospective mayoral candidate, may well be headed for yet another first.

Lezgetreal spoke to Ron Dellum’s Press Secretary – the current Mayor and garnished that Kaplan will be a formidable opponent should Dellum run.

Today’s exciting announcement is proudly displayed by Lez Get Real, in Kaplan’s own words, as we look forward to supporting the Council woman through the months ahead.

Rebecca Kaplan: I am running for Mayor
June 30, 2010

Thanks to your encouragement, and the support and feedback from numerous people throughout Oakland, I am pleased to announce my candidacy for Mayor of Oakland.

I am running for Mayor of Oakland to build a City that works for all of us. In discussions with people throughout our community it has become clear that Oakland’s needs are immediate – and I am committed to being a part of the solution. Oakland can be a city that creates good jobs for its residents and where people believe that government is working for them.

It’s going to take strong leadership, a smart plan to build the local economy and create jobs for residents, and a renewed sense of civic pride to complete the work of building Oakland’s renaissance. As your Mayor, I will implement policies and deliver services to bring job opportunities, assure public safety, reform City Hall, and build a more livable community.

Tonight we will celebrate the work of my Exploratory Committee at Era Artbar from 6:30 – 8:30. Today is the end of the first campaign finance period, and it’s important to show the strength of our movement. Please make a contribution of any amount to help build a winning campaign!

Thank you so much for your support and please visit my website to learn how we can bring change to Oakland! If you are on Facebook,  please become a fan of my page to help us connect and stay in touch. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Sincerely,
Rebecca

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Earlier this month, the bill also passed in the New York Assembly by a vote of 107 to 26.

The bill, sponsored by Brooklyn Democratic Senator Velmanette Montgomery will extend this benefit, previously granted only to employees that are married, by adding a section to the New York civil rights law that prohibits its employers from discriminating in the granting of funeral or bereavement leave to its employees who are in a ‘committed’ same-sex relationship.

According to the bill, a committed relationship will be defined as a long-term relationship characterized by emotional and financial commitment and interdependence.

The bill will now go to New York Governor  David Paterson for his signature and will take effect 60 days after of his signing it.